Childhood leukemia with simultaneously expressed myeloid and lymphoid markers suggesting stem cell origin

A case study is presented of a leukemic patient whose cells express markers of both myeloid and lymphoid cells. Cells were identified from bone marrow which expressed either myeloid antigens, lymphoid antigens, or both myeloid and lymphoid antigens, indicating a possible common stem cell capable of differentiating along either a lymphoid or myeloid cell lineage. Using specific monoclonal antibodies, 40-70% of the cells were reactive with anti-T-cell antibodies, 50% of the cells were reactive with antibodies to the common ALL antigen (CALLA), and 80-90% of the cells were reactive with antibodies directed against myeloid antigens. Using double staining techniques, some cells were found to demonstrate only myeloid markers; others, only lymphoid markers; and others, both myeloid and lymphoid markers. These results suggest that a common stem cell is capable of differentiating along both lymphoid and myeloid lineages.     

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms in lymphoma survivors: Reducing risks

Treatment for Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has changed dramatically in the last fifty years. While there are increasing numbers of long-term survivors, there has been increasing recognition of the long-term toxicities of treatments, particularly therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/AML). The survival for t-MDS/AML is extremely poor. Multiple heterogeneous retrospective studies have reported risk factors for the development of t-MDS/AML. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been most closely examined as possible t-MDS/AML risk factors. In this paper, we will review the risks of t-MDS/AML for HL and NHL patients as reported in the literature and assess for any changes over time. In HL patients, the incidence of t-MDS/AML has decreased with a reduction in alkylating agents. In indolent NHL patients, we anticipate decreased incidence of t-MDS/AML as targeted therapies begin to replace cytotoxic chemotherapy.     

霍奇金淋巴瘤伴急性粒-单核细胞白血病1例并文献复习

目的:讨论霍奇金淋巴瘤伴急性粒-单核细胞白血病(AML-M4Eo)患者2种恶性血液系统疾病是否具有一定的相关性。方法:收集患者临床资料,骨髓细胞学,RT-PCR,FISH,查阅网络最新报道及数据库相关文献。结果:CBFβ/MYH11融合基因(+);染色体核型分析示47,XX,inv(16)(p13q22),+22;FISH inv(16)阳性率75%;免疫分型示HLA-DR、CD33、CD34、CD13、CD117、CD14等细胞相关抗原均为阳性,淋系明显受抑;2者尚未发现有交叉抗原及可能相关基因表达。结论:本例为来源于淋系干细胞和髓系干细胞2个不同克隆的细胞,2者之间并未有特定的联系。患者某种基因片段的不稳定性在外界某些因素如化疗和放疗等的诱导下引起突变,导致白血病的发生。     

Early plasmacytoid dendritic cell leukemia/lymphoma coexpressing myeloid antigenes

Early plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) leukemia/lymphoma has recently been described as a CD4⁺CD56⁺ lineage negative malignancy with characteristic clinical, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and biological features. We present a case of a 72-year-old man who was diagnosed with isolated skin involvement 30 months ago and received numerous chemotherapy cycles that did not prevent three relapses of the disease, the last two involving the bone marrow. The bone marrow was nearly completely infiltrated with small- to medium-sized blasts displaying a high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio, a cytoplasm with faint basophilia lacking granulations or Auer rods. Small vacuoles surrounding the nucleus were frequently observed. Flow cytometry showed CD4⁺, CD56⁺, CD45⁺, CD38⁺, HLA-DR⁺, CD33⁺, CD123⁺, CD2^–, cyCD3^–, CD7^–, CD10^–, CD11b^–, CD13^–, CD14^–, CD16^–, CD19^–, cyCD22^–, CD24^–, CD34^–, CD57^–, CD61^–, CD64^–, CD65^–, cyCD79a^–, CD117^–, MPO^–, and TdT^– population. At the second bone marrow relapse, CD117 was also positive. Our patient was initially treated with acute myeloid leukemia-type chemotherapy, later he was given acute lymphoblastic leukemia-type treatment, and at the last relapse he received CHOP chemotherapy. Each treatment led to rapid response of tumor manifestations with disease-free intervals of 7 months, 9 months, and 8 months, respectively. Although patients usually have an ominous prognosis, with only 25% living more than 24 months, our patient is alive after 30+ months and has again achieved complete remission after the last chemotherapy.     

