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OBJECTIVES Since 1991 hepatitis B vaccination has been mandatory for all newborns in Italy. The aim of the study was to verify the long-term seroprevalence and the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination in medical students of the University of Siena. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a population of 850 medical students of the University of Siena (322 males and 528 females, mean age: 23 years) by obtaining from the medical reports the serological analysis data for the total anti-hepatitis B antibodies (HBsAb) and information on hepatitis B vaccination (number of vaccine doses, age at the first vaccination, time since the final vaccination dose, country of origin). Raw odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were initially calculated to evaluate the association between 2 variables. The adjusted ORs were then calculated using a multivariate logistic regression model to study the association between the variables and the possible confounding factors. RESULTS Overall, 593 students (69.76%) were immunized against hepatitis B, while 257 (30.24%) had HBsAb antibody titer

Chorea-Acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a devastating, little understood, and currently untreatable neurodegenerative disease caused by VPS13A mutations. Based on our recent demonstration that accumulation of activated Lyn tyrosine kinase is a key pathophysiological event in human ChAc cells, we took advantage of Vps13a−/− mice, which phenocopied human ChAc. Using proteomic approach, we found accumulation of active Lyn, γ-synuclein and phospho-tau proteins in Vps13a−/− basal ganglia secondary to impaired autophagy leading to neuroinflammation. Mice double knockout Vps13a−/− Lyn−/− showed normalization of red cell morphology and improvement of autophagy in basal ganglia. We then in vivo tested pharmacologic inhibitors of Lyn: dasatinib and nilotinib. Dasatinib failed to cross the mouse brain blood barrier (BBB), but the more specific Lyn kinase inhibitor nilotinib, crosses the BBB. Nilotinib ameliorates both Vps13a−/− hematological and neurological phenotypes, improving autophagy and preventing neuroinflammation. Our data support the proposal to repurpose nilotinib as new therapeutic option for ChAc patients.

SummarySelectins play a central role in leukocyte trafficking by mediating tethering and rolling on vascular surfaces. Here we have reported that T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) is a P-selectin ligand. We have shown that human and murine TIM-1 binds to P-selectin, and that TIM-1 mediates tethering and rolling of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17, but not Th2 and regulatory T cells on P-selectin. Th1 and Th17 cells lacking the TIM-1 mucin domain showed reduced rolling in thrombin-activated mesenteric venules and inflamed brain microcirculation. Inhibition of TIM-1 had no effect on naive T cell homing, but it reduced T cell recruitment in a skin hypersensitivity model and blocked experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Uniquely, the TIM-1 immunoglobulin variable domain was also required for P-selectin binding. Our data demonstrate that TIM-1 is a major P-selectin ligand with a specialized role in T cell trafficking during inflammatory responses and the induction of autoimmune disease.

Inflammation is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, and innate immune cells have been shown to contribute to disease pathogenesis. In two transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease (5xFAD and 3xTg-AD mice), neutrophils extravasated and were present in areas with amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits, where they released neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and IL-17. Aβ 42 peptide triggered the LFA-1 integrin high-affinity state and rapid neutrophil adhesion to integrin ligands. In vivo, LFA-1 integrin controlled neutrophil extravasation into the CNS and intraparenchymal motility. In transgenic Alzheimer's disease models, neutrophil depletion or inhibition of neutrophil trafficking via LFA-1 blockade reduced Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology and improved memory in mice already showing cognitive dysfunction. Temporary depletion of neutrophils for 1 month at early stages of disease led to sustained improvements in memory. Transgenic Alzheimer's disease model mice lacking LFA-1 were protected from cognitive decline and had reduced gliosis. In humans with Alzheimer's disease, neutrophils adhered to and spread inside brain venules and were present in the parenchyma, along with NETs. Our results demonstrate that neutrophils contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis and cognitive impairment and suggest that the inhibition of neutrophil trafficking may be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease.

To verify whether it is possible, in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) considered at very high cardiovascular (CV) risk, stratify this risk better and identify significant modifiable risk factor (including lifestyle habits) to help patients and clinicians improve CV prevention. People with DM and microvascular diseases or one or more CV risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, poor dietary habits, overweight, physical inactivity) included in the Risk and Prevention study were selected. We considered the combined endpoint of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction and stroke and CV death. A multivariate Cox proportional analysis was carried out to identify relevant predictors. We also used the RECPAM method to identify subgroups of patients at higher risk. In our study, the rate of major CV events was lower than expected (5 % in 5 years). Predictors of CV events were age, male, sex, heart failure, previous atherosclerotic disease, atrial fibrillation, insulin treatment, high HbA1c, heart rate and other CV diseases while being physically active was protective. RECPAM analysis indicated that history of atherosclerotic diseases and a low BMI defined worse prognosis (HR 4.51 95 % CI 3.04–6.69). Among subjects with no previous atherosclerotic disease, men with HbA1c more than 8 % were at higher CV risk (HR 2.77; 95 % CI 1.86–4.14) with respect to women. In this population, the rate of major CV events was lower than expected. This prediction model could help clinicians identify people with DM at higher CV risk and support them in achieving goals of physical activity and HbA1c.

Summary Transformed lymphoma (TL) represents a heterogeneous group of lymphomas with an aggressive course and poor prognosis. We assessed the clinical benefit of single-agent lenalidomide based on histological origin, including transformed follicular lymphoma (tFL) and transformed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (tCLL/SLL). Our analysis included 33 patients with TL. Patients received lenalidomide at a median dose of 25 mg/d. The overall response rate (ORR) was 46%, with a median response duration of 12·8 months after a median follow-up of 5·6 months. Median progression-free survival was 5·4 months. Among patients with tFL, ORR was 57%, with a median response duration of 12·8 months. None of the patients with tCLL/SLL responded to lenalidomide monotherapy. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were reversible myelosuppression. Our results suggest that the original lymphoma histology (i.e. FL) in TL patients may potentially be associated with response to salvage lenalidomide monotherapy.

Purpose Lenalidomide is a novel immunomodulatory agent with antiproliferative activities. Given its efficacy in a wide range of hematologic malignancies, we conducted a phase II trial (NHL-001) of single-agent lenalidomide in indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Patients and Methods Patients with relapsed/refractory indolent NHL were eligible, with no limit on the number of previous therapies. Oral lenalidomide 25 mg was self-administered once daily on days 1 to 21 of every 28-day cycle for up to 52 weeks as tolerated, or until disease progression. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR), with secondary end points of duration of response (DR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results Forty-three enrolled patients were assessable for response and safety. Patients received a median of three prior systemic therapies (range, 1 to 17) and half were refractory to last therapy. ORR was 23% (10 of 43), including a 7% complete response (CR) or unconfirmed CR rate. Twenty-seven percent (six of 22) of patients with follicular lymphoma grade 1 or 2, and 22% (four of 18) with small lymphocytic lymphoma responded to therapy. Median DR was not reached, but was longer than 16.5 months with seven of 10 responses ongoing at 15 to 28 months. Median PFS for the whole group was 4.4 months (95% CI, 2.5 to 10.4 months). Adverse events were predictable and manageable; the most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (30% and 16%, respectively) and thrombocytopenia (14% and 5%, respectively). Conclusion Oral lenalidomide monotherapy produces durable responses with manageable adverse events in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent NHL, warranting further investigation of treatment for indolent NHL.

