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International audience; Cytarabine-based immuno-chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation is standard of care for fit patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). BEAM (Carmustine, Etoposide, Aracytine, Melphalan) is among the most frequently used conditioning regimen. Studies comparing BEAM with Bendamustine-EAM (BeEAM) have suggested that patients treated with BeEAM have a better progression-free survival (PFS). We performed a cross-study analysis to better evaluate BeEAM. Thirty-five patients from a retrospective study who received R-DHAP/BeEAM were compared to 245 patients from the LyMa trial (NCT00921414) who all received R-DHAP followed by R-BEAM. PFS and Overall Survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. At 2 years there was no difference between R-BEAM and BeEAM in either PFS (84.9% versus 87.9%; p = 0.95) or OS (91.8% versus 94.2%; p = 0.30). Analyses were repeated on a propensity score to reduce biases. Each patient from the BeEAM cohort (n = 30) was matched to three patients from the R-BEAM cohort (n = 90) for age, sex, MIPI score, pre-transplant status disease and rituximab maintenance (RM). PFS and OS at 2 years remained similar between R-BEAM and BeEAM with more renal toxicity in BeEAM group. MCL patients who received R-DHAP induction before ASCT have similar outcome after R-BEAM or BeEAM conditioning regimen.

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS), smouldering multiple myeloma (SMM), and multiple myeloma (MM) are very common neoplasms. However, it is often difficult to distinguish between these entities. In the present study, we aimed to classify the most powerful markers that could improve diagnosis by multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC). The present study included 348 patients based on two independent cohorts. We first assessed how representative the data were in the discovery cohort (123 MM, 97 MGUS) and then analysed their respective plasma cell (PC) phenotype in order to obtain a set of correlations with a hypersphere visualisation. Cluster of differentiation (CD)27 and CD38 were differentially expressed in MGUS and MM (P < 0·001). We found by a gradient boosting machine method that the percentage of abnormal PCs and the ratio PC/CD117 positive precursors were the most influential parameters at diagnosis to distinguish MGUS and MM. Finally, we designed a decisional algorithm allowing a predictive classification ≥95% when PC dyscrasias were suspected, without any misclassification between MGUS and SMM. We validated this algorithm in an independent cohort of PC dyscrasias (n = 87 MM, n = 41 MGUS). This artificial intelligence model is freely available online as a diagnostic tool application website for all MFC centers worldwide (https://aihematology.shinyapps.io/PCdyscrasiasToolDg/).

Cerebral aspergillosis is a rare infection in immunocompromised patients but often fatal. However, increasing number of cases of cerebral aspergillosis was observed in patients treated with ibrutin...

Few reports assess prognosis during follow-up of patients with symptomatic Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). In 121 WM patients treated between 1993 and 2016, we analyzed the prognostic role during the clinical course of the initial International Prognostic Scoring System for WM (IPSSWM). Then, we assessed onset of response, progression, and second treatment initiation coded as time-dependent covariates. High-risk IPSSWM was an adverse prognostic factor for survival after first treatment initiation (SAFTI). Nevertheless, the corresponding Dxy concordance index obtained in multiple landmark analyses decreased from 0.24 to 0.08 during the first 6 years, in accordance with a departure from the proportional hazard assumption. By contrast with onset of response (whatever its level), onset of progression and initiation of second-line treatment retained prognostic value for SAFTI (P = .02 and P = .006, respectively). These findings were confirmed in cause-specific Cox models for deaths related to WM, but not for unrelated deaths. Time to progression after first-line treatment and time to initiation of second-line treatment had no prognostic value for survival after these 2 events. These results were confirmed in an independent series of 119 patients homogeneously treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Finally, after second-line and third-line treatment, onset of progression had significant prognostic value for subsequent risk of related death only. Thus, taking initial IPSSWM and delayed response to treatment into account, only onset of progression and second treatment initiation provided additional prognostic information for SAFTI. Therefore, progression-free survival or time to next treatment may be satisfactory surrogate end points of SAFTI in WM.

