Romidepsin in peripheral and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: mechanistic implications from clinical and correlative data

Romidepsin is an epigenetic agent approved for the treatment of patients with cutaneous or peripheral T-cell lymphoma (CTCL and PTCL). Here we report data in all patients treated on the National Cancer Institute 1312 trial, demonstrating long-term disease control and the ability to retreat patients relapsing off-therapy. In all, 84 patients with CTCL and 47 with PTCL were enrolled. Responses occurred early, were clinically meaningful and of very long duration in some cases. Notably, patients with PTCL receiving romidepsin as third-line therapy or later had a comparable response rate (32%) of similar duration as the total population (38%). Eight patients had treatment breaks of 3.5 months to 10 years; in four of six patients, re-initiation of treatment led to clear benefit. Safety data show slightly greater haematological and constitutional toxicity in PTCL. cDNA microarray studies show unique individual gene expression profiles, minimal overlap between patients, and both induction and repression of gene expression that reversed within 24 h. These data argue against cell death occurring as a result of an epigenetics-mediated gene induction programme. Together this work supports the safety and activity of romidepsin in T-cell lymphoma, but suggests a complex mechanism of action.

Prognostic nomogram for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma incorporating the International Prognostic Index with interim-positron emission tomography findings

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Results from interim-positron emission tomography (PET) studies in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients are varied. We evaluated the prognostic value of interim-PET in our centre. To improve concordance, interim-PET was combined with the International Prognostic Index (IPI).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 100 new consecutive DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy from 2005 to 2010. Twenty-four patients did not receive interim-PET and were excluded. Interim-PET images were re-examined using a qualitative assessment technique. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed by the Cox proportional hazards model and prognostic accuracy was assessed using Harrell's C statistics (C).

RESULTS

Eleven patients were positive, and 65 were negative at interim-PET. The 2-year OS and PFS were 70.8% and 60.0%, respectively, in the PET-negative group, 36.4% and 36.4% for the PET-positive group (log-rank P-value 0.0008 for PFS, 0.0001 for OS). The IPI and interim-PET were minimally correlated. On Cox regression analysis, both were significant indicators of PFS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002 respectively). The prognostic accuracy for PFS of a negative PET result was limited (C = 0.63), as it was for IPI (C = 0.75), but with the two indicators combined, the predictive accuracy was improved (C = 0.81). A nomogram, predictive for relapse-free survival at 2 years, was constructed.

CONCLUSION

In DLBCL patients treated with immunochemotherapy, the IPI and interim-PET provide independent prognostic information. In combination, a more powerful predictive model may be created as a nomogram. This can be refined in prospective trials and may help clinical decision making.

Acute myeloid leukaemia in Western Australia 1991-2005: a retrospective population-based study of 898 patients regarding epidemiology, cytogenetics, treatment and outcome

BACKGROUND

Patient characteristics and cytogenetics of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in clinical trials do not reflect that of the general population. There has not been a large population-based study that has examined cytogenetic features and outcomes of AML in Australia.

AIM

Investigation of epidemiological, prognostic, treatment and outcome data in adults diagnosed with AML in Western Australia between 1991 and 2005.

METHODS

Patients were identified utilising the Western Australia Cancer Registry, cytogenetic databases and hospital inpatient discharge diagnoses. Data were retrospectively collected from patients presenting to tertiary hospitals on patient characteristics, karyotype, induction therapy, remission, transplantation and survival.

RESULTS

A total of 987 patients with AML was identified, of which 91% (898) attended a tertiary hospital. Median age was 67 years and 45% of cases represented secondary AML. Cytogenetic analysis was available in 81% of patients. Frequent karyotypes were normal (38.8%), complex (13.8%) and -7/add(7q)/del(7q) (12.1%). Aggressive therapy was initiated in 62.6%. Less than 15% were enrolled in clinical trials. Overall 16.5% received a stem cell transplant. Median overall survival for all patients was 5.6 months. In patients treated aggressively, complete remission was achieved in 56.9% and median overall survival was 12.2 months. Age, secondary disease and karyotype were significantly predictive of remission and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Age distribution, remission and survival rates were comparable with published population-based studies. High median age was reflected in the rate of secondary AML and trial eligibility. These findings highlight the need for prospective data collection.

