Summary

This phase I/Ib trial studies the side effects and best dose of ipilimumab or nivolumab in treating patients with cancers of the blood and blood-forming tissues (hematologic cancers) that have returned after a period of improvement (relapsed) after donor stem cell transplant. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as ipilimumab and nivolumab, may help the body’s immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.

Objectives

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of ipilimumab or nivolumab administered to patients with relapsed hematologic malignancies following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. (Phase I)
II. To characterize the toxicity of ipilimumab or nivolumab administered at the MTD in this patient population. (Phase Ib)

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
I. To assess response rate.
II. To assess progression free and overall survival.

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVE:
I. To assess the phenotypic and functional effects of ipilimumab or nivolumab on immune cells.

OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study.

INDUCTION PHASE: Patients receive ipilimumab intravenously (IV) over 90 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 21 days for 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also receive nivolumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Treatment repeats every 14 days for 8 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

MAINTENANCE PHASE: Patients receive ipilimumab IV over 90 minutes. Treatment repeats every 12 weeks beginning at cycle 5 (24 weeks after the first dose of ipilimumab) for up to 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients achieving clinical benefit will have the option to continue with ongoing maintenance dosing every 12 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also receive nivolumab IV over 30 minutes every 2 weeks in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Treatment repeats every 14 days for up to a total of 60 weeks (including Induction) in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up for 1 year.