Background Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous and accounts for approximately 10% of all lymphomas. Outcome of relapse/refractory (R/R) PTCL is poor with median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 3 and 6 months in the absence of stem-cell transplantation (SCT). [Mak, JCO, 2013]. Brentuximab vedotin (BV) monotherapy is approved for R/R systemic anaplastic large cell-lymphoma (ALCL) based on 86% overall response rate (ORR) and 57% complete remission (CR). [Pro, JCO, 2012]. In other CD30-positive (CD30+) R/R PTCL, the ORR of BV is 41%. Gemcitabine (G) used as monotherapy in control arm in the randomized phase 3 LUMIERE trial, provided ORR and CR rates of 35 and 22% respectively. [O'Connor, JCO, 2019]. Considering these results we designed a phase 2 study for R/R CD30+ PTCL combining G and BV with the primary end point to increase the ORR by 15%, compared to G monotherapy. Patients (pts) and Methods: Pts with histologically confirmed CD30+ (≥5%) PTCL who failed or were refractory to 1-3 prior lines of systemic therapy, with measurable disease and ECOG performance status < 3 were eligible. Pts received an induction of 4 cycles of G-BV (28-days cycles; G: 1000 mg/m² at D1 and D15 plus BV: 1.8 mg/kg at D8). Pts with CR or partial remission (PR) and non-eligible for SCT, received BV maintenance 1.8 mg/kg at D1 (21-days cycles) up to 12 cycles. The primary endpoint was the ORR (CR + PR) according to Lugano criteria based on CT-scan. Secondary objectives included tolerance and safety, DOR, PFS, OS and impact of BV maintenance. Eligible pts were censored at time of SCT. (NCT03496779). Results: From April 2018 to October 2019, 71 pts were included. Pathology central review according to WHO 2017 criteria, so far available for 50 patients, confirmed angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (22 ; 31%); nodal PTCL-TFH (5 ; 7%); PTCL-NOS (5 ; 7%); ALK- ALCL (10 ; 14.1%) ; ALK+ ALCL (4 ; 5.6%), Enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) (2 ; 2.8%); unclassified PTCL (2 ; 2.8%). There were 47 male and 24 female with a median age of 66 years (20-79) and 17 pts were > 75 years. Median time from diagnosis to enrolment was 9.4 months (range, 6-21). Sixty-five pts (91.6%) presented with stage III-IV. The number of prior lines of therapy were 1 (57 pts), 2 (11 pts) or 3 (3 pts), all pts had received previous CHOP-like chemotherapy, 11 pts previous autologous SCT, 5 pts epigenetic modifiers and 39.4% were refractory to their last line of treatment prior to inclusion. The cut-off date of this analysis was 01/31/2020. The 4 cycles of G-BV induction were completed in 45 pts (63%). The reasons for early discontinuation were progression (21 pts), death (3 pts) or adverse event (2 pts). In intention-to-treat analysis, the ORR at the end of induction (EOI) was 47.9% including CR (14 pts; 19.7%), PR (20 pts; 28.2%). PET performed in all patients reaching EOI showed overall and complete metabolic responses in 45.1 and 23.9%, respectively. During G-BV induction 58 pts (81.7%) had at least one G > 3 adverse event (AE) including neutropenia (67.2%), thrombopenia (17.2%), infections (15.5%), peripheral neuropathy (PN) (5.2%) and cardiac event (5.2%). Overall PN of any grade was recorded in 8/71 patients (11%) during G-BV induction and caused BV withdrawal in one case. Among the 34 responding pts after EOI, 27 pts began BV maintenance and 7 pts remain on maintenance at cut-off date. Eight pts were removed from the study due to SCT eligibility, either after the 4 GBV induction (4 pts) or after 1 or 2 maintenance BV cycles (4 pts). With a median follow-up (FU) of 9.5 (0.5-19.4) months, median PFS is 4.5 months (95%CI [3.5 - 10]) and median OS is 12 months (95%CI [8.6 - NR]). Among the 34 patients in PR/CR after induction, the duration of response (DOR) is 12.8 months (95%CI [10.3 - NR]). At last FU were recorded 32 deaths. Disease status at time of death was PD (25 pts), CR (1 pt) NE or missing (6 pts). Conclusion: The addition of BV to G increases the overall response rate by 15% in the treatment of R/R CD30+ PTCL. OS data are encouraging for this overall R/R patient population but PFS is overall short and a longer FU is mandatory. Especially the DOR of pts achieving CR or PR after 4 cycles of G-BV exceeds 1 year on BV maintenance. This combination is generally well tolerated and this study suggests that G-BV combination could be an interesting alternative for R/R CD30+ PTCL. Disclosures Tournilhac: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grant; INNATE Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; GILEAD: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel Grant; ABBVIE: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travle grant; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grant. Laribi:novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; amgen: Research Funding; abbvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; takeda: Research Funding. Ysebaert:AbbVie: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Guidez:BMS: Honoraria; TAKEDA: Honoraria; Service Hématologie et Thérapie cellulaire CHU POITIERS: Current Employment; AMGEN: Honoraria; CELGENE: Honoraria; JANSEN: Honoraria. Le Gouill:Loxo Oncology at Lilly: Consultancy; Roche Genentech, Janssen-Cilag and Abbvie, Celgene, Jazz pharmaceutical, Gilead-kite, Loxo, Daiichi-Sankyo and Servier: Honoraria. André:Celgene: Other, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Consultancy, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Karyopharm: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company), Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Research Funding; CHU UCL Namur, site Godinne, Yvoir, Belgium: Current Employment; Roche: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company), Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy. Dupuis:Henri Mondor University Hospital Creteil France: Current Employment. Thieblemont:Roche, Amgen, Kyte Gilead, Celgene, Abbvie, Novartis, Cellectis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support; Roche, Hospita: Research Funding; Cellectis: Speakers Bureau. Bachy:Beigene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche, Gilead: Consultancy; Amgen: Research Funding; Roche, Celgene, Amgen, Janssen, Gilead, Novartis, Sanofi: Honoraria. Morschhauser:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Honoraria; F. Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Epizyme: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy; Servier: Consultancy; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Feugier:janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; astrazeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Cartron:F. Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Jansen: Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria. Camus:ROCHE: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); JANSSEN: Honoraria; AMGEN: Honoraria; PFIZER: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company). Sibon:takeda france: Consultancy. Snauwaert:roche: Other: travel; janssen: Other: travel; abbvie: Other. Delarue:BMS: Other: stock options ; Celgene/BMS: Current Employment. De Leval:Abbvie: Honoraria; Lausanne University Hospital & Lausanne University Institute of Pathology: Current Employment; Roche Diagnostics: Honoraria; Lunaphore Technologies SA: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gaulard:CHU Henri Mondor, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris: Current Employment; TAKEDA: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; INNATE PHARMA: Research Funding; Roche: Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company).

