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In recent years considerable variations in conditioning protocols for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) protocols have been introduced for higher efficacy, lower toxicity, and better outcomes. To overcome the limitations of the classical definition of reduced intensity and myeloablative conditioning, a transplantation conditioning intensity (TCI) score had been developed. In this study, we compared outcome after two frequently used single alkylator-based conditioning protocols from the intermediate TCI score category, fludarabine/melphalan 140 mg/m2 (FluMel) and fludarabine/treosulfan 42 g/m2 (FluTreo) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in complete remission (CR). This retrospective analysis from the registry of the Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) of the European Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) database included 1427 adult patients (median age 58.2 years) receiving either Flu/Mel (n = 1005) or Flu/Treo (n = 422). Both groups showed similar 3-year overall survival (OS) (54% vs 51.2%, p value 0.49) for patients conditioned with FluMel and FluTreo, respectively. However, patients treated with FluMel showed a reduced 3-year relapse incidence (32.4% vs. 40.4%, p value p value = 0.06) compared to patients treated with FluTreo. Our data may serve as a basis for further studies examining the role of additional agents/ intensifications in conditioning prior to allo-HCT.

Induction therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has changed with the approval of a number of new agents. Clinical guidelines can struggle to keep pace with an evolving treatment and evidence landscape and therefore identifying the most appropriate front-line treatment is challenging for clinicians. Here, we combined drug eligibility criteria and genetic risk stratification into a digital format, allowing the full range of possible treatment eligibility scenarios to be defined. Using exemplar cases representing each of the 22 identified scenarios, we sought to generate consensus on treatment choice from a panel of nine aUK AML experts. We then analysed >2500 real-world cases using the same algorithm, confirming the existence of 21/22 of these scenarios and demonstrating that our novel approach could generate a consensus AML induction treatment in 98% of cases. Our approach, driven by the use of decision trees, is an efficient way to develop consensus guidance rapidly and could be applied to other disease areas. It has the potential to be updated frequently to capture changes in eligibility criteria, novel therapies and emerging trial data. An interactive digital version of the consensus guideline is available.

Triarylmethyl (TAM)-based labels, while still underutilized, are a powerful class of labels for pulsed-Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) distance measurements. They feature slow relaxation rates for long-lasting signals, high stability for cellular experiments, and narrow spectral features for efficient excitation of the spins. However, the typical narrow line shape limits the available distance measurements to only single-frequency experiments, such as Double Quantum Coherence (DQC) and Relaxation Induced Dipolar Modulation Enhancement (RIDME), which can be complicated to perform or hard to process. Therefore, widespread usage of TAM labels can be enhanced by the use of Double Electron-Electron Resonance (DEER) distance measurements. In this work, we developed a new spin label

Increasing human activity in orbital space has resulted in copious material externalities known as “orbital debris.” These objects threaten the orbital operations of hegemonic stakeholders including states, corporations, and scientists, for whom debris present a significant problem. We argue that the geographical imaginations of powerful stakeholders shape conceptions of orbital debris and limit engagement with these objects. By engaging with interdisciplinary literature that considers orbital debris and geographical imaginations of outer space, we encourage a more capacious approach to orbital debris that goes beyond hegemonic narratives focused on functionality. We explore the connections between debris and injustice, arguing that these objects must also be considered in relation to terrestrial power and ecology. We then contemplate the possibilities that counter-hegemonic framings present when considering speculative futures of orbital space. In these ways, we explore how and why debris are variously engaged with as pollutants, risks, opportunities, or otherwise.

Background Myriad parenting behaviors have been linked to the development of internalizing disorders in children. Intrusive parenting, characterized by autonomy-limiting behaviors that hold the parent's agenda above that of the child, may uniquely contribute to the development of child internalizing symptoms. The current study investigates bidirectional effects between maternal intrusiveness and internalizing symptomology from infancy to middle childhood. Methods Participants were a community sample of 218 infant-mother dyads assessed at 7 time points (5 and 10 months; 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9 years). Maternal intrusiveness was behaviorally coded at all timepoints; mothers completed the CBCL for their child at ages 3, 4, 6, and 9 years. The empirically derived Internalizing subscale was used to assess child internalizing symptoms. Results About 1/3 to ½ of mothers displayed maternal intrusiveness across infancy and childhood, with the exception of ages 2-3 years, when an increase in the number of mothers displaying intrusiveness was observed. A cross-lagged panel model showed that intrusiveness and internalizing symptoms were concurrently related at 3 years, but this relationship disappeared when we controlled for maternal education. There was no evidence of prospective relationships between our constructs. Conclusions Mothers in a community-based sample may increase intrusiveness in the toddler and early preschool years as children strive for more autonomy. Intrusiveness may play more of a maintenance role in child internalizing symptoms, and associations between maternal intrusiveness and child internalizing symptomatology may be weaker than hypothesized, varying by maternal education. Suggestions for assessing intrusive parenting in future studies are discussed.

Care of long-term survivors of allogeneic transplant is known to be variable despite international guidelines and accreditation standards. In 2014 a survey of UK NHS-based adult transplant centres identified significant barriers to delivery of long-term follow-up services. In 2019, we repeated the survey to assess changes over a 5-year period when health service policies had mandated JACIE accreditation incorporating standards for long-term care. Improvements were seen in the number of centres having a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for allogeneic transplant recipients (52% versus 33%) and a standard operating procedure (88% versus 69%). Inclusion of psychological support in standard operating procedures remained low at both time points (32% versus 28%). There was ongoing variation in practice regarding vaccination programmes, access to cancer screening, and audit processes between centres. Perceived barriers to implementation of comprehensive long-term follow-up clinics were similar in 2019; mainly resourcing clinical staff and psychological support. Whilst the survey reflects the changing practice of transplant centres, best explained by increasing recognition of late effects and survivorship by clinicians, health service policy and JACIE accreditation standards, further developments are warranted to address unmet healthcare needs of long-term HSCT survivors, especially access to psychological support, cancer screening and vaccinations.

PURPOSE Salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation (sASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) relapsing after a prior autologous stem-cell transplantation leads to increased remission duration and overall survival. We report a comprehensive study on patient-reported outcomes, including quality of life (QoL) and pain in sASCT. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to either sASCT or nontransplantation consolidation (NTC). Pain and QoL were assessed as secondary outcomes using validated QoL instruments (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and myeloma-specific module, QLQ-MY20; the Brief Pain Inventory [Short Form]; and the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs [Self-Assessment] scale). RESULTS A total of 288 patients (> 96%) consented to the QoL substudy. The median follow-up was 52 months. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 Global health status scores were higher (better) in the NTC group at 100 days after random assignment (P = .0496), but not at later time points. Pain interference was higher (worse) in the sASCT group than in the NTC group at 6 months after random assignment (P = .0267), with patients with sASCT reporting higher scores for Pain interference with daily living for up to 2 years after random assignment. Patients reporting lower concerns about adverse effects of treatment after sASCT had a time to progression advantage. CONCLUSION Patients with sASCT with relapsed MM demonstrated a comparative reduction in QoL and greater impact of treatment adverse effects lasting for 6 months and up to 2 years for pain, after which patients who had received sASCT reported better outcomes. Patients who experienced lower adverse effects after sASCT had longer time to progression and overall survival, showing the need to improve symptom management peritransplantation. To our knowledge, this study provides the most comprehensive picture of QoL before and after sASCT in patients with relapsed MM.