Further psychometric testing of an instrument to measure emotional care in hospital

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This paper describes further testing of the instrument Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation.

BACKGROUND

In 2005, a questionnaire was developed that could be completed by patients to evaluate the quality of emotional care received during their time in hospital. This questionnaire was tested at an acute care private hospital in Perth, Western Australia, with encouraging estimates of reliability and validity. The purpose of this study was to further test this questionnaire in a larger sample of inpatients at a public hospital in the same state.

DESIGN

Psychometric evaluation.

METHOD

A hospital-wide survey of 13 wards of a public hospital was conducted. Two hundred and fifty-one patients completed the questionnaire.

RESULTS

Psychometric testing of the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis substantiated the four sub-scales as follows: Level of Security, Level of Knowing, Level of Personal Value and Level of Connection. The Level of Connection sub-scale was assessed for the first time in this study. This sub-scale had the lowest mean score of all the sub-scales across the hospital as well as in each of the wards surveyed. Qualitative data substantiated, from the patients’ perspective, a lack of connection with hospital staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Further psychometric testing of the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation instrument has confirmed its psychometric properties and usefulness as an instrument to measure emotional care during hospitalisation.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation is a reliable and valid tool with which the emotional care of patients in hospital can be measured and the effectiveness of interventions assessed.

Second cancer incidence and cancer mortality among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients: a population-based study

Background:

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) are known to have increased risks of second cancer. The incidence of second cancers after CLL has not been reported in detail for Australia, a country with particularly high levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

Methods:

The study cohort comprised of all people diagnosed with a primary CLL between 1983 and 2005 in Australia. Standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using Australian population rates.

Results:

Overall, the risk of any second incident cancer was more than double that of the general population (SIR=2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.07, 2.27) and remained elevated for at least 9 years after CLL. Risks were increased for many cancers, particularly melanoma (SIR=7.74, 95% CI=6.85, 8.72). The risk of melanoma increased at younger ages, but was constant across >9 years of follow-up. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients also had an increased risk of death because of melanoma (SMR=4.79, 95% CI=3.83, 5.90) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC; SMR=17.0, 95% CI=14.4, 19.8), suggesting that these skin cancers may be more aggressive in CLL patients.

Conclusion:

We speculate that a shared risk factor, such as general immune suppression, modulated by UVR exposure may explain the increased risk of melanoma and NMSC in CLL patients.

Risk of second cancer after lymphohematopoietic neoplasm

People living with lymphohematopoietic neoplasms (LHNs) are known to have increased risks of second cancer; however, the incidence of second cancers after LHNs has not been studied extensively in Australia. The Australian Cancer Database was used to analyze site-specific risk of second primary cancer after LHNs in 127,707 patients diagnosed between 1983 and 2005. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated using population rates. Overall, patients with an LHN had nearly twice the risk of developing a second cancer compared to the Australian population. Among 40,321 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), there was over a fourfold significant increase in melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, cancer of the lip, connective tissue and peripheral nerves, eye, thyroid, Hodgkin's disease (HD) and myeloid leukemia. Among 6,396 patients with HD, there was over a fourfold significant increase in melanoma, Kaposi sarcoma, cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx, female breast, uterine cervix, testis, thyroid, NHL and myeloid leukemia. Among the 33,025 patients with lymphoid and myeloid leukemia, significant excess were seen for cancers of the lip, eye, connective tissue and peripheral nerves, NHL and HD. Among the 13,856 patients with plasma cell tumors, there was over fourfold significant increase for melanoma, cancer of the connective tissue and peripheral nerves and myeloid leukemia. Our findings provide evidence of an increased risk of cancer, particularly ultraviolet radiation- and immunosuppression-related cancers, after an LHN in Australia.

