Abstract 1753▪▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract
Ruxolitinib (INC424), a potent and selective oral JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, has demonstrated rapid and durable reductions in ...splenomegaly and improved disease-related symptoms, role functioning, and quality of life (QoL) in 2 phase 3 studies in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) (the COMFORT studies). These studies compared ruxolitinib with either placebo or best available therapy (BAT). This analysis compares the efficacy outcomes between the placebo arm from COMFORT-I and the BAT arm from COMFORT-II.
COMFORT-I is a randomized (1:1), double-blind, multicenter study comparing ruxolitinib 15 or 20 mg twice daily (bid) with placebo, and COMFORT-II is a randomized (2:1), open-label, multicenter study comparing ruxolitinib 15 or 20 mg bid with BAT (investigator-selected therapy, including no treatment). Both studies met their primary end points with statistical significance (ruxolitinib vs control): the percentage of patients achieving ≥35% reduction in spleen volume at week 24 (COMFORT-I, P <.0001) and week 48 (COMFORT-II, P <.0001). QoL was measured using patient responses with the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL Questionnaire–Core 30 (QLQ-C30) as an exploratory end point in both studies.
In the COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II studies, 154 patients received placebo (ruxolitinib, n=155) and 73 patients received BAT (ruxolitinib, n=146), respectively, and were included in the primary efficacy analyses. The demographic and baseline characteristics were similar between the control arms of the 2 studies, including spleen size below the costal margin (mean standard deviation, SD 16.4 6.27 cm and 15.8 6.71 cm in placebo and BAT, respectively). Only 1 patient (0.7%) who received placebo and no patients who received BAT had a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume from baseline at week 24. The median spleen volume increased from baseline at week 24 in both the placebo and BAT groups and was numerically similar (placebo, 8.5% range, −46.4% to 48.8%; BAT, 5.1% range, −33.3% to 29.7%). In contrast, patients who received ruxolitinib had median reductions in spleen volume from baseline at week 24 of −33.0% (COMFORT-I) and −27.5% (COMFORT-II).
The QLQ-C30 provides a measurement of change in QoL and MF-related symptoms, including fatigue, pain, dyspnea, insomnia, and appetite loss. At 24 weeks, neither the placebo nor BAT arms had clinically meaningful changes from baseline (10 points Osoba et al. J Clin Oncol. 1998) in any of the QoL (decreases indicate worsening) or symptom scores (increases indicate worsening) (Table). Although differences existed between the placebo and BAT arms, the SDs are large, thus complicating comparisons between the 2 groups.
TableMean EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status and Subscale Results at Week 24 in the Placebo and BAT Arms (Observed Cases)aPlaceboBATnMean change from baseline at week 24 (SD)nMean change from baseline at week 24 (SD)Global health status/QoL104-3.4 (21.53)375.2 (23.76)Fatigue1071.8 (24.71)39−1 (23.57)Pain1048.3 (27.47)393 (28.06)Dyspnea1051 (27.53)385.3 (31.51)Insomnia105-2.2 (32.12)396 (28.48)Appetite loss1070.6 (33.96)390.9 (34.61)aFor patients with measurements at both baseline and week 24.
In the COMFORT studies, ruxolitinib demonstrated significantly greater reductions in spleen size compared with placebo or BAT. This post hoc analysis of the 2 studies shows that patients who received BAT in the COMFORT-II study had similar symptom and QoL responses and numerically similar increases in spleen size as those who received placebo in the COMFORT-I study. No clinically meaningful improvements in QoL or symptoms were seen on either the placebo or BAT arms. These new data strongly suggest that current therapies for MF provide little improvement in spleen size, symptoms, or QoL as compared with placebo.
Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Cervantes:Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Waltzman:Novartis: Employment. Mendelson:Novartis: Employment, Equity Ownership. Martin:Novartis Pharma AG: Employment. Sun:Incyte: Employment. Sandor:Incyte: Employment. Levy:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; S*Bio: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria.
▪
In the primary analysis of the phase III COMFORT-I study, the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib (RUX) significantly improved splenomegaly, myelofibrosis (MF)-related symptoms, and quality of life ...(QoL) measures in patients (pts) with MF versus placebo (PBO). An additional analysis (median follow-up 51 weeks wks)) showed RUX was associated with a survival advantage versus PBO (Verstovsek et al. N Engl J Med2012). Longer term follow-up (median 102 wks) showed durable SV reductions and QoL improvements. At this time point, RUX continued to be associated with a survival advantage, despite all pts originally randomized to PBO having discontinued or crossed over to ruxolitinib shortly after the primary analysis (Verstovsek et al. ASH 2012. abstract 800). We report additional longer-term follow-up of pts from COMFORT-I.
