Reduced-intensity hematopoietic cell transplantation for patients with primary myelofibrosis: a cohort analysis from the center for international blood and marrow transplant research

We evaluated outcomes and associated prognostic factors in 233 patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for primary myelofibrosis (MF) using reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC). The median age at RIC HCT was 55 yr. Donors were a matched sibling donor (MSD) in 34% of RIC HCTs, an HLA well-matched unrelated donor (URD) in 45%, and a partially matched/mismatched URD in 21%. Risk stratification according to the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) was 12% low, 49% intermediate-1, 37% intermediate-2, and 1% high. The probability of survival at 5 yr was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40% to 53%). In a multivariate analysis, donor type was the sole independent factor associated with survival. Adjusted probabilities of survival at 5-yr were 56% (95% CI, 44% to 67%) for MSD, 48% (95% CI, 37% to 58%) for well-matched URD, and 34% (95% CI, 21% to 47%) for partially matched/mismatched URD (P = .002). The relative risk (RR) for NRM was 3.92 (P = .006) for well-matched URD and 9.37 (P < .0001) for partially matched/mismatched URD. Trends toward increased NRM (RR, 1.7; P = .07) and inferior survival (RR, 1.37; P = .10) were observed in DIPSS intermediate-2/high-risk patients compared with DIPSS low/intermediate-1 risk patients. Our data indicate that RIC HCT is a potentially curative option for patients with MF, and that donor type is the most important factor influencing survival in these patients.

Sequence-based discovery of Bradyrhizobium enterica in cord colitis syndrome

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression is associated with a variety of idiopathic clinical syndromes that may have infectious causes. It has been hypothesized that the cord colitis syndrome, a complication of umbilical-cord hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, is infectious in origin.

METHODS

We performed shotgun DNA sequencing on four archived, paraffin-embedded endoscopic colon-biopsy specimens obtained from two patients with cord colitis. Computational subtraction of human and known microbial sequences and assembly of residual sequences into a bacterial draft genome were performed. We used polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization to determine whether the corresponding bacterium was present in additional patients and controls.

RESULTS

DNA sequencing of the biopsy specimens revealed more than 2.5 million sequencing reads that did not match known organisms. These sequences were computationally assembled into a 7.65-Mb draft genome showing a high degree of homology with genomes of bacteria in the bradyrhizobium genus. The corresponding newly discovered bacterium was provisionally named Bradyrhizobium enterica. PCR identified B. enterica nucleotide sequences in biopsy specimens from all three additional patients with cord colitis whose samples were tested, whereas B. enterica sequences were absent in samples obtained from healthy controls and patients with colon cancer or graft-versus-host disease.

CONCLUSIONS

We assembled a novel bacterial draft genome from the direct sequencing of tissue specimens from patients with cord colitis. Association of these sequences with cord colitis suggests that B. enterica may be an opportunistic human pathogen. (Funded by the National Cancer Institute and others.)

Association between baseline body mass index and overall survival among patients over age 60 with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is more common and more lethal among patients over the age of 60. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with a higher incidence of various malignancies, including AML. We sought to determine whether patient BMI at the time of AML diagnosis is related to overall survival (OS) among elderly patients. We identified 97 patients with AML diagnosed after the age of 60 and treated with cytarabine-based induction chemotherapy. The median age was 68 years (range 60-87); 52% of patients were male, and our study population was predominantly white (89% of patients). The median OS for all patients was 316 days (95% CI 246-459). The hazard ratio for mortality was increased among patients with a BMI < 25 compared to BMI ≥ 30 (HR 2.14, P = 0.009, 95% CI 1.21-3.77), as well as with older age (HR 1.76, P = 0.015, 95% CI 1.12-2.79) and with secondary versus de novo disease (HR 1.95, P = 0.006, 95% CI 1.21-3.14). After multivariable analysis, we did not find a significant association between OS and other potential confounders such as coronary artery disease or diabetes among these patients. We conclude that increased BMI was independently associated with improved OS among older AML patients at our institution.

