Outcome of second allogeneic transplants using reduced-intensity conditioning following relapse of haematological malignancy after an initial allogeneic transplant

Second allogeneic transplantation for relapse of malignant disease: retrospective analysis of outcome and predictive factors by the EBMT

In patients treated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for malignant disease who suffer from a relapse after the transplantation, the role of second allogeneic SCT is often uncertain. In a retrospective analysis, 2632 second allogeneic transplantations carried out for a relapse after the first transplantation were analyzed to define indications and identify predictive factors. Fifteen percent of the patients remained relapse-free until 5 years after the second SCT. Patients with CML had a better survival than patients with other diseases. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with better survival were low disease burden, longer remission duration after the first transplantation, longer interval between the transplantations, younger age, absence of grade II-IV acute GvHD or chronic GvHD after the first transplantation, and later year of transplantation. The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation risk score predicted the outcome. Using the same donor as in the first transplantation vs another donor had no predictive value for survival. Sibling donor was a favorable predictive factor. In conclusion, second allogeneic SCT offers a reasonable option especially for young patients with a long remission after the first transplantation and a low disease burden. The present findings do not support the usefulness of changing the donor for the second transplantation.

Management of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Relapsing after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Study by the French Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cell Therapies

To find out prognostic factors and to investigate different therapeutic approaches, we report on 147 consecutive patients who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Sixty-two patients underwent immunotherapy (IT group, second allo-HSCT or donor lymphocyte infusion), 39 received cytoreductive treatment alone (CRT group) and 46 were managed with palliative/supportive cares (PSC group). Two-year rates of overall survival (OS) were 32%, 6%, and 2% in the IT, CRT, and PSC groups, respectively (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, 4 factors adversely influenced 2-year rates of OS: history of acute graft-versus-host disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 2.67; P = .002), relapse within 6 months (HR, 2.69; 95% CI, .82 to 3.98; P < .001), progression to acute myeloid leukemia (HR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.75 to 3.83; P < .001), and platelet count < 50 G/L at relapse (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.44; P = .007). A prognostic score based on those factors discriminated 2 risk groups with median OSs of 13.2 versus 2.4 months, respectively (P < .001). When propensity score, prognostic score, and treatment strategy were included in Cox model, immunotherapy was found to be an independent factor that favorably impacts OS (HR, .40; 95% CI, .26 to .63; P < .001). In conclusion, immunotherapy should be considered when possible for MDS patients relapsing after allo-HSCT.

Second allogeneic transplantation using unrelated cord blood for relapsed hematological malignancies after allogeneic transplantation

The efficacy of second allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT2) using cord blood (CB) for patients with relapsed hematological malignancies after initial allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT1) is unknown. We analyzed the results of SCT2 using single-unit unrelated CB in 34 adult patients with relapsed hematological malignancies after SCT1 in our institution. The patients had acute myeloid leukemia (n = 23), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 7), chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 2), and myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 2). The cumulative incidence of neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 81.6% at 30 days and 68.5% at 100 days, respectively. With a median follow-up of 40 months, the probability of overall survival at 3 years was 29.0%. The cumulative incidence of relapse and transplant-related mortality at 3 years were 60.7% and 27.2%, respectively. The use of CB could offer the opportunity to receive SCT2 for patients who experienced disease relapse after SCT1 without HLA-identical related or unrelated donors.

Outcomes after Second Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantations in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed Hematological Malignancies

