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Background Activated mutations in NOTCH1 are drivers of T-cell type acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. The γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), which suppresses the function of NOTCH1, is expected to be a molecular-targeted agent. NOTCH1 is also expressed in other malignant neoplasms. We aimed to determine the function of NOTCH1 expression and the effects of GSI on adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) caused by long-term human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Methods We analyzed the expression of NOTCH1 in six ATL- and HTLV-1-infected cell lines and investigated the influence of activated NOTCH1 (i.e., the cleaved form of NOTCH1) together with GSI on cell proliferation. Results Activated NOTCH1 found in ATL- and HTLV-1-infected cell lines was undetectable after incubation with GSI, regardless of Tax expression (HTLV-1-coded protein). Whole-exome sequencing revealed that activated NOTCH1 mutations were undetectable in six ATL- and HTLV-1-infected cell lines, regardless of abundant NOTCH1 expression. Moreover, GSI did not suppress the growth of ATL cell lines. Conclusions These findings suggested that NOTCH1 protein is constitutively activated but is likely a passenger during NOTCH1-mutation-negative ATL cell proliferation.

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T‐cell neoplasm and is classified into four subtypes (acute, lymphoma, chronic, and smoldering) according to the Shimoyama classification, established in 1991 through several nationwide surveys based on the clinical diversity of patients diagnosed in 1983‐1987 in Japan. Thereafter, no such studies have been conducted. Recently, we conducted a nationwide hospital survey using the method of the 1980s studies, collected baseline data on 996 ATL patients diagnosed in 2010‐2011 from 126 hospitals, and reported their unique epidemiological characteristics. Here, we report the follow‐up results of registered ATL patients with the goal of evaluating current prognoses and treatment modalities as of 2016‐2017. Of 770 evaluable patients, 391 (50.8%) had acute‐type, 192 (24.9%) had lymphoma‐type, 106 (13.8%) had chronic‐type, and 81 (10.5%) had smoldering‐type ATL. The initial therapy regimens used for acute/lymphoma‐type ATL were vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone, followed by doxorubicin, ranimustine, and prednisone and then by vindesine, etoposide, carboplatin, and prednisone (VCAP‐AMP‐VECP)‐like in 38.5/41.7% and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)‐like in 14.6/13.7% of patients. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was used to treat 15.9/10.4% of acute/lymphoma‐type ATL patients. The 4‐year survival rates (the median survival time, days) for acute‐, lymphoma‐, unfavorable chronic‐, favorable chronic‐, and smoldering‐type ATL were 16.8% (252), 19.6% (305), 26.6% (572), 62.1% (1937), and 59.8% (1851), respectively. The 4‐year survival rates for acute‐ and lymphoma‐type ATL improved compared with those reported in 1991, but those for chronic‐ and smoldering‐type ATL were not. Further efforts are warranted to develop more efficient therapeutic strategies to improve the prognosis of ATL in Japan., The survival curve shows that the prognoses of patients with acute and lymphoma‐type ATL in Japan have improved modestly, but those of patients with chronic and smoldering‐type ATL have not improved.

Background Human T‐lymphotropic virus‐1 (HTLV‐1)+ Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is difficult to differentiate from adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with HL‐like histology (HL‐like ATLL). Methods Cytological and immunohistological features, HTLV‐1 proviral DNA integration, and rearrangements of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) Cβ1 gene were examined in 11 HTLV‐1+ patients with HL‐like disease. Results Six patients were classified as HTLV‐1+ HL and five as HL‐like ATLL in accordance with genetic findings of HTLV‐1 proviral DNA integration and rearrangements of the TCR Cβ1 gene. Small ordinary looking lymphocytes with round nuclei were detected in the background of six patients with HTLV‐1+ HL, which were immunohistochemically negative for CD25 and CC chemokine receptor (CCR)4 and had a low MIB1 labeling index (mean: 28.3%). In the HL‐like ATLL specimens, small‐ and medium‐sized atypical lymphocytes with indented and irregular‐shaped nuclei were found, and were diffusely positive for CD25 and CCR4, with high MIB1 labeling (mean: 76%). Both groups had scattered CD30+ and CD15+ Hodgkin and Reed Sternberg (RS) giant cells, with or without CD20 expression and Epstein‐Barr virus infection. The 50% overall survival period was significantly longer for the HTLV‐1+ HL group (180 months) than for the HL‐like ATLL group (7.8 months; P = .004). Conclusions HTLV‐1+ HL showed typical small lymphoid cells with a low MIB1 labeling index in a background of Hodgkin and RS cells, with some scattered CD25+ and CCR4+ lymphocytes. In HTLV‐1 endemic areas, distinguishing HTLV‐1+ HL from HL‐like ATLL is important because of their differing treatment strategies and prognoses.

Adult T‐cell leukemia‐lymphoma (ATL) is a T‐cell malignancy that is endemic to Japan. In this latest nationwide study of ATL, we collected the data from 4 nationwide registries of patients diagnosed in 2012‐2013; the Hematology Blood Disease, the Skin Cancer Society, the Hospital‐Based Cancer Registries, and information from the hospitals that participated in the Japanese nationwide survey of ATL in 2010‐2011. In the present study, 2614 patients with ATL were diagnosed based on the registries, and 117 departments registered 1042 patients. Among these patients, 984 were eligible for analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 69 y. A larger proportion of patients with ATL older than 70 y was diagnosed with the lymphoma subtype, and more than half of the patients with ATL in the metropolitan areas were born in the human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐1)‐endemic areas of Kyushu/Okinawa, which are almost identical to the findings in our 2010‐2011 study. Additionally, we identified that patients with ATL migrated from the endemic areas for HTLV‐1 to the non‐endemic metropolitan areas. The present study was able to reduce the burden of searching each hospital and to update the clinico‐epidemiological characteristics of a large number of patients with ATL in Japan, suggesting the usefulness and feasibility of the novel data collection method. The establishment of a more sophisticated database management system for ATL is necessary for future continuous surveys., We identified that ATL patients shifted from areas endemic for HTLV‐1 to non‐endemic metropolitan areas. The median age at diagnosis was 69 y, which was significantly older than that in the 1980s and 1990s. We conducted a nationwide survey of ATL during 2012‐2013 by modifying data acquisition from 4 nationwide registries.

Purpose Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is a distinct mature T-cell malignancy caused by chronic infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 with diverse clinical features and prognosis. ATL remains a challenging disease as a result of its diverse clinical features, multidrug resistance of malignant cells, frequent large tumor burden, hypercalcemia, and/or frequent opportunistic infection. In 2009, we published a consensus report to define prognostic factors, clinical subclassifications, treatment strategies, and response criteria. The 2009 consensus report has become the standard reference for clinical trials in ATL and a guide for clinical management. Since the last consensus there has been progress in the understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of ATL and risk-adapted treatment approaches. Methods Reflecting these advances, ATL researchers and clinicians joined together at the 18th International Conference on Human Retrovirology—Human T-Lymphotropic Virus and Related Retroviruses—in Tokyo, Japan, March, 2017, to review evidence for current clinical practice and to update the consensus with a new focus on the subtype classification of cutaneous ATL, CNS lesions in aggressive ATL, management of elderly or transplantation-ineligible patients, and treatment strategies that incorporate up-front allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and novel agents. Results As a result of lower-quality clinical evidence, a best practice approach was adopted and consensus statements agreed on by coauthors (> 90% agreement). Conclusion This expert consensus highlights the need for additional clinical trials to develop novel standard therapies for the treatment of ATL

Background/aim Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a hematological malignancy caused by infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Chemotherapy, antibody therapy, and bone marrow transplantation are used to treat this disease, however, median survival time has not been significantly improved. Our aim was to develop and evaluate a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) with regards to cell cytotoxicity and target specificity. Materials and methods In this study, we have constructed a novel ADC, which is composed of an anti-CD70 single chain Fv-Fc antibody conjugated with the anticancer agent emtansine using a novel antibody modification method. Cell cytotoxicity and target specificity were assessed using a cell proliferation assay. Results The anti-CD70 ADC selectively killed HTLV-1-infected cells and ATL cells without affecting other cells. Conclusion The anti-CD70 ADC offers some chemotherapeutic potential for the treatment of ATL.

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive malignant T cell disease caused by human T cell leukemia virus-I (HTLV-1). Treatment outcomes for aggressive subtypes of ATL remain poor, with little improvement in overall survival since HTLV-1 was discovered. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies for ATL are required. STF-62247 induces autophagy and selectively kills renal cell carcinoma without apoptotic cell death. Here, we demonstrate that STF-62247 reduced cell viability and resulted in autophagosome accumulation and autophagy in leukemic cell lines (S1T, MT-2, and Jurkat). Interestingly, STF-62247 induced apoptosis in HTLV-1-infected cell lines (S1T and MT-2), as indicated by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation, but not in non-HTLV-1-infected Jurkat cells; a caspase inhibitor did not prevent this caspase-associated cell death. STF-62247 also increased nuclear endonuclease G levels. Furthermore, STF-62247 reduced cell viability and increased the number of apoptotic cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from patients with acute ATL, which has a poor prognosis. Therefore, STF-62247 may have novel therapeutic potential for ATL. This is the first evidence to demonstrate the cell growth-inhibitory effect of an autophagy inducer by caspase-dependent apoptosis and caspase-independent cell death via autophagy and endonuclease G in leukemic cells.

