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Kaddu-Mulindwa D, Altmann B, Robrecht S, Ziepert M, Regitz E, Tausch E, Held G, Poeschel V, Lesan V, Bittenbring JT, Thurner L, Pfreundschuh M, Christofyllakis K, Truemper L, Loeffler M, Schmitz N, Hoth M, Hallek M, Fischer K, Stilgenbauer S, Bewarder M, Rixecker TM. KIR2DS1–HLA-C status as a predictive marker for benefit from rituximab: a post-hoc analysis of the RICOVER-60 and CLL8 trials. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e133-e142. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Al-Sawaf O, Hallek M, Fischer K. The role of minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. CLINICAL ADVANCES IN HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY : H&O 2022; 20:97-103. [PMID: 35120090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) has evolved as a sensitive and highly prognostic surrogate parameter of response to therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Multiple methods have been established to measure and quantify MRD during and after therapy. The improved sensitivity of MRD measurements has made it possible to develop limited-duration therapies, first with chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy and now also with combined targeted therapy. Moreover, concepts to integrate MRD information beyond prognostication--to guide duration of treatment and determine sensitivity--are at present being explored in prospective trials. In this review, we summarize currently available methods of MRD detection, provide recent MRD data and outcomes from clinical trials in CLL, and discuss open questions and future approaches for MRD within and outside clinical trials.
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Grimm C, Herling CD, Komnidi A, Hussong M, Kreuzer KA, Hallek M, Schweiger MR. Evaluation of a Prognostic Epigenetic Classification System in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients. Biomark Insights 2022; 17:11772719211067972. [PMID: 35095271 PMCID: PMC8793417 DOI: 10.1177/11772719211067972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methylation at 5 CpG sites was previously shown to classify chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) into 3 prognostic subgroups. Here, we aimed to validate the marker set in an additional cohort and to evaluate its clinical utility for CLL patient stratification. Methods: We evaluated this epigenetic marker set in 79 German patients using bisulfite treatment followed by pyrosequencing and classification using a support vector machine-learning tool. Results: The n-CLL, i-CLL, and m-CLL classification was detected in 28 (35%), 10 (13%), and 41 (51%) patients, respectively. Epigenetic grouping was associated with IGHV mutational status ( P = 2 × 10−12), isolated del13q ( P = 9 × 10−6), del17p ( P = .015), complex karyotype ( P = .005), VH-usage, and clinical outcome as time to first treatment ( P = 1.4 × 10−12) and overall survival ( P = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified n-CLL as a factor for earlier treatment hazard ratio (HR), 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-16.4; P = .0002) compared to IGHV mutational status (HR 4.6, 95% CI 1.9-11.3, P = .0008). In addition, when comparing the prognostic value of the epigenetic classification system with the IGHV classification, epigenetic grouping performed better compared to IGHV mutational status using Kaplan-Meier estimation and allowed the identification of a third, intermediate (i-CLL) group. Thus, our study confirmed the prognostic value of the epigenetic marker set for patient stratification in routine clinical diagnostics.
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Brieghel C, Galle V, Agius R, da Cunha-Bang C, Andersen MA, Vlummens P, Mattsson M, Rosenquist R, Smedby KE, Herling CD, Bahlo J, Hallek M, Lundgren JD, Offner F, Niemann CU. Identifying patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia without need of treatment: End of endless watch and wait? Eur J Haematol 2022; 108:369-378. [PMID: 35030282 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) challenges specialized management and follow-up. METHODS We developed and validated a prognostic index to identify newly diagnosed patients without need of treatment (CLL-WONT) by a training/validation approach using data on 4708 patients. Composite scores derived from weighted hazards by multivariable analysis defined CLL-WONT risk groups. RESULTS Age (>65 years: 1 point), Binet stage (B: 2 points), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (>205 U/L: 1 point), absolute lymphocyte count (15-30 × 109 /L: 1 point; >30 × 109 /L; 2 points), β2-microglobulin (>4 mg/L: 1 point), IGHV mutation status (unmutated: 1 point), and 11q or 17p deletion (1 point) were independently associated with shorter time to first treatment (TTFT). Low-risk patients demonstrated 5-year TTFT of 2% by internal validation, but 7-19% by external validation. Including all patients with complete scores, the 5-year TTFT was 10% for the 756 (39%) CLL-WONT low-risk patients, and the 704 (37%) patients who were both CLL-WONT and CLL-IPI low risk demonstrated even lower 5-year TTFT (8%). CONCLUSION We have adopted the CLL-WONT at an institution covering 1 800 000 individuals to allow patients with both low-risk CLL-WONT and CLL-IPI to be managed by primary healthcare providers, thereby prioritizing specialized hematology services for patients in dire need.
