Olivier Tournilhac

Human immunoglobulin M memory B cells controlling Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are generated in the spleen.

Splenectomized and asplenic patients have a high incidence of infections by encapsulated bacteria and do not respond to polysaccharide vaccines. To understand whether the absence of the spleen is associated with a defined B cell defect, we analyzed B cell subsets in the peripheral blood. We found that a population of B cells known as immunoglobulin (Ig)M memory is lacking in patients without spleen. The absence of IgM memory B cells correlates with an impaired immune response to encapsulated bacteria not only in splenectomized patients, but also in individuals with an intact spleen. We show that the physiological and transient predisposition to pneumococcal infections of young children (0–2 yr) is associated with the lack of circulating IgM memory B cells and of serum antipolysaccharide IgM. We also demonstrate that IgM memory B cells are undetectable in a fraction of patients with common variable immunodeficiency, who have recurrent and invasive infections by encapsulated bacteria. IgM memory B cells, therefore, require the spleen for their generation and/or survival and are responsible for the protection against encapsulated bacteria.

Outcome of Treatment in Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Analysis of the LALA-94 Trial

PURPOSE We analyzed the benefits of a risk-adapted postremission strategy in adult lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and re-evaluated stem-cell transplantation (SCT) for high-risk ALL. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 922 adult patients entered onto the trial according to risk groups: standard-risk ALL (group 1), high-risk ALL (group 2), Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (group 3), and CNS-positive ALL (group 4). All received a standard four-drug/4-week induction course. Patients from group 1 who achieved a complete remission (CR) after one course of induction therapy were randomly assigned between intensive and less intensive postremission chemotherapy, whereas those who achieved CR after salvage therapy were then included in group 2. Patients in groups 2, 3, and 4 with an HLA-identical sibling were assigned to allogeneic SCT. In groups 3 and 4, autologous SCT was offered to all other patients, whereas in group 2 they were randomly assigned between chemotherapy and autologous SCT. RESULTS Overall, 771 patients achieved CR (84%). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was 17.5 months, with 3-year DFS at 37%. In group 1, the 3-year DFS rate was 41%, with no difference between arms of postremission randomization. In groups 2 and 4, the 3-year DFS rates were 38% and 44%, respectively. In group 2, autologous SCT and chemotherapy resulted in comparable median DFS. Patients with an HLA-matched sibling (groups 2 and 4) had improved DFS. Three-year DFS was 24% in group 3. CONCLUSION Allogeneic SCT improved DFS in high-risk ALL in the first CR. Autologous SCT did not confer a significant benefit over chemotherapy for high-risk ALL.

Graft-Versus-Lymphoma Effect for Aggressive T-Cell Lymphomas in Adults: A Study by the Société Française de Greffe de Moëlle et de Thérapie Cellulaire

PURPOSE Aggressive T-cell lymphomas (ATCLs) represent 10% to 15% of non-Hodgkins lymphomas (NHLs) in adults. ATCLs show a worse prognosis than B-cell lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS On behalf of the Société Française de Greffe de Moëlle et de Thérapie Cellulaire, we conducted a retrospective analysis including 77 ATCL patients who underwent allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (alloSCT). RESULTS The different diagnosis included anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL; n = 27), peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS; n = 27), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL; n = 11), hepatosplenic gamma/delta lymphoma (HSL; n = 3), T-cell granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-GLL; n = 1), nasal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (nasal-NK/L; n = 3) or non-nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma (non-nasal-NK/L; n = 2), enteropathy-type T-cell (n = 1), and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1 lymphoma (n = 2). Fifty-seven patients received a myeloablative conditioning regimen. Donors were human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched in 70 cases and related in 60 cases. Thirty-one patients were in complete remission (CR) at the time of alloSCT, whereas 26 were in partial response (PR). Five-year toxicity-related mortality (TRM) incidence was 33% (95% CI, 24% to 46%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 57% (95% CI, 45% to 68%) and 53% (95% CI, 41% to 64%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, chemoresistant disease (stable, refractory, or progressing disease) at the time of alloSCT and the occurrence of severe grade 3 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) were the strongest adverse prognostic factors for OS (P = .03 and .03, respectively). Disease status at transplantation significantly influenced the 5-year EFS (P = .003), and an HLA-mismatched donor increased TRM (P = .04). CONCLUSION We conclude that alloSCT is a potentially efficient therapy for NK/T lymphomas and is worth further investigation through prospective clinical trials.