The combination of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) as conditioning regimen prior to autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who are eligible for transplantation. The replacement of carmustine with bendamustine (BeEAM) was described as a promising alternative in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the BeEAM with the BEAM regimen in MCL patients in the frontline setting. Sixty and 108 patients were included in the BeEAM and the BEAM groups, respectively. At 3 years, progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly higher in the BeEAM than in the BEAM group (84% [73-96] vs. 63% [51-79], p = 0.03). The overall survival was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.2). In multivariable analysis, BeEAM regimen remained associated with higher PFS (HR = 0.377, 95% CI, 0.146-0.970; p = 0.043). Subgroup analyses in patients treated with prior rituximab-aracytine induction alone showed that BeEAM improved the PFS compared with BEAM regimen (p = 0.04). Despite the high rate of acute renal failure KDIGO III (32%), treatment-related mortality was not increased with the BeEAM regimen. A prospective randomized trial will be necessary to confirm the beneficial effect of the BeEAM regimen in MCL patients undergoing ASCT.

Background : Patients with acute myeloid leukemia in relapse or refractory to induction therapy have dismal prognosis. Response rates to common salvage regimens are low and allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only curative option. Several studies have demonstrated that salvage chemotherapy with sequential conditioning could reduce leukemia relapse risk with an acceptable toxicity profile for unfavorable acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). [1] Therefore, we decided to assess this procedure in our center at Amiens University Hospital. Methods We conducted a monocentric retrospective study, including 53 patients aged over 18 years undergoing a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) with sequential conditioning between January 2012 and December 2018, for relapse/refractory AML or high risk MDS. 44 (83%) patients received sequential conditioning containing clofarabine (SET-RIC) or Amsacrine (FLAMSA) and 9 (17%) thiotepa based (TEC-RIC) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide for mismatched donors. Patients who were GVHD free after immunosuppressors withdrawal received immunomodulation as relapse prevention with azacytidine 37.5mg/m²/day 5 days every 4 weeks for 12 cycles with 3 donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) alterned between azacytidine cycles. Results The median age was 52 years (range 18-70). Before conditioning, 48 patients had unfavorable AML with ELN intermediate score refractory to at least one course of induction therapy or in relapse, or unfavorable ELN score; 5 patients had high risk MDS with complex karyotype. 32 patients (60,5%) had active disease and 21 (39,5%) were in complete remission (CR) including 12 with positive MRD. 13 (24,5%) patients had HLA-identical sibling donors, 27 (51%) match unrelated donors (MUD), 4 (7,5%) mismatch unrelated donors (MMD) and 9 (17%) haploidentical donors. Majority of patients (90,5%) received peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) PBSC with median CD34+ count of 7,94.106/kg (1,84-8,44). Acute GvHD prophylaxis with Ciclosporin A, in combination with Mycophenolate mofetil for MUD/MMR/Haplo, was withdrawal with a median time of 90 days. With a median follow-up of 40 months, overall survival (OS) at 1 and 2 years was 68% and 52%. Median OS was 18,7 months (0-72,4 months) and median disease free survival (DFS) was 14,9 months (0-72,4 months). 17 patients (32%) experienced relapse after HSCT with a median time from HSCT to relapse of 6 months (1-35 months). 22 (41,5%) of patients presented with grade I-II acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) and 6 (11,3%) with grade III IV aGVHD . GVHD free relapse free survival (GRFS) at 1 and 2 years was 53% and 34,2%. One-year cumulative incidence of disease related death and non-relapse mortality was 12,6% and 17% respectively. 19 patients received immunomodulation with 5 Azacitidine and DLI if no GVHD occurred within day 120. OS was 79 % in the 19 patients receiving DLI. In univariate analysis immunomodulation post HSCT (Figure 1) was significantly associated with overall survival and leukemia free survival (p=0,0164 and p=0,0359 respectively) but not the disease status before HSCT (p=0,7). Immunomodulation administration with azacytidine and DLI was not significantly associated with cGVHD occurrence (p=0.31). Benefit of immunomodulation OS persisted in multivariate analysis (p=0.0284). Conclusion: Sequential conditioning regimen on refractory AML with secondary immunomodulation with azacytidine and DLI shows very good results with an acceptable toxicity profile in unfavorable AML. We achieve very good OS and DFS whatever disease status before HSCT. GRFS is also encouraging comparing to previously report datas [1]. Reference: [1] Similar outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation after myeloablative and sequential conditioning regimen in patients with refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia: A study from the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire. Decroocq et al. Am J Hematol 2018 ;93 :416-423. Figure 1 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction: The Warburg effect (WE) is an uncommon cause of type B lactic acidosis (LA) due to a deregulation of carbohydrate metabolism in neoplastic cells where lactic fermentation predominates over oxidative phosphorylation regardless of the oxygen level. Case presentation: We report the case of a 57-year-old man presenting with concomitant acute myeloid leukemia and type B LA with asymptomatic hypoglycemia. We did not find arguments for a septic state, liver dysfunction, or acute mesenteric ischemia. The Warburg effect was suspected, and chemotherapy was immediately undertaken. We observed a rapid and sustained decrease in lactate level and normalization of blood glucose. Unfortunately, we noted a relapse of acute leukemia associated with WE soon after treatment initiation and the patient died in the Intensive Care unit. Discussion: Some patients may present complications directly related to an underlying hematological malignancy. The Warburg effect is one of these complications and should be suspected in patients with both hypoglycemia and LA. We propose a checklist in order to help clinicians manage this life-threatening complication. Before considering WE, clinicians should eliminate diagnoses such as septic shock or mesenteric ischemia, which require urgent and specific management. Conclusion: The diagnosis of WE can be challenging for clinicians in the Hematology department and the Intensive Care unit. Prompt diagnosis and rapid, adapted chemotherapy initiation may benefit patient survival.