Outcomes in patients age 70 or older undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can achieve durable remissions in a number of patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. Little is known about the safety of HSCT in patients age 70 or older. Consecutive patients (n = 54) age 70 or older underwent HSCT between 2007 and 2012. Diseases included acute myelogenous leukemia (n = 25), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 12), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 5), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 4), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 3), myeloproliferative neoplasm (n = 4), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 1). Median follow-up for survivors was 21 months. All patients received reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, primarily busulfan/fludarabine. All patients received unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell grafts: 44 from 8/8 matched unrelated donors, 8 from matched related donors, and 2 from 7/8 matched unrelated donors. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was calcineurin inhibitor-based in all patients. The median age at transplantation was 71 years (range, 70 to 76); the median HCT comorbidity index score was 1 (range, 0 to 5). Two patients died before hematopoietic recovery (1 with graft failure and 1 with disease progression), and 1 patient relapsed before hematopoietic recovery; otherwise, all engrafted with median donor chimerism of 94% at 1 month. Cumulative incidence of grades II to IV acute GVHD was 13% and of grades III to IV acute GVHD, 9.3%. At 2 years, the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 36%, progression-free survival was 39%, overall survival was 39%, and relapse was 56%. Nonrelapse mortality was 3.7% at day +100 and 5.6% at 2 years. We conclude that allogeneic HSCT is a safe and effective option for carefully selected patients age 70 or older.

Phase I dose escalation study of bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximal tolerated dose of bortezomib that could be combined with standard dose lenalidomide in patients with MDS or AML. Treatment consisted of bortezomib (IV) on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 and lenalidomide 10mg daily (PO) days 1-21 in 28 day cycles for up to 9 cycles. 23 patients (14 MDS/CMML, 9 AML) were enrolled. The maximally tested dose of bortezomib, 1.3mg/m(2), was tolerable in this regimen. Responses were seen in patients with MDS and AML. Further testing of this regimen is planned.

Risk factors for invasive fungal disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a single center experience

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). We performed a retrospective review of 271 adults with a hematologic malignancy undergoing allogeneic HCT to determine the incidence of and risk factors for IFD and to examine the impact of IFD on nonrelapse mortality and overall survival. We defined IFD using standard criteria and selected proven and probable cases for analysis. Diagnoses in the study group included acute leukemia (42%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (24%), myelodysplastic syndrome (15%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (5%), and other hematologic disorders (14%). Conditioning included reduced-intensity (64%) and myeloablative (36%) regimens. Donor sources were HLA-matched sibling (60%), matched unrelated (20%), haploidentical (12%), and cord blood (8%). A total of 51 episodes of IFD were observed in 42 subjects (15%). Aspergillus spp (47%) was the most frequent causative organism, followed by Candida spp (43%). The majority of IFD cases (67%) were reported after day +100 post-HCT. In multivariate analysis, haploidentical donor transplantation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-9.77; P = .005) and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.07-6.10; P = .03) were risk factors for the development of IFD. Conversely, higher infused CD34(+) cell dose was associated with a lower risk of IFD (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.94; P = .006, per 1 × 10(6) cells/kg increase in CD34(+) cell infusion). IFD-related mortality was 33.3%. Nonrelapse mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed IFD compared with those without IFD (P < .001, log-rank test). Patients with IFD had lower overall survival (5.8 months versus 76.1 months; P < .001, log-rank test). Further studies exploring strategies to increase the infused cell dose and determine adequate prophylaxis, especially against aspergillus, beyond day +100 are needed.

Effects of spleen status on early outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation

To assess the impact of spleen status on engraftment, and early morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), we analyzed 9,683 myeloablative allograft recipients from 1990 to 2006; 472 had prior splenectomy (SP), 300 splenic irradiation (SI), 1,471 with splenomegaly (SM), and 7,440 with normal spleen (NS). Median times to neutrophil engraftment (NE) and platelet engraftment (PE) were 15 vs 18 days and 22 vs 24 days for the SP and NS groups, respectively (P<0.001). Hematopoietic recovery at day +100 was not different across all groups, however the odds ratio of days +14 and +21 NE and day +28 PE were 3.26, 2.25 and 1.28 for SP, and 0.56, 0.55, and 0.82 for SM groups compared to NS (P<0.001), respectively. Among patients with SM, use of peripheral blood grafts improved NE at day +21, and CD34+ cell dose >5.7 × 10(6)/kg improved PE at day+28. After adjusting variables by Cox regression, the incidence of GVHD and OS were not different among groups. SM is associated with delayed engraftment, whereas SP prior to HCT facilitates early engraftment without having an impact on survival.

