Dietger Niederwieser

Diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia in adults: recommendations from an international expert panel, on behalf of the European LeukemiaNet

In 2003, an international working group last reported on recommendations for diagnosis, response assessment, and treatment outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since that time, considerable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular pathogenesis of the disease that has resulted in the identification of new diagnostic and prognostic markers. Furthermore, therapies are now being developed that target disease-associated molecular defects. Recent developments prompted an international expert panel to provide updated evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML, that contain both minimal requirements for general practice as well as standards for clinical trials. A new standardized reporting system for correlation of cytogenetic and molecular genetic data with clinical data is proposed.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: An Update of Concepts and Management Recommendations of European LeukemiaNet

PURPOSE To review and update the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia with imatinib and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including monitoring, response definition, and first- and second-line therapy. METHODS These recommendations are based on a critical and comprehensive review of the relevant papers up to February 2009 and the results of four consensus conferences held by the panel of experts appointed by ELN in 2008. RESULTS Cytogenetic monitoring was required at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Molecular monitoring was required every 3 months. On the basis of the degree and the timing of hematologic, cytogenetic, and molecular results, the response to first-line imatinib was defined as optimal, suboptimal, or failure, and the response to second-generation TKIs was defined as suboptimal or failure. CONCLUSION Initial treatment was confirmed as imatinib 400 mg daily. Imatinib should be continued indefinitely in optimal responders. Suboptimal responders may continue on imatinb, at the same or higher dose, or may be eligible for investigational therapy with second-generation TKIs. In instances of imatinib failure, second-generation TKIs are recommended, followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation only in instances of failure and, sometimes, suboptimal response, depending on transplantation risk.

European LeukemiaNet recommendations for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia: 2013

Advances in chronic myeloid leukemia treatment, particularly regarding tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mandate regular updating of concepts and management. A European LeukemiaNet expert panel reviewed prior and new studies to update recommendations made in 2009. We recommend as initial treatment imatinib, nilotinib, or dasatinib. Response is assessed with standardized real quantitative polymerase chain reaction and/or cytogenetics at 3, 6, and 12 months. BCR-ABL1 transcript levels ≤10% at 3 months, <1% at 6 months, and ≤0.1% from 12 months onward define optimal response, whereas >10% at 6 months and >1% from 12 months onward define failure, mandating a change in treatment. Similarly, partial cytogenetic response (PCyR) at 3 months and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) from 6 months onward define optimal response, whereas no CyR (Philadelphia chromosome-positive [Ph+] >95%) at 3 months, less than PCyR at 6 months, and less than CCyR from 12 months onward define failure. Between optimal and failure, there is an intermediate warning zone requiring more frequent monitoring. Similar definitions are provided for response to second-line therapy. Specific recommendations are made for patients in the accelerated and blastic phases, and for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Optimal responders should continue therapy indefinitely, with careful surveillance, or they can be enrolled in controlled studies of treatment discontinuation once a deeper molecular response is achieved.

Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2017 ELN recommendations from an international expert panel

The first edition of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults, published in 2010, has found broad acceptance by physicians and investigators caring for patients with AML. Recent advances, for example, in the discovery of the genomic landscape of the disease, in the development of assays for genetic testing and for detecting minimal residual disease (MRD), as well as in the development of novel antileukemic agents, prompted an international panel to provide updated evidence- and expert opinion-based recommendations. The recommendations include a revised version of the ELN genetic categories, a proposal for a response category based on MRD status, and criteria for progressive disease.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Global Perspective

CONTEXT Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires significant infrastructure. Little is known about HSCT use and the factors associated with it on a global level. OBJECTIVES To determine current use of HSCT to assess differences in its application and to explore associations of macroeconomic factors with transplant rates on a global level. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Retrospective survey study of patients receiving allogeneic and autologous HSCTs for 2006 collected by 1327 centers in 71 participating countries of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. The regional areas used herein are (1) the Americas (the corresponding World Health Organization regions are North and South America); (2) Asia (Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific Region, which includes Australia and New Zealand); (3) Europe (includes Turkey and Israel); and (4) the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Transplant rates (number of HSCTs per 10 million inhabitants) by indication, donor type, and country; description of main differences in HSCT use; and macroeconomic factors of reporting countries associated with HSCT rates. RESULTS There were 50 417 first HSCTs; 21 516 allogeneic (43%) and 28 901 autologous (57%). The median HSCT rates varied between regions and countries from 48.5 (range, 2.5-505.4) in the Americas, 184 (range, 0.6-488.5) in Asia, 268.9 (range, 5.7-792.1) in Europe, and 47.7 (range, 2.8-95.3) in the Eastern Mediterranean and Africa. No HSCTs were performed in countries with less than 300,000 inhabitants, smaller than 960 km(2), or having less than US