Relapse of hematological malignancies after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with poor prognosis. A second HCT represents one of the few therapeutic options for these high-risk patients. For children undergoing second HCT, the outcome data are particularly limited. We, therefore, conducted a retrospective single-institution study and report the outcomes and prognostic variables associated with overall survival (OS) and relapse in 43 pediatric patients who underwent a second HCT between 2000 and 2013. Eleven of the 43 patients who underwent transplantation remain alive and disease-free at a median follow-up of 49 months (range, 5 to 127 months). The 5-year probability of OS for the entire cohort was 24%. Patients who had early relapse (<6 months) after first HCT had significantly worse OS than those who relapsed late (>6 months), with 5-year OS at 11% versus 34%, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21 to 4.93; P = .013). Active disease at time of second HCT was also associated with a significantly increased risk of relapse (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 2.36; P = .049) for the entire cohort and relapse was the most frequent cause of death (23 of 32; 72%). On subgroup analysis for the 34 patients with leukemia alone, presence of active disease was associated both with a significant decrease in OS (SHR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.02 to 5.09; P = .044) and significant increase in the rate of relapse (SHR, 2.46; P = .046). By contrast, underlying disease, donor source, conditioning regimen, or development of GVHD did not modify OS or rate of relapse. Hence, a second HCT appears to be a useful therapeutic option in children with relapsed hematological malignancies that is most likely to benefit those individuals with late onset of relapse and with low disease burden at the time of transplantation.

Second allo-SCT in patients with lymphoma relapse after a first allogeneic transplantation. A retrospective study of the EBMT Lymphoma Working Party

The aim of this registry-based retrospective study was to analyze the outcome of second allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (alloHSCT_2) performed in patients with lymphoma who had relapsed after a first allogeneic transplant (alloHSCT_1). Patients ⩾18 years who had received an alloHSCT_2 for lymphoma relapse between 2000 and 2011 were eligible. One hundred and forty patients were identified. The diagnosis was Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in 31%, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 14%, T-cell lymphoma in 12%, indolent lymphoma in 19%, mantle cell lymphoma in 16% and other lymphomas in 8% of the patients. The median interval from alloHSCT_1 to alloHSCT_2 was 19 (range 4-116) months. Disease status at alloHSCT_2 was chemosensitive in 46%, refractory in 43% and unknown in 11% of the patients. Three-year PFS, OS, relapse incidence and nonrelapse mortality were 19%, 29%, 58% and 23%, respectively. PFS and OS were significantly affected by refractory disease at alloHSCT_2 and a short interval between alloHSCT_1 and alloHSCT_2. Long-term PFS was observed across all lymphoma subsets except for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. In conclusion, alloHSCT_2 is feasible and can result in long-term disease control in patients with lymphoma recurrence after alloHSCT_1, in particular if relapse occurs late and is chemosensitive.

Long-term survival and late effects among one-year survivors of second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for relapsed acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes

We analyzed the outcomes of patients who survived disease-free for 1 year or more after a second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for relapsed acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes between 1980 and 2009. A total of 1285 patients received a second allogeneic transplant after disease relapse; among these, 325 were relapse free at 1 year after the second HCT. The median time from first to second HCT was 17 and 24 months for children and adults, respectively. A myeloablative preparative regimen was used in the second transplantation in 62% of children and 45% of adult patients. The overall 10-year conditional survival rates after second transplantation in this cohort of patients who had survived disease-free for at least 1 year was 55% in children and 39% in adults. Relapse was the leading cause of mortality (77% and 54% of deaths in children and adults, respectively). In multivariate analyses, only disease status before second HCT was significantly associated with higher risk for overall mortality (hazard ratio, 1.71 for patients with disease not in complete remission before second HCT, P < .01). Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in 43% and 75% of children and adults after second transplantation. Chronic GVHD was the leading cause of nonrelapse mortality, followed by organ failure and infection. The cumulative incidence of developing at least 1 of the studied late effects within 10 years after second HCT was 63% in children and 55% in adults. The most frequent late effects in children were growth disturbance (10-year cumulative incidence, 22%) and cataracts (20%); in adults they were cataracts (20%) and avascular necrosis (13%). Among patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes who receive a second allogeneic HCT for relapse and survive disease free for at least 1 year, many can be expected to survive long term. However, they continue to be at risk for relapse and nonrelapse morbidity and mortality. Novel approaches are needed to minimize relapse risk and long-term transplantation morbidity in this population.