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Arndt V, Doege D, Fröhling S, Algül H, Bargou R, Bokemeyer C, Bornhäuser M, Brandts CH, Brossart P, Brucker SY, Brümmendorf TH, Gattermann N, Hallek M, Heinemann V, Keilholz U, Kindler T, Lordick F, Peters C, Schadendorf D, Stilgenbauer S, Braun D, Seufferlein T, Nettekoven G, Baumann M. Kapazität der onkologischen Versorgung in deutschen onkologischen Spitzenzentren während der ersten 2 Jahre der COVID-19-Pandemie. FORUM 2022; 37:372-376. [PMCID: PMC9449916 DOI: 10.1007/s12312-022-01121-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Hintergrund Eine zunehmende Zahl von internationalen Studien zeigt, dass die COVID-19-Pandemie schwerwiegende negative Auswirkungen auf die rechtzeitige Diagnose von Krebs und auf die Krebsbehandlung hat. Ziel der Arbeit Ziel der Arbeit war die quantitative und qualitative Auswertung der Kapazitäten deutscher onkologischer Spitzenzentren (Comprehensive Cancer Centers, CCCs) in verschiedenen Bereichen der komplexen onkologischen Versorgung im Zeitraum März 2020 bis Juni 2022. Material und Methoden Unter 18 CCCs in Deutschland erfolgte zwischen März 2020 und Juni 2022 eine prospektive regelmäßige Panelerhebung. Ergebnisse Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat in den ersten beiden Jahren das onkologische Versorgungssystem in Deutschland substanziell beeinträchtigt. Anhaltende Einschränkungen der Versorgung in den CCCs betrafen in erster Linie die Nachsorge (−21 %) und die Psychoonkologie (−12 %), aber auch Tumoroperationen (−9 %). Deutliche Funktions- und Kapazitätseinschränkungen fanden sich ebenso in allen weiteren Bereichen der multidisziplinären onkologischen Betreuung. Diskussion Die Studie dokumentiert die eingeschränkte onkologische Versorgung der Bevölkerung während der COVID-19-Pandemie. Die Auswirkungen lassen sich noch nicht vollumfänglich darstellen. Dennoch müssen (jetzt) Strategien zur Vermeidung solcher Einschränkungen entwickelt werden.
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Augustin M, Hallek M, Nitschmann S. [Antiviral therapy in patients with COVID-19]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 63:900-902. [PMID: 35925069 PMCID: PMC9253242 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-022-01367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Augustin M, Hallek M, Nitschmann S. [Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 63:1323-1326. [PMID: 36333431 PMCID: PMC9638344 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-022-01421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Fürstenau M, Giza A, Stumpf T, Robrecht S, Maurer C, Linde H, Jacobasch L, Dörfel S, Aldaoud A, Tresckow J, Koenigsmann M, Gaska T, Kaiser U, Harich H, Fischer K, Eichhorst B, Hallek M, Fink A. Second primary malignancies in treated and untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:E457-E460. [PMID: 34591989 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Hallek M, Al‐Sawaf O. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2022 update on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1679-1705. [PMID: 34625994 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent types of leukemia. It typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that interfere with the regulation of proliferation and of apoptosis in clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as typical B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS AND STAGING The clinical staging systems provide prognostic information by using the results of physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers provide additional prognostic information. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del[17p]) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict resistance to chemoimmunotherapy and a shorter time to progression with most targeted therapies. The CLL international prognostic index integrates genetic, biological, and clinical variables to identify distinct risk groups of patients with CLL. THERAPY Only patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several therapeutic options exist: a combination of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab, monotherapy with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) such as ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, or chemoimmunotherapy. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using an alternative regimen. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation are usually resistant to chemotherapy and should, therefore, be treated with targeted agents. FUTURE CHALLENGES Combinations of targeted agents are now being investigated to create efficient, potentially curative therapies of CLL with fixed duration. One of the most relevant questions currently addressed in clinical trials is the comparison of monotherapies with BTK inhibitors with fixed duration combination therapies. Moreover, the optimal sequencing of targeted therapies remains to be determined. Alternative therapies are needed for patients with BTK and BCL2 inhibitor double-refractory disease.