Phase II multi-institutional trial of the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin as monotherapy for patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

PURPOSE Romidepsin (depsipeptide or FK228) is a member of a new class of antineoplastic agents active in T-cell lymphoma, the histone deacetylase inhibitors. On the basis of observed responses in a phase I trial, a phase II trial of romidepsin in patients with T-cell lymphoma was initiated. PATIENTS AND METHODS The initial cohort was limited to patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), or subtypes mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome, who had received no more than two prior cytotoxic regimens. There were no limits on other types of therapy. Subsequently, the protocol was expanded to enroll patients who had received more than two prior cytotoxic regimens. Results Twenty-seven patients were enrolled onto the first cohort, and a total of 71 patients are included in this analysis. These patients had undergone a median of four prior treatments, and 62 patients (87%) had advanced-stage disease (stage IIB, n = 15; stage III, n= 6; or stage IV, n = 41). Toxicities included nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and transient thrombocytopenia and granulocytopenia. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated with the first administration of romidepsin. Complete responses were observed in four patients, and partial responses were observed in 20 patients for an overall response rate of 34% (95% CI, 23% to 46%). The median duration of response was 13.7 months. CONCLUSION The histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin has single-agent clinical activity with significant and durable responses in patients with CTCL.

When the safety net of treatment has been removed: patients' unmet needs at the completion of treatment for haematological malignancies

OBJECTIVE

To determine patients' information, emotional and support needs at the completion of treatment for a haematological malignancy.

METHODS

A self-report questionnaire was mailed to 113 adult patients.

RESULTS

Sixty-six questionnaires were returned. The most frequently endorsed patient needs related to care co-ordination and help to manage the fear of recurrence. The most frequently endorsed unmet needs included managing the fear of recurrence, the need for a case-manager and the need for communication between treating doctors. Predictors of unmet needs included younger patients (p=0.01), marital status (p=0.03) and employment (p=0.03). Almost two-thirds of patients (59%) reported they would have found it helpful to talk with a health care professional about their experience of diagnosis and treatment at the completion of treatment and endorsed significantly more need in the arenas of Quality of Life (p=0.03) and Emotional and Relationships (p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable data on haematological cancer patients' needs in the first 12 months of finishing treatment. It appears that many needs emerge or remain unresolved at this time.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

An opportunity for patients to talk with a health professional about making the transition from active treatment to extended survivorship may be helpful.

Patient perceptions of the GP role in cancer management

BACKGROUND

During the course of their cancer treatment, patients have to deal with a number of health professionals. We investigated patients' perceptions of the role of the general practitioner, with particular reference to GPs' ability to manage patients' cancer outside of the hospital setting.

METHOD

We took a phenomenological approach, focussing on empowerment, and any central role of the GP. In depth interviews were conducted on the same haematological cancer patients over a 2 year period. Results were analysed for main themes regarding support and management of illness.

RESULTS

Many patients had a long term relationship with an individual GP. They perceived GPs as providing a primarily supportive rather than treatment role outside of the hospital setting, and relied on them for clarification and reassurance.

DISCUSSION

The personal, confiding relationship between the GP and cancer patient might be better exploited by specialists. Patients could feel more empowered in relation to their condition if provided with information by their GP that is more relevant and explicit. For this to occur, specialists must first provide GPs with timely and pertinent information about their cancer management.

Prospective randomised trial of amifostine cytoprotection in myeloma patients undergoing high-dose melphalan conditioned autologous stem cell transplantation