Carmustine shortage has led to an increase use of alternative conditioning regimens prior to autologous stem cell transplantation for the treatment of lymphoma, including Bendamustine-based (BeEAM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the BeEAM regimen in a large cohort of patients. A total of 474 patients with a median age of 56 years were analyzed. The majority of patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (43.5%). Bendamustine was administered at a median dose of 197 mg/m2 /day (50-250) on days-7 and -6. The observed grade 1-4 toxicities included mucositis (83.5%), gastroenteritis (53%), skin toxicity (34%), colitis (29%), liver toxicity (19%), pneumonitis (5%), and cardiac rhythm disorders (4%). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was reported in 3.3% of patients. Acute renal failure (ARF) was reported in 132 cases (27.9%) (G ≥2; 12.3%). Organ toxicities and death were more frequent in patients with post conditioning renal failure. In a multivariate analysis, pretransplant chronic renal failure, bendamustine dose >160 mg/m2 and age were independent prognostic factors for ARF. Pretransplant chronic renal failure, hyperhydration volume, duration of hyperhydration, and etoposide dose were predictive factors of NRM. A simple, four-point scoring system can stratify patients by levels of risk for ARF and may allow for a reduction in the bendamustine dose to avoid toxicity. Drugs shortage may have dangerous consequences. Prospective, comparative studies are needed to confirm the toxicity/efficacy extents from this conditioning regimen compared to other types of high dose therapy.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma (MM) are hematological disorders that occur at different stages of B-cell development. It has been shown that CLL B-cells can differentiate into plasma cells in vitro and in vivo. CLL is the most frequent adult leukemia in the western world. It is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by clonal proliferation and the accumulation of mature CD5+ B lymphocytes (Zenz et al.). MM is a clonal plasma cell malignancy that accounts for more than 10% of all hematologic cancers (Kyle and Rajkumar, 2008). Although secondary cancers (particularly solid tumors (Hasskarl et al.;Morton et al.;Schollkopf et al., 2007)) can occur with CLL and MM, the concomitant occurrence of these two disorders in the same patient is rare (for a review of the few reported cases, see (Alley et al.)). The clonal relationship between these diseases has not always been clarified but is important in terms of understanding the pathogenesis and optimizing treatment. The clonal relationship between CLL and MM can be evaluated by (i) analyzing immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) and light chain (IGK, IGL) gene rearrangement, (ii) identifying and comparing somatic mutations, (iii) studying chromosomic aberrations. Nevertheless, immunoglobulin rearrangements must always be interpreted in the light of specific phenomena such as allelic exclusion, B-cell receptor (BCR) revision (VH and DH gene replacement), BCR editing and somatic hypermutations - events that were not considered in previous studies. These issues can be addressed by sequencing the rearranged immunoglobulin genes from sorted populations and interpreting the generated data. In the present study, we evaluated the putative clonal relationship between the two diseases by combining DNA copy number analysis with an assessment of Ig gene rearrangements (clonality assessment, V(D)J sequencing and somatic hypermutation analysis) in highly enriched CD19+ CD5+ (CLL) and CD38+ CD138+ (MM) cell populations. Array comparative genomic hybridization data suggested a possible phylogenic progression from CLL to MM. Moreover, V(D)J sequencing indicated that both CLL and MM cells used the same VH and JH genes but different DH genes. However, in-depth analysis and interpretation of Ig gene rearrangements ultimately suggested that the two diseases had distinct clonal origins.