Umbilical cord blood transplantation: review of factors affecting the hospitalized patient

The use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) as a stem cell donor source has dramatically increased over the last 2 decades. Patients undergoing UCB transplantation share medical management issues with patients receiving a hematopoietic stem cell transplantion using adult donor sources (peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow stem cells) and may also have more complex medical issues that appear to be related to delayed immune recovery from UCB-derived stem cells. The interface with critical care providers is likely to occur in the transplant and posttransplant setting. Patients may experience UCB infusion reactions that range from mild to rarely severe. Following transplant, patients are transfusion dependent for long periods due to the prolonged engraftment of UCB cells. They are at high risk of infection, particularly viral. Once engrafted, UCB transplant patients have a lower rate of graft versus host disease compared to other donor sources. Some of the other complications that are seen in patients undergoing UCB transplant are posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and posterior reversible encephalopathy will also be discussed.

Busulfan dose intensity and outcomes in reduced-intensity allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia

Comparisons of myeloablative conditioning versus reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) have demonstrated a tradeoff between relapse and toxicity. Dose intensity across RIC regimens vary and may affect treatment outcomes. In this retrospective analysis, we investigated the effect of i.v. busulfan dosing (total dose 3.2 mg/kg versus 6.4 mg/kg) in RIC regimens that combined fludarabine and busulfan on outcomes in patients who were undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A total of 217 consecutive patients with MDS or AML underwent first busulfan and fludarabine RIC peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from well-matched related or unrelated donors at our institutions between 2004 and 2009. Of the 217 patients, 135 patients received Bu1 (3.2 mg/kg of busulfan) and 82 patients received Bu2 (6.4 mg/kg of busulfan), both with daily fludarabine (30 mg/m(2)/day for 4 days). The choice of RIC regimen was based on temporal institutional standard, enrollment on protocols, and physician choice. Patients had similar characteristics with a few notable differences: Patients who received Bu1 were younger (median age 61 versus 64 years, P < . 001), received more single-antigen mismatched unrelated grafts (14.1% versus 1.2%, P < . 001), received more sirolimus-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimens (63% versus 45%, P < .0001), received less antithymocyte globulin for GVHD prophylaxis (0% versus 22%, P < .001), and had less enrollment on a clinical trial that used prophylactic rituximab for the prevention of chronic GVHD (2.2% versus 11.0%, P = .011). Clinical disease status was similar between the groups. Median follow-up for survivors was 4.4 years for Bu1 and 3.2 years for Bu2. Because of the differences in characteristics, the 2 groups were compared with the adjustment of a propensity score that predicted Bu2 to account for measured differences. The day +200 cumulative incidence rates of grades II to IV acute GVHD (Bu1, 17%, versus Bu2, 8.5%; hazard ratio [HR], .56; 95% confidence interval [CI], .22 to 1.41; P = .22) or grades III to IV acute GVHD (Bu1, 6.7%, versus Bu2, 4.9%) were not different. The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was not significantly different between Bu1 and Bu2 (41.5% versus 28%, respectively; HR, .70; CI, .42 to 1.17; P = .09). Two-year nonrelapse mortality rates were similar for Bu1 and Bu2 (8.9% versus 9.8%, respectively; HR, .80; CI, .29 to 2.21; P = .67). Two-year progression-free survival and overall survival were also similar between Bu1 and Bu2 (progression-free survival: 40.6% versus 39.3%, respectively; HR, .82; CI, .57 to 1.30; P = .33; and overall survival: 47.4% versus 48.8%, respectively; HR, .96; CI, .64 to 1.44; P = .85). Subset analysis defined by clinical disease and cytogenetic risk with the propensity risk score applied suggest that in patients with high clinical disease risk and nonadverse cytogenetics, the higher dose busulfan RIC regimen may be of marginal benefit (2-year progression-free survival: HR, .54; CI, .29 to 1.03; P = .062). For the majority of patients with MDS or AML undergoing busulfan and fludarabine RIC peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, however, the dose of busulfan (3.2 mg/kg versus 6.4 mg/kg) is not associated with significant differences in overall outcomes.

