PD-1 blockade with nivolumab in refractory hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

To provide methods for treating Hodgkin lymphoma in a subject.SOLUTION: This disclosure provides methods for treating Hodgkin lymphoma in a subject, comprising administering a monoclonal anti-Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof to the subject, wherein the subject has been subjected to at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to a method of treating Hodgkin's lymphoma in a subject comprising administering to the subject an anti-Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) antibody or an antigenic portion thereof, wherein the subject has received at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma selected from the group consisting of autologous stem cell therapy, brentuximab vedotin, and both. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention Human cancers harbor numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations, producing neo-antigens that may be recognizable by the immune system (Sjoblom et al., (2006) Science 366:268-74). The adaptive immune system, consisting of T and B lymphocytes, has a broad capacity and exquisite specificity to respond to diverse tumor antigens and has potent anti-cancer potential. Furthermore, the immune system exhibits considerable plasticity and memory components. The successful exploitation of all these attributes of the adaptive immune system makes immunotherapy unique among all cancer treatment modalities.

[0003] Until recently, cancer immunotherapy has focused substantial efforts on approaches to enhance antitumor immune responses by adoptive transfer of activated effector cells, immunization against relevant antigens, or provision of non-specific immune stimulants such as cytokines. However, in the past decade, intensive efforts on the development of specific immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors have begun to provide novel immunotherapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

[0004] Nivolumab (formerly named 5C4, BMS-936558, MDX-1106 or ONO-4538) is a fully human IgG4(S228P)PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody that selectively inhibits the interaction with PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), thereby blocking the downregulation of antitumor T cell function (U.S. Patent 8,008,449; Wang et al., (2014) Cancer Immunol Res 2:846-56). Nivolumab has shown activity in a variety of advanced solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma (renal adenocarcinoma or adrenal tumor), melanoma, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Topalian et al., (2012) N Engl J Med 366:2443-54; Topalian et al., (2014) J Clin Oncol 32:1020-30; Drake et al., (2013) BJU Int 112:1-17; Ansell et al., (2015) Blood 126:583 [Abstract]; PCT Publication WO2013 / 173223).

[0005] To survive in an immunocompetent host, many human cancers have evolved mechanisms to ineffectively mount immune responses against tumor neoantigens. For example, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), a B-cell malignancy that commonly affects young adults, is characterized by a small number of neoplastic Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells within a widespread inflammatory / immune cell infiltrate (Green et al., (2010) Blood 116:3268-77). However, there is little evidence for effective antitumor immune responses, suggesting that immune evasion pathways may have a role in tumor survival in the host. Indeed, Hodgkin RS (HRS) cells express molecules that limit the effectiveness of T-cell responses (Juszczynski et al., (2007) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 104:13134-9; and Kuppers, (2009) Nat Rev Cancer 9:15-27).

[0006] Classical Hodgkin lymphoma contains a small number of malignant Reed-Sternberg cells within a widespread but ineffective inflammatory and immune cell infiltrate (Taube et al., (2014) Clin Cancer Res 20:5064-74; Topalian et al., (2014) J Clin Oncol 32:1020-30). The genes encoding the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2 (also known as CD274 and PDCD1LG2, respectively), are key targets of chromosome 9p24.1 amplification, a recurrent genetic abnormality in Hodgkin lymphoma (Taube et al., (2014) Clin Cancer Res 20:5064-74). The 9p24.1 amplicon also contains JAK2, and gene dosage-dependent JAK-STAT activity further induces PD-1 ligand transcription (Green et al., (2010) Blood 116:3268-77). The genes encoding the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2 (also known as CD274 and PDCD1LG2, respectively), are key targets of chromosome 9p24.1 amplification, a recurrent genetic abnormality in nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma (Taube et al., (2014) Clin Cancer Res 20:5064-74), and recent analyses integrating high-resolution copy number data and transcriptional profiling have identified PD-L1 and PD-L2 as key targets of chromosome 9p24.1 amplification (Green et al., (2010) Blood 116:3268-77). These copy number-dependent mechanisms, as well as other less frequent rearrangements, lead to genetically determined overexpression of PD-1 ligands on the surface of HRS cells (Steidl et al., (2011) Nature 471:377-81; Andorsky et al., (2011) Clin Cancer Res 17:4232-44).

[0007] Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, which is common in cHL, is an additional mechanism of PD-L1 overexpression, consistent with the virus's known ability to compromise the PD-1 pathway to allow viral persistence in the host (Green et al., (2012) Clin Cancer Res 18:1611-8). Hence, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection also increases the expression of PD-1 ligands in EBV-positive Hodgkin lymphoma (Armand et al., (2013) J Clin Oncology 31:4199-206). As a result of the two complementary pathways of 9p24.1 alterations and EBV infection, more than 80% of cHL cases have increased surface expression of PD-L1, suggesting a central role for the PD-1 pathway in this disease (Chen et al., (2013) Clin Cancer Res 19:3462-73). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Current treatments for cHL mainly include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell / bone marrow transplantation. Despite these treatment options, many cHL patients fail to achieve complete remission or relapse after treatment (Kuruvilla et al., (2011) Blood 117:4208-17). Therefore, more effective treatment options for cHL and other human cancers are needed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to the Programmed Death-1 receptor (PD-1) (an "anti-PD-1 antibody"), wherein the subject has failed to respond to a prior treatment selected from (i) autologous stem cell therapy, (ii) brentuximab vedotin, and both (i) and (ii).

[0010] In some embodiments, the subject has not had a partial response after a previous treatment. In some embodiments, the subject has relapsed after a complete response to a previous treatment. In some embodiments, the subject has progressed disease after a partial response or stable disease after a previous treatment. In some embodiments, the subject is further administered doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine.

[0011] The present invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine.

[0012] In further embodiments, the subject is not administered bleomycin. In certain embodiments, doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine are administered about once every 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks. In certain embodiments, doxorubicin is administered at a dose of about 10 mg / m 2 ~about 40mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 and vinblastine at a dose of approximately 10 mg / m 2 ~about 40mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 and / or dacarbazine at a dose of about 200 mg / m 2 ~about 500mg / m 2 , about 250mg / m 2 ~about 500mg / m 2 or about 300 mg / m 2 ~about 400mg / m 2 In certain embodiments, doxorubicin is administered at a dose of 25 mg / m about once every two weeks. 2 and vinblastine at a dose of 6 mg / m 2 and dacarbazine at a dose of 375 mg / m 2is administered at a dose of

[0013] In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody cross-competes with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as nivolumab. In further embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is a chimeric, humanized or human monoclonal antibody or a portion thereof (e.g., an antigen-binding portion). In still further embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region that is of a human IgG1 or IgG4 isotype. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at a dose ranging from at least about 0.1 mg / kg to at least about 10.0 mg / kg body weight about once every 1, 2, or 3 weeks. In further embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (e.g., nivolumab) is administered at a dose of at least about 3 mg / kg body weight about once every 2 weeks. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (e.g., pembrolizumab) is administered at a dose of at least about 200 mg every 3 weeks or 2 mg / kg (up to 200 mg) every 3 weeks. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (e.g., avelumab) is administered at a dose of 10 mg / kg every 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at a flat dose. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a flat dose of at least about 200 mg, at least about 220 mg, at least about 240 mg, at least about 260 mg, at least about 280 mg, at least about 300 mg, at least about 320 mg, at least about 340 mg, at least about 360 mg, at least about 380 mg, at least about 400 mg, at least about 420 mg, at least about 440 mg, at least about 460 mg, at least about 480 mg, at least about 500 mg, at least about 550 mg, at least about 600 mg, at least about 650 mg, at least 700 mg, at least 750 mg, or at least 800 mg. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a flat dose about once every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, or every four weeks. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a subtherapeutic dose. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unmanageable toxicity or disease progression occurs. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is formulated for intravenous administration.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administration of one or more additional anti-cancer agents.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the Hodgkin lymphoma has a genetic alteration at 9p24.1. In certain embodiments, the Hodgkin lymphoma expresses PD-L1 and / or PD-L2.

[0017] In certain embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is at least about 1%. In other embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression in the tumor is at least about 5%. In further embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression in the tumor is at least about 10%. In certain embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured by automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescent in situ hybridization.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the subject exhibits progression-free survival of at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years after the start of administration. In other embodiments, the subject exhibits overall survival of at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years after the initial administration.

[0019] The invention relates to a kit for treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin lymphoma who has received at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, the kit comprising: (a) an anti-PD-1 antibody; and (b) instructions for administering the anti-PD-1 antibody to the subject by any of the methods described herein.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the kit optionally comprises between steps (a) and (b): instructions for determining PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of the tumor. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises reagents for determining PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of the tumor. In certain embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured with an anti-PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 antibody.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and examples, which should not be construed as limiting. The entire contents of all cited references, including scientific articles, journal articles, GenBank entries, patents, and patent applications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0022] Implementation E1. A method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to the Programmed Death-1 receptor (PD-1) ("anti-PD-1 antibody"), wherein the subject has failed to respond to a prior treatment selected from (i) autologous stem cell therapy, (ii) brentuximab vedotin, and both (i) and (ii).

[0023] E2. The method of embodiment E1, wherein the subject has not had a partial response after prior treatment.

[0024] E3. The method of embodiment E1 or E2, wherein the subject has relapsed after a complete response after a prior treatment.

[0025] E4. The method of any of embodiments E1-E3, wherein the subject has experienced disease progression after a partial response or stable disease after prior treatment.

[0026] E5. The method of any of embodiments E1-E4, wherein the subject is further administered doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine.

[0027] E6. A method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine.

[0028] E7. The method of any of embodiments E1-E6, wherein the subject is not administered bleomycin.

[0029] E8. The method of any of embodiments E5-E7, wherein doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine are administered about once every 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks.

[0030] E9. Doxorubicin is approximately 10 mg / m 2 ~about 40mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 and vinblastine at a dose of approximately 10 mg / m 2 ~about 40mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 ~about 30mg / m 2 and / or dacarbazine is administered at a dose of about 200 mg / m 2 ~about 500mg / m 2 , about 250mg / m 2 ~about 500mg / m 2 or about 300 mg / m 2 ~about 400mg / m 2 The method of any of embodiments E5 to E8, wherein the compound is administered at a dose of

[0031] E10. Doxorubicin 25 mg / m2 administered approximately once every 2 weeks. 2 and vinblastine at a dose of 6 mg / m 2 and dacarbazine at a dose of 375 mg / m 2 The method of any of embodiments E5 to E9, wherein the compound is administered at a dose of

[0032] E11. The method of any of embodiments E1-E10, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody cross-competes with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1.

[0033] E12. The method of any of embodiments E1-E11, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as nivolumab.

[0034] E13. The method of any of embodiments E1-E12, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is a chimeric, humanized or human monoclonal antibody or portion thereof.

[0035] E14. The method of any of embodiments E1-E13, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region that is of the human IgG1 or IgG4 isotype.

[0036] E15. The method of any of embodiments E1-E14, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab.

[0037] E16. The method of any of embodiments E1-E14, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab.

[0038] E17. The method of any of embodiments E1-E16, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at a dose ranging from at least about 0.1 mg / kg to at least about 10.0 mg / kg body weight about once every week, every two weeks, or every three weeks.

[0039] E18. The method of any of embodiments E1-E17, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at a dose of at least about 3 mg / kg body weight about once every two weeks.

