HK40077034A

HK40077034A - Combination anti-cd30 adc, anti-pd-1 and chemotherapeutic for treatment of hematopoietic cancers

Info

Publication number: HK40077034A
Application number: HK62023066554.4A
Authority: HK
Inventors: Manley Thomas
Original assignee: Seagen Inc.
Priority date: 2019-09-25
Filing date: 2020-09-25
Publication date: 2023-02-24

Description

Combination of anti-CD 30 ADC, anti-PD-1 and chemotherapy for treatment of hematologic cancers

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/905,701, filed 2019, month 9, 25, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Incorporation of electronically submitted material by reference

The sequence listing, which is part of this disclosure, is submitted concurrently with the specification as a text file. The name of the text file containing the sequence listing is "54784 _ seqliking.txt", which was created at 24 days 9 months 9 and 2020 and has a size of 7,899 bytes. The subject matter of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to methods of treating hodgkin's lymphoma and other hematological cancers with anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody and optionally in combination with a chemotherapeutic regimen comprising doxorubicin and dacarbazine.

Background

Over the past half century, the results of patients with advanced Hodgkin lymphoma (Hodgkin lymphoma) improved significantly.¹Despite regional differences, the most common first-line regimens, ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine), have not been adjusted since their initial description in 1975.

Up to 30% of patients with stage III/IV Hodgkin's lymphoma present refractory disease or relapse after first line ABVD (Canelos et al, N Engl J Med 1992; 327: 1478-84; Carde et al, J Clin Oncol 2016; 34: 2028-36; Gordon et al, J Clin Oncol 2013; 31: 684-91). Bleomycin, which is considered the least active of the four components of ABVD, is associated with unpredictable and sometimes fatal pulmonary toxicity and often decreases later in chemotherapy due to pulmonary symptoms (Canellos et al, J Clin Oncol 2004; 22: 1532-3; Martin et al, J Clin Oncol 2005; 23: 7614-20). Recent studies have shown that response-adaptive therapy with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose guided by temporary Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can provide a more personalized treatment approach, where the intensity of treatment depends on the degradation/intensification of the early response to treatment (Borchmann et al, haematologic 2017; 102: abstract S150; Johnson et al, N Engl J Med 2016; 374: 2419-29). Efforts are also underway to incorporate new drugs into established frameworks to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity (Borchmann et al, Blood 2015; 126).

CD30 is a characteristic surface antigen expressed on Reed-Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (Schwab et al, Nature 1982; 299: 65-7). The rituximab vitamin A (Brentuximab vedotin) is an antibody-drug conjugate, and consists of an anti-CD 30 monoclonal antibody coupled with a microtubule splitting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (monomenthyl auristatin E) through a protease cleavable linker. BentuoxiMonoclonal avidoline has been approved for the treatment of classical hodgkin lymphoma patients after failure of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) or after failure of at least 2 previous multidrug chemotherapy regimens in non-ASCT candidate patients, and as a post-ASCT consolidation for hodgkin lymphoma patients with increased risk of relapse/progression: (post-ASCT consolidation(Bentuximavudine) US Presscrinbing Information). It is also approved for systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma after failure of at least one previous multidrug chemotherapy regimen. Dose escalation studies evaluated first-line rituximab velutine (Younes et al, Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:1348-56) in combination with ABVD or AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) during the previous phase 1 in advanced Hodgkin lymphoma.

Nivolumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody (HuMAb; immunoglobulin G4[ IgG4]) that targets programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Nivolumab binds PD-1 with high affinity and inhibits the binding of PD-1 to its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 (IC50 ± 1nM) in vitro. Nivolumab binds specifically to PD-1 but not to related members of the CD28 family such as CD28, ICOS, CTLA-4, and BTLA. Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 pathway and results in reproducible enhancement of proliferation and interferon-gamma (IFN- γ) release in Mixed Lymphocyte Responses (MLR). Previous trials have shown that patients with hodgkin's lymphoma refractory to treatment with the combination of the present rituximab vildagliptin and nivolumab are safe and patients can receive subsequent stem cell transplantation (Herrera et al, Blood 131(11): 1183-94). The combination of nivolumab also showed good tolerability when combined with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (N + AVD) (Ramchandren et al, J Clin Oncol 37(23): 1997-2007).

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to methods of treating hematologic cancers comprising administering an anti-CD 30 Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in combination with a cancer therapeutic as a first line treatment for previously undiagnosed cancer, or as a treatment for relapsed or refractory disease. Other cancer therapeutics used in combination with anti-CD 30 ADC include anti-PD-1 antibodies and chemotherapeutic regimens comprising doxorubicin and dacarbazine.

Provided herein is a method for treating a hematologic cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapy comprising an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and an anti-PD-1 antibody, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at least 30 minutes after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered by intravenous infusion over a period of about 30 minutes. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered by intravenous infusion for a duration of about 60 minutes.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy. In various embodiments, the subject has not previously received checkpoint inhibitor therapy or an anti-PD-1 antibody.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and the anti-PD-1 antibody are administered every 2 weeks. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered beginning with cycle 1 of the administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and the anti-PD-1 antibody are administered on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and the anti-PD-1 antibody are administered for no more than six cycles. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and the anti-PD-1 antibody are administered for four to six cycles.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises administering chemotherapy consisting essentially of doxorubicin and dacarbazine (AD) as a combination therapy.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises: i) heavy chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 4, heavy chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 6, heavy chain CDR3 shown in SEQ ID NO. 8; and ii) the light chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 12, the light chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 14, and the light chain CDR13 shown in SEQ ID NO. 16.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises i) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity to the heavy chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and ii) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity to the light chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is a monoclonal anti-CD 30 antibody. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is a chimeric AC10 antibody. In various embodiments, the antibody drug conjugate comprises monomethyl auristatin E and a protease cleavable linker. In various embodiments, the protease cleavable linker comprises a thiol-reactive spacer and a dipeptide. In various embodiments, the protease cleavable linker consists of a thiol-reactive maleimidocaproyl spacer, a valine-citrulline dipeptide, and a p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl spacer. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is benituximab.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In various embodiments, (i) the anti-PD-1 antibody cross-competes with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for binding to human PD-1; (ii) the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as nivolumab or pembrolizumab; (iii) the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab; or (iv) the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab or pembrolizumab. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab.

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer comprises one or more cells expressing PD-L1, PD-L2, or both PD-L1 and PD-L2.

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is a CD 30-expressing cancer and CD30 expression is ≧ 10%. In various embodiments, CD30 expression is measured by an FDA approved test.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is benitumumab vindoline and is administered at 1.2mg/kg, and the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab and is administered at 240 mg/dose.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is benitumumab vindoline and is administered at 1.2mg/kg, and the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab and is administered at a dose of 1-2mg/kg or 100-300 mg.

In various embodiments, doxorubicin is at 25mg/m²Is administered at a dose of 375mg/m of dacarbazine²The dosage of (a).

In various embodiments, the method further comprises administering a granulocyte production-stimulating factor. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 1 to 7 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 2 to 5 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

In various embodiments, the granulocyte colony stimulating factor is Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF). In various embodiments, the GCSF is a long acting GCSF or a non-long acting GCSF. In various embodiments, the GCSF is long acting GCSF and is administered 1 day or 2 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, G-CSF is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the GCSF is not long acting and is administered 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days after the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered.

In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered in a dosage range of 5 to 10 mcg/kg/day or 300 to 600 mcg/day or 6 mg/dose.

In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy.

In various embodiments, the subject has not experienced grade 3-4 neutropenia from treatment following administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered intravenously or subcutaneously. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered in a single dose or multiple doses.

In various embodiments, if the subject exhibits grade 3 or 4 neuropathy, administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy is discontinued until the peripheral neuropathy is reduced to grade 2 or less and then 0.9mg/kg anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy is administered. In various embodiments, the neuropathy is motor neuropathy or sensory neuropathy. In various embodiments, if peripheral neuropathy develops, the dose of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is delayed by one week and therapy is continued when the neuropathy subsides or is determined to be grade 1 or less.

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is a hematologic cancer that expresses CD 30. In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is selected from the group consisting of: classical hodgkin lymphoma, non-hodgkin lymphoma, Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is classical hodgkin lymphoma. In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is stage IIA, stage IIB, stage III, or stage IV classical hodgkin's lymphoma with large masses.