Autologous blood cell transplantation versus HLA-identical sibling transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission: a registry study from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research

The optimal post-remission treatment for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission remains uncertain. Previous comparisons of autologous versus allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation noted higher relapse, but lower treatment-related mortality though using bone marrow grafts, with treatment-related mortality of 12-20%. Recognizing lower treatment-related mortality using autologous peripheral blood grafts, in an analysis of registry data from the Center for International Blood and Transplant Research, we compared treatment-related mortality, relapse, leukemia-free survival, and overall survival for patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission (median ages 36-44, range 19-60) receiving myeloablative HLA-matched sibling donor grafts (bone marrow, n=475 or peripheral blood, n=428) versus autologous peripheral blood (n=230). The 5-year cumulative incidence of treatment-related mortality was 19% (95% confidence interval, 16-23%), 20% (17-24%) and 8% (5-12%) for allogeneic bone marrow, allogeneic peripheral blood and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant recipients, respectively. The corresponding figures for 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse were 20% (17-24%), 26% (21-30%) and 45% (38-52%), respectively. At 5 years, leukemia-free survival and overall survival rates were similar: allogeneic bone marrow 61% (56-65%) and 64% (59-68%); allogeneic peripheral blood 54% (49-59%) and 59% (54-64%); autologous peripheral blood 47% (40-54%) and 54% (47-60%); P=0.13 and P=0.19, respectively. In multivariate analysis the incidence of treatment-related mortality was lower after autologous peripheral blood transplantation than after allogeneic bone marrow/peripheral blood transplants [relative risk 0.37 (0.20-0.69); P=0.001], but treatment failure (death or relapse) after autologous peripheral blood was significantly more likely [relative risk 1.32 (1.06-1.64); P=0.011]. The 5-year overall survival, however, was similar in patients who received autologous peripheral blood (n=230) [relative risk 1.23 (0.98-1.55); P=0.071] or allogeneic bone marrow/peripheral blood (n=903). In the absence of an HLA-matched sibling donor, autologous peripheral blood may provide acceptable alternative post-remission therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for advanced polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative for selected patients with advanced essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV). From 1990 to 2007, 75 patients with ET (median age 49 years) and 42 patients with PV (median age 53 years) underwent transplantations at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC; n = 43) or at other Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) centers (n = 74). Thirty-eight percent of the patients had splenomegaly and 28% had a prior splenectomy. Most patients (69% for ET and 67% for PV) received a myeloablative (MA) conditioning regimen. Cumulative incidence of neutrophil engraftment at 28 days was 88% for ET patients and 90% for PV patients. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) grades II to IV occurred in 57% and 50% of ET and PV patients, respectively. The 1-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 27% for ET and 22% for PV. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 13% for ET and 30% for PV. Five-year survival/progression-free survival (PFS) was 55%/47% and 71%/48% for ET and PV, respectively. Patients without splenomegaly had faster neutrophil and platelet engraftment, but there were no differences in TRM, survival, or PFS. Presence of myelofibrosis (MF) did not affect engraftment or TRM. Over 45% of the patients who undergo transplantations for ET and PV experience long-term PFS.