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity that can result in permanent fibrosis and stricture formation. Given the complexity, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended to manage these patients. In the majority of children with EoE not responsive to proton-pump inhibitor (PPI), inflammation is driven by sensitivity to foods and treatment with an elimination diet can be effective. Foods most commonly identified to trigger EoE in children are milk and wheat, but egg, soy, meats and grains can also be triggers. Foods can be eliminated using a step-down or step-up approach. If the goal is to achieve quick remission, elemental diet or six food elimination diets are the most effective. A step-up approach starting from a 1-2 food elimination diet and increasing the number of foods based on a personalized dietary approach is recommended if the goal is to achieve remission using the least number of endoscopies and with increased acceptability to the patient. Children with EoE on elimination diets require frequent monitoring of growth and nutrition, as well as screening for symptoms of EoE, allergy and mindfulness regarding psychosocial impact of chronic disease on the family and child. Current research focused on tools to select patients who mostly will benefit from dietary treatment, identify relevant food allergens, obtain oesophageal tissue non-invasively and induce tolerance will greatly improve the treatment of EoE.

Structural chromosomal changes including copy number aberrations (CNAs) are a major feature of multiple myeloma (MM), however their evolution in context of modern biological therapy is not well characterized. To investigate acquisition of CNAs and their prognostic relevance in context of first-line therapy, we profiled tumor diagnosis–relapse pairs from 178 NCRI Myeloma XI (ISRCTN49407852) trial patients using digital multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. CNA profiles acquired at relapse differed substantially between MM subtypes: hyperdiploid (HRD) tumors evolved predominantly in branching pattern vs. linear pattern in t(4;14) vs. stable pattern in t(11;14). CNA acquisition also differed between subtypes based on CCND expression, with a marked enrichment of acquired del(17p) in CCND2 over CCND1 tumors. Acquired CNAs were not influenced by high-dose melphalan or lenalidomide maintenance randomization. A branching evolution pattern was significantly associated with inferior overall survival (OS; hazard ratio (HR) 2.61, P = 0.0048). As an individual lesion, acquisition of gain(1q) at relapse was associated with shorter OS, independent of other risk markers or time of relapse (HR = 2.00; P = 0.021). There is an increasing need for rational therapy sequencing in MM. Our data supports the value of repeat molecular profiling to characterize disease evolution and inform management of MM relapse.

BackgroundEosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly common cause of dysphagia in both children and adults, as well as one of the most prevalent oesophageal diseases with a significant impact on physical health and quality of life. We have provided a single comprehensive guideline for both paediatric and adult gastroenterologists on current best practice for the evaluation and management of EoE.MethodsThe Oesophageal Section of the British Society of Gastroenterology was commissioned by the Clinical Standards Service Committee to develop these guidelines. The Guideline Development Group included adult and paediatric gastroenterologists, surgeons, dietitians, allergists, pathologists and patient representatives. The Population, Intervention, Comparator and Outcomes process was used to generate questions for a systematic review of the evidence. Published evidence was reviewed and updated to June 2021. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the evidence and make recommendations. Two rounds of voting were held to assess the level of agreement and the strength of recommendations, with 80% consensus required for acceptance.ResultsFifty-seven statements on EoE presentation, diagnosis, investigation, management and complications were produced with further statements created on areas for future research.ConclusionsThese comprehensive adult and paediatric guidelines of the British Society of Gastroenterology and British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition are based on evidence and expert consensus from a multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals, including patient advocates and patient support groups, to help clinicians with the management patients with EoE and its complications.

Summary Background Isatuximab is an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody approved in combination with pomalidomide–dexamethasone and carfilzomib–dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. This phase 3, open-label study compared the efficacy of isatuximab plus carfilzomib–dexamethasone versus carfilzomib–dexamethasone in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Methods This was a prospective, randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 study done at 69 study centres in 16 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma aged at least 18 years who had received one to three previous lines of therapy and had measurable serum or urine M-protein were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned (3:2) to isatuximab plus carfilzomib–dexamethasone (isatuximab group) or carfilzomib–dexamethasone (control group). Patients in the isatuximab group received isatuximab 10 mg/kg intravenously weekly for the first 4 weeks, then every 2 weeks. Both groups received the approved schedule of intravenous carfilzomib and oral or intravenous dexamethasone. Treatment continued until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival and was assessed in the intention-to-treat population according to assigned treatment. Safety was assessed in all patients who received at least one dose according to treatment received. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03275285. Findings Between Nov 15, 2017, and March 21, 2019, 302 patients with a median of two previous lines of therapy were enrolled. 179 were randomly assigned to the isatuximab group and 123 to the control group. Median progression-free survival was not reached in the isatuximab group compared with 19·15 months (95% CI 15·77–not reached) in the control group, with a hazard ratio of 0·53 (99% CI 0·32–0·89; one-sided p=0·0007). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of grade 3 or worse occurred in 136 (77%) of 177 patients in the isatuximab group versus 82 (67%) of 122 in the control group, serious TEAEs occurred in 105 (59%) versus 70 (57%) patients, and TEAEs led to discontinuation in 15 (8%) versus 17 (14%) patients. Fatal TEAEs during study treatment occurred in six (3%) versus four (3%) patients. Interpretation The addition of isatuximab to carfilzomib–dexamethasone significantly improves progression-free survival and depth of response in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, representing a new standard of care for this patient population. Funding Sanofi. Video Abstract Video abstractYouTube link: https://youtu.be/5kXtQQlzRh4

Care of long-term survivors of allogeneic transplant is known to be variable despite international guidelines and accreditation standards. In 2014 a survey of UK NHS-based adult transplant centres identified significant barriers to delivery of long-term follow-up services. In 2019, we repeated the survey to assess changes over a 5-year period when health service policies had mandated JACIE accreditation incorporating standards for long-term care. Improvements were seen in the number of centres having a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for allogeneic transplant recipients (52% versus 33%) and a standard operating procedure (88% versus 69%). Inclusion of psychological support in standard operating procedures remained low at both time points (32% versus 28%). There was ongoing variation in practice regarding vaccination programmes, access to cancer screening, and audit processes between centres. Perceived barriers to implementation of comprehensive long-term follow-up clinics were similar in 2019; mainly resourcing clinical staff and psychological support. Whilst the survey reflects the changing practice of transplant centres, best explained by increasing recognition of late effects and survivorship by clinicians, health service policy and JACIE accreditation standards, further developments are warranted to address unmet healthcare needs of long-term HSCT survivors, especially access to psychological support, cancer screening and vaccinations.

Plerixafor is a CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR4) antagonist that mobilizes stem cells in the peripheral blood. It is indicated (in combination with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor [G-CSF]) to enhance the harvest of adequate quantities of cluster differentiation (CD) 34+ cells for autologous transplantation in patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma whose cells mobilize poorly. Strategies for use include delayed re-mobilization after a failed mobilization attempt with G-CSF, and rescue or pre-emptive mobilization in patients in whom mobilization with G-CSF is likely to fail. Pre-emptive use has the advantage that it avoids the need to re-schedule the transplant procedure, with its attendant inconvenience, quality-of-life issues for the patient and cost of additional admissions to the transplant unit. UK experience from 2 major centers suggests that pre-emptive plerixafor is associated with an incremental drug cost of less than £2000 when averaged over all patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplant. A CD34+ cell count of

A 17-year-old man with no significant past medical history presented with a 2-week history of worsening jaundice, lethargy, anorexia and progressive right upper quadrant abdominal pain. There were no stigmata of chronic liver disease. Initial investigations were suggestive of cholangitis with large intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct strictures but otherwise normal hepatic and splenic appearances. A percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram with the positioning of drains was performed to alleviate the obstructive jaundice. Within 2 weeks of the first presentation, full blood count revealed a significantly raised white blood count and a subsequent peripheral blood smear and bone marrow were consistent with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia. Chemotherapy was started after partial improvement of his obstructive jaundice. Complete morphological and cytogenetic remission was obtained 4 weeks after the first cycle of chemotherapy (half dose of daunorubicin and full dose of cytarabine, treated off trial) on control bone marrow. The patient remains in remission.