Lenalidomide gained Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) in combination with dexamethasone in June 2006. In April 2005, the FDA and patient advocacy groups requested an expanded access programme to both provide lenalidomide to patients likely to benefit and obtain additional safety information. Relapsed/refractory MM patients received lenalidomide 25 mg/d (days 1-21) and dexamethasone 40 mg/d (days 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20 of cycles 1-4; days 1-4 only from cycle 5 onwards), in 4-week cycles until disease progression, study drug discontinuation, or lenalidomide approval. Of the 1438 patients enrolled, approximately 60% were male, median age was 64 years, and 61.7% had Durie-Salmon stage III disease. Median time on study was 15.4 weeks (range: 0.1-49.1) and median dose was 25 mg. The most common adverse events (AEs) were haematological (49%), gastrointestinal (59%), and fatigue (55%). The most common gradeor =3 AEs were haematological (45%), fatigue (10%), and pneumonia (7%). The most common serious AEs were pneumonia (8%), pyrexia (4%), and deep-vein thrombosis (3%). Primary cause of death was disease progression (10%). Safety data confirmed known AEs of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.

Patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) have a poor prognosis. Additional therapy is often poorly tolerated, and new treatment modalities are needed. This efficacy and safety study was a retrospective analysis of two phase II trials (NHL-002 and NHL-003) that studied single-agent lenalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with prior (n = 87) compared with no prior ASCT (n = 179). The overall response rate in the ASCT group was 39% [14% complete response (CR)], including 29% in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 63% in mantle cell lymphoma, and 60% in transformed lymphoma. The timing of transplant relative to receiving lenalidomide had no effect on outcomes. Median progression-free survival for the ASCT group was 3·7 months (16·9 months for patients in CR; 7·3 months for partial responders) at a median 12·5-month follow-up. Median response duration was 7·9 months. Regardless of prior ASCT, lenalidomide monotherapy was efficacious in heavily pretreated patients with aggressive, relapsed/refractory NHL, with a safety profile that was consistent with prior studies of single-agent lenalidomide.

Solvent facilitated perfusion (SFP) has been proposed as a technique to increase the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumors. SFP entails direct injection of the agent into the tumor in a water-miscible organic solvent, and because the solvent moves easily through both aqueous solutions and cellular membranes it drives the penetration of the solubilized anticancer agent throughout the tumor. To test this hypothesis, we compared the pharmacokinetics (PK) of 14C-labeled 1,3-bis-chlorethyl-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in intra-cerebral 9L rat gliomas after intravenous (IV) infusion in 90% saline--10% ethanol or direct intratumoral (IT) injection of 14C-BCNU in 100% ethanol (DTI-015). Treatment with DTI-015 yielded a peak radioactive count (Cmax) for the 14C label that was 100-1000 fold higher in the tumor than in all other tissues in addition to a concentration in the tumor that was 100-fold higher than that achieved following IV infusion of 14C-BCNU. Pathologic and auto-radiographic analysis of tissue sections following IT injection of 14C-BCNU in ethanol into either tumor or normal rat brain revealed both an enhanced local volume of distribution and an increased concentration of BCNU delivered to tumor compared to non-tumor bearing brain. To investigate the mechanism behind the SFP of BCNU to the tumor both dynamic contrast and perfusion MRI were performed on 9L tumors before and after treatment and demonstrated a decrease in tumor perfusion following IT injection of DTI-015. Finally, initial PK of patient blood samples following administration of DTI-015 into relapsed high-grade glioma indicated a 20-fold decrease in systemic exposure to BCNU compared to IV infusion of BCNU providing further evidence for the enhanced therapeutic ratio observed for DTI-015.

Background Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent with antitumor activity in B-cell malignancies. This phase II trial aimed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), follicular grade 3 lymphoma (FL-III), or transformed lymphoma (TL). Methods Patients received oral lenalidomide 25 mg on days 1–21 every 28 days as tolerated or until progression. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Results Two hundred and seventeen patients enrolled and received lenalidomide. The ORR was 35% (77/217), with 13% (29/217) complete remission (CR), 22% (48/217) partial remission, and 21% (45/217) with stable disease. The ORR for DLBCL was 28% (30/108), 42% (24/57) for MCL, 42% (8/19) for FL-III, and 45% (15/33) for TL. Median progression-free survival for all 217 patients was 3.7 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7–5.1]. For 77 responders, the median response duration lasted 10.6 months (95% CI 7.0–NR). Median response duration was not reached in 29 patients who achieved a CR and in responding patients with FL-III or MCL. The most common adverse event was myelosuppression with grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 17% and 6%, respectively. Conclusion Lenalidomide is well tolerated and produces durable responses in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Intratumoral (IT) administration of DTI-015 (BCNU in 100% ethanol) utilizes solvent facilitated perfusion for the treatment of tumors. RIF-1 tumors were treated by IT injection of either ethanol alone or 0.05–1.0 mg of DTI-015 or by iv injection of 0.5 mg of BCNU. Treatment with ethanol alone or iv injection of 0.5 mg of BCNU did not produce a significant growth delay. In contrast, IT administration of DTI-015 produced a significant growth delay at each of the treatment doses (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). We have quantified the levels of N7-(2-hydroxyethyl) guanine (N7-HOEtG) in RIF-1 tumors 24 h following either IT treatment with 0.5 mg DTI-015 or ip administration of 0.5 mg BCNU. Levels of N7-HOEtG (μmol/mol DNA) were ≤0.08 for both untreated controls and following ip treatment with BCNU and 13.1 ± 5.6 following IT administration of DTI-015. The levels of N7-HOEtG detected in RIF-1 tumors following IT administration of DTI-015 were 164-fold higher than the level(s) of N7-HOEtG in the ip BCNU treated tumor samples. These studies demonstrate that IT administration of DTI-015 produces high levels of DNA adducts in the tumor which correspond to a significant increase in tumor growth delay compared to the same dose of BCNU administered systemically.

DTI-015 (BCNU in 100% ethanol) utilizes solvent facilitated perfusion for the intratumoral treatment of gliomas. The ethanol solvent vehicle facilitates a rapid and thorough saturation of the tumor with the dissolved anticancer agent BCNU. We conducted a phase I/II dose escalation study of DTI-015 in 40 heavily pretreated patients with inoperable recurrent malignant glioma. The study goals were to establish a maximally tolerated dose (MTD) for DTI-015 and assess its safety and activity. Patients received stereotactic intratumoral injection of DTI-015 under magnetic resonance imaging guidance. Dose escalation was performed in two phases. First, DTI-015 volume was escalated at a set BCNU concentration of 12.5 mg/ml; second, BCNU mg dose was escalated by increasing BCNU concentration to 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg/ml. A MTD of 5 ml and 240 mg was established. Twenty-five of 28 DTI-015 treatments (89%) using ≤MTD were administered safely without producing high-grade drug-related adverse events. Median survival for GBM patients administered DTI-015 at ≤MTD was 55 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated stable disease in 72% of evaluable patients with a median of 10.5 weeks. The results suggest that DTI-015 administered at ≤MTD is well tolerated and active in patients with inoperable recurrent GBM.

Flaviviridae–hepatitis C virus (HCV) and GB virus C/hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) – and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) frequently show similar modes of transmission. HCV and GBV-C/HGV infection was assessed in 134 consecutive patients with evidence of HIV infection, living in Campania, Italy. Data obtained from this cohort were compared with those obtained from 252 age- and sex-matched HCV infected patients without evidence of HIV infection (HCV control group). Following enzymatic immunoassays, samples were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA by RT-PCR. The HCV-RNA positive sera were genotyped by LiPA procedure. The prevalence of HCV infection in HIV patients was 19.40% and the largest group of HIV–HCV co-infected patients (84.62%) was represented by intravenous drug users (IVDU). The distribution of HCV genotypes in HIV–HCV patients was different, compared to that observed in HCV control group. HCV genotypes 1a (50%) and 3a (23.08%) were more frequently detected in HIV–HCV patients, compared to HCV control group (5.16 and 5.56% for 1a and 3a, respectively). Conversely, HCV genotypes 1b (55.70%) and 2a/2c (30.26%) were more represented in HCV control group, compared to HIV–HCV patients (15.38 and 0% for 1b and 2a/2c, respectively). GBV-C/HGV seroprevalence was 41.04% in HIV patients and 6.54% in healthy control individuals. Differently from HCV, GBV-C/HGV infection did not correlate to a preferential risk behaviour in the HIV cohort. Comparative analysis of HCV and GBV-C/HGV infection indicates that the use of injecting drugs might play a key role in the epidemiology of HCV and, in particular, of 1a and 3a HCV genotypes, in HIV patients.

