Birgitta Versluys

Lowest numbers of primary CD8 + T cells can reconstitute protective immunity upon adoptive immunotherapy

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) are threatened by potentially lethal viral manifestations like cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. Because the success of todays virostatic treatment is limited by side effects and resistance development, adoptive transfer of virus-specific memory T cells derived from the stem cell donor has been proposed as an alternative therapeutic strategy. In this context, dose minimization of adoptively transferred T cells might be warranted for the avoidance of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), in particular in prophylactic settings after T-cell-depleting allo-HSCT protocols. To establish a lower limit for successful adoptive T-cell therapy, we conducted low-dose CD8(+) T-cell transfers in the well-established murine Listeria monocytogenes (L.m.) infection model. Major histocompatibility complex-Streptamer-enriched antigen-specific CD62L(hi) but not CD62L(lo) CD8(+) memory T cells proliferated, differentiated, and protected against L.m. infections after prophylactic application. Even progenies derived from a single CD62L(hi) L.m.-specific CD8(+) T cell could be protective against bacterial challenge. In analogy, low-dose transfers of Streptamer-enriched human CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells into allo-HSCT recipients led to strong pathogen-specific T-cell expansion in a compassionate-use setting. In summary, low-dose adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) could be a promising strategy, particularly for prophylactic treatment of infectious complications after allo-HSCT.

Fludarabine and exposure-targeted busulfan compares favorably with busulfan/cyclophosphamide-based regimens in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation: maintaining efficacy with less toxicity.

Busulfan (Bu) is used as a myeloablative agent in conditioning regimens before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). In line with strategies explored in adults, patient outcomes may be optimized by replacing cyclophosphamide (Cy) with or without melphalan (Mel) with fludarabine (Flu). We compared outcomes in 2 consecutive cohorts of HCT recipients with a nonmalignant HCT indication, a myeloid malignancy, or a lymphoid malignancy with a contraindication for total body irradiation (TBI). Between 2009 and 2012, 64 children received Flu + Bu at a target dose of 80-95 mg·h/L, and between 2005 and 2008, 50 children received Bu targeted to 74-80 mg·h/L + Cy. In the latter group, Mel was added for patients with myeloid malignancy (n = 12). Possible confounding effects of calendar time were studied in 69 patients receiving a myeloablative dose of TBI between 2005 and 2012. Estimated 2-year survival and event-free survival were 82% and 78%, respectively, in the FluBu arm and 78% and 72%, respectively, in the BuCy (Mel) arm (P = not significant). Compared with the BuCy (Mel) arm, less toxicity was noted in the FluBu arm, with lower rates of acute (noninfectious) lung injury (16% versus 36%; P = .007), veno-occlusive disease (3% versus 28%; P = .003), chronic graft-versus-host disease (9% versus 26%; P = .047), adenovirus infection (3% versus 32%; P = .001), and human herpesvirus 6 infection reactivation (21% versus 44%; P = .005). Furthermore, the median duration of neutropenia was shorter in the FluBu arm (11 days versus 22 days; P < .001), and the patients in this arm required fewer transfusions. Our data indicate that Flu (160 mg/m(2)) with targeted myeloablative Bu (90 mg·h/L) is less toxic than and equally effective as BuCy (Mel) in patients with similar indications for allo-HCT.

A nationwide study on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, and risk of premature menopause in female survivors of childhood cancer: design and methodological challenges

BackgroundAdvances in childhood cancer treatment over the past decades have significantly improved survival, resulting in a rapidly growing group of survivors. However, both chemo- and radiotherapy may adversely affect reproductive function. This paper describes the design and encountered methodological challenges of a nationwide study in the Netherlands investigating the effects of treatment on reproductive function, ovarian reserve, premature menopause and pregnancy outcomes in female childhood cancer survivors (CCS), the DCOG LATER-VEVO study.MethodsThe study is a retrospective cohort study consisting of two parts: a questionnaire assessing medical, menstrual, and obstetric history, and a clinical assessment evaluating ovarian and uterine function by hormonal analyses and transvaginal ultrasound measurements. The eligible study population consists of adult female 5-year survivors of childhood cancer treated in the Netherlands, whereas the control group consists of age-matched sisters of the participating CCS. To date, study invitations have been sent to 1611 CCS and 429 sister controls, of which 1215 (75%) and 333 (78%) have responded so far. Of these responders, the majority consented to participate in both parts of the study (53% vs. 65% for CCS and sister controls respectively). Several challenges were encountered involving the study population: dealing with bias due to the differences in characteristics of several types of (non-) participants and finding an adequately sized and well-matched control group. Moreover, the challenges related to the data collection process included: differences in response rates between web-based and paper-based questionnaires, validity of self-reported outcomes, interpretation of clinical measurements of women using hormonal contraceptives, and inter- and intra-observer variation of the ultrasound measurements.DiscussionThe DCOG LATER-VEVO study will provide valuable information about the reproductive potential of paediatric cancer patients as well as long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Other investigators planning to conduct large cohort studies on late effects may encounter similar challenges as those encountered during this study. The solutions to these challenges described in this paper may be useful to these investigators.Trial registrationNTR2922; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2922

