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Background: Resistance to venetoclax, a BCL2 inhibitor, has been shown to be mediated by co-expression of other BCL2 proteins including BCLXL and MCL1 in relapsed/refractory AML (R/R AML). Therapeutic agents reducing resistance to BCL2 inhibitors and exhibiting anti-tumor activity could synergize with venetoclax to increase response rates further. One approach to enhance the potency of venetoclax is through combination with targeted radiotherapy. Studies in tumor cells have shown that DNA damage reduces the level of MCL1, a known mediator of venetoclax resistance. The monoclonal antibody radioconjugate, lintuzumab-Ac225, is a highly cytotoxic alpha-radiation emitter that selectively targets CD33, a cell surface antigen expressed on majority of AML cells. The high-energy alpha-particle emissions from lintuzumab-Ac225 as a single agent elicits single and double-strand DNA breaks in targeted tumor cells as demonstrated from prior clinical studies. (ASH 2017, 2018). In venetoclax-resistant cell lines in vitro, lintuzumab-Ac225 promotes MCL1 degradation through DNA damage resulting in increased cell sensitivity to venetoclax. Similarly, mouse xenograft models with venetoclax-resistant AML tumor lines demonstrated tumor regression and increased survival in mice receiving both venetoclax and lintuzumab-Ac225. The aims of this phase I/II study are to assess the safety, tolerability and efficacy of lintuzumab-Ac225 in combination with venetoclax in R/R AML. Study Design: The Phase I portion of the study uses a 3+3 dose-escalation design to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lintuzumab-Ac225 when given in combination with venetoclax. The dose levels for lintuzumab-Ac225 are 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 µCi/kg. The Phase II portion of the study will enroll up to an additional 20 patients and treat with the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) with venetoclax to determine the best overall response (CR+CRh+CRi) up to 6 months after starting treatment. Eligible patients include R/R-AML patients aged 18 years and older with adequate organ function, ECOG Performance Status 0-2, and more than 25% CD33 positive of leukemic blasts by flow cytometry. Patients with antecedent MDS, MPNs, or therapy-related AML are eligible. During Cycle 1, venetoclax dosing will be ramped up during the first 4 days in order to minimize the risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). After Cycle 1, all patients will receive venetoclax at 400 mg/day PO on Days 1 to 21 of each cycle. Lintuzumab-Ac225 is administered as a single dose on Day 5 of each cycle. Results: Ten R/R AML patients were treated with lintuzumab-Ac225 at 0.5 µCi/kg (n=3), 0.75 µCi/kg (n=6) and 1.0 µCi/kg (n=1) in combination with venetoclax in the phase I dose escalation portion as of 1-August-2021. The median age was 67 years (range 49-83) with 5/10 (50%) refractory; 8/10 (80%) had unfavorable risk (ELN). Three patients were enrolled on the first cohort at dose level 0.5 µCi/kg of lintuzumab-Ac225 and showed clinically acceptable safety profile with no DLTs. In addition, one patient achieved CRi at the end of cycle 1. Results from the first cohort were encouraging and acceptable for dose escalation. An intermediate Cohort 2B at dose level 0.75 µCi/kg, was implemented. To date, 6 patients were enrolled on cohort 2B, and based on the Safety Committee recommendation, dose level at 1.0 µCi/kg may be resumed. In preliminary data on all patients, lintuzumab-Ac225 treatment-related grades 3/4 adverse events (AEs) include hematologic AEs and only one count of non-hematologic event (hyponatremia) (Table 1). There were no early deaths (≤30d) in any cohort. Overall, lintuzumab-Ac225 can be combined with venetoclax with a manageable toxicity profile. While sample size is limited, ORR (CR/CRi) for all R/R AML patients and TP53-mutant R/R patients were 20% (2/10) and 67% (2/3), respectively. Updated safety and response data will be presented at ASH2021. Conclusion: Combining lintuzumab-Ac225 with venetoclax in patients with R/R AML has an acceptable clinical safety profile with 0% 30-day mortality rate. 67% ORR is particularly encouraging in TP53-mutant R/R AML. These data support the further evaluation of lintuzumab-Ac225 in combination with venetoclax in patients with R/R AML, especially in TP53-mutant R/R patients. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Schiller: FujiFilm: Research Funding; Forma: Research Funding; Arog: Research Funding; Gamida Cell Ltd.: Research Funding; Karyopharm: Research Funding; Kite/Gilead: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Geron: Research Funding; Mateon: Research Funding; Onconova: Research Funding; Pfizer: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Research Funding; PrECOG: Research Funding; Regimmune: Research Funding; Delta-Fly: Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Research Funding; Actuate: Research Funding; Samus: Research Funding; Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Deciphera: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Stemline Therapeutics, Inc.: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sangamo: Research Funding; Genentech-Roche: Research Funding; Celator: Research Funding; BMS/Celgene: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Astellas: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Trovagene: Research Funding; Tolero: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Agios: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Jazz: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Elevate: Research Funding; Bio: Research Funding; Ono-UK: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Pharma: Consultancy; Johnson & Johnson: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Biomed Valley Discoveries: Research Funding; Eli Lilly: Research Funding; ASH foundation: Other: Chair-unpaid; Sellas: Research Funding; Ono: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Ariad: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Kaiser Permanente: Consultancy; Cyclacel: Research Funding; MedImmune: Research Funding; Ambit: Research Funding; Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Research Funding; Bluebird Bio: Research Funding; Boehringer-Ingleheim: Research Funding; Cellerant: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Millennium: Research Funding; National Marrow Donor Program: Research Funding; NIH: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Pharmamar: Research Funding; UC Davis: Research Funding; UCSD: Research Funding; Evidera: Consultancy; NCI: Consultancy; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Finn: Jazz: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BeiGene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Roboz: Mesoblast: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Actinium: Consultancy; Blueprint Medicines: Consultancy; Jasper Therapeutics: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Glaxo SmithKline: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Astex: Consultancy; Helsinn: Consultancy; MEI Pharma - IDMC Chair: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Janssen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy. Orozco: Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Other: site PI for clinical trial(s) sponsored by Actinium, Research Funding. Lin: Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Current Employment. Chen: Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. OffLabel Disclosure: Venetoclax use in relapsed-refractory AML

