Combined molecular and clinical prognostic index for relapse and survival in cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia

The outcome and prognostic factors of 248 elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with standard-dose or low-intensity induction therapy

The prognosis of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor, and the recommendation of standard-dose or low-intensity induction regimen for these patients remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed treatment outcome and prognostic factors of elderly AML patients who had received either standard-dose or low-intensity induction regimens.Two hundred forty-eight elderly AML patients with good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS ≤ 2) received one of three regimens for induction in this study: standard-dose cytarabine plus idarubicin (IA; n = 144) or daunorubicin (DA; n = 42); low-intensity cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) (CAG; n = 62).After first induction treatment cycle, the overall complete remission (CR) rate was 42.7%. Patients in IA group had a higher CR rate than in DA or CAG group (49.3%, 35.7%, and 32.3%, respectively; P = 0.046). The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 42.2%, 18.9%, and 13.5% for these 248 patients, with median survival of 9.2 months. Long-term survival of IA group was better than DA or CAG group. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS rates of IA group were 45.9%, 23.5%, and 19.4%, respectively, as compared to 39.8%, 8.3%, and estimated 2.4% in DA group, and 34.9%, 15.9%, and 6.3% in CAG group, respectively. Early induction mortality and 2-year relapse rates showed no difference among 3 groups. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis identified lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) more than two times of upper normal limit at diagnosis and nonremission after first induction cycle as adverse prognostic factors for OS. A simple and valid scoring model was constructed for risk stratification and prediction of long-term survival of elderly AML patients.Standard-dose IA regimen could improve the prognosis of elderly AML patients with good performance status compared with standard-dose DA or low-intensity CAG regimen. All prognostic factors and risk assessment should be considered to ensure that each patient receives the suitable individualized treatment.

Emerging strategies for the treatment of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults, and its incidence increases with age. Clinical outcomes in younger patients have improved over the years but, unfortunately, there is little evidence for an equivalent improvement in outcome for older patients. Approximately 50 % of older patients who are able to receive intensive chemotherapy will achieve a complete remission; however, they face a much higher relapse rate than younger patients, and survival rates for this group are low. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve outcomes in older patients with AML. In this article, we discuss current treatment paradigms for older patients with AML including the challenges faced when determining which patients are eligible for intensive chemotherapy. We then highlight new treatments in development that may benefit this patient group. Cytotoxic agents, hypomethylating agents, molecularly targeted agents, and cell cycle kinase inhibitors are discussed, with a focus on novel agents that have achieved an advanced stage of development. Overall, the treatment of AML in older patients remains a challenge and, whenever possible, treatment should be offered in the context of clinical trials and should be planned with curative intent.

Acute myeloid leukemia--major progress over four decades and glimpses into the future

In this Review, the progress in research and therapy of acute myeloid leukemia is detailed.

IL-8 as mediator in the microenvironment-leukaemia network in acute myeloid leukaemia

The bone marrow microenvironment is physiologically hypoxic with areas being as low as 1% O2, e.g. the stem cell niche. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blasts misuse these bone marrow niches for protection by the local microenvironment, but also might create their own microenvironment. Here we identify IL-8 as a hypoxia-regulated cytokine in both AML cell lines and primary AML samples that is induced within 48 hours of severe hypoxia (1% O2). IL-8 lacked effects on AML cells but induced migration in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), an integral part of the bone marrow. Accordingly, MSC were significantly increased in AML bone marrow as compared to healthy bone marrow. Interestingly, mononuclear cells obtained from healthy bone marrow displayed both significantly lower endogenous and hypoxia-induced production of IL-8. IL-8 mRNA expression in AML blasts from 533 patients differed between genetic subgroups with significantly lower expression of IL-8 in acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), while in non APL-AML patients with FLT ITD had the highest IL-8 expression. In this subgroup, high IL-8 expression was also prognostically unfavourable. In conclusion, hypoxia as encountered in the bone marrow specifically increases IL-8 expression of AML, which in turn impacts niche formation. High IL-8 expression might be correlated with poor prognosis in certain AML subsets.

Novel score for prediction of malignant bile duct obstruction based on biochemical and clinical markers

BACKGROUND

Early differentiation of malignant from benign bile duct obstruction is of utmost importance.