Second haematopoietic SCT using HLA-haploidentical donors in patients with relapse of acute leukaemia after a first allogeneic transplantation

Haploidentical haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) using T-cell-replete grafts and post-transplant high-dose CY has found increasing acceptance. Our purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and outcome of this strategy as second HSCT incorporating donor change for acute leukaemia relapse after a first allogeneic transplantation. The courses of 20 consecutive adults (median age 37 years, 12 male) with AML (n=14), ALL (n=5) and acute bi-phenotypic leukaemia (n=1) were analysed retrospectively. Conditioning consisted of fludarabine, CY and either melphalan or TBI or tresosulfan+/-etoposide. Engraftment was achieved in 17 (85%), and a second remission was induced in 15 patients (75%) on day +30. The rate of grade II-IV acute GvHD was 35%, while chronic GvHD occurred in five patients. Most commonly observed grade III-IV toxicities were mucositis (30%), hyperbilirubinemia (20%), elevation of transaminases (20%) and creatinine (20%), while invasive fungal infection affected 30%. One-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 36%. At a median follow-up of 17 months, estimated 1-year OS was 45%, and 1-year relapse-free survival was 33%. This strategy was feasible and allowed for successful engraftment with a moderate rate of toxicity. Early outcome and NRM are at least comparable with results after a second HSCT from HLA-matched donors without donor change at HSCT2.

Immunotherapy following relapse of acute leukaemia after T-cell-replete allogeneic peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: importance of new onset chronic graft-versus-host disease

INTRODUCTION

To further define the relative impact of immunotherapy and subsequent development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on survival in patients with relapsed acute leukaemia postallogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT), we performed a single-centre retrospective analysis of 32 actively treated patients between 2003 and 2011.

METHODS

A total of 13 patients were identified who were treated actively with cessation of immunosuppression ± Fludarabine, Cytarabine, G-CSF (FLAG) induction, but no donor leucocyte infusion (DLI) (non-DLI group) and 19 patients received the same step-wise therapy plus G-CSF mobilized DLI (G-DLI group).

RESULTS

Groups were not statistically different with regards to baseline characteristics; however, the G-DLI group contained more sibling donors as opposed to unrelated donors than the non-DLI group. With a median follow-up of 47 months, the median overall survival (OS) of the non-DLI and G-DLI groups was not statistically different (8 months vs. 9 months, respectively, P = 0.5). Survival at 3 years was <10% in both groups. Univariate analysis identified response to FLAG, and new onset chronic GVHD as the only factors associated with improved OS.

CONCLUSION

Second donor stem cell infusions are unwarranted in the treatment of relapse after allogeneic SCT and therapeutic strategies should focus on cytoreduction followed by immune modulation with the aim of invoking chronic GVHD.

Proceedings from the National Cancer Institute's Second International Workshop on the Biology, Prevention, and Treatment of Relapse After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: part III. Prevention and treatment of relapse after allogeneic transplantation

In the Second Annual National Cancer Institute's Workshop on the Biology, Prevention, and Treatment of Relapse after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, the Scientific/Educational Session on the Prevention and Treatment of Relapse after Allogeneic Transplantation highlighted progress in developing new therapeutic approaches since the first relapse workshop. Recent insights that might provide a basis for the development of novel, practical clinical trials were emphasized, including utilization of newer agents, optimization of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), and investigation of novel cellular therapies. Dr. de Lima discussed pre-emptive and maintenance strategies to prevent relapse after transplantation, for example, recent promising results suggestive of enhanced graft-versus-tumor activity with hypomethylating agents. Dr. Schmid provided an overview of adjunctive strategies to improve cell therapy for relapse, including cytoreduction before DLI, combination of targeted agents with DLI, and considerations in use of second transplantations. Dr. Porter addressed strategies to enhance T cell function, including ex vivo activated T cells and T cell engineering, and immunomodulatory approaches to enhance T cell function in vivo, including exogenous cytokines and modulation of costimulatory pathways.

Second allograft for hematologic relapse of acute leukemia after first allogeneic stem-cell transplantation from related and unrelated donors: the role of donor change

PURPOSE

To evaluate the role of a second allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT2) given for relapsed acute leukemia (AL) after related or unrelated first hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT1) and to analyze the role of donor change for HSCT2 in both settings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective registry study on 179 HSCT2s given for relapse after HSCT1 from matched related donors (n = 75) or unrelated donors (n = 104), using identical or alternative donors for HSCT2. Separate analyses were performed according to donor at HSCT1.