In COMFORT-I, 309 pts were randomized (1:1) to RUX or PBO. RUX starting dose depended on baseline platelet count (100–200´109/L: 15 mg BID; >200´109/L: 20 mg BID). Doses could be titrated for lack of efficacy or excess toxicity as specified in the protocol. Pts receiving PBO could crossover to RUX after the primary analysis (ie, when all pts completed 24 wks and half the pts completed 36 wks of therapy) or at any time if they met protocol-specified criteria for worsening splenomegaly. The primary endpoint was the proportion of pts who achieved a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume (SV) at wk 24. Symptoms were assessed up to wk 24 using the modified MF Symptom Assessment Form v2.0. QoL continued to be evaluated beyond wk 24 using the EORTC QoL Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30). Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis according to original randomized treatment. To better understand the effect of crossover on the PBO arm, statistical modeling of survival was conducted using a generalized Gamma distribution.
Median follow-up was 149 wks at the time of this updated analysis. Of 155 pts originally randomized to RUX, 77 remain on therapy. Of 154 pts originally randomized to PBO, 111 crossed over to RUX; the median time to crossover was 41.1 wks (range, 5.1–65.4). At wk 24, pts originally randomized to RUX had a mean SV reduction of −31.6%; this was durable for pts who continued on RUX, where the mean SV reduction at wk 144 was −34.1%. Fifty-nine percent (91/155) of pts originally randomized to RUX achieved a ≥35% SV reduction at any time during study; for these pts, the probability of maintaining this response for >132 weeks from the time of their initial response was 0.53. Pts originally randomized to RUX who continued on therapy experienced durable improvements in the Global Health Status/QoL and functional domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30.
Overall survival favored RUX (HR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.03; P= 0.067; Fig 1), with 42 and 54 deaths among pts originally randomized to RUX and PBO, respectively. Modeling of the hazard function of death over time to explore the effect of crossover to RUX in pts originally randomized to PBO showed a decrease in hazard for these pts, which corresponded to an increased proportion of pts crossing over to RUX.
In pts originally randomized to RUX who continued on therapy, there was no substantial change in the rate, distribution, or severity of nonhematologic adverse events (AEs) with longer-term therapy; most nonhematologic AEs were grade 1 or 2. Mean and median hemoglobin and platelet count remained stable with longer-term therapy. Consistent with this, the incidence of new onset grade 3 or 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia observed after the first 6 months of RUX therapy decreased relative to that seen in the first 6 months of therapy (Fig 2). With approximately 1 year of additional follow up, 4 new cases of acute myeloid leukemia were reported: 2 pts originally randomized to PBO (376 and 666 days after crossover to RUX) and 2 pts originally randomized to RUX (848 and 1143 days after starting RUX).
After a median follow-up of 149 wks, the hazard ratio for overall survival favored pts originally randomized to RUX over those originally randomized to PBO, the majority of whom crossed over to RUX. The hazard of death for pts originally randomized to PBO decreased as pts crossed over to RUX. SV reductions and QoL improvements were sustained with longer-term therapy. The incidence of new onset grade 3 or 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia decreased with longer-term therapy. Collectively, these data reinforce the durable efficacy and longer-term safety of RUX in pts with MF.
Display omitted
Display omitted
Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Mesa:Genentech: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding. Gotlib:Incyte Corporation: Travel support, Travel support Other; Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Levy:Incyte Corporation: Equity Ownership; Incyte Corporation: Employment. Gupta:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Inctye Corporation: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Deininger:BMS, ARIAD, NOVARTIS: Consultancy; BMS, NOVARTIS, CELGENE, GILEAD: Research Funding; ARIAD, NOVARTIS: Advisory Boards, Advisory Boards Other. Miller:Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy; Novartis: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria. Talpaz:Ariad: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Ariad: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Winton:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Arcasoy:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Lyons:Lilly: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Paquette:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy. Raza:Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Onconova Inc: Research Funding. Vaddi:Incyte Corporation: Employment; Incyte Corporation: Equity Ownership. Sun:Incyte: Employment; Incyte: Equity Ownership. Peng:Incyte Corporation: Employment; Incyte Corporation: Equity Ownership. Sandor:Incyte: Employment; Incyte: Equity Ownership. Kantarjian:Ariad: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding.
Abstract ▪800▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract
Ruxolitinib (RUX), an oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, reduced spleen volume (SV), improved myelofibrosis (MF)-associated symptoms and quality ...of life (QoL), and appeared to exhibit a survival advantage over placebo (PBO) in patients (pts) with MF regardless of JAK2V617F mutation status in the phase III COMFORT-I study. We describe long-term efficacy and safety of RUX from COMFORT-I, with 1 year of additional follow up beyond previously published data.
Eligible pts (N=309) were randomized (1:1) to RUX or PBO. The primary analysis occurred when all pts completed 24 weeks (wks) and when half the pts completed 36 wks of treatment. All pts receiving PBO were eligible for crossover to RUX after the primary analysis; crossover before wk 24 was permitted if pts met protocol-defined criteria for worsening splenomegaly. The proportion of pts with ≥35% SV reduction at 24 wks (primary endpoint) and durability of SV response were assessed. Although symptom burden (measured daily using the modified MF Symptom Assessment Form v2.0) was only measured up to wk 24, QoL continued to be evaluated beyond wk 24 (every 24 wks) using the EORTC QoL Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30). Overall survival (OS) was assessed according to original randomized treatment.