In various embodiments, the Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL).

In various embodiments, the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is Mycosis Fungoides (MF). In various embodiments, Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is CD30 positive Mycosis Fungoides (MF). In various embodiments, the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL).

In various embodiments, the subject's hematological cancer has not been treated with a checkpoint inhibitor. In various embodiments, the subject has received a prior systemic therapy.

In various embodiments, the subject is an adult patient.

All aspects of the disclosure described above and methods of treatment are specifically provided herein for use in anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate combination therapy for any of the indications described above.

It is to be understood that each feature or embodiment or combination described herein is a non-limiting illustrative example of any aspect of the disclosure and is thus meant to be combinable with any other feature or embodiment or combination described herein. For example, where features are described in language such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," "other embodiments," "specific example embodiments," and/or "another embodiment," each of these types of embodiments is a non-limiting example of a feature that is intended to be combined with any other feature or combination of features described herein, and does not necessarily list every possible combination. These features or combinations of features are applicable to any aspect of the present disclosure. Where examples of values falling within a range are disclosed, any of these examples are considered to be the possible endpoints of the range, any and all values between such endpoints are considered, and any and all combinations of upper and lower endpoints are considered.

Drawings

FIG. 1 details of the present rituximab vitamin A dose adjustment

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides methods of treating hematological cancers with anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugates in combination with an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor and a chemotherapeutic regimen comprising doxorubicin and dacarbazine. Without being bound by theory, it is hypothesized that administration of the combination therapy will result in less toxicity, as vincristine is removed from the typical treatment regimen and provides improved results to the patient.

Definition of

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The following references provide the skilled artisan with a general definition of many of the terms used in this disclosure: singleton et al, "DICTIONARY OF MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (DICTIONARY OF MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY)" (2 nd edition.1994); cambridge scientific and technological DICTIONARY (THE Cambridge scientific OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY) (Walker, 1988); THE vocabulary OF GENETICS (THE GLOSSARY OF GENETICS), 5 th edition, R.Rieger et al (eds.), Springer Verlag (1991); and Hale and Marham, "the Hubbo Coriolis biological DICTIONARY (THE HARPER COLLINS DICTIONARY OF BIOLOGY" (1991).

Each of the publications, patent applications, patents, and other references cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety to the extent not inconsistent with this disclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a derivative" includes a plurality of such derivatives, and reference to "the subject" includes reference to one or more subjects, and so forth.

It is further understood that where the description of various embodiments uses the term "comprising," those skilled in the art will understand that in some instances embodiments may alternatively be described using the language "consisting essentially of … (inclusive of) or" consisting of … (inclusive of).

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the disclosed methods and compositions, exemplary methods, devices, and materials are described herein.

"treatment" refers to prophylactic or therapeutic treatment or diagnostic treatment. In certain embodiments, "treating" refers to administering a compound or composition to an individual for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

"prophylactic" treatment is treatment administered to an individual who does not present signs of disease or presents only early signs of disease for the purpose of reducing the risk of developing a pathology. The compounds or compositions of the present disclosure may be administered as a prophylactic treatment to reduce the likelihood of developing a lesion or to minimize the severity of a lesion, if present.

"therapeutic" treatment is treatment administered to an individual exhibiting pathological signs or symptoms for the purpose of reducing or eliminating those signs or symptoms. The signs or symptoms may be biochemical, cellular, histological, functional or physical, subjective or objective.

As used herein, "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount of an agent effective to produce the desired beneficial effect on health.

As used herein, "AN + AD therapy" refers to the treatment of a subject with AN anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate described herein (benituximat visfatin) in combination with a PD-1 antibody (nivolumab) and chemotherapy consisting essentially of doxorubicin and dacarbazine (AD therapy).

As used herein, a "lymphoma" is a hematological malignancy that typically develops from hyperproliferative cells of lymphoid origin. Lymphomas are sometimes divided into two main types: hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Lymphomas can also be classified according to phenotypic, molecular, or cellular markers based on the normal cell types that most resemble cancer cells. The lymphoma subtypes under the classification include, but are not limited to, mature B cell neoplasms, mature T cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell neoplasms, hodgkin lymphoma, and immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. The lymphoma subtypes include precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (sometimes referred to as lymphoblastic leukemia, since T-cell lymphoblastic cells are produced in the bone marrow), follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, B-cell chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (sometimes referred to as leukemia caused by peripheral blood involvement), MALT lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, mycosis fungoides and its more aggressive variant west zeri disease (Sezary's disease), non-finger peripheral T-cell lymphoma, nodular sclerosis of hodgkin lymphoma, and mixed cell subtypes of hodgkin lymphoma.

The term "leukemia" as used herein is a hematological malignancy, which typically develops from hyperproliferative cells of myeloid origin, including, but not limited to, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), and acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL). Other leukemias include Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL), T-cell lymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL), large granular lymphocytic leukemia, and adult T-cell leukemia.

As used herein, "prophylactic" or "primary prevention" refers to administration of an agent, such as a colony stimulating factor or a granulocyte production stimulating factor, prior to the onset of or symptoms of neutropenia in a subject. It is contemplated that the prevention of administration comprising a granulocyte stimulating factor is at cycle 1 of administration of the anti-CD 30 conjugate therapy or the first administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy, optionally beginning with a combination of chemotherapy consisting essentially of an anti-PD-1 antibody, doxorubicin, and/or dacarbazine (N + AD therapy). The terms "beginning with cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration" and "first administration of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate" may be used interchangeably herein with reference to treatment with a granulocyte colony stimulating factor.

As used herein, "granulocyte production-stimulating factor" refers to an agent that induces production of neutrophils and other granulocytes, such as cytokines or other growth factors. Exemplary granulocyte production-stimulating factors include, but are not limited to, Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF) and derivatives thereof, such as filgrastim and long-acting GCSF PEG-filgrastim or granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (GMCSF).

As used herein, "neutropenia" refers to an abnormally low concentration of neutrophils in the blood. By "reducing the incidence of neutropenia in a subject" is meant reducing the number of occurrences of neutropenia in a subject receiving treatment and/or reducing the severity of neutropenia in a subject. By "preventing neutropenia" is meant preventing or inhibiting the onset of neutropenia, for example as a result of prophylactic treatment with a granulocyte stimulating factor. The normal reference range for Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) in adults is 1500 to 8000 cells per microliter (μ l) of blood. Neutropenia can be classified into the following categories: mild neutropenia (1000< ANC < 1500); moderate neutropenia (500< ═ ANC < 1000); severe neutropenia (ANC < 500). Hsieh et al, Ann.Intern. Med.). 146:486-92, 2007.

As used herein, the term "checkpoint inhibitor" refers to a molecule or therapeutic agent that blocks certain proteins produced by certain types of immune system cells (e.g., T cells and certain cancer cells). These proteins help control the immune response and may prevent T cells from killing cancer cells. Examples of checkpoint proteins found on T cells or cancer cells include PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD28, CTLA-4, B7-1, B7-2 (see national cancer institute cancer terminology dictionary), and ICOS and BTLA.

"programmed death-1" (PD-1) refers to an immunosuppressive receptor belonging to the CD28 family. PD-1 is expressed on previously activated T cells in vivo and binds to two ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. The complete human PD-1 sequence can be found under GenBank accession No. U64863.

"programmed death ligand-1" (PD-L1) and PD-L2 are cell surface ligands of PD-1 that downregulate T cell activation and cytokine secretion upon binding to PD-1. The complete human PD-L1 sequence can be found under GenBank accession No. Q9NZQ 7.

The terms "specifically binds" and "specifically binds" mean that the anti-CD 30 antibody will react in a highly selective manner with its corresponding target CD30, but not with a variety of other antigens.

The term "monoclonal antibody" refers to an antibody derived from a single cell clone (including any eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell clone or phage clone), rather than a method of producing the antibody. Thus, the term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein is not limited to antibodies produced by hybridoma technology.