Background Trials have shown a beneficial effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with a previous myocardial infarction or heart failure. We evaluated the potential benefit of such therapy in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic vascular disease who had not had a myocardial infarction. Methods In this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, we enrolled a cohort of patients who were followed by a network of 860 general practitioners in Italy. Eligible patients were men and women with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic vascular disease but not myocardial infarction. Patients were randomly assigned to n-3 fatty acids (1 g daily) or placebo (olive oil). The initially specified primary end point was the cumulative rate of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. At 1 year, after the event rate was found to be lower than anticipated, the primary end point was revised as time to death from cardiovascular causes or admission to the hospital for cardiovascular causes. Results Of the 12,513 patients enrolled, 6244 were randomly assigned to n-3 fatty acids and 6269 to placebo. With a median of 5 years of follow-up, the primary end point occurred in 1478 of 12,505 patients included in the analysis (11.8%), of whom 733 of 6239 (11.7%) had received n-3 fatty acids and 745 of 6266 (11.9%) had received placebo (adjusted hazard ratio with n-3 fatty acids, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 1.08; P=0.58). The same null results were observed for all the secondary end points. Conclusions In a large general-practice cohort of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, daily treatment with n-3 fatty acids did not reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. (Funded by Societa Prodotti Antibiotici and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00317707.).

DTI-015 (BCNU dissolved in ethanol) utilizes solvent facilitated perfusion (SFP) for intratumoral drug delivery. A phase II clinical trial of DTI-015 and fractionated external beam radiotherapy on newly diagnosed, malignant gliomas investigated early changes in tumour physiology and metabolism, clinical outcome and safety. Pre- and post DTI-015 injection neuro-imaging included computed tomography (CT) cerebral blood flow and volume, glucose and thallium single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical status was determined before and after DTI-015, prior to radiotherapy and 3 monthly thereafter until progression (defined by Macdonald criteria). Primary endpoint was radiographic response. Secondary endpoints were progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Twelve patients were enrolled; eight glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), four anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). Three days after DTI-015 injection, mean tumour blood flow (Paired t-test; P < 0.001) and blood volume (Paired t-test; P = 0.001) were significantly reduced. There was a significant decrease in glucose utilization (Paired t-test; P < 0.001) and thallium uptake (Paired t-test; P < 0.001) at 6 days. Tumour blood volume had a sustained reduction (Paired t-test; P = 0.001) at 26 days after DTI-015. There were two serious adverse events. Two patients with AA achieved a partial response. Median PFS was 39 weeks for AA and 27 weeks for GBM; median OS for GBM was 47 weeks and 132 weeks for AA. The imaging data forms a biological basis for understanding the effects of high dose BCNU delivered intratumorally by SFP, and suggests early effects on tumour vasculature and metabolism.

Summary Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a poor prognosis following first relapse. We present a subgroup analysis of an open-label phase II trial investigating the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. Oral lenalidomide 25 mg was self-administered once daily on days 1–21 every 28 d for up to 52 weeks, according to tolerability or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) and secondary endpoints were duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS) and safety. Among 15 patients with MCL with a median disease duration of 5·1 years and a median of four prior treatments, the ORR was 53%. Three patients (20%) had a complete response and 5 (33%) had a partial response. The median duration of response was 13·7 months and median PFS was 5·6 months. Four of five patients who relapsed after transplantation and two of five patients who previously received bortezomib responded to lenalidomide. The most common grade 4 adverse event was thrombocytopenia (13%) and the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (40%), leucopenia (27%) and thrombocytopenia (20%). In conclusion, oral lenalidomide monotherapy is well tolerated and active in relapsed or refractory MCL.

Purpose The major cause of death in aggressive lymphoma is relapse or nonresponse to initial therapy. Lenalidomide has activity in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We report the results of a phase II, single-arm, multicenter trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide oral monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. Patients and Methods Patients were treated with oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21, every 28 days, for 52 weeks, until disease progression or intolerance. The primary end point was response; secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results Forty-nine patients with a median age of 65 years received lenalidomide in this study. The most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (53%), and patients had received a median of four prior treatment regimens for NHL. An objective response rate of 35% was observed in 49 treated patients, including a 12% rate of complete response/unconfirmed complete response. Responses were observed in each aggressive histologic subtype tested (diffuse large B-cell, follicular center grade 3, mantle cell, and transformed lymphomas). Of patients with stable disease or partial response at first assessment, 25% improved with continued treatment. Estimated median duration of response was 6.2 months, and median PFS was 4.0 months. The most common grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (8.2%) and thrombocytopenia (8.2%); the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (24.5%), leukopenia (14.3%), and thrombocytopenia (12.2%). Conclusion Oral lenalidomide monotherapy is active in relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL, with manageable side effects.

To investigate diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging as a quantitative surrogate marker for evaluating the therapy-induced cellular changes in an orthotopic experimental glioma model, tumors were treated with direct intratumoral administration of DTI-015, a solution of 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) in 100% EtOH. Intracerebral 9L tumors were induced in Fischer 344 rats, and three treatment groups were established: DTI-015, EtOH, and sham. Two groups of rats received intratumoral injection of either 67 mg/mL BCNU in EtOH or EtOH alone at 50% of the tumor volume up to a maximum of 30 μl under stereotactic guidance. Diffusion magnetic resonance images were acquired before treatment and after treatment at 1, 24, 48, and 72 hours and then 3 times per week thereafter. Tumor cell viability was examined using multislice diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion weighted transverse magnetic resonance images and histogram plots of each tumor quantified over time. Control animals (EtOH- or sham-treated animals) showed mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) that remained essentially unchanged over the experimental time course. In contrast, rats treated with DTI-015 showed a significant increase in ADC relative to the pretreatment within 24 hours, which further increased over time, followed by a significant therapeutic response as evidenced by subsequent tumor volume shrinkage, development of a cystic region, and enhanced animal survival. Finally, not only were ADC measurements predictive of differences between treatment groups, but they also yielded spatial and temporal data regarding the efficacy of treatment within individual treated animals that could be used to guide subsequent therapy.

