Checkpoint inhibition after HiDAC shows promise in AML
REPORTING FROM ALF 2018
The most common overall toxicities included febrile neutropenia in 70% of patients; transaminitis (including one grade 3 case) in 50%, hyperbilirubinemia in 35%, and fatigue, increased alkaline phosphatase, and rash in 25% each.
Novel therapies for relapsed/refractory AML are urgently needed, and these early results demonstrated the safety and feasibility of adding pembrolizumab after HiDAC chemotherapy in relapsed/refractory AML patients. The preliminary finding that broadening of the immune repertoire, which may occur via increasing T-cell responses beyond endogenous viral responses, was associated with complete response was particularly encouraging, Dr. Zeidner said. The investigators hope to determine predictors of response to immune checkpoint blockade in AML through a comprehensive immune biomarker discovery approach, he added.
This study was funded by Merck. Dr. Zeidner reported having no financial disclosures. The Acute Leukemia Forum is held by Hemedicus, which is owned by the same company as this news organization.
SOURCE: Zeidner J et al. ALF 2018, Poster Session.