Dasatinib induces durable cytogenetic responses in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase with resistance or intolerance to imatinib

680 gross national income per capita. Use of allogeneic or autologous HSCT, unrelated or family donors for allogeneic HSCT, and proportions of disease indications varied significantly between countries and regions. In linear regression analyses, government health care expenditures (r(2) = 77.33), HSCT team density (indicates the number of transplant teams per 1 million inhabitants; r(2) = 76.28), human development index (r(2) = 74.36), and gross national income per capita (r(2) = 74.04) showed the highest associations with HSCT rates. CONCLUSION Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used for a broad spectrum of indications worldwide, but most frequently in countries with higher gross national incomes, higher governmental health care expenditures, and higher team densities.

Allogeneic and autologous transplantation for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: current practice in Europe 2009

Dasatinib, a potent inhibitor of BCR–ABL in vitro, is effective for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) resistant or intolerant to imatinib. To provide a more definitive assessment of dasatinib in chronic-phase (CP)-CML, we report extended follow-up of a phase II trial, presenting data for the entire patient cohort (N=387). Dasatinib (70 mg) twice daily was administered to patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CP-CML. With median follow-up of 15.2 months (treatment duration, <1–18.4 months), a complete hematologic response was attained or maintained in 91% of patients. A major cytogenetic response (MCyR) was attained or maintained by 59% (52% imatinib resistant and 80% imatinib intolerant); this was complete in 49% of patients (40% imatinib resistant and 75% imatinib intolerant). Of 230 patients achieving an MCyR, 7 experienced disease progression. Fifteen-month progression-free survival was 90% while overall survival was 96%. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were reported in 48 and 49% of patients, respectively. Non-hematologic toxicity (any grade) consisted primarily of diarrhea (37%), headache (32%), fatigue (31%), dyspnea (30%) and pleural effusion (27%). Pleural effusions were classified as grade 3 in 6% of reported events, with no incidence of grade 4. Dasatinib is associated with high response rates in patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant CP-CML.

Risk Score for Outcome After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Analysis

The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation regularly publishes special reports on the current practice of haematopoietic SCT for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders in Europe. Major changes have occurred since the first report was published. HSCT today includes grafting with allogeneic and autologous stem cells derived from BM, peripheral blood and cord blood. With reduced-intensity conditioning regimens in allogeneic transplantation, the age limit has increased, permitting the inclusion of older patients. New indications have emerged, such as autoimmune disorders and AL amyloidosis for autologous HSCT and solid tumours, myeloproliferative syndromes and specific subgroups of lymphomas for allogeneic transplants. The introduction of alternative therapies, such as imatinib for CML, has challenged well-established indications. An updated report with revised tables and operating definitions is presented.

Treatment for Acute Myelogenous Leukemia by Low-Dose, Total-Body, Irradiation-Based Conditioning and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation From Related and Unrelated Donors

It was investigated whether the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation risk score, previously established for chronic myeloid leukemia, could be used to predict outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematological disease in general.

Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Compared With Conventional Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation in Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Analysis From the Lymphoma Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Purpose The use of low-dose, irradiation-based preparative regimens have allowed the extension of allografting to older and medically infirm patients. The study reported here assessed outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in different stages of their disease, who were not considered candidates for conventional hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) because of age and/or other known risk factors and were given minimal conditioning followed by HCT from related or unrelated donors. Patients and Methods The present study included 122 patients with AML, who were conditioned with 2 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI) on day 0 with or without preceding fludarabine (30 mg/m2/d from days −4 to −2), and given postgrafting cyclosporine at 6.25 mg/kg twice daily from day −3 and mycophenolate mofetil at 15 mg/kg twice daily from day 0. Results Durable engraftment was observed in 95% of the patients. Cumulative incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease grades 2 to 4 at 6 months were 35% after relate...