Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for leukemia following piperazinedione and fractionated total body irradiation

Between 1980 and 1988, 126 patients with leukemia were treated with piperazinedione and fractionated total body irradiation (TBI) followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from HLA matched siblings. Sixty-one patients had acute myelogenous leukemia, 46 acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and 19 chronic myelogenous leukemia. Patients with acute leukemia in first complete remission were transplanted only if perceived to have a low probability of remaining in remission with conventional therapy. The toxicity from the preparative regimen was similar to that of cyclophosphamide and TBI except that none of the patients in the study had hemorrhagic cystitis or veno-occlusive disease. After a median follow up of 114 months, 29 patients (23%) are still alive without relapse. The survival of patients with acute myelogenous or lymphoblastic leukemia transplanted in their first remission were 35% and 43%, respectively. The survival of patients transplanted in their first chronic phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia was 60%. The results of this preparative regimen are comparable to those of cyclophosphamide and TBI. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fractionated total body irradiation and high-dose VP 16-213 followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in advanced leukemias

Thirty-eight patients (median age, 21 years) with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) (17 patients), acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL) (18 patients), chronic myelogenous leukemia (two patients), and refractory anemia received allogeneic bone marrow transplants from HLA-identical sibling donors or a one-antigen- mismatched brother (one patient) after a preparatory regimen consisting of fractionated total body irradiation and high-dose VP 16-213 (60 to 70 mg/kg body weight). Of the 33 patients with acute leukemia who received grafts from HLA-identical donors, three patients with ANLL received transplants in first remission and one patient with standard- risk ALL received a graft while in second remission. All other patients were in more advanced stages of their disease or exhibited other high- risk features. At the time of analysis, 20 of the 33 patients were alive, with 19 of them remaining in continued complete remission for 6 to 35 months (median, 18 months). The 3-year actuarial disease-free survival rate of 56.6% +/- 9.7% (SE) and the actuarial relapse rate of 11.9% +/- 6.8% (SE) demonstrate that the combination of fractionated total body irradiation and high-dose VP 16 is an effective mode of therapy in patients with advanced leukemias. Preliminary experience cautions against the use of VP 16 instead of cyclophosphamide in any clinical situation carrying an increased risk of graft rejection because the immunosuppressive potency of VP 16 is largely untested but may be inferior to that of cyclophosphamide.     

Fractionated total body irradiation and high-dose etoposide as a preparatory regimen for bone marrow transplantation for 99 patients with acute leukemia in first complete remission

Ninety-nine consecutive patients with acute leukemia in first complete remission under age 50 (median age 27 years; age range 1 to 47 years) with a histocompatible sibling donor were treated with fractionated total body irradiation (1,320 cGy) and high-dose etoposide (60 mg/kg) followed by allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Sixty-one patients were diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 34 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 3 patients with biphenotypic acute leukemia, and 1 patient with acute undifferentiated leukemia. Thirty of the 34 patients with ALL had at least one of the following high-risk factors: age greater than 30, white blood cell count at presentation > 25,000/microL, extramedullary disease, certain chromosomal translocations, or the need for greater than 4 weeks of induction chemotherapy to achieve first complete remission. Cumulative probabilities of disease-free survival and relapse at 3 years were 61% and 12%, respectively, for the 61 patients with AML and 64% and 12%, respectively, for the 34 patients with ALL. By stepwise Cox regression analysis, significant prognostic variables for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia were the presence of acute graft-versus-host disease and increasing age, whereas for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, significant variables were age and the development of cytomegalovirus-associated interstitial pneumonia. Complications related to graft-versus-host disease and relapse of leukemia were the major causes of death.     