The Myeloma X trial previously reported improved durability of response (time to disease progression) in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma with salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) compared with oral cyclophosphamide in patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after a first ASCT. We report the final overall survival results of the trial.BSBMT/UKMF Myeloma X was a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial done at 51 centres in the UK. Eligible patients with multiple myeloma relapsing after a previous ASCT were re-induced with intravenous bortezomib (1·3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, 11), intravenous doxorubicin (9 mg/m(2) per day on days 1-4), and oral dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1-4, 8-11, and 15-18 during cycle 1 and days 1-4 during cycles 2-4), with supportive care as per local institutional protocols before randomisation in a 1:1 ratio to either high-dose melphalan (200 mg/m(2)) and salvage ASCT or weekly oral cyclophosphamide (400 mg/m(2) per week for 12 weeks). Randomisation was by permuted blocks stratified by length of first remission and response to re-induction treatment. The primary endpoint was time to disease progression; the study was also powered to detect a difference in the secondary endpoint, overall survival. Further secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients achieving an objective response, progression-free survival, overall survival, toxic effects and safety, pain, and quality of life. Prespecified exploratory endpoints included time to second objective disease progression (PFS2). Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00747877, and the European Clinical Trials Database, number 2006-005890-24, and is now in long-term follow-up.Between April 16, 2008, and Nov 19, 2012, 297 patients were registered into the study and 174 were randomly assigned to receive either high-dose melphalan and salvage ASCT (n=89) or oral weekly cyclophosphamide (n=85). 173 (58%) of 297 patients relapsed after more than 24 months from first ASCT. 75 (43%) of 174 randomised patients had died at follow-up: salvage ASCT (n=31 [35%]) versus oral weekly cyclophosphamide (n=44 [52%]). Updated time to disease progression shows continued advantage in the salvage ASCT group compared with the weekly cyclophosphamide group (19 months [95% CI 16-26] vs 11 months [9-12]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·45 [95% CI 0·31-0·64] log-rank p0·0001). Median overall survival was superior in the salvage ASCT group compared with weekly cyclophosphamide group (67 months [95% CI 55-not estimable] vs 52 months [42-60]; log-rank p=0·022; HR 0·56 [0·35-0·90], p=0·0169). Time to second objective disease progression was superior in the salvage ASCT group compared with the weekly cyclophosphamide group (67 months [52-not estimable] vs 35 months [31-43]; HR 0·37 [0·24-0·57], log-rank p0·0001). During extended follow-up, no further treatment-related or treatment-unrelated adverse events were reported. 15 second primary malignancies were reported in 12 patients (salvage ASCT [n=7] vs oral weekly cyclophosphamide [n=5]). The cumulative incidence of second primary malignancies at 60 months after trial entry was 5·2% (2·1-8·2).Salvage ASCT increases overall survival during consolidation of re-induction treatment in patients with multiple myeloma at first relapse after a first ASCT. The delay of salvage ASCT to third-line treatment or later might not confer the same degree of advantage as seen with salvage ASCT at first relapse.Cancer Research UK, Janssen-Cilag, and Chugai Pharma UK.

The phase III British Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation/United Kingdom Myeloma Forum Myeloma X trial (MMX) demonstrated prospectively, for the first time, superiority of salvage autologous stem cell transplantation over chemotherapy maintenance for multiple myeloma (MM) in first relapse after previous ASCT. However, many patients have stored insufficient stem cells (PBSC) for second ASCT and robust evidence for remobilization after first ASCT is lacking. We report the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of remobilization after bortezomib-doxorubicin-dexamethasone reinduction in MMX and outcomes of second ASCT with these cells. One hundred ten patients underwent ≥1 remobilization with 32 and 4, undergoing second and third attempts, respectively. Toxicities of remobilization were similar to those seen in first-line mobilization. After all attempts, 52% of those with insufficient previously stored PBSC had harvested a sufficient quantity to proceed to second ASCT. Median PBSC doses infused, neutrophil engraftment, and time to discharge after second ASCT were similar regardless of stem cell source, as were the toxicities of second ASCT. No significant differences between PBSC sources were noted in depth of response to ASCT or time to progression. Harvesting after bortezomib-doxorubicin-dexamethasone reinduction for MM at first relapse is safe and feasible and yields a reliable cell product for second ASCT. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00747877) and EudraCT (2006-005890-24).

Summary Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been successfully used for the treatment of steroid‐resistant graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GvHD). However, the lack of early predictors of clinical responses impacts on the time at which to add further treatment and consequently the design of informative clinical trials. Here, we present the UK experience of one of the largest cohorts of GvHD patients undergoing MSC infusions so far reported. We show that clinical responses assessed as early as 1 week after MSC infusion predict patients’ overall survival. In our cohort, cell dose, patients’ age and type of organ involvement are crucial factors associated with clinical responses.