[0040] E19. The method of any of embodiments E1-E16, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a flat dose.

[0041] E20. The method of embodiment E19, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a uniform dose of at least about 200 mg, at least about 220 mg, at least about 240 mg, at least about 260 mg, at least about 280 mg, at least about 300 mg, at least about 320 mg, at least about 340 mg, at least about 360 mg, at least about 380 mg, at least about 400 mg, at least about 420 mg, at least about 440 mg, at least about 460 mg, at least about 480 mg, at least about 500 mg, or at least about 550 mg.

[0042] E21. The method of embodiment E19 or E20, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a flat dose about once every 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

[0043] E22. The method of any of embodiments E1-E16, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in a subtherapeutic dose.

[0044] E23. The method of any of embodiments E1-E22, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered for as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unmanageable toxicity or disease progression occurs.

[0045] E24. The method of any of embodiments E1-E23, wherein the anti-PD-1 antibody is formulated for intravenous administration.

[0046] E25. The method of any of embodiments E1-E24, further comprising administration of one or more additional anti-cancer agents.

[0047] E26. The method of any of embodiments E1-E25, wherein the Hodgkin's lymphoma has a genetic alteration at 9p24.1.

[0048] E27. The method of any of embodiments E1-E26, wherein the Hodgkin lymphoma expresses PD-L1 and / or PD-L2.

[0049] E28. The method of any of embodiments E1-E27, wherein PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is at least about 1%.

[0050] E29. The method of any of embodiments E1-E28, wherein the tumor has PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of at least about 5%.

[0051] E30. The method of any of embodiments E1-E29, wherein the tumor has PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of at least about 10%.

[0052] E31. The method of any of embodiments E1-E30, wherein PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured by automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) or fluorescent in situ hybridization.

[0053] E32. The method of any of embodiments E1-E31, wherein the subject exhibits progression-free survival for at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years after initiation of administration.

[0054] E33. The method of any of embodiments E1-E32, wherein the subject exhibits an overall survival of at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years after the initial administration.

[0055] E34. A kit for treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin lymphoma who has received at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, the kit comprising: (a) an anti-PD-1 antibody; and (b) instructions for administering the anti-PD-1 antibody to the subject in a method of embodiments E1-E33.

[0056] E35. The kit of embodiment E34, optionally comprising between (a) and (b) a step of instructions for determining PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of the tumor.

[0057] E36. The kit of embodiment E35, further comprising a reagent for determining PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of the tumor.

[0058] E37. The kit of embodiment E35 or E36, wherein PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured using an anti-PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 antibody. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0059] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the clinical trial design schematic for a multicenter, non-comparative phase 2 registrational trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of nivolumab monotherapy in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after failure of autologous stem cell transplantation and treatment with brentuximab vedotin.

[0060] [Figure 2A] Figures 2A-2C show an overview of response and tumor burden change in cHL patients following nivolumab monotherapy. Figure 2A shows response characteristics in all responders (n=53) per IRRC assessment. Of the responders, 62% continued to respond at the time of analysis (indicated by black arrows). Median time to response was 2.1 months (range 1.6-5.7 months) and median duration of response was 7.8 months (6.6 months - not estimable). Figure 2B shows the Independent Radiological Review Committee (IRRC) assessment of best change from baseline in tumor burden from all response-evaluable patients. All but one responder had a >50% reduction from baseline in tumor burden and did not have a negative CDG-PET scan. Figure 2C shows the change in tumor burden in patients treated with nivolumab after progression. Six of the nine patients analyzed maintained tumor reduction by investigator assessment. [Figure 2B] Same as above [Figure 2C] Same as above

[0061] [Diagram 3] Figure 3 shows the probability of progression-free survival (PFS) during 12 months of treatment of cHL patients with nivolumab. Median PFS was 10 months (95% CI 8.41 months to NA). PFS at 6 months was 76.9% (95% CI 64.9% to 85.3%), and overall survival at 6 months was 99%.

[0062] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the study design outline for the evaluation of a single-arm, safety and tolerability open-label, Phase 2 study of nivolumab in combination with doxorubicin (25 mg / m2), vinblastine (6 mg / m2), and dacarbazine (375 mg / m2) (“AVD”) following nivolumab monotherapy in newly diagnosed advanced stage cHL. C denotes every 28-day cycle of treatment (day 1 and day 15 administration). FU / OBS denotes follow-up and observation phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0063] Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention relates to the superior efficacy of anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies in treating patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) who have received at least one prior treatment. A method of treating a patient with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma (cHL) comprises administering to the patient an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody.

[0064] term In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. As used herein, unless expressly indicated otherwise herein, each of the following terms has the meaning set forth below. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the specification.

[0065] "Administering" refers to physically introducing a composition comprising a therapeutic agent into a subject using any of a variety of methods and delivery systems known to those of skill in the art. Routes of administration of anti-PD-1 antibodies include intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, spinal or other parenteral routes of administration, for example, by injection or infusion. As used herein, the term "parenteral administration" refers to modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, including, but not limited to, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intralymphatic, intralesional, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural and intrasternal injection and infusion, and in vivo electroporation. In certain embodiments, the composition is administered by a non-parenteral route, in certain embodiments, orally. Other non-parenteral routes include topical, epithelial or mucosal routes of administration, for example, intranasal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual or topical. Administration can also be, for example, once, multiple times and / or one or more times over an extended period of time.

[0066] As used herein, an "adverse event" (AE) is any unfavourable, generally unintended or undesirable sign (including any laboratory finding), symptom or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment. For example, an adverse event may be related to immune system activation or immune system cell (e.g., T cell) expansion in response to the treatment. A medical treatment may have one or more associated AEs, and the severity level of each AE may be the same or different. Description of a method that can "modify an adverse event" refers to a treatment regimen that reduces the incidence and / or severity of one or more AEs associated with the use of a different treatment regimen.

[0067] An "antibody" (Ab) shall include, but is not limited to, a glycoprotein immunoglobulin or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds an antigen and comprises at least two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. Each H chain comprises a heavy chain variable region (herein referred to as V H The heavy chain constant region comprises at least three constant domains, C H1 , C H2 and C H3Each light chain comprises a light chain variable region (herein V L The light chain constant region comprises one constant domain, C L Includes: V H and V L The regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability interspersed with more conserved regions called framework regions (FR). H and V L contains 3 CDRs and 4 FRs, arranged from amino terminus to carboxy terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains contain a binding domain that interacts with an antigen. The constant region of the antibody may mediate the binding of the immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells of the immune system (e.g., effector cells) and the first component (C1q) of the classical complement pathway.

[0068] Immunoglobulins may be derived from any of the commonly known isotypes, including, but not limited to, IgA, secretory IgA, IgG, and IgM. IgG subclasses are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. "Isotype" refers to the antibody class or subclass (e.g., IgM or IgG1) that is encoded by the heavy chain constant region genes. The term "antibody" includes, by way of example, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring antibodies; monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies; chimeric and humanized antibodies; human or non-human antibodies; fully synthetic antibodies; and single chain antibodies. Non-human antibodies may be humanized by recombinant methods to reduce immunogenicity in humans. Unless expressly stated and unless otherwise indicated by context, the term "antibody" also includes antigen-binding fragments or portions of any of the above immunoglobulins, including monovalent and bivalent fragments or portions and single chain antibodies.

[0069] An "isolated antibody" refers to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g., an isolated antibody that specifically binds PD-1 is substantially free of antibodies that specifically bind to antigens other than PD-1). An isolated antibody that specifically binds PD-1 may, however, have cross-reactivity with other antigens, such as PD-1 molecules from different species. Moreover, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and / or chemicals.

[0070] The term "monoclonal antibody" (mAb) refers to a preparation of non-naturally occurring antibody molecules of single molecular composition, i.e., antibody molecules which are essentially identical in primary sequence and which display a single binding specificity and affinity for a particular epitope. A monoclonal antibody is an example of an isolated antibody, which may be produced by hybridoma, recombinant, transgenic, or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0071] "Human antibody" (HuMAb) refers to an antibody having variable regions in which both the framework and CDRs are derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. Furthermore, if the antibody contains a constant region, the constant region also is derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The human antibodies of the invention may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo). However, as used herein, the term "human antibody" is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences from other mammalian species, such as mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences. The terms "human antibody" and "fully human antibody" are used interchangeably.

[0072] "Humanized antibody" refers to an antibody in which some, most or all of the amino acids outside the CDRs of a non-human antibody are replaced with the corresponding amino acids from a human immunoglobulin. In some embodiments of humanized forms of antibodies, some, most or all of the amino acids outside the CDRs are replaced with human immunoglobulin, while some, most or all of the amino acids within one or more CDRs remain unchanged. Small additions, deletions, insertions, substitutions or modifications of amino acids are permitted as long as they do not abolish the ability of the antibody to bind to a particular antigen. A "humanized antibody" maintains antigen specificity similar to that of the original antibody. In some embodiments, the CDRs of a humanized antibody comprise the CDRs of a non-human mammalian antibody. In other embodiments, the CDRs of a humanized antibody comprise the CDRs from an engineered synthetic antibody.

[0073] A "chimeric antibody" refers to an antibody in which the variable region is derived from one species and the constant region is derived from another species, such as the variable region being derived from a mouse antibody and the constant region being derived from a human antibody.

[0074] An "anti-antigen" antibody refers to an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen. For example, an anti-PD-1 antibody specifically binds to PD-1, and an anti-CTLA-4 antibody specifically binds to CTLA-4.

[0075] An "antigen-binding portion" of an antibody (also called an "antigen-binding fragment") refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to the antigen bound by the whole antibody.

[0076] "Cancer" refers to a broad group of different diseases characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells in the body. "Cancer" or "cancerous tissue" can include tumors. Uncontrolled cell division and proliferation leads to the formation of malignant tumors that can invade neighboring tissues and can also metastasize to distant sites via the lymphatic system or bloodstream. After metastasis, the distant tumor can be said to be "derived" from the original pre-metastatic tumor. For example, a "tumor derived" from a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma refers to a tumor that results from metastasis of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Since a distant tumor originates from a metastatic tumor, "derived" from a tumor can also include a pre-metastatic tumor, for example, a tumor derived from a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can include a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is Hodgkin's lymphoma (also called Hodgkin's lymphoma, classical Hodgkin's lymphoma, and CHL).

[0077] "Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4" (CTLA-4) refers to an immunoinhibitory receptor belonging to the CD28 family. CTLA-4 is expressed exclusively on T cells in vivo and binds to two ligands, CD80 and CD86 (also known as B7-1 and B7-2, respectively). As used herein, the term "CTLA-4" includes human CTLA-4 (hCTLA-4), variants, isoforms and species homologs of hCTLA-4 and analogs that share at least one common epitope with hCTLA-4. The complete hCTLA-4 sequence can be found under GenBank Accession No. AAB59385.

[0078] The term "immunotherapy" refers to the treatment of a subject having, at risk of recurrence, or having a recurrence of a disease by methods involving the induction, enhancement, suppression, or other modification of the immune response.

[0079] "Treatment" or "treatment" of a subject refers to any type of intervention or procedure or administration of an active agent to a subject for the purpose of ameliorating, alleviating, ameliorating, arresting, delaying or preventing the onset, progression, occurrence, severity or recurrence of a symptom, complication, condition or biochemical manifestation associated with a disease.