The expanding frontier of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Over the past several decades there has been a tremendous expansion of the indications for hematopoietic cell transplantation. This growth has been possible because of advances in supportive care, more effective graft versus host disease prophylaxis and the advent of reduced intensity conditioning regimens which have greatly reduced transplant related morbidity and allowed for the transplantation of older patients and patients with significant co-morbid disease. The role of flow cytometry in transplantation is crucial to both clinical care, for accuracy of diagnosis and monitoring of disease, and research. In this review, we highlight some of the important advances that have been made in the field, including the use of alternative donors for transplantation, novel therapies for the myeloid malignancies, which remain the prototype diseases for transplantation, and advances in diagnosis and treatment of graft versus host disease, which is the principal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Future directions in hematopoietic cell transplantation, particularly those that attempt to modulate the post-transplant cellular environment to favor separation of graft versus host disease from the graft versus tumor effects of the transplant are discussed.

Prospective evaluation of serial 2-hydroxyglutarate in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to determine response to therapy and predict relapse

6606

Background: Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1 and IDH2) occur in 10-20% of AML patients and result in production of 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). We hypothesize that serial 2-HG quantification may be used to monitor response and predict relapse in patients with AML. Methods: We are conducting a prospective study at MGH and DFCI to (1) assess changes in serum and urine 2-HG levels during treatment in patients with newly diagnosed AML, (2) compare 2-HG levels in serum, urine, and bone marrow and, (3) serially compare 2-HG levels with IDH1/2mutant allele burden. In those with elevated serum 2-HG (≥1000ng/ml), 2-HG is monitored serially or at relapse. Results: To date, 20 patients have been enrolled, 5 (25%) of whom had elevated baseline serum 2-HG. All 5 were found to have IDH1/2 mutations. The serum 2-HG for these patients was significantly higher than for those who were IDH-wt (median 1933 vs 87ng/mL; p<0.001). Urine 2-HG was also higher in IDH-mutant patients (median 30500 vs 4230ng/mL; p<0.021), as was bone marrow 2-HG (median 9870 vs 309ng/mL; p<0.005). Serum 2-HG levels strongly correlated with that in urine (R2 0.987). Serum 2-HG decreased in all IDH mutant patients on therapy, but more rapidly in those receiving induction chemotherapy (Table), all of whom achieved remission, than those receiving hypomethylatingagents. Conclusions: Patients with IDH-mutant AML have markedly elevated serum and urine 2-HG. 2-HG levels decreased with therapy and there is a strong correlation between serum and urine 2-HG. Data on the sensitivity of serial 2-HG monitoring as well as comparison with mutant IDH1/2allele burden will be presented. This data suggests that serial 2-HG quantification may be a valuable non-invasive biomarker in this genetically defined subset of AML. [Table: see text]

History of autoimmunity to predict clinical response to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTI) in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and MDS-derived acute myeloid leukemias (AML)

6629

Background: MDS is comprised of a heterogeneous group of clonal myeloid disorders. Chronic immune stimulation has been reported as a trigger for the development of a subset of MDS, with increased autoreactive cytotoxic T cells present in the bone marrow. Autoimmunity has been associated with MDS and other marrow failures. DNMTIs, 5-azacytidine and decitabine, are approved for the treatment of MDS. In addition to epigenetic impacts, these agents may have immunomodulatory effects, including augmentation of MAGE-related anti-tumor response. These reports and clinical observations led us to hypothesize that MDS patients with a history of autoimmunity may be more responsive to DNMTIs. Methods: To identify patients with MDS, a retrospective database review (2007-2011) was performed at Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The MGH data also included those with AML whose disease had progressed from MDS. Past medical history of autoimmune disorders, diagnosis, blood counts, flow cytometry and cytogenetics were reviewed. Patients with aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria or non-malignant etiologies of cytopenia were excluded. Patients with MDS were further studied if they were treated with DNMTI. Results: Of 137 patients with MDS or MDS/AML, 23 had a documented history of autoimmunity in the medical record. Of these, 15 (65.2%) experienced a response to therapy as defined by the International Working Group. Of 114 patients without a documented history of autoimmunity, 34 (29.8%) achieved a response during therapy, a significantly lower percentage as compared to those with autoimmune conditions (p-value 0.002, t-test). The majority of responding patients with a history of autoimmunity displayed a normal karyotype (9 of 15 patients). Conclusions: A history or co-presence of an autoimmune disorder may predict a high likelihood of achieving a clinical response to DNMTIs. Correlative studies in this unique population of patients with MDS and MDS/AML and prospective clinical studies are needed to improve our understanding of the possible mechanism of action of DNMTIs in these patients.

