Belinostat, a novel pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (R/R PTCL): Results from the BELIEF trial

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Background: Therapies approved in US for R/R PTCL have overall response rates (ORR) of 25%-27%. The need for new therapies persists. BELIEF is a pivotal, single-arm study of belinostat in patients with R/R PTCL after failure of ≥1 prior systemic therapies. Methods: Entry criteria were measurable PTCL, platelets ≥ 50,000/µL, no prior HDACi therapy, and adequate organ function. PTCL was confirmed by central pathology review (CPRG). Belinostat 30 min IV infusion at 1000 mg/m2was administered on days 1–5 of a 3 week cycle until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor response was assessed by Cheson 2007 criteria. The primary endpoint was ORR. Results: Patients with R/R PTCL (N=129, 53% male, median age 63 y) received belinostat a median of 2 cycles (range 1–33). The median number of prior therapies was 2 (1-8) including CHOP/CHOP-like (96%) and stem cell transplant (23%). The median administered dose intensity was 98%. One and two dose reductions of 25% occurred in 12% and 1% of patients, respectively, due to adverse events (AEs). For patients with CPRG confirmed PTCL (N=120), the ORR was 26% (n=31; 10% CR; 16% PR). The median time to response was 5.6 weeks (range 4.3-50.4). The median duration of response (DoR) was 8.3 months; longest DoR was 29.4 months. Seven patients remain on study in response. For the subgroup of patients with CPRG confirmed PTCL and baseline platelets ≥100,000/μL (N=100) ORR was 28% (CR 11%; PR 17%). The most frequent (≥ 5%) grade 3-4 treatment emergent AEs were thrombocytopenia (13%), neutropenia (13%), anemia (10%), dyspnea (6%), pneumonia (6%), and fatigue (5%). Patients with platelets <100K tolerated belinostat, with 98% dose intensity. Belinostat was well tolerated with a low incidence of myelosuppression. Discontinuations were due to PD (64%), death (11%), AEs (7%), patient request (8%), and other (4%). Conclusions: Belinostat demonstrated a 26%-28% ORR in BELIEF and was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in patients with R/R PTCL including those with low platelets. The low incidence of myelosuppression observed warrants further investigation of belinostat combination therapy to develop new treatment paradigms for R/R PTCL. Clinical trial information: NCT00865969.

Survival of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma after first relapse or progression: spectrum of disease and rare long-term survivors

INTRODUCTION

A number of novel therapies are under investigation in relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL); however, their relative impact on outcome is unknown. We examined the survival of patients with PTCL after relapse or progression in the absence of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation and explored factors influencing survival. The three most common subtypes encountered in North America were evaluated: PTCL not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL; anaplastic lymphoma kinase [ALK] positive and ALK negative.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After exclusions, 153 patients were analyzed (PTCL-NOS, n = 79 [52%]; AITL, n = 38 [25%]; ALK-positive ALCL, n = 11 [7%]; ALK-negative ALCL, n = 27 [16%; including ALK status unknown, n = 1]).

RESULTS

Median time from initial diagnosis to relapse or progression after primary therapy was 6.7 months, and median age at relapse was 66 years (ALK-positive ALCL, 39 years). Median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) after relapse or progression (second PFS) were 5.5 and 3.1 months, respectively, and were only marginally better in patients who received chemotherapy at relapse (n = 89 [58%]; 6.5 and 3.7 months, respectively). Patients with good performance status (PS) of 0 or 1 (n = 47) at relapse who received chemotherapy had a more favorable OS (P < .001; median OS, 13.7 months) and PFS (P = .006; median second PFS, 5.0 months), which remained significant in multivariate analysis (OS: hazard ratio [HR], 2.09; P = .002; second PFS: HR, 1.66; P = .030).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL have poor outcomes with short survival. Select patients with good PS have more favorable outcomes with standard chemotherapy.

Autologous and Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Transformed Follicular Lymphoma: A Report of the Canadian Blood and Marrow Transplant Group

Purpose

To determine whether autologous (auto) or allogeneic (allo) stem-cell transplantation (SCT) improves outcome in patients with transformed follicular lymphoma compared with rituximab-containing chemotherapy alone.