In this updated analysis, median follow-up of pts randomized to RUX was 102 wks. All pts receiving PBO completed crossover or discontinued within 3 months of the primary analysis. Of 134 pts randomized to RUX who remained on treatment after the primary data analysis, 100 continue on study. Mean SV reduction in pts randomized to RUX was 31.6% at wk 24 and has remained stable with additional follow up through wk 96 (Table). In pts who achieved a ≥35% SV reduction, response was durable, with a median response duration of 108 wks. RUX treatment was also associated with durable improvements in the Global Health Status/QoL (Table) and the 5 functional domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30. Twenty-seven (27) pts randomized to RUX and 41 pts randomized to PBO died, representing a continued OS benefit in favor of RUX (HR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.95; P = 0.028; Fig 1) similar in magnitude to that previously reported. OS favored RUX across subgroups including starting dose as well as baseline risk status and hemoglobin (Hgb).
Of 34 pts randomized to RUX who discontinued after the primary analysis, 4 discontinued for an adverse event (AE). In pts who continued on RUX, anemia and thrombocytopenia remained the most frequently reported AEs. New onset of grade 3 or 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia was reported in only 12 and 5 pts, respectively. One pt discontinued for anemia. Overall, among all pts randomized to RUX, Grade 3 and 4 anemia regardless of baseline Hgb was reported in 37.4% and 14.8% of pts, respectively. Similarly, Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia was reported in 11.0% and 5.2% of pts, respectively. These rates were similar to those reported in the primary analysis. By wk 36, the proportion of pts receiving red blood cell transfusions decreased to the level seen with PBO and remained stable thereafter (Fig 2). Rates of nonhematologic AEs adjusted for increased follow-up duration remain similar to those seen at the time of the primary data analysis. No additional cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in pts randomized to RUX were reported. Two pts originally randomized to PBO developed AML, 21 and 178 days after crossover to RUX. There continued to be no reports of a withdrawal syndrome after RUX discontinuation.
RUX provides durable reductions in SV and improvements in QoL. Although all pts randomized to PBO crossed over to RUX shortly after the primary analysis, with 1 year of additional follow up, RUX continues to be associated with a survival advantage over PBO. RUX continues to be well tolerated; the AE profile with long-term treatment is consistent with that previously reported. The proportion of pts receiving transfusions decreased over time to rates similar to PBO, and there were no reports of a specific withdrawal syndrome or cytokine rebound phenomenon after RUX discontinuation.TableEfficacy of RUX on SV and QoLRUXPBOMean % change in SV ± SEMWk24#x2610;31.6 ± 1.68.2 ± 1.536#x2610;31.9 ± 1.98.6 ± 1.848#x2610;31.6 ± 2.1NA60#x2610;32.9 ± 2.4NA72#x2610;34.1 ± 2.5NA96#x2610;34.9 ± 3.0NAMean change in EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status/QoL* ± SEMWk2412.3 ± 2.2#x2610;3.7 ± 2.14813.6 ± 2.2NA7214.1 ± 2.5NA9613.0 ± 2.4NANA, not available; SEM, standard error of the mean.*Improvements >10 are clinically significant. Display omitted Display omitted
Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding. Gotlib:Incyte: Consultancy, travel to congress Other. Levy:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gupta:Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; YM Biosciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; SanofiåAventis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Catalano:Incyte: Consultancy. Deininger:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Ariad: Consultancy. Miller:Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau, development of educational presentations Other; Incyte: development of educational presentations, development of educational presentations Other. Talpaz:Novartis: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; B.M.S.: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Teva: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Winton:Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria. Arcasoy:Incyte: Research Funding. Lyons:Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Telik: Research Funding. Paquette:Incyte: Consultancy. Vaddi:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sun:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sandor:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kantarjian:Incyte: grant support Other.
Abstract 176▪▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract
Ruxolitinib (RUX) has demonstrated clinical benefit for patients with myelofibrosis (MF) with or without the JAK2V617F mutation at ...starting doses of 15 or 20 mg PO BID by alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life measures, reducing spleen volume and exhibiting an apparent increase in overall survival in the phase III placebo (PBO)-controlled COMFORT-I study. Reversible declines in platelet count and hemoglobin (Hgb) can occur with ruxolitinib but are rarely treatment-limiting. Patients with MF who have low platelet counts represent an important subset of MF patients; given the potential risk of bleeding complications, a dosing strategy for such patients is needed. We assessed an alternative strategy using lower starting doses of ruxolitinib with subsequent dose escalation in patients with MF who have platelet counts of 50–100 × 109/L (Study INCB018424-258; NCT01348490).
