Edward A. Copelan

Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Acute Leukemia in Relapse or Primary Induction Failure

PURPOSE Patients with acute leukemia refractory to induction or reinduction chemotherapy have poor prognoses if they do not undergo hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). However, HSCT when a patient is not in complete remission (CR) is of uncertain benefit. We hypothesized that pretransplantation variables may define subgroups that have a better prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Overall, 2,255 patients who underwent transplantation for acute leukemia in relapse or with primary induction failure after myeloablative conditioning regimen between 1995 and 2004 were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. The median follow-up of survivors was 61 months. We performed multivariate analysis of pretransplantation variables and developed a predictive scoring system for survival. RESULTS The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 19% for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 16% for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). For AML, five adverse pretransplantation variables significantly influenced survival: first CR duration less than 6 months, circulating blasts, donor other than HLA-identical sibling, Karnofsky or Lansky score less than 90, and poor-risk cytogenetics. For ALL, survival was worse with the following: first refractory or second or greater relapse, > or = 25% marrow blasts, cytomegalovirus-seropositive donor, and age of 10 years or older. Patients with AML who had a predictive score of 0 had 42% OS at 3 years, whereas OS was 6% for a score > or = 3. Patients with ALL who had a score of 0 or 1 had 46% 3-year OS but only 10% OS rate for a score > or = 3. CONCLUSION Pretransplantation variables delineate subgroups with different outcomes. HSCT during relapse can achieve long-term survival in selected patients with acute leukemia.

Similar outcomes using myeloablative vs reduced-intensity allogeneic transplant preparative regimens for AML or MDS

Although reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and non-myeloablative (NMA)-conditioning regimens have been used for over a decade, their relative efficacy vs myeloablative (MA) approaches to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with AML and myelodysplasia (MDS) is unknown. We compared disease status, donor, graft and recipient characteristics with outcomes of 3731 MA with 1448 RIC/NMA procedures performed at 217 centers between 1997 and 2004. The 5-year univariate probabilities and multivariate relative risk outcomes of relapse, TRM, disease-free survival (DFS) and OS are reported. Adjusted OS at 5 years was 34, 33 and 26% for MA, RIC and NMA transplants, respectively. NMA conditioning resulted in inferior DFS and OS, but there was no difference in DFS and OS between RIC and MA regimens. Late TRM negates early decreases in toxicity with RIC and NMA regimens. Our data suggest that higher regimen intensity may contribute to optimal survival in patients with AML/MDS, suggesting roles for both regimen intensity and graft vs leukemia in these diseases. Prospective studies comparing regimens are needed to confirm this finding and determine the optimal approach to patients who are eligible for either MA or RIC/NMA conditioning.

Impact of molecular mutations on treatment response to DNMT inhibitors in myelodysplasia and related neoplasms

We hypothesized that specific molecular mutations are important biomarkers for response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMT inhibitors) and may have prognostic value in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Mutational analysis was performed in 92 patients with MDS and related disorders who received 5-azacytidine (n=55), decitabine (n=26) or both (n=11). Mutational status was correlated with overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by univariate and multivariate analysis. Risk stratification models were created. TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1/IDH2, ASXL1, CBL, RAS and SF3B1 mutations were found in 18, 9, 8, 26, 3, 2 and 13% of patients, respectively. In multivariate analysis, TET2MUT and/or DNMT3AMUT (P=0.03), platelets⩾100 × 109/l (P=0.007) and WBC<3.0 × 109/l (P=0.03) were independent predictors of better response. TET2MUT and/or DNMT3AMUT (P=0.04) status was also independently prognostic for improved PFS, as were good or intermediate cytogenetic risk (P<0.0001), age<60 (P=0.0001), treatment with both 5-azacytidine and decitabine (P=0.02) and hemoglobin⩾10 g/dl (P=0.01). Better OS was associated with ASXL1WT (P=0.008) and SF3B1MUT (P=0.01), and, similar to PFS, cytogenetic risk (P=0.0002), age (P=0.02) and hemoglobin (P=0.04). These data support the role of molecular mutations as predictive biomarkers for response and survival in MDS patients treated with DNMT inhibitors.