AIM

To identify biochemical and clinical predictors for malignancy in patients with bile duct obstruction, and establish a predictive model by combining pre-treatment patient characteristics. A web-based application was developed for easy assessment of malignant bile duct probability (www.pmal-score.org).

METHODS

One thousand hundred and thirty-five patients [median age 66 (52-75) years, 53% male] with bile duct obstruction of various aetiologies were retrospectively evaluated at our tertiary referral centre. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors as independently significant for malignant bile duct obstruction. A predictive risk score was established using ROC analysis and applied to an external validation cohort of 101 patients.

RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety-four patients had malignant bile duct obstruction proven by surgery, while in 741 patients benign obstruction was observed. Multivariate analysis identified various clinical factors to be predictive for malignancy. On the basis of eight predictors, a risk score for malignancy was developed [X = 0.025 * [age] + 1.239 * [1 if weight loss, otherwise 0] - 0.235 * [1 if pain, otherwise 0] + 0.649 * [1 if diabetes, otherwise 0] + 0.896 * [1 if jaundice, otherwise 0] + 0.109 * [bilirubin] + 0.0007 * [γ-GT] + 0.0003 * [AP] - 4.374]: A significant correlation between the predicted malignancy and the actual malignancy was found by ROC (AUC: 0.862; 95% CI 0.838-0.886, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This predictive risk score estimates the risk of malignancy in patients with bile duct obstruction, and it seems to be very accurate. A better prediction enables both earlier diagnosis of malignant obstructive disease and improved management of patients with bile duct obstruction, which may result in reduced morbidity and mortality.

Rates of complete diagnostic testing for patients with acute myeloid leukemia

In addition to cytogenetics, additional molecular markers of prognosis have been identified and incorporated into the management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We hypothesized that rates of molecular testing would be higher in an academic center versus community sites. A retrospective chart review included all de novo AML patients (excluding M3) at Kansas University Medical Center (KUMC) from January 2008 through April 2013. Records were evaluated for completeness of molecular testing as indicated by karyotype (FLT3, CEBPα, NPM1 in normal cytogenetics AML and c-KIT in core binding factor [CBF] AML). 271 charts were reviewed: 98 with CN-AML and 29 with CBF AML. Seventy were diagnosed at KUMC, 57 at a community site. Molecular testing was sent in 76/98 (77%) patients with CN-AML. Patients diagnosed at KUMC had a significantly higher rate of molecular testing (51/55, 93%) as compared to those diagnosed at outside centers (18/43, 41%) (P < 0.001). Of 29 patients with CBF AML, c-kit mutational analysis was performed more frequently at KUMC (14/15, 93%) than in community sites (8/14, 57%) (P = 0.035). There was a trend towards increased testing at both KUMC and community sites in later years. Rates of molecular testing in AML were higher in an academic center versus community sites in the 5 years following the World Health Organization revised classification of AML. All physicians who diagnose and treat AML must remain up to date on the latest recommendations and controversies in molecular testing in order to appropriately risk stratify patients and determine optimal therapy.

Indications for allo- and auto-SCT for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: current practice in Europe, 2015

This is the sixth special report that the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation regularly publishes on the current practice and indications for haematopoietic SCT for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders in Europe. Major changes have occurred in the field of haematopoietic SCT over the last years. Cord blood units as well as haploidentical donors have been increasingly used as stem cell sources for allo-SCT, thus, augmenting the possibility of finding a suitable donor for a patient. Continuous refinement of conditioning strategies has also expanded not only the number of potential indications but also has permitted consideration of older patients or those with co-morbidity for a transplant. There is accumulating evidence of the role of haematopoietic SCT in non-haematological disorders such as autoimmune diseases. On the other hand, the advent of new drugs and very effective targeted therapy has challenged the role of SCT in some instances or at least, modified its position in the treatment armamentarium of a given patient. An updated report with revised tables and operating definitions is presented.