BACKGROUND: Obinutuzumab is a type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that induces antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis, and direct cell death better than rituximab. Given promising results with lenalidomide and rituximab (R2), we assessed the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide combined with obinutuzumab (GALEN)in a large phase Ib/II study in separate patient populations (NCT01582776). In relapsed/refractory follicular B-cell lymphoma (FL), we found the GALEN regimen might be even more efficient than R2 while retaining a similarly manageable safety profile. Here, we report the results for the phase II part assessing efficacy and safety of GALEN in advanced untreated FL patients (pts) in need of systemic therapy. METHODS: Eligible pts had grade 1-3a FL and required systemic therapy per GELF criteria. Induction treatment consisted of lenalidomide (LEN) 20 mg on day (d) 1-21 of a 28-d cycle for the first cycle and on d2-22 of a 28-d cycle from cycles 2 to 6. Obinutuzumab (GA) 1000 mg was given IV on d8, 15, and 22 of cycle 1 and d1 of cycles 2 to 6. Responding pts then received maintenance with LEN at 10 mg on d2-22 every 28d for 12 cycles and GA 1000 mg every 8 wk for 12 cycles until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary study endpoint was complete response (CR)/CR unconfirmed (CRu) rate by investigator assessment at the end of induction according to 1999 IWG criteria. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) and CR according to IWG 2007, progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS) and safety. RESULTS: 100 pts with WHO FL gr 1-2 (91%) and 3a (9%) according to local pathology reports were enrolled between October 2015 and February 2017. Median age was 60.5 years (range, 32-89), 43% had FLIPI score ≥3, 89% stage III/IV, and 31% bulky disease (>7 cm). All 100 pts were evaluable for safety and efficacy. At a median follow-up of 2.1 years, 96 pts (96%) completed induction, 41 completed maintenance, 36 were ongoing in maintenance, and 23 prematurely discontinued treatment due to disease progression (n=12, including 2 during induction), toxicity (n=6, including 2 during induction), concurrent illness (n=3), consent withdrawal (n=1), or other cause (n=1). At the end of induction, 61 pts had regression by more than 75% of sum of the product of the greatest diameters (SPD) of target lesions and 83/97 (85.6%) with PET assessment were PET negative (Juweid criteria) including 79/93 (84.9%) with a 5PS (Deauville scale) score of 1-3. Sixteen pts with SPD regression >75% and 25 pts with negative PET were conservatively downgraded to PR due to missing bone marrow evaluation, leading to 47% CR/CRu rate and 59% CR rate at the end of induction per IWG1999 and 2007 criteria, respectively. Response rates at the end of induction, PFS, DOR and OS are summarized in the Table and Figure. Most common AEs (>10% of pts) during induction (% all gr/% gr 3/4) were neutropenia (43/42), asthenia (35/2), constipation (32/0), infusion-related reactions (23/3), diarrhea (21/2), rash (21/2), cough (18/0), nausea (13/0), pruritus (12/1), weight decrease (12/0), bronchitis (11/0), muscle spasms (11/1), and pyrexia (11/0). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 2% of pts. Eight second primary malignancies were reported in 8 pts, including 2 deemed unrelated since they were misdiagnosed at baseline. Three (3%) pts had died, 1 each due to lymphoma, toxicity of additional treatment, and intestinal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: The immunomodulatory GALEN regimen is highly effective with no unexpected toxicity in advanced, untreated FL pts in need of systemic therapy and has the potential to challenge immunochemotherapy in this setting. Disclosures Morschhauser: BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Epizyme: Consultancy; Janssen: Other: Scientific Lectures. Salles:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria; Acerta: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Epizyme: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Morphosys: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Servier: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Feugier:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Cartron:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Honoraria. Maerevoet:abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel grant; roche: Other: travel grant; takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel grant; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Tilly:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Astra-Zeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Honoraria. Haioun:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Houot:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are hematopoietic stem cell disorders in which recurrent mutations define clonal hematopoiesis. The origin of the phenotypic diversity of non-del(5q) MDS remains unclear. Here, we investigated the clonal architecture of the CD34+CD38- hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment and interrogated dominant clones for MDS-initiating cells. We found that clones mainly accumulate mutations in a linear succession with retention of a dominant subclone. The clone detected in the long-term culture-initiating cell compartment that reconstitutes short-term human hematopoiesis in xenotransplantation models is usually the dominant clone, which gives rise to the myeloid and to a lesser extent to the lymphoid lineage. The pattern of mutations may differ between common myeloid progenitors (CMPs), granulomonocytic progenitors (GMPs), and megakaryocytic-erythroid progenitors (MEPs). Rare STAG2 mutations can amplify at the level of GMPs, from which it may drive the transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. We report that major truncating BCOR gene mutation affecting HSPC and CMP was beneath the threshold of detection in GMP or MEP. Consistently, BCOR knock-down (KD) in normal CD34+ progenitors modifies their granulocytic and erythroid differentiation. Clonal architecture of the HSPC compartment and mutations selected during differentiation contribute to the phenotypic heterogeneity of MDS. Defining the hierarchy of driver mutations provides insights into the process of transformation and may guide the search for novel therapeutic strategies.