[0080] As used herein, "PD-L1 positive" or "PD-L2 positive" may be used interchangeably with "at least about 1% PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression." In certain embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression may be measured by any method known in the art. In other embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured by automated in situ hybridization (IHC). A PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 positive tumor may have at least about 1%, at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at least about 10%, or 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% of tumor cells expressing PD-L1 and / or PD-L2, i.e., as measured by automated IHC. In one embodiment, "PD-L1 positive" means that there are at least 100 cells that express PD-L1 on their cell surface. In another embodiment, "PD-L2 positive" means that there are at least 100 cells that express PD-L2 on their cell surface.

[0081] "Programmed Death-1" (PD-1) refers to an immunoinhibitory receptor that belongs to the CD28 family. PD-1 is found primarily on activated T cells in vivo and binds to two ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. As used herein, the term "PD-1" includes human PD-1 (hPD-1), variants, isoforms and species homologs of hPD-1 and analogs that share at least one epitope in common with hPD-1. The complete hPD-1 sequence can be found in GenBank Accession No. U64863.

[0082] "Programmed death-ligand-1" (PD-L1) is one of two cell surface glycoprotein ligands for PD-1 (the other is PD-L2) that downregulates T cell activation and cytokine secretion upon binding to PD-1. As used herein, the term "PD-L1" includes human PD-L1 (hPD-L1), variants, isoforms and species homologs of hPD-L1 and analogs that share at least one epitope in common with hPD-L1. The complete hPD-L1 sequence can be found under GenBank Accession No. Q9NZQ7.

[0083] A "subject" includes any human or non-human animal. The term "non-human animal" includes, but is not limited to, vertebrates such as non-human primates, sheep, dogs, and rodents such as mice, rats, and guinea pigs. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. The terms "subject" and "patient" are used interchangeably herein.

[0084] A "therapeutically effective amount" or "therapeutically effective dose" of a drug or therapeutic agent is any amount of drug that, when used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, protects a subject against disease onset or promotes disease regression, as evidenced by a reduction in the severity of disease symptoms, an increase in the frequency and duration of disease-free periods, or prevention of functional impairment or disability due to disease morbidity. The ability of a therapeutic agent to promote disease regression can be assessed using a variety of methods known to those of skill in the art, such as by assaying the activity of the agent in human subjects during clinical trials, in animal model systems predictive of efficacy in humans, or in in vitro assays.

[0085] As used herein, a "sub-therapeutic dose" refers to a dose of a therapeutic compound (e.g., an antibody) that is lower than the usual or typical dose of that therapeutic compound when used alone to treat a hyperproliferative disease (e.g., cancer).

[0086] As an example, an "anti-cancer agent" promotes cancer regression or prevents further tumor growth in a subject. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of the drug promotes cancer regression to the point of eliminating the cancer. "Promoting cancer regression" means that administration of an effective amount of the drug, alone or in combination with an anti-neoplastic agent, results in a decrease in tumor growth or size, tumor necrosis, a decrease in the severity of at least one disease symptom, an increase in the frequency and duration of disease-free periods, or prevention of functional impairment or disability due to disease morbidity. Furthermore, the terms "effective" and "efficacy" in relation to treatment include both pharmacological effectiveness and physiological safety. Pharmacological effectiveness refers to the ability of a drug to promote cancer regression in a patient. Physiological safety refers to the level of toxicity or other adverse physiological effects (adverse effects) at the cell, organ and / or organism level resulting from drug administration.

[0087] As an example of tumor treatment, a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-cancer agent may inhibit cell proliferation or tumor growth 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%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95% or about 100% compared to untreated subjects or, in some embodiments, compared to standard of care therapeutic agent-treated patients. In other embodiments of the invention, tumor regression may be observed and continued for a period of at least about 20 days, at least about 30 days, at least about 40 days, at least about 50 days or at least about 60 days. Even with these final evaluations of therapeutic efficacy, the evaluation of immunotherapeutic agents must also take into account "immune-related response patterns."

[0088] "Immune-related response pattern" refers to a clinical response pattern frequently observed in cancer patients treated with immunotherapeutic agents that produce antitumor effects by inducing a cancer-specific immune response or by modulating innate immune processes. This response pattern, in the evaluation of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, is classified as disease progression, which is synonymous with drug failure, and is characterized by an initial increase in tumor burden or the appearance of new lesions followed by a beneficial therapeutic effect. Thus, proper evaluation of immunotherapeutic agents may require long-term monitoring of the effects of these agents on the target disease.

[0089] A therapeutically effective amount of a drug includes any amount of drug that, when administered alone or in combination with an anti-neoplastic agent to a subject at risk of developing cancer (e.g., a subject with a pre-malignant condition) or having a recurrence of cancer, prevents the onset or recurrence of cancer, i.e., a "prophylactically effective amount." In some embodiments, a prophylactically effective amount completely prevents the onset or recurrence of cancer. "Preventing" the onset or recurrence of cancer means reducing the likelihood of cancer onset or recurrence or completely preventing the onset or recurrence of cancer.

[0090] As used herein, the term "weight-based dose" means that the dose administered to a patient is calculated based on the patient's weight. For example, if a patient weighing 60 kg requires 3 mg / kg of anti-PD-1 antibody, the appropriate amount of anti-PD-1 antibody for administration (i.e., 180 mg) can be calculated and used.

[0091] The use of the term "fixed dose" with respect to the methods of the invention means that two or more different antibodies (e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody and an anti-CTLA-4 antibody) in a single composition are present in the composition in a specific (fixed) ratio to each other. In certain embodiments, the fixed dose is based on the weight (e.g., mg) of the antibody. In certain embodiments, the fixed dose is based on the concentration (e.g., mg / ml) of the antibody. In certain embodiments, the ratio is at least about 1:1, about 1:2, about 1:3, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, about 1:10, about 1:15, about 1:20, about 1:30, about 1:40, about 1:50, about 1:60, about 1:70, about 1:80, about 1:90, about 1:100, about 1:120, about 1:140, about 1:160, about 1:180, about 1:200, about 1:200:1, about 1:200:2, about 1:200:3, about 1:200:4, about 1:200:5, about 1:300:6, about 1:400:7, about 1:500:8, about 1:600:9, about 1:700:1, about 1:800:1, about 1:1000, about 1:1200, about 1:1400, about 1:1600, about 1:18 ... 1, about 160:1, about 140:1, about 120:1, about 100:1, about 90:1, about 80:1, about 70:1, about 60:1, about 50:1, about 40:1, about 30:1, about 20:1, about 15:1, about 10:1, about 9:1, about 8:1, about 7:1, about 6:1, about 5:1, about 4:1, about 3:1 or about 2:1 mg of first antibody (e.g., anti-PD-1 antibody) to mg of second antibody (e.g., anti-CTLA-4 antibody). For example, a 3:1 ratio of anti-PD-1 antibody to anti-CTLA-4 antibody can mean that a vial can contain about 240 mg of anti-PD-1 antibody and 80 mg of anti-CTLA-4 antibody or about 3 mg / ml of anti-PD-1 antibody and 1 mg / ml of anti-CTLA-4 antibody.

[0092] The use of the term "flat dose" in relation to the methods and dosages of the present invention refers to a dose administered to a patient regardless of the patient's weight or body surface area (BSA). Thus, a flat dose is provided as an absolute amount of drug (e.g., anti-PD-1 antibody) rather than as a mg / kg dose. For example, a 60 kg human and a 100 kg human would receive the same dose of antibody (e.g., 240 mg of anti-PD-1 antibody).

[0093] The use of the alternative (e.g., "or") should be construed to mean either one, both, or any combination thereof. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" should be construed to refer to "one or more" of any referenced or listed components.

[0094] The term "about" or "essentially includes" refers to a value or composition that is within an acceptable error range of a particular value or composition as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value or composition is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, "about" or "essentially includes" can mean within 1 or more than 1 standard deviation according to the practice of the art. Alternatively, "about" or "essentially includes" can mean within a range of up to 10% or 20% (i.e., ±10% or ±20%). For example, about 3 mg can include any number between 2.7 mg and 3.3 mg (for 10%) or any number between 2.4 mg and 3.6 mg (for 20%). Furthermore, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean up to an order of magnitude or up to 5 times the value. When a particular value or composition is provided in the specification and claims, unless otherwise indicated, the meaning of "about" or "essentially includes" should be assumed to be within an acceptable error range for that particular value or composition.

[0095] As used herein, the term "about once a week," "about once every two weeks," or any other similar dosing interval means an approximate number. "About once a week" can include every 7 days ± 1 day, i.e., every 6 days to every 8 days. "About once every two weeks" can include every 14 days ± 3 days, i.e., every 11 days to every 17 days. Similar approximations apply, for example, to about once every 3 weeks, about once every 4 weeks, about once every 5 weeks, about once every 6 weeks, and about once every 12 weeks. In certain embodiments, a dosing interval of about once every 6 weeks or about once every 12 weeks means that the first administration can be administered on any day of the first week, and then the next administration can be administered on any day of the sixth or twelfth week, respectively. In other embodiments, a dosing interval of about once every 6 weeks or about once every 12 weeks means that the first dose is administered on a particular day of the week (e.g., Monday) in the first week, and then the next dose is administered on a particular day of the week (i.e., Monday) in the sixth or twelfth week, respectively.

[0096] Unless otherwise specified, any concentration range, percentage range, ratio range, or integer range set forth herein should be interpreted to include every integer value within the stated range and fractions thereof, where appropriate (e.g., 1 / 10 and 1 / 100 of an integer).

[0097] Various aspects of the invention are described in further detail in the following subsections. [Table 1]

[0098] Methods of the Invention The present invention provides a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, wherein the subject has received (e.g., is non-responsive to) at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma selected from the group consisting of (i) autologous stem cell therapy, (ii) brentuximab vedotin, and both (i) and (ii), the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that specifically binds to the PD-1 receptor and inhibits PD-1 activity (an "anti-PD-1 antibody") or an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, that binds to the PD-L1 receptor and inhibits PD-L1 activity (an "anti-PD-L1 antibody").

[0099] In certain embodiments, the invention relates to a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, or an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, wherein the subject has received at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma selected from the group consisting of: (i) autologous stem cell therapy, (ii) an anti-CD30 antibody (e.g., brentuximab vedotin), and both (i) and (ii).

[0100] In certain embodiments, the subject has received at least two prior treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma. In certain embodiments, the prior treatment the patient received was an autologous stem cell transplant. In other embodiments, the prior treatment the patient received was an anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin. In yet other embodiments, the patient received both an autologous stem cell transplant and an anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin, as prior treatments. In further embodiments, the anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin, was administered simultaneously with the autologous stem cell transplant. In certain embodiments, the patient was first treated with an autologous stem cell transplant and then with an anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin. In other embodiments, the patient was first treated with an anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin, and then with an autologous stem cell transplant. Brentuximab vedotin is administered with Adcetris. (登録商標) Also known as.

[0101] In certain embodiments, at least one previous treatment has been unsuccessful.In some embodiments, the subject has not achieved partial response after at least one previous treatment.In other embodiments, the subject has relapsed after complete response after at least one previous treatment.In yet other embodiments, the patient has progressed after partial response or stable disease after at least one previous treatment.

[0102] In other embodiments, the invention includes a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma comprising: (i) measuring PD-L1 expression level in the tumor, wherein the tumor has a PD-L1 or PD-L2 expression level of at least 1%, and (ii) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, or an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, wherein the subject has received at least one prior treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma selected from the group consisting of: (i) autologous stem cell therapy; (ii) an anti-CD30 antibody, e.g., brentuximab vedotin; and both (i) and (ii).