Marrow transplantation for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first marrow remission

Forty-six patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first marrow remission underwent allogeneic marrow transplantation between August 1976 and June 1985. Thirty-four patients had no extramedullary disease after remission induction and 12 had extramedullary relapses prior to or at the time of marrow grafting. The conditioning regimen included cyclophosphamide followed by total body irradiation, 9.2-15.75 Gy, administered as a single dose or in six or seven daily fractions. Marrow donors were genotypically HLA-identical siblings. Methotrexate was given as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Forty-four patients had marrow engraftment. The incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD was 52%. Clinical chronic GVHD occurred in 21 patients. Eighteen patients are alive 1-9 years (median = 4.2 years) after marrow grafting, 15 of whom are in continuous complete remission. The estimated probability of relapse within 2 years (+/- standard error) is 41 +/- 9% and the probability of relapse-free survival at 5 years is 28 +/- 7%. Major causes of death were recurrent leukemia, acute GVHD and interstitial pneumonia. Actuarial probabilities of survival, relapse and disease-free survival were not significantly different between those patients who did and those who did not have extramedullary disease after attaining first marrow remission.     

Prospective Trial of High-Dose Chemotherapy Followed by Infusions of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells and Dose-Escalated Donor Lymphocytes for Relapsed Leukemia after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

To determine whether induction of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) improves the outcome of acute relapsed leukemia after stem cell transplantation (SCT), we used high-dose cytarabine (ara-C) followed by infusions of donor-derived buffy coats containing peripheral blood stem cells to treat 12 patients with relapsed leukemia. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) was repeated at least twice over a 5-week interval for patients in whom grade II to IV acute GVHD did not develop after the first DLI. Grade II to IV acute GVHD developed in 4 (33%) of the patients. Chronic GVHD developed in 3 patients, 2 of whom had not experienced acute GVHD. Four (67%) of the 6 patients who developed grade II to IV acute and/or chronic GVHD after DLI responded, but none of the other 6 patients responded. Four (33%) of the patients (2 with acute myelogenous leukemia [AML] and 2 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]) achieved complete remission lasting longer than 4 months after the first DLI, but 3 of them had relapses in bone sites. Of these 4 patients, 1 patient with AML and 2 with ALL were alive 8 to 27 months after DLI. These findings indicate that high-dose ara-C combined with megadose DLI may produce durable remission of acute leukemia that has relapsed after SCT when GVHD is induced. The low induction rate of GVHD and extramedullary relapse after remission is achieved with DLI are problems yet to be solved.     

Non-myeloablative conditioning with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for the treatment of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is a potentially curative treatment for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the majority of older adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are not candidates for myeloablative conditioning regimens. A non-myeloablative preparative regimen is a reasonable treatment option for this group. We sought to determine the outcome of non-myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic transplantation in patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Design and Methods

Fifty-one patients (median age 56 years) underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from sibling or unrelated donors after fludarabine and 2 Gray total body irradiation. Twenty-five patients had Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Eighteen of these patients received post-grafting imatinib.

Results

With a median follow-up of 43 months, the 3-year overall survival was 34%. The 3-year relapse/progression and non-relapse mortality rates were 40% and 28%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of grades II and III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease were 53% and 6%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease was 44%. Hematopoietic cell transplantation in first complete remission and post-grafting imatinib were associated with improved survival (P=0.005 and P=0.03, respectively). Three-year overall survival rates for patients with Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission and beyond first remission were 52% and 8%, respectively. For patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first remission who received post-grafting imatinib, the 3-year overall survival rate was 62%; for the subgroup without evidence of minimal residual disease at transplantation, the overall survival was 73%.

Conclusions

For patients with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first complete remission, non-myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, with post-grafting imatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive disease, can result in favorable long-term survival. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT0036738)     

Phase I-II trial of mitoxantrone in acute leukemia

Mitoxantrone was evaluated in a multi-institution trial to define the effective dose for treating acute leukemia, to evaluate its toxicity, and to assess the induction rates for the different types of acute leukemia. Fifty-seven patients have been treated. Of the 24 patients receiving mitoxantrone (10 mg/m2/day X 5), one of nine with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) in relapse, one of five with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapse, and one of seven with blastic chronic myelogenous leukemia achieved remission. At a dose of 12 mg/m2/day X 5, seven of 16 patients with ANLL in relapse, none of six with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relapse, and one of five with blastic chronic myelogenous leukemia achieved remission. At both dose levels, there was no response in patients who had failed to achieve a prior remission. Toxic effects included nausea/vomiting, stomatitis, and hepatic dysfunction. Nine of the 57 patients treated experienced cardiac events but cardiac toxicity seemed clinically significant in only three. We conclude that mitoxantrone, at a dose of 12 mg/m2/day X 5, is effective therapy for ANLL. Trials combining mitoxantrone with other agents are needed.     