Unavailability of Carmustine and its dramatically increased cost by nearly 10 fold has led to its replacement by bendamustine (Be) and an increase use of Bendamustine-based (BeEAM) conditioning regimen before autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the BeEAM regimen in the real life use in several French centers. Median age of the 386 patients (233 male, 153 female) was 55 years (17-72). The majority of patients had aggressive B-cell (40%), follicular (17%), Hodgkin's (17%) and mantle cell lymphoma (15%). Two hundred and forty six patients (64%) were transplanted after 2nd line chemotherapy and the median number of prior lines of chemotherapy of 2 (1-9). Two hundred and sixty patients (67%) had received prior platinum chemotherapy and only 4% had a history of prior chronic renal failure (Table 1). The median creatinine level at conditioning initiation was 71(36-206) µmol/l. Be was administered at a median dose of 191 mg/m2/day (50-250) on day -7 and -6. Thirty two percent received 100-160 mg/m²/d and 58% of patients received more than 160 mg/m²/d. Median 24h-hydration volume was 3 l (1-6) which began within median time of 18 h (1-72) prior to conditioning initiation. The median duration time of Be perfusion was 60 min (30-143). Grade 1-4 acute renal failure (ARF) was reported in 107 cases (28%) (G ≥2; 34%) and appeared after a median time of 2 days (1-18) after conditioning start. Melphalan dosage was reduced, due to renal failure, in 10% of patients (Table 2). 84% of patients normalized their creatinine level within a median time of 10 days (1-77). The most frequent reported Grade 1-4 toxicities were mucositis (84%), gastroenteritis (53%), skin toxicity (34%), colitis (29%), liver toxicity (19%), pneumonitis (5%) and cardiac rhythm disorders (4%). Opportunistic infection was documented in 9.5% of patients, HHV6 reactivation in 6% of patients. Ten percent of patients needed intensive care management and toxic death was estimated at 5% (Table 3). Patients received a median of 3 (0-34) packed red blood cells and 4 (0-56) platelets units. The median time to neutrophils > 0.5 G/L and platelets > 20 G/L were 10 (0-50) and 12 (0-210) days. The median time of hospital stay was 23 (12-85) days. In comparison with the group of patient without renal failure, the group of patients with ARF had older age (58 vs 54), higher rate of pre-transplant chronic renal failure (10% vs 1%), higher rate of platinum treatment (77% vs 64%), higher day1 creatinine level (81 vs 69) and received higher median bendamustine (199 vs 182). Colitis (p=0.039), pneumonitis (p=0.008), cardia arrhythmia (p=160mg/m2 and age were independent prognostic factors for ARF. A three-point clinical predictor score for acute renal failure was identified and included creatinine level>65µmol/l, bendamustine dose >160mg/m² and age>57 years. ARF stratified by score, was 4% with score 0, 17% with score 1, 30% with score 2 and 45% with score 3. In conclusion, BeEAM induced 5% non-relapse mortality with high rate of renal toxicity. A simple, three-point scoring system can stratify patients by levels of risk for ARF. Rapid identification of higher risk patients may allow a reduction of the bendamustine dose to improve clinical outcomes. Prospective comparative studies are needed to confirm toxicity extents of this conditioning as compared with other type of high dose therapy. Disclosures Soussain: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding. Malak:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Introduction Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clinically diverse malignant disorders of aging with a propensity to evolve to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or bone marrow failure. In early MDS, whole genome sequencing identified mutations distributed in few clones. Evidence have been provided for the existence of a MDS-initiating cell in cases harboring a 5q deletion. However, the clonal heterogeneity and its consequences on the phenotypic diversity of non-del(5q) MDS is little documented. Here we focused on studying the hierarchical organization and the functionality of clones defined by molecular profiling. The clonal architecture of the CD34+CD38- hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) compartment was investigated and dominant clones were examined as MDS-initiating cells. Material and methods Bone marrow (BM) samples were obtained from 20 patients with non-del(5q) MDS enrolled in the national Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique MDS-04 after informed consent in accordance with ethics committee guidelines. BM samples, cytaphereses from age-matched healthy individuals and cord bloods were used as controls. Targeted NGS of a selected panel of 39 genes was used to define the mutational landscape on BM mononuclear cells (MNC). To study the clonal architecture at the HSPC level, single CD34+CD38- cells were seeded in 96-well plates coated with MS-5 stromal cells and cultured in H5100 MyeloCult medium (StemCell Technologies, Vancouver, Canada) with cytokines for six weeks. For long-term culture-initiating cell (LTC-IC) assays, CD34+ progenitors were cultured for six weeks on MS-5-coated plates without cytokines and then tested for colony-forming cells. For clonogenic assays, CD34+CD38- cells were seeded in methylcellulose for two weeks. All animal experimentations were performed in NSG mice. Results In the 20 cases of non-del(5q) MDS, genomic lesions were traced down to single CD34+CD38- HSPC-derived colonies. Clonal organization was mostly linear in 13/17 patients and branched in 4 cases with retention of a dominant subclone. The clone detected in LTC-IC