Introduction Management of eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) includes proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), topical steroids, or dietary intervention. In adults dietary management commonly consists of either the six-food elimination diet (SFED) or allergy-test directed food exclusion. To date patient characteristics and outcomes from various interventions have not been reported in a UK population. Method A retrospective evaluation of adults (≥16 years) with oesophageal eosinophilia (≥15 eos/hpf) over a two-year period was undertaken. Patients were identified from histology reports and clinical records. Treatment episodes were analysed in those who had both pre- and post-intervention biopsies. Patients who underwent dietary interventions were advised by a specialist dietitian. Results Our search identified 100 subjects 18–84 years of age (median 35) with a predominance of males (76%; 76/100) and Caucasians (94%; 67/71). Atopic conditions were reported in 75% (65/87) and allergy testing with skin prick or specific IgE tests was positive to food allergens for 71% (44/62) and aeroallergens 72% (38/53). PPIs were given first-line for 75% (38/51) and overall 22% fully responded to a PPI (5/23). Fifty-one patients had both biopsies covering 73 treatment episodes (table 1). Signficant reductions in eosinophil counts were seen for SFED and allergy-test directed diets. There were no significant differences in efficacy between treatment groups. Conclusion Baseline characteristics were comparable to other described cohorts with a high proportion of males, Caucasians and a high rate of atopy. Dietary intervention particularly with the SFED appears to be effective in our population, with a non-significant trend to higher response rates compared to other interventions. Since the most common triggers were dairy and cereals, empirical exclusion of these two food groups may be an effective approach. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Introduction Standard first line treatment for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in fit patients is induction with cytarabine containing chemo-immunotherapy and a consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Responses are excellent but there is a continuous pattern of relapse. Progression within 24 months (POD24) of standard first line therapy including ASCT has been shown to predict poorer outcomes, which may be ameliorated by alloSCT. Ibrutinib, a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor, is an effective therapy for relapsed MCL. However, there is a paucity of published data of ibrutinib's efficacy in patients treated at relapse after standard first line treatment with ASCT and very little regarding the impact of POD24 on outcomes after ibrutinib and outcomes of subsequent alloSCT. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of the EBMT registry. The inclusion criteria were: patients with MCL ≥18 years old, 1st line therapy containing cytarabine and rituximab, ASCT in first CR/PR between 2009 and 2016 and received ibrutinib for 1st relapse after ASCT. POD24 was defined as progressive disease in less than 24 months after ASCT. Results 66 patients met the inclusion criteria (Table 1) relapsing at a median of 25 months (range 15-33) post ASCT. Thirty-two patients progressed in less than 24 months after ASCT. Ibrutinib was started at a median of 30 days after relapse (range 10-54). Overall response rate (ORR) was 74% [32 (48%) achieving CR and 18 (27%) PR]. The median duration of response was 10.1 months (available for 28 patients). There were no significant differences in the duration of response to ibrutinib for patients with POD24 (median: 10.4 months, IQR 4.0-15.4) compared to POD after 24 months or more (POD≥24) [(median 9.8 months, IQR 6.5-20.7) p=0.9]. Relapse after/during ibrutinib occurred in 21 patients (33%) at a median of 12 months (range 1-34). 13 of those patients were on ibrutinib at the time of relapse and the remaining 8 after ibrutinib had been stopped for a SCT or because of toxicity. Ibrutinib therapy continues at last follow-up in 23 (35%) patients. Ibrutinib was stopped for the following reasons: 16 patients subsequent SCT, 13 relapse, 5 toxicity (cytopenia, infection, tachycardia, hepatitis and poor tolerance, 1 case each), 9 other/unknown reasons. Second SCT was undertaken in 23 patients (22 alloSCT, 1 ASCT), 16 of whom were in CR/PR after only ibrutinib at the time of relapse. For alloSCT recipients, the donor was MUD in 11, MSD in 5 and mismatch related in 6. The majority (n=19) had reduced intensity conditioning. 50% of the patients developed acute GvHD and 50% chronic GvHD (3 extensive). With a median follow up of 17 months post alloSCT, 18 (63%) are in remission. There were no significant differences in PFS (p=0.173) or OS (p=0.336) post alloSCT for patients with POD24 and POD≥24. At last follow up (median follow-up of 22 months after starting ibrutinib), 35 (71%) patients were in CR and 4 (8%) in PR. 17 patients have died; the most common reason was MCL (14 patients), 2 deaths were secondary to alloSCT toxicity and in 1 case the cause of death was unknown. 2-year OS after starting ibrutinib was 72% (69% for alloSCT patients) and 2-year PFS 62%. PFS after starting ibrutinib was significantly better for patients with POD≥24 compared to those with POD24 (72% vs. 53% at 2 years post ASCT, p=0.017) and this translated to an OS benefit (80% vs. 68% at 2 years post ASCT, p=0.019) (figures 1 and 2). Conclusion Ibrutinib therapy did not overcome the poor outcome for patients with POD24 after first line therapy and although there was a high ORR to ibrutinib the median duration of response is only 10.1 months. AlloSCT should therefore be undertaken if possible, in our retrospective cohort of patients it appeared to overcome the poor prognosis of POD24 patients. Disclosures Hunter: Jazz pharamceuticals: Honoraria, Other: speaker fees, Meeting attendance support; Novartis: Honoraria, Other: speaker fees; celegene: Other: Meeting attendance support. Peggs:Autolus: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Foà:Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Amgen Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celltrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celltrion: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Pillai:Celgene: Honoraria. Mufti:Celgene Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Cellectis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Quek and colleagues identify human leukemic stem cells (LSCs) present in CD34− AML. In-depth characterization of the functional and clonal aspects of CD34− LSCs indicates that most are similar to myeloid precursors., Our understanding of the perturbation of normal cellular differentiation hierarchies to create tumor-propagating stem cell populations is incomplete. In human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), current models suggest transformation creates leukemic stem cell (LSC) populations arrested at a progenitor-like stage expressing cell surface CD34. We show that in ∼25% of AML, with a distinct genetic mutation pattern where >98% of cells are CD34−, there are multiple, nonhierarchically arranged CD34+ and CD34− LSC populations. Within CD34− and CD34+ LSC–containing populations, LSC frequencies are similar; there are shared clonal structures and near-identical transcriptional signatures. CD34− LSCs have disordered global transcription profiles, but these profiles are enriched for transcriptional signatures of normal CD34− mature granulocyte–macrophage precursors, downstream of progenitors. But unlike mature precursors, LSCs express multiple normal stem cell transcriptional regulators previously implicated in LSC function. This suggests a new refined model of the relationship between LSCs and normal hemopoiesis in which the nature of genetic/epigenetic changes determines the disordered transcriptional program, resulting in LSC differentiation arrest at stages that are most like either progenitor or precursor stages of hemopoiesis.

Purpose This analysis of the FIRST trial in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) ineligible for stem-cell transplantation examined updated outcomes and impact of patient age. Patients and Methods Patients with untreated symptomatic MM were randomly assigned at a one-to-one-to-one ratio to lenalidomide plus low-dose dexamethasone until disease progression (Rd continuous), Rd for 72 weeks (18 cycles; Rd18), or melphalan, prednisone, and thalidomide (MPT; 72 weeks), stratified by age (≤ 75 v > 75 years), disease stage (International Staging System stage I/II v III), and country. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Rd continuous and MPT were primary comparators. Results Between August 21, 2008, and March 7, 2011, 1,623 patients were enrolled (Rd continuous, n = 535; Rd18, n = 541; MPT, n = 547), including 567 (35%) age older than 75 years. Higher rates of advanced-stage disease and renal impairment were observed in patients older than 75 versus 75 years of age or younger. Rd continuous reduced the risk of progression or death compared with MPT by 31% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.80; P < .001) overall, 36% (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.77; P < .001) in patients age 75 years or younger, and 20% (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.62 to 1.03; P = .084) in those age older than 75 years. Median overall survival was longer with Rd continuous than with MPT, including a 14-month difference in patients age older than 75 years. Progression-free survival with Rd18 was similar to that with MPT, and overall survival with Rd18 was marginally inferior to that with Rd continuous. Rates of grade 3 to 4 treatment-emergent adverse events were similar for Rd continuous–treated patients age 75 years or older and those age older than 75 years; however, older patients had more frequent lenalidomide dose reductions. Conclusion Results support Rd continuous treatment as a new standard of care for stem-cell transplantation–ineligible patients with newly diagnosed MM of all ages.

Introduction The development of mixed donor recipient (MDR) chimerism is a frequent occurrence following allogeneic transplantation (alloSCT) for lymphoid malignancies. There is evidence that achievement of full donor (FD) lympho-haematopoietic chimerism (LHC) is associated with a lower chance of disease recurrence and consequently donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) are commonly employed in this setting. There is however a paucity of data describing both the efficacy of DLI in achieving FD LHC and their toxicity in terms of inducing graft versus host disease (GVHD). We therefore undertook a large survey within the EBMT to determine the efficacy and toxicity of DLI when used for MDR LHC. Methods and Patients All centres within the EBMT database that had administered DLI for MDR LHC in patients undergoing an alloSCT for lymphoid malignancies were invited to submit additional data for this study. Data was provided for 135 patients from 36 centres. The median age at diagnosis was 44.6 years (15-64) and the median age at SCT was 47 years (range 19-68). Patients were diagnosed with DLBCL (n=17), follicular NHL (n=45), Hodgkin lymphoma (n=21), mantle cell lymphoma (n=32), T cell lymphoma (n=14) and other lymphoid malignancies (n=6). Prior autologous transplantation had been performed in 45 patients. 122 patients underwent reduced intensity conditioning prior to transplantation from a matched sibling donor (n=90), unrelated donor (n=42) or mismatched family donor (n=3). T cell depletion (TCD) of the graft was performed in 33 cases. Results MDR LHC was demonstrated by analysis of whole blood (WB) in 34 patients and in T cell and myeloid lineages in 101 patients. The median time from alloSCT to the demonstration of MDR LHC was 4.9 months (range 4.6-63) and the median time to the 1st DLI was 7.8 months (range 1-63). Patients received a median of 2 DLI (range 1-20) at a median starting dose of 1x106 CD3/kg recipient (range 0.1-380 x 106/kg). Of the 135 patients receiving DLI 121 were assessable for response with 94 (78%) achieving full donor LHC, 24 (20%) remaining MDR, 2 patients became fully recipient and one patient had a mixed response (FD in T cells but MDR in myeloid lineage). For the patients that received DLI for T cell MDR chimerism (N=71, with 64 assessable for response) 55 (86%) became FD, 8 (12.5%) remained MDR and 1 became fully recipient. For patients that received DLI for myeloid MDR chimerism (with or without MDR chimerism in the T lineage) (N=30, with 29 assessable for response) 17 (59%) converted to full donor in the myeloid lineage, 10 (34%) remained MDR, 1 had a mixed response and 1 became full recipient. If patients required 3 or more DLIs the chance of conversion to FD fell significantly to 55% compared to 89% for those that only received 1 DLI (p Acute GVHD developed in 45 of 134 (34%) evaluable patients after the 1st DLI (grade I in 12, grade II in 12, grade III in 6, grade IV in 8 and grade unknown in 7). Chronic GVHD developed in 36 of 130 (28%) evaluable patients which was extensive in 13 (10%). Acute GVHD (grades II-IV) was seen more commonly after the 1st DLI than after 2 or more DLIs (68% post 1st DLI vs 14% after 2 or more DLIs at 100 days p=0.002) and in patients undergoing unrelated donor transplantation (62% vs 23% at 100 days, p=0.02). Chronic GVHD was more common after DLIs given to patients that had received a TCD graft (39% vs 17% p=0.007). The median follow-up after the 1st DLI was 70 months (range 11-149). Relapse following DLI occurred in 36 (27%) patients which was more common in patients receiving DLI for myeloid MDR chimerism compared to T cell MDR (40% vs 22.5%). Disease relapse occurred in 36 (27%) patients after receiving the first DLI, 11 of whom had achieved full donor FD LHC prior to relapse. In a time-dependent Cox model conversion to FD LHC was not protective against relapse. Conclusions. In this large series of patients with lymphoid malignancies the administration of DLI is an effective strategy for achieving FD chimerism particularly when the MDR chimerism is restricted to the T cell lineage. Development of GVHD is a significant complicating factor particularly in the unrelated donor setting and when the original graft was T cell depleted. Disclosures Robinson: Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Sandoz: Speakers Bureau. Chalandon:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel costs. Finke:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding; Medac: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding; Neovii: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel grants, Research Funding; Riemser: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Beelen:Medac: Consultancy, Other: Travel Support.