Background: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its close homolog, EZH1, catalyze the attachment of 3 methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). H3K27me3 is an epigenetic mark involved in downregulating gene expression associated with tumor suppression and cell differentiation. Recent evidence suggests that adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) can be driven by epigenetic dysregulation (Blood. 2016;127:1790-1802). Specifically, altered EZH2 expression has been implicated in the development and progression of ATL. Valemetostat tosylate (DS-3201b; valemetostat) is a novel, potent, and selective dual inhibitor of EZH2 and EZH1 that has demonstrated antitumor activity against hematologic malignancies, especially T-cell lymphoma, including relapsed or refractory (R/R) ATL in a phase 1 study (EHA 2021. Abstract S218). Here, we report the results from the primary analysis of a pivotal phase 2 study of valemetostat in Japanese patients (pts) with R/R ATL. Aims: This multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase 2 study (NCT04102150) evaluated the efficacy and safety of single-agent valemetostat in pts with R/R ATL. The primary objective was to evaluate efficacy by central efficacy assessment committee (EAC)-assessed overall response rate (ORR), defined as the proportion of pts whose best response was complete remission (CR), uncertified CR, or partial remission using international consensus criteria (J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:453-59). The null hypothesis was an ORR of ≤5% (binomial test with a 1-sided significance level of 5%). Secondary outcome measures included CR rate, duration of response (DOR) per EAC, efficacy per investigator (INV) assessment, and the safety and pharmacokinetics of valemetostat. Methods: Pts ≥20 years of age with R/R ATL (acute, lymphomatous, or unfavorable chronic type) were enrolled from 24 sites in Japan. Pts must have had a positive antihuman T-cell leukemia virus type 1 antibody serum test and received prior therapy with mogamulizumab or ≥1 prior systemic therapy in the case of intolerance of, or contraindication for, mogamulizumab. Pts with prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant were excluded. Valemetostat 200 mg was orally administered once daily in continuous 28-day cycles until disease progression or intolerance. The EAC-determined efficacy assessment was based on central evaluation of radiographic images and clinical data, including peripheral blood, skin, and bone marrow lesions (J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:453-59). Results: At the time of data cutoff (April 24, 2021), the study enrolled the planned 25 pts which included 16, 6, and 3 pts with acute, lymphomatous, or unfavorable chronic ATL subtypes, respectively. The median age was 69 years (range, 59-84 years). The median number of prior lines of therapy was 3 (range, 1-8). 24 pts (96.0%) had prior treatment with mogamulizumab. The study met its primary endpoint: with a median follow-up of 28 weeks (range, 14-71 weeks), valemetostat resulted in a 48% (12/25) ORR per EAC assessment (P 8 of 25 pts (32%) remained on treatment. 25 pts (100%) experienced ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). Grade ≥3 TEAEs occurred in 15 pts (60%), and grade ≥3 serious TEAEs occurred in 6 pts (24%); valemetostat was not associated with any deaths. Dose interruption or reduction due to TEAEs occurred in 5 (20%) and 2 (8%) pts, respectively. Two pts (8%) discontinued due to TEAEs. The most common TEAEs (≥30% of pts) were platelet count decreased (80%), dysgeusia (36%), anemia (48%), and alopecia (40%); grade ≥4 platelet count decreased occurred in 3 pts (12%). Summary/Conclusions: Valemetostat resulted in a high response rate and durable antitumor effect in Japanese pts with R/R ATL, the majority of whom were pretreated with mogamulizumab. Valemetostat's safety profile was manageable. These results are consistent with those observed in the phase 1 study conducted in Japan and the US, suggesting that valemetostat could be a new treatment option for pts with R/R ATL. Valemetostat is also being evaluated in a global phase 2 study in pts with R/R ATL and R/R peripheral T-cell lymphoma (NCT04703192). Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Yoshimitsu: Sanofi: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Izutsu: Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Beigene: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; HUYA Bioscience International: Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genmab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Symbio: Honoraria, Research Funding; Allergan Japan: Honoraria; FUJI FILM Toyama Chemical: Honoraria. Makita: Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; SymBio: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria; Daiichi-Sankyo: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Honoraria; Chugai: Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria. Nosaka: Eisai Co., Ltd: Honoraria; Celgene K.K.: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Meiji Seika Parma Co., Ltd: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K.: Honoraria; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria. Utsunomiya: Novartis Pharma: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; JIMRO: Honoraria; Meiji Seika Pharma: Honoraria; Otsuka Medical Devices: Honoraria. Kusumoto: Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria. Tsukasaki: Solasia Pharma: Consultancy; Meiji Seika Pharma: Consultancy; Yakuruto: Consultancy; HUYABIO: Consultancy, Research Funding; Ono Pharma: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria; Kyowa-hakko/Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eizai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Byer: Research Funding; Chugai Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Ono: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K: Honoraria; DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED.: Honoraria; Mundipharma K.K.: Honoraria; TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Research Funding; Merck Sharp & Dohme: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Pfizer Japan Inc.: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Rai: Chugai Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau; Ono Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Speakers Bureau. Yamada: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment. Kato: Bristol Myers Squibb: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment. Tachibana: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment. Kakurai: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment. Adachi: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment. Tobinai: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; HUYA Bioscience International: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; Ono Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria; Solasia Pharma: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria; Yakult: Honoraria; Zenyaku Kogyo: Consultancy, Honoraria. Yonekura: AbbVie: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria; Eli Lilly Japan: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Kaken Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Maruho: Honoraria; Minophagen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Taiho Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Torii Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; UCB Japan: Honoraria. Ishitsuka: Pfizer: Other: Personal fees; Astellas Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Genzyme: Other: Personal fees; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Eisai: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees; Taiho Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Other: Personal fees; Takeda: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Other; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Ono Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees; Mochida: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Shire: Other; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Huya Japan: Other: Personal fees.

Background Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and its close homolog, EZH1, catalyze the attachment of 3 methyl groups to histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). H3K27me3 is an epigenetic marker involved in downregulating gene expression associated with tumor suppression and cell differentiation. Both altered EZH2 expression and EZH1's compensatory activity have been implicated in the development and progression of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), including PTCL and ATL. R/R PTCL and ATL are associated with inferior outcomes, and many patients (pts) are not eligible for potentially curative transplants. Valemetostat tosylate (DS-3201b; also known as valemetostat) is a novel, potent, and selective dual inhibitor of EZH2 and EZH1. A first-in-human phase 1 study was conducted for pts with R/R NHL in Japan and the US. Valemetostat demonstrated clinical antitumor activity in pts with NHL, including R/R PTCL and R/R ATL. Treatment with valemetostat 150 or 200 mg/day led to overall response rates (ORRs) of 54.5% (95% CI, 38.8%-69.9%) and 57.1% (95% CI, 28.9%-82.3%) in pts with R/R PTCL (n=44) or R/R ATL (n=14), respectively (EHA 2021. Abstract S218). Durability of response was demonstrated by a median duration of response (DOR) of 56.0 weeks (range, 44.43- -) in PTCL pts. Based on these encouraging efficacy results, a global phase 2 study was designed. Methods VALENTINE-PTCL01 (NCT04703192) is a global, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, noncomparative, 2-cohort, phase 2 study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of valemetostat monotherapy in adult pts with R/R PTCL or R/R ATL. Pts with R/R PTCL or R/R ATL are independently enrolled in cohort 1 or 2, respectively (Figure). Eligibility for both cohorts is determined based on a diagnosis made by a local pathologist/investigator and is centrally confirmed. Pts eligible for cohort 1 must have 1 of the following R/R PTCL subtypes: (1) angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, (2) follicular T-cell lymphoma, (3) nodal PTCL with T-follicular helper (TFH) phenotype, (4) PTCL not otherwise specified, (5) ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), (6) ALK-negative ALCL, (7) enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, (8) monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma, (9) hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, (10) primary cutaneous γ-δ T-cell lymphoma, or (11) primary, cutaneous, CD8+, aggressive, epidermotropic, cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma. Pts must have ≥1 measurable lesion as assessed by computed tomography (CT). Pts eligible for cohort 2 must have acute, lymphomatous, or unfavorable, chronic-type R/R ATL with evaluable abnormal lymphocytes in the peripheral blood and skin lesions. Pts in both cohorts must have received ≥1 prior line of systemic therapy and have adequate organ function prior to the first dose of valemetostat. Pts with ALCL must have received prior brentuximab vedotin treatment. Pts who progressed after autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant are eligible. Biomarker positivity (eg, EZH2 mutation) is not required for inclusion. Pts with active central nervous system involvement are excluded. Valemetostat 200 mg/day is administered orally once daily until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs. The primary endpoint is ORR with valemetostat monotherapy as assessed by blinded independent central review. Pts in cohort 1 will be assessed by CT response criteria according to the 2014 Lugano criteria (J Clin Oncol. 2014;32:3059-68). Pts in cohort 2 will be assessed by the modified 2009 ATL criteria stemming from an international consensus meeting (J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:453-59). Secondary endpoints include DOR, complete response (CR) rate, duration of CR, partial response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, pharmacokinetics, and safety and tolerability of valemetostat. Safety endpoints include treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs); TEAEs of special interest; serious TEAEs; fatal events; TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation, interruption, or reduction; laboratory assessments; vital signs; and electrocardiogram analyses. VALENTINE-PTCL01 is currently recruiting at multiple sites in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Figure. VALENTINE-PTCL01 Study Design Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Foss: Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Kura: Honoraria; Acrotech: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Kyowa: Honoraria; Mallinckrodt: Honoraria. Porcu: Viracta: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Innate Pharma: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; BeiGene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Daiichi: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kiowa: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy; DrenBio: Consultancy. Horwitz: ADC Therapeutics, Affimed, Aileron, Celgene, Daiichi Sankyo, Forty Seven, Inc., Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Millennium /Takeda, Seattle Genetics, Trillium Therapeutics, and Verastem/SecuraBio.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Affimed: Research Funding; Aileron: Research Funding; Acrotech Biopharma, Affimed, ADC Therapeutics, Astex, Merck, Portola Pharma, C4 Therapeutics, Celgene, Janssen, Kura Oncology, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Myeloid Therapeutics, ONO Pharmaceuticals, Seattle Genetics, Shoreline Biosciences, Inc, Takeda, Trillium Th: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; C4 Therapeutics: Consultancy; Crispr Therapeutics: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Forty Seven, Inc.: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Consultancy; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Myeloid Therapeutics: Consultancy; ONO Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Secura Bio: Consultancy; Shoreline Biosciences, Inc.: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Trillium Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Tubulis: Consultancy; Verastem/Securabio: Research Funding. Izutsu: Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; HUYA Bioscience International: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; Beigene: Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genmab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Symbio: Honoraria, Research Funding; Allergan Japan: Honoraria; FUJI FILM Toyama Chemical: Honoraria. Ishitsuka: Genzyme: Other: Personal fees; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Eisai: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mochida: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Pfizer: Other: Personal fees; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees; Taiho Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Other: Personal fees; Takeda: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Other; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Ono Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees; Shire: Other; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Huya Japan: Other: Personal fees. Kato: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment; Bristol Myers Squibb: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Jin: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Du: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment; Incyte: Other: Spouse's current employer; Nektar Therapeutics: Ended employment in the past 24 months. Inoue: Daiichi Sankyo: Current Employment.