Patients and Methods

This was a multicenter cohort study of patients with follicular lymphoma and subsequent biopsy-proven aggressive histology transformation. Patient, treatment, and outcome data were collected from each transplantation center and combined for analysis. A separate control group was composed of patients with transformation treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy but not SCT. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) after transformation.

Results

One hundred seventy-two patients were identified: 22 (13%) treated with alloSCT, 97 (56%) with autoSCT, and 53 (31%) with rituximab-containing chemotherapy. Five-year OS after transformation was 46% for patients treated with alloSCT, 65% with autoSCT, and 61% with rituximab-containing chemotherapy (P = .24). Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) after transformation was 46% for those treated with alloSCT, 55% with autoSCT, and 40% with rituximab-containing chemotherapy (P = .12). In multivariate analysis, patients treated with autoSCT had improved OS compared with those who received rituximab-containing chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.13; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.34; P < .001). On the other hand, there was no OS difference between those treated with alloSCT and rituximab-containing chemotherapy (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.24; P = .12). OS and PFS after SCT were similar between those treated with autoSCT and alloSCT. Five-year transplantation-related mortality was 23% for those treated with alloSCT and 5% for autoSCT.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing autoSCT had better outcomes than those treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy alone. AlloSCT did not improve outcome compared with rituximab-containing chemotherapy and was associated with clinically significant toxicity.

Incidence of transformation to aggressive lymphoma in limited-stage follicular lymphoma treated with radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The established treatment of limited-stage follicular lymphoma is radiotherapy (RT). There is an inherent risk of transformation of follicular lymphoma to aggressive lymphoma; however, the frequency and impact on the outcome are unknown in limited-stage patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified 237 patients with limited-stage follicular lymphoma treated with curative intent RT. Cases were reviewed to determine the frequency of transformation and subsequent survival.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 7.4 years, the 10-year risk of transformation was 18.5%. With a median follow-up after transformation of 4.7 years, the 3-year post-transformation progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 42% and 44%, respectively. The addition of rituximab improved the 3-year post-transformation PFS and OS compared with combination chemotherapy alone (78% versus 15%, P < 0.00001) and (87% versus 38.5%, P < 0.00001), respectively. In multivariate analysis, only rituximab was associated with OS [HR 0.07 (95% CI 0.015-0.312, P = 0.001)] and PFS [HR 0.19 (95% CI 0.55-0.626, P = 0.007)] following transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a moderate risk of transformation in limited-stage follicular lymphoma treated with curative intent RT, and it substantially impacts outcome in these patients. Treatment with rituximab at the time of transformation appears to improve survival in this otherwise poor-risk population.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: analysis of the international peripheral T-cell lymphoma project

PURPOSE

The International Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Project was undertaken to better understand the subtypes of T-cell and natural killer (NK) -cell lymphomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) was diagnosed according to the 2001 WHO criteria by a central review process consisting of panels of expert hematopathologists. Clinical, pathologic, immunophenotyping, treatment, and survival data were correlated.

RESULTS

Of 1,314 patients, 243 (18.5%) were diagnosed with AITL. At presentation, generalized lymphadenopathy was noted in 76% of patients, and 89% had stages III to IV disease. Skin rash was observed in 21% of patients. Hemolytic anemia and hypergammoglobulinemia occurred in 13% and 30% of patients, respectively. Five-year overall and failure-free survivals were 33% and 18%, respectively. At presentation, prognostic models were evaluated, including the standard International Prognostic Index, which comprised the following factors: age ≥ 60 years, stages III to IV disease, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) > normal, extranodal sites (ENSs) > one, and performance status (PS) ≥ 2; the Prognostic Index for Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, comprising: age ≥ 60 years, PS ≥ 2, LDH > normal, and bone marrow involvement; and the alternative Prognostic Index for AITL (PIAI), comprising: age > 60 years, PS ≥ 2, ENSs > one, B symptoms, and platelet count < 150 × 10(9)/L. The simplified PIAI had a low-risk group (zero to one factors), with 5-year survival of 44%, and a high-risk group (two to five factors), with 5-year survival of 24% (P = .0065).