Acute myeloid leukemia with T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement occurring in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case report

The association of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute leukemia, either lymphoid or myeloid is a rare event. Our review of the medical literature revealed only 6 cases of CLL transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (M0, M1 and M2) with no other associated malignancy. We report a similar case but with occurrence of AML-M4 associated with normal cytogenetic analysis and molecular testing but with positive T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement rather than the usual Vbeta rearrangement.     

Cutaneous pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma coexisting with myelodysplastic syndrome transforming into acute myeloid leukemia: successful treatment with a fludarabine-containing regimen

The coexistence of a primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and a T-cell cutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is an extremely rare event, which has so far only been reported in a single instance in the literature. We describe herein an additional case in which the lymphoid disease was combined with an MDS at the time of its evolution into acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Both diseases were successfully treated with a regimen containing fludarabine. We discuss possible pathogenetic mechanisms and suggest the use of nonalkylating drugs, such as fludarabine, for the treatment of this rare association of malignancies usually characterized by a very poor response to therapy.     

The immunophenotype of T-lymphoblastic lymphoma in children and adolescents: a Children's Oncology Group report

T-lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) and T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) are neoplasms derived from immature lymphoid cells of T-cell lineage. These neoplasms are biologically similar, but significant differences may exist between the two given their clinical differences. Although ample data regarding the immunophenotypic characterization T-ALL are available, there is a paucity of such data in children and adolescents with T-LBL. We used flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry to characterize the immunophenotypic profile of 180 children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T-LBL enrolled in the Children's Oncology Group 5971 study. Multiple T-cell, B-cell, myeloid, and other markers were evaluated. We identified diagnostically useful immunophenotypic features of T-LBL as well as distinct immunophenotypic subgroups, although none of these was statistically related to event-free or overall survival in this retrospective analysis. Further studies of biologically and immunophenotypically distinct subgroups of T-LBL, such as the early T-cell precursor phenotype, are warranted.     

Recent advances in acute myeloid leukemia stem cell biology

The existence of cancer stem cells has long been postulated, but was proven less than 20 years ago following the demonstration that only a small sub-fraction of leukemic cells from acute myeloid leukemia patients were able to propagate the disease in xenografts. These cells were termed leukemic stem cells since they exist at the apex of a loose hierarchy, possess extensive self-renewal and the ability to undergo limited differentiation into leukemic blasts. Acute myeloid leukemia is a heterogeneous condition at both the phenotypic and molecular level with a variety of distinct genetic alterations giving rise to the disease. Recent studies have highlighted that this heterogeneity extends to the leukemic stem cell, with this dynamic compartment evolving to overcome various selection pressures imposed upon it during disease progression. The result is a complex situation in which multiple pools of leukemic stem cells may exist within individual patients which differ both phenotypically and molecularly. Since leukemic stem cells are thought to be resistant to current chemotherapeutic regimens and mediate disease relapse, their study also has potentially profound clinical implications. Numerous studies have generated important recent advances in the field, including the identification of novel leukemic stem cell-specific cell surface antigens and gene expression signatures. These tools will no doubt prove invaluable for the rational design of targeted therapies in the future.     

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia: a risk-adapted approach

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is nowadays most frequently applied in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It combines chemoradiotherapy with immunotherapy, also known as the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. While it effectively reduces the relapse rate in patients, transplanted in remission, non-relapse mortality (NRM) may counterbalance that beneficial effect. As a result, alloSCT is generally associated with a modest gain in overall survival. Therefore, alloSCT may especially be applied in patients with a relatively high risk of relapse and a relatively low risk of NRM. Here, we discuss how recent findings that have identified and validated specific prognostic factors may affect our decision making for which category of AML-patients alloSCT may especially be indicated.     