CD33 is a transmembrane protein that is found on cells of myeloid lineage. It is also intensely expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progenitor cells but not on normal stem cells. It internalizes on binding and dimerization, making it a specific and ideal target for AML therapeutics and drug delivery. Several targeted therapies have been tested and many are still currently in development. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin was the first and only CD33-directed antibody-drug conjugate to be US Food and Drug Administration approved for AML. Other targeted agents have not achieved such success. Promising new strategies include cellular therapy mechanisms and linker molecules. This is an exciting target that requires a considerable amount of precision to yield clinical benefit.

Background: Lintuzumab-Ac225 (Actimab-A) is a humanized CD33 antibody, lintuzumab, conjugated to an alpha emitting isotope, actinium (Ac225), with potent single agent activity against AML. We hypothesized that a low dose infusion of lintuzumab-Ac225, after salvage chemotherapy, would effectively eliminate residual leukemia and improve remission rates, and depth of remission. Patients and Methods: Adult patients with relapsed/refractory AML (RR-AML), and with adequate organ function and performance status were eligible for screening. On screening, we assessed CD33 expression, greater than 25% of leukemic blasts must have expressed CD33 antigen by flow cytometry for inclusion. Induction consisted of G-CSF, 300mcg/d, given D1-6, cladribine 5mg/m2, given D2-6, cytarabine 2g/m2, given D2-6, and mitoxantrone 10mg/m2, given D2-4. Lintuzumab-Ac225 was administered as a single dose on either day 7, 8, or 9. This trial enrolled to 4 cohorts, administering lintuzumab-ac225 at a dose of 0.25uCi/kg, 0.50uCi/kg, 0.75uCi/kg, and 1.0uCi/kg. Treatment consisted of one induction cycle. Disease assessment, including MRD assessment by flow, was performed between Days 29-42. Results: Sixteen patients with a median age of 64 yrs were evaluable for toxicity and response. Three pts were treated in cohort 1 (0.25uCi/kg), nine pts were treated in cohort 2 (0.5uCi/kg), three pts were treated in cohort 3 (0.75uCi/kg), and one pt was treated in cohort 4 (1.0uCi/kg). Patient characteristics include 63% (n=10) pts with adverse cytogenetics, mutations involving TP53 in 44% (n=7) pts, and secondary/therapy-related AML in 50% (n=8) of patients. Patients received a median 2 lines of therapy, and 50% (n=8) received a venetoclax combination regimen prior to enrollment. Table 1 summarizes patient characteristics. No undue non-hematologic toxicities were observed in this trial. Commonest AEs were neutropenic fever and infection. Among responders, an ANC>1000 was achieved in 9/10 patients, at a median of 33 days, and a platelet count >50k was achieved in 6/10 patients at a median of 37 days. Of note, two patients proceeded to HCT prior to platelet recovery. Overall, among patients enrolled in cohorts 1-3, CR/CRi was observed in 67% (n=10) pts. One patient enrolled in cohort 4 achieved an aplastic marrow by D+42, with subsequent stem cell boost and neutrophil recovery. Of responders, 70% (7/10) had no measurable disease (MRD(-)) by flow cytometry. Among patients receiving Conclusions: Lintuzumab-Ac225 at a low dose appears to be safe in combination with the salvage chemotherapy regimen CLAG-M. Furthermore, this combination has demonstrated promising efficacy results among high risk RR-AML patients, namely patients with adverse molecular/cytogenetic features and patients previously receiving venetoclax. Updated Cohort 4 results will be presented at ASH. Upon determination of MTD, we plan to explore the combination of lintuzumab-Ac225 with other salvage regimens (e.g. FLAG, FLAG-Ida, MEC) to determine whether adding this novel agent can generally improve salvage outcomes in hard to treat patients. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Abedin: Helsinn: Research Funding; Agios: Honoraria; AltruBio: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Actinium: Research Funding; Astellas Pharma Inc.: Research Funding. Guru Murthy: Guidepoint: Consultancy; Cancerexpertnow: Honoraria; Techspert: Consultancy; Qessential: Consultancy; Cardinal Health Inc.: Honoraria; TG therapeutics: Other: Advisory board. Hamadani: Sanofi, Genzyme, AstraZeneca, BeiGene: Speakers Bureau; Takeda, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; Janssen, Incyte, ADC Therapeutics, Omeros, Morphosys, Kite: Consultancy. Atallah: Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Background: Lintuzumab Ac225 is a radiolabeled anti-CD33 antibody, composed of an alpha emitting isotope, Ac225, conjugated with the humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody lintuzumab. As monotherapy, lintuzumab Ac225 was studied as upfront therapy for unfit AML, and nearly 70% of pts achieved a CR/CRi at the highest dose level (2uCi/kg) without significant non-hematologic toxicity. Therefore, we hypothesized that lintuzumab Ac225, when added to the salvage chemotherapy regimen CLAG-M (cladribine, cytarabine, G-CSF, and mitoxantrone), would be tolerable and would improve remission rates