Background and Methods: NPM1 mutation and KMT2A(MLL)-rearrangement/amplification are present in approximately 27% and 8.5% patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), respectively (data from cBioPortal). Although they have different clinical features and prognostic impact, recent studies suggest that the MLL co-factor, menin, plays a key role in maintaining self-renewal of immature leukemic cells by upregulating transcription of HOXA and MEIS (Gundry et al.). However, the real-world epidemiology of these mutations and co-existing gene alterations have not been thoroughly investigated in Japan. We launched an actionable mutation profiling multicenter study entitled Hematologic Malignancies (HM)-SCREEN-Japan 01 (UMIN000035233). In this study, a comprehensive genomic assay was performed by Foundation One Heme (F1H) panel for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML as well as patients with newly-diagnosed (ND) AML who are ineligible for standard chemotherapy. Paraffin-embedded bone marrow samples were gathered from 17 Japanese faculties and the F1H reports were returned to the patients. Results: One-hundred-eighty-two patients were recruited in this study and the F1H report was successfully returned in 177 patients (97.3%). Median age of 68 patients with ND-AML was 73 [63-79] years and those of 109 patients with R/R-AML was 50 [40-68.5] years. Median turn-around time was 13 days (minimum 8 days).We found 32 patients (18.1%) with NPM1 mutation and 23 patients (13.0%) of KMT2A(MLL)-rearrangement/amplification out of the 177 patients. These two alterations were mutually exclusive in this study. The median age of patients with NPM1 mutation (NPM1 mt.) and KMT2A-rearrangement (KMT2A-r) were 56.5 [43.5-73.8] and 62 [45-71] years, respectively. Three quarters or more patients were R/R-AML in both groups. WT1 expression levels were much higher in patients with NPM1 mt. than the other group (6,000 [77-110,000] vs. 93 [34-5,800] copies/mcgRNA). The major amino acid alteration of NPM1 was a frameshift mutation at the 288 th histidine (W288fs*12). Patterns of KMT2A(MLL)-rearrangement included MLL fusion (e.g., MLL-MLLT3) and partial tandem duplication (PTD) in ten patients each. MLL amplification was observed in three patients. Frequently co-occurring mutations with NPM1 mt. included FLT3 (56.3%), DNMT3A (46.9%), TET2 (34.4%), WT1 (18.8%), IDH1 (18.8%), and IDH2 (15.6%). Those with KMT2A-r included FLT3 (39.1%), TP53 (26.1%), PTPN11 (21.7%), DNMT3A (17.4%), and IDH2 (17.4%). Mutations of RAS pathway-related genes (e.g., KRAS, NRAS, PTPN11, and NF1) were observed in five patients with NPM1 mt. (15.6%) and 11 patients (47.8%) with KMT2A-r. None of the six patients with TP53 mutation had NPM1 mutation. The prognostic impact of each genes is currently being analyzed. Conclusions: Approximately three in ten patients with AML had NPM1 mutation and/or KMT2A(MLL)-rearrangement/amplification. No single patient had both the alterations. FLT3 and DNA methylation-associated genes (e.g., DNMT3A and TET2) were frequently seen in patients with NPM1 mt. In contrast, TP53 and RAS pathway-related gene alterations (e.g., NRAS, KRAS, PTPT11 and NF1) were relatively dominant in patients with KMT2A-r. TP53 mutation seemed unlikely to occur along with NPM1 mutation. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Shibayama: Celgene: Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Avvie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Essentia Pharma Japan: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Fujimoto: Honoraria; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria; Mundi Pharma: Honoraria. Yamauchi: Otsuka: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria; Abbie: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Solasia Pharma: Research Funding. Kondo: Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho CO.,LTD: Consultancy; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria. Yamamoto: Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; IQIVA/Incyte: Research Funding; IQIVA/HUYA: Honoraria; HUYA: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Meiji Seika Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; Solasia Pharma: Research Funding; SymBio: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Honoraria, Research Funding; Zenyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Micron: Honoraria; IQIVA/Genmab: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kuroda: Fujimoto Pharmaceutical: Current Employment, Honoraria, Research Funding; Taiho Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Asahi Kasei: Research Funding; Shionogi: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sysmex: Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; MSD: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-MyersSquibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K: Consultancy. Usuki: Astellas: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Symbio: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sumitomo Dainippon: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Brisol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Ono: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding; Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Astellas-Amgen-Biopharma: Research Funding; Nippon shinyaku: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Kyowa Kirin: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Research Funding; Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Eisai: Speakers Bureau; MSD: Speakers Bureau; PharmaEssentia: Speakers Bureau; Yakult: Speakers Bureau. Yoshimitsu: Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria. Ishitsuka: Kyowa Kirin: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees; Ono Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Other; Takeda: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Other: Personal fees; Taiho Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Pfizer: Other: Personal fees; Astellas Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Genzyme: Other: Personal fees; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Eisai: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mochida: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Shire: Other; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Huya Japan: Other: Personal fees. Ono: DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED.: Honoraria; Mundipharma K.K.: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K: Honoraria; Eisai Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.: Honoraria; ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Pfizer Japan Inc.: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Research Funding; Merck Sharp & Dohme: Honoraria, Research Funding. Fujishima: Pfizer: Speakers Bureau. Takahashi: Toyamakagaku: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Chugai: Research Funding; Eizai: Research Funding; Asahikasei: Research Funding; Kyowahakko-Kirin: Research Funding; Ono: Research Funding. Iyama: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas: Honoraria; CSL Behring: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory: Honoraria; MSD: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding; SymBio Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Izutsu: Symbio: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Solasia: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Huya Biosciences: Research Funding; Genmab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Fuji Film Toyama Chemical: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Beigene: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; Allergan Japan: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria. Minami: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Pfizer Japan Inc.: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Ono: Research Funding; CMIC: Research Funding.

Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-1 and -2 are TCA cycle-involved enzymes which convert isocitrate to alpha-ketoglutarate. Mutations that alter the enzymatic activity causes accumulation of a mal-metabolite D-2-hydroxyglutarate, which results in inhibition of DNA methylation and tumorigenesis. IDH-1 and IDH-2 mutation are present in approximately 7-10% and 10% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), respectively. Recently, whole exome sequencing has been used for the next-generation sequencing of AML, and certain gene mutations have been identified in patients with AML. The treatment strategies for leukemia have undergone drastic changes with the rapid development of new drugs. However, the proper use of newly developed agents poses a major challenge in AML treatment. Genome profiling analysis can be used to select the optimal treatment for patients with newly diagnosed AML. IDH mutant-specific inhibitors such as ivosidenib and enasidenib were already approved in the US, and combination treatment with venetoclax and Azacitidine was recently approved in Japan. Methods and Results: We lunched an actionable mutation profiling multicenter study named Hematologic Malignancies (HM)-SCREEN-Japan 01 (UMIN000035233), in which a comprehensive genomic assay was performed by Foundation One Heme (F1H) panel. The primary outcome was the frequency of each genomic alteration, as determined using F1H, which is a comprehensive genome profiling test based on next-generation sequencing, in the AML specimens. The secondary outcome was the association between each genomic alteration and the clinicopathological characteristics, prognosis, and quality of specimens used in the genetic analysis. The eligibility criteria were as follows: 1) histological diagnosis of AML through bone marrow aspiration; 2) fulfillment of either of the following conditions: i) newly diagnosed AML unfit for standard treatment (ND-unfit AML) or ii) R/R-AML; 3) sufficient sample collection via bone marrow aspiration; 4) Age of participants 20 years or above during registration; 5) provision of written informed consent by participants. Paraffin-embedded bone marrow samples were gathered from 17 Japanese faculties and the F1H reports were returned to the patients. The median turnaround time was 13 days (minimum 8 days). We found 13 patients (7.3%) with IDH1 mutation and 17 patients (9.6%) with IDH2 mutation out of 177 patients who joined this study and the F1H report was successfully returned. Only one patient had both mutations, and each mutation was mutually exclusive in all the other patients (Figure 1). The major amino acid alteration of IDH1 and IDH2 were R132C/G/H/L and R140Q/W, respectively. Frequently co-occurring mutations include FLT3 (44.8%), NPM1 (34.5%), DNMT3A (31.0%) and RUNX1 mutation (20.7%). Mutations of RAS pathway-related genes (e.g., KRAS, NRAS and PTPN11) were seen in 6 patients (20.7%). Any gene alterations didn't show statistically significant co-occurrence with IDH1 and IDH2 mutation. Serial genome profiling analyses were performed to evaluate the time-dependent changes in the genome profiles of patients administered FLT3 inhibitors, gilteritinib, and quizartinib for treating FLT3-mutated AML. Also in this cohort, we are examining the properties and distribution of IDH1/2 mutations during treatment with FLT3 inhibitors. In the several patients, expansion and persistence of IDH mutated clones seemed to be cause of resistance (Figure 2 as the representative result). The detailed clinical outcomes of AML patients with IDH1/2 mutations are under investigation. Conclusions: In our evaluation of the suitability of F1H for HM-SCREEN-Japan 01, we successfully identified IDH-1/2 mutation that can be used as therapeutic targets in AML, which have rarely been identified thus far. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Shibayama: Eisai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Fujimoto: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria; Mundi Pharma: Honoraria; Essentia Pharma Japan: Research Funding. Yamauchi: Otsuka: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria; Abbie: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding; Solasia Pharma: Research Funding. Kondo: Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria; Sanwa Kagaku Kenkyusho CO.,LTD: Consultancy; Pfizer: Honoraria; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria. Yamamoto: AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb/Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; IQIVA/Incyte: Research Funding; IQIVA/HUYA: Honoraria; HUYA: Consultancy; Janssen: Honoraria; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Meiji Seika Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; Solasia Pharma: Research Funding; SymBio: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Honoraria, Research Funding; Zenyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Micron: Honoraria; IQIVA/Genmab: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria. Kuroda: Taiho Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Fujimoto Pharmaceutical: Current Employment, Honoraria, Research Funding; Asahi Kasei: Research Funding; Shionogi: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sysmex: Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; MSD: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-MyersSquibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K: Consultancy. Usuki: Astellas: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Symbio: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Daiichi Sankyo: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sumitomo Dainippon: Research Funding; Otsuka: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Brisol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Ono: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Nippon Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Astellas-Amgen-Biopharma: Research Funding; Nippon shinyaku: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Kyowa Kirin: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Research Funding; Alexion: Speakers Bureau; Eisai: Speakers Bureau; MSD: Speakers Bureau; PharmaEssentia: Speakers Bureau; Yakult: Speakers Bureau; Mundipharma: Research Funding. Yoshimitsu: Novartis: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Sanofi: Honoraria. Ishitsuka: Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Other: Personal fees; Kyowa Kirin: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; BMS: Other; Takeda: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Other: Personal fees; Taiho Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Other: Personal fees; Huya Japan: Other: Personal fees; Novartis: Other: Personal fees; Pfizer: Other: Personal fees; Astellas Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Genzyme: Other: Personal fees; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Eisai: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Mochida: Other: Personal fees, Research Funding; Shire: Other; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Other: Personal fees; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding. Ono: Pfizer Japan Inc.: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K: Honoraria; Eisai Co., Ltd.: Honoraria; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.: Honoraria; ONO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Honoraria, Research Funding; DAIICHI SANKYO COMPANY, LIMITED.: Honoraria; Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding; Mundipharma K.K.: Honoraria; TAIHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.: Research Funding; Merck Sharp & Dohme: Honoraria, Research Funding. Takahashi: Toyamakagaku: Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Chugai: Research Funding; Kyowahakko-Kirin: Research Funding; Ono: Research Funding; Asahikasei: Research Funding; Eizai: Research Funding. Iyama: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas: Honoraria; CSL Behring: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory: Honoraria; MSD: Research Funding; Nippon Shinyaku: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Otsuka: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding; SymBio Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Izutsu: Genmab: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria, Research Funding; Fuji Film Toyama Chemical: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Huya Biosciences: Research Funding; Chugai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Symbio: Honoraria; Solasia: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Beigene: Research Funding; Bayer: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Allergan Japan: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding. Minami: Novartis Pharma KK: Honoraria; Ono: Research Funding; Pfizer Japan Inc.: Honoraria; Astellas: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company: Honoraria; CMIC: Research Funding.

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is a mature T-cell malignancy associated with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. Japan is the most endemic country for HTLV-1 and ATL in the world. Recent nationwide studies of Japanese blood donors reported that HTLV-1 carriers spread from endemic areas to non-endemic areas. Therefore, the latest information on nationwide epidemiological and clinical data for ATL is necessary to guide clinical practice. We undertook a multicenter, hospital-based survey of newly diagnosed ATL patients from 2010 to 2011. A total of 996 patients with ATL were registered from 126 hospitals across Japan. Of those, 922 (487 men and 435 women) were included in the analysis. The median age at diagnosis was 68 years (interquartile range, 60-75 years). Overall, 67.2% of ATL was diagnosed in the Kyushu-Okinawa area. The most common subtype was acute (49.5%), followed by lymphoma (25.7%), chronic (14.2%), and smoldering (10.6%). Lymphoma type was more prevalent in men (60%), whereas chronic was more prevalent in women (60%). Half of patients with lymphoma type were aged over 70 years, whereas one-third of patients with the chronic type were aged under 60 years. All of these characteristics were different from those of the previous nationwide surveys in the 1980s and 1990s. This survey clarified that half of current patients with ATL are aged over 68 years who were unable to receive intensive cytotoxic therapies. New less toxic agents for aged patients and further strategies to prevent the development of ATL from HTLV-1 carrier status are needed.

We present the interim results of a postmarketing all-case surveillance study in patients with C–C chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4)-positive, relapsed or refractory adult T-cell leukemia–lymphoma (ATL) treated with the anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody mogamulizumab since its 2012 launch in Japan. The safety and efficacy analysis populations comprised 484 and 442 patients, respectively. The ATL subtype was acute in 58.9% and lymphoma in 34.2% of patients. All patients were scheduled to receive intravenous infusions of mogamulizumab (1.0 mg/kg) once weekly for eight weeks, alone or in combination with other modalities. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were reported in 74.0% of patients, of which 35.7% were serious and 6.2% were fatal. The priority survey items of infusion-related reaction, skin disorder, infection, immune disorder, and tumor lysis syndrome were reported in 29.3, 34.3, 22.1, 3.5, and 2.5% of patients, respectively. Graft-versus-host disease was reported in 25/42 patients who received mogamulizumab before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The best overall response rate was 57.7% overall, 57.5% in patients treated with mogamulizumab alone, and 58.2% in patients treated with combination therapy. This surveillance indicates that mogamulizumab shows acceptable tolerability in practice; however, because of the risk of serious/fatal ADRs, patients administered mogamulizumab should be carefully monitored.

Background Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by long-term human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1) infection. Survivin-responsive, conditionally replicating adenoviruses regulated by multiple tumor-specific factors (Surv.m-CRAs), in which the expression of the adenoviral early region 1A gene is regulated by the survivin (BIRC5) promoter, can be used to treat several cancers. As survivin is overexpressed in ATL, we examined the effects of Surv.m-CRAs on ATL-selective replication and survival. Methods We tested two ATL cell lines and four HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. The cells were subjected to infection with either E1-deleted, replication-defective adenoviruses or Surv.m-CRAs at various multiplicities of infection. Results Strong activation of survivin promoter was observed in all six cell lines. Moreover, the expression of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), which is important for adenoviral infection, was high in the cell lines. In contrast, we observed the absence of survivin promoter activity and a low expression of CAR in activated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) from healthy subjects. Surv.m-CRAs actively replicated and induced cytocidal effects in five out of six cell lines; conversely, we observed minimal viral replication and no marked cytotoxicity in normal activated PBLs. Conclusions This is the first report demonstrating that Surv.m-CRAs constitute attractive potential anti-ATL agents.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive T-cell neoplasm with poor prognosis that develops after chronic infection with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Although AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical cellular energy sensor, it has recently become clear that AMPK can act as a tumor regulator. Here, we assessed the expression of AMPK in primary ATL cells and the effects of dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor, on primary ATL cells and HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. AMPK expression in acute and chronic ATL patients was significantly higher than in asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and healthy donors. Dorsomorphin induced apoptosis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ATL patients. Dorsomorphin also induced dose- and time-dependent apoptosis in HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Dorsomorphin increased the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induced ataxia telangiectasia-mutated Ser1981 phosphorylation and p53 accumulation. These results indicated that dorsomorphin induces apoptosis via ROS-mediated DNA damage in HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Furthermore, dorsomorphin suppressed the growth of human ATL tumor xenografts in NOD/SCID mice. Together, these data suggest that AMPK could be a candidate therapeutic target for ATL and that dorsomorphin could be a therapeutic agent for ATL.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature T lymphocytes induced by human T-cell leukemia virus-1 and has a poor outcome. New molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of ATL are needed urgently. We previously reported high expression of Sirtuin 1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent histone/protein deacetylase, in primary acute-type ATL cells. NAD+ biosynthesis via nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) modulates Sirtuin 1 activity. Here, we examined the expression and effects of inhibiting NAMPT, a rate-limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis, in ATL cells. We found that peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with acute-type ATL expressed significantly higher levels of NAMPT protein than cells from healthy subjects. FK866, a NAMPT inhibitor, induced apoptosis of freshly isolated ATL cells ex vivo and HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines in vitro, which was accompanied by activation of caspases, DNA fragmentation, and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. However, a pan-caspase inhibitor failed to prevent this FK866-induced cell death, while FK866 increased the caspase-independent cell death mediator endonuclease G. Intriguingly, FK866 also activated autophagy, as demonstrated by increases in protein levels of autophagosome marker LC3-II. Thus, FK866 simultaneously activated apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, FK866 treatment markedly decreased the growth of human ATL tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. We showed that NAMPT is highly expressed in primary ATL cells ex vivo, and that FK866 induces autophagy and caspase-dependent and -independent cell death pathways in vitro and has an anti-tumor activity in vivo. These results suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with this fatal disease.