Prevention of leukemic relapse after transplantation with lymphocyte depleted marrow by intensification of the conditioning regimen with a 6-day continuous infusion of anthracyclines

In the present study we have evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a 6-day continuous constant rate intravenous infusion of anthracyclines added to the standard conditioning regimen for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). In 22 consecutive recipients of a lymphocyte depleted bone marrow graft, either demethoxydaunomycin (n = 11) or daunorubicin (n = 11) were added to high-dose cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation. Five patients had acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia in first complete remission, six patients acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first or second complete remission, nine patients chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase and two patients refractory anemia with excess of blasts. After a median observation period of 18 months, only one leukemic relapse has been observed. Six patients died in the post-transplant period. In 17 of the 22 patients a severe, transient mucositis developed. No cardiac toxicity, as assessed with radioisotope studies, was observed. We conclude that anthracyclines may be effectively and safely incorporated in conditioning regimens before BMT, provided that they are administered as long-term continuous infusions in order to avoid toxicity due to excessive plasma levels.     

THE IMPACT OF LEUKEMIA STATUS AT THE TIME OF HLA-IDENTICAL SIBLING MARROW TRANSPLANTATION ON SUBSEQUENT COMPLICATION RATE AND SURVIVAL OF ADULTS WITH ACUTE LEUKEMIA

Between March 1981 and March 1985, 76 patients with acute leukemia were treated with cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg), 12 or 14 Gy total body irradiation, and an HLA-identical sibling marrow transplant. Forty-seven patients had acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) and 29 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Forty-one were transplanted during first remission and 28 during or after first relapse of their disease. An additional six patients were transplanted because their leukemia was refractory to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, and one was transplanted as initial therapy. Actuarial 42 month survival for those transplanted during first remission was 47% and for those transplanted in first relapse or later it was 22% (p = 0.02). There was no difference in either group between those with ANLL and those with ALL. Two of the six patients with refractory leukemia are alive more than 22 and more than 15 months after the transplant. The incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease and interstitial pneumonitis was 90% and 39%, respectively, for the first remission group, and 96% and 37% for those transplanted in first relapse or later. There was no significant difference in transplant-related mortality between the two groups (29% and 43%, respectively). The leukemia recurrence rate, however, was 13% for those transplanted in first remission and 67% for those transplanted in first relapse or later (p = 0.0003). Thus, the major factor determining the incidence of leukemia recurrence and survival after transplant was the status of the leukemia at the time of transplantation. These findings indicate that adults with acute leukemia who have an HLA-identical sibling should be transplanted in first remission, and that transplant-related mortality must be reduced urgently. (Aust NZ J Med 1986; 16: 462–469.)     

Long-term results of bone marrow transplantation for patients with AML, ALL and CML prepared with single dose total body irradiation of 500 cGy delivered with a high dose rate.

One hundred and sixty-six patients between the ages of 12 and 48 years with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation following single fraction total body irradiation (TBI) of 500 cGy from a cobalt source. Patients also received one of three chemotherapeutic regimens according to their diagnosis or disease status at time of transplant. The median follow-up was 67 months with a range of 33-120 months. The actuarial 5-year event-free survival (EFS) for the subgroup of patients with good risk disease (first complete remission AML and ALL or first chronic phase CML) was 43% with an actuarial relapse rate at 5 years of 26%. Patients with poor risk disease (other than first remission AML and ALL or other than first chronic phase CML) had an EFS at 5 years of 15% with a relapse rate of 62%. Disease status at the time of transplantation was the most important factor predicting outcome in this patient population. We conclude that preparation of good risk patients with chemotherapy and single fraction TBI of 500 cGy at a dose rate of 42-91 cGy/min resulted in EFS and relapse rates similar to those observed by centers using fractionated radiotherapy schedules, without a concomitant increase in toxicity, in particular interstitial pneumonitis and cataracts.     