The term "identity" or "percent identity," in the context of two or more nucleic acid or polypeptide sequences, refers to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of nucleotides or amino acid residues that are the same, when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence. To determine percent identity, the sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in the sequence of a first amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment with a second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence). The amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared. When a position in the first sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or nucleotide as the corresponding position in the second sequence, then the molecules are identical at that position. The percent identity between two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions common to the sequences (i.e.,% identity-the number of identical positions/total number of positions (e.g., overlapping positions) × 100). In certain embodiments, the two sequences are the same length.

The term "substantially identical" in the context of two nucleic acids or polypeptides refers to two or more sequences or subsequences that are at least 70% or at least 75% identical; more typically, at least 80% or at least 85% identity; and even more typically at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 98% identity (e.g., determined using one of the methods listed below).

The determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. Preferred, non-limiting examples of mathematical algorithms for comparing two sequences are Karlin and Altschul, 1990 algorithms in Proc. Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 87: 2264-. This algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul et al, 1990, journal of molecular biology (J.mol.biol.) 215: 403-. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed using the NBLAST program, scoring 100 and word length 12, to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to nucleic acids encoding a protein of interest. BLAST protein searches can be performed using the XBLAST program, with a score of 50 and a word length of 3, to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to the protein of interest. In order to obtain gap alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST, as described in Altschul et al, 1997 Nucleic Acids Res 25:3389-3402, may be used. Alternatively, an iterative search using PSI-Blast can be performed, which detects distant relationships between molecules (supra). Another preferred non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm for sequence comparison is the algorithm of Myers and Miller, CABIOS (1989). This algorithm is incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0) that is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package. Additional algorithms for sequence analysis are known in the art and include ADVANCE and ADAM, as described in Torellis and Robotti,1994, computer applications in biochemistry (Compout.Appl.Biosci.) 10: 3-5; and FASTA, described in Pearson and Lipman,1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 2444-8. Alternatively, protein sequence alignment may be performed using the CLUSTAL W algorithm, as described by Higgins et al, 1996, Methods in enzymology 266: 383-402.

The abbreviation "MMAE" refers to monomethyl auristatin E.

The abbreviations "vc" and "val-cit" refer to the dipeptide valine-citrulline.

The abbreviation "PAB" refers to self-immolative spacer (self-immolative spacer):

the abbreviation "MC" refers to the extender maleimidocaproyl:

cAC10-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE refers to a chimeric AC10 antibody conjugated to a drug MMAE via an MC-vc-PAB linker.

The anti-CD 30 MC-vc-PAB-MMAE antibody-drug conjugate refers to an anti-CD 30 antibody conjugated to a drug MMAE through a linker comprising the dipeptide valine citrulline and a self-immolative spacer PAB, as shown in formula (I) of U.S. patent No. 9,211,319.

The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" as used herein refers to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. The term "pharmaceutically compatible component" refers to a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the antibody-drug conjugate is administered.

Antibodies

The antibodies of the present disclosure are preferably monoclonal, and may be multispecific, human, humanized or chimeric antibodies, single chain antibodies, Fab fragments, F (ab') fragments, fragments produced by Fab expression libraries, and binding fragments of any of the foregoing. As used herein, the term "antibody" refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site that immunospecifically binds an antigen of interest. The immunoglobulin molecules of the present disclosure may be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2) or subclass of immunoglobulin molecule.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the antibody is a human antigen-binding antibody fragment of the disclosure and includes, but is not limited to, Fab 'and F (ab')₂Fd, single chain fv (scFv), single chain antibody, disulfide linked fv (sdFv) and antibodies comprising V_LOr V_HA fragment of a domain. An antigen-binding antibody fragment comprising a single chain antibody may comprise one or more variable regions alone or in combination with all or part of: hinge region, CH1, CH2, CH3, and CL domain. Also included in the present disclosure are antigen binding fragments that also include any combination of one or more variable regions and hinge, CH1, CH2, CH3, and CL domains. Preferably, the antibody is human, murine (e.g., mouse and rat), donkey, sheep, rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse or chicken. As used hereinafter, "human" antibodies comprise antibodies having human immunoglobulin amino acid sequencesAntibodies, and include antibodies isolated from a human immunoglobulin repertoire, human B cells, or from an animal transgenic for one or more human immunoglobulins, e.g., as described below in U.S. patent No. 5,939,598 to Kucherlapati et al.

The antibodies of the present disclosure can be monospecific, bispecific, trispecific, or more multispecific. Multispecific antibodies may be specific for different epitopes of CD30, or may be specific for both CD30 and a heterologous protein. See, for example, PCT applications WO 93/17715; WO 92/08802; WO 91/00360; WO 92/05793; tutt et al, 1991, journal of immunology 147: 6069; U.S. patent nos. 4,474,893; 4,714,681, respectively; 4,925,648; 5,573,920; 5,601,819, respectively; kostelny et al, 1992, J Immunol 148: 15471553.

Antibodies of the present disclosure may be described or specified in terms of the particular CDRs they comprise. In addition, the antibodies of the present disclosure may also be described or specified in terms of their primary structure. Antibodies having at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and most preferably at least 98% identity (as calculated using methods known in the art and described herein) to the variable regions described herein are also encompassed by the present disclosure. Antibodies useful in the present methods disclosure may also be described or specified in terms of their binding affinity. Preferred binding affinities comprise a dissociation constant or Kd of less than 5x10² M、10^-2M、5x10^-3M、10^-3M、5x10^-4M、10^-4M、5x10^-5M、10^-5M、 5x10^-6M、10^-6M、5x10^-7M、10^-7M、5x10^-8M、10^-8M、5x10^-9M、 10^-9M、5x10^-10M、10^-10M、5x10^-11M、10^-11M、5x10^-12M、10^-12M、 5x10^-13M、10^-13M、5x10^-14M、10^-14M、5x10^-15M or 10^-15Those of M.

Antibodies also include modified derivatives, i.e., covalently linked to the antibody by any type of molecule such that the covalent linkage does not prevent the antibody from binding to CD30 or exerting cytostatic or cytotoxic effects on hodgkin's disease cells. For example, but not limited to, antibody derivatives include antibodies that have been modified, e.g., by glycosylation, acetylation, pegylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to cellular ligands or other proteins, and the like. Any of a number of chemical modifications can be made by known techniques including, but not limited to, specific chemical cleavage, acetylation, formylation, metabolic synthesis of tunicamycin, and the like. In addition, the derivative may contain one or more non-canonical amino acids.

The antibodies described herein can be produced by any suitable method known in the art.

anti-CD 30 antibodies

Murine anti-CD 30 mabs known in the art have been generated by immunizing mice with the Hodgkin's Disease (HD) cell line or purified CD30 antigen. AC10, originally designated C10(Bowen et al, 1993, J. Immunol) 151: 58965906), except that this anti-CD 30 mAb was prepared against NK-like cell line YT (Bowen et al, 1993, J. Immunol 151: 58965906). Initially, the signaling activity of this mAb was demonstrated by down-regulating cell surface expression of CD28 and CD45 molecules, up-regulating cell surface CD25 expression, and inducing homotypic adhesion upon binding of C10 to YT cells. The sequence of the AC10 antibody is shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1-16 and Table A below. See also U.S. patent No. 7,090,843, incorporated herein by reference, which discloses chimeric AC10 antibodies.

In general, the antibodies of the present disclosure immunospecifically bind to CD30 and exert cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on malignant cells in hodgkin's disease.

In various embodiments, the antibody used in the method comprises one or more CDRs of AC 10. The present disclosure encompasses an antibody or derivative thereof comprising a heavy or light chain variable domain comprising (a) a set of three CDRs, wherein the set of CDRs is from monoclonal antibody AC10, and (b) a set of four framework regions, wherein the set of framework regions is different from the set of framework regions in monoclonal antibody AC10, and wherein the antibody or derivative thereof immunospecifically binds CD 30.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure encompasses the use of an antibody or derivative thereof comprising a heavy chain variable domain comprising (a) a set of three CDRs, wherein the set of CDRs comprises SEQ ID NOs 4,6, or 8, and (b) a set of four framework regions, wherein the set of framework regions is different from the set of framework regions in monoclonal antibody AC10, and wherein the antibody or derivative thereof immunospecifically binds CD 30.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure encompasses the use of an antibody or derivative thereof comprising a light chain variable domain comprising (a) a set of three CDRs, wherein the set of CDRs comprises SEQ ID NOs 12, 14 or 16, and (b) a set of four framework regions, wherein the set of framework regions is different from the set of framework regions in monoclonal antibody AC10, and wherein the antibody or derivative thereof immunospecifically binds to CD 30.