[0103] In further embodiments, the invention includes a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, or an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. In certain embodiments, the invention includes a method of treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-PD-1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, or an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine, but not bleomycin.

[0104] In some embodiments, the treatment of the present invention (e.g., administration of an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody and, optionally, other anti-cancer agents) effectively extends the survival of the subject. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody treatment or anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment of the present invention extends the survival of the subject compared to standard of care treatment (i.e., brentuximab vedotin or AVD chemotherapy agents). After administration of an anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment, a subject with a Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor may exhibit an overall survival of at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 12 months, at least about 13 months, at least about 14 months, at least about 15 months, at least about 16 months, at least about 17 months, at least about 18 months, at least about 19 months, at least about 20 months, at least about 21 months, at least about 22 months, at least about 23 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years, or at least about 5 years after administration.

[0105] In other embodiments, the subject's survival or overall survival is increased by at least about 1 month, at least about 2 months, at least about 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, or at least about 1 year, compared to other subjects who are only treated with standard of care treatments (e.g., brentuximab vedotin or AVD chemotherapy agents). In certain embodiments, overall survival is increased by at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, or at least about 2 years, compared to other subjects who are only treated with standard of care treatments (e.g., brentuximab vedotin or AVD chemotherapy agents) when the tumor is PD-L1 positive. For example, the subject's survival or overall survival is extended by at least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, or at least about 75% compared to other subjects treated only with standard of care treatments (e.g., brentuximab vedotin or an AVD chemotherapy agent).

[0106] In some embodiments, the treatment of the present invention effectively extends the progression-free survival of the subject.For example, the progression-free survival of the subject treated by the method of the present invention is at least about 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, at least about 4 months, at least about 5 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 7 months, at least about 8 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 10 months, at least about 11 months, at least about 12 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 2 years, at least about 3 years, at least about 4 years or at least about 5 years.

[0107] In other embodiments, the subject is a human patient.In some embodiments, the subject has undergone other cancer treatments (e.g., brentuximab vedotin or chemotherapy), but is resistant or refractory to such other cancer treatments.In some embodiments, the subject has genetic alterations in the PD-1 ligand locus.In some embodiments, the subject has 9p24.1 amplification.In other embodiments, the subject is PD-L1 positive.In some embodiments, the subject is PD-L2 positive.

[0108] The PD-L1 or PD-L2 status of a tumor (e.g., an HL-derived tumor) in a subject can be measured prior to administration of any composition or use of any method disclosed herein. PD-L1 or PD-L2 expression can be determined by any method known in the art.

[0109] To assess PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression, in certain embodiments, a test tissue sample can be obtained from a patient in need of treatment. In other embodiments, assessing PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression can be accomplished without obtaining a test tissue sample. In certain embodiments, selecting a suitable patient includes (i) providing a test tissue sample, optionally obtained from a tissue of a patient having cancer, the test tissue sample comprising tumor cells and / or tumor infiltrating inflammatory cells; and (ii) assessing the proportion of cells in the test tissue sample that express PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 on their cell surface based on assessing that the proportion of cells in the test tissue sample that express PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 on their cell surface is higher than a predetermined threshold level.

[0110] However, it should be understood that in any of the methods involving measuring, the step involving providing a test tissue sample obtained from a patient is an optional step. In certain embodiments, it should be understood that the "measuring" or "assessing" step to identify or determine the number or proportion of cells expressing PD-L1 on the cell surface in the test tissue sample is performed by a transformation method to assay for PD-L1 expression, for example, by performing a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay or an IHC assay. In certain other embodiments, no transformation method steps are included, and PD-L1 expression is assessed, for example, by reviewing a test result report from a laboratory. In certain embodiments, the method steps up to and including the assessment of PD-L1 expression provide intermediate results that can be provided to a physician or other medical professional for use in selecting suitable candidates for anti-PD-1 antibodies or anti-PD-L1 antibody therapy. In certain embodiments, the step of providing the intermediate report is performed by a physician or a worker under the direction of a physician. In other embodiments, these steps are performed in an independent laboratory or by an independent entity, such as a laboratory technician.

[0111] In certain embodiments of any of the methods, the proportion of cells expressing PD-L1 is assessed by performing an assay to determine the presence of PD-L1 RNA. In further embodiments, the presence of PD-L1 RNA is determined by RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, or RNase protection. In other embodiments, the proportion of cells expressing PD-L1 is assessed by performing an assay to determine the presence of a PD-L1 polypeptide. In further embodiments, the presence of a PD-L1 polypeptide is determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in vivo imaging, or flow cytometry. In certain embodiments, PD-L1 expression is assayed by IHC. In other embodiments of all of these methods, cell surface expression of PD-L1 is assayed, for example, using IHC or in vivo imaging. Chen et al., (2013) Clin Cancer Res 19(13): 3462-3473.

[0112] Imaging techniques have provided important tools in cancer research and treatment. Recent developments in molecular imaging systems, including positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), fluorescence imaging (FRI), fluorescence mediated tomography (FMT), bioluminescence imaging (BLI), confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSCM) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM), may usher in a wider use of these techniques in cancer research. Some of these molecular imaging systems allow physicians not only to see where tumors are in the body, but also to visualize the expression and activity of specific molecules, cells and biological processes that affect tumor behavior and / or response to therapeutic agents (Condeelis and Weissleder, "In vivo imaging in cancer," Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 2(12):a003848 (2010)). Antibody specificity combined with the sensitivity and resolution of PET makes immunoPET imaging particularly attractive for monitoring and assaying antigen expression in tissue samples (McCabe and Wu, "Positive progress in immunoPET-not just a coincidence," Cancer Biother. Radiopharm. 25(3):253-61 (2010); Olafsen et al., "ImmunoPET imaging of B-cell lymphoma using 124I-anti-CD20 scFv dimers (diabodies)," Protein Eng. Des. Sel. 23(4):243-9 (2010)). In certain embodiments of any of the methods, PD-L1 expression is assayed by immunoPET imaging. In certain embodiments of any of the methods, the percentage of cells expressing PD-L1 in the test tissue sample is assessed by performing an assay to determine the presence of cell surface PD-L1 polypeptide in the test tissue sample. In certain embodiments, the test tissue sample is a FFPE tissue sample. In other embodiments, the presence of a PD-L1 polypeptide is determined by an IHC assay.In a further embodiment, the IHC assay is performed by an automated process. In one embodiment, the IHC assay is performed using an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody that binds to a PD-L1 polypeptide.

[0113] In one embodiment of the method, an automated IHC method is used to assay the expression of cell surface PD-L1 in FFPE tissue specimens. The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence of human PD-L1 antigen in a test tissue sample or quantifying the level of human PD-L1 antigen or the percentage of cells in the sample expressing the antigen, the method comprising contacting a test sample and a negative control sample with a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to human PD-L1 under conditions that allow the formation of a complex between the antibody or a portion thereof and human PD-L1. In one embodiment, the test and control tissue samples are FFPE samples. Complex formation is then detected, where a difference in complex formation between the test sample and the negative control sample is indicative of the presence of human PD-L1 antigen in the sample. Various methods are used to quantify PD-L1 expression.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the automated IHC method includes (a) deparaffinizing and rehydrating tissue sections mounted in an automated stainer, (b) using a decloaking chamber and pH 6 buffer to heat at 110°C for 10 minutes to retrieve antigens, (c) loading reagents into the automated stainer, and (d) running the automated stainer to include the steps of: neutralizing endogenous peroxidase in the tissue specimen; blocking nonspecific protein binding sites on the slide; incubating the slide with primary antibody; neutralizing endogenous peroxidase in the tissue specimen; blocking nonspecific protein binding sites on the slide; incubating the slide with primary antibody; incubating with post-primary blocking agent; incubating with NovoLink polymer; adding chromogen substrate and developing; and counterstaining with hematoxylin; incubating with NovoLink polymer; adding chromogen substrate and developing; and counterstaining with hematoxylin.

[0115] To assess PD-L1 expression in tumor tissue samples, pathologists performed membrane PD-L1 staining in each microscopic field. + The number of tumor cells is examined, and the percentage of cells that are thought to be positive is estimated, and then normalized to obtain a final percentage. Different staining intensities are defined as 0 / negative, 1+ / weak, 2+ / moderate, and 3+ / strong. In general, percentage values ​​are first assigned to 0 and 3+ buckets, and then the intermediate 1+ and 2+ intensities are considered. For highly heterogeneous tissues, the specimen is divided into zones, and each zone is scored separately, and then combined into one set of percentage values. The percentage of negative and positive cells of different staining intensities is determined from each region, and the median value is assigned to each zone. A final percentage value is assigned to the tissue for each staining intensity category of negative, 1+, 2+, and 3+. The composite of all staining intensities should be 100%. In some embodiments, the threshold number of cells required to be PD-L1 positive is at least about 100, at least about 125, at least about 150, at least about 175, or at least about 200 cells. In one embodiment, the threshold number of cells required to be PD-L1 positive is at least about 100 cells.

[0116] Staining is also evaluated in tumor infiltrating inflammatory cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes. In most cases, macrophages serve as an internal positive control since staining is observed in the majority of macrophages. Although it is not necessary to stain with 3+ intensity, lack of staining of macrophages should be considered to exclude any technical failure. Macrophages and lymphocytes are evaluated for plasma membrane staining and scored for all samples only as positive or negative for each cell category. Staining is also characterized by an outside / inside tumor immune cell designation. "Inside" means that the immune cells are on the tumor area border without physical interposition within the tumor tissue and / or between tumor cells. "Outside" means that there is no physical association with the tumor and the immune cells are found in the periphery associated with the connecting tissue or any associated adjacent tissue.

[0117] In some embodiments of these scoring methods, samples are scored by two pathologists working independently, and the scores are then fixed. In some other embodiments, the identification of positive and negative cells is scored using appropriate software.

[0118] The histoscore is used as a more quantitative measure of the IHC data. The histoscore is calculated as follows: Histoscore = [(%Tumor x 1 (low intensity)) + (%Tumor x 2 (medium intensity)) + (%Tumor x 3 (high intensity)]

[0119] To determine the histoscore, the pathologist estimates the percentage of staining cells in each intensity category within the specimen. Because expression of most biomarkers is heterogeneous, the histoscore is a true representation of overall expression. Final histoscore ranges from 0 (no expression) to 300 (maximal expression).

[0120] Another means of quantifying PD-L1 expression in test tissue sample IHC is the determination of the adapted inflammation score (AIS), a score defined as the density of inflammation multiplied by the percent of PD-L1 expression by tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells (Taube et al., "Colocalization of inflammatory response with B7-h1 expression in human melanocytic lesions supports an adaptive resistance mechanism of immune escape," Sci. Transl. Med. 4(127):127ra37 (2012)).

[0121] In some embodiments, the PD-L1 expression level of the tumor (e.g., HL-derived tumor) is 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 other embodiments, the PD-L1 status of the tumor is at least about 1%. In other embodiments, the PD-L1 status of the subject is at least about 5%. In some embodiments, the PD-L1 status of the tumor is at least about 10%. In certain embodiments, the PD-L1 status of the tumor is at least about 25%. In certain embodiments, the PD-L1 status of the tumor is at least about 50%.