in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML (RR-AML). This investigator-initiated phase I study is the first study to combine radioimmunotherapy with salvage chemotherapy in pts with RR-AML. Patients and Methods: Medically fit pts with RR-AML, aged 18 years and older were eligible. Eligibility also required that more than 25% of leukemic blasts must have been CD33 positive by flow cytometry. Induction consisted of G-CSF, 300mcg/d, given D1-6, cladribine 5mg/m2, given D2-6, cytarabine 2g/m2, given D2-6, and mitoxantrone 10mg/m2, given D2-4. Lintuzumab Ac225 was administered as a single dose on either day 7, 8, or 9. This trial had three cohorts, administering lintuzumab Ac225 at a dose of 0.25uCi/kg, 0.50uCi/kg, or 0.75uCi/kg. Treatment consisted of one induction cycle, with subsequent therapy up to physician discretion. Results: Fifteen pts were evaluable, with a median age of 61 yrs (Figure 1). Slightly less than half of the pts had previously received venetoclax/HMA and slightly more than half had previously had allogeneic HCT. Three pts enrolled into cohort 1 (0.25uCi/kg), nine pts enrolled into cohort 2 (0.5uCi/kg), and three pts enrolled into cohort 3 (0.75uCi/kg). Grade 3 or greater AEs irrespective of causality included febrile neutropenia (n=12), infection (n=8), maculopapular rash (n=2), nausea (n=2), and one patient each with QTc prolongation and tumor lysis syndrome. Of 15 pts, CR/CRi was observed in 10 (67%) pts. Excluding pts receiving >3 prior lines of therapy, 10/12 (83%) achieved CR/CRi. In cohort 1, 1 patient (33%) achieved remission (1 CR). In cohort 2, 6 pts (67%) achieved remission (3 CR, 2 CRp, 1 CRi). In cohort 3, 3 pts (100%) achieved remission (1 CR, 2 CRp). 7 pts of the 10 with CR/CRi (70%) achieved MRD negativity by flow (Table 2). Two of the 3 patients in cohort 3 were MRD- after therapy and the third had a small number of AML cells detected (0.2%). All pts who were independent for platelet transfusions pre-treatment recovered platelets. Overall, median time to ANC recovery ≥500 was 33 days, and median time to platelet recovery ≥50k was 35 days. 6 pts proceeded to allogeneic HCT after therapy. Conclusion: We conclude that lintuzumab Ac225 in combination with CLAG-M chemotherapy has a clinically acceptable safety profile. Dose escalation yielded highly encouraging efficacy results for RR-AML. With acceptable safety at 0.75uCi/kg, we have amended this protocol to study a 4th dose level at 1.0uCi/kg. Overall, this regimen represents a safe and potentially effective therapy for medically fit RR-AML pts, particularly as a bridge to allogeneic HCT. Disclosures Abedin: Helsinn Healthcare: Honoraria; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Helsinn Healthcare: Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria. Hamadani:Takeda Pharmaceutical Company; Spectrum Pharmaceuticals; Astellas Pharma: Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen R&D; Incyte Corporation; ADC Therapeutics; Celgene Corporation; Pharmacyclics, Omeros, AbGenomics, Verastem, TeneoBio: Consultancy; Sanofi Genzyme, AstraZeneca: Speakers Bureau. Michaelis:Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Atallah:Abbvie: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation: Consultancy.

The short range and high linear energy transfer of α-particles offer the potential for efficient tumor killing while sparing normal bystander cells. Hematologic malignancies are ideally suited to targeted α-particle therapy (TAT) due to easy accessibility of malignant cells in blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen as well as their radiosensitivity. Most clinical trials using α-particle therapy for hematologic malignancies have focused on acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, preclinical studies have shown activity against other diseases such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. To date, the short-lived radionuclide bismuth-213 (213Bi) and its parent actinium-225 (225Ac) have been used clinically, but trials with astatinie-211 (211At) have recently begun, and thorium-227 (227Th) has shown promising preclinical results. Lintuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the cell surface antigen CD33, which is expressed on the vast majority of AML cells. Initial studies showed that 213Bi-labeled lintuzumab had antileukemic activity and could produce remissions after partial cytoreduction with cytarabine. An initial phase I trial demonstrated that a single infusion of 225Ac-lintuzumab could be given safely at doses upto 111 kBq/kg with antileukemic activity across all dose levels. A second phase I study showed that fractionated-dose 225Ac-lintuzumab could be safely combined with low-dose cytarabine and produced objective responses in 28% of older patients with untreated AML. In a phase II study, treatment with 225Ac-lintuzumab monotherapy for a similar patient population resulted in remission in 69% of patients receiving two fractions of 74 kBq/kg and 22% of patients receiving two 55.5-kBq/kg fractions. Additionally, TAT may be useful in intensifying antileukemic therapy prior to hematopoietic cell transplantation, and pretargeting strategies offer the possibility for improved tumor-to-normal organ dose ratios.

