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Background: Hypomethylating agents (HMA) such as 5-Azacitidine (Aza) have overall responses rate of ~35-50% in acute myeloid Leukemia (AML) and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients (pts). However, eventually all pts develop resistance on therapy. To improve upfront response rates and to address HMA failure, we performed genome-scale RNAi screens targeting genes on chromosomes 5 and 7, recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities in AML/MDS. These screens identified Hedgehog pathway (Hh) genes as potentially targetable vulnerabilities with Aza. Combination experiments with smoothened (SMO) inhibitors (SMO is a central activating gene within the Hh pathway) showed pre-clinical synergy. These and additional published data support the Hh pathway as a targetable vulnerability in AML, and provide a rational for a trial. Methods: A phase I/Ib protocol of the oral SMO inhibitor LDE225 (Sonidegib) in combination with Aza in untreated and relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) AML, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), MDS, or MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap pts. Objectives of the phase I part are to determine safety, toxicity and MTD and for the phase Ib part to assess the preliminary overall efficacy. Sonidegib was started at dose level (DL) 0 at 400mg oral daily continuously and Aza at the approved doses (75mg/m2 x 7 days or days 5-2-2) with dose adjustment per label. A classical 3+3 design was used and DLT (CTCAE v4.0) defined as > grade 3 CPK elevation or hepatic or non-hematologic adverse events (AEs) lasting > 7 days or any grade 4 event, except for hematologic toxicities. DLT was assessed after 42 days when steady-state concentrations of Sonidegib were reached. Pharmacokinetic assessments were not performed for this study. Results: Patients and Dose Levels : Between 5/22/2014 and the data cut-off date (7/20/2015), 36 pts were enrolled. Median age was 72 y (range 52-85 y) and 64% were male. Most AML pts (23 of 24) had intermediate or unfavorable cytogenetics and most MDS/CMML pts were in the int.- to high-/very high-risk group (IPSS-R). Six pts were treated at DL-0 of Sonidegib 400mg/day and one DLT of CPK elevation was observed. Another patient had grade 4 neutropenia (which at the time was included in the DLT definition, later removed). Due to overall tolerance of the combination at DL 0 and investigator assessment, despite only 1/6 pts having a formal DLT, DL -1 at Sonidegib 200mg was explored at which 0/3 pts (1 pt non-evaluable) had DLT and the phase Ib portion was opened at DL -1. To date a total of 24 AML (13 newly dx, 11 rel/ref), 11 MDS/CMML (5 newly dx, 6 rel/ref ) and 1 myelofibrosis pt have been enrolled. Safety and Tolerability: An initial safety and efficacy assessment for 25 of the 29 pts treated on the phase Ib (n=26) + the MTD cohort of 200 mg (n=3) and for who at least 2 cycles of treatment follow up was available, showed that all pts experienced at least one grade-3 or 4 hematologic AE with a lower rate in the untreated vs. treated cohort. Other, non-hematologic grade-3 and 4 AEs respectively were seen in 24 and 28% of patients-most commonly hyponatremia and fatigue, known AEs for this drug class. Treatment delays occurred in 28% of pts and Aza or Sonidegib dose reductions in 16%. 23 (79%) pts are alive and 6 have died (21%), with one death while pt was actively treated but was deemed unrelated; 11 pts remain on study, with the remainder showing disease progression (n=3) or taken-off study for other reasons (n=3 each for AEs and did not want further treatment; n=4 other). Efficacy : As of 7/20/15 with a median treatment duration of 2 cycles, 2/5 untreated MDS/CMML pts achieved CR/CRi; 1 HMA rel/ref AML had CR; 1 untreated AML pt each had PR and MLFS. 90% of pts have not progressed. Updated results will be presented at the ASH 2015 meeting; by then all 29 pts will have completed a minimum of 4-6 cycles on study and full efficacy and AE result on all pts will be reported. To date the OS at 6 mo is 77% (95% CI: 44-97%) with a median PFS of 4 mo (range: 2-NR). Many pts in the untreated cohorts have just enrolled. Conclusion: Hh pathway inhibition with the clinically well tolerated SMO inhibitor Sonidegib in combination with Aza in MDS and AML pts is well tolerated with mostly hematologic AEs as expected with early signs of clinical activity in untreated and HMA-failure pts. Full efficacy results of 29 pts and updated safety data will be reported for this first combination trial of a SMO inhibitor in combination with a HMA in MDS and AML pts. Disclosures Mesa: Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation: Consultancy; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding. Al-Kali:Novartis: Research Funding.