[0122] The method can treat any type of Hodgkin's lymphoma (also called classical Hodgkin's lymphoma). In some embodiments, the Hodgkin's lymphoma is cHL or nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma. In some embodiments, the Hodgkin's lymphoma is selected from the group consisting of nodular sclerosing, mixed cell type, lymphocyte-rich, lymphocyte-depleted or lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma. In some embodiments, the subject has a disease or is infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

[0123] The method can treat any stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma. At least four stages of Hodgkin's lymphoma are used: stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. In stage I, the cancer is limited to one lymph node region or one organ. In stage II, the cancer is in two lymph node regions or the cancer has invaded one organ and adjacent lymph nodes, but the cancer is still limited to a part of the body above or below the diaphragm. In stage III, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes both above and below the diaphragm, and the cancer may also be in some tissues or organs near the lymph node group or in the spleen. In stage IV, the cancer cells are in several parts of one or more tissues. Stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma affects not only lymph nodes, but also other parts of the body such as the liver, lungs, or bones. Hodgkin's lymphoma is also classified into categories "A" and "B". A means that the patient does not have any noticeable symptoms as a result of the cancer. B indicates that the subject may have noticeable signs and symptoms such as persistent fever, unintentional weight loss, or severe night sweats.

[0124] Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies Anti-PD-1 antibodies suitable for use in the methods of the invention are those that bind to PD-1 with high specificity and affinity, block PD-L1 binding, and inhibit the immunosuppressive effects of the PD-1 signaling pathway. In any of the therapeutic methods described herein, an anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 "antibody" comprises an antigen-binding portion that binds to the PD-1 or PD-L1 receptor, respectively, and exhibits functional properties similar to whole antibodies in ligand binding inhibition and immune system upregulation. In one embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof cross-competes with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof competes with BMS-936559, MPDL3280A, MEDI4736, or MSB0010718C for binding to human PD-L1.

[0125] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is a chimeric, humanized, or human monoclonal antibody, or portion thereof. In certain embodiments for treating a human subject, the antibody is a humanized antibody. In other embodiments for treating a human subject, the antibody may be of the human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype.

[0126] In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprises a heavy chain constant region that is of human IgG1 or IgG4 isotype. In some other embodiments, the sequence of the IgG4 heavy chain constant region of the anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprises a S228P mutation, which replaces a serine residue in the hinge region with a proline residue normally found at the corresponding position in IgG1 isotype antibodies. This mutation, present in nivolumab, prevents Fab arm exchange with endogenous IgG4 antibodies while maintaining the low affinity for Fc receptor activation associated with wild-type IgG4 antibodies (Wang et al., In vitro characterization of the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab, BMS-936558, and in vivo toxicology in non-human primates, Cancer Imm Res, 2(9):846-56 (2014)). In yet other embodiments, the antibody comprises a light chain constant region that is a human kappa or lambda constant region. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is a monoclonal antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof.

[0127] Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to PD-1 with high affinity are disclosed in U.S. Patent 8,008,449. Other anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 6,808,710, 7,488,802, 8,168,757, and 8,354,509 and PCT Publication WO 2012 / 145493. Each of the anti-PD-1 human monoclonal antibodies disclosed in U.S. Patent 8,008,449 has been shown to exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: (a) a specific binding affinity of 1×10 to human PD-1 as determined by surface plasmon resonance using a Biacore biosensor system; -7 K below M D (b) does not substantially bind to human CD28, CTLA-4, and / or ICOS; (c) increases T cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay; (d) increases interferon-γ production in an MLR assay; (e) increases IL-2 secretion in an MLR assay; (f) binds to human PD-1 and cynomolgus PD-1; (g) inhibits binding of PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 to PD-1; (h) stimulates an antigen-specific memory response; (i) stimulates an antibody response; and (j) inhibits tumor cell proliferation in vivo. Anti-PD-1 antibodies that can be used in the present invention include monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to human PD-1 and exhibit at least one, and in certain embodiments, at least five, of the foregoing properties. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab.

[0128] In one embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab. (登録商標)"; formerly named 5C4, BMS-936558, MDX-1106 or ONO-4538) is a fully human IgG4 (S228P) PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody that selectively inhibits interaction with PD-1 ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2), thereby blocking downregulation of anti-tumor T cell function (U.S. Patent 8,008,449; Wang et al., In vitro characterization of the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab, BMS-936558, and in vivo toxicology in non-human primates, Cancer Imm Res, 2(9):846-56 (2014)). In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or fragment thereof cross-competes with nivolumab. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or fragment thereof binds to the same epitope as nivolumab. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as nivolumab.

[0129] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with pembrolizumab. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as pembrolizumab. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as pembrolizumab. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab ("Keytruda") (登録商標) ", also known as lambrolizumab and MK-3475), is a humanized monoclonal IgG4 antibody against the human cell surface receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1 or programmed cell death-1). Pembrolizumab is described, e.g., in U.S. Patents 8,354,509 and 8,900,587; see also http: / / www.cancer.gov / drugdictionary?cdrid=69578 (last accessed: December 14, 2014). Pembrolizumab is approved by the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or refractory melanoma.

[0130] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with MEDI0680. In yet other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as MEDI0680. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as MEDI0680. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is MEDI0680 (formerly AMP-514), a monoclonal antibody. MEDI0680 is described, for example, in U.S. Patent 8,609,089 B2 or http: / / www.cancer.gov / drugdictionary?cdrid=756047 (last accessed: December 14, 2014).

[0131] In one embodiment, the first antibody is an anti-PD-1 antagonist. One example of an anti-PD-1 antagonist is AMP-224, a B7-DC Fc fusion protein. AMP-224 is described in US Publication 2013 / 0017199 or http: / / www.cancer.gov / publications / dictionaries / cancer-drug?cdrid=700595 (last accessed: July 8, 2015).

[0132] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with BGB-A317. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as BGB-A317. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as BGB-A317. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is BGB-A317, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody. BGB-A317 is described in U.S. Publication No. 2015 / 0079109.

[0133] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with INCSHR1210 (SHR-1210). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as INCSHR1210 (SHR-1210). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as INCSHR1210 (SHR-1210). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is INCSHR1210 (SHR-1210), which is a human monoclonal antibody. INCSHR1210 (SHR-1210) is described in WO2015 / 085847.

[0134] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with REGN-2810. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as REGN-2810. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as REGN-2810. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is REGN-2810, which is a human monoclonal antibody. REGN-2810 is described in WO2015 / 112800.

[0135] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with PDR001. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as PDR001. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as PDR001. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is PDR001, which is a humanized monoclonal antibody. PDR001 is described in WO2015 / 112900.

[0136] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with TSR-042 (ANB011). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as TSR-042 (ANB011). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as TSR-042 (ANB011). In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is TSR-042 (ANB011), a humanized monoclonal antibody. TSR-042 (ANB011) is described in WO2014 / 179664.

[0137] In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody (or antigen-binding portion thereof) cross-competes with STI-1110. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody binds to the same epitope as STI-1110. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody has the same CDRs as STI-1110. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is STI-1110, which is a human monoclonal antibody. STI-1110 is described in WO2014 / 194302.

[0138] Anti-PD-1 antibodies that can be used in the methods of the present invention also include isolated antibodies that specifically bind to human PD-1 and cross-compete with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1 (see, e.g., U.S. Patents 8,008,449 and 8,779,105; WO2013 / 173223). The ability of antibodies to cross-compete for binding to an antigen indicates that these antibodies bind to the same epitope region of the antigen and sterically hinder the binding of the other cross-competing antibody to that particular epitope region. These cross-competing antibodies are expected to have very similar functional properties to nivolumab by binding to the same epitope region of PD-1. Cross-competing antibodies can be easily identified based on their ability to cross-compete with nivolumab in standard PD-1 binding assays such as Biacore analysis, ELISA assays or flow cytometry (see, e.g., WO2013 / 173223).

[0139] In some embodiments, the antibody that cross-competes with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1 or binds to the same epitope region of human PD-1 is a monoclonal antibody.For administration to human subjects, these cross-competing antibodies are chimeric antibodies or humanized or human antibodies.Such chimeric, humanized or human monoclonal antibodies can be produced and isolated by methods well known in the art.

[0140] Anti-PD-1 antibodies that can be used in the methods of the present invention also include antigen-binding portions of said antibodies. It is well established that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragments encompassed by the term "antigen-binding portion" of an antibody include: (i) V L , V H , C L and C H1 (ii) a F(ab')2 fragment, which is a bivalent fragment containing two Fab fragments linked by disulfide bridges in the hinge region; (iii) a V H and C H1 (iv) a single-arm V fragment of an antibody; L and V H an Fv fragment consisting of a ribosome-specific domain; or any combination thereof.

[0141] Anti-PD-1 antibodies suitable for use in the compositions of the invention are those that bind to PD-1 with high specificity and affinity, block binding of PD-L1 and / or PD-L2, and block the immunosuppressive effects of the PD-1 signaling pathway. In any of the compositions or methods described herein, an anti-PD-1 "antibody" includes an antigen-binding portion or fragment that binds to the PD-1 receptor and exhibits functional properties similar to the whole antibody with respect to ligand binding inhibition and immune system upregulation. In one embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof cross-competes with nivolumab for binding to human PD-1. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is a chimeric, humanized, or human monoclonal antibody or portion thereof. In one embodiment, the antibody is a humanized antibody. In other embodiments, the antibody is a human antibody. Antibodies of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 isotype may be used.

[0142] In certain embodiments of any of the methods of treatment described herein comprising administration of an anti-PD-1 antibody, the anti-PD-1 antibody is nivolumab. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is pembrolizumab. In other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is selected from human antibodies 17D8, 2D3, 4H1, 4A11, 7D3, and 5F4, which are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,008,449. In yet other embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is MEDI0608 (formerly AMP-514) or AMP-224.

[0143] In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody used in the method can be replaced with other PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antagonists. For example, anti-PD-L1 antibody can be replaced with anti-PD-1 antibody in the method disclosed herein, because anti-PD-L1 antibody blocks the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1, thereby exerting a similar effect on the signal transduction pathway of PD-1. Thus, in some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for treating a subject with Hodgkin's lymphoma, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is BMS-936559 (previously 12A4 or MDX-1105) (see, for example, US Patent 7,943,743; WO2013 / 173223). In other embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is MPDL3280A (also known as RG7446 or atezolizumab) (see, e.g., Herbst et al. (2013) J Clin Oncol 31(suppl):3000. Abstract; US Patent 8,217,149), MEDI4736 (also known as durvalumab; see, In: Proceedings from the European Cancer Congress 2013; September 27-October 1, 2013; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract 802, US Patent 8,779,108, or US2014 / 0356353 filed May 6, 2014), or MSB0010718C (also known as avelumab; see US2014 / 0341917). In other embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is CX-072 (also known as CytomX; see WO2016 / 149201). In some embodiments, the antibody that cross-competes with the above PD-L1 antibodies for binding to human PD-L1 or binds to the same epitope on human PD-L1 is a monoclonal antibody. For administration to human subjects, these cross-competing antibodies can be chimeric, humanized or human antibodies. Such chimeric, humanized or human monoclonal antibodies can be produced and isolated by methods well known in the art.