RUX dosing started at 5 mg BID. With adequate platelet count, doses could increase by 5 mg once daily every 4 weeks to 10 mg BID. Further increases required evidence of suboptimal efficacy. Assessments include measurement of MF symptoms (MF Symptom Assessment Form v2.0 Total Symptom Score TSS); Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC); EORTC QLQ-C30, measurement of spleen volume by MRI, and safety/tolerability.
A total of 50 patients have enrolled, with data available for 41 patients. Nineteen have completed 24 weeks of treatment; >70% of these patients attained a final dose of ≥10 mg BID of RUX. Treatment was generally well tolerated in this study population with no withdrawals for thrombocytopenia or bleeding events. Based on analysis of adverse events, no new safety signals were observed in this population of MF patients with low platelet counts. Data for efficacy parameters, including spleen volume reduction, TSS reduction, and improvement in EORTC-QLQ-C30 subscales and PGIC were consistent with RUX treatment in the COMFORT-I study, and demonstrated clinically meaningful efficacy compared with the COMFORT-I PBO arm (Table).RUX Study 258 N=41RUX COMFORT-I N=155PBO COMFORT-I N=154Mean Baseline platelet count, x109/L73321280Mean Baseline Hgb in patients with no transfusions, g/L108123115Week 12/Week 24Week 12/Week 24Week 12/Week 24Mean total daily dose, mg15.1/19.130.4/29.60Mean change from Baseline platelet count, x109/L−1.0/−5.3−130/−159−9.1/−11.2Mean change from Baseline Hgb, g/L−1.8/−0.2−18/−11+1.3/+1.9Week 24Week 24Week 24≥50% reduction in TSS, % of patients36465.3≥35% reduction in spleen volume, % of patients33420.7“Much” or “Very much improved” on PGIC, % of patients596711Mean change from Baseline on EORTC QLQ-C30 Fatigue Subscale*–23.4–14.81.8Mean change from Baseline on EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health/Quality of Life†16.212.3–3.4*Negative changes indicate improvement.†Positive changes indicate improvement.
Of 19 patients with platelet count data through Week 24, 5 showed increased platelet count over the duration of the study (range of increase: 20 to 95 x109/L); all 5 patients had optimized dosing to ≥10 mg BID. Compared with the 14 patients showing smaller increases or modest decreases in platelet count, these 5 patients were younger (mean age: 63 years vs. 71 years), had been diagnosed with MF more recently (2.2 years vs. 5.2 years) and had lower DIPSS scores (60% Intermediate-1; 20% Intermediate-2; 20% High vs. 0% Intermediate-1; 79% Intermediate-2; 21% High).
Four patients (9.8%) reported adverse events of bleeding (excluding events related to bruising) of any grade (all events were Grade 1 except one Grade 2 hematochezia), consistent with previously reported hemorrhage frequency in the COMFORT-I study (16.8%, RUX; 12.6%, PBO).
These preliminary findings suggest that a dosing strategy of a low starting dose of RUX with escalation to 10 mg BID may be appropriate in MF patients who have low platelet counts. Most patients were able to titrate to a dose of ≥10 mg BID of RUX, a dose showing efficacy for both spleen volume and patient-reported outcomes generally consistent with previously reported data from Phase III trials. An increase in platelet counts was observed in approximately one-fourth of patients who completed 24 weeks of RUX treatment. Escalation to, and subsequent maintenance of, a 10 mg BID dose of RUX also preserves both Hgb and platelet count which may be beneficial for MF patients with anemia or thrombocytopenia.
Talpaz:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Research Funding; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Teva: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Paquette:Incyte: Consultancy. Jamieson:Sunesis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Blue Distinction Centers for Transplants BlueCross BlueShield Association: Consultancy. Lyons:Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Tiu:Incyte: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Winton:Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Honoraria. Odenike:Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi-Aventis:Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Peng:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Sandor:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. O'Neill:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Leopold:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Levy:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kantarjian:Incyte Corporation: grant support Other. Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding.
Abstract▪278▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract
Overactive JAK-STAT signaling as a result of gain-of-function mutations (eg, JAK2V617F) and/or high circulating levels of inflammatory ...cytokines is considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Ruxolitinib, a selective oral inhibitor of JAK1 and JAK2, demonstrated a significant reduction in spleen volume (SV) and improvements in myelofibrosis (MF)-related symptoms in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial (COMFORT-I). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of ruxolitinib across patient (pt) subgroups in COMFORT-I.
Pts with MF were randomized to start placebo or ruxolitinib at a dose of 15 mg or 20 mg PO BID depending on baseline platelet count (100–200 ×109/L or >200 ×109/L, respectively). The dose was optimized for efficacy and safety during treatment. SV change was measured by MRI; MF symptoms were assessed using a daily diary (modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form MFSAF v2.0) over 1 wk prior to dosing and throughout the 24 wks of dosing. The percent changes from baseline to wk 24 in SV and MFSAF Total Symptom Score (TSS, a measure of combined scores for abdominal discomfort, pain under ribs on left side, early satiety, itching, night sweats, and bone/muscle pain) were compared for ruxolitinib and placebo pts across the following subgroups: MF disease subtype, age, International Prognosis Scoring System (IPSS) risk group, presence/absence of JAK2V617F mutation, baseline hemoglobin, baseline spleen size (palpable spleen length), and baseline TSS. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method.