Abstract 2738 Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with poor prognosis that necessitates the development of new treatments. Lenalidomide is a unique immunomodulatory agent with antiproliferative and tumoricidal effects on MCL cells. NHL-003 was a phase II, open-label, multicenter trial for subjects with relapsed aggressive NHL that tested single-agent lenalidomide 25 mg PO days 1–21 every 28 days. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR); secondary endpoints included complete response (CR) rate, duration of response (DOR), survival, and safety. At the time of the initial publication (Witzig et al. Ann Oncol.2011;22:1622–1627), MCL subgroup analysis showed an ORR of 42%; the median DOR had not been reached. The purpose of this report is to provide long-term efficacy and safety results for the MCL subgroup from NHL-003. Results: Subjects with MCL (N=57) had a median age of 68 y (range, 33–82), were predominantly male (77%) with good ECOG performance status (89% PS 0–1) and advanced-stage disease (88% stage III/IV). Subjects had received a median of 3 (range, 1–13) prior systemic therapies. According to the current central review at a median follow-up of 12.4 mo, subjects achieved an ORR of 35% (CR/CRu 12%) following lenalidomide, including a median DOR of 16.3 mo ( Table 1 ). The ORR to single-agent lenalidomide was 44% (CR/CRu 21%) by independent assessment, with a median DOR not yet reached. Median PFS was 8.8 mo by central review and 5.7 mo according to investigators. Subjects responded quickly, with a median time to first response of 1.9 mo (central and investigator). Median DOR for subjects in CR and overall survival for all subjects have not yet been reached. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (46%), thrombocytopenia (30%), fatigue (9%), and diarrhea (5%). Other AEs included one subject with grade 1 to 2 tumor flare reaction, one subject with grade 3 deep vein thrombosis, and two subjects with second primary malignancies suspected of being related to treatment (one grade 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that resolved and one grade 4 AML in a heavily pretreated individual with 5 prior cancer therapies). Conclusions: This subset analysis from a phase II study further confirms the efficacy of lenalidomide in subjects with relapsed MCL. Responders have a long DOR with manageable side effects. These results support continued investigation of lenalidomide alone or in combination for the treatment of MCL. Table 1 . Efficacy of single-agent lenalidomide in subjects with relapsed/refractory MCL Efficacy Parameter (N=57) By Central Review By Investigator Review ORR, n (%) 20 (35) 25 (44) CR/CRu, n (%) 7 (12) 12 (21) PR, n (%) 13 (23) 13 (23) Median DOR, mo 16.34 (95% CI, 7.1 to NR) NR (95% CI, 15.4 to NR) Median time to first response, mo (range) 1.9 (1.6–24.2) 1.9 (1.6–15.2) Median PFS, mo 8.8 (95% CI, 5.5–23.0) 5.7 (95% CI, 2.7–10.7) CR(u) = complete response (unconfirmed); DOR = duration of response; NR = not reached; PFS = progression-free survival; PR = partial response Download : Download high-res image (21KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures: Zinzani: Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millenium: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; GSK: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Spectrum: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: This is a phase 2 clinical study of safety and efficacy for lenalidomide in patients with MCL. Czuczman: Celgene: Consultancy, Consultant Celgene Advisory Board Other. Reeder: Celgene: Mayo Clinic receives funding from Celgene to support clinical trials Other, Research Funding. Haioun: Celgene: Celgene Advisory Board Consultant Other, Consultancy. Tilly: Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Pietronigro: Celgene: Employment. Ervin-Haynes: Celgene: Employment. Li: Celgene: Employment. Witzig: Celgene: Research Funding.

8037 Background: From time of diagnosis, patients with indolent lymphoma have a 10-year 30% risk of transformation to an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (aNHL) (Al-Tourah. JCO. 2008). Patients wi...

Abstract 1676 Poster Board I-702 Introduction Aggressive NHL (a-NHL) comprises a heterogeneous group of B-cell malignancies, each characterized by a unique histology and molecular markers. The most common types are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), transformed lymphoma (TL), follicular grade III (FL-III), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Although initial therapy can be effective, up to 40% of patients with DLBCL either fail to respond or relapse after initial therapy (Habermann TM et al JCO 2006), and relapses are likely among patients with MCL. For such patients survival outcomes are particularly poor with few effective treatment options available. Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory agent with anti-proliferative as well as apoptotic activity was tested in a pilot study and demonstrated a 35% overall response rate (ORR) with a median duration of response (DR) of 10.4 months (Wiernik et al 2008 EHA. Abst: 764). Based on these encouraging data, we performed a large, international, confirmatory phase 2 study to assess the safety and efficacy of single-agent lenalidomide in patients with relapsed of refractory DLBCL or MCL (CC-5013-NHL-003). Methods Patients were required to have relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell NHL after ≥1 prior therapies and have at least one measurable lesion '2 cm. Patients received oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle, and continued therapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results 217 patients were enrolled and received lenalidomide with 108 (50%) DLBCL, 57 (26%) MCL, 19 (9%) FL-III, and 33 (15%) TL (Table 1). The median age was 66 yrs (range, 21–87), 97 patients (45%) had intermediate (3) or high (4–5) IPI scores, and the median time from diagnosis was 2.7 yrs (range, 0.04–20.6). Patients had received a median of 3 prior therapies (range, 1–13), and rituximab was included as a part of the prior therapy in 94% (205/217) of patients. The ORR for all 217 patients was 35% (77/217), with 13% (29/217) complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR (CRu), 22% (48/217) partial response (PR), and 21% (46/217) with stable disease (SD). Responses were observed in all histological types (Table 1). Patients with a prior stem cell transplantation had a 37% ORR (27/73). The ORR was 28% (27/95) in those patients who were refractory to their last therapy, and 33% (38/116) in patients who were rituximab refractory (defined as Conclusion This international study supports earlier pilot-study results showing that lenalidomide has promising anti-tumor activity in aggressive B-cell NHL, with a predictable and treatable toxicity profile. These data warrant further evaluation of lenalidomide in combination with other regimens in the treatment of each histological subtype, and further exploration of lenalidomide in the maintenance setting. Disclosures Witzig: Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL. Vose:Celgene: Research Funding. Zinzani:Celgene: Research Funding. Guo:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pietronigro:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ervin-Haynes:Celgene: Employment. Czuczman:Celgene: Research Funding.

Abstract 2699 Poster Board II-675 Introduction: High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) is a standard treatment option for younger patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (a-NHL) who fail to respond, or relapse after initial therapy. For patients who relapse after SCT there are few effective treatment options and prognosis remains poor (Vose et al Blood. 80(8):2142–8, 1992). A second SCT was shown to achieve only marginal responses and at an increased risk of toxic death (Lenain et al Hematol J. 5(5):403–9, 2004). Therefore, new approaches are needed for treatment of patients in this poor prognostic group. Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) is an immunomodulatory agent that has shown clinical activity in treatment of several B-cell malignancies. Two phase 2 studies of lenalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) a-NHL were conducted in the US (NHL-002; Wiernik et al JCO 26:4952–7, 2008) and internationally (CC-5013 NHL-003). In an extended follow-up of the NHL-002 study, the overall response rate (ORR) was 35%, which included 12% of patients with a complete response (CR), and a median duration of response (DR) lasting 10.4 months (Wiernik et al 2008 EHA. Abst: 764). Comparable efficacy was observed in the larger confirmatory, phase 2, NHL-003 study of lenalidomide in a similar patient population. The goal of this analysis was to learn the ORR and DR to lenalidomide in patients with a prior SCT. Methods: Patient data from both phase II studies were pooled for this report. Eligibility for both studies was similar – patients with R/R a-NHL, which included diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), transformed lymphoma (TL), and follicular lymphoma grade III (FL-III), with measurable disease (≥ 2 cm), and ≥ 1 prior treatment regimen. Patients received oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1–21 of a 28-day cycle. Protocol defined treatment continued for up to 52 wks in NHL-002, or until disease progression in NHL-003. Primary endpoint was ORR; secondary endpoints included DR, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results: 87 patients with a prior SCT (14 patients from NHL-002; 73 patients from NHL-003) were included in this analysis. Median age of patients was 61 yrs (range, 23–76), with a median of 4 prior therapies (range, 2–12). The ORR to lenalidomide was 39% (34/87), with 13% (11/87) CR/CRu and 26% (23/87) partial response (PR). Median PFS for all 87 patients was 3.8 months (95% CI, 2.6, 5.6) and the DR for 34 responders was 9.7 months (95% CI, 4.2, 16.3). Responses occurred in 15 of 52 patients (29% ORR; 10% CR/CRu) with DLBCL, 12 of 19 patients with MCL (63% ORR; 26% CR/CRu), and in 6 of 10 patients with TL (60% ORR; 10% CR/CRu). The table summarizes responses for patients who did not have a transplant, for those who had a SCT anytime prior to lenalidomide; as the last therapy prior to lenalidomide; and not as last therapy prior to lenalidomide. Most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (44%), thrombocytopenia (33%), and anemia (9%). Eighteen (20.6%) patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Patients with a prior history of SCT appeared to have a significantly higher rate of thrombocytopenia, all grades (51% v 30%; P = 0.001), and grades 3 or 4 (33% v 16%; P = 0.002). Patients with a prior SCT were also more likely to experience a dose reduction/interruption due to thrombocytopenia compared with those without a prior SCT (25% v 14%; P = 0.027). Conclusions: Based on a pooled dataset from two phase II studies, oral lenalidomide monotherapy appears to be a well tolerated and active therapy resulting in durable responses in patients with R/R a-NHL who had a prior SCT. Furthermore, the potential of achieving a response to lenalidomide appears to be independent of prior history of SCT. Disclosures: Vose: Celgene: Research Funding. Off Label Use: Lenalidomide for the treatment of relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. . Czuczman:Celgene: Research Funding. Zinzani:Celgene: Research Funding. Tuscano:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Pietronigro:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Ervin-Haynes:Celgene: Employment. Witzig:Celgene: Research Funding.