Introduction: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an intractable T cell malignancy with regulatory T cell phenotype, which caused by long-term infection of human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1). In addition to HTLV-1-derived oncogenic proteins such as Tax and HBZ, genomic aberrations including gain-of-function alterations in genes related to T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ATL. RLTPR is essential for CD28 co-stimulation in human T cells and loss-of-function mutations in RLTPR is reported to reduce proportions of regulatory T cells. The RLTPR p.Q575E has been reported as a recurrent mutation in cutaneous T cell lymphoma1. Here, we show that RLTPR p.Q575E is a novel recurrent gain-of-function mutation related to T-cell receptor co-stimulatory pathway in patients with acute type ATL. Methods To elucidate the genomic basis of ATL, we performed whole exome sequence (WES) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (CD4/CD25 positive cells were sorted if ATL cell were not abundant) from 47 patients with acute-type ATL. Sequences were aligned against the reference genome (GRCh37/hg19) by using TMAP Alignment. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the variant obtained after WES genotyping for some genes including RLTPR. Clinical information regarding ATL cell phenotype, treatment and clinical course were also collected. To analyze the function of RLTPR Q575E, the human RLTPR isoform 3 wild type (WT) (most abundant isotype in lymphoid cells, RLTPR-WT hereafter) and RLTPR isoform 3 Q575E (RLTPR Q575E hereafter) expression retroviral vector were constructed. RLTPR isoform 1 WT and RLTPR isoform 1 Q575E were used as control. RLPTR WT or RLTPR Q575E transduced Jurkat cells were generated by retroviral transduction. NFAT, NF- κB or AP-1 promoter activity was measured as luciferase activity. Cells were stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/Ionomycin calcium salt for TCR stimulation and CD86 Fc chimera for CD28 stimulation. IL-2 mRNA was quantitated by using Taqman Gene Expression Assays. Results Exome analysis from 47 acute-type ATL samples revealed gene alterations precipitated in TCR signaling pathway (CARD11;30.0%, PLCG1;27.7%, PRKCB;21.3%, STAT3;21.3%, VAV1;19.1%, NOTCH1;19.1%, RELA;12.8%, CNSK1A1;8.5%, IRF4;6.4%, FYN;2.1%, CBLB;2.1%, IKBKB;2.1%). In addition to these previously reported driver genes, a novel mutation, RLTPR Q575E was discovered in 4 out of 47 acute-type ATL samples (8.5%) with median variant allele frequency 0.52 (range 0.11-0.68). Although RLTPR Q575E has been reported in cutaneous T cell lymphoma, 3 out of 4 ATL patients carrying RLTPR Q575E mutation have no skin involvement by ATL. ATL patients carrying RLTPR Q575E were also harboring CARD11 (75%), PLCG1 (25%), PRKCB (25%), or IKBKB (25%) mutations, which are related to TCR/NF-κB signaling pathway. We next performed luciferase reporter assay to evaluate NF-κB activity in transfected 293T cells with RLTPR Q575E cDNA to explore its function. 293T cells transfected with RLTPR Q575E cDNA has higher NF-κB activity than those transfected with RLTPR wild type cDNA. No significant increased promoter activity of AP-1 or NFAT was observed with RLTPR Q575E. IL-2 mRNA was significantly increased in RLTPR Q575E transduced Jurkat cells under PMA/ionomycin and CD86 co-stimulation. We immunoprecipitated FLAG-tagged RLTPR WT or RLTPR Q575E and blotted for CARD11. We found that the RLTPR Q575E increases interaction of RLTPR with CARD11. Previously identified gene alterations such as CARD11 and PRKCB in ATL have been reported as Tax interactome, thus we further analyzed the interaction of RLTPR with Tax. We immunoprecipitated FLAG-tagged WT RLTPR or RLTPR Q575E and blotted for Tax. We found that the RLTPR WT and Q575E increases interaction of RLTPR with Tax. Conclusions In patients with acute-type ATL, we have identified RLTPR Q575E, a novel gain of function mutation, and functionally validated this mutation. This mutation has minimal effect without TCR co-stimulation, but patients with this mutation harboring gain-of-function mutations in TCR signaling molecules. We also found direct interaction between Tax and RLTPR. In the presence of TCR activation by Tax or gain-of-function mutations in this signaling pathway, RLTPR Q575E mutation selectively upregulates the NF-κB signaling pathway and confers the oncogenic effect on the pathogenesis of ATL. Reference 1 Joonhee Park, Jingyi Yang, Alexander T. Wenzel, Akshaya Ramachandran, Wung J. Lee, Jay C. Daniels, Juhyun Kim, Estela Martinez-Escala, Nduka Amankulor, Barbara Pro, Joan Guitart, Marc L. Mendillo, Jeffrey N. Savas, Titus J. Boggon, Jaehyuk Choi; Genomic analysis of 220 CTCLs identifies a novel recurrent gain-of-function alteration in RLTPR (p.Q575E). Blood 2017; 130 (12): 1430-1440. doi: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2017-02-768234 Disclosures Yoshimitsu: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myer-Squibb,: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Chugai: Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Speakers Bureau. Ishitsuka:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Taiho Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria; mundiharma: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Mochida: Honoraria, Research Funding; sanofi: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Alexion: Honoraria; Genzyme: Honoraria; Astellas Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Eli Lilly: Research Funding.

Introduction: Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and EZH1 are alternative subunits of polycomb repressive complex 2 that catalyze the tri-methylation of lysine 27 residue of histone H3. This histone modification epigenetically regulates gene expression and may play an important role in tumor progression. Valemetostat (DS-3201) is a potent and highly specific orally bioavailable dual inhibitor of EZH2 and EZH1 demonstrating anti-tumor activity against various hematological malignancies in preclinical studies (Honma D, et al. Cancer Sci 2017; Fujita S, et al. Leukemia 2018). Valemetostat demonstrated clinical activity as a novel oral therapeutic option for both B-cell and T-cell NHLs in the interim analysis of a phase I study (Maruyama D, et al. ASH 2017). Here we report the updated results of this phase I study focusing on ATL patients. ATL is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-1), and is divided into aggressive and indolent subtypes. Aggressive ATL has an extremely poor prognosis, with a median survival time of only 8 to 10 months (Katsuya H, et al. Blood 2015). Although conventional chemotherapeutic agents, anti-CCR4 antibody mogamulizmab, and oral immunomodulator lenalidomide have been used for treatment of aggressive ATL patients, most patients eventually become resistant to treatment. In addition, allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is not available for elderly patients. Therefore, new therapeutic options are urgently needed. Methods: This ongoing open-label, single-arm phase I study consists of the dose escalation part (NHLs including ATL and peripheral T-cell lymphoma [PTCL]) and the expansion part (ATL and PTCL). The drug was administered orally once daily (QD) continuously over 28-days (1 cycle) until disease progression or intolerance. Results: Thirty-eight patients (15 females) with a median age of 69 (44-88) were enrolled in this study as of the data cut-off of 24 January 2019. Of 38 patients, 25 patients were enrolled in the dose-escalation part, and additional 13 patients (7 ATLs and 6 PTCLs) were treated in the expansion part with 200 mg of valemetostat. In all patients, adverse events (≥30%) on treatment with all grades included; platelet count decreased (73.7%), dysgeusia (52.6%), anemia (42.1%), lymphocyte count decreased (39.5%), neutrophil count decreased (39.5%), and white blood cell count decreased (39.5%). Preliminary efficacy was based on investigator's assessment with an objective response rate (ORR) of 47.2%. Fifteen patients were able to stay on valemetostat for more than 24 weeks with tumor shrinkage. Of the 9 ATL patients in the study (2 in dose escalation and 7 in dose expansion), baseline characteristics are as follows: age, median age 74 (range 61-78 yrs); sex, 7 males and 2 females; ATL subtype, 6 acute- and 3 lymphoma-subtypes; median number of prior therapies, 2 (range 1-8). Adverse events (≥30%) on treatment with all grades in the 9 ATL patients included; platelet count decreased (77.8%), dysgeusia (66.7%), neutrophil count decreased (44.4%), white blood cell count decreased (44.4%), anemia (33.3%), alopecia (33.3%), and dry skin (33.3%). No grade 4 and 5 adverse events were detected. Grade 3 adverse events included; white blood cell count decreased (33.3%), platelet count decreased (22.2%), neutrophil count decreased (22.2%), lymphocyte count decreased (11.1%), and anemia (11.1%), which are consistent with those in all population. Responses for the 9 ATL patients included; 1 unconfirmed complete remission (CRu), 3 partial remission (PR), and 3 stable disease (SD) (ORR = 44.4%; 4/9). Of the 6 prior mogamulizumab treated patients, 3 patients demonstrated a response (ORR = 50%; 3/6). Five of 9 ATL patients continued on valemetostat treatment for more than 12 weeks with tumor shrinkage (Figure). Four ATL patients continue on treatment. The latest study results will be presented. Conclusion: The updated results of this ongoing phase I study showed that the oral EZH1/2 dual inhibitor valemetostat has demonstrated acceptable safety and promising preliminary efficacy in NHL. In addition, the results of ATL patients, including mogamulizumab pretreated patients, showed promising clinical activity. A subsequent pivotal phase II study for ATL will soon be initiated. Clinical trial information: NCT02732275 Disclosures Ishitsuka: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; sanofi: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Astellas Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Mochida: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Astellas Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genzyme: Honoraria; Genzyme: Honoraria; Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Teijin Pharma: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding; Asahi kasei: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Kyowa Hakko Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; mundiharma: Honoraria; Taiho Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Alexion: Honoraria; Mochida: Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; mundiharma: Honoraria; Taiho Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Otsuka Pharmaceutical: Honoraria; Ono Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria; Alexion: Honoraria; sanofi: Honoraria. Izutsu:Eisai, Chugai, Zenyaku: Honoraria; Chugai, Celgene, Daiichi Sankyo, Astra Zeneca, Eisai, Symbio, Ono, Bayer, Solasia, Zenyaku, Incyte, Novartis, Sanofi, HUYA Bioscience, MSD, Astellas Amgen, Abbvie, ARIAD, Takeda, Pfizer: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Eisai, Symbio, Chugai, Zenyaku: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin, Eisai, Takeda, MSD, Chugai, Nihon Medi-physics, Janssen, Ono, Abbvie, Dainihon Sumitomo, Bayer, Astra Zeneca, HUYA Japan, Novartis, Bristol-Byers Squibb, Mundi, Otsuka, Daiichi Sankyo, Astellas, Asahi Kasei: Honoraria. Kusumoto:Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.: Honoraria, Research Funding. Araki:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment. Adachi:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment. Yamashita:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment. Atsumi:Daiichi Sankyo: Employment. Tsukasaki:Eisai: Research Funding; Mundi Pharma: Honoraria; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Huya: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Byer: Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria; Ono Pharmaceutical: Consultancy; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy. Tobinai:Eisai: Honoraria, Research Funding; Kyowa Kirin: Honoraria, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Chugai Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Zenyaku Kogyo: Consultancy, Honoraria; Meiji Seika: Honoraria; Verastem: Honoraria; Solasia: Honoraria; Janssen Pharmaceutical: Honoraria, Research Funding; Yakult: Honoraria; AbbVie: Research Funding; Ono Pharmaceutical: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Mundi Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; HUYA Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of peripheral T-lymphocytes with a poor prognosis. This multicenter, two-stage, single-arm, phase II study assessed the efficacy and safety of bortezomib in patients with relapsed/refractory ATL who received at least one regimen of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the best overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints included safety, the best response by lesions, and progression-free survival (PFS). Fifteen patients were enrolled in the first stage of this study. One partial remission (PR) and five stable disease (SD) were observed as the best overall responses, and ORR was 6.7% (95% confidence interval (C.I.) 0.17-31.95%). Responses according to disease sites were one complete remission (CR) in peripheral blood, two PR in measurable targeted lesions, and two PR in skin lesions. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 38 (95% CI; 18–106) days. All patients developed ≥1 adverse events (AEs), and 80% of patients had ≥1 grade 3/4 AEs; however, no new safety findings were obtained. Although these results fulfilled the planned settings to proceed to the second stage, the coordinating committee decided to terminate this study because single agent activity did not appear to be very promising for this cohort of patients.