309 pts were randomized: 155 to ruxolitinib and 154 to placebo. Ruxolitinib demonstrated consistent benefit compared with placebo in both SV and TSS across all subgroups evaluated (Table).
Mean Percent Change From Baseline to Wk 24 ± SDSubgroupSVTSSRuxolitinibPlaceboRuxolitinibPlaceboPrimary MF−29.9 ± 17.5+8.5 ± 16.7−38.5 ± 54.3+41.7 ± 92.0Post-Polycythemia Vera MF−37.3 ± 20.9+5.9 ± 14.5−54.9 ± 41.5+27.2 ± 105Post-Essential Thrombocythemia MF−27.0 ± 17.4+11.1 ± 11.2−49.9 ± 45.1+73.7 ± 112High Risk−30.9 ± 19.5+7.7 ± 15.8−41.5 ± 52.2+48.7 ± 94.8Intermediate-2 Risk−32.8 ± 18.4+9.1 ± 14.5−53.5 ± 43.2+28.8 ± 107Age ≤65−31.1 ± 18.8+12.7 ± 15.6−48.1 ± 46.6+28.6 ± 73.0Age >65−32.2 ± 19.3+6.3 ± 14.9−45.0 ± 50.6+47.7 ± 109V617F Positive−34.6 ± 19.8+8.1 ± 16.5−52.6 ± 44.9+42.8 ± 98.6V617F Negative−23.8 ± 14.2+8.4 ± 8.5−28.1 ± 55.5+37.2 ± 105Baseline Palpable Spleen Length ≤10 cm−26.8 ± 19.1+13.0 ± 11.7−28.5 ± 56.6+39.1 ± 116Baseline Palpable Spleen Length >10 cm−32.9 ± 18.9+6.9 ± 15.9−51.1 ± 45.4+42.4 ± 95.5Baseline Hb ≥10 g/dL−33.4 ± 18.7+7.6 ± 16.1−47.0 ± 49.6+27.2 ± 99.7Baseline Hb <10 g/dL−28.3 ± 19.2+8.9 ± 14.3−45.6 ± 47.1+63.8 ± 95.6
The impact of symptom severity on response was evaluated by baseline TSS quartiles (maximum score for TSS = 60). Ruxolitinib pts with baseline TSS of <8.5, 8.5-<16.5, 16.5-<25.5 and ≥25.5 had mean percent changes in SV of −28.0, −31.4, −31.7 and −34.8, respectively, vs +8.1 for all placebo pts combined. The mean percent change in TSS for these same subgroups was −40.5, −47.2, −48.1 and −48.2 vs +41.8 for all placebo pts combined. These data indicate that pts with modest to marked symptoms all benefit from ruxolitinib therapy in terms of both SV and TSS.
13 ruxolitinib and 24 placebo pts died during the study or during extended follow-up (median follow-up of 52 and 51 wks, respectively), representing a hazard ratio (95% CI) of 0.499 (0.254, 0.98) (p=0.0395). For ruxolitinib- and placebo-treated pts, respectively, the probability of survival (95% CI) >48 wks was 0.98 (0.92, 0.99) and 0.90 (0.81, 0.95) for pts with baseline hemoglobin values ≥10 g/dL and 0.84 (0.72, 0.91) and 0.77 (0.63, 0.86) for pts with baseline hemoglobin <10 g/dL.
Pts receiving ruxolitinib had higher response rates than placebo based on reductions in SV and improvements in TSS at wk 24 regardless of baseline subgroup: MF disease subtype, age (≤65 or >65 y), IPSS risk group (intermediate-2 or high-risk), presence or absence of JAK2V617F mutation, hemoglobin level (≥10 g/dL or <10 g/dL), palpable spleen length (≤10 cm or >10 cm), and symptom severity (TSS quartile). In addition, the overall survival analysis suggested a benefit with ruxolitinib therapy over placebo.
Verstovsek:Incyte: Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Gotlib:Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding. Levy:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gupta:Incyte: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Catalano:Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Deininger:BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Miller:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Winton:Incyte: Consultancy. Arcasoy:Incyte: Research Funding. Lyons:Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria; Telik: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Vaddi:Incyte: Employment. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment. Sun:Incyte: Employment. Sandor:Incyte: Employment. Kantarjian:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Abstract 3842▪▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract
Dysregulated JAK-STAT signaling is a key feature in MF, which is characterized by splenomegaly, debilitating symptoms, poor quality of ...life (QoL), cytopenias, and shortened survival. Ruxolitinib is a selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor with clinical activity in MF. COMFORT-I is a Phase III, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of ruxolitinib in patients with MF. At wk 24, 41.9% of patients receiving ruxolitinib reached the protocol-defined threshold of a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume (SV) compared to 0.7% in the placebo group (p<0.0001). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the relationship between SV reduction achieved with ruxolitinib treatment and changes in symptoms and QoL.
