Ahmed Aribi

Activity of decitabine, a hypomethylating agent, in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Hypomethylating agents have activity in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and have received approval for the treatment of both MDS and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). The specific efficacy in CMML has not been detailed in a large number of patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity and safety of decitabine in CMML.

Update of the decitabine experience in higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome and analysis of prognostic factors associated with outcome

Therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with hypomethylating agents, like decitabine and 5‐azacitidine, has produced favorable results. In this study, the authors update their experience with decitabine in patients with MDS and analyze the cytogenetic response patterns and prognostic factors associated with decitabine therapy.

Combination therapy with arsenic trioxide, all-trans retinoic acid, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in recurrent acute promyelocytic leukemia

From 20% to 30% of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who are treated with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) develop recurrent disease. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective agent for the salvage of patients with recurrent APL, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) has shown activity in patients with APL.

Biphenotypic acute leukaemia: A case series

Biphenotypic acute leukaemia (BAL) is a rare type of leukaemia. Whether patients with BAL should be treated with regimens designed for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) or both remain unclear.

Novel approaches in the treatment of systemic mastocytosis

In the absence of curative options, therapy for aggressive forms of systemic mastocytosis (SM) has relied in the use of cytoreductive agents, mainly interferon‐α (IFN‐α) and cladribine. However, responses are transient and only occur in a subset of patients. Gain‐of‐function mutations at codon 816 of the KIT protooncogene lead to constitutively active Kit receptor molecules, which are central to the pathogenesis of SM. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of SM have led to the development of small molecules targeting mutant Kit tyrosine kinase isoforms that significantly have widened the range of therapeutic options for patients with SM. Some of these promising agents, such as dasatinib, AMN107, and PKC412, currently are under investigation in clinical trials whereas, others are at different stages of preclinical development. In addition, monoclonal antibodies directed to neoplastic mast cell‐restricted surface antigens constitute a viable option for the treatment of SM that warrants further investigation. Cancer 2006.

Phase II Study of Alemtuzumab in Combination With Pentostatin in Patients With T-Cell Neoplasms

PURPOSE To examine the efficacy and safety of the combination of alemtuzumab and pentostatin in patients with T-cell neoplasms. PATIENTS AND METHODS We treated 24 patients with a variety of T-cell leukemias and lymphomas with a combination of alemtuzumab 30 mg intravenously (IV) three times weekly for up to 3 months and pentostatin 4 mg/m(2) IV weekly for 4 weeks followed by alternate weekly administration for up to 6 months. Prophylactic antibiotics including antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agents were administered during the treatment and for 2 months after its completion. RESULTS The median age of patients was 57 years (range, 21 to 79 years). Eight patients were previously untreated, and 16 had a median of two prior therapies (range, one to six regimens). Thirteen patients responded to treatment (11 complete responses [CRs] and two partial responses), for an overall response rate of 54%. The median response duration was 19.5 months. Monoclonal T-cell receptor chain gene rearrangements were detected by polymerase chain reaction in bone marrow of 20 of 22 evaluable patients and became negative in five of seven evaluable patients in CR. Opportunistic infections caused by pathogens associated with severe T-cell dysfunction were common. CONCLUSION The combination of alemtuzumab and pentostatin is feasible and effective in T-cell neoplasms. Although infections, including cytomegalovirus reactivation, are a concern, they may be minimized with adequate prophylactic antibiotic therapy.

The Effect of interleukin 11 on thrombocytopenia associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

During therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), approximately 20% to 50% of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) develop grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia leading to treatment interruptions and dose reductions. Interleukin 11 (IL‐11) reduces the incidence and the severity of thrombocytopenia in solid tumors.