compartment and that reconstituted short-term human hematopoiesis in xenotransplantation models was usually the dominant clone, which gave rise to the myeloid and to a lesser extent to the lymphoid lineage. Other mutations not detected in LTC-IC can appear in CD34+CD38- compartment or at the level of lineage-committed progenitors. The pattern of mutations may differ between common myeloid (CMP), granulo-monocytic (GMP) and megakaryocytic-erythroid (MEP) progenitors. For instance, a major truncating BCOR gene mutation affecting HSPC and CMP was beneath the threshold of detection in GMP or MEP. Consistently, BCOR knockdown by shRNA in normal CD34+ progenitors impaired their granulocytic and erythroid differentiation. By contrast, a STAG2 gene mutation, not detected in CMP or MEP, amplified in a GMP, which drove the transformation to AML. Conclusion In the present study, we characterized the first genetic hits that initiate disease in a dominant clone of the CD34+CD38- HSPC compartment, which exhibits LTC-IC activity and reconstitutes human short-term hematopoiesis in NSG mice. The genetic heterogeneity in non-del(5q) MDS arises within the HSPC compartment and in lineage-committed progenitors which ultimately support the transformation into AML. The clonal architecture of HSPC compartment and mutations selection along differentiation contribute to the phenotype of MDS. Defining the hierarchy of driver mutations provides insights into the process of transformation, and may guide the search for novel therapeutic strategies. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose The JAK/STAT pathway is deregulated in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) (Scott et al, 2015; Younes et al, 2014; Shipp et al, 2010). In Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), especially in ABC subtype, the LP265 mutation of the MYD88 gene enhances IL6 and IL10 secretion by the microenvironment permitting the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. (Gandhi et al, 2015). The overexpression of JAK2 stimulates the phosphorylation of STAT3 in DLBCL and STAT6 in PMBL with a subsequent activation of target genes of the NFKB signaling pathway. Therapeutic inhibition of JAK2 decreases the growth of lymphoid tumors in vitro and in murine xenograft models. (Hao et al, 2014). Although Younes et al reported response in 3 of 15 patients with refractory or relapsed (R/R) follicular or mantle cell lymphoma who received pacritinib alone, no data are available on the effect of ruxolitinib (Jakavi®), the first approved JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, in lymphoma patients. Here we report the effect and safety of the oral combination of continuous Ruxolitinib, Etoposide and Corticosteroids in patients with R/R lymphoma. Patients and Methods Since December 2014, patients with multirefractory/relapsed DLBCL, HL or plasmablastic lymphoma received Ruxolitinib 10mg X 2 or 5mg X 2 daily (in case of neutropenia < 1000/mm3) and oral Etoposide 50mg/m2 with prednisone 0,5 mg/kg daily. Retrospective immunostaining (IS) of phosphostat3 (pSTAT3) and phosphostat5 (pSTAT5) was performed on diagnostic samples. In these patients the response rate (including stable disease) was estimated ≤ 0,10 (null hypothesis). In order to identify a potentially relevant clinical activity in these patients with very poor prognosis, the alternative hypothesis was defined by a response rate ≥ 0,500. According to an optimal 2-Stage Designs for Phase II Clinical Trials, a total of 9 patients have to be enrolled in case of response (or stable disease) in at least 1 of the 3 first patients. All patients gave informed consent. Results Six patients (DLBCL: 4, HL: 1, plasmablastic lymphoma: 1) were treated between December 2014 and May 2015. All patients had a progressive disease before starting REC. Median age was 57,5 years (range 30-87). DLBCL Phenotype was non Germinal Center (non-GC) in 2 patients and Germinal Center (GC) in 1 patient. One patient had received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and one allogenic (HSCT); 3 months later he developed a severe macrophagic activation syndrome (MAS). Median prior treatment was 5 (range 1-12). Four of six patients had a response: 1 partial response (PR) and 3 stable disease (SD) (including control of MAS for 3 months). Two patients had a disease progression (PD). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 82.5 days (range 30-129). There were no side effects reported and only one day hospitalization for transfusion (Table 1). Immunostaining showed expression of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 on tumoral cells but not in the microenvironment. There was a higher level of pSTAT3 expression (range 0-70%) compared with expression of pSTAT5 (range 0-50%); both were not predictive of the treatment response. (Table 1) Conclusion REC is the first orally combination with Ruxolitinib reported to our knowledge in R/R lymphoma patients. Stable disease or PR has been achieved without toxicity in the first 6 patients with poor prognosis lymphoma. These preliminary results of this ongoing trial suggest that Ruxolitinib chemotherapy combination may be a promising approach for R/R HL or DLBCL lymphoma patients. Biological analysis of the JAK/STAT "signature" including expression of pSTAT3 and pSTAT5 and mutations of activating genes like MYD 88 and SOCS-1 will be presented at the ASH meeting. Table 1. Characteristics of the 6 patients. (RT: radiotherapy) Patient Age Lymphoma subtype IPI score pSTAT3 IS(%) pSTAT5 IS(%) N° of prior therapies RuxolitinibDose Response PFS(day) Toxicity 1 34 DLBCL GC 3 0 0 6 (RCHOP, DHAP, IVAM, HSCT,VP16, Holoxan) 