Successful unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation for shwachman-diamond syndrome with leukemia

Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare congenital disorder featuring exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, growth retardation, and bone marrow dysfunction. Reports suggest that nearly 25% of all cases are complicated with leukemia. Although stem cell transplantation is the sole option for these patients, successful results are rarely obtained. Poor outcomes are often related to graft failure and cardiac and other organ toxicities. We describe in this report successful unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation for a patient with SDS who progressed to acute myelogenous leukemia. The patient received attenuated intensified chemotherapy because of his intolerance to ordinary chemotherapy and went into remission. Sustained unrelated donor bone marrow engraftment was accomplished after treatment with a reduced amount of cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin with 12 Gy of total body irradiation as a conditioning regimen. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation with complete engraftment for an SDS patient with myelogenous leukemia.     

HIGH INCIDENCE OF EARLY LEUKEMIC RELAPSE IN PATIENTS GIVEN CYCLOSPORIN AND T CELL DEPLETED HLA-IDENTICAL SIBLING MARROW TRANSPLANTS FOR ACUTE LEUKEMIA IN FIRST REMISSION*

:Twelve patients with acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANL, n = 6) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL, n = 6) in first complete remission received cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg and total body irradiation (TBI) 12 Gy followed by HLA-identical sibling marrow that had been depleted of T cells by incubation with anti-CD2 (with or without anti-CD8) monoclonal antibody and rabbit complement. These 12 patients were compared historically to 25 patients with ANL (n = 15) or ALL (n = 10) in first remission given cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg and TBI 12 Gy followed by non-T cell depleted HLA-identical sibling marrow for parameters of relapse and survival. Thirty-six of the 37 patients received cyclosporin as post transplant prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). All surviving patients have been followed for a minimum of one year from transplant. The actuarial rate of leukemic relapse in the T-depleted group was 62% compared to 37% in the non-depleted group (p< 0.02). Additionally, relapse occurred significantly earlier post transplant in the T-depleted recipients (p = 0.012). Actuarial survival at two years post transplant was 24% for the T-depleted recipients and 41 % at six years post transplant for the non-depleted recipients (not significant, p = 0.37). We have previously shown that GVHD is less severe in patients given T cell depleted transplants. Taken together, these findings suggest that (under the protocol conditions used) a graft-versus-leukemia effect is not separable from a GVHD effect in man. More effective anti-leukemia therapy must be devised before the benefit of T cell depletion can be applied to patients with ANL or ALL receiving HLA-identical sibling marrow transplants in first remission. (Aust NZ J Med 1988; 18: 587–593).     

High-dose cytosine arabinoside and mitoxantrone in previously-treated acute leukemia patients

35 patients with refractory or relapsed acute leukemia received salvage chemotherapy using high-dose cytosine arabinoside 2 g/m2 intravenously for 3 hours every 12 h, in 8 doses, followed by continuous infusion of mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2/day for 2 d. 9 patients had acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), (4 relapsed, 5 refractory), 20 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (11 relapsed, 9 refractory) and 6 had chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the blastic phase (BP). 4 out of 9 AML and 16 out of 20 ALL achieved complete remission. Median survival was 6 months for all patients and 10 months for responders. A short (1.5 months) chronic phase was achieved in 3 patients with CML. The main toxic effect was hematologic. A pharmacokinetic study was performed on mitoxantrone. No correlation was found with clinical response. The combination of mitoxantrone and ara-C is an effective antileukemic regimen, especially in ALL.     

Bone marrow transplantation for leukemia following a new busulfan and cyclophosphamide regimen

Busulfan 16 mg/kg and cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg were used as conditioning prior to allogeneic marrow transplantation in 50 adult patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). A standard risk group of 20 patients included those with acute leukemia in remission and CML in chronic phase. A high-risk group of 30 patients included individuals with refractory acute leukemia, acute leukemia in relapse, acute leukemia following preleukemia, and CML in accelerated and blastic phase. Complete remission and sustained complete engraftment were achieved in all evaluable patients. The duration of aplasia was remarkably short (median of 8 days), resulting in a low infection rate during the period of neutropenia, a reduced need for blood product support, and a short length of hospital stay. Three-year actuarial relapse-free survival in both standard-risk (88.9% +/- 10.5%) and high- risk (50.5% +/- 9.6%) groups compares favorably with that reported with total body irradiation (TBI) containing regimens.     

