Hyper-CVAD Compared With BFM-like Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

BackgroundSeveral induction regimens have been developed for treatment of adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, only a few prospective randomized trials have directly compared these regimens.Patients and MethodsIn this report, we retrospectively evaluated the outcome of 62 adult ALL patients treated with either hyper-CVAD (hyper fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone; n = 38) or a BFM (Berlin–Frankfurt–Munster)-like regimen (n = 24) between November 2000 and January 2016 at the American university of Beirut Medical Center in Lebanon. The feasibility of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for those patients was also evaluated.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 29 (range, 1-129) months. Fifteen (39%) and 10 (42%) patients underwent allo-SCT in the hyper-CVAD and BFM-like group, respectively. At the time of the last follow-up, 28 patients (74%) were in complete remission in the hyper-CVAD group versus 18 patients (75%) in the BFM-like group. Of those, 20 patients (53%) versus 11 patients (46%) were minimal residual disease-negative at the last follow-up, respectively. The 3-year overall survival rate (71.9% vs. 76.9%; P = .808) and 3-year disease-free survival (54.7% vs. 76.4%; P = .435) were similar in hyper-CVAD group compared with the BFM-like group, respectively. Both chemotherapies were relatively well tolerated.ConclusionOverall, despite the older age and a greater number of patients with high-risk category (including Philadelphia chromosome-positive) in the hyper-CVAD group, this did not translate into a difference in survival outcome between the 2 groups. The hyper-CVAD regimen appears to be feasible for adult patients with ALL in terms of tolerability and efficacy.     

Real-World Outcomes of Adult B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Treated With Inotuzumab Ozogamicin

BackgroundInotuzumab ozogamicin (InO) is an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody–drug (calicheamicin) conjugate that has shown superior efficacy compared to conventional chemotherapy in relapsed/refractory (RR) B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) patients. We sought to find the safety and efficacy of InO in a real-world setting.Patients and MethodsA multicenter cohort analysis on 84 RR ALL patients who received InO outside of clinical trials was conducted to evaluate response and toxicity.ResultsThe median (range) age of patients at InO initiation was 50 (20-87) years. Forty patients (48%) had ≥ 3 therapies and 23 patients (27%) underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HCT) before InO. The median (range) number of cycles of InO provided was 2 (1-6), and cumulative dose was 3.3 (1.8-9.3) mg/m². Overall response rate (complete remission/complete remission with incomplete count recovery) was 63%; 44% had complete remission with minimal residual disease negativity. Twenty-three patients (27%) with response received allo-HCT. The median duration of response was 11.5 months and when censored at allo-HCT was not reached (51% in remission at 2 years). The median overall survival after InO was 11.6 months and when censored at time of allo-HCT was 13.6 months. The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events observed were transaminitis (16%), hyperbilirubinemia (5%), bleeding (4%), veno-occlusive disease (2%), and hyperglycemia (2%). In multivariate analysis, allo-HCT after InO did not retain favorable significance for duration of response (hazard ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.61; P = .2) or overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-3.25; P = .85).ConclusionInO was well tolerated and had significant efficacy in RR B-cell ALL patients.     

Oligoclonal Immunoglobulin Gene Rearrangements in Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The occurrence of more than two rearranged bands of immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) genes in B precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has recently been documented. To elucidate the nature of such leukemias, we studied 30 patients with common ALL, including 6 patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph¹)-positive ALL, by immunophenotyping and genotyping. In 10 of the 30, Southern blotting showed oligoclonal patterns of IgH gene arrangements, which were frequently detected in Ph¹-positive ALL. In one patient of the 10, three rearranged bands of Ig k chain genes were detected. Ph¹ abnormality and co-expression of myeloid associated antigens were found in 5 and 5 of the 10, respectively. Detection of multiple fragments of IgH genes would be suggestive of multipotent progenitor origin of these ALL.     