Introduction Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a significant cause of mortality post allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). First line therapy is corticosteroid based for patients with aGVHD ≥grade (Gd) II. Steroid refractory (SR) aGVHD is associated with a dismal prognosis. Although experimental therapeutics is an unmet need, there is no recent prospective real world data to establish a benchmark for outcomes of best available therapy. We undertook a prospective observational multi-centre international clinical trial of outcomes of second line therapy of steroid refractory aGVHD. The aim was to measure recently defined endpoints including Day 28 (D28) overall response rate (ORR), and 6 month freedom from treatment failure (6mFFTF; defined as a patient (pt) being alive, without relapse of underlying disease or addition of new systemic therapy for aGVHD, prior to the development of chronic(c) GVHD. Methods Data was collected prospectively in a longitudinal observational study in patients starting second line therapy for SR aGVHD. Twelve UK and 2 US sites participated. Adult pts with Gd II-IV aGVHD refractory to corticosteroids were enrolled within 5 days of starting second line therapy. Modified Glucksberg criteria were used to grade aGVHD. Expert panel consensus recommendations (Martin et al 2009) were used for complete response (CR), very good partial response (VGPR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log rank tests for comparison were done on Prism7. Results Between 2014-2018, 64pts were enrolled; 4pts were excluded due to incomplete data. Baseline characteristics of the cohort are outlined in Table 1. GVHD prophylaxis varied according to centre. Forty-seven percent had T depletion; 32% ATG and 25% Alemtuzumab. GVHD was donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) induced in 7%. At start of second line therapy,5% had Gd I, 27% Gd II and 68% Gd III-IV aGVHD. All patients had received corticosteroids at a minimum dose of 1mg/kg. Second line therapies varied, 60% received ECP and 40% non-ECP therapy including anti-TNF-alpha antibodies (20%), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (8%), mesenchymal stem cells (4%) and 'other' (8%). The cumulative incidence of 6mFFTF was 32% (n=19), with 68% (n=41) failing to meet the 6mFFTF endpoint. The causes of failure were, addition of third line therapy in 40% (n=24), relapse 8%(n=5), cGVHD 7% (n=4) and death 13% (n=8). The 6m incidence of death was 45% (n=27); death due to GVHD 30%, infection 8% and relapse 7%. D28 responses were: 56% ORR (8% CR, 28% VGPR, 20% PR), 13% SD, 18% PD and 13% died before D28. Using Kaplan-Meier analysis, median OS was 7.3m with a median follow up of 1 year. The overall cumulative incidence of death was 63% (n=38); GVHD was the leading cause of death 40%, infection 8% and relapse 8%. D28 ORR was associated with a significantly improved median OS not reached versus (vs) 5.2m (p=0.03) in pts who had SD or PD at D28. In pts that achieved 6mFFTF, median survival beyond 6m was not yet reached vs median survival of 3.9m in those that did not achieve 6mFFTF (p=0.0004). The trend was for a longer median OS of 8.2m in the ECP arm vs 5.3m in non ECP (p=0.79). GVHD Gd at start of second line therapy was associated with a longer median survival, not reached in Gd II cohort vs 5.7m in Gd III-IV cohort (p=0.25). Discussion Our multi-centre prospective study illustrates 'real-life' data of clinical outcomes in pts starting second line therapy for SR aGVHD. Median survival from start of second line therapy was 7.3m with a high mortality rate of 63%. D28 ORR was 56% but only 32% met the composite 6mFFTF endpoint, although both outcomes predicted survival. The leading cause for failure of 6mFFTF was starting third line therapy which may be subject to clinician bias, however the 6m mortality was 45%, thus pts went on to die after failing for another cause. This data can be used as a contemporary data while planning studies of experimental intervention vs. best available therapy. Disclosures Radia: Mallinckrodt: Research Funding. Alfred:Mallinckrodt: Speakers Bureau. Dignan:Mallinckrodt: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Jagasia:Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

The combination of bortezomib and rituximab was evaluated in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM), in a Phase I and later, a randomized Phase II study. In the randomized study, 42 patients with recurrent/refractory disease received either: bortezomib 1·3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 3-week cycle with rituximab 375 mg/m2 on day 1 (21 patients) or: bortezomib 1·6 mg/m2 and rituximab on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 5-week cycle (with rituximab being given only in cycles 1 and 4).Twenty-eight patients were withdrawn (toxicity 16, progression 7, and ‘patient choice’ 5). The main toxicities were neurological, gastro-intestinal and haematological. The overall response rate was 28/42(67%) and by histology: MCL 11/19, FL 8/15, and WM 9/10. Ten of 28 responding patients remained progression-free at 1–3·5 years. Toxicity and efficacy were equivalent between the two groups. The combination has significant toxicity but is effective, particularly in patients with WM.

The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have been reported to deliver high response rates without significant toxicity in relapsed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The lead compound, ibrutinib, ha...