Bone marrow purging with mafosfamide — A critical survey

Summary Autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) is increasingly used to consolidate remissions, primarily in hematological disease. Various purging strategies have been developed to minimize the risk of reimplantation of tumor cells with the bone marrow autotransplant. Pharmacological purging with the oxazaphosphorine derivative mafosfamide has been studied extensively, and recent clinical data suggest that purging with mafosfamide may translate into superior remission duration if compared to nonpurged ABMT in acute leukemia. Chemical and experimental data relevant to mafosfamide-purging and clinical results are reviewed, with special emphasis on safety aspects.Abbreviations ABMT autologous bone marrow transplantation - AL acute leukemia - AlDH aldehydedehydrogenase - ALL acute lymphoblastic leukemia - AML acute myelogenous leukemia - BFU-E erythrocyte burst forming units - CALLA common ALL antigen - CFU colony forming units - CFU-E erythrocyte CFU - CFU-GM granulocyte-macrophage CFU - CFU-Mix mixed CFU - CFU-Mk megakaryocyte CFU - CFU-S spleen CFU - CML chronic myelogenous leukemia - CP Cyclophosphamide - CR complete remission - DFP probability to remain disease free - DFS probability to survive disease free - EBMTG European bone marrow transplantation group - GM-CSF granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor - GvHD graft versus host disease - ID-95 dose inhibiting 95% of colony growth - OH-CP hydroxy-cyclophosphamide - OOH-CP hydroperoxy-cyclophosphamide - TBI total body irradiation     

Unrelated bone marrow donor transplants for children with leukemia or myelodysplasia

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is the treatment of choice for many childhood leukemias. The donor of choice-an HLA matched sibling-is only available about 30% of the time. Unrelated donors are an alternative choice. In this report, we describe the results of unrelated donor bone marrow transplants (BMT) in 50 children with leukemia (25 acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], 3 acute myeloid leukemia [AML], 3 juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia [JCML], 10 chronic myeloid leukemia [CML]) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; 9). The median age of the 31 male and 19 female patients was 9 years (range 2 to 18). Only 13 patients were serologically matched at HLA-A, B, DR, and DQ with their donors; 6 of these were reactive in mixed lymphocyte culture. The other 37 patients were mismatched for one (36 patients) or more (1 patient) HLA antigens. Pretransplant conditioning included cytosine arabinoside, cyclophosphamide, fractionated total body irradiation (TBI) (with lung, liver, and more recently, kidney shielding), and methylprednisolone. High-risk patients also received busulfan. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of T- cell depletion with IgM monoclonal antibody T10B9 plus complement and posttransplant cyclosporine-A. Forty-nine patients (98%) engrafted. Median times to greater than 500 polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN)/microL and greater than 25,000 platelets/microL were 18 and 20 days, respectively. Acute GVHD > or = grade II occurred in 16 patients (33%); 13 (81%) of these died. Chronic GVHD developed in 30 of 40 patients at risk, but was extensive in only 5. Event-free survival (EFS) for all patients was 44% +/- 7% (median follow-up was 49 months), and overall survival was 50 +/- 7%. Patients with low-risk disease (ALL or AML in first or second remission and CML in chronic phase) had a better EFS than children with high-risk disease (60% v 34%, P = .07). There was no significant difference in EFS between patients who were serologically matched with their donors (46%) and those who were partially mismatched (43%) (P = .97). These data compare favorably with published reports for children transplanted with HLA-matched sibling donors and should encourage earlier consideration of unrelated donor BMT in children with leukemia or myelodysplasia.     

New leukemia in the course of therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We have recently observed the development of second leukemia of a morphologically different type in three patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) while on therapy. The "second" leukemia occurred while on therapy at 23, 27, and 32 months of initial remission. All three were receiving systemic chemotherapy (CT) and prophylactic fractional irradiation to the central nervous system (CNS). The second leukemias in these three cases were one case of juvenile chronic myelogenous leukemia (JCML) and two cases of acute leukemia of the myeloblastic type by the usual morphologic criteria including the presence of Auer rods in one. In two cases a cytogenetically new clone was detected in the remission marrow 10 and 12 months preceding the overt change in clinical status. These three cases demonstrate that second leukemia occurs in patients with ALL and that some late "relapses" fall into this categpry. The possible etiologic role of modern intensive treatment regimens in the development of second leukemia is discussed.     