RESULTS

Independent of donor, 74% of patients achieved complete remission after HSCT2, and half of these patients experienced relapse again. Overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 25% ± 4% (39% ± 7% after related HSCT2; 19% ± 4% after unrelated HSCT2). Long-term survivors were observed even after two unrelated HSCT2s. Multivariate analysis for OS from HSCT2 confirmed established risk factors (remission duration after HSCT1: hazard ratio [HR], 2.37; 95% CI, 1.61 to 3.46; P < .001; stage at HSCT2: HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.83; P = .006). Outcome of HSCT2 was better after related HSCT1 than after unrelated HSCT1 (2-year OS: 37% ± 6% v 16% ± 4%, respectively; HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.98; P = .042, multivariate Cox regression). After both related and unrelated HSCT1, selecting a new donor for HSCT2 did not result in a relevant improvement in OS compared with HSCT2 from the original donor; however, donor change was not detrimental either.

CONCLUSION

After relapse from allogeneic HSCT1, HSCT2 can induce 2-year OS in approximately 25% of patients. Unrelated HSCT2 is feasible after related and unrelated HSCT1. Donor change for HSCT2 is a valid option. However, a clear advantage in terms of OS could not be demonstrated.

Subsequent donation requests among 2472 unrelated hematopoietic progenitor cell donors are associated with bone marrow harvest

Approximately 1 in 20 unrelated donors are asked to make a second donation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, the majority for the same patient. Anthony Nolan undertook a study of subsequent hematopoietic progenitor cell donations made by its donors from 2005 to 2011, with the aims of predicting those donors more likely to be called for a second donation, assessing rates of serious adverse reactions and examining harvest yields. This was not a study of factors predictive of second allografts. During the study period 2591 donations were made, of which 120 (4.6%) were subsequent donations. The median time between donations was 179 days (range, 21-4016). Indications for a second allogeneic transplant included primary graft failure (11.7%), secondary graft failure (53.2%), relapse (30.6%) and others (1.8%). On multivariate analysis, bone marrow harvest at first donation was associated with subsequent donation requests (odds ratio 2.00, P=0.001). The rate of serious adverse reactions in donors making a subsequent donation appeared greater than the rate in those making a first donation (relative risk=3.29, P=0.005). Harvest yields per kilogram recipient body weight were equivalent between donations, although females appeared to have a lower yield at the subsequent donation. Knowledge of these factors will help unrelated donor registries to counsel their donors.

Primary treatment of leukemia relapses after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning second transplantation from the original donor

Acute leukemia relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has dismal outcome. Consecutive consenting patients (acute myeloid leukemia: N = 71; acute lymphoblastic leukemia: N = 37), at a median age of 37 (16-57) years, who had relapsed 7.9 (1.3-132) months post-HSCT, were treated with three cytarabine-based intensive regimens as reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC), followed by infusion of mobilized HSC from the original donors. There were four treatment-related mortalities (TRMs). Of 104 evaluable cases, 72 patients (67%) achieved complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi). The median overall survival (OS) of the entire cohort was 11.6 months. The OS of patients achieving CR/CRi after the first RIC/HSCT was 18.8 months, as compared with 3.9 months for those not (P < 0.01). For 32 patients with nonremission, 11 received a repeat RIC-HSCT, leading to CR/CRi in three cases. Therefore, 75/108 (69%) of patients achieved CR/CRi after one or two courses of RIC-HSCT. Among CR/CRi patients, 48 cases relapsed again after 6.1 (1.0-64.4) months. Thirty cases received a repeat RIC-HSCT, leading to CR/CRi in 22 patients. Multivariate analyses showed a significant impact of remission duration after initial HSCT (P = 0.026) and the presence of acute graft-versus-host disease after RIC-HSCT (P = 0.011) on CR/CRi. RIC-HSCT as primary treatment for acute leukemic relapses post-HSCT induced a high CR rate with low TRM. Optimal postremission treatment remains to be defined.