Long-Term Risk of Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms After Treatment of Childhood Cancer in the DCOG LATER Study Cohort: Role of Chemotherapy

Purpose Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) are at increased risk for subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs). We evaluated the long-term risk of SMNs in a well-characterized cohort of 5-year CCSs, with a particular focus on individual chemotherapeutic agents and solid cancer risk. Methods The Dutch Childhood Cancer Oncology Group-Long-Term Effects After Childhood Cancer cohort includes 6,165 5-year CCSs diagnosed between 1963 and 2001 in the Netherlands. SMNs were identified by linkages with the Netherlands Cancer Registry, the Dutch Pathology Registry, and medical chart review. We calculated standardized incidence ratios, excess absolute risks, and cumulative incidences. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to evaluate treatment-associated risks for breast cancer, sarcoma, and all solid cancers. Results After a median follow-up of 20.7 years (range, 5.0 to 49.8 years) since first diagnosis, 291 SMNs were ascertained in 261 CCSs (standardized incidence ratio, 5.2; 95% CI, 4.6 to 5.8; excess absolute risk, 20.3/10,000 person-years). Cumulative SMN incidence at 25 years after first diagnosis was 3.9% (95% CI, 3.4% to 4.6%) and did not change noticeably among CCSs treated in the 1990s compared with those treated earlier. We found dose-dependent doxorubicin-related increased risks of all solid cancers ( Ptrend < .001) and breast cancer ( Ptrend < .001). The doxorubicin-breast cancer dose response was stronger in survivors of Li-Fraumeni syndrome-associated childhood cancers (leukemia, CNS, and non-Ewing sarcoma) versus survivors of other cancers ( Pdifference = .008). In addition, cyclophosphamide was found to increase sarcoma risk in a dose-dependent manner ( Ptrend = .01). Conclusion The results strongly suggest that doxorubicin exposure in CCSs increases the risk of subsequent solid cancers and breast cancer, whereas cyclophosphamide exposure increases the risk of subsequent sarcomas. These results may inform future childhood cancer treatment protocols and SMN surveillance guidelines for CCSs.

Hearing loss after platinum treatment is irreversible in noncranial irradiated childhood cancer survivors

ABSTRACT Cisplatin and carboplatin are effective antineoplastic agents. They are also considered to be potentially highly ototoxic. To date, no long-term follow-up data from well-documented cohorts with substantial numbers of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) with platinum-related hearing loss are available. Therefore, in this study, we studied the reversibility of ototoxicity from discontinuation of treatment onwards in a national cohort of platinum-treated survivors with hearing loss at the end of cancer treatment. Of the 168 CCS with follow-up audiograms, we longitudinally evaluated the course of hearing function in 61 CCS who showed hearing impairment at discontinuation of treatment according to the Münster criteria (>20 dB at ≥4–8 kHz). Survivors were treated with platinum (median total cumulative dose cisplatin: 480 mg/m2 and median total cumulative dose carboplatin: 2520 mg/m2). Median follow-up time was 5.5 years (range: 1.0–28.8 years). The results showed that none of these survivors revealed improvement of hearing function even till 28.8 years after discontinuation of treatment (grade <2b during long-term follow-up). An increase in hearing loss with two or three Münster degrees was observed in five of 61 survivors after 1.6–19.6 years. Overall, this indicates that ototoxicity after platinum treatment may be irreversible and that longitudinal clinical audiological monitoring and care is required in long-term survivors of childhood cancer on a large scale.

Colorectal Adenomas and Cancers After Childhood Cancer Treatment: A DCOG-LATER Record Linkage Study

Background Although colorectal adenomas serve as prime target for colorectal cancer (CRC) surveillance in other high-risk groups, data on adenoma risk after childhood cancer are lacking. We evaluated the risk of histologically confirmed colorectal adenomas among childhood cancer survivors. A secondary aim was to assess CRC risk. Methods The DCOG-LATER cohort study includes five-year Dutch childhood cancer survivors and a sibling comparison group (n = 883). Colorectal tumors were identified from the population-based Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA). We calculated cumulative incidences of adenomas/CRCs for survivors and siblings. For adenomas, multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate potential risk factors. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Among 5843 five-year survivors (median follow-up = 24.9 years), 78 individuals developed an adenoma. Cumulative incidence by age 45 years was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.2% to 5.6%) after abdominopelvic radiotherapy (AP-RT; 49 cases) vs 2.0% (95% CI = 1.3% to 2.8%) among survivors without AP-RT (28 cases; Pdifference = .07) and vs 1.0% (95% CI = 0.3% to 2.6%) among siblings (6 cases) (Pdifference = .03). Factors associated with adenoma risk were AP-RT (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.24 to 3.60), total body irradiation (TBI; HR = 10.55, 95% CI = 5.20 to 21.42), cisplatin (HR = 2.13; 95% CI = 0.74 to 6.07 for <480 mg/m²; HR = 3.85, 95% CI = 1.45 to 10.26 for ≥480 mg/m²; Ptrend = .62), a hepatoblastoma diagnosis (HR = 27.12, 95% CI = 8.80 to 83.58), and family history of early-onset CRC (HR = 20.46, 95% CI = 8.10 to 51.70). Procarbazine was statistically significantly associated among survivors without AP-RT/TBI (HR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.28 to 5.74). Thirteen CRCs occurred. Conclusion We provide evidence for excess risk of colorectal adenomas and CRCs among childhood cancer survivors. Adenoma risk factors include AP-RT, TBI, cisplatin, and procarbazine. Hepatoblastoma (familial adenomatous polyposis-associated) and family history of early-onset CRC were confirmed as strong risk factors. A full benefit-vs-harm evaluation of CRC screening among high-risk childhood cancer survivors warrants consideration.

