Nicole Grant

Differential efficacy of bortezomib plus chemotherapy within molecular subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Gene expression profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has revealed distinct molecular subtypes that include germinal center B cell-like (GCB) and activated B cell-like (ABC) DLBCL. ABC DLBCL has a worse survival after upfront chemotherapy and is characterized by constitutive activation of the antiapoptotic nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway, which can inhibit chemotherapy. We hypothesized that inhibition of NF-kappaB might sensitize ABC but not GCB DLBCL to chemotherapy and improve outcome. As the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib can inhibit NF-kappaB through blocking IkappaBalpha degradation, we investigated bortezomib alone followed by bortezomib and doxorubicin-based chemotherapy in recurrent DLBCL. Tumor tissue was analyzed by gene expression profiling and/or immunohistochemistry to identify molecular DLBCL subtypes. As a control, we showed that relapsed/refractory ABC and GCB DLBCL have equally poor survivals after upfront chemotherapy. Bortezomib alone had no activity in DLBCL, but when combined with chemotherapy, it demonstrated a significantly higher response (83% vs 13%; P < .001) and median overall survival (10.8 vs 3.4 months; P = .003) in ABC compared with GCB DLBCL, respectively. These results suggest bortezomib enhances the activity of chemotherapy in ABC but not GCB DLBCL, and provide a rational therapeutic approach based on genetically distinct DLBCL subtypes. This trial is registered with http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT00057902.

Phase II Study of Dose-Adjusted EPOCH and Rituximab in Untreated Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma With Analysis of Germinal Center and Post-Germinal Center Biomarkers

PURPOSE To assess the clinical outcome and the influence of biomarkers associated with apoptosis inhibition (Bcl-2), tumor proliferation (MIB-1), and cellular differentiation on the outcome with dose-adjusted (DA) EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) plus rituximab (R) infusional therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with analysis of germinal center B-cell (GCB) and post-GCB subtypes by immunohistochemistry. PATIENTS AND METHODS Phase II study of 72 patients with untreated de novo DLBCL who were at least 18 years of age and stage II or higher. Radiation consolidation was not permitted. RESULTS Patients had a median age of 50 years (range, 19 to 85) and 40% had a high-intermediate or high International Prognostic Index (IPI). At 5 years, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 79% and 80%, respectively, with a median potential follow-up of 54 months. PFS was 91%, 90%, 67%, and 47%, and OS was 100%, 90%, 74%, and 37%, for 0 to 1, 2, 3, and 4 to 5 IPI factors, respectively, at 5 years. The Bcl-2 and MIB-1 biomarkers were not associated with PFS or OS. Based on DA-EPOCH historical controls, rituximab only benefited Bcl-2 positive tumors. Bcl-6 expression was associated with higher PFS whereas GCB exhibited a marginally significant higher PFS compared with post-GCB DLBCL. CONCLUSION DA-EPOCH-R outcome was not affected by tumor proliferation and rituximab appeared to overcome the adverse effect of Bcl-2. Bcl-6 may identify a biologic program associated with a superior outcome. Overall, DA-EPOCH-R shows promising outcome in low and intermediate IPI groups. A molecular model of treatment outcome with rituximab and chemotherapy is presented.

The role of tumor histogenesis, FDG-PET, and short course EPOCH with dose-dense rituximab (SC-EPOCH-RR) in HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

This is a phase 2 study to assess the role of tumor histogenesis (subtype), fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and short-course etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin with dose-dense rituximab (SC-EPOCH-RR) in newly diagnosed HIV-associated CD20(+) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Patients received a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 cycles with 1 cycle beyond stable radiographic and FDG-PET scans. Overall, 79% of patients received 3 cycles. Combination antiretroviral therapy was suspended before and resumed after therapy. Thirty-three enrolled patients had a median age of 42 years (range, 9-61 years), and 76% had a high-intermediate or high age-adjusted international prognostic index. At 5 years median follow-up, progression-free and overall survival were 84% and 68%, respectively. There were no treatment-related deaths or new opportunistic infections during treatment, and patients had sustained CD4 cell count recovery and HIV viral control after treatment. FDG-PET after 2 cycles had an excellent negative but poor positive predictive value. Tumor histogenesis was the only characteristic associated with lymphoma-specific outcome with 95% of germinal center B-cell (GCB) versus 44% of non-GCB diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) progression-free at 5 years. SC-EPOCH-RR is highly effective and less immunosuppressive with shorter duration therapy compared with standard strategies. However, new therapeutic advances are needed for non-GCB DLBCL, which remains the important cause of lymphoma-specific death. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT000019253.

Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis—A Single Institute Experience Pathologic Findings and Clinical Correlations

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare angiocentric and angiodestructive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. It is hypothesized that these patients have dysregulated immune surveillance of EBV. We reviewed the biopsies of 55 patients with LYG who were referred for a prospective trial at the National Cancer Institute (1995 to 2010) and evaluated the histologic, immunohistochemical, in situ hybridization, and molecular findings of these biopsies in conjunction with clinical information. Grading of the lesions was based on morphologic features and the number of EBV-positive B cells. The median age was 46 years (M:F 2.2:1). Clinically, all patients had lung involvement (100%), with the next most common site being the central nervous system (38%). No patient had nodal or bone marrow disease. All patients had past EBV exposure by serology but with a low median EBV viral load. We reviewed 122 biopsies; the most common site was lung (73%), followed by skin/subcutaneous tissue (17%); other sites included kidney, nasal cavity, gastrointestinal tract, conjunctiva, liver, and adrenal gland. Histologically, the lesions showed angiocentricity, were rich in T cells, had large atypical B cells, and were positive for EBV. Grading was performed predominantly on the lung biopsy at diagnosis; they were distributed as follows: LYG grade 1 (30%), grade 2 (22%), and grade 3 (48%). Necrosis was seen in all grades, with a greater degree in high-grade lesions. Immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies were performed, and a higher percentage of clonal rearrangements were seen in LYG grade 2 (50%) and grade 3 (69%) as compared with grade 1 (8%). LYG is a distinct entity that can usually be differentiated from other EBV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders on the basis of the combination of clinical presentation, histology, and EBV studies. Grading of these lesions is important because it dictates the treatment choice.

Phase I trial of 7-hydroxystaurosporine and fludararbine phosphate: in vivo evidence of 7-hydroxystaurosporine induced apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract This is a phase I study of 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN-01) and fludararbine monophosphate (FAMP) in relapsed lymphoma. UCN-01 alone was administered in cycle 1 and with FAMP in cycles 2–6. FAMP was escalated in cohorts from 1 to 5 days. UCN-01 and FAMP pharmacokinetics and apoptosis of malignant lymphocytes was evaluated. Eighteen patients were enrolled. Standard FAMP with UCN-01 was tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and those seen were common to either agent alone. One patient died due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Seven of 18 patients responded. No pharmacological effect of UCN-01 by FAMP was noted. Lymphocytosis occurred in 15 of 18 patients following UCN-01 to paradoxically increase circulating tumor cells. UCN-01 induced apoptosis in six of eight patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). UCN-01 does not increase FAMP toxicity. Transient lymphocytosis followed by apoptosis occurs with UCN-01. Mobilization from tissue reservoirs may play a role in the induction of cell death in malignant lymphocytes.

Phase II study of EPOCH infusional chemotherapy in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). A report on toxicity, efficacy and prognostic indicators of outcome

6598 Background: In relapsed/refractory HL, an effective and well tolerated salvage regimen has important roles both prior to autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) and as palliative therapy in patients (pts) who are ineligible for or have failed SCT. METHODS Eligible pts had relapsed/refractory HL and adequate organ function unless due to HL. Pts received fixed dose EPOCH chemotherapy (etoposide 200 mg/m2, vincristine 1.6 mg/m2 (no cap) and doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 CIVI x 96-hrs D1-4; cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 IV D5 and prednisone 60 mg/m2 qd D1-6 ) with G-CSF q21 days until disease progression or stabilization over ≥ 2 cycles. RESULTS Of 54 pts, median (range) age was 31 yrs (19-64), 35 (66%) were male, stage was III in 11(21%) and IV in 30(56%), and 29 (55%) had B symptoms. Histology included nodular sclerosis 34 (64%), mixed cellularity 3 (25%), and lymphocyte depleted 5 (9%) classical HL, and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL 1 (2%). 24 (45%) pts had had ≥ 2 prior regimens, 27 (51%) pts received chemotherapy within the previous 10 mos, and 40 (75%) pts had responded to their last treatment. Over 202 cycles, toxicities included fever and neutropenia on 9 (4%), grade (gr) 4 neutropenia on 31 (15%), gr 4 thrombocytopenia on 20 (10%), and ≥ gr 2 gastrointestinal toxicity on 20 (10%) cycles; ≥ gr 2 cardiotoxicity occurred in 2 (4%) and ≥ gr 2 neurotoxicity in 11 (20%) pts. There was one treatment related death. 45 (84%) pts responded with 23 (44%) CR and 21 (40%) PR. With a median follow-up of 68 mos, the median progression-free (PFS) and overall survivals (OS) are 10 and 40 mos, and at 68 mos median follow-up, PFS and OS are 21% and 41%. Among 33 pts who underwent SCT, median PFS is 15 mos and OS has not been reached. Multivariate analysis revealed that the no. of prior drugs and response to the preceding regimen significantly influenced OS and PFS; in addition PFS was significantly influenced by performance status and mos since previous chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS EPOCH is well tolerated and has a high response rate in relapsed/refractory HL. It should be considered as salvage therapy prior to SCT or for palliation in incurable HL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.