The clinical efficacy of the first approved alpha pharmaceutical, Xofigo (radium-223 dichloride, 223RaCl2), has stimulated significant interest in the development of new alpha-particle emitting drugs in oncology. Unlike radium-223 (223Ra), the parent radionuclide thorium-227 (227Th) is able to form highly stable chelator complexes and is therefore amenable to targeted radioimmunotherapy. We describe the preparation and use of a CD33-targeted thorium-227 conjugate (CD33-TTC), which binds to the sialic acid receptor CD33 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A chelator was conjugated to the CD33-targeting antibody lintuzumab via amide bonds, enabling radiolabeling with the alpha-emitter 227Th. The CD33-TTC induced in vitro cytotoxicity on CD33-positive cells, independent of multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype. After exposure to CD33-TTC, cells accumulated DNA double-strand breaks and were arrested in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. In vivo, the CD33-TTC demonstrated antitumor activity in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model using HL-60 cells at a single dose regimen. Dose-dependent significant survival benefit was further demonstrated in a disseminated mouse tumor model after single dose injection or administered as a fractionated dose. The data presented support the further development of the CD33-TTC as a novel alpha pharmaceutical for the treatment of AML. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2422–31. ©2016 AACR.

Context Resistance to venetoclax, a BCL2 inhibitor, has been shown to be mediated by co-expression of other BCL2 proteins, including BCLXL and MCL1. Therapeutic agents that reduce resistance to BCL2 inhibitors and themselves exhibit anti-tumor activity may synergize with venetoclax to increase response rates. One approach to enhance the potency of venetoclax is through combination with targeted radiotherapy. Studies have shown that DNA damage reduces the level of MCL1, a known mediator of venetoclax resistance, in tumor cells. The monoclonal antibody radioconjugate lintuzumab-Ac225 is a highly cytotoxic alpha-radiation emitter that selectively targets CD33, a cell surface antigen expressed on the majority of AML cells. The high-energy alpha-particle emissions from lintuzumab-Ac225 elicit single and double-strand DNA breaks in targeted tumor cells, and prior clinical studies have demonstrated single-agent anti-leukemic activity. In venetoclax-resistant cell lines in vitro, lintuzumab-Ac225 promotes MCL1 degradation through DNA damage, resulting in increased cell sensitivity to venetoclax. Similarly, mouse xenograft models with venetoclax-resistant AML tumor lines demonstrated tumor regression and increased survival in mice receiving both venetoclax and lintuzumab-Ac225. Objective Determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lintuzumab-Ac225 when given in combination with venetoclax; Establish preliminary efficacy at MTD. Design Multicenter, open-label, dose-finding Phase I study followed by a Phase II trial. Setting Ongoing in the USA. Patients Patients aged >18 years with relapsed/refractory AML. Interventions Lintuzumab-Ac225 in combination with venetoclax. Main outcome measures Phase I: Assess dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) to establish the MTD; Phase II: Determine the best overall response (CR+CRh) of the MTD 6 months after starting treatment. Results and Conclusions Ongoing study, no results available yet.

The CD33 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3865444 has been associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rs3865444 is in linkage disequilibrium with rs12459419 which has been associated with efficacy of an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) chemotherapeutic agent based on a CD33 antibody. We seek to evaluate the extent to which CD33 genetics in AD and AML can inform one another and advance human disease therapy. We have previously shown that these SNPs are associated with skipping of CD33 exon 2 in brain mRNA. Here, we report that these CD33 SNPs are associated with exon 2 skipping in leukocytes from AML patients and with a novel CD33 splice variant that retains CD33 intron 1. Each copy of the minor rs12459419T allele decreases prototypic full-length CD33 expression by ∼ 25% and decreases the AD odds ratio by ∼ 0.10. These results suggest that CD33 antagonists may be useful in reducing AD risk. CD33 inhibitors may include humanized CD33 antibodies such as lintuzumab which was safe but ineffective in AML clinical trials. Here, we report that lintuzumab downregulates cell-surface CD33 by 80% in phorbol-ester differentiated U937 cells, at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml. Overall, we propose a model wherein a modest effect on RNA splicing is sufficient to mediate the CD33 association with AD risk and suggest the potential for an anti-CD33 antibody as an AD-relevant pharmacologic agent.