Antibodies having at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and most preferably at least 98% identity (as calculated using methods known in the art and described herein) to the variable region of AC10 are also encompassed by the present disclosure, and preferably comprise the CDRs of AC 10.

The present disclosure further provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding proteins, including but not limited to the proteins of the present disclosure and fragments thereof. The nucleic acid preferably encodes one or more CDRs of an antibody that binds to CD30 and exerts a cytotoxic or cytostatic effect on HD cells. Exemplary nucleic acids include SEQ ID NO 3, SEQ ID NO 5, SEQ ID NO 7, SEQ ID NO 11, SEQ ID NO 13 or SEQ ID NO 15. The variable region nucleic acids of the present disclosure include SEQ ID NO 1 or SEQ ID NO 9. (see Table A).

TABLE A

Molecule	Nucleotide or amino acid	SEQ ID NO
			AC10 heavy chain variable region	Nucleotide(s)	1
AC10 heavy chain variable region	Amino acids	2
			AC10 heavy chain-CDR 1(H1)	Nucleotide(s)	3
AC10 heavy chain-CDR 1(H1)	Amino acids	4
			AC10 heavy chain-CDR 2(H2)	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	5
AC10 heavy chain-CDR 2(H2)	Amino acids	6
			AC10 heavy chain-CDR 3(H3)	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	7
AC10 heavy chain-CDR 3(H3)	Amino acids	8
			AC10 light chain variable region	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	9
AC10 light chain variable region	Amino acids	10
			AC10 light chain-CDR 1(L1)	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	11
AC10 light chain-CDR 1(L1)	Amino acids	12
			AC10 light chain-CDR 2(L2)	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	13
AC10 light chain-CDR 2(L2)	Amino acids	14
			AC10 light chain-CDR 3(L3)	Nucleotide, its preparation and use	15
AC10 light chain-CDR 3(L3)	Amino acids	16

In various embodiments, the antibody is an IgG antibody, e.g., an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 antibody, preferably an IgG1 antibody.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises: i) heavy chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 4, heavy chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 6, heavy chain CDR3 shown in SEQ ID NO. 8; and ii) the light chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 12, the light chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 14, and the light chain CDR3 shown in SEQ ID NO. 16.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate also includes: i) an amino acid sequence having at least 85%, 90% or 95% identity to the heavy chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO. 2, and ii) an amino acid sequence having at least 85%, 90% or 95% identity to the light chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO. 10. In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate also includes: i) The amino acid heavy chain variable region shown in SEQ ID NO:2, and ii) the amino acid light chain variable region shown in SEQ ID NO: 10.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody (i) binds to a polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO:4, heavy chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO:6, heavy chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO:8, heavy chain CDR 3; and ii) an antibody of light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO. 12, light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO. 14, and light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 16 cross-competes for binding to CD 30; or (ii) and comprises heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO:4, heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:6, and heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 8; ii) the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO. 12, light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO. 14 and light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 16 bind the same epitope.

anti-PD-1 antibodies

Human monoclonal antibodies that bind to PD-1 have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,008,449, 6,808,710, 7,488,802, 8,168,757 and 8,354,509 and PCT publication No. WO 2012/145493.

In one embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab. Sodium (A)Wumab (also known as Wumab)Previously designated 5C4, BMS-936558, MDX-1106 or ONO-4538) is a fully human IgG4(S228P) PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody that selectively prevents interaction with PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), blocking down-regulation of anti-tumor T cell function (U.S. patent nos. 8,008,449; wang et al, 2014Cancer Immunol Res.2(9): 846-56). In another embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody or fragment thereof cross-competes with nivolumab. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as nivolumab. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as nivolumab.

In one embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab (A)lambrolizumab, MK-3475) is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody directed against the human cell surface receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1 or programmed cell death-1). Pembrolizumab is described, for example, in U.S. patent No. 8,900,587. Pembrolizumab has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of relapsed or refractory melanoma and advanced NSCLC. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof cross-competes with pembrolizumab. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as pembrolizumab. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as pembrolizumab.

Other anti-PD-1 antibodies contemplated for use herein include MEDI0680 (U.S. Pat. No. 8609089), BGB-A317 (U.S. Pat. publication No. 2015/0079109), INCSH 1210 (SHR-1210) (WO2015/085847), REGN-2810(WO2015/112800), PDR001 (WO2015/112900), TSR-042(ANB011) (WO2014/179664), and STI-1110 (WO 2014/194302).

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is a chimeric, humanized, or human monoclonal antibody or portion thereof. In various embodiments, the antibody is a human or humanized antibody. Antibodies having the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype are contemplated.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (i) cross-competes with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for binding to human PD-1; (ii) binds to the same epitope as nivolumab or pembrolizumab; (iii) is nivolumab; or (iv) pembrolizumab.

Antibody-drug conjugates

Covalent attachment to MMAE via MC-vc-PAB linker is contemplated herein using antibody drug conjugates including anti-CD 30 antibodies. The antibody drug conjugate is delivered to a subject as a pharmaceutical composition. anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugates are described in U.S. patent No. 9,211,319, incorporated herein by reference.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody-drug conjugates of the present disclosure have the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: the mAb is an anti-CD 30 antibody, S is the sulfur atom of the antibody, A-is an extender unit (Stretcher unit), and p is from about 3 to about 5.

Drug loading is represented by p, the average number of drug molecules per antibody in the pharmaceutical composition. For example, if p is about 4, then the average drug loading of all antibodies present in the pharmaceutical composition is considered to be about 4. P is from about 3 to about 5, more preferably from about 3.6 to about 4.4, and even more preferably from about 3.8 to about 4.2. P may be about 3, about 4, or about 5. In preparing the conjugation reaction, the average number of drugs per antibody can be characterized by conventional methods, such as mass spectrometry, ELISA analysis, and HPLC. The quantitative distribution of antibody-drug conjugates with respect to p can also be determined. In some cases, the isolation, purification, and characterization of homogeneous antibody-drug-conjugates can be achieved by means such as reverse phase HPLC or electrophoresis, where p is a certain value from antibody-drug-conjugates with other drug loadings.

The extender unit (a) is capable of linking the antibody unit to the valine-citrulline amino acid unit via the thiol group of the antibody. Sulfhydryl groups may be generated, for example, by reducing the interchain disulfide bonds of an anti-CD 30 antibody. For example, an extender unit can be attached to an antibody through a sulfur atom resulting from the reduction of an interchain disulfide bond of the antibody. In some embodiments, the extender subunit is attached to the antibody only through the sulfur atom resulting from the reduction of the interchain disulfide bond of the antibody. In some embodiments, a sulfhydryl group may be generated by reaction of an amino group of a lysine moiety of an anti-CD 30 antibody with 2-iminosulfane hydrochloride (treut's reagent) or other sulfhydryl generating reagent. In certain embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody is a recombinant antibody and is engineered to carry one or more lysines. In certain other embodiments, the recombinant anti-CD 30 antibody is engineered to carry an additional thiol group, such as an additional cysteine.

The synthesis and structure of MMAE is described in U.S. patent No. 6,884,869, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. The synthesis and structure of exemplary extender units and methods for preparing antibody drug conjugates are described, for example, in U.S. publication nos. 2006/0074008 and 2009/0010945, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Representative extender units are described in brackets of formula IIIa and formula IIIb of U.S. patent 9,211,319 and are incorporated herein by reference.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises monomethyl auristatin E and a protease cleavable linker. Contemplated protease cleavable linkers include thiol-reactive spacers and dipeptides. In various embodiments, the protease cleavable linker consists of a thiol-reactive maleimidocaproyl spacer, a valine-citrulline dipeptide, and a p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl spacer.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is bentuximab visfate, which has the following structure:

this cetuximab is a CD 30-directed antibody-drug conjugate consisting of three components: (i) a chimeric IgG1 antibody cAC10 specific for human CD30, (ii) a microtubule disrupting agent, MMAE, and (iii) a protease cleavable linker covalently linking the MMAE to cAC 10. The drug to antibody ratio or drug loading is denoted by "p" in the structure of the present rituximab and varies within integer values from 1 to 8. The mean drug loading of the present rituximab in the pharmaceutical composition is about 4.