Favorable Outcomes With Tumor Burden Reduction Following Administration of Hypomethylating Agents Before Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients With Higher Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

IntroductionThe clinical significance of tumor burden reduction following administration of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) for transplant-eligible patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) was evaluated.Patients and MethodsData of 79 transplant-eligible patients (< 65 years) diagnosed with higher-risk MDS between July 2002 and March 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 79 patients, 30 (38%) underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT group), and 49 (62%) were treated with HMA alone (non-HCT group).ResultsThe median follow-up duration was 732 days (range, 28-1952 days), and the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of all patients was 30.6%. In the HCT group, early HCT showed a better 3-year OS rate than late HCT (67.1% vs. 25.7%; P = .035). In multivariate analysis, time/performance of allogenic transplant (no HCT vs. early HCT, hazard ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.81; P = .026) and follow-up higher risk International Prognostic Scoring System (hazard ratio, 6.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.09-18.51; P = .001) were significantly correlated with OS.ConclusionTo predict the clinical outcomes of patients with higher risk MDS, the optimal time for tumor burden evaluation is prior to follow-up rather than at the time of initial diagnosis. Patients with lower International Prognostic Scoring System risk groups after HMA treatment or early HCT had favorable OS.     

Molecular Diagnosis of the Philadelphia Chromosome in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The Philadelphia (Ph¹) chromosome was the first specific chromosomal abnormality to be consistently associated with a particular neoplasm, in this case chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML,)¹. Formed by a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22², the 22q-, or Ph¹ chromosome is found in the malignant cells of more than 90% of patients with CML³. The presence of the molecular equivalent of a Ph¹ chromosome is such a consistent finding in CML that it IS now the basis of a diagnostic test in routine clinical use.     

非清髓性同种造血干细胞移植治疗恶性实体瘤13例

目的:探讨非清髓性同种外周血造血干细胞移植治疗复发及难治性实体瘤的疗效及安全性,并研究移植物抗肿瘤效应(GVT)产生的抗肿瘤免疫效果.方法:13例患者.其中原发不明癌5例,其他经手术,放、化疗治疗后复发及多部位转移,难治性实体瘤8例.年龄17～69岁,中位年龄45岁.ECOG分级:0级5例,1级6例,2、3级各1例.全部患者给予非清髓性预处理方案进行同种外周血造血干细胞移植.供者为HLA完全相合者10例,非血缘关系者3例.ABO血型相合9例,不相合者4例.采集CD34~+数为1.4～6.6×10~4/kg,平均为3.46×10~6/kg.预处理方案三种:供者为同胞的患者采用环磷酰胺+氟达拉宾方案;非血缘供者患者采用氟达拉宾+马法兰方案.移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)防治采用环孢素A或加用甲氨蝶呤.疗效判定以治疗前后肿瘤大小做为移植物抗肿瘤(GVT)效果判定.同时观察同种造血干细胞移植的副作用.结果:全部患者均获造血重建,移植后中性粒细胞>0.5×10~9/L平均时间11.9天,血小板>20×10~9/L平均时间14.9天,不良反应主要表现为胃肠道、皮肤黏膜及神经系统.急性GVHD9例,经治疗后好转.慢性GVHD8例,均为广泛型.GVT效应:1例GVT+++,肿瘤完全消失,无瘤生存887天.3例GVT++,无瘤生存334天.5例GVT+,无瘤生存117～203天.移植效果:以持续3个月以上统计,CRI例,PR2例,SD4例,PD5例,移植相关死亡1例.总有效率为53.8%.不良反应:主要为急性GVHD,表现为胃肠道反应如腹泻,感染等,肝静脉血栓及脑病少见,经对症治疗好转.结论:对复发及难治性实体瘤,特别是原发不明癌采用非清髓性同种外周血造血干细胞移植可提高疗效,并通过移植物抗肿瘤效应使瘤体减小,延长患者生存期.本疗法具有较好的安全性.     

Role of Allogeneic HCT as Postremission Therapy for Transplant-Eligible Adult Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma After Frontline Hyper-CVAD

BackgroundHyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with cytarabine and methotrexate (hyper-CVAD) is a commonly used regimen in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)/lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). Adult patients fit for pediatric-inspired protocols have an excellent outcome with chemotherapy alone. However, it is unclear whether patients receiving hyper-CVAD should undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as postremission therapy. Our aim was to examine the role of HCT at first complete remission (CR1) in adult ALL/LBL after hyper-CVAD.Patients and MethodsAdult patients with newly diagnosed ALL/LBL receiving frontline hyper-CVAD from 2008 to 2018 were identified and records retrospectively extracted.ResultsA total of 85 patients were identified and included for further analysis. The median (range) age was 23 (14-68) years, and 56 (66%) were male. A total of 24 (28%) had adverse cytogenetics, and 48 (56%) had at least one risk factor. All patients received hyper-CVAD as induction; induction failure was seen in 10 (12%). A total of 38 patients continued the hyper-CVAD course, while the remaining 47 received HCT in CR1. Three-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival for the entire cohort were 51.4% and 61.6%, respectively. Median follow-up of alive patients was 39.9 (3.8-123.8) months. At multivariable analysis for EFS, induction failure was associated with worse outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-13.7; P = .003), whereas HCT in CR1 improved outcome (HR, 0.42; 95% CI 0.18-0.97; P = .044). Furthermore, HCT in CR1 was the only prognostic factor for overall survival (HR, 0.3; 95% CI 0.11-0.85; P = .023).ConclusionHCT at CR1 resulted in a favorable EFS and overall survival in ALL/LBL patients after hyper-CVAD frontline therapy. Given that hyper-CVAD is a widely used protocol for adult patients, further examination of this observation is warranted.     

自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例临床研究

恶性胸膜间皮瘤(MPM)的常规治疗效果不好，存在免疫抑制作用。用肿瘤浸润性淋巴细胞(TIL)抗肿瘤．是近年来过继免疫治疗的一个新途径。我们用TIL，白细胞介素2(IL-2)、干扰素(IFN)协同治疗3例MPM，初步观察效果较好。     

Clinical Outcomes of Fludarabine and Melphalan With an 800 cGy Total Body Irradiation Conditioning Regimen in Patients With Refractory or Relapsed Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

IntroductionAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with reduced-intensity conditioning is an effective therapeutic option for patients with refractory or relapsed aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated survival outcomes and the efficacy of our fludarabine/melphalan/total body irradiation (TBI) (FMT) regimen. A total of 89 patients had received the FMT regimen from 2007 to 2017.ResultsThe majority of patients (n = 81; 91%) belonged to the histologic subtype of aggressive NHL. The estimated 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival for the entire cohort during a median follow-up of 31 months were 47.1% (95% confidence interval, 36%-57%) and 45.4% (95% confidence interval, 35%-56%), respectively. The cumulative incidence rates of relapse and non-relapse mortality at 3 years were 33.1% and 13.8%, respectively. In analyses of risk factors affecting survival outcomes, chemosensitive disease status at transplant (hazard ratio [HR], 2.45; P = .010), delayed relapse after first-line chemotherapy (HR, 2.101; P = .009), no grade III to IV acute graft-versus-host disease (HR, 11.212; P < .001), and mild chronic graft-versus-host disease (HR, 0.448; P = .016) were independent significant predictors of favorable overall survival. Also, similar parameters were related to favorable disease-free survival. All non-hematologic toxicities occurred within 50 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and most of the adverse events were tolerable and manageable with a < 30% incidence.ConclusionOur FMT regimen shows favorable transplant outcomes with relatively low-risk toxicities, so it may be a promising strategy for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL.     

自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例临床研究

本文报告自体造血干细胞移植治疗急性白血病50例,其中,未净化自体骨髓移植(ABMT)10例,净化后自体骨髓移植(PABMT)22例,自体外周血干细胞移植(ASHSCT)18例.3年无病生存率,3组分别为75%、69.9%、72.7%.复发率分别为36.6%、27.2%、31.4%.确诊到缓解(CR)时间<2月、CR到移植时间>6月、预处理方案化疗放疗(TBI)及急性髓细胞白血病(AML)3年无病生存率较高,复发率较低.     

异基因造血干细胞移植后白血病复发的危险因素

目的探讨异基因造血干细胞移植后白血病复发的危险因素。方法回顾性选择71例行异基因造血干细胞移植术的白血病患者,采用单因素、COX多因素回归法分析71例患者性别、年龄、疾病类型、诱导疗程数、初诊白细胞计数、巨细胞病毒感染、移植物来源、供受者HLA配型、急性移植后移植物抗宿主病、慢性移植后移植物抗宿主病与复发的相关性。结果71例患者中14例复发。单因素分析结果表明,初诊白细胞计数、诱导疗程数、移植物来源及慢性移植物抗宿主病史是异基因造血干细胞移植后复发的危险因素,P<0.05;Cox多因素回归分析结果表明,诱导疗程数多、无慢性移植物抗宿主病是异基因造血干细胞移植后复发的独立危险因素,P<0.05。结论无慢性移植物抗宿主病、诱导疗程数多是异基因造血干细胞移植后复发的危险因素。     

Role of Sequential Monitoring of WT1 Gene Expression in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia for the Early Detection of Leukemia Relapse

Background

Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) mRNA expression is a universal marker of minimal residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the ability of serial measurement of peripheral blood WT1 mRNA levels to predict relapse in patients with AML in remission.