CONCLUSION

AITL is a rare clinicopathologic entity characterized by an aggressive course and dismal outcome with current therapies.

Patients' and physicians' roles in detecting recurrent Hodgkin lymphoma following complete remission

BACKGROUND

Optimal post-treatment surveillance for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma in first complete remission (CR) is unknown. Guidelines are based on consensus rather than high-quality evidence. It is unknown if routine screening leads to earlier relapse detection or translates into better outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 258 patients with relapse after CR and determined whether the recurrence was detected as a result of patient-detected symptoms (PT group) or through exams or tests ordered by the physician in the absence of symptoms (MD group).

RESULTS

Of 258 recurrences, 182 (71%) were in the PT group. The median time to diagnosis of recurrence was similar in both groups (PT group = 1.65 years; MD group = 1.95 years; P = 0.69). Neither the postrelapse progression-free (PFS, P = 0.26) nor overall survival (OS, P = 0.40) differed significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients are much more likely to detect recurrence than their physicians employing routine follow-up testing. There is no difference in PFS or OS between patients whose recurrence is self-diagnosed versus those whose recurrence is diagnosed by physician through routine screening. We found no benefit for detection of HL recurrence in asymptomatic patients and thus cannot support the routine use of costly, anxiety-provoking or potentially harmful tests in the absence of symptoms.

Interleukin-21 has activity in patients with metastatic melanoma: a phase II study

PURPOSE

We report a multicenter phase II study of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM), evaluating the efficacy, toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), immunogenicity, and biomarker profile of interleukin-21 (IL-21).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with no prior systemic therapy and with limited-disease MM were treated with IL-21 by using three different dosing regimens. Cohort 1 received 50 μg/kg per day by outpatient intravenous bolus injection for 5 days of each week during weeks 1, 3, and 5 of an 8-week cycle. Cohort 2 received 30 μg/kg per day on the same schedule, and cohort 3 received 50 μg/kg per day for 5 days of each week during weeks 1 and 3 of a 6-week cycle.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1, 30 in cohort 2, and seven in cohort 3. Two patients in cohort 1 and four in cohort 3 had dose-limiting toxicities; all other patients were treated with a dose of 30 μg/kg per day. Common adverse events were fatigue, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and myalgia. Overall response rate (ORR) was 22.5%, with nine confirmed partial responses (median response duration, 5.3 months); 16 had stable disease (median response duration, 5.3 months). ORR did not appear to depended on IL-21 receptor expression or BRAF mutation status. The median PFS was 4.3 months and median overall survival (OS) was 12.4 months (95% CI, 10.09 to 17.81 months).

CONCLUSION

The ORR to IL-21 is 22.5% for first-line MM and warrants further investigation. The favorable PFS and OS suggest that this is an active agent in comparison to both historical NCIC Clinical Trials Group data and data from meta-analysis of Cooperative Group phase II trials.

International Prognostic Score in advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma: altered utility in the modern era

PURPOSE

The International Prognostic Score (IPS) is the most widely used risk stratification index for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). It is based on patients treated before 1992 and predicts 5-year freedom from progression (FFP) and overall survival (OS) ranging from 42% to 84% and 56% to 89%, respectively. The IPS has not been validated in a recently treated population in which outcomes have improved compared with historic results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

By using the British Columbia Cancer Agency Lymphoid Cancer Database, we identified all patients age ≥ 16 years newly diagnosed with advanced-stage HL (stage III to IV, or stage I to II with "B" symptoms or bulky disease ≥ 10 cm) from 1980 to 2010, treated with curative intent with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) or an ABVD-equivalent regimen with complete clinical information.

RESULTS

In all, 740 patients were identified. Five-year FFP and OS were 78% and 90%, respectively. The IPS was prognostic for both FFP (P < .001) and OS (P < .001), with 5-year FFP ranging from 62% to 88% and 5-year OS ranging from 67% to 98%. Analysis limited to patients age 16 to 65 years (n = 686) demonstrated a narrower range of outcomes, with 5-year FFP ranging from 70% to 88% and 5-year OS ranging from 73% to 98%.