Application method

Provided herein are methods for administering an anti-CD 30 antibody-drug conjugate in combination with an additional cancer therapeutic to treat hematologic cancer. The methods include treating a subject having a hematologic cancer, e.g., a hematologic cancer that expresses CD30, by administering an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody and a chemotherapeutic regimen. In various embodiments, the chemotherapeutic regimen consists essentially of doxorubicin and dacarbazine.

Additional chemotherapeutic agents are disclosed in the table below and may be used alone or in combination with one or more additional chemotherapeutic agents, which in turn may also be administered in combination with an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, as described herein.

Chemotherapeutic agents

Hematologic cancer refers to cancer that begins in blood-forming tissues or in cells of the immune system. A hematologic cancer that expresses CD30 refers to a hematologic cancer that expresses CD30 antigen. The CD30 antigen is expressed in large amounts on selected tumor cells of lymphomas and leukemias. Hematologic cancers, such as classical hodgkin lymphoma, non-hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), are examples of hematologic cancers that can be treated by the methods of the invention.

In various embodiments, the subject has a tumor comprising one or more cells expressing CD 30. In various embodiments, at least about 0.01%, at least about 0.1%, at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% of the tumor cells express CD 30.

It is also contemplated that the subject has a tumor that expresses PD-1 or a ligand for PD-1, such as PD-L1 or PD-L2. Methods known in the art for measuring the level of PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 are contemplated herein for use in determining the level of a molecule in a tumor cell. See, for example, WO 2017/210473.

In various embodiments, the tumor has a PD-L1 expression level of at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or about 100%.

In various embodiments, an anti-PD-1 antibody dose can be administered at least about 0.1mg/kg to at least about 10mg/kg, about 0.01mg/kg to about 5mg/kg, about 1mg/kg to about 5mg/kg, about 2mg/kg to about 5mg/kg, about 1mg/kg to about 3mg/kg, or about 7.5mg/kg to about 12.5 mg/kg. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered on a dose basis. In various embodiments, the dose of anti-PD-1 antibody is about 100-600mg, about 400-500mg, about 100-200mg, about 200-400mg, or about 100-300 mg. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at a dose of about 60mg, about 80mg, about 100mg, about 120mg, about 130mg, about 140mg, about 160mg, about 180mg, about 200mg, about 220mg, about 240mg, about 260mg, about 280mg, at least about 300mg, about 320mg, about 360mg, about 400mg, about 440mg, about 480mg, about 500mg, about 550mg, or about 600 mg.

In any of the aspects or embodiments herein, the methods herein provide for the treatment of a subject who has been newly diagnosed and has not been previously treated for a hematological cancer or who has relapsed. In various embodiments, it is contemplated that the subject has a classical hodgkin lymphoma (stage IIA, IIB, stage III, or stage IV with large masses), including advanced classical hodgkin lymphoma (e.g., stage III or stage IV).

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a subject with newly diagnosed classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising bentuximab vistin (a) and an anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with chemotherapy consisting essentially of doxorubicin and dacarbazine (AD therapy), wherein the bentuximab vistin is administered at 1.2mg/kg, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at 100 mg/dose of 300mg, and the doxorubicin is administered at 25mg/m²Administration and dacarbazine at 375mg/m²Administering, and optionally wherein the present rituximab visfatin is administered within 1 hour after administration of the AD therapy.

In various embodiments, the methods herein provide for maintaining progression-free survival (PFS) of the subject for more than 1 year following therapy. In various embodiments, progression-free survival (PFS) of the subject is maintained for about 2 years after therapy. In certain embodiments, the subject has a multidimensional score of 3 or less than 2 or less after four to six cycles of AN + AD therapy. In certain embodiments, after two cycles of therapy [ i.e., four administrations ], the subject has a multidimensional score of 1 or 2.

In various embodiments, if the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered at 1.2mg/kg with a combination therapy, e.g., N + AD, the combination therapy is administered once every two weeks. For example, the combination therapy is administered on days 1 and 15 of a 28 day cycle.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate + N + AD combination therapy is administered for no more than six cycles, e.g., 4 to 6 cycles, or 4,5, or 6 cycles.

It is contemplated that therapy is administered until PET scanning determines the absence or progression of a tumor. If the PET scan still shows some tumor after the end of treatment, e.g., 4 to 6 cycles, the treating physician can repeat the treatment process as needed until the PET scan is negative or shows reduced or no tumor progression. Repetition of the cycle can begin without interruption, or after 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6 weeks or more following initial treatment with AN a + AD therapy.

In various embodiments, the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, e.g., bentuximab visfate, therapy is administered by the course of intravenous infusion over a period of about 30 minutes. In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered by intravenous infusion over the course of about 60 minutes.

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is selected from the group consisting of: classical hodgkin's lymphoma, non-hodgkin's lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).

In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is classical hodgkin lymphoma. In various embodiments, the hematologic cancer is stage III or stage IV classical hodgkin lymphoma. In various embodiments, the subject has not been treated for hematological cancer.

In various embodiments, the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is Mycosis Fungoides (MF). In various embodiments, Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is CD30 positive Mycosis Fungoides (MF).

In various embodiments, the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL).

In various embodiments, the subject has received prior systemic therapy or prior radiation.

The therapeutic effects described herein can be measured using various biomarkers, progression of tumor size, or other symptoms in a subject, including decreasing the subject's serum Thymus and Activating Regulated Chemokine (TARC) levels, increasing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-18 (IL-18) and/or interferon- γ, increasing the levels of T cell chemokines such as IP10 in a subject, activating T cell activity (e.g., increasing T cells, CD4+ T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs)), and slowing or reducing tumor cell growth. In various embodiments, tumor cell growth is reduced or decreased by at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to an untreated subject or a subject receiving a different treatment regimen.

Peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy or peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to nerves (peripheral nerves) outside the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral neuropathy developed during treatment with anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugates due to damage to the peripheral nervous system. Symptoms include numbness or tingling, a sensation of tingling (paresthesia), and muscle weakness. Motor nerve injury is most commonly associated with muscle weakness.

The method allows for dose adjustment of the anti-CD 30 drug conjugate if the subject develops neuropathy. The neuropathy is considered to be peripheral neuropathy. Provided herein is a method for treating a subject exhibiting grade 2 or greater peripheral neuropathy after initiating administration of an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, a combination therapy as described herein, e.g., wherein the present rituximab vildagliptin is administered at a dose of 1.2mg/kg or greater, comprising administering an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate at a dose of 0.9 mg/kg. In various embodiments, when the subject exhibits grade 3 neuropathy, administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate (e.g., bentuximab vildagliptin) is discontinued until the peripheral neuropathy falls to grade 2 or less and then 0.9mg/kg of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered. In some embodiments, a reduced dose of 0.9mg/kg is administered up to a maximum dose of 90mg every 2 weeks. In various embodiments, when the subject exhibits grade 4 neuropathy, administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate (e.g., benituximat vistin) is discontinued until the peripheral neuropathy is reduced to grade 2 or less and then 0.9mg/kg of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered.

In various embodiments, when the subject exhibits grade 3 neuropathy, administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is reduced to, e.g., 0.9mg/kg until the peripheral neuropathy is reduced to grade 2 or less and then 0.9mg/kg of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered or maintained. In various embodiments, when the peripheral neuropathy becomes grade 2, a reduced dose of 0.9mg/kg is administered up to a maximum dose of 90mg every 2 weeks.

Methods for measuring neuropathy are known in the art and are employed by treating physicians to monitor and diagnose neuropathy in subjects receiving anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy. For example, the American national Center for Cancer Information-general Toxicity Criteria (Cancer Information Center-Common susceptibility Criteria; NCIC-CCT) describes grade 1 PN, which is characterized by mild paresthesia and/or tendon deep flexion loss; grade 2 PN is characterized by mild or moderate objective sensory loss and/or moderate paresthesia; class 3 PN is characterized by loss of sensation and/or paresthesia that interferes with function. Grade 4 PN is characterized by paralysis.

In various embodiments, the dose of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is delayed for one or two weeks if peripheral neuropathy develops, and therapy is continued when the neuropathy subsides or is determined to be grade 2 or less or grade 1 or less.