Background BK-UM (CRM197) is a mutant form of diphtheria toxin and a specific inhibitor of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF). We assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, recommended dose, and efficacy of BK-UM in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) or peritoneal cancer (PC), and measured HB-EGF levels in serum and abdominal fluid after BK-UM administration. Methods Eleven patients with advanced or recurrent OC or PC were enrolled and treated with BK-UM via the intraperitoneal route. The dose was escalated (1.0, 2.0, 3.3, and 5.0 mg/m2) using a 3 + 3 design. Results Eight of 11 patients completed treatment. No dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was experienced at dose levels 1 (1.0 mg/m2) and 2 (2.0 mg/m2). Grade 3 transient hypotension as an adverse event (defined as a DLT in the present study) was observed in two of four patients at dose level 3 (3.3 mg/m2). Treatment with BK-UM was associated with decreases in HB-EGF levels in serum and abdominal fluid in seven of 11 patients and five of eight patients, respectively. Clinical outcomes included a partial response in one patient, stable disease in five patients, and progressive disease in five patients. Conclusions BK-UM was well tolerated at doses of 1.0 and 2.0 mg/m2, with evidence for clinical efficacy in patients with recurrent OC or PC. A dose of 2.0 mg/m2 BK-UM is recommended for subsequent clinical trials. Trial registration This trial was prospectively performed as an investigator-initiated clinical trial. The trial numbers are UMIN000001002 and UMIN000001001, with registration dates of 1/30/2008 and 2/4/2008, respectively. UMIN000001001 was registered as a trial for the continuous administration of BK-UM after UMIN000001002. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3071-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a malignancy of mature T lymphocytes induced by human T-cell leukemia virus-1, and has a poor outcome. New molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of ATL are urgently needed. We previously reported that Sirtuin 1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent histone/protein deacetylase, is highly expressed in primary acute-type ATL cells. NAD+ biosynthesis via nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) modulates Sirtuin 1 activity. Here, we examined the expression and effects of inhibiting NAMPT, a rate-limiting. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from ATL patients were carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the Committees for Ethical Review of Research involving Human Subjects at Kagoshima University Hospital. Cell viability was evaluated in the S1T cell line derived from an ATL patient, MT-2 cell line derived from normal human leukocytes transformed by leukemic T-cells from an ATL patient, and primary ATL cells. Animal experiments were approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee of Rakuno Gakuen University in accordance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Results Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from acute-type ATL patients expressed significantly higher NAMPT protein levels than cells from healthy controls. FK866, a NAMPT inhibitor, induced apoptosis in fresh ATL cells ex vivo and HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines in vitro, which was accompanied by NAD+ depletion, activation of caspases, DNA fragmentation, and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. A pan-caspase inhibitor failed to prevent the FK866-induced cell death, while FK866 increased endonuclease G, a caspase-independent cell death mediator. Intriguingly, FK866 activated autophagy, revealed by increased LC3-II protein levels and autophagic flux. Thus, FK866 simultaneously activated apoptosis and autophagy. Finally, FK866 treatment markedly decreased human ATL tumor xenograft growth in immunodeficient mice. Conclusions These results demonstrate that NAMPT inhibition induces autophagy and caspase-dependent and -independent cell death in ATL cells, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with this fatal disease. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is an incurable peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I. In our preceding paper, 214 extracts from 162 plants were screened to elucidate the antiproliferative principles against ATL cell lines. Several withanolides were isolated and the structure-activity relationships (SAR) examined. To extend the search for SAR, 31 further withanolides, previously isolated from solanaceous plants, were tested against ATL cell lines. The presence of a 4β-hydroxy group as well as a 5β,6β-epoxy group appeared to be essential for the activity. In contrast, the presence of a sugar moiety at either the 3- or the 27-position led to a reduction in the activity. Furthermore, 24,25-dihydrowithanolide D (13) was identified as the most potent inhibitor, showing selective toxicity against ATL cell lines by inducing apoptotic cell death.

Purpose The prognosis of acute- and lymphoma-type adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is poor, but there is marked diversity in survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic index (PI) for acute- and lymphoma-type ATL (ATL-PI). Patients and Methods In a retrospective review, data from 807 patients newly diagnosed with acute- and lymphoma-type ATL between January 2000 and May 2009 were evaluated. We randomly divided subjects into training (n = 404) and validation (n = 403) samples, and developed a PI using a multivariable fractional polynomial model. Results Median overall survival time (MST) for the 807 patients was 7.7 months. The Ann Arbor stage (I and II v III and IV), performance status (0 to 1 v 2 to 4), and three continuous variables (age, serum albumin, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor [sIL-2R]) were identified as independent prognostic factors in the training sample. Using these variables, a prognostic model was devised to identify different levels of risk. In the validation sample, MSTs were 3.6, 7.3, and 16.2 months for patients at high, intermediate, and low risk, respectively (P < .001; χ2 = 89.7, 2 df; log-rank test). We also simplified the original ATL-PI according to dichotomizing age at 70 years, serum albumin at 3.5 g/dL, and sIL-2R at 20,000 U/mL and developed an easily calculable PI with prognostic discrimination power (P < .001; χ2 = 74.2, 2 df; log-rank test). Conclusion The ATL-PI is a promising new tool for identifying patients with acute- and lymphoma-type ATL at different risks.

Purpose Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is usually resistant to conventional chemotherapies, and there are few other treatment options. Because CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is expressed on tumor cells from most patients with ATL, KW-0761, a humanized anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody, which markedly enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, was evaluated in the treatment of patients with relapsed ATL. Patients and Methods A multicenter phase II study of KW-0761 for patients with relapsed, aggressive CCR4-positive ATL was conducted to evaluate efficacy, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety. The primary end point was overall response rate, and secondary end points included progression-free and overall survival from the first dose of KW-0761. Patients received intravenous infusions of KW-0761 once per week for 8 weeks at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Results Of 28 patients enrolled onto the study, 27 received at least one infusion of KW-0761. Objective responses were noted in 13 of 26 evaluable patients, including eight complete responses, with an overall response rate of 50% (95% CI, 30% to 70%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.2 and 13.7 months, respectively. The mean half-life period after the eighth infusion was 422 ± 147 hours (± standard deviation). The most common adverse events were infusion reactions (89%) and skin rashes (63%), which were manageable and reversible in all cases. Conclusion KW-0761 demonstrated clinically meaningful antitumor activity in patients with relapsed ATL, with an acceptable toxicity profile. Further investigation of KW-0761 for treatment of ATL and other T-cell neoplasms is warranted.

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1). Clinical manifestations of ATL range from smoldering to chronic, lymphoma and acute subtypes. Patients with acute and lymphoma-type ATL require therapeutic intervention. Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens used against other malignant lymphoma have been administered to ATL patients, but the therapeutic outcomes of acute and lymphoma-type ATL remain very poor. In this study, 214 extracts from 162 plants belonging to 65 families were screened for the purpose of elucidating the anti-proliferative effect against HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines. Extracts from aerial parts of Physalis pruinosa showed potent inhibitory effect. We isolated five withanolides from the extracts by activity-guided fractionation and examined the structure-activity relationships. The presence of a 5β,6β-epoxy function is suggested to be essential for the activity, and the most active principle showed selective toxicity to HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines.