Very long-term outcome of acute promyelocytic leukemia after treatment with all-trans retinoic acid and chemotherapy: the European APL Group experience

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is highly curable with the combination of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and anthracycline-based chemotherapy (CT), but very long-term results of this treatment, when CT should be added to ATRA and the role of maintenance treatment, remain uncertain. In our APL93 trial that included 576 newly diagnosed APL patients, with a median follow-up of 10 years, 10-year survival was 77%. Maintenance treatment significantly reduced 10-year cumulative incidence of relapses, from 43.2% to 33%, 23.4%, and 13.4% with no maintenance, maintenance using intermittent ATRA, continuous 6 mercaptopurine plus methotrexate, and both treatments, respectively (P < .001). Maintenance particularly benefited patients with white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 5 x 10(9)/L (5000/microL). Early addition of CT to ATRA significantly improved 10-year event-free survival (EFS), but without significant effect on overall survival (OS). The 10-year cumulative incidence of deaths in complete response (CR), resulting mainly from myelosuppression, was 5.7%, 15.4%, and 21.7% in patients younger than 55, 55 to 65, and older than 65 years, respectively, supporting the need for less myelosuppressive treatments, particularly for consolidation therapy. This study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00599937.

Outcome of treatment after first relapse in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia initially treated by the LALA-94 trial.

Fifty-four percent of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who entered the LALA-94 trial experienced a first relapse. We examined the outcome of these 421 adult patients. One hundred and eighty-seven patients (44%) achieved a second complete remission (CR). The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 5.2 months with a 5-year DFS at 12%. Factors predicting a better outcome after relapse were any transplant performed in second CR (P<0.0001), a first CR duration >1 year (P=0.04) and platelet level >100 × 109/l at relapse (P=0.04). Risk groups defined at diagnosis and treatment received in first CR did not influence the outcome after relapse. The best results were obtained in a subset of patients who were eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Geno-identical allogeneic SCT was performed in 55 patients, and 3 patients received donor lymphocyte infusions. Forty-four transplantations were performed from an unrelated donor (of which four were cord blood). We conclude that most adult patients with recurring ALL could not be rescued using current available therapies, although allogeneic SCT remains the best therapeutic option.

Infectious complications following allogeneic HLA-identical sibling transplantation with antithymocyte globulin-based reduced intensity preparative regimen

In the setting of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), the epidemiology of transplant-related infections is still poorly defined. In 101 high-risk patients who received an HLA-identical sibling allo-SCT after RIC, including fludarabine, busulfan and antithymocyte globulin (ATG), we report during the first 6 months a cumulative incidence of positive CMV antigenemia of 42% (95% CI 32–52%), developing at a median of 37 (range 7–116) days without evidence of CMV disease (median follow-up, 434 days). The cumulative incidence of bacteremia was 25% (95% CI 17–33%), occurring at a median of 67 (range 7–172) days, while patients had recovered a full neutrophil count. In all, 65% of the bacteremia (95% CI 49–81%) were gram negative. The cumulative incidence of fungal infections was 8% (95% CI 3–13%), with a median onset of 89 (range 7–170) days. In multivariate analysis, stem cell source (bone marrow; P=0.0002) was significantly associated with the risk of positive CMV antigenemia, while higher doses of prednisone (>2 mg/kg) represented the major risk factor for bacteremia (P=0.0001). Infectious-related mortality was 5% (95% CI 1–9%), with aspergillosis being the principal cause. Collectively, these results suggest that prospective efforts are warranted to develop optimal antimicrobial preventive strategies after RIC allo-SCT.

Upfront VIP-reinforced-ABVD (VIP-rABVD) is not superior to CHOP/21 in newly diagnosed peripheral T cell lymphoma. Results of the randomized phase III trial GOELAMS-LTP95