Background: Immune reconstitution after AlloSCT is a highly complex process influenced by both graft & recipient-related factors including post-graft therapies. Delayed T-cell reconstitution remains a source of morbidity & mortality and may contribute to limited anti-tumour effect. We sought to evaluate the immune reconstitution kinetics in the setting of post-graft Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) to augment the graft-versus-myeloma effect, by defining key immune biomarkers, in the NCRI LenaRIC phase II trial. Material & Methods: All patients recruited into the study underwent a reduced intensity conditioned (RIC) AlloSCT using Fludarabine & 2Gy TBI with ATG (Fresenius) as in vivo T-cell depletion, following a high dose melphalan ASCT (planned tandem SCT programme). Patients were scheduled to receive Lenalidomide (5mg-10mg/day) on day+35 if stable donor engraftment in the absence of GvHD. Lenalidomide discontinuation was planned at 12 months post-transplant, with donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) given to patients with evidence of residual disease, relapse or mixed chimerism. Sequential peripheral blood samples were drawn at predetermined time frames before (baseline) and after graft infusion (D+30,+60,+90,+180,+270 & D+360) in all trial registrants. Using multi-parameter flow cytometry (MFC), a comprehensive panel of immune subset & functional/activation markers were used to define characteristics of T-cell, B-cell, regulatory T-cell & NK cells. The inflammatory proteome (IL-1b, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IFNg, TNFa, CXCL8 & GM-CSF) and soluble immune checkpoints (PD-1 & ICOS) were analyzed using LUMINEX assays on serial serum samples at parallel points. PB cell subset-specific Complete Donor Chimerism (CDC) was analysed by single tandem repeat PCR at day (D)+100,+180,+270 and D+365. Results: From January 2011 to May 2015, 40 patients with myeloma ≥VGPR after 1st or 2nd ASCT, were recruited into the LenaRIC protocol. The median age was 49 years (range 35-65) with PB as the graft source (Matched Related Donor n=16, 10/10 Matched Unrelated Donor n=23; 1 patient not transplanted). Viable samples were received from 37/40 patients (92.5%), with no cycles of Lenalidomide received by 3/37 (8.1%) patients, 1-6 cycles received by 13/37 (35.1%) patients & >6 cycles received by 21/37 (56.8%) patients. 5 patients completed 12 cycles as per protocol treatment; of those completing >= 10 cycles, 5/16 received DLI. Only 10/37 (27%) of patients achieved a CD4+ cell count >200/µl in a median of 180 days compared with 30/37 (81%) of patients who achieved a CD8+ cell count >200/µl in a median of 60 days. In patients who did not receive any doses of Lenalidomide, higher levels of CD8+ cells (p=0.013) but lower NK cell levels (p=0.071) were evident at D+30 compared with those eligible to proceed with Lenalidomide. No difference was noted between Lenalidomide exposure subgroups in relation to CD8+ or CD4+ cell recovery. Treg cells were increased at D=270 & D+365 in those who received >6 cycles of Lenalidomide, though this corresponded with a higher level of HLA-DR expression on CD8+ T cells representing global immune activation. Significant differences between Lenalidomide exposure subgroups were evident in the inflammatory proteome readout at D+90. CXCL8 levels peaked at D+270, especially in those who received >6 cycles of Lenalidomide. Of 30 evaluable patients, T-cell CDC was seen in 63.3% at D100, with 84% of evaluable patients having CDC at D365. No difference between subgroups was evident in relation to rapidity of CDC and stability of CDC. Conclusions: The sequential monitoring of immune biomarkers in the setting of post-graft Lenalidomide following a T-deplete RIC-AlloSCT highlights the rapid and sustained quantitative and functional reconstitution of donor immune homeostasis. The clinical significance of these findings requires correlation with both the anti-tumour immune effect and theimmunopathy ofAlloSCT (GvHD). Unrestricted educational grants were provided by Cancer Research UK and byCelgene.Lenalidomideprovided free of charge byCelgene. The support and time of participating patients and their families is gratefully acknowledged Figure 1 a) Changes in circulating CD8+ T-cells according to Lenalidomide exposure following RIC-Allo SCT for myeloma b) Changes in circulating CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-Reg cells according to Lenalidomide exposure following RIC-Allo SCT for Myeloma Figure 1. a) Changes in circulating CD8+ T-cells according to Lenalidomide exposure following RIC-Allo SCT for myeloma. / b) Changes in circulating CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T-Reg cells according to Lenalidomide exposure following RIC-Allo SCT for Myeloma Disclosures Cook: Glycomimetics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Brock:AstraZeneca: Equity Ownership; GlaxoSmithKline: Equity Ownership. Cavenagh:Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Cook:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Cancer Research UK: Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria.

SummaryThe relationships between normal and leukemic stem/progenitor cells are unclear. We show that in ∼80% of primary human CD34+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML), two expanded populations with hemopoietic progenitor immunophenotype coexist in most patients. Both populations have leukemic stem cell (LSC) activity and are hierarchically ordered; one LSC population gives rise to the other. Global gene expression profiling shows the LSC populations are molecularly distinct and resemble normal progenitors but not stem cells. The more mature LSC population most closely mirrors normal granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) and the immature LSC population a previously uncharacterized progenitor functionally similar to lymphoid-primed multipotential progenitors (LMPPs). This suggests that in most cases primary CD34+ AML is a progenitor disease where LSCs acquire abnormal self-renewal potential.

Abstract 91 In normal and leukemic hemopoiesis, stem cells differentiate through intermediate progenitors into terminal cells. In human Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), there is uncertainty about: (i) whether there is more than one leukemic stem cell (LSC) population in any one individual patient; (ii) how homogeneous AML LSCs populations are at a molecular and cellular level and (iii) the relationship between AML LSCs and normal stem/progenitor populations. Answers to these questions will clarify the molecular pathways important in the stepwise transformation of normal HSCs/progenitors. We have studied 82 primary human CD34+ AML samples (spanning a range of FAB subtypes, cytogenetic categories and FLT3 and NPM1 mutation states) and 8 age-matched control marrow samples. In ∼80% of AML cases, two expanded populations with hemopoietic progenitor immunophenotype coexist in most patients. One population is CD34+CD38-CD90-CD45RA+ (CD38-CD45RA+) and the other CD34+CD38+CD110-CD45RA+ (GMP-like). Both populations from 7/8 patients have leukemic stem cell (LSC) activity in primary and secondary xenograft assays with no LSC activity in CD34- compartment. The two CD34+ LSC populations are hierarchically ordered, with CD38-CD45RA+ LSC giving rise to CD38+CD45RA+ LSC in vivo and in vitro. Limit dilution analysis shows that CD38-CD45RA+LSCs are more potent by 8–10 fold. From 18 patients, we isolated both CD38-CD45RA+ and GMP-like LSC populations. Global mRNA expression profiles of FACS-sorted CD38-CD45RA+ and GMP-like populations from the same patient allowed comparison of the two populations within each patient (negating the effect of genetic/epigenetic changes between patients). Using a paired t-test, 748 genes were differentially expressed between CD38-CD45RA+ and GMP-like LSCs and separated the two populations in most patients in 3D PCA. This was confirmed by independent quantitative measures of difference in gene expression using a non-parametric rank product analysis with a false discovery rate of 0.01. Thus, the two AML LSC populations are molecularly distinct. We then compared LSC profiles with those from 4 different adult marrow normal stem/progenitor cells to identify the normal stem/progenitor cell populations which the two AML LSC populations are most similar to at a molecular level. We first obtained a 2626 gene set by ANOVA, that maximally distinguished normal stem and progenitor populations. Next, the expression profiles of 22 CD38-CD45RA+ and 21 GMP-like AML LSC populations were distributed by 3D PCA using this ANOVA gene set. This showed that AML LSCs were most closely related to their normal counterpart progenitor population and not normal HSC. This data was confirmed quantitatively by a classifier analysis and hierarchical clustering. Taken together, the two LSC populations are hierarchically ordered, molecularly distinct and their gene expression profiles do not map most closely to normal HSCs but rather to their counterpart normal progenitor populations. Finally, as global expression profiles of CD38-CD45RA+ AML LSC resemble normal CD38-CD45RA+ cells, we defined the functional potential of these normal cells. This had not been previously determined. Using colony and limiting dilution liquid culture assays, we showed that single normal CD38-CD45RA+ cells have granulocyte and macrophage (GM), lymphoid (T and B cell) but not megakaryocyte-erythroid (MK-E) potential. Furthermore, gene expression studies on 10 cells showed that CD38-CD45RA+ cells express lymphoid and GM but not Mk-E genes. Taken together, normal CD38-CD45RA+ cells are most similar to mouse lymphoid primed multi-potential progenitor cells (LMPP) cells and distinct from the recently identified human Macrophage Lymphoid progenitor (MLP) population. In summary, for the first time, we show the co-existence of LMPP-like and GMP-like LSCs in CD34+ AML. Thus, CD34+ AML is a progenitor disease where LSCs have acquired abnormal self-renewal potential (Figure 1). Going forward, this work provides a platform for determining pathological LSCs self-renewal and tracking LSCs post treatment, both of which will impact on leukemia biology and therapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The combination of bortezomib and rituximab was evaluated in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular lymphoma (FL) and Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM), in a Phase I and later, a randomized Phase II study. In the randomized study, 42 patients with recurrent/refractory disease received either: bortezomib 1·3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8 and 11 of a 3-week cycle with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) on day 1 (21 patients) or: bortezomib 1·6 mg/m(2) and rituximab on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of a 5-week cycle (with rituximab being given only in cycles 1 and 4).Twenty-eight patients were withdrawn (toxicity 16, progression 7, and 'patient choice' 5). The main toxicities were neurological, gastro-intestinal and haematological. The overall response rate was 28/42(67%) and by histology: MCL 11/19, FL 8/15, and WM 9/10. Ten of 28 responding patients remained progression-free at 1-3·5 years. Toxicity and efficacy were equivalent between the two groups. The combination has significant toxicity but is effective, particularly in patients with WM.