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Kajüter H, Wellmann I, Khil L, Jöckel KH, Zhang C, Fink AM, Hallek M, Stang A. Survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia before and after the introduction of chemoimmunotherapy in Germany. Blood Cancer J 2021; 11:174. [PMID: 34716290 PMCID: PMC8556420 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-021-00556-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia of adults in western countries. Therapy is indicated in symptomatic and advanced stages and has changed fundamentally since 2010 when rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, has been approved for treatment of CLL. Until then therapy had been based on chemotherapy drugs. This study investigates whether survival in CLL patients improved at the population level after the introduction of combined chemoimmunotherapy. Data from the cancer registry North-Rhine Westphalia was used to calculate relative survival (RS) by applying period analyses. Age-standardized 5-year RS increased from 79% in 1998–2002 (75% in 2003–2007) to 81% in the calendar period 2008–2012 and 88% in 2013–2016 for men and continuously from 71% in 1998–2002 to 92% in 2013–2016 for women. In CLL patients aged 15–69 years 5-year RS increased from 83% to 90% for men and from 82% to 94% for women after adding an anti-CD20-antibody to chemotherapy while in the older age group of 70–79-year-old CLL patients an increase by 20 percentage points was observed. These findings show marked improvements in the survival of CLL patients at the population level subsequently to the approval of anti-CD 20 antibodies like rituximab, ofatumumab or obinutuzumab for CLL treatment.
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Al-Sawaf O, Zhang C, Lu T, Liao MZ, Panchal A, Robrecht S, Ching T, Tandon M, Fink AM, Tausch E, Schneider C, Ritgen M, Böttcher S, Kreuzer KA, Chyla B, Miles D, Wendtner CM, Eichhorst B, Stilgenbauer S, Jiang Y, Hallek M, Fischer K. Minimal Residual Disease Dynamics after Venetoclax-Obinutuzumab Treatment: Extended Off-Treatment Follow-up From the Randomized CLL14 Study. J Clin Oncol 2021; 39:4049-4060. [PMID: 34709929 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.01181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The CLL14 study has established one-year fixed-duration treatment of venetoclax and obinutuzumab (Ven-Obi) for patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With all patients off treatment for at least three years, we report a detailed analysis of minimal residual disease (MRD) kinetics and long-term outcome of patients treated in the CLL14 study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to receive six cycles of obinutuzumab with 12 cycles of venetoclax or 12 cycles of chlorambucil (Clb-Obi). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. Key secondary end points included rates of undetectable MRD and overall survival. To analyze MRD kinetics, a population-based growth model with nonlinear mixed effects approach was developed. RESULTS Of 432 patients, 216 were assigned to Ven-Obi and 216 to Clb-Obi. Three months after treatment completion, 40% of patients in the Ven-Obi arm (7% in the Clb-Obi arm) had undetectable MRD levels < 10-6 by next-generation sequencing in peripheral blood. Median MRD doubling time was longer after Ven-Obi than Clb-Obi therapy (median 80 v 69 days). At a median follow-up of 52.4 months, a sustained significant PFS improvement was observed in the Ven-Obi arm compared with Clb-Obi (median not reached v 36.4 months; hazard ratio 0.33; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.45; P < .0001). The estimated 4-year PFS rate was 74.0% in the Ven-Obi and 35.4% in the Clb-Obi arm. No difference in overall survival was observed (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.35; P = .49). No new safety signals occurred. CONCLUSION Appearance of MRD after Ven-Obi is significantly slower than that after Clb-Obi with more effective MRD reduction. These findings translate into a superior long-term efficacy with the majority of Ven-Obi-treated patients remaining in remission.