309 patients were randomized to receive ruxolitinib (n=155) or placebo (n=154). Initial dosing was based on baseline platelet counts: 15 mg BID for counts of 100–200 x109/L and 20 mg BID for >200 x109/L. SV was measured by blinded imaging (MRI or CT scan) every 12 wks. Via electronic diary, patients reported MF symptoms daily using the modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form (MFSAF) v2.0. The Total Symptom Score (TSS) from the MFSAF represents a combined score for the individual symptoms of abdominal discomfort, pain under ribs on left side, early satiety, itching, night sweats, and bone/muscle pain. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMISE) Fatigue questionnaires were administered at each visit; Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) was administered at every visit beginning at wk 4. The PGIC rates a patient’s overall sense of whether a treatment has been beneficial or not on a 7-point scale, ranging from 1 = very much improved to 7 = very much worse, with 4 = no change.
Baseline QoL scores reflected debilitating disease, and were similar to scores for similar-aged patients with other cancers (Scott NW, Fayers PM, Aaronson NK, et al. EORTC QLQ-C30 Reference Values Manual, July 2008). The impact on patients was particularly evident on the PROMIS Fatigue scale and QLC-C30 Global Health, Physical Functioning, Role Functioning, and Social Functioning subscales.
Baseline Symptom and QoL Measures*
Parameter MeasuredRuxolitinib (mean)Placebo (mean)Maximum Score PossibleMFSAF - TSS18.016.560 (worst possible)PROMIS Fatigue43.443.2100 (worst possible)EORTC QLQ C-30 SubscalesEORTC Global Health52.654.5100 (best possible)Physical Functioning69.567.6100 (best possible)Role Functioning64.665.1100 (best possible)Emotional Functioning73.776.3100 (best possible)Cognitive Functioning81.179.3100 (best possible)Social Functioning68.065.9100 (best possible)*Baseline measures for patients with both baseline and wk 24 data.
Associations between changes in symptoms and QoL with the objectively measured changes in SV were evaluated. Patients receiving ruxolitinib were grouped according to SV reduction at 24 wks of treatment: ≥35% reduction in SV (n=65), 10-<35% (n=51), and <10% (n=23). Symptom and QoL responses were evaluated among the various subgroups (of the SV reduction percentage strata) and comparisons were made across these and the total placebo group (n=106). Shown in the Figure are mean changes at wk 24 relative to baseline for TSS, QoL indicators, and PGIC scores.
Changes in SV as low as 10% in ruxolitinib-treated patients were associated with improvements on EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health subscale, PROMISE Fatigue scale, and the MFSAF v2.0 diary TSS. Moreover, commensurate improvements in these outcomes were observed as the SV reduction increased. Importantly, the simple PGIC questionnaire allowed patients to characterize a meaningful change in their condition that was consistent with more comprehensive measures of MF symptoms and quality of life, reflecting a doctor-patient assessment easily applied to clinical practice. Display omitted
Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Gotlib:Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding. Gupta:Incyte: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Catalano:Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Deininger:BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Shields:Incyte: Consultancy. Miller:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Winton:Incyte: Consultancy. Hare:Incyte: Employment. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment. Sun:Incyte: Employment. Sandor:Incyte: Employment. Levy:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Kantarjian:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Verstovsek:Incyte: Research Funding.
Abstract 5146
Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by splenomegaly, debilitating symptoms, hematologic abnormalities, and shortened survival. COMFORT-I is a Phase III randomized, double-blind, ...placebo-controlled study of the JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in patients (pts) with MF. The placebo arm of this ongoing study provides a unique population in which to assess the clinical burden of MF in a controlled setting.
151 pts with intermediate-2 or high-risk primary-MF (PMF), post-polycythemia vera-MF (PPV-MF), or post-essential thombocythemia-MF (PET-MF) who were not candidates for other therapies were randomized to receive placebo in COMFORT-I after a 28-day washout of previous MF therapies. Assessments included MF symptoms measured daily using an electronic diary (modified Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form MFSAF v2.0), spleen volume measured every 12 wks by blinded abdominal MRI or CT scans, and laboratory measures at least monthly through wk 24. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMISE) Fatigue and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) questionnaires were administered at each visit. Pts with missing data (baseline or post-baseline assessment measured), or pts who withdrew or crossed over to active treatment before a study visit were not included in analyses.
151 pts received 1 or more doses of placebo (median exposure 204 days). The study included 65% high-risk and 35% intermediate-2 risk pts, with a median of 2.5 years since diagnosis. 55% had PMF, 31% PPV-MF, and 14% PET-MF. Regardless of prior MF therapy (57% were on hydroxyurea), there was continual worsening of symptoms over time as assessed by the MFSAF Total Symptom Score (TSS, comprised of scores for night sweats, itching, abdominal pain and discomfort, early satiety and bone/muscle pain) (see Figure).