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for hematological malignancies following therapy with high doses of busulphan and cyclophosphamide

Thirty patients with malignant hematological disease underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation following Busulphan (Bu) and Cyclophosphamide (Cy). The diseases were chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic and non lymphoblastic leukemia, myelofibrosis and multiple myeloma in complete remission and in relapse. A sustained disease-free survival (DFS) was achieved in 0/5 acute leukemia patients transplanted in relapse, in 5/7 acute leukemia patients transplanted in remission (600-1550 days) and in 6/9 CML patients transplanted in the chronic phase of the disease (500-950 days). A sustained DFS was also achieved in one 2nd BMT for relapsed CML. The data suggest that the Bu-Cy protocol combines high tumor ablative capability with toxicity comparable to previously described conditioning regimens for allogeneic BMT, particularly in diseases involving a great expansion of the bone marrow.     

Donor leukocyte infusion for Japanese patients with relapsed leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation: lower incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease and improved outcome

To clarify the role of donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) in the treatment of leukemia relapsing after allo-BMT, data from 100 patients were collected from 46 facilities in Japan and analyzed with respect to the efficacy and adverse effects of donor leukocyte infusion. Complete remission was achieved in 11 of 12 (91%) patients with relapsed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase, three of 11 (27%) with CML in the acute phase, eight of 21 (38%) with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), six of 23 (25%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and five of 11 (45%) with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The probability of remaining in CR at 3 years was 82% in CML patients in the chronic phase, but 0% in those with CML in the acute phase, 7% in those with AML, 0% with ALL and 33% with MDS. Acute GVHD (>/=2) developed in 31 of 89 (34%) patients with HLA-identical related donors and was fatal for seven (7%). Cytopenia developed in 21 of 94 (22%) with no associated fatalities. When the outcome of patients with CML in CP and MDS was analyzed, development of GVHD, cytopenia, or both, was associated with a higher GVL effect (15 of 16, 93%) than in those without adverse affects (one of 6, 17%). A leukocyte dose of 5 x 107/kg of recipient body weight appeared to be optimal as an initial dose of DLI. Given the relatively low incidence of acute GVHD and the similar GVL effect, DLI may be more beneficial to patients in Japan with recurrent leukemia than to those in Western countries. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 26, 769-774.     

Donor Leukocyte Infusion for Japanese Patients with Relapsed Leukemia After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation: Indications and Dose Escalation

Abstract: To clarify the role of dose escalation of donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) in the treatment of relapsed leukemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT), data from 100 patients were collected from 46 facilities in Japan and analyzed with respect to indications and infused cell dose. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 11 of 12 (91%) patients with relapsed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in the chronic phase, 3 of 11 (27%) with CML in the acute phase, 8 of 21 (38%) with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 6 of 23 (25%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 5 of 11 (45%) with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The probability of remaining in CR at 3 years was 82% in CML patients in the chronic phase, but 0% in those with CML in the acute phase, 7% in those with AML, 0% with ALL, and 33% with MDS. Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) (≥2) developed in 31 of 89 (34%) patients with human leukocyte antigen identical related donors and was fatal for 7 (7%). A leukocyte dose of 1 × 10⁷/kg of recipient body weight with CML in the chronic phase, 3 × 10⁷/kg of recipient body weight with MDS, and 1 × 10⁸/kg of recipient body weight with acute leukemia appeared to be optimal as an initial dose of DLI. However, the minimal dose of leukocyte developing fatal GVHD was 7 × 10⁷/kg of recipient body weight. These suggest that a relatively small dose of DLI ranging from 1 × 10⁷/kg to 5 × 10⁷/kg of recipient body weight should be administered initially then the infused escalating dose 2 or 3 months later in patients with CML in the chronic phase and MDS. However, a large number of leukocytes around 1 × 10⁸/kg are needed to induce graft versus leukemia effects in patients with acute leukemia despite a 7% fatality in GVHD.