Objectives Due to the shorter range and higher linear energy transfer of α-particles compared to β-particles, targeted α-particle therapy may produce more efficient tumor killing while sparing neighboring healthy cells. We will review the clinical studies using α-particle therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Methods A series of clinical trials were conducted to assess the safety, feasibility, and anti-leukemic effects of lintuzumab, an anti-CD33 humanized monoclonal antibody, labeled with the α-emitters bismuth- 213 (213Bi) and actinium-225 (225Ac). Results An initial phase I study conducted in 18 patients with relapsed or refractory AML demonstrated the safety and antitumor effects of 213Bi-lintuzumab. Subsequently, 213Bi-lintuzumab produced remissions in AML patients after partial cytoreduction with cytarabine in phase I/II trial. The 46- minute half-life of 213Bi and need for an onsite generator has limited its utility. Therefore, a secondgeneration construct was developed using 225Ac, a radiometal that yields four α-particle emissions. A phase I trial demonstrated that a single infusion of 225Ac-lintuzumab could be given safely at doses up to 111 kBq/kg with anti-leukemic activity across all dose levels studied. In a second phase I study, 28% of older patients with untreated AML had objective responses after receiving fractionated-dose 225Aclintuzumab and low-dose cytarabine. Conclusion Based upon the encouraging results seen in phase I trials of 225Ac-lintuzumab, a phase II study of 225Ac-lintuzumab monotherapy for older patients with untreated AML is now in progress and is also being studied in a subset of patients with CD33-positive multiple myeloma.

Background: Lintuzumab Ac225 is a radiolabeled anti-CD33 antibody with demonstrated single-agent activity in AML. The drug is composed of an alpha emitting isotope, Ac225, conjugated with the humanized anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody lintuzumab. In a prior study, lintuzumab Ac225 monotherapy was safely administered to elderly/unfit AML patients with toxicities primarily limited to prolonged myelosuppression. Nearly 70% of patients achieved a CR/CRi at the highest dose level (2uCi/kg). We hypothesized that lintuzumab Ac225, when added to the salvage chemotherapy regimen CLAG-M (cladribine, cytarabine, G-CSF, and mitoxantrone), would be tolerable and would improve remission rates in the treatment of relapsed/refractory AML (RR-AML). CLAG-M salvage was selected based on favorable institutional outcomes (CR/CRi: 54%, Mushtaq et al, ASH 2018). This novel investigator-initiated phase I study is the first study to combine radioimmunotherapy and intensive chemotherapy in patients with RR-AML. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients include medically fit, RR-AML patients aged 18 years and older, with adequate organ function. In addition, more than 25% of leukemic blasts must have been CD33 positive by flow cytometry. Induction consisted of G-CSF, 300mcg/d, given D1-6, cladribine 5mg/m2, given D2-6, cytarabine 2g/m2, given D2-6, and mitoxantrone 10mg/m2, given D2-4. Lintuzumab Ac225 was administered as a single dose on either days 7, 8, or 9. Cohort 1 received lintuzumab Ac225 at a dose of 0.25uCi/kg, and cohort 2 received a dose of 0.50uCi/kg. Only one induction course was administered, and subsequent treatments were up to physician discretion. Results: Nine patients with a median age of 59 years (range 47-73 yrs) have been enrolled. Patients had a median of 2 (range 1-4) prior, anti-leukemic treatments, including 4 patients who relapsed following allogeneic HCT. Four patients (44%) had intermediate risk cytogenetics, and five patients (56%) had adverse risk features. Median blast CD33 expression was 73% (range 32-100%). All patients completed one cycle of lintuzumab Ac225 with CLAG-M. Three patients enrolled into cohort 1 (0.25mcg/kg), and six patients enrolled into cohort 2 (0.5mcg/kg). Among all enrolled patients, Grade 3 or greater AEs include febrile neutropenia (n=4), infection (n=4), QTc prolongation (n=1), hypophosphatemia (n=1), hyponatremia (n=1), and tumor lysis syndrome (n=1). In two responding patients enrolled to cohort 2, one patient had prolonged time to neutrophil recovery (ANC>500 at 53 days), and a second patient, who was post-HCT, had an ANC recovery to 300 by day 42, and then received donor CD34+ stem cells to aide in count recovery. Figure 1 summarizes toxicities. All responding patients with a platelet count>50k prior to therapy, had a post-treatment platelet count >50k within 42 days. No mortalities were observed on study. Among cohort 1 patients (n=3), one patient achieved CR, one patient had a >50% blast reduction to 6.2% blasts with neutrophil recovery and platelet improvement to 70k, and the third patient had no response. Overall, 33% (1/3) achieved a CR. Among patients enrolled into cohort 2, two patients achieved CR, two patients achieved CRp, one patient achieved CRi, and one patient had no response. Overall, 83% (5/6), achieved CR/CRp/CRi. After, three patients on study subsequently went onto allogeneic HCT, two patients initiated donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI), and one patient underwent CD34+ stem cell boost. Conclusion: Combining lower doses of lintuzumab Ac225 with salvage CLAG-M chemotherapy appears to have a clinically acceptable safety profile. With dose escalation, increased myelosuppression has been noted alongside, but also highly encouraging efficacy results for RR-AML. As two patients in Cohort 2 met DLT criteria due to prolonged ANC recovery, this study will be amended to mandate the addition of G-CSF two weeks after Lintuzumab Ac225 treatment. Tentatively, this study will plan to extend the ANC recovery observation period to 60 days. Depending on safety and further efficacy data, this may lead to further dose escalation, or potentially an expanded number of patients in a Phase 2 study. Disclosures Abedin: Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria; Agios: Honoraria; Helsinn Healthcare: Research Funding; Pfizer Inc: Research Funding. Runaas:Agios: Honoraria; Blueprint Medicine: Honoraria. Michaelis:Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; JAZZ: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Board, uncompensated, Research Funding; Macrogeneics: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding; ASTEX: Research Funding; Pfizer: Equity Ownership, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Bioline: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding. Atallah:Helsinn: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy; Helsinn: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Hamadani:Celgene: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Sanofi Genzyme: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Otsuka: Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Medimmune: Consultancy, Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common leukemia among adults and is associated with a poor prognosis, especially in patients with adverse prognostic factors, older age, or relapsed disease. The last decade has seen a surge in successful immune-based therapies in various solid tumors; however, the role of immune therapies in AML remains poorly defined. This chapter describes the rationale, clinical data, and toxicity profiles of immune-based therapeutic modalities in AML including naked and conjugated monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engager antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, and checkpoint blockade via blockade of PD1/PDL1 or CTLA4. Monoclonal antibodies commonly used in AML therapy target highly expressed “leukemia” surface antigens and include (1) naked antibodies against common myeloid markers such as anti-CD33 (e.g., lintuzumab), (2) antibody-drug conjugates linked to either, (a) a highly potent toxin such as calicheamicin, pyrrolobenzodiazepine, maytansine, or others in various anti-CD33 (gemtuzumab ozogamicin, SGN 33A), anti-123 (SL-401), and anti-CD56 (lorvotuzumab mertansine) formulations, or (b) radioactive particles, such as 131I, 213Bi, or 225Ac-labeled anti-CD33 or CD45 antibodies. Novel monoclonal antibodies that recruit and promote proximity-induced cytotoxicity of tumor cells by T cells (bispecific T-cell engager [BiTE] such as anti CD33/CD3, e.g., AMG 330) or block immune checkpoint pathways such as CTLA4 (e.g., ipilimumab) or PD1/PD-L1 (e.g., nivolumab) unleashing the patients T cells to fight leukemic cells are being evaluated in clinical trials in patients with AML. The numerous ongoing clinical trials with immunotherapies in AML will improve our understanding of the biology of AML and allow us to determine the best approaches to immunotherapy in AML.