Long-Term Results of Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is widely performed in both adult and high-risk pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Nevertheless, there is still a lack of definitive data concerning its real effectiveness in prolonging the survival of these patients. Between 1984 and 1992, 20 ALL patients in first, second and third complete remission (CR) underwent autografting in the BMT Unit of the University of Milan. This series included 3 children in CR after one or more hematological relapses while all the other patients were adult. Autologous bone marrow was harvested during the same disease phase as that in which the autologous BMT was performed. The conditioning regimen included high-dose Ara-C, cyclophosphamide and TBI 1000 cGy. Successful engraftment occurred in all patients; no early deaths or deaths in CR were recorded, making disease-free survival and event-free survival (EFS) curves superimposable. The overall chance of EFS at 72 months was 41%: 57% for patients in first CR, 53% for patients autografted after one or more isolated meningeal relapse, 14% for patients autografted after one or more hematological relapse. The present data do not provide any evidence to support a role for autologous BMT in prolonging EFS in first CR ALL patients. Nevertheless, the results after meningeal relapse seem to be favourable when compared with the disappointing prospects of these patients after conventional chemotherapy. The EFS after hematological relapse revealed by this study does not significantly differ from that reported in the majority of other studies: the efficacy of autologous BMT in these ALL patients is doubtful.     

异基因造血干细胞移植治疗复发性急性白血病

目的　探索异基因造血干细胞移植 (Allo HSCT)治疗复发性急性白血病的可行性。方法　 2例患者均为早期复发的急性白血病患者 ,1例由台湾慈济会骨髓捐赠中心提供HLA配型完全相同的非亲缘性骨髓血。另 1例则由其胞弟提供外周血干细胞。两者均予改良的马利兰 ,环磷酰胺 (BU/CY)方案进行预处理。移植物抗宿主病 (GVHD)的预防两者均用环胞菌素A (CSA)、甲氨蝶呤(MTX) ,例 1还加用霉酚酸酯 (MMF)。例 2采用供者淋巴细胞输注 (DLI)预防白血病复发。结果　移植后两者均获造血重建 ,中性粒细胞 (ANC) >0 5× 10 9/L ,血小板 (BPC) >2 0× 10 9/L的时间例 1为移植后第 2 1天及 72天 ;例 2为第 10天及 15天 ,前者第 43天骨髓染色体检查由 46 ,XY转为 46 ,XX ,第 113天血型由B转为供者型O ;后者第 14天骨髓染色体检查由移植前的 46 ,XX转为移植后的 46 ,XY。移植过程例 1发生严重的急性移植物抗宿主病 (aGVHD) ,6个月后死于间质性肺炎 (IP)。 2例患者在 3～ 6个月的随访中均无复发。结论　通过GVHD及DLI所介导的移植物抗白血病效应 (GVL) ,可以使复发性急性白血病患者获得移植后长期造血重建。     

Safety and Efficacy of Blinatumomab in Combination With a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for the Treatment of Relapsed Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Leukemia

ObjectiveThe treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia has been revolutionized with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and the combination of these agents with chemotherapy. Blinatumomab is a bispecific anti-CD3/CD19 monoclonal antibody with clinical activity as single-agent in the relapsed setting and independent of BCR-ABL1 mutational status, including T315I. The combination of blinatumomab with a TKI may further improve outcomes for this high-risk population, including higher eradication of minimal residual disease and minimize the use of chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively studied 12 adults with relapsed/refractory Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 9) and chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (n = 3), treated with the combination blinatumomab and a TKI (ponatinib, n = 8; dasatinib, n = 3; bosutinib, n = 1). All patients have previously failed at least 1 line of chemotherapy, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and 1 class of TKIs. Patients were treated for either overt hematologic relapse (n = 6) or persistent minimal residual disease following other regimens (n = 6).ResultsThe complete hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular response rates were 50% (3/6), 71% (5/7), and 75% (9/12), respectively. Two cases of grade 2 cytokine release syndrome were observed, all of which resolved with steroids and tocilizumab. No cardiovascular adverse events were encountered. With a median follow-up of 8 months, the median survival was not reached; the 6-month and 1-year overall survival rates were 73%.ConclusionsThe combination of blinatumomab with TKI is safe and effective in patients with relapsed/refractory Ph+ disease. Prospective studies are warranted.     