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Augustin M, Hallek M, Nitschmann S, Nitschmann S, Augustin M, Hallek M. [Development of vaccines for prevention of COVID-19 in adolescents]. Internist (Berl) 2021; 62:1360-1363. [PMID: 34698876 PMCID: PMC8547124 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-021-01195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Baumann FT, Reimer N, Gockeln T, Reike A, Hallek M, Ricci C, Zopf EM, Schmid D, Taaffe D, Newton RU, Galvao DA, Leitzmann M. Supervised pelvic floor muscle exercise is more effective than unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise at improving urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Disabil Rehabil 2021; 44:5374-5385. [PMID: 34550846 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1937717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence is one of the most clinically relevant side effects in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the specific exercise effects of supervised versus unsupervised pelvic floor muscle exercise (PFME) and exercise volume on urinary incontinence status after radical prostatectomy. METHODS A systematic data search was performed for studies published from January 2000 to December 2020 using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, SciSearch, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Database of Abstracts of Reviews and Effects. The review was undertaken according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A random-effects meta-analysis of urinary incontinence remission was performed. The relation between time since surgery and urinary incontinence remission was analyzed using a non-linear dose-response meta-analysis. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 20 randomized controlled trials involving 2188 men (n = 1105 in intervention groups; n = 1083 in control groups). PFME versus no PFME had a beneficial effect on urinary incontinence remission at 3 months, 3-6 months, and more than 6 months post-surgery, with risk differences ranging from 12 to 25%. These effects were particularly evident for higher volume, supervised PFME in the first 6 months post-surgery. Additional biofeedback therapy appeared to be beneficial but only during the first 3 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS There is good evidence that the supervised PFME causes a decrease in short-term urinary incontinence rates. Unsupervised PFME has similar effects as no PFME in postoperative urinary incontinence. PFME programs should be implemented as an early rehabilitative measure to improve postoperative short-term urinary incontinence in patients with prostate cancer.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONProstate cancer, surgery, and urinary incontinenceThe surgical treatment of prostate cancer often leads to urinary incontinence.Pelvic floor training leads to a significant improvement of this situation.Exercise therapy support is very important in this context and is even more effective than unsupported training.
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Bloehdorn J, Braun A, Taylor-Weiner A, Jebaraj BMC, Robrecht S, Krzykalla J, Pan H, Giza A, Akylzhanova G, Holzmann K, Scheffold A, Johnston HE, Yeh RF, Klymenko T, Tausch E, Eichhorst B, Bullinger L, Fischer K, Weisser M, Robak T, Schneider C, Gribben J, Dahal LN, Carter MJ, Elemento O, Landau DA, Neuberg DS, Cragg MS, Benner A, Hallek M, Wu CJ, Döhner H, Stilgenbauer S, Mertens D. Multi-platform profiling characterizes molecular subgroups and resistance networks in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5395. [PMID: 34518531 PMCID: PMC8438057 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25403-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the genomic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) grows increasingly detailed, providing challenges in contextualizing the accumulated information. To define the underlying networks, we here perform a multi-platform molecular characterization. We identify major subgroups characterized by genomic instability (GI) or activation of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-like programs, which subdivide into non-inflammatory and inflammatory subtypes. GI CLL exhibit disruption of genome integrity, DNA-damage response and are associated with mutagenesis mediated through activation-induced cytidine deaminase or defective mismatch repair. TP53 wild-type and mutated/deleted cases constitute a transcriptionally uniform entity in GI CLL and show similarly poor progression-free survival at relapse. EMT-like CLL exhibit high genomic stability, reduced benefit from the addition of rituximab and EMT-like differentiation is inhibited by induction of DNA damage. This work extends the perspective on CLL biology and risk categories in TP53 wild-type CLL. Furthermore, molecular targets identified within each subgroup provide opportunities for new treatment approaches.