Introduction Myelofibrosis (MF) and Post PV/ET MF represents a group of debilitating hematological disorders in which quality of life (QOL) is severely compromised in most patients as a result of persistent constitutional symptoms, progressive cytopenias, and splenomegaly. Conventional therapeutic modalities have largely focused on symptoms palliation rather than cure. Allogeneic stem cell transplantion (ASCT) remains the only potential curative option for intermediate and high risk disease. Till now, outcome data for MF have historically focused on survival benefit. Until now, few studies have evaluated the QOL, financial burden, and symptom response in MF patients undergoing treatment including ASCT. The development of the Myeloproliferative Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom (MPN-SAF TSS) score in 2012 allows us to objectively quantify with a standardized tool these crucial aspects of patients care. The Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Quality of Life (MPN-QOL) Study Group aims to objectively quantify symptomatic response to standard available treatments by utilizing the MPN-SAF TSS. We introduce two MPN-QOL prospective trials currently in active enrollment: The MPN Experimental Assessment of Symptoms by Utilizing Repetitive Evaluation (MEASURE) Trial and the Symptoms Yielded in Myelofibrosis Patients after Transplant as Objectified by MPN-SAF TSS (SYMPTOMS) Trial. Our intention with these studies is to quantify the QOL and symptom burden of PMF and post PV/ET MF patients undergoing treatment including ASCT. Methods The MEASURES trial is a prospective questionnaire based study evaluating the responsiveness of the MPN-SAF TSS in detecting symptomatic changes in target symptoms for an anticipated 180 ET, PV and MF (including primary MF, post-ET and post PV MF) patients receiving non-experimental medical therapy (aspirin, hydroxyurea, anagrelide, interferon, busulfan, melphalan, cladribine, thalidomide, lenalidomide, prednisone, danazol, ruxolitinib) and/or phlebotomy. Patients complete the MPN-SAF for seven consecutive days at the time of enrollment and repeat the survey for an additional seven consecutive days between 90 days and six months. Patients also complete the MDASI, EORTC and Global Impression of Change Items on the first day of the second assessment. Physicians acquire demographic, laboratory, physical examination and radiographic data, along with serial response assessments. In parallel, the SYMPTOMS trial is prospective questionnaire based study evaluating the QOL of patients undergoing ASCT utilizing MPN-SAF TSS, the FACT-BMT, Global Impression of Change, and a financial questionnaire. Patients will be evaluated at various time points pre-transplant, day 30, day 100 and 1 year post-transplant. Participants (N=110) will be prospectively enrolled from Mayo Clinic Arizona (MCA) with other centers to soon join. To date we have enrolled 5 patients from MCA on the SYMPTOMS trial and 32 patients on the MEASURES trial. Results Both trials began open enrollment in the summer of 2012 and remain in recruitment phase. Our updated preliminary data will be presented at the ASH 2013 meeting Conclusion Myeloproliferative Neoplasms have been associated with debilitating symptom profile that can significantly impair the QOL. We recognize the burden of this disease and treatment and have therefore initiated two ongoing parallel prospective trials with goals to quantify the QOL and symptom burden of MPN patients. By quantifying degree of burden and impairment in QOL in a standardized format in MPN patients undergoing a range of treatments, we will in the future be better able to inform our patients of the likely benefits and toxicities of the available treatment options. Disclosures: Birgegard: Vifor Pharma: Honoraria.