Phase I dose escalation study of bortezomib in combination with lenalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

6621

Background: Both bortezomib (Bz) and lenalidomide have clinical activity in patients with MDS and AML. We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of Bz in combination with lenalidomide. Methods: Patients with MDS (IPSS score ≥ 0.5 or therapy-related) received Bz by IV bolus on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 and lenalidomide 10 mg/day PO on Days 1-21 in 28 day cycles for up to 9 cycles. Three doses of Bz were tested (0.7, 1.0, or 1.3 mg/m2). Cohorts consisted of 3-6 patients; the dose of Bz was escalated if there were < 2 dose limiting toxicities (DLTs). Growth factor support and transfusions were permitted. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were assessed during the first cycle and were defined as severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count ≤ 250/ul), thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 10,000/ul), grade ≥ 2 neurotoxicity, or other grade ≥ 3 non-hematologic toxicity. Following determination of the MTD, enrollment opened to patients with relapsed and refractory AML and those with untreated high risk disease for whom induction therapy was not indicated. Responses were assessed by IWG 2006 criteria for MDS and IWG 2003 criteria for AML. Results: 23 patients (14 men) were enrolled; one patient was inevaluable due to disease progression prior to starting protocol therapy. The median age was 73 years (range 54-87). There was 1 DLT observed, neutropenia, in 6 patients treated with 1.0 mg/m2 Bz and no DLTs at 0.7 or 1.3 mg/m2. The median number of cycles was 2 (range 2-9). Grade ≥ 3 toxicities possibly attributable to the treatment at any dose level were: anemia (2), thrombocytopenia (10), leukopenia (3), infection (1), rash (2), dyspnea (1), dizziness (1), hypotension (1), pneumonia (2) and neuropathy (1). Among the 14 patients with MDS, 1 patient with RARS experienced a CR and 2 with RAEB-2 experienced marrow CR (mCR). Among the 8 patients with AML, there was 1 CR. Conclusions: The maximal tested dose of Bz (1.3 mg/m2) in combination with lenalidomide is safe. Responses were seen in MDS and high risk AML. Future testing of this regimen is planned.

A seasonal pattern of presentation in younger patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

6617

Background: Seasonal variation in AML has been studied in a wide variety of populations and locations, with primarily negative results. These investigations may have been undermined by the heterogeneity of the disease, as de novo and secondary AML can vary in disease presentation and trajectory, likely reflecting distinct pathogenesis.We investigated seasonal variation in the incidence of AML diagnosed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) from 1992 through 2011, focusing on de novo disease among younger patients. Methods: We assembled a database of 511 biopsy-proven cases of adult-onset AML (age > 18 years), from the MGH electronic medical record, using a systematic search algorithm with IRB approval. We subdivided this database into three cohorts: (1) de novo AML diagnosed prior to age 50 (2) de novo AML diagnosed after age 50, and (3) secondary AML, preceded by chemotherapy, myelodysplasia or myeloproliferative disease. Diagnosis dates were grouped into quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, Jul-Sep, Oct-Dec). Divergence of quarterly incidence from a null hypothesis of uniformity was evaluated by chi square analysis. Results: Among patients under 50-years-old with de novo AML, we found a 44% increase in incidence between October and December (Table, p=0.04). There was no significant variation throughout the rest of the calendar year. Furthermore, the incidence of both de novo AML diagnosed after age 50 and secondary AML conformed to a uniform quarterly distribution. As expected, the majority of AML patients under age 50 demonstrated intermediate-risk cytogenetics, most frequently normal karyotype. Conclusions: We found a significantly increased incidence of de novo AML in younger patients between the months of October and December, diagnosed at MGH from 1992 through 2011. This may reflect a local environmental or infectious exposure that is not relevant to the pathogenesis of AML in older patients or those in whom AML develops due to prior therapy or previous hematological disorder. Investigation of this exposure is ongoing. [Table: see text]