The outcome of full-intensity and reduced-intensity conditioning matched sibling or unrelated donor transplantation in adults with Philadelphia chromosome–negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first and second complete remission

We examined the efficacy of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and compared outcomes of 93 patients older than 16 years after RIC with 1428 patients receiving full-intensity conditioning for allografts using sibling and unrelated donors for Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first or second complete remission. RIC conditioning included busulfan 9 mg/kg or less (27), melphalan 150 mg/m(2) or less (23), low-dose total body irradiation (TBI; 36), and others (7). The RIC group was older (median 45 vs 28 years, P < .001) and more received peripheral blood grafts (73% vs 43%, P < .001) but had similar other prognostic factors. The RIC versus full-intensity conditioning groups had slightly, but not significantly, less acute grade II-IV graft-versus-host disease (39% vs 46%) and chronic graft-versus-host disease (34% vs 42%), yet similar transplantation-related mortality. RIC led to slightly more relapse (35% vs 26%, P = .08) yet similar age-adjusted survival (38% vs 43%, P = .39). Multivariate analysis showed that conditioning intensity did not affect transplantation-related mortality (P = .92) or relapse risk (P = .14). Multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly improved overall survival with: Karnofsky performance status more than 80, first complete remission, lower white blood count, well-matched unrelated or sibling donors, transplantation since 2001, age younger than 30 years, and conditioning with TBI, but no independent impact of conditioning intensity. RIC merits further investigation in prospective trials of adult ALL.

SF3B1 haploinsufficiency leads to formation of ring sideroblasts in myelodysplastic syndromes

Whole exome/genome sequencing has been fundamental in the identification of somatic mutations in the spliceosome machinery in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and other hematologic disorders. SF3B1, splicing factor 3b subunit 1 is mutated in 60%-80% of refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) and RARS associated with thrombocytosis (RARS-T), 2 distinct subtypes of MDS and MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDSs/MPNs). An idiosyncratic feature of RARS/RARS-T is the presence of abnormal sideroblasts characterized by iron overload in the mitochondria, called RS. Based on the high frequency of mutations of SF3B1 in RARS/RARS-T, we investigated the consequences of SF3B1 alterations. Ultrastructurally, SF3B1 mutants showed altered iron distribution characterized by coarse iron deposits compared with wild-type RARS patients by transmission electron microscopy. SF3B1 knockdown experiments in K562 cells resulted in down-regulation of U2-type intron-splicing by RT-PCR. RNA-sequencing analysis of SF3B1 mutants showed differentially used genes relevant in MDS pathogenesis, such as ASXL1, CBL, EZH, and RUNX families. A SF3B pharmacologic inhibitor, meayamycin, induced the formation of RS in healthy BM cells. Further, BM aspirates of Sf3b1 heterozygous knockout mice showed RS by Prussian blue. In conclusion, we report the first experimental evidence of the association between SF3B1 and RS phenotype. Our data suggest that SF3B1 haploinsufficiency leads to RS formation.

Time from diagnosis to treatment initiation predicts survival in younger, but not older, acute myeloid leukemia patients

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered an oncologic emergency. Delaying induction chemotherapy until molecular testing results return, may benefit some patients but harm others. We examined the effect of time from AML diagnosis to treatment (TDT) on complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS), using patient characteristics available at diagnosis. Regression models were applied to older (> or = 60 years) and younger (< 60 years) adults, controlling for age, baseline white blood cell count, secondary AML (sAML), and performance status. Median patient age was 60 years (range, 17-87 years), TDT 4 days (range, 1-78 days), and 45% had sAML. Cytogenetic risk distribution was: favorable, 8%; intermediate, 66%; unfavorable, 26%. CR rate was 67% and median OS was 68 weeks in patients younger than 60 years; 55% and 33 weeks in older patients, respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses, longer TDT was associated with worse CR and OS in younger (univariate: P < .001 in both; multivariate: P < .001 and P = .001, respectively), but not older patients (univariate: P = .45, P = .19; multivariate: P = .63, P = .30, respectively). Results did not change with inclusion of cytogenetic data or in risk group subsets. AML therapy should be initiated immediately in younger patients. Delaying treatment does not seem harmful in older patients, allowing individualized approaches.