Lintuzumab, a humanized anti-CD33 antibody, targets myeloid leukemia cells and has modest activity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To increase the antibody's potency yet avoid nonspecific cytotoxicity seen with β-emitting isotopes, lintuzumab was conjugated to the α-emitters bismuth-213 (213Bi) and actinium-225 (225Ac). The 46-minute half-life of 213Bi limits its widespread use. Therefore, 225Ac was also conjugated to various antibodies using DOTA-SCN. We conducted a phase I trial of 213Bi-lintuzumab and subsequently administered cytarabine with 213Bi-lintuzumab in a phase I/II study. The toxicity and biological activity of 225Ac-linutuzumab in patients with relapsed/refractory AML in a phase I dose-escalation trial was determined. An initial phase I trial demonstrated the feasibility, safety and antileukemic activity of 213Bi-lintuzumab. 213Bi-lintuzumab produced responses in 24% of AML patients receiving doses ≥ 37 MBq/kg after partial cytoreduction with cytarabine. 225Ac-labeled immunoconjugates killed in vitro at doses at least 1,000 times lower than 213Bi analogs. Eighteen patients with relapsed/refractory AML received 18.5 to 148 kBq/kg of 225Ac-lintuzumab in a phase I study. Dose-limiting toxicities were myelosuppression lasting >35 days in one patient and death due to sepsis in two patients. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was 111 KBg/kg. Bone marrow blast reductions were seen across all dose levels. Targeted α- particle immunotherapy with 213Bi- and 225Ac-lintuzumab is safe, has significant antileukemic effects, and can produce remissions after partial cytoreduction. How to cite this article Jurcic JG. Targeted Alpha-Particle Immunotherapy with Bismuth-213 and Actinium-225 for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(1): 14-17.

Purpose: Leukemias with MLL gene rearrangement are associated with a poor prognosis. Natural killer (NK) cell therapy is a potential treatment, but leukemia cells may be resistant. Here, we sought to determine the susceptibility of MLL-rearranged leukemia cells to NK cell lysis and to develop a novel immunotherapeutic approach to optimize NK cell therapy, including the use of an antibody against leukemia-associated antigen and the elimination of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)–mediated inhibition. Experimental Design: Three MLL-rearranged leukemia cell lines (RS4;11, SEM, and MV4-11) and primary leukemia blasts were assessed for surface phenotype and susceptibility to NK cell lysis with or without antibodies against CD19 (XmAb5574), CD33 (lintuzumab), or KIR ligands. Results: All three cell lines were resistant to NK cell lysis, had some inhibitory KIR ligands and protease inhibitor-9, and expressed low levels of NKG2D activating ligands and adhesion molecules. After treatment with XmAb5574 or lintuzumab, MLL-rearranged leukemia cells were efficiently killed by NK cells. The addition of pan–major histocompatibility complex class I antibody, which blocked inhibitory KIR-HLA interaction, further augmented degranulation in all three KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2/3, and KIR3DL1 subsets of NK cells based on the rule of missing-self recognition. A mouse model showed a decreased rate of leukemia progression in vivo as monitored by bioluminescence imaging and longer survival after antibody treatment. Conclusion: Our data support the use of a triple immunotherapy approach, including an antibody directed against tumor-associated antigen, KIR-mismatched NK cell transplantation, and inhibitory KIR blockade, for the treatment of NK cell–resistant MLL-rearranged leukemias. Clin Cancer Res; 18(22); 6296–305. ©2012 AACR.