CONCLUSION

The IPS remains prognostic for advanced-stage HL, but the range of outcomes has narrowed considerably. This improvement in outcome with ABVD should be acknowledged before consideration of alternate initial therapies and when comparing results from current trials with those of historic controls.

The prognostic significance of lymphopenia in peripheral T-cell and natural killer/T-cell lymphomas: a study of 826 cases from the International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project

Lymphopenia is a marker of inferior survival in patients with various malignancies. However, the prognostic significance of lymphopenia in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is unclear. We analyzed the prognostic significance of lymphopenia in 826 patients with different types of PTCL and natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) from the International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project. Lymphopenia was defined as an absolute lymphocyte count of less than 1,000 cells per microliter. The overall frequency of lymphopenia was 35.3%, ranging from 21.1% in ALK(+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) to 47.5% in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Lymphopenia was independently associated with an inferior overall survival (OS) in patients with the lymphoma type of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), with a 2-year OS of 15% versus 40% for those without lymphopenia (P < 0.001). Lymphopenia was also an adverse predictor of survival in PTCL, not otherwise specified, but was associated with other unfavorable prognostic factors. A trend toward inferior survival for lymphopenic patients was also observed in AITL, ALK(-) ALCL and extranasal NKTCL lymphoma, whereas no difference in survival was found in nasal NKTCL, ALK(+) ALCL, or enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. In this study, lymphopenia was identified as a new adverse prognostic factor in the lymphoma type of ATLL.

Concurrent expression of MYC and BCL2 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone

PURPOSE

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable in 60% of patients treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). MYC translocations, with or without BCL2 translocations, have been associated with inferior survival in DLBCL. We investigated whether expression of MYC protein, with or without BCL2 protein expression, could risk-stratify patients at diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We determined the correlation between presence of MYC and BCL2 proteins by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with survival in two independent cohorts of patients with DLBCL treated with R-CHOP. We further determined if MYC protein expression correlated with high MYC mRNA and/or presence of MYC translocation.

RESULTS

In the training cohort (n = 167), MYC and BCL2 proteins were detected in 29% and 44% of patients, respectively. Concurrent expression (MYC positive/BCL2 positive) was present in 21% of patients. MYC protein correlated with presence of high MYC mRNA and MYC translocation (both P < .001), but the latter was less frequent (both 11%). MYC protein expression was only associated with inferior overall and progression-free survival when BCL2 protein was coexpressed (P < .001). Importantly, the poor prognostic effect of MYC positive/BCL2 positive was validated in an independent cohort of 140 patients with DLBCL and remained significant (P < .05) after adjusting for presence of high-risk features in a multivariable model that included elevated international prognostic index score, activated B-cell molecular subtype, and presence of concurrent MYC and BCL2 translocations.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of MYC and BCL2 expression by IHC represents a robust, rapid, and inexpensive approach to risk-stratify patients with DLBCL at diagnosis.

Characteristics and outcomes of extranodal NK/t-cell lymphoma (ENKL): A North American (NA) multi-institutional experience