[0144] Because anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 target the same signaling pathway and have shown comparable levels of similarity in clinical trials in a variety of cancers (see Brahmer et al., (2012) N Engl J Med 366:2455-65; Topalian et al., (2012a) N Engl J Med 366:2443-54; WO2013 / 173223), an anti-PD-L1 antibody may be substituted for the anti-PD-1 antibody in any of the therapeutic methods described herein. In one embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is BMS-936559 (formerly 12A4 or MDX-1105) (see, e.g., U.S. Patent 7,943,743; WO2013 / 173223). In other embodiments, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is MPDL3280A (also known as RG7446 or atezolizumab) (see, e.g., Herbst et al., (2013) J Clin Oncol 31(suppl):3000. Abstract; U.S. Patent 8,217,149) or MEDI4736 (Khleif (2013) In: Proceedings from the European Cancer Congress 2013; September 27-October 1, 2013; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Abstract 802). In certain embodiments, the antibody that cross-competes with the above PD-L1 antibodies for binding to human PD-L1 or binds to the same epitope on human PD-L1 is a monoclonal antibody. For administration to a human subject, these cross-competing antibodies can be chimeric, humanized or human antibodies. Such chimeric, humanized or human monoclonal antibodies can be produced and isolated by methods well known in the art.

[0145] Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody is administered in combination with one or more other anti-cancer agents. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody is first administered one or more times as a monotherapy, and then administered in combination with an additional anti-cancer agent. In some embodiments, the other anti-cancer agent is any anti-cancer agent described herein or known in the art. In some embodiments, the other anti-cancer agent is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. In some embodiments, the additional anti-cancer agent is a combination of doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. In some embodiments, the other anti-cancer agent is a chemotherapy agent or a platinum-based doublet chemotherapy agent (PT-DC). In other embodiments, the anticancer agent is a platinum agent (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin), a mitotic inhibitor (e.g., paclitaxel, albumin-bound paclitaxel, docetaxel, taxotere, docecad), a fluorinated vinca alkaloid (e.g., vinflunine, javlor), vinorelbine, vinblastine, etoposide, or pemetrexed gemcitabine.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the other anticancer agent is Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin), Ambochlorin (chlorambucil), Ambochlorin (chlorambucil), Becenum (carmustine), BiCNU (carmustine), Blenoxane (bleomycin), bleomycin, brentuximab These include: Vedotin, Carmubris (carmustine), carmustine, chlorambucil, Clafen (cyclophosphamide), cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), dacarbazine, doxorubicin hydrochloride, DTIC-Dome (dacarbazine), Leukeran (chlorambucil), Linfolizin (chlorambucil), lomustine, Matulane (procarbazine hydrochloride), mechlorethamine hydrochloride, Mustargen (mechlorethamine hydrochloride), Neosar (cyclophosphamide), prednisone, procarbazine hydrochloride, Velban (vinblastine sulfate), Velsar (vinblastine sulfate), vinblastine sulfate, Vincasar PFS (vincristine sulfate) and / or vincristine sulfate. In other embodiments, the other anticancer agent is any combination of drugs from ABVD, ABVE, ABVE-PC, BEACOPP, COPDAC, COPP, COPP-ABV, ICE, MOPP, OEPA, OPPA, Stanford V and / or VAMP (see http: / / www.cancer.gov / about-cancer / treatment / drugs / hodgkin-lymphoma, last accessed May 27, 2016).

[0147] In certain embodiments, the anti-cancer agents administered in combination with the anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody are doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. In other embodiments, the anti-cancer agents administered in combination with the anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody are doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine, but do not include bleomycin.

[0148] In some embodiments, the other anti-cancer agent is any other anti-cancer agent known in the art.In some embodiments, two or more additional anti-cancer agents are administered in combination with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibody.In some embodiments, PD-1 or PD-L1 antibody is combined with surgical resection, radiation therapy and / or stem cell transplantation.

[0149] In some embodiments, anti-PD-1 antibody or anti-PD-L1 antibody can be combined with other immunotherapies.In some embodiments, immunotherapies involving immune checkpoint blockade are administered as monotherapy.In other embodiments, immunotherapies involving immune checkpoint blockade are administered in combination with other treatments.In some embodiments, Hodgkin's lymphoma patients can benefit from a combination of various immunotherapeutic agents.

[0150] Anti-CTLA-4 antibody In one embodiment, anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies are combined with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies useful in this combination can bind to human CTLA-4 so as to disrupt the interaction between CTLA-4 and human B7 receptor. Because the interaction between CTLA-4 and human B7 transmits a signal that leads to the inactivation of CTLA-4 receptor-bearing T cells, disrupting the interaction effectively induces, enhances or prolongs the activation of such T cells, thereby inducing, enhances or prolongs an immune response.

[0151] Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CTLA-4 with high affinity are disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,984,720 and 7,605,238. Other anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies are described, for example, in U.S. Patents 5,977,318, 6,051,227, 6,682,736 and 7,034,121. The anti-CTLA-4 human monoclonal antibodies disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,984,720 and 7,605,238 have been shown to exhibit one or more of the following properties: (a) a specific binding affinity of at least about 10 as determined by Biacore analysis; 7 M -1 or about 10 9 M-1 or about 10 10 M -1 ~10 11 M -1 or higher equilibrium binding constant (K a ), (b) specifically binds human CTLA-4 with a binding affinity reflected by at least about 10 3 , about 10 4 or about 10 5 m -1 s -1 The kinetic binding constant (k a );(c) at least about 10 3 , about 10 4 or about 10 5 m -1 s -1 The kinetic dissociation constant (k d and (d) inhibit the binding of CTLA-4 to B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies useful in the present invention include monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to human CTLA-4 and exhibit at least one, at least two, or in some embodiments, at least three of the above properties. An example of a clinical anti-CTLA-4 antibody is the human monoclonal antibody 10D1 (now known as ipilimumab and administered as Yervoy), disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,984,720. (登録商標) Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody for use in the methods described herein. Another anti-CTLA-4 antibody useful in the methods is tremelimumab.

[0152] An example of a clinically useful anti-CTLA-4 antibody for combination is the human monoclonal antibody 10D1 (now known as ipilimumab and / or Yervoy), disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,984,720. (登録商標) Ipilimumab is an anti-CTLA-4 antibody for use in the methods described herein. Ipilimumab is a fully human, IgG1 monoclonal antibody that blocks the binding of CTLA-4 to its B7 ligand, thereby stimulating T cell activation and improving overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced melanoma.

[0153] Another anti-CTLA-4 antibody useful for the present method is tremelimumab (also known as CP-675,206). Tremelimumab is a human IgG2 monoclonal anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Tremelimumab is described in WO / 2012 / 122444, U.S. Publication No. 2012 / 263677, or WO Publication No. 2007 / 113648A2.

[0154] Anti-CTLA-4 antibodies useful in the methods of the present invention also include isolated antibodies that specifically bind to human CTLA-4 and cross-compete with ipilimumab or tremelimumab for binding to human CTLA-4 or bind to the same epitope region of human CTLA-4 as ipilimumab or tremelimumab.In some embodiments, the antibodies that cross-compete with ipilimumab or tremelimumab for binding to human CTLA-4 or bind to the same epitope region of CTLA-4 as ipilimumab or tremelimumab are antibodies that comprise a heavy chain of human IgG1 isotype.For administration to human subjects, these cross-competing antibodies are chimeric antibodies or humanized or human antibodies.Useful anti-CTLA-4 antibodies also include antigen-binding portions of the above antibodies, such as Fab, F(ab')2, Fd or Fv fragments.

[0155] Ipilimumab (Yervoy (登録商標) ) is a fully human, IgG1 monoclonal antibody that blocks the binding of CTLA-4 to its B7 ligand, thereby stimulating T cell activation and improving overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced melanoma (Hodi et al., (2010) N Engl J Med 363:711-23). ​​Cotreatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab in a phase 1 trial produced rapid and profound tumor regression in a substantial proportion of patients with advanced melanoma and was significantly more effective than either antibody alone (Wolchok et al., (2013) N Engl J Med 369(2):122-33;WO2013 / 173223).

[0156] Chemotherapeutic agents In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with any chemotherapeutic agent known in the art. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine. In some embodiments, the combination of doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine is administered about once every 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks. In some embodiments, doxorubicin is administered at a dose of about 10 mg / m 2 ~40mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 ~30mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 ~30mg / m 2 In other embodiments, vinblastine is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg / m 2 ~about 10mg / m 2 , about 1mg / m 2 ~about 10mg / m 2 or about 5 mg / m 2 ~about 10mg / m 2 In one embodiment, dacarbazine is administered at a dose of about 200 mg / m 2 ~500mg / m 2 , about 250mg / m 2 ~about 500mg / m 2 or about 300 mg / m 2 ~400mg / m 2 In one embodiment, doxorubicin is administered at a dose of about 10 mg / m 2 , about 15mg / m 2 , about 20mg / m 2 , about 25mg / m 2 , about 30mg / m 2 , about 35mg / m 2 , about 40mg / m 2 , about 45mg / m 2 or about 50 mg / m 2 In one embodiment, vinblastine is administered at a dose of about 0.1 mg / m 2 , about 1mg / m 2 , about 2mg / m 2 , about 3mg / m 2 , about 4mg / m 2 , about 5mg / m 2, about 6mg / m 2 , about 7mg / m 2 , about 8mg / m 2 , about 9mg / m 2 , about 10mg / m 2 , about 11mg / m 2 , about 12mg / m 2 , about 13mg / m 2 , about 14mg / m 2 , about 15mg / m 2 or about 20 mg / m 2 In one embodiment, dacarbazine is administered at a dose of about 200 mg / m 2 , about 225mg / m 2 , about 250mg / m 2 , about 275mg / m 2 , about 300mg / m 2 , about 325mg / m 2 , about 350mg / m 2 , about 375mg / m 2 , about 400mg / m 2 , about 425mg / m 2 , about 450mg / m 2 , about 475mg / m 2 or about 500 mg / m 2 In a further embodiment, doxorubicin is administered at a dose of 25 mg / m about once every two weeks. 2 and vinblastine at a dose of 6 mg / m 2 and dacarbazine at a dose of 375 mg / m 2 In yet a further embodiment, the subject does not receive bleomycin.

[0157] In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent. The platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent is a platinum coordination complex. In some embodiments, the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent is a platinum doublet chemotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is administered at a dose approved for a particular indication. In other embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is administered at any dose disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent is cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, satraplatin, picoplatin, nedaplatin, triplatin, lipoplatin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent is any other platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent known in the art. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is the nucleotide analog gemcitabine. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is an antifolate. In some embodiments, the antifolate is pemetrexed. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is a taxane. In other embodiments, the taxane is paclitaxel. In other embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is a nucleoside analog. In some embodiments, the nucleoside analog is gemcitabine. In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent is any other chemotherapeutic agent known in the art. In some embodiments, at least one, at least two or more chemotherapeutic agents are administered in combination with the anti-PD-1 antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with pemetrexed and cisplatin. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with gemcitabine and pemetrexed. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin. In some embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody is further administered.

[0158] Pharmaceutical Compositions and Dosages The therapeutic agent of the present invention may be constituted as a composition, e.g., a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an antibody and a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, a "pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier" includes any and all physiologically compatible solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like. In some embodiments, the carrier for the antibody-containing composition is suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, parenteral, spinal or epidermal administration (e.g., by injection or infusion), and the carrier for some compositions is suitable for non-parenteral administration, e.g., oral administration. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may include one or more pharma- ceutical acceptable salts, antioxidants, aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, and / or adjuvants, such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents.