At wk 24, mean/median spleen volume increased by +8.1%/+8.5%, and both intermediate-2 and high-risk pts demonstrated progressive disease over the course of the study. Mean/median PROMIS Fatigue score worsened by 9.1%/6.5%. Mean/median score for the PGIC (a 7-point scale ranging from 1 = very much improved to 7 = very much worse, with 4 = no change) was 4.2/4.0 at wk 24; 19.6% of pts reported feeling much worse or very much worse. Mean/median total body weight changed from 72.0 kg/72.2 kg to 70.1 kg/69.7 kg at wk 24. Hematology assessments (median, baseline vs wk 24) were as follows: hemoglobin, 105 vs 106 g/L; platelets, 233 vs 219 x109/L; neutrophils, 14.8 vs 16.0 x109/L; white blood cell count, 18.4 vs 20.1 x109/L. Two of 151 pts had new-onset (new or worsening) grade 3 or grade 4 thrombocytopenia, and 23/151 pts had new-onset grade 3 or grade 4 anemia. 16 pts met protocol-specified criteria for unblinding and crossover to active treatment before wk 24, which was a 25% increase in MRI-based spleen volume either with or without increased pain or weight loss; thus, mean and median values reported at wk 24 may represent an underestimate of the degree of worsening in disease parameters.
The signs and symptoms of MF continued to worsen over a 6-month time frame in this placebo population. The data illustrate the progressive nature of MF and support the need for effective therapeutic interventions. Moreover, treatment benefit must be benchmarked against continual evolution of the disease in the absence of treatment. Early recognition of the debilitating symptoms of MF and intervention with effective therapy to prevent continual worsening of the disease should be strongly considered. Display omitted
Verstovsek:Incyte: Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Gotlib:Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding. Levy:Incyte: Employment, Equity Ownership. Gupta:Incyte: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Catalano:Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Deininger:BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Research Funding; Genzyme: Research Funding. Miller:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Winton:Incyte: Consultancy. Arcasoy:Incyte: Research Funding. Lyons:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Telik: Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding. Vaddi:Incyte: Employment. Erickson-Viitanen:Incyte: Employment. Sun:Incyte: Employment. Sandor:Incyte: Employment. Kantarjian:Incyte: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding.
Abstract 313
While advanced PV and ET patients at high thrombotic risk are managed primarily with HU, patients who are intolerant or refractory to HU have limited therapeutic options. Identification ...of a dominant gain-of-function mutation in the JAK2 kinase, V617F, in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including PV and ET, provided a key rationale for the development of a molecularly targeted therapy for these diseases. Long term follow-up data from an ongoing trial of INCB018424, a selective JAK 1/ JAK 2 inhibitor, in PV and ET patients refractory or intolerant to HU are presented.
Study 18424-256 is an uncontrolled open-label Phase 2 study being conducted at 6 sites in the United States and Italy. An initial 8-week run-in evaluation established 10-mg and 25-mg twice daily as starting doses for expansion cohorts in PV and ET, respectively; dose adjustments for safety and efficacy are allowed so that each subject is titrated to their most appropriate dose. For PV, response is defined based on Hct control in the absence of phlebotomy, improvement or elimination of palpable splenomegaly when present, and normalization of leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. For ET, response is defined based on improvement or normalization of WBC and platelet counts and, when present, elimination of palpable splenomegaly.
After a median follow-up of 15 months (range 8–21), 97% of enrolled subjects achieved Hct control to <45% in the absence of phlebotomy, and all continued to maintain phlebotomy-independence at the time of last follow-up visit. Splenomegaly was present in 74% of subjects at entry: 59% of those achieved ≥ 50% reduction in palpable spleen length, or the spleen became non-palpable with all maintaining spleen response at the time of the last follow-up visit. Leukocytosis > 15×109/L was present in 47% of subjects and improved (≤ 15×109/L) or normalized (≤ upper limit of normal) in 88% and 63%, respectively. Thrombocytosis > 600×109/L was present in 38% of subjects and improved (≤ 600×109/L) or normalized (≤ upper limit of normal) in 92% and 69%, respectively. 59% of subjects achieved phlebotomy independence, resolution of splenomegaly and normalization of leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. 6 patients discontinued therapy (3 due to AEs, 2 withdrew consent, 1 for no response). Grade 3 AEs potentially related to study medication included thrombocytopenia (2 patients), neutropenia (1), renal tumor (1), asthenia (1), viral infection (1), and atrial flutter (1). No Grade 4 drug-related AEs have occurred.