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Background: ENKL is a rare and aggressive subtype of peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Due to its geographic predilection there is a paucity of data on clinical experiences from non-Asian countries. The purpose of this study was to analyze characteristics and outcomes of patients (pts) with ENKL identified from major academic centers in NA. Methods: Pts with newly diagnosed CD56+ ENKL were retrospectively identified. Analyses included disease characteristics, ethnicity, therapy, and outcomes. Results: 115 pts (63.5% Caucasian, 20% Asian, 16.5% other) were identified across 10 centers diagnosed between 5/1990-5/2011 (Era 1: pre-2000, n=16; Era 2: 2000-2005, n=45; Era 3: post-2005, n=54). Median age was 52 years (19-88). 75 (65%) had stage I/II disease and were treated with combined modality therapy (CMT) n=48, chemotherapy (CT) n=14 or radiotherapy (RT) n=14. 40 pts had stage III/IV disease and were treated with CT (n=23), CMT (n=12) or RT (n=5). CT regimens used alone or in CMT were either anthracycline-based (n=68) or other (n=29). 63% of stage I/II pts and 40% with stage III/IV achieved complete remission (CR). 30 pts underwent a stem cell transplant (SCT); 14 in first CR and 16 at progression/relapse (autologous, n=21; allogeneic, n=9). Pts with stage I/II disease had a better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with stage III/IV (12 vs 5.2 months (p=0.003) and 41.5 vs 8.9 months (p<0.0001), respectively). For all stages, treatment with CMT compared with CT or RT alone was also associated with better PFS and OS, 18.0 vs 3.9 months (p<0.0001), and 41.5 vs 10.2 months (p=0.002) respectively. Non-anthracycline-based regimens were associated with better PFS (p=0.001) and OS (p=0.045). No survival differences were seen between Asian and non-Asian pts. Conclusions: This series represents one of the largest experiences of ENKL in NA. Our data are consistent with Asian studies in: 1) majority of pts present with early stage disease; 2) overall poor outcome; 3) superiority of CMT and non-anthracycline regimens. Advances in understanding biology and international collaborative efforts are required to improve outcome in this rare entity.

Results of a pivotal phase II study of brentuximab vedotin for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma

PURPOSE

Brentuximab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that selectively delivers monomethyl auristatin E, an antimicrotubule agent, into CD30-expressing cells. In phase I studies, brentuximab vedotin demonstrated significant activity with a favorable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multinational, open-label, phase II study, the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin were evaluated in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) after autologous stem-cell transplantation (auto-SCT). Patients had histologically documented CD30-positive HL by central pathology review. A total of 102 patients were treated with brentuximab vedotin 1.8 mg/kg by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. In the absence of disease progression or prohibitive toxicity, patients received a maximum of 16 cycles. The primary end point was the overall objective response rate (ORR) determined by an independent radiology review facility.

RESULTS

The ORR was 75% with complete remission (CR) in 34% of patients. The median progression-free survival time for all patients was 5.6 months, and the median duration of response for those in CR was 20.5 months. After a median observation time of more than 1.5 years, 31 patients were alive and free of documented progressive disease. The most common treatment-related adverse events were peripheral sensory neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, neutropenia, and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

The ADC brentuximab vedotin was associated with manageable toxicity and induced objective responses in 75% of patients with relapsed or refractory HL after auto-SCT. Durable CRs approaching 2 years were observed, supporting study in earlier lines of therapy.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, ALK-positive

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive (ALK+ ALCL) is an aggressive CD30-positive T-cell lymphoma that exhibits a chromosomal translocation involving the ALK gene and the expression of ALK protein. No particular risk factor has been clearly identified for ALCL. ALK+ ALCL shows a broad morphologic spectrum, but all cases contain a variable proportion of cells with eccentric, horseshoe- or kidney-shaped nuclei often with an eosinophilic region near the nucleus (hallmark cells). Five morphologic patterns can be recognized. ALK+ ALCL occurs in young subjects (median age ∼35 years), with male predominance, and frequently presents at an advanced stage, with systemic symptoms and extranodal involvement. Near 40% of patients are low risk according to the International Prognostic Index (IPI). Overall, the prognosis of ALK+ ALCL is remarkably better than other T-cell lymphomas. The IPI and the PIT scores in general predict survival in patients with ALK+ ALCL. Standard first-line treatment for ALK+ ALCL consists of doxorubicin-containing polychemotherapy, which is associated with an overall response rate of ∼90%, a 5-year relapse-free survival of ∼60%, and a 5-year overall survival of 70%. Excellent results have been reported with a variety of anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens including CHOP, CHOEP or MACOP-B. Consolidative high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDC/ASCT) has also been evaluated in patients in first remission with favourable results, however, superiority to standard chemotherapy is unproven and this approach remains investigational. Following universally accepted guidelines for the treatment of failed aggressive lymphomas, HDC/ASCT can effectively salvage a proportion of patients with relapsed or refractory ALK+ ALCL. Recently, the development of novel therapies targeting CD30 and ALK appear promising.