8569 Introduction: Relapsed or refractory MCL patients demonstrated a promising overall response rate (ORR) of 53% with a median duration of response (DR) of 13.7 months to single-agent lenalidomide when analyzed as a subset in a recent a phase II study (NHL-002). A supporting international phase II trial (NHL-003) of single-agent lenalidomide was initiated for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. In this report, we analyze the current results from the MCL patients enrolled in this trial. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and measurable disease 2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg of lenalidomide orally once daily on days 1–21 of every 28-day cycle. Patients continued therapy until disease progression or toxicity. The 1999 IWLRC methodology was used to assess response and progression. Results: Fifty-four MCL patients were enrolled and were evaluable for response assessment. Median age was 69 years (33–82) and 40 patients (74%) were male. Median time from diagnosis was 3.2 years (0.4–10.4), patients had received a median of 3 prior treatments (1–8), 17 of the patients (32%) had received prior bortezomib therapy (MCL-bortezomib), and 14 (26%) had received a prior stem cell transplant (MCL-stem cell). Response rates are shown in the Table. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (43%), thrombocytopenia (22%) and anemia (11%). Conclusions: This is the second study to demonstrate that lenalidomide oral monotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, with manageable side effects. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

8560 Background: Lenalidomide has shown activity in a wide range of hematological malignancies. We conducted a phase II trial of single-agent lenalidomide in indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory indolent NHL were eligible, with no limit on the number of previous therapies. Oral lenalidomide 25 mg was self-administered once-daily on days 1–21 of every 28-day cycle for up to 52 weeks as tolerated, or until disease progression. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), with secondary endpoints of response duration, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results: Forty-three patients were enrolled and were evaluable for response and safety. Patients had received a median of 3 prior systemic therapies (1–17) and half of all patients were refractory to their last therapy. The ORR was 23% (10/43), including a complete response (CR) or unconfirmed CR (CRu) rate of 7%. The median time to first response was 3.6 months (1.7–4.2) and the median time to CR or CRu was 4.2 months (1.9–11.1). Twenty-seven percent (6/22) of patients with follicular lymphoma grade 1 or 2, and 22% (4/18) of patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma responded to therapy. The median duration of response has not reached, but is longer than 16.5 months with 7 of 10 responses ongoing at 15–28 months. Median PFS was 4.4 months (2.5–10.4). Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of lenalidomide and manageable; the most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (30% and 16%, respectively) and thrombocytopenia (14% and 5%, respectively). Conclusions: Oral lenalidomide monotherapy produces durable responses with manageable side effects in relapsed or refractory indolent NHL and warrants further investigation in the treatment of indolent NHL. [Table: see text]

Introduction: Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is a type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that typically responds to initial chemo-immunotherapy, but with a relatively short duration of response (DR) and progression-free survival (PFS) when treated with conventional chemotherapy agents. Although the overall survival (OS) of MCL has improved, most patients are not cured and new agents are needed. A sub-analysis of a recent phase II trial (NHL-002) investigating the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, demonstrated a promising overall response rate (ORR) of 53% with a median DR of 11.9 months. A confirmatory international phase II trial (NHL-003) of single-agent lenalidomide was initiated for patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL that had received at least one prior treatment and had measurable disease. In this report, we analyze the current results from the MCL patients enrolled in this trial. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and measurable disease ≥2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg of lenalidomide orally once daily on days 1–21 of every 28-day cycle. Patients continued therapy until disease progression or toxicity. The 1999 IWLRC methodology was used to assess response and progression. Results: This report focuses on the 39 MCL patients that were enrolled and evaluable for response assessment. Median age was 66 (33–82) years and 29 (74%) patients were male. Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide treatment was 3.4 (0.4–9) years. Patients had received a median of 3 (1–8) prior treatments, and 23% (9/39) of patients had received prior bortezomib treatment. The ORR with lenalidomide was 41% (16/39), including 13% (5/39) complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR, and 28% (11/39) partial responses. Ten (26%) patients had stable disease. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (51%) and thrombocytopenia (25%), anemia (13%), fatigue (10%) and febrile neutropenia (10%). Conclusion: These results confirm that lenalidomide oral monotherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, with manageable side effects.

Introduction: Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that if not cured with aggressive chemoimmunotherapy and stem cell transplant is usually fatal. The intravenous proteasome inhibitor bortezomib produces an overall response rate (ORR) of 33% in patients with relapsed MCL (J Clin Oncol2006;24(30):4867–74). Unfortunately, most patients eventually relapse and new agents are needed for this disease. Two recently conducted phase II trials (NHL-002 and NHL-003) tested single-agent lenalidomide for patients with relapsed MCL. Fifty-four patients with MCL were enrolled into the two studies; 26% (14/54) had received prior bortezomib and they are the subject of this report. Methods: Patients with relapsed or refractory MCL and measurable disease 2 cm after at least one prior treatment regimen including prior bortezomib were eligible. Patients received 25 mg of lenalidomide orally once daily on days 1–21 of every 28-day cycle. Therapy was continued as tolerated or until disease progression. The 1999 IWLRC methodology was used to assess response and progression. Results: The 14 patients in this study were heavily pretreated with a median of 4 (2–6) prior treatments (including bortezomib) and 50% were bortezomib-refractory. Median age was 66 (45–84) years and 6 (43%) patients were female. Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide treatment was 3.3 (0.7–7.6) years. The ORR with lenalidomide was 57% (8/14), including 21% (3/14) complete response (CR)/unconfirmed CR and 36% (5/14) partial responses. One (7%) patient had stable disease. The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (50%), thrombocytopenia (43%), anemia (21%), fatigue (21%), and leukopenia (21%). Neutropenic fever occurred in 7% of patients. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that lenalidomide oral monotherapy is very effective with manageable side effects in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL who had received prior treatment with bortezomib.

8603 Background: Lenalidomide is active in non-Hodgkin s Lymphoma (NHL). The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the safety of lenalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory aggress...

8573 Background: Small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is an indolent B-cell neoplasm that is histologically and immunophenotypically identical to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but has less periph...