Clinical outcomes of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1) rearrangement

Objective: Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1) rearrangement are hematopoietic stem cell disorders with a poor prognosis, but no established standard therapy. Methods: We experienced a patient with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) associated with FGFR1 rearrangement who underwent cord blood transplantation, but died of pulmonary complication. We collected the clinical data of patients with FGFR1 rearrangement from the medical literature and analyzed 45 patients, including our patient. Results: The primary diagnoses were myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in 14 and acute leukemia or LBL in 31. In MPN and MDS patients, the cumulative incidence of transformation to blast phase (BP) at 12 months was 46.2%. The 1-year overall survival (OS) from diagnosis in all cases was 43.1%. With regard to the impact of treatment response on survival, the achievement of complete response with a landmark at 2 months after diagnosis of BP was associated with a superior OS (40.0% vs. 26.0% P?=?0.011 for 1-year OS from BP). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed in 13 patients, and the 1-year OS from allogeneic HSCT was 61.5%. The hazard ratio for mortality was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.08–1.51, P?=?0.15) for allogeneic HSCT treated as a time-dependent covariate, which suggests that allogeneic HSCT may confer a clinical benefit. Conclusion: The further accumulation of clinical data is needed to determine the optimal therapeutic approach for these neoplasms.     

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia: A review

Increasing numbers of patients are receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Scientific and clinical advances in supportive care, donor selection, and conditioning regimens have resulted in lower transplant-related mortality, extension of care to a wider population of patients, and improvements in survival. Recent era has witnessed an explosive information about the molecular pathophysiology of AML. By early identification of patients at a high risk of relapse, it is expected that a majority of eligible patients will receive HCT in first complete remission. Novel conditioning regimens have been explored to improve transplant outcomes in AML. Currently, a stem cell source can be found for virtually all patients who have an indication to receive HCT. This area of investigation will likely continue to be of intense interest in terms of optimizing transplant outcomes.     

非清髓异基因外周血造血干细胞移植治疗慢性粒细胞白血病

目的：探索非清髓异基因外周血干细胞移植(NST)治疗不能耐受清髓性异基因造血干细胞移植的慢性粒细胞白血病(CML)患者的疗效。方法：将5例CML患者中的4例以全身放疗加氟达拉宾，1例以马利兰、氟达拉宾加抗人胸腺细胞免疫球蛋白为预处理方案，联合环孢霉素A、霉酚酸酯和(或)短程氨甲蝶呤预防移植物抗宿主病。结果：5例均造血重建，3例完全供者型植入，2例混合型植入，其中1例植入率持续低于50％，经2次清髓性异基因造血干细胞移植后达到完全供者型植入。2例发生Ⅰ度急性移植物抗宿主病，1例发生Ⅳ度急性移植物抗宿主病，无慢性移植物抗宿主病发生。中位随访时间5(3～37)个月，无病生存3例，死亡2例。结论：对不能耐受清髓性异基因造血干细胞移植的CML患者，NST是可行而有效的。     

The kinase inhibitor TKI258 is active against the novel CUX1-FGFR1 fusion detected in a patient with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and t(7;8)(q22;p11)

We report a patient with T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and a t(7;8)(q22;p11). CUX1 was identified as the fusion partner of FGFR1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization and 5' RACE-PCR. We further investigated this novel FGFR1 fusion using the interleukin-3 (IL-3) dependent Ba/F3 cell line and demonstrated IL-3 independent cell growth of CUX1-FGFR1 expressing cells. TKI258 and PKC412 potently inhibited proliferation of CUX1-FGFR1 transformed Ba/F3 cells. This growth inhibition was shown to be mediated by inhibition of CUX1-FGFR1 kinase activity for TKI258 but not PKC412. In summary, we identified a novel CUX1-FGFR1 fusion oncogene in a patient with the 8p11 myeloproliferative syndrome and demonstrated its transforming potential in the Ba/F3 cell line. Our in vitro data support the further investigation of TKI258 for the treatment of constitutively active FGFR1 fusion proteins.     