The prognostic role of serum albumin in patients receiving induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

6618

Background: Serum albumin has been investigated as a prognostic tool in the care of patients with hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. However, its prognostic utility in patients with AML is unknown. We hypothesized that a lower serum albumin is associated with worse outcomes following induction chemotherapy for AML. Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 166 adult, non-promyelocytic AML patients who had received induction chemotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1992 to 2007. Patient characteristics were summarized as numbers and percentages for categorical variables. The Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). We dichotomized our patients by serum albumin ≥3 and <3, and determined the association of albumin with 60-day survival and complete remission (CR) rate using Fisher’s exact test. Association of albumin with DFS and OS was summarized using Cox regression in both univariate and multivariable analyses. Results: Of 166 patients, 125 (75%) achieved CR and 143 (86%) were alive at 60 days following diagnosis. After risk-adjusting for age and LDH, we found that a serum albumin level <3 mg/dL was associated with decreased 60-day survival (OR 0.30, p=0.015) and CR rate (OR 0.41, p=0.02) compared to patients with serum albumin ≥3. There was no association between serum albumin and DFS (p=0.88) or OS (p=0.31). As expected, younger age was associated with better induction outcomes. Conclusions: Serum albumin was negatively associated with short-term outcomes in patients receiving induction chemotherapy. A serum albumin level less than 3, clinically relevant to oncologic patients, was associated with a significantly decreased CR rate and lower 60-day survival after induction chemotherapy. This data suggests that serum albumin, a surrogate commonly used for nutritional status and suppressed in inflammatory comorbid states, has prognostic utility for AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy.

No increased mortality from donor or recipient hepatitis B- and/or hepatitis C-positive serostatus after related-donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Limited data exist on allogeneic transplant outcomes in recipients receiving hematopoietic cells from donors with prior or current hepatitis B (HBV) or C virus (HCV) infection (seropositive donors), or for recipients with prior or current HBV or HCV infection (seropositive recipients). Transplant outcomes are reported for 416 recipients from 121 centers, who received a human leukocyte antigen-identical related-donor allogeneic transplant for hematologic malignancies between 1995 and 2003. Of these, 33 seronegative recipients received grafts from seropositive donors and 128 recipients were seropositive. The remaining 256 patients served as controls. With comparable median follow-up (cases, 5.9 years; controls, 6.7 years), the incidence of treatment-related mortality, survival, graft-versus-host disease, and hepatic toxicity, appears similar in all cohorts. The frequencies of hepatic toxicities as well as causes of death between cases and controls were similar. Prior exposure to HBV or HCV in either the donor or the recipient should not be considered an absolute contraindication to transplant.

Relationship of race/ethnicity and survival after single umbilical cord blood transplantation for adults and children with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes

The relationship of race/ethnicity with outcomes of umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) is not well known. We analyzed the association between race/ethnicity and outcomes of unrelated single UCBT for leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes. Our retrospective cohort study consisted of 885 adults and children (612 whites, 145 blacks, and 128 Hispanics) who received unrelated single UCBT for leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes between 1995 and 2006 and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. A 5-6/6 HLA-matched unit with a total nucleated cell count infused of ≥2.5 × 10(7)/kg was given to 40% white and 42% Hispanic, but only 21% black patients. Overall survival at 2 years was 44% for whites, 34% for blacks, and 46% for Hispanics (P = .008). In multivariate analysis adjusting for patient, disease, and treatment factors (including HLA match and cell dose), blacks had inferior overall survival (relative risk of death, 1.31; P = .02), whereas overall survival of Hispanics was similar (relative risk, 1.03; P = .81) to that of whites. For all patients, younger age, early-stage disease, use of units with higher cell dose, and performance status ≥80 were independent predictors of improved survival. Black patients and white patients infused with well-matched cords had comparable survival; similarly, black and white patients receiving units with adequate cell dose had similar survival. These results suggest that blacks have inferior survival to whites after single UCBT, but outcomes are improved when units with a higher cell dose are used.