8509 Background: Lenalidomide is active with manageable side effects in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). This study aims to confirm the activity, safety, and predictors of response previously reported for lenalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) aggressive NHL in an international setting. Methods: Patients with r/r aggressive NHL with measurable disease (≥2 cm) after ≥1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1- 21 every 28 days and continued therapy as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Predictors of response were investigated by univariate analyses using Fisher’s exact test. Results: As of August 25, 2007, 46 patients were eligible for response assessment and 79 for safety evaluation. Median age was 65 (21–84) years, 74% were male, and 96% had received prior rituximab. Median time from diagnosis was 2 (0.2–12) years and median number of prior treatment regim...

Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) has demonstrated activity with manageable side effects in relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). In the initial pilot study, response to lenalidomide was associated with low tumor burden, long duration from prior rituximab and high absolute lymphocyte count. Aims: To confirm the activity and safety of lenalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL in an international setting and Determine whether predictors of response identified in the previous study were valid. Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with measurable disease ≥ 2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Univariate analyses using Fisher’s exact test were conducted to investigate and characterize associations of prognostic variables with response. Results: Eighteen patients who received lenalidomide were eligible for response assessment as of May 15, 2007. The median age was 66 (43–81) and 17 were male. Histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] (n=11), mantle cell lymphoma [MCL] (n=5) and transformed (n=2). Median time from diagnosis was 2 (0.4–12) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (1–13). Four patients (22%) exhibited an objective partial response including 2/11(18%) DLBCL and 2/5 (40%) MCL. Five patients had stable disease. Lenalidomide response was associated with low disease burden (29% for < 50 cm2v 0% for ≥ 50 cm2), time from last rituximab to lenalidomide treatment (36% for ≥ 230 days v 0% for < 230 days) and absolute lymphocyte count [ALC] (33% for ≥ 0.6×109/L v 0% < 0.6×109/L). Patients with favorable values for these three prognostic factors (N = 7) had a 57% response rate (compared with a 0% response rate for patients with unfavorable values (N = 11; P = 0.01). Grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (22%) and thrombocytopenia (11%). Most common Grade 3 adverse events were fatigue (17%), thrombocytopenia (11%) and leukopenia (11%). Conclusion: Lenalidomide has activity in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with a favorable safety profile. Initial results from this ongoing study are confirming that patients with low tumor burden, long duration from prior rituximab, and high ALC are more likely to respond.

Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) has been reported to show activity in non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). However, prognostic factors predicting an individual patient’s response were unavailable. Aim: To investigate prognostic factors for lenalidomide response in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL. Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with measurable disease ≥2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1-21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Univariate analyses using Fisher’s exact test and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were conducted to investigate associations of prognostic variables with response. Results: Forty-nine patients received lenalidomide oral monotherapy. The median age was 65 (23-86) and 24 were female. Histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n=26), follicular center lymphoma grade 3 (n=5), mantle cell lymphoma (n=15) and transformed (n=3). Median time from diagnosis was 2.7 (0.4-32) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 4 (1-8). Forty-five (92%) of the patients had received prior rituximab and 63% were rituximab-refractory. Seventeen patients (35%) exhibited an objective response (2 complete responses, 4 complete responses unconfirmed and 11 partial responses). Response to lenalidomide was the same for patients who were refractory to rituximab (30%) and those who were not (31%). Three of 4 patients who were rituximab naive responded. Multivariate analysis including IPI, ECOG PS, stage, LDH, # of extranodal sites, age, sex, # of prior regimens and time from diagnosis identified only time since last rituximab and tumor burden as correlated with response. Response to lenalidomide was associated with low tumor burden (52% for 0.6 × 109/L v 9% for ≤0.6 × 109/L, P=0.071). Conclusion: Tumor burden and host immune competence may determine the response of relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL to lenalidomide monotherapy.

Background: Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not cured by first line R-CHOP chemotherapy or second line high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue have a poor prognosis and represent a clear unmet medical need. Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory drug, has activity in hematological malignancies including relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Aim: To determine the activity and safety of lenalidomide monotherapy in relapsed/refractory DLBCL. Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL with measurable disease after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Univariate analyses using Fisher’s exact test was conducted to investigate and characterize associations of prognostic variables with response. Results: Twenty-six patients with DLBCL lymphoma were enrolled. The median age was 66 (45–86) and 13 were female. Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide was 2.4 (0.5–12) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (1–6). Three patients (12%) exhibited an objective complete response (1 complete response (CR) and 2 complete responses unconfirmed (CRu)). Two patients had a partial response (PR) for an overall response rate of 19% and 7 had stable disease (SD). Response to lenalidomide was associated with low disease burden (33% for < 50 cm2v 0% for ≥ 50 cm2, P=0.06) and longer time from rituximab to lenalidomide treatment (33% for ≥ 230 days v 0% for < 230 days, P=0.05). Patients with favorable values for both these prognostic factors (N = 10) had a 50% response rate [RR] (30% CR/CRu RR) compared with a 0% RR for patients with unfavorable values (N = 16; P < 0.004) and a progression free survival (ongoing) of 7.4 months v 1.9 months. Although there were no responses in the poor prognosis group, 4 patients exhibited stable disease with an ongoing median PFS of > 4.2 months (> 3.6 - > 6.2). Eight patients (31%) required at least one dose reduction with a median time to first dose reduction of 1.8 months (0.4–2.9). One patient each (4%) had Grade 4 anemia, cauda equinine syndrome, febrile neutropenia, intermittent rash, lymphopenia, neutropenia, pneumonitis and thrombocytopenia. Most common Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (19%), thrombocytopenia (15%) and leukopenia (12%). Conclusion: The prognostic factors of tumor burden and time from last dose of rituximab appear to identify relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients with a high likelihood of response to lenalidomide oral monotherapy.

Background: High dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant is currently employed in relapsed/refractory aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL). Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory drug, has shown activity in hematological malignancies including relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Aim: To determine the activity and safety of lenalidomide monotherapy in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL following stem cell transplant (SCT). Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with measurable disease ≥ 2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: Fourteen (29%) of the 49 patients enrolled into the study had a prior SCT. Median age was 61 (23–76) and 5 were female. Histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] (n=5), follicular center lymphoma grade 3 [FL] (n=2), mantle cell lymphoma [MCL] (n=5) and transformed [TSF] (n=2). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide was 3.9 (1.1–31.4) years and median time from SCT to study entry was 1.9 (0.5–11.7) years. The median number of prior treatment regimens was 5 (2–8). Seven patients (50%) exhibited an objective response (1 complete response unconfirmed (CRu), and 6 partial responses (PR)), 5 had stable disease (SD) and 2 patients had progressive disease (PD). Six responses were in eight patients having a tumor burden < 50 cm2 and a time since last rituximab therapy of ≥ 230 days. One response was achieved in six patients having a tumor burden ≥ 50 cm2 or a time since last rituximab therapy of < 230 days. Four of 6 (67%) patients who had SCT as their last treatment prior to lenalidomide [median time from SCT to lenalidomide = 0.8 (0.5–4.8) years] responded. Progression free survival [PFS] is 4.5 months and ongoing. Six patients (43%) required at least one dose reduction with a median time to first dose reduction of 1.6 months (0.4–4.9). Two patients each (14%) had Grade 4 adverse events of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. The most common Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (36%), thrombocytopenia (21%), and leukopenia (14%). Conclusion: Lenalidomide produced a 50% response rate with manageable side effects in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL following stem cell transplant.

