Anti-NKG2A Monoclonal Antibody for AML or MDS Patients Undergoing Haploidentical Transplantation

This Phase II non-randomized, open-label, single-arm, monocentric clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and biological impact of Monalizumab (humZ270 mAb, IPH2201), an anti-NKG2A monoclonal antibody, in patients undergoing haploidentical stem cell transplantation (Haplo-SCT) with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy). The study is designed to investigate how the optimization of the dose of this novel antibody can improve the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free and progression-free survival (GPFS) in patients with hematological malignancies, specifically Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS).

Background and Rationale:

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation with PT-Cy as GVHD prophylaxis is a widely used option for patients requiring allogeneic transplantation. However, relapse and GVHD remain significant issues, leading to a GPFS of approximately 30-40%. Alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects, anti-GVHD, and anti-infectious responses. CD94/NKG2A+ NK cells are prominent early post-transplant, but their effectiveness can be limited. By using anti-NKG2A antibody, NK cell alloreactivity can be enhanced, circumventing the need for an NK alloreactive donor. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that anti-NKG2A antibody treatment restores NK cell-mediated lysis of AML cells, both in vitro and in vivo. This trial aims to assess the clinical benefits of optimizing the dose of anti-NKG2A monoclonal antibody in the Haplo-SCT setting.

Monalizumab is a first-in-class humanized IgG4 antibody targeting the NKG2A receptor on NK cells. It has previously been tested in Phase I trials in solid tumors with promising results at a dosage of 10 mg/kg. In this study, the aim is to optimize the dosage for patients undergoing Haplo-SCT.

Study Design:

This is a non-profit, prospective, open-label, single-arm, monocentric study. The study duration is 5 years, during which participants will receive Monalizumab intravenously at a dose of 1 mg/kg on days +30 and +44 after transplantation. Day +30 is chosen as the starting point for antibody administration as CD94/NKG2A+ NK cells predominate at this time post-transplantation. Additionally, the half-life of Monalizumab is 21 days, meaning two infusions will cover the entire period of NK cell expansion.

The study aims to determine whether the administration of Monalizumab at this timepoint can enhance NK cell alloreactivity and reduce the incidence of GVHD and relapse. The treatment will be stopped if at least three patients develop grade 3-4 acute GVHD after receiving Monalizumab or if any severe adverse events (SAEs) occur that warrant stopping the infusion.

Treatment Plan:

Eligible participants will receive Monalizumab at 1 mg/kg intravenously on days +30 and +44 after undergoing Haplo-SCT. The treatment will be administered as part of the standard care for patients undergoing Haplo-SCT with PT-Cy prophylaxis, which includes Cyclophosphamide (40-50 mg/kg/day on days +3 and +4), Cyclosporine A (3 mg/kg/day starting from day +5), and Mycophenolate Mofetil (45 mg/kg/day from day +5 to day +35).

Primary Objective:

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Monalizumab in patients undergoing Haplo-SCT with PT-Cy. The primary endpoint is the graft-versus-host disease-free and progression-free survival (GPFS) at one year post-transplantation. This measure will help determine whether Monalizumab improves the overall outcome of patients receiving Haplo-SCT.

Secondary Objectives:

The secondary objectives of this study are:

To evaluate the effect of Monalizumab on the immunological reconstitution of NK cells and other immune cells.

To assess the clinical parameters of survival, toxicity, and the incidence of complications such as relapse, GVHD (both acute and chronic), and post-transplant viral infections.

Endpoints:

Primary Endpoint: The GPFS at 1 year after Haplo-SCT.

Secondary Endpoints:

Clinical Endpoints: Incidence of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and post-transplant viral infections (including Cytomegalovirus).

Biological Endpoints: Evaluation of NK cell reconstitution and alloreactive functions against leukemic cells following administration of Monalizumab.

Statistical Analysis:

A detailed statistical analysis plan will be followed to address the primary and secondary objectives. Statistical techniques such as Kaplan-Meier analysis will be used to assess survival outcomes, while Cox proportional hazards models will help evaluate the effect of Monalizumab on various clinical and biological parameters. The analysis will include data from all evaluable patients and will be conducted at predefined time points, primarily focusing on the one-year follow-up.

Patient Population:

This study will include adult patients (≥18 years old) with hematologic malignancies, including AML, MDS, and MDS/MPN, who are undergoing Haplo-SCT with PT-Cy. The inclusion criteria are as follows:

Patients capable of providing informed consent and willing to comply with study procedures.

Patients with no HLA-matched donor but who are receiving Haplo-SCT with GVHD prophylaxis.

Patients must have received a myeloablative, reduced intensity, or non-myeloblative conditioning regimen, followed by a bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft.

Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during the study.

Safety and Monitoring:

The study will include continuous monitoring for adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs). The occurrence of grade 3-4 acute GVHD following Monalizumab administration will trigger the suspension of the treatment. Regular laboratory tests, physical exams, and imaging (if applicable) will be performed throughout the study to assess the health status of participants. A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will oversee the trial to ensure patient safety.

Quality Assurance Plan:

The study will adhere to high standards for data validation and monitoring. Data will be regularly checked for consistency and accuracy against predefined rules. Source data verification will be carried out to ensure that data entered into the study database is complete and accurate. The study will also follow strict SOPs to ensure proper data collection, management, and analysis. Audits will be conducted periodically to ensure compliance with the protocol and regulatory requirements.

Sample Size and Statistical Power:

The sample size for this study has been calculated to provide adequate statistical power (90%) to detect a meaningful difference in GPFS. The goal is to enroll approximately 18 evaluable patients, with a planned interim analysis after the first few patients have completed one year of follow-up.

Plan for Missing Data:

Missing data will be handled using standard statistical techniques such as imputation for missing values, and sensitivity analyses will be performed to account for missing data in the analysis.