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Al‐Sawaf O, Gentile B, Devine J, Zhang C, Sail K, Tandon M, Fink A, Kutsch N, Wendtner C, Eichhorst B, Hallek M, Fischer K. Health-related quality of life with fixed-duration venetoclax-obinutuzumab for previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results from the randomized, phase 3 CLL14 trial. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1112-1119. [PMID: 34050972 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)-related symptoms impair the well-being of patients, making improvement of health-related quality of life (QoL) a goal of treatment. The CLL14 trial demonstrated higher efficacy of fixed-duration venetoclax-obinutuzumab (Ven-Obi) compared to chlorambucil-obinutuzumab (Clb-Obi) in patients with previously untreated CLL. To assess patients' QoL, the following patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measures were assessed: the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) core instrument and CLL module and the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). At treatment start, physical functioning (mean 75.9 [standard deviation (SD) ± 20.1] in the Clb-Obi arm and 76.9 [±19.4] in the Ven-Obi arm), role functioning (73.6 [±27.86] and 72.6 [±26.9]) and GHS/QoL (63.6 [±21.0] and 60.3 [±20.5]) were comparable between treatment arms per EORTC QLQ-C30 scale scores. Baseline levels of physical and role functioning were maintained throughout treatment and follow-up, with no relevant improvement or deterioration. On average, patients treated with Ven-Obi showed a meaningful improvement of GHS/QoL during treatment and follow-up by at least eight points at cycle three, whereas improvement was delayed until cycle eight with Clb-Obi. According to MDASI scores, CLL symptoms (1.5 [±1.2] and 1.6 [±1.3]), core cancer symptoms (1.5 [±1.4] and 1.8 [±1.7]) and symptom interference (2.1 [±2.3] and 2.3 [±2.3]) were generally low and comparable between treatment arms at baseline and were maintained throughout treatment and follow-up. This analysis demonstrates that the higher efficacy of Ven-Obi is not associated with QoL impairment and that Ven-Obi achieves early relief of CLL-related symptoms in elderly unfit patients.
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Pacholewska A, Grimm C, Herling CD, Lienhard M, Königs A, Timmermann B, Altmüller J, Mücke O, Reinhardt HC, Plass C, Herwig R, Hallek M, Schweiger MR. Altered DNA Methylation Profiles in SF3B1 Mutated CLL Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179337. [PMID: 34502260 PMCID: PMC8431484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in splicing factor genes have a severe impact on the survival of cancer patients. Splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) is one of the most frequently mutated genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); patients carrying these mutations have a poor prognosis. Since the splicing machinery and the epigenome are closely interconnected, we investigated whether these alterations may affect the epigenomes of CLL patients. While an overall hypomethylation during CLL carcinogenesis has been observed, the interplay between the epigenetic stage of the originating B cells and SF3B1 mutations, and the subsequent effect of the mutations on methylation alterations in CLL, have not been investigated. We profiled the genome-wide DNA methylation patterns of 27 CLL patients with and without SF3B1 mutations and identified local decreases in methylation levels in SF3B1mut CLL patients at 67 genomic regions, mostly in proximity to telomeric regions. These differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were enriched in gene bodies of cancer-related signaling genes, e.g., NOTCH1, HTRA3, and BCL9L. In our study, SF3B1 mutations exclusively emerged in two out of three epigenetic stages of the originating B cells. However, not all the DMRs could be associated with the methylation programming of B cells during development, suggesting that mutations in SF3B1 cause additional epigenetic aberrations during carcinogenesis.
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Beckmann L, Berg V, Dickhut C, Sun C, Merkel O, Bloehdorn J, Robrecht S, Seifert M, da Palma Guerreiro A, Claasen J, Loroch S, Oliverio M, Underbayev C, Vaughn L, Thomalla D, Hülsemann MF, Tausch E, Fischer K, Fink AM, Eichhorst B, Sickmann A, Wendtner CM, Stilgenbauer S, Hallek M, Wiestner A, Zahedi RP, Frenzel LP. MARCKS affects cell motility and response to BTK inhibitors in CLL. Blood 2021; 138:544-556. [PMID: 33735912 PMCID: PMC8377477 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are highly active drugs for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). To understand the response to BTK inhibitors on a molecular level, we performed (phospho)proteomic analyses under ibrutinib treatment. We identified 3466 proteins and 9184 phosphopeptides (representing 2854 proteins) in CLL cells exhibiting a physiological ratio of phosphorylated serines (pS), threonines (pT), and tyrosines (pY) (pS:pT:pY). Expression of 83 proteins differed between unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) CLL (UM-CLL) and mutated IGHV CLL (M-CLL). Strikingly, UM-CLL cells showed higher basal phosphorylation levels than M-CLL samples. Effects of ibrutinib on protein phosphorylation levels were stronger in UM-CLL, especially on phosphorylated tyrosines. The differentially regulated phosphopeptides and proteins clustered in pathways regulating cell migration, motility, cytoskeleton composition, and survival. One protein, myristoylated alanine-rich C-kinase substrate (MARCKS), showed striking differences in expression and phosphorylation level in UM-CLL vs M-CLL. MARCKS sequesters phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate, thereby affecting central signaling pathways and clustering of the B-cell receptor (BCR). Genetically induced loss of MARCKS significantly increased AKT signaling and migratory capacity. CD40L stimulation increased expression of MARCKS. BCR stimulation induced phosphorylation of MARCKS, which was reduced by BTK inhibitors. In line with our in vitro findings, low MARCKS expression is associated with significantly higher treatment-induced leukocytosis and more pronounced decrease of nodal disease in patients with CLL treated with acalabrutinib.