Second hematopoietic SCT for leukemia relapsing after myeloablative T cell-depleted transplants does not prolong survival

Patients with leukemia relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) have a dismal prognosis. A second SCT offers a further opportunity for cure, but has a high rate of treatment failure. To determine the utility of this option, we analyzed 59 consecutive patients relapsing after a myeloablative HLA-matched sibling T cell depleted SCT. Twenty five patients (13 relapsing within 6 months and 12 relapsing between 6 – 170 months after the first SCT) received a T-replete second SCT. Thirty-eight patients relapsing early had a shorter survival than the 21 patients relapsing later (median 96 vs 298 days, p = 0.0002). In patients relapsing early, the second SCT did not improve overall survival compared to patients receiving non-SCT treatments (median survival 109 vs 80 days, p = 0.41). In patients relapsing late, despite an early trend in favor of second SCT, overall survival was comparable for patients receiving a second SCT compared with patients not retransplanted (median survival 363.5 vs 162 days, p = 0.49). Disappointingly our results do not demonstrate an important survival benefit for a second T-replete allogeneic SCT to treat relapse following a T cell depleted SCT.

The prevalent predicament of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia

A majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will relapse after achieving complete remission. At relapse, patients should be risk stratified and a decision made about the appropriateness of intensive therapy and whether a potentially curative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is possible. Risk factors include duration of first complete remission and adverse cytogenetics, as well as age and FLT3 mutation status. Available therapies are steadily increasing, but for the most part should be regarded as either best palliation or as a bridge to allo-SCT. Simple symptomatic therapies for patients with extreme age or the worst prognosis should also be considered. Newer therapeutic options include novel cytotoxic chemotherapies including clofarabine, immunomodulatory agents, targeted therapies against FLT3 and mTOR, and immunoconjugates. All patients with relapsed AML should be considered for an appropriate clinical trial.

The second therapeutic trial for children with hematological malignancies who relapsed after their first allogeneic SCT: long-term outcomes

The impact of a second all-SCT on the long-term outcomes of children who relapse after allo-SCT has been unclear. We retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes of different salvage treatments for such children. Sixty-six children with hematological malignancies (40 ALL, 22 AML, three MDS, and one CML) who relapsed after a first allo-SCT received either a second allo-SCT (n = 16) or CTx and/or DLI (n = 50). The median follow-up for all children was 9.1 yr. The five-yr OS after relapse was significantly better in patients who underwent a second allo-SCT (42.9%) than in patients treated with CTx and/or DLI (11.8%) (p < 0.05). However, this advantage diminished with increasing time. The eight-yr OS for these groups of patients were 21.4% and 11.8%, respectively (p = n.s.). Among the 16 patients who received a second allo-SCT, two died more than five yr after the second allo-SCT. A second allo-SCT can therefore lead to a prolonged OS in patients who relapse after allo-SCT. However, a second allo-SCT should be selected carefully. This is because the mortality rate is still high, even when there is an extensive duration of time following the second allo-SCT.

Reduced-intensity hematopoietic stem cell transplants for malignancies: harnessing the graft-versus-tumor effect

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation combines the power of cytotoxic chemo/radiotherapy with the ability of the new immune system to seek out and destroy tumor cells. However, administration of such myeloablative transplants is fraught with risks, some of which are related to the intensive conditioning regimens. Reductions in the intensity of the administered cytotoxic therapy have demonstrated that under some circumstances, the burden of fighting tumor and enhancing stem cell engraftment can be shouldered mostly by the transplanted immune system. Reduced intensity has allowed a potentially curative therapy for hematologic malignancies to be offered to an expanded patient population. Ongoing research seeks to enhance the safety and power of this form of allogeneic immunotherapy.