Update: peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a group of biologically heterogeneous but typically aggressive diseases. Progress in understanding and developing optimal therapies for PTCLs has been hampered by disease rarity and only relatively recent recognition of the importance of the T-cell phenotype. The International Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma Project was a large collaborative effort to provide a broader understanding of prognosis. Recently, several new therapies have shown promise in the treatment of PTCLs.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with involvement of the kidney: outcome and risk of central nervous system relapse

BACKGROUND

Renal involvement is uncommon in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Recent data suggest that it is an independent risk factor for central nervous system relapse. We reviewed the clinical features, risk of central nervous system involvement, and survival of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with involvement of the kidney at diagnosis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and renal involvement diagnosed from January 1, 1982 to December 31, 2008 at the British Columbia Cancer Agency were retrospectively identified in the Lymphoid Cancer Database. Patients were included if they were 16 years old or over, had advanced stage disease [stage III/IV, or stage I/II with B symptoms or bulky mass (>10 cm)] and were treated with curative intent. Central nervous system involvement was diagnosed by cerebrospinal fluid cytology, radiology or clinically.

RESULTS

We identified 55/2656 (2%) patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and renal involvement at diagnosis. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The patients' median age was 58 years. Bilateral renal involvement was present in 24 (44%) and stage IV disease in 50 (91%). The International Prognostic Index score was 3, 4 or 5 in 52 (95%), the glomerular filtration rate was less than 30 mL/min/m² in 9 (16%) and elevated lactate dehydrogenase was recorded in 46 (84%). Twenty-five (46%) patients received CHOP plus rituximab and 30 (54%) received CHOP-like regimens without rituximab. In total, 20 (36%) patients had central nervous system involvement: four at the time of diagnosis and 16 at relapse. The median time to central nervous system relapse was 5.6 months (range, 1.2 months-4.6 years), and was not affected by the addition of rituximab (P=0.547). The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates for the whole cohort were 29% and 25%, respectively. In patients who received rituximab, there were trends towards improved 5-year overall survival (43% versus 18%, P=0.071) and progression-free survival (40% versus 13%, P=0.057).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an exceptionally high incidence of central nervous system relapse in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and kidney involvement at diagnosis. The addition of rituximab may improve overall survival in this poor-risk population, likely through improved control of systemic disease.

MHC class II transactivator CIITA is a recurrent gene fusion partner in lymphoid cancers

Chromosomal translocations are critically involved in the molecular pathogenesis of B-cell lymphomas, and highly recurrent and specific rearrangements have defined distinct molecular subtypes linked to unique clinicopathological features. In contrast, several well-characterized lymphoma entities still lack disease-defining translocation events. To identify novel fusion transcripts resulting from translocations, we investigated two Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines by whole-transcriptome paired-end sequencing (RNA-seq). Here we show a highly expressed gene fusion involving the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator CIITA (MHC2TA) in KM-H2 cells. In a subsequent evaluation of 263 B-cell lymphomas, we also demonstrate that genomic CIITA breaks are highly recurrent in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (38%) and classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) (15%). Furthermore, we find that CIITA is a promiscuous partner of various in-frame gene fusions, and we report that CIITA gene alterations impact survival in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL). As functional consequences of CIITA gene fusions, we identify downregulation of surface HLA class II expression and overexpression of ligands of the receptor molecule programmed cell death 1 (CD274/PDL1 and CD273/PDL2). These receptor-ligand interactions have been shown to impact anti-tumour immune responses in several cancers, whereas decreased MHC class II expression has been linked to reduced tumour cell immunogenicity. Thus, our findings suggest that recurrent rearrangements of CIITA may represent a novel genetic mechanism underlying tumour-microenvironment interactions across a spectrum of lymphoid cancers.