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy regimens and results from depletion of neutrophils in the blood of patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Neutropenia was also observed in treatment with the present rituximab vildagliptin. Neutropenia is usually diagnosed based on the neutrophil content in the blood. For example, grade 3 neutropenia isMeans absolute blood neutrophil count [ ANC]<1.0×10⁹L); grade 4 neutropenia refers to the absolute blood neutrophil count [ ANC ]]<0.5×10⁹/l), febrile neutropenia is neutropenia accompanied by fever, and the single oral cavity temperature of subject with 3/4 grade neutropenia is 38.3 deg.C or 38.0 deg.C or more continuously>For 1 hour.

It is contemplated herein that subjects receiving an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate (e.g., bentuximab vistin) or an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody and chemotherapy (e.g., AD combination therapy) receive the granulocyte production stimulating factor prophylactically (e.g., as a primary prophylaxis) beginning at cycle 1 of administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. Exemplary granulocyte production-stimulating factors include Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF), a derivative of GCSF, or Granulocyte Monocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GMCSF). The commercially available GCSF contemplated for use herein is filgrastimHepefilgrastimGMCSF is commercially available as a sargramostimAnd (4) obtaining the product.

Provided herein is a method for treating hematologic cancer in a subject comprising administering AN anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate combination therapy (AN + AD) as described herein and prophylactically administering a granulocyte stimulating factor beginning at cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration, wherein the granulocyte stimulating factor is administered within 1 to 7 days after the start of cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration. In further embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered within 1 day or within 2 days to within 5 days after the start of cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production stimulating factor is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, optionally an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with a chemotherapeutic regimen described herein. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 24 hours to 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate (i.e., after each dose).

Also encompassed is a method for reducing the incidence of neutropenia and/or febrile neutropenia in a subject treated with an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, comprising administering to the subject a granulocyte production stimulating factor, wherein the stimulating factor is administered from 1 day to 7 days from the start of cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration, optionally 1 day or 2 days to 5 days after the start of cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate administration. In various embodiments, the subject has febrile neutropenia and is 60 years of age or older. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production stimulating factor is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, optionally an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with a chemotherapeutic regimen described herein. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 24 hours to 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

Further contemplated is a method wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 1 to 7 days after the second or subsequent administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In certain embodiments, the granulocyte stimulating factor is administered 1 day or 2 days to 5 days after the second or subsequent administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production stimulating factor is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, optionally an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with a chemotherapeutic regimen described herein. In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 24 hours to 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

In various embodiments, the subject has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy. In various embodiments, the subject has not experienced grade 3-4 neutropenia from treatment following administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

The granulocyte colony stimulating factor is expected to be Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF). GCSF is expected to be long acting GCSF or not.

In various embodiments, when the stimulatory factor is not a long-acting GCSF (e.g., filgrastim), it can be administered 1 to 7 days, 1 to 5 days, or 1 to 3 days, e.g., in a daily dose, after the start of cycle 1 of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate or AN + AD therapy administration. In certain embodiments, GCSF is administered on day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, and/or day 7 after the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate or AN + AD therapy. In various embodiments, filgrastim is administered at a dose of 5 μ g/kg/day to 10 μ g/kg/day for a duration of at least 3, 4,5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 days.

Pefilgrastim is a long-acting pegylated form of filgrastim that has a longer half-life in vivo. In various embodiments, pefilgrastim is administered at 6 mg/dose after anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate treatment, or optionally 1 to 5 days after AN + AD therapy. In certain embodiments, a single dose or multiple doses of GCSF are administered on the same day, day 2, day 3, day 4, or day 5 after the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate or AN + AD therapy. In various embodiments, GCSF is administered from about 24 hours to about 36 hours after each administration of an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate, optionally an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate in combination with a chemotherapeutic regimen described herein. In various embodiments, G-CSF is administered 24 hours to 36 hours after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

In various embodiments, the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered intravenously or subcutaneously. Administration of the granulocyte production-stimulating factor in a single dose or in multiple doses, for example in multiple daily doses, is contemplated.

It is contemplated that subjects receiving the granulocyte production stimulating factor and anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate may also be administered antibiotics to address the problem of febrile neutropenia and/or infection. Display deviceExemplary antibiotics are contemplated to include those known in the art, such as cephalosporins, sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim,Or

In various embodiments, if the subject receives 1.2mg/kg of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate every two weeks, the dose may be reduced to 0.9mg/kg to improve neutropenia, e.g., grade 4 neutropenia.

Preparation

Various delivery systems may be used to administer the antibodies or antibody-drug conjugates contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the administration of the antibody-drug conjugate compound is by intravenous infusion. In some embodiments, administration is by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes, 1 hour, or two hours. In various embodiments, administration of the antibody compound is by intravenous infusion. In some embodiments, administration is by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes, 1 hour, or two hours.

The antibody and/or antibody-drug conjugate compound may be administered as a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more pharmaceutically compatible ingredients. For example, pharmaceutical compositions typically comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, such as an aqueous-based carrier (e.g., a sterile liquid). Water is a more typical carrier when the pharmaceutical composition is administered intravenously.

The composition may also contain, for example, physiological saline salts, buffers, salts, nonionic detergents and/or sugars, if desired. Examples of suitable Pharmaceutical carriers are described in e.w. martin, "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. The formulation corresponds to the mode of administration.

The present disclosure provides, for example, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-drug conjugate, a buffer, optionally a cryoprotectant, optionally a bulking agent, optionally a salt, and optionally a surfactant. Additional agents may be added to the composition. A single agent may serve multiple functions. For example, sugars, such as trehalose, may be used as cryoprotectants and bulking agents. Any suitable pharmaceutically acceptable buffers, surfactants, cryoprotectants (cyroprotectants) and bulking agents may be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

In various embodiments, antibody drug conjugate formulations comprising the drug conjugate formulations are subjected to lyophilization or other protein preservation methods, as well as antibody drug formulations that have not been subjected to lyophilization.

In some embodiments, the antibody drug conjugate formulation comprises (I) about 1-25mg/ml, about 3 to about 10mg/ml, or about 5mg/ml (e.g., an antibody drug conjugate having formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof), (ii) about 5-50mM, preferably about 10mM to about 25mM, of a buffer selected from citrate, phosphate, or histidine buffers or a combination thereof, preferably sodium citrate, potassium phosphate, histidine hydrochloride, or a combination thereof, (iii) about 3% to about 10% sucrose or trehalose or a combination thereof, (iv) optionally about 0.05 to 2mg/ml of a surfactant selected from polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80 or a combination thereof; and (v) water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 5.3 to about 7, preferably about 6.6.

In some embodiments, the antibody drug conjugate formulation comprises about 1-25mg/ml, about 3 to about 10mg/ml, preferably about 5mg/ml of the antibody-drug conjugate; (ii) about 10mM to about 25mM of a buffer selected from sodium citrate, potassium phosphate, histidine hydrochloride, or a combination thereof; (iii) from about 3% to about 7% trehalose or sucrose or a combination thereof; optionally (iv) from about 0.05 to about 1mg/ml of a surfactant selected from polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80; and (v) water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 5.3 to about 7, preferably about 6.6.

In some embodiments, an antibody drug conjugate formulation will include about 5mg/ml of the antibody-drug conjugate; (ii) about 10mM to about 25mM of a buffer selected from sodium citrate, potassium phosphate, histidine hydrochloride, or a combination thereof; (iii) about 3% to about 7% trehalose; optionally (iv) from about 0.05 to about 1mg/ml of a surfactant selected from polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80; and (v) water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 5.3 to about 7, preferably about 6.6.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody, e.g., nivolumab, is present in a solution of about 40mg/4mL, 100mg/10mL, or 240mg/24 mL. Optionally, the anti-PD-1 antibody is diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride (USP) or 5% glucose.

In various embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody, e.g., pembrolizumab, is 100mg/4mL (25mg/mL) in 50mg lyophilized powder, or in solution. In various embodiments, the formulation is in a solution containing 0.9% sodium chloride injection (USP) or 5% dextrose injection (USP). The final concentration of the diluted solution may be between 1mg/mL to 10 mg/mL.