In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of 5-azacytidine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, against multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and characterized DNA damage–related mechanisms of cell death. 5-Azacytidine showed significant cytotoxicity against both conventional therapy-sensitive and therapy-resistant MM cell lines, as well as multidrug-resistant patient-derived MM cells, with IC50 of ∼0.8–3 μmol/L. Conversely, 5-azacytidine was not cytotoxic to peripheral blood mononuclear cells or patient-derived bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) at these doses. Importantly, 5-azacytidine overcame the survival and growth advantages conferred by exogenous interleukin-6 (IL-6), insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), or by adherence of MM cells to BMSCs. 5-Azacytidine treatment induced DNA double-strand break (DSB) responses, as evidenced by H2AX, Chk2, and p53 phosphorylations, and apoptosis of MM cells. 5-Azacytidine–induced apoptosis was both caspase dependent and independent, with caspase 8 and caspase 9 cleavage; Mcl-1 cleavage; Bax, Puma, and Noxa up-regulation; as well as release of AIF and EndoG from the mitochondria. Finally, we show that 5-azacytidine–induced DNA DSB responses were mediated predominantly by ATR, and that doxorubicin, as well as bortezomib, synergistically enhanced 5-azacytidine–induced MM cell death. Taken together, these data provide the preclinical rationale for the clinical evaluation of 5-azacytidine, alone and in combination with doxorubicin and bortezomib, to improve patient outcome in MM. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(6):1718–27]

We have previously shown that heat shock protein (Hsp) 27 or its upstream activator p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) confers resistance to bortezomib and dexamethasone (Dex) in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. This study examined anti-MM activity of a novel p38 MAPK inhibitor, BIRB 796, alone and in combination with conventional and novel therapeutic agents. BIRB 796 blocked baseline and bortezomib-triggered upregulation of p38 MAPK and Hsp27 phosphorylation, thereby enhancing cytotoxicity and caspase activation. The Hsp90 inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxy-geldanamycin (17-AAG) upregulated protein expression and phosphorylation of Hsp27; conversely, BIRB 796 inhibited this phosphorylation and enhanced 17-AAG-induced cytotoxicity. Importantly, BIRB 796 inhibited Hsp27 phosphorylation induced by 17-AAG plus bortezomib, thereby enhancing cytotoxicity. In bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC), BIRB 796 inhibited phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor triggered by either tumour necrosis factor-alpha or tumour growth factor-beta1. BIRB 796 also inhibited IL-6 secretion induced in BMSCs by adherence to MM cells, thereby inhibiting tumour cell proliferation. These studies therefore suggest that BIRB 796 overcomes drug-resistance in the BM microenvironment, providing the framework for clinical trials of a p38 MAPK inhibitor, alone and in combination with bortezomib, Hsp90 inhibitor, or Dex, to improve patient outcome in MM.

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors have the potential to induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. Seliciclib (CYC202 or R-roscovitine) is a potent CDK inhibitor currently undergoing phase-2 clinical testing in lung and B-cell malignancies. Here we studied the in vitro cytotoxic activity of seliciclib against multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Our data demonstrate that seliciclib has potent cytotoxicity against MM cells that are both sensitive and resistant to conventional therapy as well as primary MM cells from patients. Cell-cycle and Western blot analysis confirmed apoptosis. Importantly, seliciclib triggered a rapid down-regulation of Mcl-1 transcription and protein expression independent of caspase cleavage. Adherence of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) induced increased Mcl-1 expression associated with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, which was inhibited in a time- and dose-dependent manner by seliciclib. Furthermore, seliciclib inhibited interleukin 6 (IL-6) transcription and secretion triggered by tumor cell binding to BMSCs. Up-regulation of Mcl-1 expression in cocultures was only partially blocked by neutralizing antibody to IL-6, suggesting alternative mechanisms of Mcl-1 modulation by seliciclib. Finally, combination studies of seliciclib with doxorubicin and bortezomib show in vitro synergism, providing the rationale for testing these drug combinations to improve patient outcome in MM.

In this study we report that R-etodolac (SDX-101), at clinically relevant concentrations, induces potent cytotoxicity in drug-sensitive multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines, as well as in dexamethasone (MM.1R)-, doxorubicin (Dox40/RPMI8226)-, and bortezomib (DHL4)-resistant cell lines. Immunoblot analysis demonstrates that R-etodolac induces apoptosis characterized by caspase-8, -9, and -3 and PARP (poly-ADP [adenosine diphosphate]-ribose polymerase) cleavage and down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. Subcytotoxic doses of R-etodolac up-regulate myeloid cell leukemia-1 proapoptotic variant (Mcl-1S), while enhancing dexamethasone (Dex)-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. The combination of R-etodolac with Dex results in a highly synergistic cytotoxic effect. R-etodolac also induces apoptosis against primary cells isolated from patients with MM refractory to chemotherapy. Although interleukin 6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) abrogate Dex-induced MM cell cytotoxicity, neither IL-6 nor IGF-1 protects against R-etodolac-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells. R-etodolac also inhibits viability of MM cells adherent to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), thereby overcoming a mechanism of drug resistance commonly observed with other conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Our data, therefore, indicate that R-etodolac circumvents drug resistance in MM cells at clinically relevant concentrations, targets Mcl-1, and can be synergistically combined with Dex. (Blood. 2005;106:706-712)

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a rate-limiting enzyme required for the de novo synthesis of guanine nucleotides from IMP. VX-944 (Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA) is a small-molecule, selective, noncompetitive inhibitor directed against human IMPDH. In this report, we show that VX-944 inhibits in vitro growth of human multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines via induction of apoptosis. Interleukin-6, insulin-like growth factor-1, or co-culture with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) do not protect against VX-944-induced MM cell growth inhibition. VX-944 induced apoptosis in MM cell lines with only modest activation of caspases 3, 8, and 9. Furthermore, the pan-caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk did not inhibit VX-944-induced apoptosis and cell death. During VX-944-induced apoptosis, expressions of Bax and Bak were enhanced, and both apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G (Endo G) were released from the mitochondria to cytosol, suggesting that VX-944 triggers apoptosis in MM cells primarily via a caspase-independent, Bax/AIF/Endo G pathway. Importantly, VX-944 augments the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin and melphalan even in the presence of BMSCs. Taken together, our data demonstrate a primarily non-caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway triggered by VX-944, thereby providing a rationale to enhance MM cell cytotoxicity by combining this agent with conventional agents which trigger caspase activation.

Azaspirane (N-N-diethyl-8,8-dipropyl-2-azaspiro [4.5] decane-2-propanamine; trade name, Atiprimod) is an orally bioavailable cationic amphiphilic compound that significantly inhibits production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and inflammation in rat arthritis and autoimmune animal models. We here characterize the effect of atiprimod on human multiple myeloma (MM) cells. Azaspirane significantly inhibited growth and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in drug-sensitive and drug-resistant MM cell lines, as well as patient MM cells. IL-6, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), or adherence of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) did not protect against atiprimod-induced apoptosis. Both conventional (dexamethasone, doxorubicin, melphalan) and novel (arsenic trioxide) agents augment apoptosis induced by atiprimod. Azaspirane inhibits signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and a PI3-K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) target (Akt), but not extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), inhibits phosphorylation triggered by IL-6, and also inhibits inhibitorκBα (IκBα) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) p65 phosphorylation triggered by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Of importance, azaspirane inhibits both IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion in BMSCs triggered by MM cell binding and also inhibits angiogenesis on human umbilical vein cells (HUVECs). Finally, azaspirane demonstrates in vivo antitumor activity against human MM cell growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. These results, therefore, show that azaspirane both induces MM cell apoptosis and inhibits cytokine secretion in the BM milieu, providing the framework for clinical trials to improve patient outcome in MM.

Thalidomide alone or in combination with steroids has significant activity in multiple myeloma (MM). However, given its teratogenic potential, analogs have been synthesized, retaining the anti-MM activity without these side effects. We examined the anti-MM activity of two thalidomide analogs, CPS11 and CPS49. Direct cytotoxicity of the drugs on myeloma cell lines and patient myeloma cells was examined using thymidine uptake. Tumor cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry as well as Western blotting for caspase and PARP cleavage. Cellular signaling events were examined by immunoblotting for phosphorylated proteins. Both drugs inhibit proliferation of several MM cell lines sensitive and resistant to conventional therapies. They decrease secretion of IL-6, IGF, and VEGF by marrow stromal cells. Importantly, they inhibit proliferation of MM cells adherent to stromal cells. These drugs induce caspase-mediated apoptosis in MM cell lines, as well as patient MM cells. They inhibit the PI3K/Akt and JAK/STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) pathways in MM cells and are antiangiogenic in matrigel-based assays. CPS11 and CPS49 have potent antimyeloma activity and can overcome protective effects of the tumor microenvironment. They have potent antiangiogenic activity and direct effect on bone marrow stroma. These encouraging preclinical data provide the basis for further evaluation in the clinic.