[0159] The dosage regimen is adjusted to provide the optimal desired response, e.g., maximum therapeutic response and / or minimum adverse effects. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen portion thereof is administered at a weight-based dose. For administration of anti-PD-1 antibody at a weight-based dose, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other anti-cancer agents, the dosage may be in the range of about 0.01 mg / kg to about 20 mg / kg, about 0.1 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg, about 0.1 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg, about 7.5 mg / kg to about 12.5 mg / kg, or about 0.1 mg / kg to about 30 mg / kg of patient body weight. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 mg / kg, about 0.3 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg, about 5 mg / kg, or about 10 mg / kg body weight or about 0.3 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg, or about 5 mg / kg body weight. The administration schedule is generally based on the typical pharmacokinetic properties of the antibody and is designed to achieve an exposure that results in sustained receptor occupancy (RO). Exemplary treatment regimes involve administration about once a week, about once every two weeks, about once every three weeks, about once every four weeks, about once a month, about once every three to six months, or at longer intervals. In certain embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody, such as, is administered to the subject about once every two weeks. In other embodiments, the antibody is administered about once every three weeks. The dosage and schedule may vary during the course of treatment. For example, the administration schedule of anti-PD-1 monotherapy may include administration of the antibody (i) about every 2 weeks for about 6 week cycles; (ii) about every 3 weeks for about 6 times, then about every 3 months; (iii) about every 3 weeks; (iv) about 3 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg once, followed by about 1 mg / kg about every 2 to 3 weeks. Considering that IgG4 antibodies generally have a half-life of 2 to 3 weeks, the dosage regimen of the anti-PD-1 antibody of the present invention includes at least about 0.3 mg / kg to at least about 10 mg / kg body weight, at least about 1 mg / kg to at least about 5 mg / kg body weight, or at least about 1 mg / kg to at least about 3 mg / kg body weight by intravenous administration, with the antibody being administered about every 14 to 21 days until a complete response or disease progression is confirmed by about 6 weeks or in about 12 week cycles.In certain embodiments, anti-PD-1 monotherapy is administered at 3 mg / kg every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In certain embodiments, the antibody treatment disclosed herein or any combination treatment is continued for at least about 1 month, at least about 3 months, at least about 6 months, at least about 9 months, at least about 1 year, at least about 18 months, at least about 24 months, at least about 3 years, at least about 5 years, or at least about 10 years.

[0160] When used in combination with other anti-cancer drugs, the dosage of anti-PD-1 antibody may be reduced compared to the monotherapy dosage. A dosage of nivolumab typically lower than 3 mg / kg, but not below 0.001 mg / kg, is a subtherapeutic dosage. A subtherapeutic dosage of anti-PD-1 antibody used in the methods herein is greater than 0.001 mg / kg and lower than 3 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the subtherapeutic dosage is about 0.001 mg / kg to about 1 mg / kg, about 0.01 mg / kg to about 1 mg / kg, about 0.1 mg / kg to about 1 mg / kg, or about 0.001 mg / kg to about 0.1 mg / kg body weight. In certain embodiments, the subtherapeutic dose is at least about 0.001 mg / kg, at least about 0.005 mg / kg, at least about 0.01 mg / kg, at least about 0.05 mg / kg, at least about 0.1 mg / kg, at least about 0.5 mg / kg, or at least about 1.0 mg / kg body weight. Receptor occupancy data from 15 subjects receiving nivolumab at 0.3 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg indicates that PD-1 occupancy appears to be dose-independent in this dose range. Across all doses, the mean occupancy was 85% (range, 70% to 97%), and the mean plateau occupancy was 72% (range, 59% to 81%). In certain embodiments, a 0.3 mg / kg dose may allow sufficient exposure to reach maximum biological activity. Receptor occupancy data from 15 subjects receiving nivolumab at 0.3 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg indicates that PD-1 occupancy appears to be dose-independent in this dose range. Across all doses, the mean occupancy was 85% (range, 70%-97%) and the mean plateau occupancy was 72% (range, 59%-81%) (Brahmer et al., (2010) J Clin Oncol 28:3167-75). Therefore, the 0.3 mg / kg dose may allow sufficient exposure to lead to maximal bioactivity.

[0161] Although high nivolumab monotherapy administered up to approximately 10 mg / kg every 2 weeks has been achieved without reaching the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), substantial toxicity has been reported in other trials of checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic therapy (see, e.g., Johnson et al. (2013) Cancer Immunol Res 1:373-77; Rini et al. (2011) Cancer 117:758-67), supporting the selection of a lower nivolumab dose than 10 mg / kg.

[0162] In some embodiments, the dose of anti-PD-1 antibody (or anti-PD-L1 antibody) is a fixed dose in the pharmaceutical composition. In other embodiments, the methods of the present invention can be used with a flat dose (a dose given to a patient regardless of the patient's weight). In some embodiments, the flat dose of anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is at least about 100 mg, 120 mg, 140 mg, 160 mg, 180 mg, 200 mg, 220 mg, 240 mg, 260 mg, 280 mg, 300 mg, 400 mg, 420 mg, 440 mg, 460 mg, 480 mg, 500 mg, 520 mg, 540 mg, 560 mg, or 600 mg. For example, the flat dose of nivolumab can be about 240 mg. For example, the flat dose of pembrolizumab can be about 200 mg. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is administered at a dose of about 240 mg. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is administered at a dose of about 360 mg. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is administered at a dose of about 480 mg. In some embodiments, a flat dose of the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is administered about once every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 weeks. In some embodiments, 360 mg of the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment is administered to the subject once every 3 weeks. In other embodiments, 480 mg of the anti-PD-1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment is administered to the subject once every 4 weeks.

[0163] Ipilimumab (Yervoy (登録商標)) is approved for the treatment of melanoma at 3 mg / kg intravenously every 3 weeks for 4 doses. Thus, in certain embodiments, about 3 mg / kg is the maximum dose of ipilimumab used in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody, but in certain embodiments, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody such as ipilimumab, when combined with nivolumab, can be at a dose in the range of about 0.3 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg, about 0.5 mg / kg to about 10 mg / kg, about 0.5 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg, or about 1 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg body weight, about once every 2 or 3 weeks. In other embodiments, ipilimumab is administered on a different dosage schedule than nivolumab. In some embodiments, ipilimumab is administered about every week, about every 2 weeks, about every 3 weeks, about every 4 weeks, about every 5 weeks, about every 6 weeks, about every 7 weeks, about every 8 weeks, about every 9 weeks, about every 10 weeks, about every 11 weeks, about every 12 weeks, or about every 15 weeks. A typical dose of ipilimumab is less than 3 mg / kg every 3 weeks, but not less than 0.001 mg / kg, which is a subtherapeutic dose. The dose of anti-CTLA-4 antibody used in the methods herein is greater than 0.001 mg / kg and less than 3 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the dose of anti-CTLA-4 antibody is about 0.001 mg / kg-about 1 mg / kg, about 0.01 mg / kg to about 1 mg / kg, about 0.1 mg / kg to about 1 mg / kg, or about 0.001 mg / kg to about 0.1 mg / kg body weight. In some embodiments, the dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is at least about 0.001 mg / kg, at least about 0.005 mg / kg, at least about 0.01 mg / kg, at least about 0.05 mg / kg, at least about 0.1 mg / kg, at least about 0.5 mg / kg, or at least about 1.0 mg / kg body weight. In some embodiments, nivolumab is tolerated at up to 10 mg / kg intravenous administration every two weeks, while the dose of the anti-PD-1 antibody when combined with ipilimumab does not exceed about 3 mg / kg.In certain embodiments, based on risk-benefit and PK-PD assessments, dosages useful in the methods of the invention include combinations of about 1 mg / kg nivolumab plus about 3 mg / kg ipilimumab, about 3 mg / kg nivolumab plus about 1 mg / kg ipilimumab, or about 3 mg / kg nivolumab plus about 3 mg / kg ipilimumab, each administered at a dosing frequency of about once every 2-4 weeks, and in certain embodiments, about once every 2 weeks or about once every 3 weeks. In certain other embodiments, nivolumab is administered at a dosage of about 0.1 mg / kg, about 0.3 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg or about 5 mg / kg in combination with ipilimumab administered at a dosage of about 0.1 mg / kg, about 0.3 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg or about 5 mg / kg, about once every two weeks, about once every three weeks or about once every four weeks.

[0164] In some embodiments, the combination of anti-PD-1 antibody and anti-CTLA-4 antibody is administered intravenously to the subject in the induction phase once, twice, three times or four times, about once every two or three weeks. In some embodiments, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab is administered intravenously about every two or three weeks about four times during the induction phase. The induction phase is followed by a maintenance phase during which the subject is administered anti-PD-1 antibody alone at a dose of about 0.1 mg / kg, about 0.3 mg / kg, about 1 mg / kg, about 2 mg / kg, about 3 mg / kg, about 5 mg / kg or about 10 mg / kg about every two or three weeks, as long as the treatment is effective or until unmanageable toxicity or disease progression occurs. In some embodiments, nivolumab is administered at a dose of about 3 mg / kg body weight about every two weeks during the maintenance period.

[0165] In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody and the anti-CTLA-4 antibody are formulated as a single composition, wherein the dose of the anti-PD-1 antibody and the dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody are combined in a fixed dose of 1:50, 1:40, 1:30, 1:20, 1:10, 1:5, 1:3, 1:1, 3:1, 5:1, 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, 40:1 or 50:1 ratio. In some embodiments, the dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is a flat dose given to the patient regardless of body weight. In some embodiments, the flat dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is at least about 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 140 mg, 160 mg, 180 mg or 200 mg. In a specific embodiment, the flat dose of the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is about 80 mg.

[0166] For the combination of nivolumab with other anti-cancer drugs, these drugs are administered at their approved doses. Treatment continues as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression occurs. Even then, in some embodiments, the doses of these anti-cancer drugs administered are significantly lower than the approved doses, i.e., subtherapeutic doses of the drugs are administered in combination with the anti-PD-1 antibody. The anti-PD-1 antibody can be administered at a dose that has been shown in clinical trials to produce the highest efficacy as a monotherapy, for example, about 3 mg / kg of nivolumab administered about once every 3 weeks (Topalian et al., (2012a) N Engl J Med 366:2443-54; Topalian et al., (2012b) Curr Opin Immunol 24:207-12), or at a significantly lower dose, i.e., subtherapeutic dose. In some embodiments, the anti-PD-1 antibody is administered at about 3 mg / kg about once every 2 weeks.

[0167] Dosage and frequency vary according to the half-life of the antibody in the subject. Generally, human antibodies show the longest half-life, followed by humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies and non-human antibodies. Dosage and frequency can vary according to whether the treatment is preventive or therapeutic. In preventive applications, relatively low doses are generally administered less frequently and for a long period of time. Some patients continue to receive treatment for life. In therapeutic applications, relatively high doses at relatively short intervals may be required until disease progression is reduced or stopped and until the patient shows partial or complete improvement of disease symptoms. The patient can then be administered a preventive regime.

[0168] The actual dosage level of one or more active ingredients in the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may vary in order to obtain an amount of active ingredient that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic effect for a particular patient, composition and mode of administration without excessive toxicity to the patient.The selected dosage depends on various pharmacokinetic factors, including the activity of the particular composition of the present invention used, the route of administration, the time of administration, the excretion rate of the particular compound used, the duration of treatment, other drugs, compounds and / or substances used in combination with the particular composition used, the age, sex, weight, condition, general health and previous medical history of the patient being treated, and similar factors well known in the medical field.The composition of the present invention may be administered by one or more routes of administration using one or more of a variety of methods well known in the art.As is well known to those skilled in the art, the route and / or mode of administration will vary depending on the desired result.