Any of the above described formulations may be stored in liquid or frozen form and may optionally be subjected to a preservation process. In some embodiments, the formulation described above is lyophilized, i.e., it is lyophilized. In some embodiments, the formulations described above are subjected to a preservation process, e.g., lyophilization, and then reconstituted with a suitable liquid (e.g., water). Lyophilization refers to freeze-drying of the composition under vacuum. Lyophilization is typically accomplished by freezing a particular formulation to separate the solute from the solvent or solvents. The solvent is then removed by sublimation (that is, primary drying), and subsequently by desorption (that is, secondary drying).

The formulations of the present disclosure may be used with the methods described herein or with other methods for treating diseases. The antibody drug conjugate formulation may be further diluted prior to administration to a subject. In some embodiments, the formulation is diluted with physiological saline and contained in an IV bag or syringe prior to administration to a subject. Thus, in some embodiments, a method for treating a hematologic cancer in a subject comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a weekly dose of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody-drug conjugate having formula I, wherein the antibody-drug conjugate is administered at a dose of about 1.2mg/kg of the subject's body weight to 0.9mg/kg of the subject's body weight, and the pharmaceutical composition is administered for at least two weeks and wherein prior to administration to the subject, the antibody drug conjugate is present in a formulation comprising (I) about 1-25mg/ml, preferably about 3 to about 10mg/ml of the antibody-drug conjugate; (ii) about 5-50mM, preferably about 10mM to about 25mM, of a buffer selected from sodium citrate, potassium phosphate, histidine hydrochloride, or a combination thereof; (iii) from about 3% to about 10% sucrose or trehalose or a combination thereof; (iv) optionally about 0.05 to 2mg/ml of a surfactant selected from polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80 or a combination thereof; and (v) water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 5.3 to about 7, preferably about 6.6.

Formulations of chemotherapeutic agents contemplated for use herein are provided, comprising doxorubicin and dacarbazine, which are commonly used in the treatment of cancer. For example, doxorubicin and dacarbazine are commercially available and approved by the U.S. FDA and other regulatory agencies for the treatment of various types of cancer patients.

The present disclosure also provides kits for treating hematological cancer. The kit can include (a) a container containing an antibody-drug conjugate and optionally a container including one or more of an anti-PD-1 antibody, doxorubicin, or dacarbazine. As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, such kits can further comprise one or more of a variety of conventional pharmaceutical kit components, such as containers with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, additional containers, and the like, if desired. Printed instructions may also be included in the kit as inserts or labels indicating the amounts of the components to be administered, directions for administration, and/or directions for mixing the components.

Examples

Example 1

Described herein is AN open label, multicenter, phase 2 trial to evaluate the effects of present rituximab vistin, anti-PD-1 antibody (nivolumab), doxorubicin, and dacarbazine (AN + AD) as a first line treatment in previously untreated stage III/IV classical hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients.

The combination of rituximab vildagliptin and nivolumab appears to be active at cHL and well tolerated. In one trial with 62 subjects in a first rescue setting, the combination resulted in a CR rate of 61% (Herrera et al, 2018Blood 131(11):1183-94) and the subjects were able to receive subsequent stem cell transplants. In another trial with 19 relapsed/refractory cHL subjects who received 3 median previous treatments, the combination resulted in a CR rate of 50% (Diefenbach et al, 2017, Hematol Oncol 35(Suppl 2): 84-5). In another trial against 11 previously untreated cHL subjects over the age of 60 and who did not qualify for reduction of conventional combination chemotherapy, the combination of bevacizumab and nivolumab yielded a CR rate of 55% (Friedberg et al, 2018HemaSphere 2(S3): T027 (0153)). No new safety signal was found and the combination was considered to be well tolerated.

The combination of nivolumab has also been shown to have good tolerability when used in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (N + AVD). 67% CR rates for the combination of multiple agents were observed in 51 newly diagnosed late cHL subjects by Ramchandren and colleagues (Ramchandren et al, 2019J Clin Oncol 37(23): 1997-2007). Neutropenia was reported in 55% of subjects and treatment-related febrile neutropenia was reported in 10% of subjects.

Materials and methods

And (3) experimental design: patients received AN AN + AD (1.2 mg/kg of bevacizumab, 240mg of nivolumab, 25mg/m of doxorubicin) intravenously on days 1 and 15 of each 28 day cycle²375mg/m of dacarbazine²) And a maximum of 6 cycles. The present rituximab vildagliptin is administered intravenously over a period of about 30 minutes. Nivolumab is administered intravenously over approximately 60 minutes of infusion and at least 30 minutes after completion of the present rituximab visfatin administration. Doxorubicin and dacarbazine were administered according to institutional standards. Figure 1 depicts the dose reduction/modification of bevacizumab visfate.

The patients: histologically, classified according to the world health organization, confirmed that (Ann Arbor IIA/IIB/III/IV with large masses) Hodgkin's lymphoma, a patient (age 12 years) who had not previously undergone systemic chemotherapy/radiotherapy, was eligible. Patients are required to have a us eastern cooperative oncology group physical status of ≦ 2 and satisfactory absolute neutrophil and platelet counts, hemoglobin content, and liver and kidney function marker content (except for patients involving bone marrow or liver or Gilbert syndrome (Gilbert syndrome)). Patients with hodgkin's lymphoma dominated by nodal lymphocytes are ineligible, as are patients previously treated with checkpoint inhibitors or T-cell co-stimulation, previously treated with bentuximab vildag, have peripheral sensory/motor neuropathy, positive pregnancy tests, have any evidence of known brain/meningeal disease, residual disease from another malignancy, or diagnosis of another malignancy within 3 years prior to the first dose, interstitial lung disease, grade 3 or higher lung disease, idiopathic interstitial pneumonia or lung's ability to diffuse carbon monoxide, patients with Child-Pugh B or C liver function impairment, or clinically relevant cardiovascular disease.

Exemplary checkpoint inhibitors interfere with the activity of one or more of PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CD28, ICOS, CTLA-4, and BTLA. In addition to the anti-PD-1 antibodies nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and other antibodies described herein, checkpoint inhibitors include ipilimumabIt binds and inhibits CTLA-4.

End point: the primary endpoint is the complete reaction rate (CR). Secondary endpoints included assessment of safety and tolerability of treatment as well as overall response rate, duration of response, duration of complete response, event-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival.

The complete response rate (CR) at the end of treatment (EOT) was defined as the proportion of subjects with CR at EOT in previously untreated advanced cHL subjects, based on the response of the lymphoma to the standard of immunomodulatory therapy (LYRIC) (Cheson et al, 2016Blood 128(21): 2489-96). Subjects who have not been evaluated post-baseline will be scored as non-responders to calculate the CR rate at EOT.

Objective Response Rate (ORR) was defined as the proportion of subjects with CR or Partial Response (PR) at EOT in previously untreated advanced cHL subjects, based on lymphoma response to immunoregulatory therapy criteria (LYRIC) (Cheson 2016, supra).

Duration of response (DOR) is defined as the time from the first recording of objective tumor response (CR or PR) to the first recording of tumor progression (response to immunoregulatory therapy criteria (LYRIC) by lymphoma) (Cheson 2016, supra) or death, first-come. Subjects who do not progress or die will be reviewed; the detailed information will be provided in a Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP). The duration of the response was calculated only for a subset of subjects who obtained CR or PR.

Complete response Duration (DOCR) is defined as the time from the beginning of the first recorded complete tumor response (CR) to the first recorded tumor progression (response to the immunoregulatory therapy criteria (LYRIC) by lymphoma) (Cheson 2016, supra) or death, first arrived at. The DOCR will only be calculated for a subset of subjects who achieved CR. The mode of examination is similar to DOR.

Event-free survival (EFS) is defined as the time from the randomized divided day to first recording objective tumor progression, death from any cause, or receiving subsequent anti-cancer therapy to treat residual or progressive disease, whichever occurs first.

Progression-free survival PFS is defined as the time from the start of study treatment to the first recording of objective tumor progression or death.

Overall survival was defined as the time from the start of study treatment to the date of death for any reason. In the absence of confirmation of death, survival time will be reviewed on the last day of survival of the known subjects.