CD33, a 67-kDa glycoprotein expressed on the majority of myeloid leukemia cells as well as on normal myeloid and monocytic precursors, has been an attractive target for monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Lintuzumab, an unconjugated, humanized anti-CD33 mAb, has modest single-agent activity against AML but failed to improve patient outcomes in two randomized trials when combined with conventional chemotherapy. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, an anti-CD33 mAb conjugated to the antitumor antibiotic calicheamicin, improved survival in a subset of AML patients when combined with standard chemotherapy, but safety concerns led to US marketing withdrawal. The activity of these agents confirms that CD33 remains a viable therapeutic target for AML. Strategies to improve the results of mAb-based therapies for AML include antibody engineering to enhance effector function, use of alternative drugs and chemical linkers to develop safer and more effective drug conjugates, and radioimmunotherapeutic approaches.

Background: Older patients (pts) with AML unfit for intense induction chemotherapy have a poor prognosis with a 5 year survival of 6 weeks and 5 CRi patients did not reach an ANC of ≥ 500/µL. Therefore, the activity level was reduced to 1.5 µCi/kg/dose for further evaluation. Methods: This study enrolled older pts with untreated AML who were considered to be unfit for standard induction chemotherapy. Pts aged 60 to 74 years were required to have significant co-morbidities, while all pts ≥ 75 years were eligible. Other eligibility criteria included ECOG PS 0-2, CD33 expression on > 25% of blasts, and a peripheral blast count Results: 18 pts were included in this prespecified Interim Analysis. An additional 9 pts were treated at this dose and will be included in an updated analysis at the ASH meeting. The median age of the 18 pts was 73.5 years (range 60-87) and median ECOG Performance Status was 1 (0 in 3 pts, 1 in 9 pts, & 6 in 2 pts). 11 pts had prior AHDs (6 MDS, 2 CMML, 2 NHL, 1 myelofibrosis), and 9 had prior treatment for AHDs. Of the pts with known cytogenetic and molecular genetic results, 1 had favorable-risk, 3 had intermediate-risk, and 5 had adverse-risk AML using NCCN guidelines. The median baseline BM blast % was 40.5% (range, 22-66%) with a median CD33 expression of 62% (range, 26-100%) of AML cells. Objective responses were seen in 4 pts (22%): 3 complete remissions with incomplete platelet count recovery (CRp) and 1 complete remission with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi). Among the responders with known cytogenetics, 1 pt had adverse genetics and 1 had Intermediate-risk genetics.Of the pts with remission, 3 had CT genotype for the CD33 splicing polymorphism SNP rs12459419 (including 2 CRp) and 1 had CC genotype. 3 of the responders are in follow up at Days 59, 169 and 266 without further treatment. Myelosuppression was seen in all pts including Grade 4 thrombocytopenia with marrow aplasia for > 6 weeks after the first dose in 4 pts. 1 pt with prior MDS had pancytopenia for > 4 months. The 3 pts with CRp achieved an ANC ≥ 1000/µL at Days 28, 38, and 40 from the first dose of 225Ac-lin. The pt with CRi did not reach an ANC of 500/µL. Non hematologic Grade ≥3 Treatment-Emergent adverse events (AEs) that were at least possibly related were 4 patients with febrile neutropenia, as well as 1 patient each with fungal pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, chest pain, sepsis, gastric hemorrhage, generalized muscle weakness, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and typhilitis. No pts had an infusion-related reaction requiring dose interruption. Veno-occlusive disease did not occur. The 30-day mortality rate was 16.7% (1 cardiac arrest and 2 with multi organ failure). Conclusions: Preliminary data from this Interim Analysis of 225Ac-lin monotherapy in older AML pts unfit for intensive therapy indicate a lower rate of myelosuppression at 1.5 µCi/kg/dose but also a lower response rate than was seen at 2.0 µCi/kg/dose. Although the study met the prespecified response criteria for continuing enrollment, it will be closed to further accrual in recognition that targeted radiation, like other therapies, will likely have the best outcomes when used in combination with other therapies in pts with active AML. An extensive development program in AML, MDS, and multiple myeloma is planned. One study will utilize 225Ac-lin in combination with salvage chemotherapy and another with venetoclax. 225Ac-lin will be used as a single agent for AML postremission therapy. In addition, 225Ac-lin will be used as targeted conditioning prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplant in pts with MDS with a complex karyotype and as a conditioning agent prior to autologous transplant in MM. Table. Table. Disclosures Atallah: Jazz: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy. Orozco:Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Craig:Novartis: Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Levy:Takeda (Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.): Consultancy. Finn:Ochsner Clinic Foundation: Employment. Perl:NewLink Genetics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Arog: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Park:Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Shire: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy; Kite Pharma: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Roboz:Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Aphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy; Celltrion: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Argenx: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Cellectis: Research Funding; Aphivena Therapeutics: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Sandoz: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Astex Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Orsenix: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Argenx: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Eisai: Consultancy; Orsenix: Consultancy; Cellectis: Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Celltrion: Consultancy. Tse:Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine: Employment; Jazz: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Amgen: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria. Mawad:Swedish Cancer Institute: Employment. Rizzieri:Novartis: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Teva: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Arog: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Berger:Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Jurcic:Astellas: Research Funding; Daiichi-Sankyo: Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Forma Therapeutics: Research Funding; Syros Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Research Funding; Genetech: Research Funding; Kura Oncology: Research Funding.