In this prospective multicentre trial, 90 patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) were randomised to receive (n=43) or not receive (n=47) amifostine 910 mg/m(2) prior to melphalan 200 mg/m(2). Patients were monitored for regimen-related toxicity, engraftment, supportive care, response and survival. Both groups underwent ASCT at a median of 8 months from diagnosis and were matched for disease characteristics, prior therapy and pre-ASCT disease responsiveness. Amifostine infusional side-effects were frequent, occurring in 65% of patients, but of mild severity. Amifostine use was associated with a reduction in the median grade of oral mucositis (1 vs 2, P=0.01) and the frequency of severe (WHO grades 3 or 4) mucositis (12 vs 33%, P=0.02), but no reduction in the requirement for parenteral nutrition or analgesic use. Conversion to complete remission post-ASCT occurred in 30 and 14% of the amifostine and control groups, respectively (P=0.09). With a median follow-up of 35 months, there was no statistically significant difference between the median progression-free or overall survival times for the two groups. We conclude that amifostine can be safely administered prior to high-dose melphalan and significantly reduces the frequency and severity of therapy-induced oral mucositis.

Real-time quantitative PCR analysis can be used as a primary screen to identify patients with CML treated with imatinib who have BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations

Mutations within the BCR-ABL kinase domain in imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are the main mechanism of acquired resistance. The early detection of mutations should provide clinical benefit by allowing early intervention. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) results of BCR-ABL mRNA were correlated with mutation analysis in 214 patients treated with imatinib. We determined whether there was a difference in the incidence of mutations between the patients with a more than 2-fold rise in BCR-ABL and patients with stable or decreasing levels. Of the 56 patients with a more than 2-fold rise, 34 (61%) had detectable mutations (median rise, 3.0-fold; 25th-75th percentiles, 2.3-5.2). In 31 (91%) of these 34 patients, the mutation was present at the time of the rise and became detectable within 3 months in the remaining patients. Only 1 (0.6%) of 158 patients with stable or decreasing BCR-ABL levels had a detectable mutation, P less than .0001. Thus, a more than 2-fold rise identified 34 (97%) of 35 patients with a mutation. We conclude that a rise in BCR-ABL of more than 2-fold can be used as a primary indicator to test patients for BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations.

Autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe rheumatoid arthritis: a report from the EBMT and ABMTR

OBJECTIVE

Since 1996, autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To date, published reports have been individual cases or series containing small numbers. This study combined the worldwide experience in a single analysis.

METHODS

The Autoimmune Disease Databases of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry (ABMTR) were used to identify patients with RA treated with autologous HSCT. Further information relating to patient and treatment-specific variables was obtained by questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were registered from 15 centers. Seventy-three patients had received autologous HSCT, and in 3 patients hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) were mobilized but not transplanted. Transplanted patients (median age 42 yrs, 74% female, 86% rheumatoid factor positive) had been previously treated with a mean of 5 (range 2-9) disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). Significant functional impairment was present, with a median Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score of 1.4 (range 1.1-2.0) and Steinbrocker score mean 2.39 (SD 0.58). The high dose treatment regimen was cyclophosphamide (CYC) alone in the majority of patients, mostly 200 mg/kg (n = 62). Seven patients received anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) in addition to CYC, 2 patients busulfan and CYC (BuCYC), and one patient CYC with total body irradiation and ATG. One patient received fludarabine with ATG. Following treatment, one patient received bone marrow but the rest received chemotherapy and/or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood stem cells. The harvest was unmanipulated in 28 patients, the rest receiving some form of lymphocyte depletion, mostly through CD34+ selection. Median followup was 16 months (range 3-55). Responses were measured using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Forty-nine patients (67%) achieved at least ACR 50% response at some point following transplant. There was a significant reduction in the level of disability measured by the HAQ (p < 0.005). Most patients restarted DMARD within 6 months for persistent or recurrent disease activity, which provided disease control in about half the cases. Response was significantly related to seronegative RA (p = 0.02) but not to duration of disease, number of previous DMARD, presence of HLA-DR4, or removal of lymphocytes from the graft. There was no direct transplant related mortality, although one patient, treated with the BuCYC regimen, died 5 months post-transplant from infection and incidental non-small cell lung cancer.

CONCLUSION

Autologous HSCT is a relatively safe form of salvage treatment in severe, resistant RA. In these open label studies significant responses were achieved in most patients, with over 50% achieving an ACR 50 or more response at 12 months. Although the procedure is not curative, recurrent or persistent disease activity may be subsequently controlled in some patients with DMARD. Clinical trials are necessary to develop this approach in patients with aggressive disease who have failed conventional treatment including anti-tumor necrosis factor agents.