Comparable survival after HLA–well-matched unrelated or matched sibling donor transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first remission with unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis

We compared the outcomes of unrelated donor (URD, n = 358) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor (MSD, n = 226) transplantations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1) having unfavorable cytogenetics at diagnosis. Unfavorable cytogenetic abnormalities were: complex (≥ 3 abnormalities), 32%; and noncomplex involving chromosome 7, 25%; chromosome 5, 9%; 11q or MLL rearrangements, 18%; t(6;9), 5%; and other noncomplex, 10%. URDs were HLA-well-matched (n = 254; 71%) or partially-matched (n = 104; 29%). Three-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) for MSD was 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-48%) compared with 34% (95% CI, 28%-41%) for HLA-well-matched URD and 29% (95% CI, 20%-39%) for partially-matched URD (P = .08). In multivariate analysis, HLA-well-matched URD and MSD yielded similar LFS (relative risk [RR] = 1.1, 95% CI, 0.86-1.40, P = .44) and overall survival (OS; RR = 1.06, 95% CI, 0.83-1.37, P = .63). LFS and OS were significantly inferior for HLA-partially-matched URD recipients, those with prior myelodysplastic syndrome, and those older than 50 years. All cytogenetic cohorts had similar outcomes. Patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease had a significantly lower risk of relapse (RR = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.47-0.99, P = .05). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using HLA-well-matched URD and MSD resulted in similar LFS and OS in AML patients in CR1 with unfavorable cytogenetics. Outcomes of HCT from HLA-partially- matched URD were inferior.

Optimizing Autologous Stem Cell Mobilization Strategies to Improve Patient Outcomes: Consensus Guidelines and Recommendations

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a well-established treatment for malignancies such as multiple myeloma (MM) and lymphomas. Various changes in the field over the past decade, including the frequent use of tandem aHSCT in MM, the advent of novel therapies for the treatment of MM and lymphoma, and the addition of new stem cell mobilization techniques, have led to the need to reassess current stem cell mobilization strategies. Mobilization failures with traditional strategies are common and result in delays in treatment and increased cost and resource utilization. Recently, plerixafor-containing strategies have been shown to significantly reduce mobilization failure rates, but the ideal method to maximize stem cell yields and minimize costs associated with collection has not yet been determined. A panel of experts convened to discuss the currently available data on autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and transplantation and to devise guidelines to optimize mobilization strategies. Herein is a summary of their discussion and consensus.

Unrelated Donor Marrow Transplantation for B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia After Using Myeloablative Conditioning: Results From the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research

PURPOSE To determine the role of myeloablative conditioning and unrelated donor (URD) bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of patients with advanced B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 38 CLL patients received a matched URD transplant using bone marrow procured by the National Marrow Donor Program. The median age was 45 years (range, 26 to 57 years), the median time from diagnosis was 51 months, and the median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was three. Fifty-five percent of patients were chemotherapy refractory and 89% had received fludarabine. Conditioning included total-body irradiation in 92% of patients. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of methotrexate with cyclosporine or tacrolimus for 82% of patients. RESULTS Twenty-one patients (58%) achieved complete response and six (17%) achieved partial response. Incidences of grades 2 to 4 acute GVHD were 45% at 100 days and incidences of chronic GVHD were 85% at 5 years. Eleven patients are alive and disease free at a median of 6 years (range, 3.0 to 9.0 years). Five-year overall survival, failure-free survival, disease progression rates, and treatment-related mortality (TRM) were 33%, 30%, 32%, and 38% respectively. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that lasting remissions can be achieved after URD transplantation in patients with advanced CLL. High TRM suggest that myeloablative conditioning and HLA-mismatched donors should be avoided in future protocols, and it is mandatory to investigate transplant strategies with a lower morbidity and mortality, including the use of nonmyeloablative regimens.

Impact of prior imatinib mesylate on the outcome of hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib mesylate (IM, Gleevec) has largely supplanted allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as first line therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Nevertheless, many people with CML eventually undergo HCT, raising the question of whether prior IM therapy impacts HCT success. Data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research on 409 subjects treated with IM before HCT (IM(+)) and 900 subjects who did not receive IM before HCT (IM(-)) were analyzed. Among patients in first chronic phase, IM therapy before HCT was associated with better survival but no statistically significant differences in treatment-related mortality, relapse, and leukemia-free survival. Better HLA-matched donors, use of bone marrow, and transplantation within one year of diagnosis were also associated with better survival. A matched-pairs analysis was performed and confirmed a higher survival rate among first chronic phase patients receiving IM. Among patients transplanted with advanced CML, use of IM before HCT was not associated with treatment-related mortality, relapse, leukemia-free survival, or survival. Acute graft-versus-host disease rates were similar between IM(+) and IM(-) groups regardless of leukemia phase. These results should be reassuring to patients receiving IM before HCT.