Pralatrexate in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma: results from the pivotal PROPEL study

PURPOSE

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a poor prognosis subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with no accepted standard of care. This study evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of pralatrexate, a novel antifolate with promising activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with independently confirmed PTCL who progressed following ≥ 1 line of prior therapy received pralatrexate intravenously at 30 mg/m(2)/wk for 6 weeks in 7-week cycles. Primary assessment of response was made by independent central review using the International Workshop Criteria. The primary end point was overall response rate. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Of 115 patients enrolled, 111 were treated with pralatrexate. The median number of prior systemic therapies was three (range, 1 to 12). The response rate in 109 evaluable patients was 29% (32 of 109), including 12 complete responses (11%) and 20 partial responses (18%), with a median DoR of 10.1 months. Median PFS and OS were 3.5 and 14.5 months, respectively. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (32%), mucositis (22%), neutropenia (22%), and anemia (18%).

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, PROPEL (Pralatrexate in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma) is the largest prospective study conducted in patients with relapsed or refractory PTCL. Pralatrexate induced durable responses in relapsed or refractory PTCL irrespective of age, histologic subtypes, amount of prior therapy, prior methotrexate, and prior autologous stem-cell transplant. These data formed the basis for the US Food and Drug Administration approval of pralatrexate, the first drug approved for this disease.

Long-term outcomes for patients with limited stage follicular lymphoma: involved regional radiotherapy versus involved node radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Given the indolent behavior of follicular lymphoma (FL), it is controversial whether limited stage FL can be cured using radiotherapy (RT). Furthermore, the optimal RT field size is unclear. The authors of this report investigated the long-term outcomes of patients with limited stage FL who received RT alone and studied the impact of reducing the RT field size from involved regional RT (IRRT) to involved node RT with margins up to 5 cm (INRT<or=5 cm).

METHODS

Eligible patients had limited stage, grade 1 through 3A FL diagnosed between 1986 and 2006 and treated were with curative-intent RT alone. IRRT encompassed the involved lymph node group plus>or=1 adjacent, uninvolved lymph node group(s). INRT<or=5 cm covered the involved lymph node(s) with margins<or=5 cm.

RESULTS

In total, 237 patients were identified (median follow-up, 7.3 years) and included 48% men, 54% aged>60 years, stage IA disease in 76% of patients, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in 7% of patients, grade 3A tumors in 12% of patients, and lymph node size>or=5 cm in 19% of patients. The 2 RT groups were IRRT (142 patients; 60%) and INRT<or=5 cm (95 patients; 40%). At 10 years, the progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 49%, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 66%. Only 2 patients developed recurrent disease beyond 10 years. The most common pattern of first failure was a distant recurrence only, which developed in 38% of patients who received IRRT and in 32% of patients who received INRT<or=5 cm. After INRT<or=5 cm, 1% of patients had a regional-only recurrence. Significant risk factors for PFS were lymph nodes>or=5 cm (P=.008) and male gender (P=.042). Risk factors for OS were age>60 years (P<.001), elevated LDH (P=.007), lymph nodes>or=5 cm (P=.016), and grade 3A tumors (P=.036). RT field size did not have an impact on PFS or OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease recurrence after 10 years was uncommon in patients who had limited stage FL, suggesting that a cure is possible. Reducing RT fields to INRT<or=5 cm did not compromise long-term outcomes.

Novel therapies in peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders associated with a very poor prognosis. Historically, treatment protocols have been largely based on regimens used to treat aggressive B-cell lymphomas; unfortunately, the efficacy of these regimens has been suboptimal, with most patients experiencing relapse after initial therapy. An improved understanding of the molecular biology, pathogenesis, and progression of these disorders has led to the development of a variety of novel targeted agents that may improve outcomes in patients with PTCLs. The purpose of this review is to focus on these novel agents and the various treatment approaches that are currently being evaluated in PTCLs.

Long-term survival in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with DTIC or temozolomide

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic melanoma typically have a poor outcome; however, a small proportion of patients achieve long-term survival (LTS). It is unclear how often LTS is related to sensitivity to chemotherapy.

METHODS

All patients with metastatic melanoma treated with either dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) from January 1, 1988 to February 1, 2006 were identified through the BCCA pharmacy electronic database, which was then linked to the surveillance and outcomes unit to identify patients with LTS, defined as survival > or =18 months following chemotherapy.