Haematological cancer patients: achieving a sense of empowerment by use of strategies to control illness

BACKGROUND

The role that empowerment plays through involving haematological cancer patients and their families in their treatment and care is undeniable. It encompasses the implementation of various strategies to achieve a sense of empowerment.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This phenomenological study sought to identify core strategies used by cancer patients regardless of their illness stage and prognosis who exhibited a strong sense of empowerment in coping with their condition.

DESIGN

A phenomenological approach using an in depth interviewing technique was used to identify the common factors which patients and spouses believed could enable them to achieve a measure of control in managing their illness. These measures were referred to as coping strategies.

METHODS

It was decided to conduct a purposive study and re-interview seven of 12 patients who had previously participated in a pilot Haematology Shared Care project and who had developed a high level of ability in coping with their illness. At the patient's discretion, spouses were invited to participate and to contribute to the interview. Three spouses participated in the interviewing process.

RESULTS

Common strategies emerged regardless of the patient's stage of illness and prognosis. Informants identified the determination to remain in control of the illness and treatment side effects, having the support of family and significant others, illness acceptance and maintaining hope as crucial to their sense of empowerment.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is hoped that clinicians will gain a deeper understanding of the varied and numerous strategies used by cancer patients in coping with their illness. This understanding will ensure that by encouraging these strategies, patients and their families will be supported by health professionals to achieve a greater sense of empowerment. As this and other studies have shown, working alongside health professionals contributes to empowerment for both the cancer patient and significant others in their lives.

Imatinib produces significantly superior molecular responses compared to interferon alfa plus cytarabine in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase

We analyzed molecular responses in 55 newly diagnosed chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients enrolled in a phase 3 study (the IRIS trial) comparing imatinib to interferon-alfa plus cytarabine (IFN+AraC). BCR-ABL/BCR% levels were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and were significantly lower for the imatinib-treated patients at all time points up to 18 months, P<0.0001. The median levels for imatinib-treated patients continued to decrease and had not reached a plateau by 24 months. A total of 24 IFN+AraC-treated patients crossed over to imatinib. Once imatinib commenced, the median BCR-ABL/BCR% levels in these patients were not significantly different to those on first-line imatinib for the equivalent number of months. The incidence of progression in imatinib-treated patients, defined by hematologic, cytogenetic or quantitative PCR criteria, was significantly higher in the patients who failed to achieve a 1 log reduction by 3 months or a 2 log reduction by 6 months, P=0.002. A total of 49 patients were screened for BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations. Mutations were detected in two imatinib-treated patients who crossed over from IFN+AraC and both lost their imatinib response. In conclusion, first-line imatinib-treated patients had profound reductions in BCR-ABL/BCR%, which significantly exceeded those of IFN+AraC-treated patients and early measurements were predictive of subsequent response.

Australasian haematologist referral patterns to palliative care: lack of consensus on when and why

BACKGROUND

Patients with haematological malignancies are not referred to palliative care services as frequently as those with solid cancers (non-haematological malignancies).

AIMS

The present study surveyed haematologists in Australia and New Zealand. We aimed to record theoretical referral times, identify problems with referral to palliative care and clarify elements used to decide whether a patient was "terminally ill".

METHODS

A questionnaire based on the case-histories of three patients (with acute leukaemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma) was distributed at the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand Congress 2000, Perth, Australia. Each case was divided into stages by transitional points in the illness to include issues or prognostic variables that may stimulate referral to palliative care. Questions were asked about: (i) referral-triggers, (ii) problems previously experienced, (iii) definition of when the patient was "terminally ill", (iv) prognostication difficulties and (v) communication about prognosis.