Evaluation: determination of antitumor activity is based on objective response assessment according to the rugarnor classification revision staging system for malignant lymphoma (Cheson et al, 2014j. clin Oncol 32(27):3059-68), which incorporates lymphoma response to immunomodulatory treatment criteria (LYRIC) (Cheson 2016, supra). ECOG performance status was tested at cycles 2 to 6.

Staging is performed by CT and PET scans of diagnostic quality, and disease involvement is determined by focal Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in lymph nodes and extranodal (including spleen, liver, bone marrow and thyroid) sites consistent with lymphoma, depending on the pattern of uptake and/or CT characteristics. When both are required for each protocol, CT with diagnostic quality can be combined with PET scanning. At baseline, up to 6 largest lymph nodes, lymph node masses, or other affected lesions that can be measured on 2 diameters should be identified as the target lesion.

PET-based responses were used in each assessment to determine progressive metabolic disease (PmD), no metabolic response (NmR), partial metabolic response (PmR) or complete metabolic response (CmR). If only CT-based assessments are performed, the response is classified as disease Progression (PD), disease Stabilization (SD), Partial Response (PR), or Complete Response (CR). If the investigator determines clinical progression, imaging sessions should also be performed to determine response assessments according to the Luga classification criteria. PET scan metabolic uptake will be graded using the Deauville 5-point scale (Barrington et al, 2010Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 37(10): 1824-33; Biggi et al, 2013J Nucl Med 54(5):683-90), where a score of ≦ 3 is considered to represent a complete metabolic response. Both PET and CT scans were used until the disease was PET negative; the reaction will then be followed by a diagnostic quality CT scan only.

Checkpoint inhibitor therapy, such as nivolumab, may lead to false positive PET imaging. The LYRIC criteria suggest repeating PET imaging and/or biopsy to further evaluate PET positive (D4 or D5) lesions determined in the evaluation of EOT response.

Safety was evaluated by: incidence of Adverse Events, use of the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA; v19.0) and the National Cancer Institute Adverse event general Terminology Standard (National Cancer Institute Common telematics criterion for Adverse Events) v4.03, as well as through changes in vital signs and clinical laboratory results.

Biomarker assessment in tumor tissue may include, but is not limited to, measurement of CD30, PD-L1, characterization of the tumor microenvironment (e.g., levels of T cells, NK cells, monocytes and macrophages, other tumor-associated cells), tumor subtype, analysis of somatic mutations or genetic or RNA changes that are typically altered in cancer, and drug effects. Analysis may include, but is not limited to, immunohistochemistry and next generation RNA and DNA sequencing.

Laboratory evaluation: the following laboratory evaluations were performed by the local laboratory at predetermined time points. The chemical group includes the following tests: albumin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, creatinine, chloride, glucose, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphorus, potassium, sodium, total bilirubin, and uric acid. For part B, the chemical group should also include amylases and lipases; TSH, free T3, and free T4 were also tested at cycle 1, cycle 3, and EOT.

The sorted Complete Blood Count (CBC) includes the following tests: white blood cell counts (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils), platelet counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit with five-part classification.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) was calculated using MDRD equation as needed and serum creatinine (Scr) reported in mg/dL.

Statistical analysis: the ORR and exact 2-side 95% CI of the EOT were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method (Clopper 1934Biometrika 26(4): 404-13). The secondary endpoints of DOR, EFS, PFS and OS are event occurrence time endpoints, which will be analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Many modifications and variations of the present invention as set forth in the above illustrative examples may be considered by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, only such limitations as appear in the appended claims should be placed on the present disclosure.

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Claims

1. A method for treating a hematologic cancer in a subject comprising administering a therapy comprising an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and an anti-PD-1 antibody, doxorubicin, and dacarbazine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at least 30 minutes after each administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered by intravenous infusion for a duration of about 60 minutes.

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and the anti-PD-1 antibody are administered every 2 weeks.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered starting from cycle 1 of administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and anti-PD-1 antibody are administered on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and anti-PD-1 antibody are administered for no more than six cycles.

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate and anti-PD-1 antibody are administered for four to six cycles.

11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising administering chemotherapy (AD) consisting essentially of doxorubicin and dacarbazine as a combination therapy.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises

i) Heavy chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 4, heavy chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 6, heavy chain CDR3 shown in SEQ ID NO. 8; and

ii) the light chain CDR1 shown in SEQ ID NO. 12, the light chain CDR2 shown in SEQ ID NO. 14 and the light chain CDR13 shown in SEQ ID NO. 16.

13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate comprises

i) An amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity to the heavy chain variable region set forth in SEQ ID NO 2 and

ii) an amino acid sequence having at least 85% identity to the variable region of the light chain as set forth in SEQ ID NO 10.

14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is a monoclonal anti-CD 30 antibody.

15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is a chimeric AC10 antibody.

16. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antibody drug conjugate comprises monomethyl auristatin E and a protease cleavable linker.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the protease cleavable linker comprises a thiol-reactive spacer and a dipeptide.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein the protease cleavable linker consists of a thiol-reactive maleimidocaproyl spacer, a valine-citrulline dipeptide, and a p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl spacer.

19. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is bentuximab visfatin.

20. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein (i) the anti-PD-1 antibody cross-competes with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for binding to human PD-1; (ii) the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as nivolumab or pembrolizumab; (iii) the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab; or (iv) the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab.

21. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

22. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab.

23. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hematologic cancer comprises one or more cells that express PD-L1, PD-L2, or both PD-L1 and PD-L2.

24. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hematologic cancer is a CD 30-expressing cancer and the CD30 expression is ≥ 10%.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the CD30 expression is measured by an FDA approved test.

26. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is bentuximab vildagliptin and is administered at 1.2mg/kg, and the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab and is administered at 240 mg/dose.

27. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is bentuximab vildagliptin and is administered at 1.2mg/kg and the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab and is administered at a dose of 1-2mg/kg or 100-300 mg.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein doxorubicin is at 25mg/m²Is administered at a dose of 375mg/m of dacarbazine²The dosage of (a).

29. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising administering a granulocyte production-stimulating factor.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered prophylactically 1 to 7 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

31. The method of any one of claims 29 or 30, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered 2 to 5 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

32. The method of any one of claims 29-31, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered about 24 hours to about 36 hours after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

33. The method of any one of claims 29-32, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF).

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the GCSF is long-acting GCSF or non-long-acting GCSF.

35. The method of claim 33 or 34, wherein the GCSF is long acting GCSF and is administered 1 day or 2 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the G-CSF is administered from about 24 hours to about 36 hours after administration of an anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

37. The method of claim 33 or 34, wherein the GCSF is not long acting and is administered 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, or 7 days after administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

38. The method of any one of claims 29-37, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered at a dose of between 5 and 10 mcg/kg/day or 300 to 600 mcg/day or 6 mg/dose.

39. The method of any one of claims 29-38, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered to a subject who has not previously received anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy.

40. The method of any one of claims 29-39, wherein the subject does not experience treatment-induced grade 3-4 neutropenia following administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate.

41. The method of any one of claims 29-40, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered intravenously or subcutaneously.

42. The method of any one of claims 29-41, wherein the granulocyte production-stimulating factor is administered in a single dose or in multiple doses.

43. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein if the subject exhibits grade 3 or grade 4 neuropathy, administration of the anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy is discontinued until the peripheral neuropathy is reduced to grade 2 or less and then 0.9mg/kg anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate therapy is administered.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the neuropathy is motor neuropathy or sensory neuropathy.

45. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dose of anti-CD 30 antibody drug conjugate is delayed by one week if peripheral neuropathy occurs and therapy is continued when the neuropathy subsides or is determined to be grade 1 or less.

46. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hematologic cancer is selected from the group consisting of: classical hodgkin lymphoma, non-hodgkin lymphoma, Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma (CTCL) and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL).

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the hematologic cancer is classical Hodgkin lymphoma.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the hematologic cancer is classical Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IIA, IIB, III or IV with large masses.

49. The method of claim 46, wherein the Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL).

50. The method of claim 46, wherein the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is Mycosis Fungoides (MF).

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a CD30 positive Mycosis Fungoides (MF).

52. The method of claim 46, wherein said cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL).

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the subject has received a prior systemic therapy.

54. The method of any one of claims 45-53, wherein the subject's hematological cancer has not been treated with a checkpoint inhibitor.

55. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the subject is an adult patient.