PS-341 (pyrazylcarbonyl-Phe-Leu-boronate, bortezomib, Velcade™) represents a class of peptide boronate proteasome inhibitors which inhibit 26S proteasome activity, and demonstrated promise as potential novel anti-cancer therapies. PS-341: induces heat shock proteins (Hsps); activates JNK; induces apoptosis in MM cells mediated by activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3; induces cleavage of DNA protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and ATM; overcomes conventional drug resistance conferred by IL-6 or adherence to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs); and further abrogates IL-6-triggered signaling cascades by caspase-dependent downregulation of gp130 (CD130). Importantly, a phase II clinical trial of Velcade in refractory relapsed MM demonstrated 35% responses, including 10% complete and near complete responses; however, 65% of patients did not respond to PS-341. We have previously shown that heat shock protein (Hsp)27 is upregulated after PS-341 treatment, that overexpression of Hsp27 confers PS-341 resistance, and that inhibition of Hsp27 overcomes PS-341 resistance. Since Hsp27 is a downstream target of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ MAPK-mitogen-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAPK2), we hypothesized that inhibition of p38 MAPK activity could augment PS-341 cytotoxicity by downregulating Hsp27. Although p38 MAPK inhibitor SCIO-469 (Scios Inc, CA) alone did not induce significant growth inhibition in MM.1S cells, it blocked baseline and PS-341-triggered phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, as well as upregulation of Hsp27, associated with enhanced cytotoxicity. Importantly, SCIO-469 enhanced phosphorylation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and augmented cleavage of caspase-8 and poly (ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP). Moreover, SCIO-469 downregulated PS-341-induced increases in G2/M phase cells, associated with downregulation of p21Cip1 expression. These results were further confirmed using transient transfection with p38 MAPK siRNA. Importantly, SCIO-469 treatment augmented cytotoxicity of PS-341 even against PS-341 resistant cell lines and patient MM cells. These studies therefore provide the framework for clinical trials of SCIO-469 to enhance sensitivity and overcome resistance to PS-341, thereby improving patient outcome in MM.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the elderly (EBV[+]DLBCL-E) is classified as a subtype of DLBCL. Until now, its molecular pathogenesis has remained unknown. To identify pathways characteristic of EBV(+)DLBCL-E, gene expression profiling of five EBV(+)DLBCL-E and seven EBV-negative DLBCL (EBV[-]DLBCL) cases was undertaken using human oligonucleotide microarray analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis and gene ontology analysis showed that gene sets of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways were enriched in EBV(+)DLBCL-E cases. To confirm the results of the expression profiles, in vitro analysis was performed. Expression profiling analysis showed that high activation of the JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways was induced by EBV infection into DLBCL cell lines. Activation of the NF-κB pathway was confirmed in EBV-infected cell lines using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Western blot analysis revealed an increased protein expression level of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in an EBV-infected cell line. Protein expression of phosphorylated STAT3 was frequently observed in lymphoma cells of EBV(+)DLBCL-E clinical samples using immunohistochemistry (EBV[+]DLBCL-E: 80.0% [n = 20/25] versus EBV[-]DLBCL: 38.9% [n = 14/36]; P = 0.001). The results of the present study suggest that activation of the JAK-STAT and NF-κB pathways was characteristic of EBV(+)DLBCL-E, which may reflect the nature of EBV-positive tumor cells. Targeting these pathways as therapies might improve clinical outcomes of EBV(+)DLBCL-E.

A novel therapeutic potential for acute promyelocytic leukemia using arsenic trioxide (As(2) O(3) ) has been reported. Recent in vitro studies demonstrated that As(2) O(3) effectively inhibits the growth of some cell lines derived from patients with malignant lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is an aggressive neoplasm of mature T-cell origin caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-I) the prognosis of which still remains very poor. A possible role of As(2) O(3) for the treatment of ATL is demonstrated from evidence that As(2) O(3) significantly inhibits the growth of HTLV-I infected T-cell lines and induces apoptosis in fresh ATL cells at clinically achievable concentration of the agent. The growth inhibition of As(2) O(3) treated HTLV-I infected T-cell lines was induced by both apoptosis and G(1) phase accumulation. Cleaved bcl-2 protein and an enhanced expression of bak protein in the cells were coincidentally observed during As(2) O(3) treatment. A broad spectrum caspase inhibitor, z-Val-Ala-DL-Asp-fluoromethylketone inhibited the apoptosis induced by As(2) O(3). Increased expression of p53, Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27, and dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRb) were detected in the As(2) O(3) treated cells. In conclusion, As(2) O(3) might become a new therapeutic tool in the treatment of ATL as As(2) O(3) induces apoptosis by destruction of the bcl-2 protein and enhancement of the bak protein production proceeding to activate caspases, and also induces G(1) phase accumulation by enhancement of p53, Cip1/p21, Kip1/p27 and dephosphorylation of pRb to HTLV-I infected T-cell lines.

Adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL) is difficult to cure using conventional therapies. Recently the therapeutic possibility of retinoic acids (RA) has been reported. In this study, suppression of in vitro growth of human T-cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I) infected T-cell lines and fresh ATL cells by arsenic trioxide (As 2 O 3 were evaluated by comparison with a series of RA derivatives, Proliferation of four HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines was significantly reduced within 72 h by 1.0 μmol/l As 2 O 3 . Growth of two out of four HTLV-I-infected T-cell lines was also inhibited by 1.0 μmol/l RA. but to a lesser extent than by As 2 O 3 . The mechanism of this growth inhibition was due to the induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis was also induced in fresh ATL cells from patients by As 2 O 3 but far less by RA. As described in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. 1.0 μmol/l of As 2 O 3 can be safely achieved in the serum of patients: however, it is. difficult to maintain this concentration of RA, In conclusion, As 2 O 3 has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ATL and may be far more clinically beneficial than RA.

There are a few reports suggesting that rituximab (RTX) might be a risk for interstitial pneumonitis (IP). We also experienced such patients in the era of RTX. Here, we reviewed all the patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who were treated with RTX-CHOP-like regimen (R-CHOP) to determine the risk of developing IP. One of 59 (1.7%) patients who received CHOP alone and 8 of 129 (6.2%) patients who were treated with R-CHOP experienced IP (p = 0.28). Furthermore, three of eight patients who have had IP during R-CHOP were confirmed having Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). PCP occurred during the fourth, sixth, and seventh cycle of chemotherapy, respectively. Among the patients treated by R-CHOP, 3 of 32 (9%) patients whose lymphocyte counts were1000/microL before chemotherapy developed PCP, while 70 patients whose lymphocyte counts were1000/microL did not (p = 0.03). In four of eight patients, IP occurred during the administration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor. RTX seems to have a certain risk to induce IP including PCP. Patients with lymphoma who were treated by R-CHOP regimen, might be considered as PCP prophylactic, especially if the number of lymphocytes is low at the beginning of chemotherapy.

The interaction between multiple myeloma (MM) cells and the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment induces proliferation and survival of MM cells, as well as osteoclastogenesis. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of novel p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) inhibitor LY2228820 (LY) in MM. Although cytotoxicity against MM cell lines was modest, LY significantly enhanced the toxicity of bortezomib by down-regulating bortezomib-induced heat shock protein 27 phosphorylation. LY inhibited interleukin-6 secretion from long term cultured-BM stromal cells and BM mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) derived from MM patients in remission. LY also inhibited macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha secretion from patient MM cells and BMMNCs as well as normal CD14 positive osteoclast precursor cells. Moreover, LY significantly inhibited in vitro osteoclastogenesis from CD14 positive cells induced by macrophage-colony stimulating factor and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand. Finally, LY also inhibited in vivo osteoclatogenesis in a severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model of human MM. These results suggest that LY represents a promising novel targeted approach to improve MM patient outcome both by enhancing the effect of bortezomib and by reducing osteoskeletal events.

Here we investigated the cytotoxicity of JS-K, a prodrug designed to release nitric oxide (NO•) following reaction with glutathione S-transferases, in multiple myeloma (MM). JS-K showed significant cytotoxicity in both conventional therapy-sensitive and -resistant MM cell lines, as well as patient-derived MM cells. JS-K induced apoptosis in MM cells, which was associated with PARP, caspase-8, and caspase-9 cleavage; increased Fas/CD95 expression; Mcl-1 cleavage; and Bcl-2 phosphorylation, as well as cytochrome c, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and endonuclease G (EndoG) release. Moreover, JS-K overcame the survival advantages conferred by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), or by adherence of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that JS-K–induced cytotoxicity was mediated via NO• in MM cells. Furthermore, JS-K induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and activated DNA damage responses, as evidenced by neutral comet assay, as well as H2AX, Chk2 and p53 phosphorylation. JS-K also activated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in MM cells; conversely, inhibition of JNK markedly decreased JS-K–induced cytotoxicity. Importantly, bortezomib significantly enhanced JS-K–induced cytotoxicity. Finally, JS-K is well tolerated, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival in a human MM xenograft mouse model. Taken together, these data provide the preclinical rationale for the clinical evaluation of JS-K to improve patient outcome in MM.

8522 Background: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) has been divided into 4 clinical subtypes: acute, lymphoma, chronic and smoldering. The prognosis in patients with chronic and smoldering type ...

A critical role for vascular endothelial factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis. Here, we characterized the effect of the small-molecule VEGF receptor inhibitor pazopanib on MM cells in the bone marrow milieu. Pazopanib inhibits VEGF-triggered signaling pathways in both tumor and endothelial cells, thereby blocking in vitro MM cell growth, survival, and migration, and inhibits VEGF-induced up-regulation of adhesion molecules on both endothelial and tumor cells, thereby abrogating endothelial cell-MM cell binding and associated cell proliferation. We show that pazopanib is the first-in-class VEGF receptor inhibitor to inhibit in vivo tumor cell growth associated with increased MM cell apoptosis, decreased angiogenesis, and prolonged survival in a mouse xenograft model of human MM. Low-dose pazopanib demonstrates synergistic cytotoxicity with conventional (melphalan) and novel (bortezomib and immunomodulatory drugs) therapies. Finally, gene expression and signaling network analysis show transcriptional changes of several cancer-related genes, in particular c-Myc. Using siRNA, we confirm the role of c-Myc in VEGF production and secretion, as well as angiogenesis. These preclinical studies provide the rationale for clinical evaluation of pazopanib, alone and in combination with conventional and novel therapies, to increase efficacy, overcome drug resistance, reduce toxicity, and improve patient outcome in MM.