RESULTS

In total, 397 patients were treated with either DTIC (n = 349) or TMZ (n = 48) and 43 patients (10.8%) were identified with LTS. Two additional patients with LTS were added prior to 1988 for a total of 45 patients. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates for patients with LTS were 33% and 16%, respectively. In total, 16% had a complete response (CR) to chemotherapy, which was the only factor identified that correlated with survival in the multivariate analysis. However, most patients with LTS had an incomplete response to chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

LTS occurs in select patients who achieve a CR to chemotherapy. However, this occurs in only a minority of patients and, in most cases, the longer survival is likely the result of indolent disease biology or host factors.

Transformation to Aggressive Lymphoma in Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Purpose

Prior observations suggest a higher risk of transformation of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma (NLPHL) to aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), than in classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. We evaluated the frequency of transformation in all patients diagnosed with NLPHL at the British Columbia Cancer Agency with long-term follow-up.

Patients and Methods

The Lymphoid Cancer Database of the British Columbia Cancer Agency was searched to identify all patients diagnosed with NLPHL between 1965 and 2006. After pathologic review, 95 patients with NLPHL were confirmed.

Results

Patients with NLPHL had the following characteristics at diagnosis: median age of 37 years, 73% male, and 68% stage I or II disease. With a median follow-up time for living patients of 6.5 years (range, 2.5 to 33 years), 13 patients (14%) experienced transformation to aggressive lymphoma (median time to transformation, 8.1 years; range, 0.35 to 20.3 years). The actuarial risk of transformation to aggressive lymphoma was 7% and 30% at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Transformation was more likely in patients with initial splenic involvement (P = .006) at the time of diagnosis of NLPHL. The 10-year progression-free and overall survival rates in patients with transformed lymphoma were 52% and 62%, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of transformation in patients with NLPHL to DLBCL is substantial and underappreciated. Because transformation can occur years after the primary diagnosis of NLPHL, long-term follow-up of these individuals is necessary to accurately estimate the risk of development of secondary DLBCL.

Novel therapies in peripheral T-cell lymphomas

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a rare and heterogeneous group of disorders associated with a very poor prognosis. Historically, treatment protocols have been largely based on regimens used to treat aggressive B-cell lymphomas; unfortunately, the efficacy of these regimens has been suboptimal, with most patients experiencing relapse after initial therapy. An improved understanding of the molecular biology, pathogenesis, and progression of these disorders has led to the development of a variety of novel targeted agents that may improve outcomes in patients with PTCLs. The purpose of this review is to focus on these novel agents and the various treatment approaches that are currently being evaluated in PTCLs.

Population-Based Analysis of Incidence and Outcome of Transformed Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Purpose

To assess the incidence and predictive factors for development of transformed lymphoma in a population-based series of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL).

Patients and Methods

The Lymphoid Cancer Database was used to identify patients with FL diagnosed and treated in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Transformed lymphoma was defined as the development of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in patients with FL. Factors present at the time of initial diagnosis of indolent NHL and at transformation were analyzed for their impact on risk of transformation and subsequent outcome.

Results

Between 1986 and 2001, 600 patients with newly diagnosed FL met the inclusion criteria. With a median follow-up of 109 months (range, 10 to 244), 170 (28%) developed transformation, 107 (63%) based on biopsy confirmation. The annual risk of transformation was 3% continuously through 15 years. A multivariate analysis of clinical factors at diagnosis identified advanced stage as the only predictor of future transformation. The median post-transformation survival was 1.7 years. The 5-year survival was superior for patients with limited extent transformation compared with those with advanced cases (66% v 19%, P < .0001). Patients with transformation based on clinical versus histological criteria had an identical median survival of 1.8 years (P = .2).

Conclusion

The annual risk of transformation of FL is 3% continuing without plateau beyond 15 years. Advanced stage at diagnosis is predictive of future transformation. Clinically diagnosed transformation has an equal impact on outcome as biopsy proven transformation.