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a distinct type of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma characterized by being incurable with a low response rate and short progression free survival when treated with conventional chemotherapy agents. Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory drug, is approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a del(q5) cytogenetic abnormality. Lenalidomide has also shown activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Aim: To determine the activity and safety of lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory MCL. Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory MCL and measurable disease ≥ 2 cm after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: Fifteen patients with MCL were enrolled. Median age was 67 (45–84) and 7 were female. Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide was 5.1 (0.7–12.7) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 4 (2–6). Eight patients (53%) exhibited an objective response (1 complete response (CR), 1 complete response unconfirmed (CRu) and 6 partial responses (PR)), 2 had stable disease (SD) and 5 had progressive disease (PD). All eight responses were in eleven patients having a tumor burden < 50 cm2 and a time since last rituximab therapy of ≥ 230 days. No responses were achieved in four patients having a tumor burden ≥ 50 cm2 or a time since last rituximab therapy of < 230 days. Four of 5 patients (80%) with a prior stem cell transplant responded. Progression free survival [PFS] is 5.7 months and ongoing. Seven patients (47%) required at least one dose reduction with a median time to first dose reduction of 2.3 months (1.2–4.9). Grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (13%), thrombocytopenia (13%), and thromboembolism (13%). Most common Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (33%) and leukopenia (20%). Conclusion: Lenalidomide oral monotherapy produced a 53% response rate in relapsed/refractory MCL with manageable side effects.

8052 Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid), an immunomodulatory drug of the IMiDs class, is approved in the US for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q[31] cytogenetic abnormality. Lenalidomide also has activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL with measurable disease after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: As of enrollment cut-off, 50 patients were enrolled and 49 received drug. Forty-one patients were evaluable for response. The median age was 65 (46–84) and 18 were female. Histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] (n=21), follicular center lymphoma grade 3 [FL] (n=3), mantle cell lymphoma [MCL] (n=14) and transformed [TSF] (n=3). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide was 3.2 (0.4–32) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (1–7). Fourteen patients (34%) exhibited an objective response (5 complete responses unconfirmed (CRu) and 9 partial responses (PR)), 12 had stable disease (SD) for a tumor control rate (TCR) of 63% and 15 progressive disease (PD). Responses were seen in each of the aggressive histologic subtypes studied: DLBCL (5/21), MCL (6/14), FL (2/3), and TSF (1/3). Five of 11 patients (45%) with a prior stem cell transplant responded. Progression free survival although ongoing is currently > 239 (>191 - >373) days in patients experiencing CRu and > 160 (>54 - >251) days in patients with PR. Most common Grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (8.2%) and thrombocytopenia (8.2%) while most common Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (22%), leukopenia (14%) and thrombocytopenia (12%). Conclusion: Lenalidomide oral monotherapy is active with manageable side effects in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

8066 Background: Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, is approved in the US for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q[31] cytogenetic abnormality. Lenalidomide also has activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide monotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory indolent NHL with measurable disease after at least 1 prior treatment regimen were eligible. Patients received 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continued therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression were evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: As of enrollment cut-off, 43 patients received drug and 27 were evaluable for response. The median age was 63 (43–82) and 12 were female. Histology was small lymphocytic lymphoma [SLL] (n=12), follicular center lymphoma grades 1,2 [FCL] (n=12) and nodal marginal B-cell lymphoma [NML] (n=3). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide was 4.3 (0.4- 24) years and median number of prior treatment regimens was 3 (1–17). Seven patients (26%) exhibited an objective response (2 complete responses (CR), 1 complete response unconfirmed (CRu) and 4 partial responses (PR)), 9 had stable disease (SD) for a tumor control rate (TCR) of 59% and 11 progressive disease (PD). Responses were produced in each of the indolent histologic subtypes studied: SLL (3/12), FCL (3/12) and NML (1/3). Since most responses develop at ≥ 4 months, additional responses may be seen in early SD patients with longer follow-up. Five patients (12%) exhibited Grade 4 neutropenia, and Grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (16%) and thrombocytopenia (14%). Conclusion: Lenalidomide oral monotherapy is active with manageable side effects in relapsed/refractory indolent NHL. [Table: see text]

Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid®) in combination with dexamethasone was approved in the US on June 29, 2006 for the treatment of subjects with multiple myeloma who had received at least one prior therapy. On February 28, 2005 based upon a positive interim analysis of two pivotal placebo-controlled Phase III studies, an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended the studies be unblinded and all subjects in both studies be given access to lenalidomide. In April 2005, the FDA in association with myeloma patient advocacy groups requested Celgene establish an expanded access program to make lenalidomide plus dexamethasone available to subjects with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma while the treatment was awaiting approval. Aim: To provide lenalidomide to multiple myeloma subjects with a high likelihood of benefit and to obtain additional safety data. Methods: Subjects with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma that received at least 1 prior therapy were eligible. Subjects received 25 mg lenalidomide plus high-dose dexamethasone in 4-week cycles until disease progression was documented, study drug was discontinued, or lenalidomide became commercially available for this indication. Results: Between September 8, 2005 and July 25, 2006, approximately 1400 subjects in the US and Canada were enrolled into the study. A data snapshot taken March 17, 2006 demonstrated that 746 subjects had been enrolled, median age was 63 years, 60% were male, and 66.5% had Stage III disease. Median time on study was 7.1 weeks (0.1–24.4) and median daily dose was 20.5 mg. At least one Grade 3 or 4 adverse event was reported in 261 (35%) of the 746 subjects. Most commonly reported Grade 3–4 events were neutropenia (7.9% of subjects), thrombocytopenia (6.0%), fatigue (3.6%), anemia (3.5%), pneumonia (3.1%) and hyperglycemia (2.0%). These most commonly reported Grade 3–4 adverse events were the same as those found in the previous pivotal studies, however, their frequencies of occurrence were lower in the current study probably due to ongoing data collection and differences in study maturity. Likewise, the most commonly reported adverse events (all grades) were the same as those reported in the two previous pivotal studies. Conclusion: Preliminary data from this expanded access program in over 1400 subjects with multiple myeloma are consistent with results from two earlier Phase III pivotal studies. The EAP of lenalidomide plus dexamethasone in multiple myeloma represents a model of how government, advocacy groups, healthcare providers and industry can work together to quickly provide treatment to subjects in need while a clearly active treatment regimen is awaiting approval.

Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD®), was recently approved in the US for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q[31] cytogenetic abnormality. Lenalidomide also has demonstrated activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma while thalidomide, a less potent IMiD®, has activity in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as both monotherapy and in combination with rituximab. Aim: To assess the safety and activity of lenalidomide monotherapy in subjects with relapsed/refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Subjects with relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL following at least 1 prior treatment regimen with measurable disease are eligible. Subjects receive 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continue therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression are evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: As of July 25, 2006, 32 subjects of a planned 40 have enrolled and 31 have received drug. Twenty-two subjects are currently evaluable for tumor response. The median age of the 22 response-evaluable subjects is 65 (46–83) and 13 are female. Histology is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL] (n=12), follicular center lymphoma grade 3 [FL] (n=3), mantle cell lymphoma [MCL] (n=5) and transformed [TSF] (n=2). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide monotherapy is 2.3 (0.7–7) years and median number of prior treatment regimens per subject is 2 (1–6). Seven subjects (32%) exhibited an objective response (2 complete responses unconfirmed (CRu) and 5 partial responses (PR)), 6 had stable disease (SD) for a tumor control rate (TCR) of 59% and 9 progressive disease (PD). Responses were produced in each of the aggressive histologic subtypes studied: DLBCL (3/12), FL (1/3), MCL (2/5) and TSF (1/2). Five of 11 subjects (45%) with 1–2 prior treatment regimens had an objective response, as did 2 of 3 subjects (67%) who had received a prior stem cell transplant. Median time-to-response was 2 months. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 18 of 31 (58%) subjects receiving drug. These were predominantly Grade 3 hematological events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) with only 4 subjects (13%) experiencing a Grade 4 adverse reaction. Conclusion: Preliminary results indicate that lenalidomide monotherapy is active with manageable side effects in relapsed/refractory aggressive NHL.