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Jakob CEM, Classen AY, Stecher M, Engert A, Freund M, Hamprecht A, Jazmati N, Wisplinghoff H, Hallek M, Cornely OA, Vehreschild JJ. Association between the dietary regimen and infection-related complications in neutropenic high-risk patients with cancer. Eur J Cancer 2021; 155:281-290. [PMID: 34399112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.06.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many haematology/oncology departments still provide a germ-free diet for neutropenic patients (neutropenic diet, ND) to minimise pathogen exposure, even though evidence on benefits is missing. We analysed the effects of a standard diet (SD) in neutropenic high-risk patients with cancer while focussing on infection-related outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Based on the Cologne Cohort of Neutropenic Patients, we conducted a propensity score-matched case-control study in haematological/oncological patients with a period of neutropenia longer than five days treated at our department between January 2004 and December 2012 (implementation of SD in January 2008). We assessed the association between an SD and selected infection-related end-points in an adjusted multivariable regression model and time-to-event analysis. RESULTS In total, 2086 neutropenic episodes (1043 per diet group) were included into analysis. The median days of neutropenia were 9 (interquartile range 7-16). The adjusted multivariable model revealed no association between the SD and severity and persistence of fever, death within 28 days, antibiotic treatment and weight loss >3 kg and a non-significant adjusted association between SD and duration of antibiotic treatment and blood stream infections. There was a significant association between SD and incidence of diarrhoea (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.68; P < 0.001), nausea (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.43-0.66; P < 0.001) and weight loss >1 kg (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98; P = 0.002) with fewer events in SD than in the ND group. The hazard ratios of SD for the analysed end-points were non-significant. CONCLUSION In our study, the implementation of an SD for high-risk neutropenic patients with cancer was safe regarding infection-related end-points.
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Theobald SJ, Simonis A, Georgomanolis T, Kreer C, Zehner M, Eisfeld HS, Albert M, Chhen J, Motameny S, Erger F, Fischer J, Malin JJ, Gräb J, Winter S, Pouikli A, David F, Böll B, Koehler P, Vanshylla K, Gruell H, Suárez I, Hallek M, Fätkenheuer G, Jung N, Cornely OA, Lehmann C, Tessarz P, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Kashkar H, Klein F, Koch M, Rybniker J. Long-lived macrophage reprogramming drives spike protein-mediated inflammasome activation in COVID-19. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14150. [PMID: 34133077 PMCID: PMC8350892 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity triggers responsible for viral control or hyperinflammation in COVID-19 are largely unknown. Here we show that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S-protein) primes inflammasome formation and release of mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in macrophages derived from COVID-19 patients but not in macrophages from healthy SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals. Furthermore, longitudinal analyses reveal robust S-protein-driven inflammasome activation in macrophages isolated from convalescent COVID-19 patients, which correlates with distinct epigenetic and gene expression signatures suggesting innate immune memory after recovery from COVID-19. Importantly, we show that S-protein-driven IL-1β secretion from patient-derived macrophages requires non-specific monocyte pre-activation in vivo to trigger NLRP3-inflammasome signaling. Our findings reveal that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes profound and long-lived reprogramming of macrophages resulting in augmented immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 S-protein, a major vaccine antigen and potent driver of adaptive and innate immune signaling.