After a median follow-up of 15 months (range 4–21), 49% of enrolled subjects normalized platelet counts to ≤ upper limit of normal after a median of 0.5 months and for a median duration of 3.5 months. 82% maintained platelet counts < 600×109/L, for a median duration of 9.8 months. Of 14 patients with baseline platelet counts > 1000×109/L, 13 have experienced > 50% reduction. 88% maintained normal WBC (median duration 14.5 months). Palpable spleens resolved in 3 of 4 subjects; 1 reduced >50% from baseline. 49% of subjects achieved normalization of WBC and platelet counts in the presence of non-palpable splenomegaly. 9 patients discontinued therapy (4 due to AEs, 2 withdrew consent, 3 for no response). Grade 3 AEs potentially related to study medication included leukopenia (2 patients), GI disorder (1), and peripheral neuropathy (1). No Grade 4 drug-related AEs have occurred. Both patient groups demonstrated reductions in patient-reported symptom scores for pruritus, night sweats, and bone pain. Of 26 PV patients reporting pruritus at baseline (median score of 6 on a 10-point scale), 24 reported scores of 0 after a median duration of 1 month and for a median duration of 7 months. 42% of PV and 56% of ET patients had at least a 20% decrease in JAK2V617F allele burden; 6% of PV and 12% of ET had >50% decrease. Clinical responses were unrelated to the presence/absence of JAK2V617F mutation at entry or to the allele burden changes following treatment.
Rapid and durable clinical benefits (normalization of hematological parameters, resolution of splenomegaly and alleviation of symptoms) have been demonstrated in advanced PV and ET patients with >1 year of follow-up. In this study, INCB018424 continues to be a well tolerated, effective therapy in patients with PV and ET refractory or intolerant to hydroxyurea.
Verstovsek:Incyte Corporation: Research Funding. Levy:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Bradley:Incyte Corporation: Employment. Garrett:Incyte Corporation: Employment. Vaddi:Incyte corporation: Employment. Huber:Incyte Corporation: Employment, Equity Ownership. Schacter:Pfizer Corporation: Employment. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents constitutes one of the major obstacles to the successful treatment of cancer. While several mechanisms underlying drug resistance have been elucidated, the most ...widely studied mechanism involves the efflux of antineoplastic drugs from cancer cells by P-glycoprotein, the 170 kD glycoprotein product of the
MDR-I gene. The observation that several compounds are able to inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro created optimism that the problem of multidrug resistance in cancer could be quickly resolved by moving these compounds into the clinic. However, despite a large number of clinical trials with several different putative Pgp modulators, the value of Pgp modulation in clinical oncologic practice remains unresolved. While these initial trials have not answered the question of whether Pgp is an important mechanism of resistance in human cancers, or whether modulation of Pgp is likely to positively impact on the treatment of cancer, they have provided insights regarding the problems inherent in conducting trials of this nature. These clinical insights, along with knowledge gained from continued basic research on drug resistance mediated by Pgp and related transporters, will form a strong foundation for future research into the role of Pgp and Pgp modulation in the treatment of cancer. The ubiquitous nature of transporters and the high prevalence of transporter substrates among antineoplastic drugs, compel the development of modulators that can be used to prevent or reverse drug resistance.
This plain language summary describes the results of a study looking at the effects of a medicine called ARRY-371797 (also known as PF-07265803) in people with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM for short) ...caused by a faulty
gene. This condition is called LMNA-related DCM. DCM happens when the heart becomes bigger and weaker than normal, impacting functional capacity and leading to symptoms of heart failure. This means the heart is not able to pump blood around the body as easily, and people are unable to do as much in their daily lives (like getting dressed and going shopping). People may inherit a faulty
gene from one of their parents, or a faulty
gene may develop when mistakes happen during cell growth and replication. ARRY-371797 targets a specific mechanism in the body that can lead to heart problems in people with a faulty
gene. As ARRY-371797 is not currently approved for use outside of clinical trials, it doesn't currently have an easily recognizable trade name.
12 American people (average age 50 years) with LMNA-related DCM took part in the study and received 400 mg or 100 mg of ARRY-371797 twice daily for 48 weeks. People knew which dose of ARRY-371797 they were taking. People were checked after 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks of taking ARRY-371797 to see how far they could walk in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT for short). The level of NT-proBNP in their blood was also measured. NT-proBNP is a biomarker used to measure the severity of heart failure. A biomarker is something found in the body that can be measured to indicate the extent of a disease. -After taking ARRY-371797 for 12 weeks, people were able to walk further in the 6MWT and had lower levels of NT-proBNP in their blood. This suggests improvement in functional capacity (exercise tolerance) and heart function. Researchers also asked people about their quality of life using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ for short), and looked for any side effects. -Researchers saw some improvement in KCCQ scores. -Researchers saw no major side effects that they considered to be related to ARRY-371797 treatment. A side effect is something that people feel was caused by a medicine or treatment. Overall, this study showed that people with LMNA-related DCM who took ARRY-371797 had improved functional capacity (exercise tolerance), improved heart function, and improved quality of life. Phase 2 study (NCT02057341) Phase 2 long-term extension study (NCT02351856) Phase 3 REALM-DCM study (NCT03439514).