Peripheral T‐Cell lymphomas (PTCL) are relatively rare diseases but appear to be highly aggressive and display worse remission and survival rates than B‐cell lymphomas. Despite unsatisfactory results with the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) regimen, it remains the reference front‐line therapy in these diseases, but has not been challenged in phase III trials. The Groupe Ouest Est d’Etude des Leucémies et Autres Maladies du Sang (GOELAMS) devised an alternative therapeutic schedule including etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin alternating with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (VIP‐reinforced‐ABVD; VIP‐rABVD) and compared it to CHOP/21 as front‐line treatment in non‐cutaneous PTCL. All newly diagnosed patients were eligible. The primary objective was to improve the 2‐year event‐free survival (EFS) rate. Secondary objectives were to compare the response rate, overall survival, and toxicities as well as identify prognostic factors. Eighty‐eight patients were identified between 1996 and 2002. Both arms were well balanced for patients’ characteristics in terms of histological and clinical presentation. No significant difference was observed between the two arms in terms of 2‐year EFS. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma type and Ann Arbor stage I–II were identified as two independent favourable prognostic factors influencing survival. VIP‐rABVD was not superior to CHOP/21 in terms of EFS as first‐line treatment of PTCL, confirming that CHOP/21 remains the reference regimen in these lymphomas.

Uncontrolled-rate freezing and storage at –80°C, with only3.5-percent DMSO in cryoprotective solution for 109 autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantations

BACKGROUND: Although controlled‐rate freezing and storage in liquid nitrogen are the standard procedure for peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) cryopreserva‐tion, uncontrolled‐rate freezing and storage at –80°C have been reported.

Results From a Prospective, Open-Label, Phase II Trial of Bendamustine in Refractory or Relapsed T-Cell Lymphomas: The BENTLY Trial

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy and safety of bendamustine as a single agent in refractory or relapsed T-cell lymphomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma who progressed after one or more lines of prior chemotherapy received bendamustine at 120 mg/m(2) per day on days 1 through 2 every 3 weeks for six cycles. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary end points were duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Of the 60 patients included, 27 (45%) were refractory to their last prior chemotherapy, and the median duration of the best previous response was 6.6 months. Histology was predominantly angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy and PTCL not otherwise specified. The disease was disseminated in the majority of patients (87%). The median number of previous lines of chemotherapy was one (range, one to three). Twenty patients (33%) received fewer than three cycles of bendamustine, mostly because of disease progression. In the intent-to-treat population, the ORR was 50%, including complete response in 17 patients (28%) and partial response in 13 patients (22%). Bendamustine showed consistent efficacy independent of major disease characteristics. The median values for DoR, PFS, and OS were 3.5, 3.6, and 6.2 months, respectively. The most frequent grade 3 to 4 adverse events were neutropenia (30%), thrombocytopenia (24%), and infections (20%). CONCLUSION Bendamustine showed an encouraging high response rate across the two major PTCL subtypes, independent of age and prior treatment, with acceptable toxicity in refractory or relapsed T-cell lymphoma.

Results of a Randomized Trial of Chlorambucil Versus Fludarabine for Patients With Untreated Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Marginal Zone Lymphoma, or Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma

PURPOSE Treatment options for patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) and closely related disorders include alkylating agents, purine analogs, and monoclonal antibodies. No large randomized studies have yet been reported comparing any of these approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS The randomized WM1 study (Trial Comparing Chlorambucil to Fludarabine in Patients With Advanced Waldenström Macroglobulinemia) was undertaken in 101 centers in five countries enrolling 414 eligible patients (339 with WM, 37 with non-mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue marginal zone lymphoma, and 38 with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) who were randomly assigned to receive chlorambucil or fludarabine. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS On the basis of intent-to-treat analysis, the ORR was 47.8% (95% CI, 40.9% to 54.8%) in the fludarabine arm versus 38.6% (95% CI, 32.0% to 45.7%) in the chlorambucil arm (P = .07). With a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range, 18 to 58 months), median progression-free survival (PFS), and duration of response (DR) were significantly improved in the fludarabine arm compared with the chlorambucil arm: PFS, 36.3 versus 27.1 months (P = .012) and DR, 38.3 versus 19.9 months (P < .001). In patients with WM, median overall survival (OS) was not reached in the fludarabine arm versus 69.8 months in the chlorambucil arm (95% CI, 61.6 to 79.8 months; P = .014). Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia was significantly higher among patients treated with fludarabine (36%) compared with patients treated with chlorambucil (17.8%; P < .001). Second malignancies were significantly more frequent in the chlorambucil arm with 6-year cumulative incidence rate of 20.6% versus 3.7% in the fludarabine arm (P = .001). CONCLUSION In the complete intent-to-treat study population, fludarabine significantly improved PFS compared with chlorambucil, and in patients with WM, it improved OS.