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95
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Schmidt-Hellerau K, Meyer-Schwickerath C, Paul G, Augustin M, Priesner V, Rybniker J, Suárez I, Hallek M, Burst V, Kolibay F, Fätkenheuer G, Lehmann C, Jung N. Providing care in isolation while awaiting SARS-CoV-2 test results: Considering differential diagnoses and avoiding anchoring bias. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26720. [PMID: 34397706 PMCID: PMC8322513 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Isolation of confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases is essential but, as symptoms of COVID-19 are non-specific and test results not immediately available, case identification at admission remains challenging. To inform optimization of triage algorithms, patient flow and patient care, we analyzed characteristics of patients admitted to an isolation ward, both severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) positive patients and patients in which initial suspicion was not confirmed after appropriate testing.Data from patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 treated in an isolation unit were analyzed retrospectively. Symptoms, comorbidities and clinical findings were analyzed descriptively and associations between patient characteristics and final SARS-CoV-2 status were assessed using univariate regression.Eighty three patients (49 SARS-CoV-2 negative and 34 positive) were included in the final analysis. Of initially suspected COVID-19 cases, 59% proved to be SARS-CoV-2-negative. These patients had more comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Index median 5(interquartile range [IQR] 2.5, 7) vs 2.7(IQR 1, 4)), and higher proportion of active malignancy than patients with confirmed COVID-19 (47% vs 15%; P = .004), while immunosuppression was frequent in both patient groups (20% vs 21%; P = .984). Of SARS-CoV-2 negative patients, 31% were diagnosed with non-infectious diseases.A high proportion of patients (59%) triaged to the isolation unit were tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Of these, many suffered from active malignancy (47%) and were immunosuppressed (20%). Non-infectious diseases were diagnosed in 31%, highlighting the need for appropriate patient flow, timely expert medical care including evaluation for differential diagnostics while providing isolation and ruling out of COVID-19 in these patients with complex underlying diseases.
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96
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Lobastova L, Lettau M, Babatz F, de Oliveira TD, Nguyen PH, Pauletti BA, Schauss AC, Dürkop H, Janssen O, Paes Leme AF, Hallek M, Hansen HP. CD30-Positive Extracellular Vesicles Enable the Targeting of CD30-Negative DLBCL Cells by the CD30 Antibody-Drug Conjugate Brentuximab Vedotin. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:698503. [PMID: 34395429 PMCID: PMC8362802 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.698503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CD30, a member of the TNF receptor superfamily, is selectively expressed on a subset of activated lymphocytes and on malignant cells of certain lymphomas, such as classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL), where it activates critical bystander cells in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, it is not surprising that the CD30 antibody-drug conjugate Brentuximab Vedotin (BV) represents a powerful, FDA-approved treatment option for CD30+ hematological malignancies. However, BV also exerts a strong anti-cancer efficacy in many cases of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with poor CD30 expression, even when lacking detectable CD30+ tumor cells. The mechanism remains enigmatic. Because CD30 is released on extracellular vesicles (EVs) from both, malignant and activated lymphocytes, we studied whether EV-associated CD30 might end up in CD30– tumor cells to provide binding sites for BV. Notably, CD30+ EVs bind to various DLBCL cell lines as well as to the FITC-labeled variant of the antibody-drug conjugate BV, thus potentially conferring the BV binding also to CD30– cells. Confocal microscopy and imaging cytometry studies revealed that BV binding and uptake depend on CD30+ EVs. Since BV is only toxic toward CD30– DLBCL cells when CD30+ EVs support its uptake, we conclude that EVs not only communicate within the tumor microenvironment but also influence cancer treatment. Ultimately, the CD30-based BV not only targets CD30+ tumor cell but also CD30– DLBCL cells in the presence of CD30+ EVs. Our study thus provides a feasible explanation for the clinical impact of BV in CD30– DLBCL and warrants confirming studies in animal models.