RESULTS

The response rate was 11%, which may represent up to 32% of Australian specialists. Eighty per cent had access to all types of palliative care services and refer for symptom control, regardless of illness stage. Twenty-nine per cent had experienced difficulties in referring. There was a variation as to exactly when referral would occur and when each case was considered "terminally ill". Reasons for early or later referral were explored. Prognostication difficulties were common.

CONCLUSIONS

In theory there is a willingness to refer to palliative care, however this has yet to be translated to day-to-day practice. This may be due to prognostication difficulties, logistical factors and medical concerns. Models of referral are suggested for further study.

Detection of BCR-ABL mutations in patients with CML treated with imatinib is virtually always accompanied by clinical resistance, and mutations in the ATP phosphate-binding loop (P-loop) are associated with a poor prognosis

Imatinib-treated chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with acquired resistance commonly have detectable BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations. It is unclear whether patients who remain sensitive to imatinib also have a significant incidence of mutations. We evaluated 144 patients treated with imatinib for BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations by direct sequencing of 40 accelerated phase (AP), 64 late chronic phase (> or = 12 months from diagnosis, late-CP), and 40 early-CP patients. Mutations were detected in 27 patients at 17 different residues, 13 (33%) of 40 in AP, 14 (22%) of 64 in late-CP, and 0 of 40 in early-CP. Acquired resistance was evident in 24 (89%) of 27 patients with mutations. Twelve (92%) of 13 patients with mutations in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding loop (P-loop) died (median survival of 4.5 months after the mutation was detected). In contrast, only 3 (21%) of 14 patients with mutations outside the P-loop died (median follow-up of 11 months). As the detection of mutations was strongly associated with imatinib resistance, we analyzed features that predicted for their detection. Patients who commenced imatinib more than 4 years from diagnosis had a significantly higher incidence of mutations (18 [41%] of 44) compared with those treated within 4 years (9 [9%] of 100), P <.0001. Lack of a major cytogenetic response (MCR) was also associated with a higher likelihood of detecting a mutation; 19 (38%) of 50 patients without a MCR had mutations compared with 8 (8.5%) of 94 with an MCR, P <.0001. In conclusion, the detection of kinase domain mutations using a direct sequencing technique was almost always associated with imatinib resistance, and patients with mutations in the P-loop had a particularly poor prognosis.

A pilot randomized trial comparing CD34-selected versus unmanipulated hemopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe, refractory rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Evidence from animal studies, case reports, and phase I studies suggests that hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is unclear, however, if depletion of T cells in the stem cell product infused after high-dose chemotherapy is beneficial in prolonging responses by reducing the number of infused autoreactive T cells. This pilot multicenter, randomized trial was undertaken to obtain feasibility data on whether CD34 selection (as a form of T cell depletion) of an autologous stem cell graft is of benefit in the HSCT procedure in patients with severe, refractory RA.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with severe RA who had been treated unsuccessfully with methotrexate and at least 1 other disease-modifying agent were enrolled in the trial. The patients received high-dose immunosuppressive treatment with 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide followed by an infusion of autologous stem cells that were CD34 selected or unmanipulated. Safety, efficacy (based on American College of Rheumatology [ACR] response criteria), and time to recurrence of disease were assessed on a monthly basis for up to 12 months.

RESULTS

All patients were living at the end of the study, with no major unexpected toxicities. Overall, on an intent-to-treat basis, ACR 20% response (ACR20) was achieved in 70% of the patients. An ACR70 response was attained in 27.7% of the 18 patients who had received CD34-selected cells and 53.3% of the 15 who had received unmanipulated cells (P = 0.20). The median time to disease recurrence was 147 days in the CD34-selected cell group and 201 days in the unmanipulated cell group (P = 0.28). There was no relationship between CD4 lymphopenia and response, but 72% of rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients had an increase in RF titer prior to recurrence of disease.

CONCLUSION

HSCT can be performed safely in patients with RA, and initial results indicate significant responses in patients with severe, treatment-resistant disease. Similar outcomes were observed in patients undergoing HSCT with unmanipulated cells and those receiving CD34-selected cells. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.