10mg X 2/d SD 82 0 2 48 Plasmablastic 2 30 1 7(RACVBP/ HoloxanVP16, CYVE,PAD, Gemcitabine,Vidaza,Revlimid,RT) 5mg X 2/d SD 83 0 3 87 DLBCL 2 20 10 1 (RminiCHVP) 5mgx 2/d PR 129 Anemia Grade 2 4 35 HL 50 50 12 (RCHOP, BEACOPP, ESHAP,RT, BEAM ASCT, SGN35, Bendamustine,methotrexate/L-asparaginase, Caelyx, everolimus, Navelbine, Revlimid) 10mg X2/d SD 102 0 5 67 DLBCL non-GC 3 30 1 4 (Fludarabine, Endoxan, RCHOP, DHAP) 5mgX2/jour PD 30 0 6 74 DLBCL non-GC 2 70 1 3 (MBVP, ARA-C, RT) 5mgx 2/d PD 75 0 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background Follicular lymphoma is the second most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype. PET-CT is a useful tool to evaluate staging and monitoring of follicular lymphoma. Calculation of maximal standardized uptake value (SUV max) is variable and related to the aggressiveness of lymphoma. In tumor cells, there is an increase in uptake and consumption of glucose. Therefore GLUT-1, a membranous glucose transporter, may have an impact on the SUV max. To our knowledge, data regarding eventual correlation between GLUT-1 and SUV in different subtypes of lymphoma is sparse (Hye Kyung Shim et al, Nuclear Medicine and Biology 2009; S. Hartmann et al, BMC Cancer 2012), especially in follicular lymphoma. In addition, Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation is also linked to the metabolism of tumors cells. Only few studies have shown a correlation between SUV max and Ki-67 in follicular lymphoma (Tomas Papjik et al, European Journal of Haematology 2010; Yi shou et al, Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2012). Elsewhere, it was demonstrated that microenvironment composed of dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells and vascular endothelium play a key role in the prognosis of follicular lymphoma (Pedro Farinha et al, Blood 2005), it could have also an impact on SUV max. The aim of our study was to identify histological markers involved in glucose metabolism, cell proliferation and microenvironment, influencing SUV max in follicular lymphoma. Materials and Methods Lymph node biopsies of 21 patients treated in our hematologic department at diagnosis and/ or relapse were retrospectively included. Patients underwent PET-CT and node biopsy simultaneously. Five histological markers (Ki67, GLUT 1, CD20 for B lymphocytes, CD3 for T lymphocytes, and CD68 for macrophages) were analyzed. Pathologists perform visually the immunostaining analysis without knowledge of the PET-CT results. Percentage of expression of immunological markers was compared with SUV max from the biopsy site. The correlation was analyzed using Spearman’s method to calculate the coefficient of correlation r. Results Ki-67 (median 40, range [3; 80]) and GLUT1 (median 53, range [0; 100]) were not related to the level of expression of the SUV max (respectively r = 0.3603 and p = 0.1086, r = 0.0215 and p = 0.9283). Concerning the microenvironment, CD68 (median 6, range [0; 18]) and CD3 (median 22, range [7; 60]) did not show any correlation (respectively r = 0.1370 and p = 0.5536, r = -0.2115 and p = 0.3708). Interestingly, percentage of CD20 expression (median 79, range [51; 99]) appears to be correlated significantly with the SUV max (r = 0.4924, p = 0.0274). Discussion and Conclusion In this study, it was not possible to identify a specific histological marker influencing the SUV max. Otherwise, interest in glucose metabolism and particularly other isoforms of GLUT receptor or enzymes involved in the metabolism, like hexokinase, appears to be a promising track. Considering that CD20 stains B tumor cell and normal B lymphocyte in the tumor, it could be interesting to analyze the ratio of CD20/CD10, assuming that all tumor cells express CD10. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

INTRODUCTION : Le lymphome de Hodgkin (LH) est une maladie peu fréquente de pronostique variable en fonction de la réponse au traitement initial. Le brentuximab vedotin (Bv) et la bendamustine (b) sont 2 molécules efficaces et bien tolérées en monothérapie, d’où leur évaluation en association.MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES : Il s’agissait d’une étude rétrospective bi-centrique française. L’objectif principal était d’évaluer l’efficacité du traitement avec obtention du taux de réponse (TDR). Les objectifs secondaires étaient la survie sans progression (SSP) et la survie globale (SG) ainsi que la tolérance du traitement. Le Bv et la b étaient donnés à la dose de 1.8mg/kg et 90mg/m² respectivement, tous les 21 jours. RÉSULTATS : Quatorze patients ont été inclus. Deux patients ont reçu le traitement par Bv-b en 1re ligne, un patient l’a reçu après 1 cure de BEACOPP en raison de toxicité importante (groupe « L1 »). Cinq patients étaient en rechute et six, réfractaires. Dans notre cohorte globale (N=14), 10 (71.4%) patients ont obtenu une rémission complète (RC), 4 (28.6%) ont présenté une progression (PG). Dans le sous-groupe « L1 » (N=3), tous les patients ont été en RC. Dans le groupe des patients réfractaires (N=6), 5 (83.3%) sont parvenus à une RC et 1 (16.7%) patient a été progressif. Concernant les patients en rechute (N=5), 2 (40%) ont été en RC, et 3 (60%) en PG. Cinq patients ont pu bénéficier d’une procédure d’intensification thérapeutique soit par allogreffe (N=1), soit par autogreffe (N=4). Cette combinaison de traitement était très bien tolérée (aucun effet secondaire de grade 3-4).CONCLUSION : Que ce soit en 1re ligne, en rattrapage avant ASCT ou chez des patients multi-traités, cette association par Bv-b montre bien son efficacité au profit d’une très bonne tolérance, chez des patients traités en vie réelle.