Introduction: Autologous transplantation (ASCT) in myeloma (MM) is standard consolidative therapy in first line therapy in eligible patients. We have shown definitely that a salvage ASCT in relapse setting can induce superior durability of responses (time-to-progression; TTP) over non-transplant consolidation with oral cyclophosphamide after a proteasome inhibitor-based re-induction schedule (ISRCTN601231201). The secondary end point of this multi-centre phase III randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of salvage ASCT on the overall survival (OS_ of patients relapsing after a prior ASCT and delineate patient subgroups that may benefit the most. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients with MM relapsing after a prior ASCT were enrolled. All patients were re-induced with Bortezomib, Doxorubicin and Dexamethasone (PAD) therapy delivered in 2-4 21-day cycles before 1:1 randomization to either a second ASCT (melphalan 200mg/m2 iv; ASCT2 supported by either stored or remobilized stem cells) or low dose consolidation with weekly cyclophosphamide 400mg/m2 PO for 12 weeks (Non-Transplant Consolidation; NTC). Response was assessed (by IMWG criteria) after re-induction and 100 days post-randomization with TTP being determined as the primary end-point. Patients were stratified by β2microglobulin (β2M) at trial entry, ASCT1 TTP and response to re-induction, analyzed according to cytogenetic abnormalities by iFISH (unfavorable: t(4;14), t(14;16) and del17p) with OS was a key secondary endpoint. Results: 297 patients were entered into the study and 174 randomized from April 2008 to November 2012: ASCT2 n=89, NTC n=85. Median age was 61 (range 38-75) with 73.6% of patients relapsing more than 24 months from first ASCT. ORR to re-induction therapy was 79.4% with a 16.0% sCR/CR rate. Post-randomization, sCR/CR was significantly higher after ASCT2 (39.3% [95% CI 29.1,50.3] vs 22.4% [95% CI 14.0,32.7]; p=0á012). The median follow-up is 52 months (IQR range 41, 62) and the up-dated TTP demonstrates continued advantage in ASCT2 cohort compared to NTC (19 months [95% CI 16,26] vs 11 months [95% CI 9,12]; Log Rank p 24m (HR0.60, p=0.089), β2M level Conclusion: This long-term follow-up analysis demonstrates a clear advantage in terms of OS when salvage ASCT consolidates bortezomib-based re-induction therapy in patients with MM at first relapse. The delay of salvage ASCT to third line, though being suggestive of benefit over no salvage ASCT, does not confer the same degree of OS advantage as shown with a salvage transplant in second line. This data is key for patient-centered clinical decision-making. 1. G Cook, et al.. The Lancet Oncology, Vol. 15, No. 8, p874-885 Figure 1. Forest plots showing (a) heterogeneity of effect of randomised treatment on OS and (b) effect on OS of randomised treatment followed by ASCT at second relapse (NTC/ASCT2) Figure 1. Forest plots showing (a) heterogeneity of effect of randomised treatment on OS and (b) effect on OS of randomised treatment followed by ASCT at second relapse (NTC/ASCT2) Figure 1B. Figure 1B. Disclosures Cook: Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Williams:Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Cavenagh:Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Snowden:MSD: Consultancy, Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy. Parrish:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Yong:Takeda: Honoraria; Autolous: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Cavet:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Bird:Janssen: Other: Educational support; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Heartin:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy. O'Connor:Celgene: Research Funding. Ashcroft:Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Educational support. Brown:Janssen: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding. Morris:Janssen: Other: Meeting support; Celgene: Other: Meeting support.

Introduction. The impact of therapy in the management of disease relapse in patients with myeloma (MM) needs to be balanced with the impact on quality of life (QoL). The benefit of a salvage autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT2) has been demonstrated in terms of durability of response over non-transplant consolidation (NTC) (G Cook, et al., Lancet Oncology, 2013 Vol. 15, No. 8, p874-885). However, the impact of ASCT2 on patient reported outcomes (PRO) has not been reported to date. Therefore, patients' experience of pain and global measures of QoL, as part of a systematic assessment of PRO were measured at key points before, during and after randomisation in this multi-centre national phase III trial. Methods. 174 patients were randomised and data are presented on 171 who completed self-rated QoL assessments using EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EORTC myeloma module (MY-20). Pain assessments using BPI-SF were also incorporated. Genomic DNA was prepared from PBMNC using standardised GLP methods. Results. Completion rates for EORTC QoL and BPI-SF assessments were 83.3% and 77.1% at registration, and 59.6% and 53.8% at randomisation, respectively. Over half of patients reaching 1 year post-randomisation completed both assessments. EORTC QoL and BPI-SF forms had average 6% and 10% missing data, respectively. These completion rates are commensurate with previous longitudinal studies. EORTC QLQ-C30 Global health status/QoL subscale scores were significantly higher (better) in the NTC arm at 100 days and 6 month post-randomisation (P=0.0496), but not at later time points. BPI-SF pain scores showed significantly higher pain severity in the NTC (4.3/10) than the ASCT2 (2.9/10) patients only at 2 years post-randomisation. However, for pain interference with aspects of daily living, NTC patients reported significantly lower scores at 6 months (P=0.0155), 1 year post-randomisation (P=0.0466) and 2 years post-randomisation (P=0.0348). The MY-20 assessment showed that at 100 days and 6 months post-randomisation, the subscale scores for Side-effects of treatment were significantly higher in the ASCT2 arm than in the NTC arm, but not at later time points up to 2 years. Kaplan-Meier estimate of time-to-progression (TTP) by randomised allocation suggested that patients with an EORTC global QoL score greater than median (ie better QoL) at randomisation and who received ASCT2 had a significant TTP advantage over those receiving NTC (HR 0.3 (95% CI 0.15-0.61), p=0.006). However, with multivariate Cox regression analysis accounting for stratification factors this difference was not significant. Patients who reported a lower (ie better) than median level of concern on the Side-effects of treatment subscale and who received ASCT2 had a significant TTP advantage over those receiving NTC (Kaplan-Meier HR 0.24 (95% CI (0.10-0.55), p=0.003). This survival difference was still observed after multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR 5.02 (95% CI 1.00-25.20), p= 0.0499). We tested for genomic associations of SNPs from key genes reported to be involved in pain perception and analgesic responsiveness, and subjective outcomes. There were no significant associations for the opioid mu-receptor (OPRM1) and pain or QoL. However, the rs2236861 SNP in the opioid delta-receptor (OPRD1) showed nominally significant associations with worst pain (p=0.022), average pain (p=0.03) and pain interference (p=0.02) at baseline. The rs1045642 SNP in the ABCB1 drug transporter gene was nominally associated with worst pain (p=0.047) and average pain (p=0.019) after bortezomib-based induction therapy. A SNP rs13361160 in the chaperonin CCT5 gene was associated with worst pain (p=0.033), least pain (p=0.006) and pain interference (p=0.03). It was also associated with self-reported global QoL (P=0.014). Conclusions. We report the first PROs using self-reported QoL and pain assessments in myeloma patients having salvage ASCT or NTC. Global QoL was worse and side-effects of treatment higher after ASCT2 for up to 6 months post-randomisation but then equalised. Pain caused less interference with daily living after NTC but became more severe at 2 years, possibly associated with relapse. Patients who reported lower concerns about side-effects of treatment after ASCT2 had a significant TTP advantage. The genomic analyses suggest a potential inherited predisposition that influences both pain and quality of life and warrants further exploration. Disclosures Ahmedzai: Mundipharma: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Grunenthal: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Snowden:Sanofi: Consultancy; MSD: Consultancy, Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Other: Educational support, Speakers Bureau. Williams:Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Cavenagh:Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Parrish:Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Yong:Amgen: Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy; Takeda: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Autolous: Consultancy. Cavet:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Bird:Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Other: Educational support; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy. Ashcroft:Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Educational support. Brown:Bayer: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Morris:Celgene: Other: Meeting support; Janssen: Other: Meeting support. Cook:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy; Takeda Oncology: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