Donor lymphocyte infusions and second transplantation as salvage treatment for relapsed myelofibrosis after reduced-intensity allografting

Thirty myelofibrosis patients (21 males, nine females) with relapse (n = 27) or graft-rejection (n = 3) after dose-reduced allografting underwent a salvage strategy including donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) and/or second allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Twenty-six patients received a median number of three (range, 1-5) DLIs in a dose-escalated mode starting with a median dose of 1·2 × 10(6) (range, 0·003-8 × 10(6) ) up to median dose of 40 × 10(6) T-cells/kg (range, 10-130 × 10(6) ). 10/26 patients (39%) achieved complete response (CR) to DLIs. Acute (grade II-IV) and chronic graft-versus-host (GvHD) disease occurred in 12% and 36% cases. Thirteen non-responders to DLI and four patients who did not receive DLI due to graft-rejection or acute transformation of the blast phase underwent a second allogeneic HSCT from alternative (n = 15) or the same (n = 2) donor. One patient (6%) experienced primary graft-failure and died. Acute (II-IV) and chronic GvHD were observed in 47% and 46% of patients. Overall responses after second HSCT were seen in 12/15 patients (80%: CR: n = 9, partial response: n = 3). The 1-year cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality for recipients of a second allograft was 6%, and the cumulative incidence of relapse was 24%. After a median follow-up of 27 months, the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival for all 30 patients was 70% and 67%, respectively. In conclusion, our two-step strategy, including DLI and second HSCT for non-responding or ineligible patients, is an effective and well-tolerated salvage approach for patients relapsing after reduced-intensity allograft after myelofibrosis.

Prevention and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Most patients that recur will perish due to low treatment efficacy, toxicity, or frailty issues. This review summarizes recent developments in clinical research and therapeutic applications for prevention and treatment of this complication of transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several groups have demonstrated that monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) after allo-HCT is feasible and is predictive of impending hematologic recurrence. The introduction of novel antileukemia agents in the preparative regimen, maintenance of remission treatment posttransplant, and early MRD-based therapeutic interventions all have the potential to improve outcomes.

SUMMARY

Innovative basic and clinical investigation is urgently needed to improve treatment and prevention of AML recurrence after allogeneic transplantation.

Relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Since allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) represents an intensive curative treatment for high-risk malignancies, its failure to prevent relapse leaves few options for successful salvage treatment. While many patients have a high early mortality from relapse, some respond and have sustained remissions, and a minority has a second chance of cure with appropriate therapy. The prognosis for relapsed hematological malignancies after SCT depends on four factors: the time elapsed from SCT to relapse (with relapses occurring within 6 months having the worst prognosis), the disease type (with chronic leukemias and some lymphomas having a second possibility of cure with further treatment), the disease burden and site of relapse (with better treatment success if disease is treated early), and the conditions of the first transplant (with superior outcome for patients where there is an opportunity to increase either the alloimmune effect, the specificity of the antileukemia effect with targeted agents or the intensity of the conditioning in a second transplant). These features direct treatments toward either modified second transplants, chemotherapy, targeted antileukemia therapy, immunotherapy or palliative care.

Outcome of second allogenic stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with non-malignant hematological and immune deficiency disorders

BACKGROUND

Second stem cell transplantation (SCT) is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality and the data on its outcome in pediatric patients with non-malignant disorders are scarce.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present 30 children with non-malignant conditions who underwent second SCT at our institution for graft failure after the first SCT; 20 had a non-malignant hematological disorder and 10 had an immune deficiency disorder. Median age at the second SCT was 6.1 years (range, 0.4-13 years) and median time from the first SCT to the second SCT was 6.2 months (range, 1.2-96 months).

RESULTS

Twenty patients (70%) engrafted; severe acute GVHD developed in four patients (13%), and chronic GVHD developed in two patients of those at risk (10%). Thirteen deaths occurred and nine were considered treatment related. The 5-year overall (OS) and event free survival (EFS) for all patients were 53% and 47% respectively. The interval between the two transplants seemed to affect the outcome; patients who had the second SCT ≥ 6 months from the first SCT had better survival; the 5-year OS for the two groups (<6 months and ≥ 6 months) respectively were 30% and 74% (P = 0.004), and the 5-year EFS were 27% and 66% (P = 0.004). The underlying disease did not affect the outcome nor did the use of radiation in the conditioning regimen for the second SCT.