Background: Lenalidomide (Revlimid®), an immunomodulatory drug (IMiD®), was recently approved in the US for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes associated with a deletion 5q[31] cytogenetic abnormality. Lenalidomide also has demonstrated activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma while thalidomide, a less potent IMiD®, has activity in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) as both monotherapy and in combination with rituximab. Aim: To assess the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide monotherapy in subjects with relapsed/refractory indolent NHL. Methods: Subjects with relapsed/refractory indolent NHL following at least 1 prior treatment regimen with measurable disease are eligible. Subjects receive 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continue therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated or until disease progression. Response and progression are evaluated using the IWLRC methodology. Results: As of July 25, 2006, 23 subjects of a planned 40 have enrolled and received drug. Fifteen subjects are currently evaluable for tumor response. The median age of the 15 response-evaluable subjects is 64 (54–82) and 5 are female. Histology is small lymphocytic lymphoma [SLL] (n=8), follicular center lymphoma grades 1,2 [FL] (n=5) and nodal marginal B-cell lymphoma [NML] (n=2). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide monotherapy is 7.6 (3–14) years and median number of prior treatment regimens per subject is 3 (1–17). Two subjects (13%) exhibited an objective partial response (PR) at four months. Both responses, one FL and one NML, occurred in subjects with substantial tumor burden of 61.8 cm2 and 80.3 cm2, respectively. The 4-month time-to-response for these indolent NHL subjects is longer than the 2-month median time-to-response in aggressive NHL subjects (n=7) following lenalidomide monotherapy. Seven patients had stable disease (SD) for a tumor control rate (TCR) of 60% and 6 had progressive disease (PD). Grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 9 (39%) subjects. These were predominantly Grade 3 hematological events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) with only 3 subjects (13%) experiencing a Grade 4 adverse reaction (all neutropenia). Conclusion: Early results of lenalidomide monotherapy in indolent NHL show evidence of activity with a safety profile similar to that established previously in other hematological malignancies.

17569 Background: Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug of the IMiD class that has activity in multiple myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We report preliminary results of two Phase II studies assessing the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide monotherapy in subjects with relapsed/refractory indolent or aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). Methods: Subjects with indolent (study NHL-001) or aggressive (study NHL-002) relapsed/refractory NHL following ≥ 1 prior treatment regimen with measurable disease are eligible. Subjects receive 25 mg lenalidomide orally once daily on Days 1–21 every 28 days and continue therapy for 52 weeks as tolerated until disease progression. Response and progression are evaluated using cross sectional imaging by the NCI criteria. Results: 10 subjects (2 indolent (I), 8 aggressive (A)) of a planned 80 (40 in each study) have enrolled thus far. Median age is 66 (45–80) and 7 subjects are female. Indolent histology is follicular center lymphoma grade 1, 2 (n = 2) and aggressive histology diffuse large cell lymphoma (n = 7) and follicular center lymphoma grade 3 (n = 1). Median time from diagnosis to lenalidomide monotherapy is 2.9 years (1.1–10) and median number of prior treatment regimens per subject is 3 (1–6). Median duration of follow-up is 2 months. Of eight subjects (2 I, 6 A) evaluable for response at two months, three demonstrated a decrease in their tumor burden by 72% (I), 68% (A) and 52% (A), two subjects (2 A) exhibited stable disease and three subjects (1 I, 2 A) had disease progression. Six of the ten subjects (2 I, 4 A) demonstrated no Grade 3 or 4 adverse events. Grade 3 or 4 hematological adverse events (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) occurred in four subjects including one febrile neutropenia and one of these four subjects also exhibited Grade 3 cellulitis. No tumor flare or tumor lysis has been observed to date. Conclusions: Preliminary data of lenalidomide monotherapy in relapsed and refractory NHL are encouraging. [Table: see text]

The development of permanent parapelegia in spinal injured cats is accompanied by a large progressive decline in total ascorbic acid (AA) and a transient increase in oxidized (AAox) ascorbate. Since AA is involved in a variety of processes required for normal central nervous system (CNS) performance we suggested that such large ascorbate loss may contribute to derangements in spinal cord function following injury.(1) We now demonstrate that methylprednisolone (15 mg/kg) and naloxone (10 mg/kg), two treatments that preserve neurologic function in this model,(2,3) rapidly block deteriorating ascorbate status. Naloxone at 1 mg/kg, a treatment providing no therapeutic benefit, has no protective effect on ascorbate. The results strongly support the hypothesis that loss of ascorbate homeostasis reflects irreversible loss of neurologic function following spinal cord injury. Key Words: Ascorbic acid–Spinal cord injury–Neurologic function.

Feline spinal cord contains 0.97 mM ascorbic acid, as measured by the dinitrophenylhydrazine method. Greater than 90% is maintained in the reduced form. When functioning normally, the CNS conserves its ascorbic acid with a turnover rate of 2% per h. Following contusion injury severe enough to produce paraplegia, ascorbic acid is rapidly lost from injured spinal tissue. Thus, ascorbic acid is decreased 30% by 1 h and 50% by 3 h following injury. Oxidized ascorbic acid is increased at 1, but not 3, h following impact. As a consequence of its many functions in CNS, loss of ascorbic acid may contribute to derangements in spinal cord function following injury.

✓ In an attempt to improve glioma management, an animal model was developed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intra-arterial 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Furthermore, the model was used to study the antitumor activity of D,L-alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a polyamine-biosynthesis inhibitor, used both as a single agent and in combination with intra-arterial BCNU. An N-methylnitrosourea-induced gliosarcoma (T9) was transplanted stereotaxically into the right caudate nucleus of male Fischer 344 rats. Animals receiving a single low-dose (5 mg/kg) intracarotid injection of BCNU 9 days following tumor implantation had a 57% increase in life span compared with untreated control rats (p < 0.001). Intracarotid drug delivery was more effective than systemic (intraperitoneal) administration of the same dose of BCNU. When given as a single agent, DFMO demonstrated dose-dependent effectiveness. As part of a combined regimen, DFMO enhanced the antitumor therapeutic activity of both systemic (intraperitoneal) and intra-arterial BCNU. Survival times of animals receiving combined DFMO and intra-arterial BCNU were almost double those of untreated controls, and were significantly better than survival times of animals receiving combined DFMO and intraperitoneal BCNU. These findings suggest methods to optimize current clinical chemotherapy for glioma.

The in vivo uptake and metabolism of radiolabeled putrescine was examined in two glioma models: (a) the T9 gliosarcoma in the CD Fischer rat and (b) the U-87 MG human glioblastoma in the athymic (nude) mouse. Autoradiography after parenteral administration of [14C]putrescine revealed rapid and selective uptake by both tumors compared with normal brain. Polyamine analysis of the rat gliosarcoma demonstrated minimal conversion of labeled putrescine to its metabolites, spermidine and spermine, at 5 and 30 minutes after intravenous injection. The human glioblastoma also exhibited minimal polyamine conversion at 5 minutes, although there was a trend toward significant metabolism at longer time periods (30 and 45 minutes). In addition, the human glioblastoma produced nonpolyamine metabolites that suggest an alternative pathway of putrescine metabolism via gamma-aminobutyric acid. These in vivo findings are discussed in relation to the usefulness of putrescine as a marker for positron emission tomography of human gliomas.