[0169] kit Also within the scope of the present invention are kits comprising an anti-PD-1 antibody for therapeutic use and, optionally, other anti-cancer agents. The kit generally includes a label indicating the intended use and instructions for use of the contents of the kit. The term label includes any writing or recording medium on or with the kit or that otherwise accompanies the kit. Thus, the present invention provides kits for treating a subject with Hodgkin's lymphoma, the kit including (a) an anti-cancer agent that is an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that specifically binds to the PD-1 receptor and inhibits PD-1 activity, at any dosage described herein; and, optionally, (b) instructions for using the anti-PD-1 antibody in any of the therapeutic methods described herein. In some embodiments, the kit optionally includes other anti-cancer agents (e.g., doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) and instructions for the use of the agent. In some embodiments, the kit further includes, between (a) and (b), instructions for measuring PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of the tumor. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises reagents for measuring PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression of a tumor. In certain embodiments, PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is measured using an anti-PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof.

[0170] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as further limiting. The contents of all references cited throughout this specification are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0171] CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR-FILED APPLICATIONS: This invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 344,880, filed June 2, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. EXAMPLES

[0172] Example 1 Treatment of cHL with nivolumab monotherapy after failure of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) followed by brentuximab vedotin This phase 2 trial determined the efficacy and safety of nivolumab monotherapy in patients with cHL after failure of ASCT and subsequent brentuximab vedotin. The primary endpoint of this trial included objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by an independent radiological review committee (IRRC). Secondary endpoints included: 1) IRRC-assessed complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and duration of response (DOR); 2) investigator-assessed ORR and DOR; 3) safety; and 4) quality of life (QoL).

[0173] method Clinical Trial Design This trial was part of an ongoing, multicenter, non-comparative, multi-cohort, phase 2 registrational trial in patients with cHL from 34 trial sites in Europe, Canada, and the United States.

[0174] As shown in Figure 1 , key inclusion criteria included 1) prior treatment with ASCT followed by brentuximab vedotin; and 2) (i) failure to achieve greater than PR after most recent treatment, (ii) relapse after CR, or (iii) progressive disease (PD) after PR or stable disease (SD).

[0175] Patients who met the inclusion criteria above were administered nivolumab at a dose of 3 mg / kg every 2 weeks. Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients had the option to discontinue nivolumab treatment at any time and choose to proceed to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) (see Figure 1).

[0176] evaluation Patients were assessed for efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) associated with nivolumab treatment.

[0177] Efficacy was determined by assessing tumor response according to the 2007 IWG criteria. During the first year, tumor response was measured using CT or MRI at baseline and at weeks 9, 17, 25, 37, and 49. Thereafter, tumor response was measured every 16 weeks until week 97. After week 97, response was measured every 26 weeks. FDG-PET scans were also performed at baseline and at weeks 17 and 25.

[0178] Safety was determined by evaluation of all treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), which were classified based on severity and included fatigue, infusion-related reactions, rash, fever, arthralgia, nausea, diarrhea, pruritus, and pneumonitis (see Table 4).

[0179] Quality of life was determined using the EQ-5D and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30).

[0180] statistical analysis The originally planned sample size for the trial was 60 patients, which would provide approximately 93% power to exclude the null hypothesis of an ORR of ≤20%, assuming an ORR of 40% and considering a two-sided alpha of 5%. However, 80 patients were enrolled due to high investigator demand and the possibility of a high rate of screening failure.

[0181] Time to response estimates were summarized using the Kaplan-Meier method.

[0182] result patient A total of 80 patients with cHL were enrolled and received nivolumab treatment. Baseline characteristics of enrolled patients are provided in Table 2. At the time of database lock, 51 of 80 patients (64%) remained on nivolumab treatment. The median number of times received was 17 (range 3-25). Of the 29 patients who discontinued nivolumab treatment, the primary reasons for discontinuation included disease progression (n=13) and SCT (allo-SCT, n=5; autologous SCT, n=1). At the time of transplant, the best response was CR (n=1), PR (n=3), and SD (n=2). At the time of data cutoff, all patients were alive. [Table 2] Data are presented as n (%) unless otherwise stated. a Excluding high-dose preparative regimens prior to ASCT

[0183] Effectiveness Objective response rate (ORR) The ORR as assessed by the IRRC and the investigator is provided in Table 3. The median time to first objective response was 2.1 months (range 1.6–5.7 months). As assessed by the IRRC, 53 of 80 patients (66%) had a reduction in tumor burden, with 7 patients having a complete response. As assessed by the investigator, 58 patients (73%) had a reduction in tumor burden, and of these patients, 22 had a complete response. This discrepancy in complete response was based mostly on FDG-PET scan interpretation, and was not considered to meaningfully affect clinical activity interpretation, as 3 / 19 investigator-assessed complete responses were assessed as at least partial responses by the IRRC. The IRRC ORR was 72% (n=43) in patients who had not previously responded to the most recent brentuximab vedotin. [Table 3] Data are presented as n (%) unless otherwise stated. aPost-baseline tumor assessments were not available or assessments were not available prior to or on the day of subsequent treatment (if any). b No radiological assessment after first dose

[0184] Duration of Response (DOR) After a median follow-up of 8.9 months, the median DOR was 7.8 months (95% CI 6.6 to not estimable (NE)).

[0185] Response summary and target lesion changes At the time of analysis, 62% of responders were assessed by the IRRC as continuing to respond to nivolumab treatment (see Figure 2A). All but one patient had a ≥ 50% reduction in tumor burden from baseline (see Figure 2B). This patient had a negative FDG-PET scan.

[0186] A total of 9 patients continued nivolumab after progression. As shown in Figure 2C, 6 of 9 patients maintained tumor reduction in target lesions by investigator assessment.

[0187] Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) The median PFS for nivolumab-treated patients was 10 months, as shown in Figure 3. At 6 months, PFS was 77% (95% CI 65%-85%), and OS rate was 99% (95% CI 91%-100%).

[0188] safety Adverse events (AEs) of any cause were reported in 79 of 80 patients (99%), with severe AEs (grade 3-4) reported in 20 patients (25%). Study drug-related AEs were reported in 72 patients (see Table 4). Interstitial pneumonitis was observed in 2 patients (3%; grade 1 / 2 and grade 3) between the first and 35 days after the last dose and was considered study drug related.

[0189] All-cause AEs requiring discontinuation of nivolumab treatment included autoimmune hepatitis (n=1), elevated alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels (n=1), and multiorgan failure (n=1). Three deaths were reported due to disease progression (n=1), undetermined causes after loss to follow-up (n=1), and multiorgan failure due to Epstein-Barr virus-positive T-cell lymphoma (n=1).

[0190] 1. The most frequently reported AEs of particular interest unrelated to causality included dermatological (41%); gastrointestinal (26%); hypersensitivity / infusion-related reactions (21%); and endocrine (18%), hepatic (10%), renal (5%) and pulmonary (1%) events. [Table 4] Data are shown as n (%) a AEs occurring within 30 days of last dose

[0191] Quality of Life Mean EQ-5D visual analog scores increased over time with nivolumab treatment. EORTC QLQ-C30 also showed trends of improvement from baseline across functional scores, symptom scores, and global health scores.

[0192] conclusion In this registrational trial in patients with cHL failing ASCT and brentuximab vedotin, nivolumab monotherapy yielded the following observations: 1) 66.3% of patients demonstrated an objective response rate (ORR) as assessed by IRRC; 2) preliminary durability of response was encouraging, with 62% of patients remaining responsive at data cutoff (median duration of response 7.8 months) and median PFS 10.0 months; and 3) an acceptable safety profile with mostly grade 1 or 2 AEs and no new safety concerns for solid tumors.

[0193] Example 2 A Phase 2 Study of a Nivolumab-Containing Regimen in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma the goal The primary objective of this trial is to evaluate the overall safety and tolerability of nivolumab monotherapy followed by nivolumab in combination with AVD (doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage cHL, assessed as patients who experienced ≥ grade 3–5 treatment-related AEs between the first dose and 30 days after the last dose.

[0194] Secondary objectives of this trial are: 1) safety and tolerability of nivolumab monotherapy and in combination with AVD; 2) monotherapy, combination with AVD and overall treatment discontinuation rates; and 3) clinical activity based on complete response (CR) rate assessed by an independent radiological review committee using the 2007 International Working Group criteria.

[0195] The objectives of this trial include 1) objective response rate and 2) progression-free survival (PFS).

[0196] Clinical Trial Design This is a single-arm, open-label, Phase 2 trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of nivolumab monotherapy followed by the combination of nivolumab with AVD in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage cHL. The trial will be conducted in eight countries in North America and the EU, with planned enrollment of 50 patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage cHL.

[0197] As described in Table 5, key inclusion criteria for enrollment in this trial included: 1) newly diagnosed, previously untreated cHL (excluding corticosteroid use); 2) adults ≥18 years of age; 3) advanced stage (IIB, III, and IV) disease; 4) presence of ≥1 lesion >15 mm in diameter; and 5) ECOG activity index ≤1. Exclusion criteria included: 1) known CNS lymphoma; 2) known nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL; 3) active interstitial pneumonia; 4) active or suspected autoimmune disease; and 5) HIV. + or Hepatitis B / C. [Table 5] CNS = central nervous system

[0198] As shown in Figure 4, patients who meet the above inclusion criteria will first receive nivolumab alone (240 mg) every 2 weeks for 4 cycles ("monotherapy phase"). Then, patients will receive nivolumab in combination with AVD (240 mg) every 2 weeks for 6 combo cycles ("combination phase"). Patients will first be observed for up to 2 years after their last treatment ("observation phase"). If no recurrence occurs during the observation phase, patients will be followed up for an additional 5 years for survival analysis.

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising nivolumab for treating a subject having a tumor derived from Hodgkin's lymphoma, wherein the subject has not responded to prior treatment comprising (i) autologous stem cell therapy, (ii) brentuximab vedotin, or both (i) and (ii), wherein nivolumab is administered at a flat dose of 480 mg once every four weeks.

2. 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein (i) the subject was unsuccessful in achieving a partial response after a prior treatment, (ii) the subject has relapsed after a complete response after a prior treatment, and / or (iii) the subject has experienced disease progression after a partial response or stable disease after a prior treatment.

3. 3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the subject is further administered doxorubicin, vinblastine and dacarbazine.

4. The pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the subject is not administered bleomycin.

5. Doxorubicin 25 mg / m2 administered approximately once every 2 weeks ２ and vinblastine at a dose of 6 mg / m ２ and dacarbazine at a dose of 375 mg / m ２ The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 3 or 4, which is administered at a dose of

6. The pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Hodgkin's lymphoma has a genetic alteration at 9p24.

1.

7. The pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Hodgkin's lymphoma expresses PD-L1 and / or PD-L2.

8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 7, wherein PD-L1 and / or PD-L2 expression is in at least 1% of tumor cells of the Hodgkin's lymphoma that express PD-L1 and / or PD-L2.

9. The pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the subject exhibits progression-free survival for at least one month after the start of administration.

10. The pharmaceutical composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the subject exhibits an overall survival of at least one month after initial administration.

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