Methods to generate monoclonal antibodies to antigens of neoplastic cells have revolutionized our understanding of cancer cell growth and differentiation, diagnosis, and treatment. Monoclonal antibodies derived by immunizing animals (mostly mice) with mammalian cells or molecules have been critical reagents for the discovery and characterization of many key molecules involved in the behavior of neoplastic cells. Now, over 30 years later, monoclonal antibodies are widely used in the differential diagnosis of cancer and are key elements in the treatment of many forms of cancer. This review will focus on the roles that monoclonal antibodies play in the treatment of hematological malignancies. In particular, we will focus on acute myeloid leukemia and mature B-cell neoplasms.

Purpose of review This review addresses use of monoclonal antibodies and immunoconjugates to treat acute myeloid leukemia. Recent findings Monoclonal antibodies used in acute myeloid leukemia have been directed against the antigens CD33, CD45, and CD66. Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies such as lintuzumab have modest activity against overt acute myeloid leukemia but can eliminate minimal residual disease in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Most experience with immunoconjugates is with gemtuzumab ozogamicin, an anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody linked to the potent antitumor antibiotic calicheamicin. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin has shown activity both singly, particularly in acute promyelocytic leukemia, and combined with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies against CD45 and CD66 have also been used to intensify the conditioning regimen before stem cell transplantation. The most promising results were obtained with radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibodies. Antibodies reactive with CD66 have been used to deliver targeted radiation to hematopoietic tissues in patients with advanced myeloid malignancies. Summary Both unlabeled monoclonal antibodies and immunoconjugates appear to have a limited role if used as single agents to treat acute myeloid leukemia. These agents hold promise as potentially useful additions to conventional therapy, but the optimal dosing and timing remain to be defined.

Purpose Lintuzumab (HuM195) is an unconjugated humanized murine monoclonal antibody directed against the cell surface myelomonocytic differentiation antigen CD33. In this study, the efficacy of lintuzumab in combination with induction chemotherapy was compared with chemotherapy alone in adults with first relapsed or primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients and Methods Patients with relapsed or primary resistant AML (duration of first response, zero to 12 months) were randomly assigned to receive either mitoxantrone 8 mg/m2, etoposide 80 mg/m2, and cytarabine 1 g/m2 daily for 6 days (MEC) in combination with lintuzumab 12 mg/m2, or MEC alone. Overall response, defined as the rate of complete remission (CR) and CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp), was the primary end point of the study, with additional analyses of survival time and toxicity. Results A total of 191 patients were randomly assigned from November 1999 to April 2001. The percent CR plus CRp with MEC plus lintuzumab was 36% v 28% in patients treated with MEC alone (P = .28). The overall median survival was 156 days and was not different in the two arms of the study. Apart from mild antibody infusion–related toxicities (fever, chills, and hypotension), no differences in chemotherapy-related adverse effects, including hepatic and cardiac dysfunction, were observed with the addition of lintuzumab to induction chemotherapy. Conclusion The addition of lintuzumab to salvage induction chemotherapy was safe, but did not result in a statistically significant improvement in response rate or survival in patients with refractory/relapsed AML.

The monoclonal antibodies M195 and HuM195 target CD33, a glycoprotein found on myeloid leukemia cells. When labeled with iodine-131 ((131)I), these antibodies can eliminate large disease burdens and produce prolonged myelosuppression. We studied whether (131)I-labeled M195 and HuM195 could be combined safely with busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy) as conditioning for allogeneic BMT. A total of 31 patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloloid leukemia (AML) (n=16), accelerated/myeloblastic chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n=14), or advanced myelodysplastic syndrome (n=1) received (131)I-M195 or (131)I-HuM195 (122-437 mCi) plus busulfan (16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (90-120 mg/kg) followed by infusion of related-donor bone marrow (27 first BMT; four second BMT). Hyperbilirubinemia was the most common extramedullary toxicity, occurring in 69% of patients during the first 28 days after BMT. Gamma camera imaging showed targeting of the radioisotope to the bone marrow, liver, and spleen, with absorbed radiation doses to the marrow of 272-1470 cGy. The median survival was 4.9 months (range 0.3-90+ months). Three patients with relapsed AML remain in complete remission 59+, 87+, and 90+ months following bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These studies show the feasibility of adding CD33-targeted radioimmunotherapy to a standard BMT preparative regimen; however, randomized trials will be needed to prove a benefit to intensified conditioning with radioimmunotherapy.