Risk of benign meningioma after childhood cancer in the DCOG-LATER cohort: contributions of radiation dose, exposed cranial volume, and age

BACKGROUND Pediatric cranial radiotherapy (CrRT) markedly increases risk of meningiomas. We studied meningioma risk factors with emphasis on independent and joint effects of CrRT dose, exposed cranial volume, exposure age, and chemotherapy. METHODS The Dutch Cancer Oncology Group-Long-Term Effects after Childhood Cancer (DCOG-LATER) cohort includes 5-year childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) whose cancers were diagnosed in 1963-2001. Histologically confirmed benign meningiomas were identified from the population-based Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA; 1990-2015). We calculated cumulative meningioma incidence and used multivariable Cox regression and linear excess relative risk (ERR) modeling. RESULTS Among 5843 CCSs (median follow-up: 23.3 y, range: 5.0-52.2 y), 97 developed a benign meningioma, including 80 after full- and 14 after partial-volume CrRT. Compared with CrRT doses of 1-19 Gy, no CrRT was associated with a low meningioma risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01-0.15), while increased risks were observed for CrRT doses of 20-39 Gy (HR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.83-3.33) and 40+ Gy (HR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.30-6.08). CCSs whose cancers were diagnosed before age 5 versus 10-17 years showed significantly increased risks (HR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.39-4.07). In this dose-adjusted model, volume was not significantly associated with increased risk (HR full vs partial = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.86-3.22). Overall, the ERR/Gy was 0.30 (95% CI: 0.03-unknown). Dose effects did not vary significantly according to exposure age or CrRT volume. Cumulative incidence after any CrRT was 12.4% (95% CI: 9.8%-15.2%) 40 years after primary cancer diagnosis. Among chemotherapy agents (including methotrexate and cisplatin), only carboplatin (HR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.62-7.78) appeared associated with meningioma risk. However, we saw no carboplatin dose-response and all 9 exposed cases had high-dose CrRT. CONCLUSION After CrRT 1 in 8 survivors developed late meningioma by age 40 years, associated with radiation dose and exposure age, relevant for future treatment protocols and awareness among survivors and physicians.

Infection with a respiratory virus before hematopoietic cell transplantation is associated with alloimmune-mediated lung syndromes

Background: Alloimmune‐mediated lung syndromes (allo‐LSs) are life‐threatening complications after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Respiratory virus (RV) has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis. Objective: We studied the relation between RV DNA/RNA detection in the upper/lower airways before HCT and the occurrence of allo‐LSs. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all HCT recipients between 2004 and 2014, in whom real‐time PCR for RV was performed in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid before HCT. The main outcome of interest was the presence of an allo‐LS, which was defined as idiopathic pneumonia syndrome or bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Other outcomes were overall survival and treatment‐related mortality. We used Cox proportional hazard models, logistic regression models, and Fine‐Gray competing risk regression for analyses. Results: One hundred seventy‐nine children (median age, 6.8 years) were included. RVs were found in 61% (41% in BAL fluid/NPAs and 20% in NPAs only). Rhinovirus was the most frequently detected RV (42%). Allo‐LSs occurred in 13%. RV positivity in BAL fluid was a predictor for allo‐LSs (hazard ratio, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.4‐10.7; P = .01), whereas RV positivity in NPAs only was not. No other predictors were found. Grade II to IV acute graft‐versus‐host disease related to steroid treatment shows a trend toward a protective effect (odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.0‐1.3; P = .08). Allo‐LSs significantly increased treatment‐related mortality (52% ± 10% in allo‐LSs and 20% ± 4% in non–allo‐LSs, P = .007). Conclusions: These results show that pre‐HCT BAL fluid RV positivity was a predictor for allo‐LSs. Screening for RVs before HCT might identify patients at risk for allo‐LSs. This could have implications for prevention and treatment and might subsequently influence the outcomes of HCT. Graphical abstract Figure. No caption available.