Impact of Insurance Status on Survival Outcomes in Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): A Single-center Experience

BackgroundSocioeconomic factors including race, ethnicity, and poverty level have been associated with disparities in survival among adult patients with acute leukemia. Insurance status is also likely to affect survival outcomes in these patients but has not been well studied. We investigated the impact of insurance status at time of diagnosis on survival in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Patients and MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with B-lineage ALL between January 1, 2007 and October 31, 2017 were included, with follow-up through January 19, 2018. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for the 2 groups. Cox proportional hazard regression methods were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 136 patients were included in the study, 29 without insurance and 107 with insurance at time of diagnosis. Patients without insurance were younger and more likely to be Hispanic or Latino compared with insured patients. When controlling for confounding variables, patients without insurance had worse PFS. There was no statistically significant difference in OS between the 2 groups. Hispanic or Latino ethnicity was associated with improved PFS and OS in multivariate analyses.ConclusionsAdult patients with ALL without health insurance at time of diagnosis had worse PFS when controlling for other relevant clinical factors. Lack of insurance may be an obstacle to timely, effective maintenance therapy in the outpatient setting. Further research is needed to understand how insurance status impacts survival and ways to mitigate any disparities.     

Efficacy and Feasibility of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background

Refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) includes AML includes failure of disease to respond to standard induction chemotherapy, relapse within 6 months after first CR, and 2 or more relapses. The outcome of these patients is usually very poor; only a small proportion can be rescued by allogenic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of allo-HSCT in patients with refractory AML.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in a County Hospital System

BackgroundMajor advances in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) over the past decade have resulted in 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of 80% in mature B cell ALL, 50% in precursor B cell ALL, 50% to 60% in T cell ALL, and 60% to 70% in Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) ALL, as reported in studies from large, specialized centers. However, many patients treated in the community have limited access to novel therapies and stem cell transplantation (HSCT).Patients and MethodsThe purpose of this retrospective cohort analysis was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients ≥ 16 years with newly diagnosed ALL treated from October 2007 to June 2019 in the Harris County Health System, Houston, TX.ResultsOne hundred forty-six patients were included, with newly diagnosed pre-B-ALL (n = 127), T-ALL (n = 18), and chronic myeloid leukemia and/or lymphoid blast crisis (n = 1). Median age was 35 years (16-82) at diagnosis, and 81(55%) were male. The majority of patients with pre-B ALL identified as Hispanic (n = 118, or 92%). Ninety-eight (67%) of patients were uninsured or indigent, receiving care under the county's financial assistance programs. Hyper-CVAD-based induction chemotherapy was administered in 134 (92%) of patients, while 9 (6%) were treated on different protocols, and 3 (2%) were not treated due to early death, or patient refusal. Imatinib was the most common TKI used in 17 of 30 or 57% of patients with Ph+ disease. Out of 137 evaluable for response patients, 117 (85%) achieved complete remission (CR + CRi), 19 (14%) had refractory disease, and 1 (1%) died within 4 weeks of diagnosis. Median follow-up time was 50 months (1.5-135). For the entire study cohort, the median duration of CR/CRi was 15.4 months. Out of 62 patients who were eligible for consolidative HSCT at first CR, 52 (89%) did not receive it, with lack of insurance being the most common reason (n = 29, or 56%). Barriers to utilization of novel therapies such as blinatumomab or CAR-T were also observed. Patient-caused delays in administration of chemotherapy and treatment interruptions of at least 30 days were seen in 31(23%) patients. At 1, 2, and 5 years, relapse rates were 37%, 56%, and 70%. Recurrent and/or refractory disease was the cause of death in most patients (n = 69 [85%]). Five-year EFS and OS rates were 22% and 38% for patients with pre-B ALL, 24% and 44% for patients with T ALL, and 13% and 27% for patients with Ph+ ALL. Median OS was significantly increased (not reached [NR] vs. 24 months; P = .00088) in patients with an indication for HSCT in first CR due to high-risk features who underwent HSCT, versus those who did not.ConclusionAddressing barriers raised by socioeconomic disparities, increasing access to effective therapies, and including patients with ALL treated in the community in clinical trials may improve survival for underserved populations.