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Augustin M, Schommers P, Stecher M, Dewald F, Gieselmann L, Gruell H, Horn C, Vanshylla K, Cristanziano VD, Osebold L, Roventa M, Riaz T, Tschernoster N, Altmueller J, Rose L, Salomon S, Priesner V, Luers JC, Albus C, Rosenkranz S, Gathof B, Fätkenheuer G, Hallek M, Klein F, Suárez I, Lehmann C. Post-COVID syndrome in non-hospitalised patients with COVID-19: a longitudinal prospective cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 6:100122. [PMID: 34027514 PMCID: PMC8129613 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 107.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the leading symptoms during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are acute and the majority of patients fully recover, a significant fraction of patients now increasingly experience long-term health consequences. However, most data available focus on health-related events after severe infection and hospitalisation. We present a longitudinal, prospective analysis of health consequences in patients who initially presented with no or minor symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Hence, we focus on mild COVID-19 in non-hospitalised patients. METHODS 958 Patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were observed from April 6th to December 2nd 2020 for long-term symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We identified anosmia, ageusia, fatigue or shortness of breath as most common, persisting symptoms at month 4 and 7 and summarised presence of such long-term health consequences as post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Predictors of long-term symptoms were assessed using an uni- and multivariable logistic regression model. FINDINGS We observed 442 and 353 patients over four and seven months after symptom onset, respectively. Four months post SARS-CoV-2 infection, 8•6% (38/442) of patients presented with shortness of breath, 12•4% (55/442) with anosmia, 11•1% (49/442) with ageusia and 9•7% (43/442) with fatigue. At least one of these characteristic symptoms was present in 27•8% (123/442) and 34•8% (123/353) at month 4 and 7 post-infection, respectively. A lower baseline level of SARS-CoV-2 IgG, anosmia and diarrhoea during acute COVID-19 were associated with higher risk to develop long-term symptoms. INTERPRETATION The on-going presence of either shortness of breath, anosmia, ageusia or fatigue as long-lasting symptoms even in non-hospitalised patients was observed at four and seven months post-infection and summarised as post-COVID syndrome (PCS). The continued assessment of patients with PCS will become a major task to define and mitigate the socioeconomic and medical long-term effects of COVID-19. FUNDING COVIM:"NaFoUniMedCovid19"(FKZ: 01KX2021).
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Arshad U, Taubert M, Seeger-Nukpezah T, Ullah S, Spindeldreier KC, Jaehde U, Hallek M, Fuhr U, Vehreschild JJ, Jakob C. Evaluation of body-surface-area adjusted dosing of high-dose methotrexate by population pharmacokinetics in a large cohort of cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:719. [PMID: 34147089 PMCID: PMC8214796 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to identify sources of variability including patient gender and body surface area (BSA) in pharmacokinetic (PK) exposure for high-dose methotrexate (MTX) continuous infusion in a large cohort of patients with hematological and solid malignancies. Methods We conducted a retrospective PK analysis of MTX plasma concentration data from hematological/oncological patients treated at the University Hospital of Cologne between 2005 and 2018. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was performed. Covariate data on patient demographics and clinical chemistry parameters was incorporated to assess relationships with PK parameters. Simulations were conducted to compare exposure and probability of target attainment (PTA) under BSA adjusted, flat and stratified dosing regimens. Results Plasma concentration over time data (2182 measurements) from therapeutic drug monitoring from 229 patients was available. PK of MTX were best described by a three-compartment model. Values for clearance (CL) of 4.33 [2.95–5.92] L h− 1 and central volume of distribution of 4.29 [1.81–7.33] L were estimated. An inter-occasion variability of 23.1% (coefficient of variation) and an inter-individual variability of 29.7% were associated to CL, which was 16 [7–25] % lower in women. Serum creatinine, patient age, sex and BSA were significantly related to CL of MTX. Simulations suggested that differences in PTA between flat and BSA-based dosing were marginal, with stratified dosing performing best overall. Conclusion A dosing scheme with doses stratified across BSA quartiles is suggested to optimize target exposure attainment. Influence of patient sex on CL of MTX is present but small in magnitude. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08443-x.
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Tausch E, Schneider C, Yosifov D, Robrecht S, Zhang C, Al‐Sawaf O, Eichhorst B, Fink A, Bloehdorn J, Kreuzer K, Tandon M, Jiang Y, Kim SY, Porro Lura M, Döhner H, Fischer K, Hallek M, Stilgenbauer S. GENETIC MARKERS AND OUTCOME WITH FRONT LINE OBINUTUZUMAB PLUS EITHER CHLORAMBUCIL OR VENETOCLAX ‐ UPDATED ANALYSIS OF THE CLL14 TRIAL. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.30_2879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Al‐Sawaf O, Zhang C, Robrecht S, Tandon M, Panchal A, Fink A, Tausch E, Ritgen M, Kreuzer K, Kim S, Wendtner C, Eichhorst B, Stilgenbauer S, Jiang Y, Hallek M, Fischer K. VENETOCLAX‐OBINUTUZUMAB FOR PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA: 4‐YEAR FOLLOW‐UP ANALYSIS OF THE RANDOMIZED CLL14 STUDY. Hematol Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/hon.49_2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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