Background: In the pivotal FIRST trial, a randomized, international, multicenter phase 3 study, continuous Rd compared with melphalan-prednisone-thalidomide (MPT) improved progression-free survival (PFS) which was the primary endpoint (HR = 0.72; P < 0.01). The interim overall survival (OS) analysis showed a 22% reduction in risk of death with continuous Rd vs. MPT (HR = 0.78; P = 0.02) (Facon, Blood 2013). This analysis evaluates outcomes based on age, which was a stratification parameter, and compared pts aged ≤ 75 yrs and > 75 yrs. Methods: Pts with NDMM were randomized to continuous Rd until progressive disease (PD) (N = 535); 18 cycles (72 weeks [wks]) of Rd (Rd18; N = 541); or 12 cycles (72 wks) of MPT (N = 547). Starting doses were reduced in pts aged > 75 yrs: dexamethasone (20 vs. 40 mg), melphalan (0.20 vs. 0.25 mg/kg), and thalidomide (100 vs 200 mg). The primary endpoint was PFS (continuous Rd vs. MPT) and the secondary endpoint were OS, overall response rate, time to response, duration of response, time to Tx failure, time to 2nd AMT, health-related quality of life, safety. Results: The proportion of pts aged > 75 yrs was > 34% across treatment (Tx) arms. In pts ≤ 75 yrs, 37% had ISS stage III vs. 51% in > 75 yrs. ECOG score ≥ 1 was observed in 74% and 69% of pts aged > 75 and ≤ 75 yrs, respectively. Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) was observed in 14% of pts > 75 vs. 7% in ≤ 75 yrs. PFS and OS outcomes favored continuous Rd over MPT in both age groups. With a median follow-up of 37 months (mos), PFS was 27.4 mos in continuous Rd pts vs. 21.8 mos in MPT pts aged ≤ 75 yrs (HR = 0.68; P < 0.001); a trend for improved PFS was also seen for pts aged > 75 yrs (HR = 0.81; P = 0.11) (Table 1). PFS for continuous Rd vs. Rd18 pts was also increased in both age groups (HR = 0.68; P < 0.001 and HR = 0.75; P = 0.03, respectively). Response rates were consistently higher with continuous Rd vs. MPT in pts aged ≤ 75 yrs (77% vs. 66%; P < 0.001) and > 75 yrs (71% vs. 55%; P < 0.001). Duration of response with continuous Rd was longer vs. MPT in pts aged ≤ 75 yrs (40 vs. 22 mos) and pts > 75 yrs (31 vs. 24 mos). The interim analysis of OS showed an improved trend for continuous Rd vs. MPT in pts aged ≤ 75 yrs (HR = 0.77; P = 0.06) and > 75 yrs (HR = 0.80; P= 0.16). Grade 3–4 adverse events (AEs) in ≥ 10% of pts were similar across age subgroups (Table 2). Tx discontinuation due to AEs was comparable across the Tx groups and independent of age. Conclusions:Regardless of age (≤ 75 vs. > 75 yrs), continuous Rd was effective, increased PFS and interim OS, and was generally well tolerated vs. MPT in NDMM pts. Duration of response was improved with continuous Rd vs. MPT and Rd18, irrespective of age, and with a more profound benefit observed in younger pts. Continuous Rd represents a new clinical option and standard of care for these pts in the first-line setting. Abstract 81. Table 1 PFS, OS and Response Aged ≤ 75 yrs Aged > 75 yrs All pts ITT population Continuous Rd (n = 349) Rd18 (n = 348) MPT (n = 359) Continuous Rd (n = 186) Rd18 (n = 193) MPT (n = 188) Continuous Rd (n = 535) Rd18 (n = 541) MPT (n = 547) Median PFS, mos 27.4 21.3 21.8 21.2 19.4 19.2 25.5 20.7 21.2 PFS HR (95% CI); P-value Continuous Rd vs. Rd18 0.68 (0.55–0.83); P < 0.01 0.75 (0.58–0.98); P = 0.03 0.70 (0.60–0.82); P < 0.01 Continuous Rd vs. MPT 0.68 (0.56–0.83); P < 0.01 0.81 (0.62–1.05); P = 0.11 0.72 (0.61–0.85); P < 0.01 4-yr OS, % 66 61 58 47 47 39 59 56 51 OS HR (95% CI); P-value Continuous Rd vs. Rd18 0.88 (0.67–1.16); P = 0.36 0.94 (0.69–1.29); P = 0.70 0.90 (0.73–1.10); P = 0.31 Continuous Rd vs. MPT 0.77 (0.59–1.01); P = 0.06 0.80 (0.59–1.09); P = 0.16 0.78 (0.64–0.96); P = 0.02 Response rate (≥ PR), % 77 77 66 71 66 55 75 73 62 Duration of response (≥ PR), mos 40 23 22 31 20 24 35 22 22 CI, confidence interval; ITT, intent to treat; PR, partial response. Table 2 Grade 3–4 AEs Observed in ≥ 10% of Pts Aged ≤ 75 yrs Aged > 75 yrs Safety population, % Continuous Rd (n = 347) Rd18 (n = 348) MPT (n = 357) Continuous Rd (n = 185) Rd18 (n = 192) MPT (n = 184) Neutropenia 28 25 47 28 29 40 Thrombocytopenia 8 9 13 9 7 7 Anemia 18 12 20 19 23 17 Leukopenia 5 6 11 4 5 8 Infections 29 21 16 29 23 20 DVT and/or PE 10 6 8 7 8 4 Peripheral sensory neuropathy 1 1 10 1 0 8 Tx discontinuation due to AEs 28 18 28 32 25 30 DVT, deep-vein thrombosis; PE, pulmonary embolism. Disclosures Hulin: Celgene: Honoraria. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide used in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. Facon:Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Belch:Janssen, Celgene, Onyx: Honoraria. Petrucci:Celgene, Janssen-Cilag, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Dührsen:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Song:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Houck:Celgene: Employment. Chen:Celgene: Employment. Ervin-Haynes:Celgene: Employment.