Abstract 5061 Background: Ruxolitinib was approved for commercial use for the therapy of intermediate- and high-risk myelofibrosis (MF) in the USA in November 2011. We sought to assess the initial clinical experience on the use of ruxolitinib outside of the clinical trial setting at our high volume MPN program. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis (including PMF, post-PV and post-ET myelofibrosis) prescribed ruxolitinib at our center within the first seven months after FDA approval were included in this analysis. Baseline disease information, treatment history, dynamics of ruxolitinib dosing, impact on cytopenias, splenic response, and symptoms were assessed. Results: A total of 28 patients with post-ET MF (n=7), post-PV MF (n=6) and primary MF (n=15) began ruxolitinib between November, 2011 and May, 2012. Twenty-seven patients had been treated with previous therapies. The JAK2V617F mutation was present in 79% of patients. The mean number of weeks from diagnosis of MF to treatment with ruxolitinib was 218 (8–929). The average spleen size at the start of therapy was 11. 5cm (0–36) below the left costal margin. DIPSS Plus scores classified patients as Intermediate-1 (53%), Intermediate-2 (29%) and High risk (18%). Symptoms at the start of therapy included fatigue (78%), early satiety (25%), night-sweats (68%), abdominal pain (61%), pruritis (32%), weight-loss (57%), bone pain (21%), and fevers (11%). The average hemoglobin concentration, WBC count and platelet counts were 10. 9 g/dL (7. 6–13. 8), 13. 5 × 10(9)/L (3. 1–53. 8) and 295 × 10(9)/L (32–844) respectively. The median duration to follow-up was 72 days (4–144 days). The majority of patients began therapy at 20 mg BID (68%). Most patients seen in follow-up experienced reduction in splenic size (64%), 36% of which had complete resolution of palpable splenomegaly within a mean follow-up of 78 days (10–142). Significant improvements were noted in symptoms including fatigue (68%), early satiety (71%), night sweats (47%), abdominal pain (71%), pruritis (55%), weight loss (69%), bone pain (33%) and fevers (33%). Dosage reductions were required for four patients with anemia (n=3) and thrombocytopenia (n=1). Two patients required the addition of anagrelide/hydroxyurea for platelet counts >1, 000 × 10(9)/L. Excluding patients with preexisting thrombocytosis >600 × 10(9)/L, the percentage reduction of platelets from baseline by weeks 4, 9 and 15 were 34%, 13%, and 12% respectively. Eight patients required red blood cell transfusions for anemia, three of which who had begun therapy with hemoglobin concentrations under 9 g/dL. Excluding the 8 transfusion-dependent patients, the percentage reduction in hemoglobin concentration from baseline by weeks 4, 9, and 15 was 7%, 6%, and 14% respectively. Non-hematological toxicities requiring dosage adjustments included hyperkalemia (n=1) and fatigue/dizziness/headaches (n=1). Five patients underwent dose increases for lack splenic (n=3) and symptomatic (n=2) response. Six patients discontinued the drug for disease progression requiring stem cell transplant (n=2), lack of constitutional symptom improvement (n=1), diarrhea (n=1), thrombocytopenia (n=1) and anemia (n=2). Five patients had platelet counts below 100 × 10(9)/L (19–94 × 10(9)/L) and began therapy at reduced starting doses. All patients seen in follow-up reported significant improvements in symptoms and splenomegly was reduced >50% in two patients seen in follow-up within 4 weeks of initiating therapy. Two patients underwent dose increases after 5 months of therapy to enhance response. No bleeding events were reported. By week 15, no decrease was noted in platelet levels from baseline in the 3 patients seen in follow-up. Two patients required danzol (n=1) or platelet transfusions (n=1) for thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials have proven ruxolitinib's efficacy in reducing constitutional symptoms, cytopenias and splenomegaly in myelofibrosis patients. This study represents a confirmation of the efficacy this drug provides in reducing splenomegaly and symptoms observed in clinical trials when utilized in a standard practice setting. Toxicities are minimal and have been generally well controlled with dose reductions, even in patients with baseline thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, ruoxlitinib appears to be an efficacious and well-tolerated therapy with limited adverse effects. Disclosures: Mesa: Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.