Splenic rupture in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

 Splenic rupture is a rare but well-recognized complication of hematological malignancies. Here, we present the case of a 22-year-old woman with the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia who was undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. On day +10 she developed a hypovolemic shock due to rupture of her spleen and went to emergency laparotomy. This is the first report of splenic rupture during peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Received: May 7, 1998 / Accepted: October 21, 1998     

异基因造血干细胞移植治疗慢性粒细胞白血病长生存分析

目的:评价异基因造血干细胞移植(allo-HSCT)治疗慢性粒细胞白血病(CML)的疗效,并分析影响CML长生存的预后因素。方法:118例CML患者包括慢性期88例、加速期8例、急变期22例,其中83例接受相关移植、35例无关移植。预处理方案:36例患者用全身照射(TBI)联合环磷酰胺联合(Cy)、82例改良BuCy(白消安、环磷酰胺和阿糖胞苷)。移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)预防:68例相关人类白细胞抗原(HLA)全相合移植用环孢素(CsA)和甲氨蝶呤(MTX),50例无关供者及相关1个以上位点不合者采用CsA、MTX、抗胸腺细胞球蛋白(ATG)或麦考酚酸酯(MMF)。Cox模型分析影响长生存的因素。结果:118例患者除3例死于预处理相关毒性(RRT)外其余均获造血重建。移植后5年累计感染发生率为42.6%,巨细胞病毒血症累计阳性率为41.6%。Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD累计发生率为33.3%,其中相关全相合供者(MSD)和无关、相关不相合供者(MRD/URD)发生率分别为23.1%和46.9%(P=0.01);1年累计慢性GVHD发生率为47.8%,其中MSD和MRD/URD慢性GVHD发生率分别为51.4%和42.2%(P=0.260)。GVHD致死率为18.3%。移植后5年白血病累计复发率为17%,其中MSD和MRD/URD复发率分别为12.5%和23.9%%(P=0.228)。5年累计总生存(OS)和无病生存(DSF)率分别为69.5%和62.6%,其中MSD与MRD/URD的5年OS率和DSF率分别为78.5%比57.2%和72.7%比48.3%(P=0.018,P=0.017)。慢性期与加速/急变期的5年OS率和DSF率分别79.9%、36.7%和72.4%、32.6%(P<0.001)。多因素Cox模型分析显示,Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD、HLA不相合、诊断至移植时间≥1年为OS的独立危险因素。加速期、急变期和三联、四联GVHD预防方案为影响DSF的独立危险因素。结论:影响CML-allo-HSCT长生存的主要因素是移植的时机、疾病状态、HLA相合程度和移植后GVHD。GVHD是移植后死亡的主要原因。     

Liver transplantation after stem cell transplantation with the same living donor in a monozygotic twin with acute myeloid leukemia

Two monozygotic twins from a Swedish, nonconsanguine family—with concordant acute myeloid leukemia and similar morphological and cytogenetic changes, but with additional changes in one twin, suggestive of clonal evolution—are described. Twin I relapsed 4 months after completion of treatment, while twin II was still on treatment and was transplanted with stem cells from the human leukocyte antigen-identical father. An early relapse after transplantation was treated with donor lymphocyte infusions, but twin I relapsed again and died 8 months after stem cell transplantation (SCT). On relapse of twin I, treatment of twin II was reconsidered and consolidation was intensified with SCT in CR1 with peripheral blood stem cells from the father. Due to irreversible liver failure caused by severe venoocclusive disease, a living, related liver transplantation from the father was performed on day +84 post-SCT. Minimal immunosuppression was required, and graft rejection did not occur. The patient was in complete remission 29 months after SCT and 25 months after liver transplantation.