CONCLUSIONS

Second SCT for graft failure should be considered for children with non-malignant hematological and immune deficiency disorders.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MDS

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers potentially curative therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, as the majority of patients with MDS are in the seventh or eighth decade of life, conventional transplant regimens have been used only infrequently, and only with the development of reduced-intensity conditioning has transplantation been applied more broadly to older patients. Dependent upon disease status at the time of transplantation, 30% to 70% of patients can be expected to be cured of their disease and survive long term. However, posttransplant relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain problems and further investigations are needed.

Management of relapse after allo-SCT for AML and the role of second transplantation

Relapse after allo-SCT for AML carries very poor prognosis. Second allo-SCT, although curative, is not an appropriate treatment option for a large number of relapsing patients (only 2-20% patients receive a second allo-SCT), and efforts to increase the number of patients who may benefit from a second allo-SCT are ongoing. In addition, understanding the varied biological processes that are operative in disease relapse has encouraged the development of novel therapies, and could be beneficial to patients who are currently managed conservatively with supportive care for relapsed disease. Incorporating novel combinations of drugs with immunomodulation, although theoretically attractive, should be tested in the setting of clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the currently available approaches for relapsed AML after allo-SCT.

Second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myeloid malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hematopoietic stem cell and umbilical cord blood transplantation can be a life-saving procedure for many patients with myeloid malignancies. The posttransplant period, however, can be complicated by graft failure and disease relapse, prompting the need for further therapy. Herein, we review and examine the data of second allogeneic stem cell transplant after autologous, allogeneic and umbilical cord blood transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although large, prospective, multicenter trials are lacking, certain factors such as younger patient age, lower disease burden and a longer interval between first transplantation and relapse appear to portend a better prognosis for second transplant.

SUMMARY

Currently, only a selected group of patients without important comorbidities should be considered for second allogeneic transplantation. Strategies such as new immunosuppressive agents, antileukemia monoclonal antibodies, graft modification and use of molecularly targeted therapy are needed to decrease the morbidity and increase the efficacy of transplantation.

Reduced-intensity allogeneic transplantation in pediatric patients ineligible for myeloablative therapy: results of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium Study ONC0313

The role of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens in pediatric cancer treatment is unclear. To define the efficacy of a busulfan/fludarabine/antithymocyte globulin RIC regimen in pediatric patients ineligible for myeloablative transplantation, we completed a trial at 23 institutions in the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium. Forty-seven patients with hematologic malignancies were enrolled. Sustained engraftment occurred in 98%, 89%, and 90%, and full donor chimerism was achieved in 88%, 76%, and 78% of evaluable related bone marrow/peripheral blood stem cells (BM/PBSCs), unrelated BM/PBSCs, and unrelated cord blood recipients. With a median follow-up of 24 months (range, 11-53 months), 2-year event-free survival, overall survival (OS), transplantation-related mortality, and relapse were 40%, 45%, 11%, and 43%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed an inferior outcome when patients had undergone previous total body irradiation (TBI)-containing myeloablative transplantation (2-year OS, 23% vs 63% vs 52%, previous TBI transplantation vs no TBI transplantation vs no transplantation, P = .02) and when patients not previously treated with TBI had detectable disease at the time of the RIC procedure (2-year OS, 0% vs 63%, detectable vs nondetectable disease, P = .01). Favorable outcomes can be achieved with RIC approaches in pediatric patients in remission who are ineligible for myeloablative transplantation. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00795132.

ASH evidence-based guidelines: is there a role for second allogeneic transplant after relapse?

A 35-year-old male with a FLT3(+) AML underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplant using a myeloablative non-total body irradiation (TBI) conditioning regimen from his HLA-matched sibling donor. Following transplantation, he developed grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) that resolved with increasing immunosuppression. The medications were subsequently discontinued, and he did not develop any evidence of chronic GVHD. Eighteen months after transplant, while off all immunosuppression, he developed fatigue and a blood count showed circulating blasts consistent with relapse of his disease. Among the various therapeutic questions is whether there is a role for a second allogeneic transplant to treat his disease and if so, at what time, with what conditioning, and with which type of donor.