Wilms Tumor 1 rs16754 predicts favorable clinical outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia patients in South Chinese population

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16754 in WT1 shows a clinical implication in Caucasus population. However, the results were not reproducible in different population cohorts. We evaluated the clinical significance of rs16754 for 205 de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients in South Chinese population, 188 healthy volunteers were recruited as healthy controls. WT1 mRNA expression was investigated in 81 pretreatment bone marrow specimens. WT1(GA/AA) patients showed better overall survival (OS, P=0.006) and relapse-free survival (RFS, P=0.025) as compared with WT1(GG) patients, and the favorable clinical outcomes were most prominent in older patients with superior OS (P=0.001) and RFS (P=0.003). In multivariable analysis, rs16754 was still associated with favorable OS (HR=1.533, P=0.042). The WT1(GG) patients showed significantly higher WT1 mRNA expression than the WT1(GA/AA) patients (P=0.01). In summary, WT1 rs16754 may serve as an independent biomarker in AML patients from South Chinese.

How we treat invasive fungal diseases in patients with acute leukemia: the importance of an individualized approach

Invasive fungal diseases (IFDs) represent an important cause of treatment failure in adults with acute leukemia. Because of leukemia’s heterogeneity, the risk for IFDs is highly variable. We therefore apply a risk-adapted antifungal strategy with strong emphasis on pretreatment and day-15 posttreatment to allow earlier and more individualized interventions. We determine pretreatment risks for IFDs based on 4 factors: (1) host fitness for standard therapy (ie, fit, unfit, or frail); (2) leukemia resistance (high vs low probability of achieving complete remission [CR]); (3) anticipated treatment-related toxicity such as neutropenia, mucositis, and steroid-induced immunosuppression; and (4) patient exposure to opportunistic fungi. Accordingly, we stratify patients as high, intermediate, or low risk for IFDs and apply risk-adapted antifungal strategies, including primary or secondary prophylaxis and diagnostic-based preemptive or empiric therapy. Prevention of IFDs also relies on optimizing organ function, decreasing exposure to opportunistic fungi, and improving net state of immunosuppression with use of better-tolerated and investigational agents for unfit patients and those with adverse leukemia biology. Novel targeted and safe therapies that can achieve higher rates of sustained CR among patients with adverse genetics offer the best promise for reducing the burden of IFDs in these patients.

How I treat the older patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in older patients presents a notable therapeutic challenge to the clinical hematologist. The clinical biology of AML among patients is highly heterogeneous. Interpatient variations are relevant for prognosis and treatment choice. Outcome of treatment for patients of advanced age is often compromised by comorbid conditions and an enhanced susceptibility to toxicities from therapy. Here we present selected clinical vignettes that highlight distinct representative situations derived from clinical practice. The vignettes are specifically discussed in light of the perspective of treating older patients with leukemia. We review the clinical significance of various cytogenetic and molecular features of the disease, and we examine the various currently available treatment options as well as the emerging prognostic algorithms that may offer guidance in regard to personalized therapy recommendations. The dilemmas in tailoring treatment selection in this category of patients with AML are the central theme in this discussion.

Finding the optimal combination therapy for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML in older patients unfit for intensive therapy

There is no standard of care for older patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) unfit for intensive therapy, and prognosis with currently recommended low-intensity therapies (decitabine, azacitidine, and low-dose cytarabine [LDAC]) remains poor. One promising strategy is to combine low-intensity treatments with novel agents. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, tipifarnib, and barasertib have been investigated in phase 2/3 or 3 trials combined with LDAC, and phase 3 trials are currently investigating sapacitabine plus decitabine, and volasertib plus LDAC in AML. This review discusses current treatment recommendations and the development of combination therapies for older patients unfit for intensive therapy.

Long-term follow-up of cytogenetically normal CEBPA-mutated AML

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the long-term survival of AML patients with CEBPA mutations.

Patients and methods

We investigated 88 AML patients with a median age of 61 years and (1) cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML), (2) monoallelic (moCEBPA) or biallelic (biCEBPA) CEBPA mutation, and (3) intensive induction treatment. 60/88 patients have been described previously with a shorter follow-up.

Results

Median follow-up time was 9.8 years (95% CI: 9.4-10.1 years) compared to 3.2 and 5.2 years in our former analyses. Patients with biCEBPA mutations survived significantly longer compared to those with moCEBPA (median overall survival (OS) 9.6 years vs. 1.7 years, p = 0.008). Patients ≤ 60 years and biCEBPA mutations showed a favorable prognosis with a 10-year OS rate of 81%.

Both, bi- and moCEBPA-mutated groups had a low early death (d60) rate of 7% and 9%, respectively. Complete remission (CR) rates for biCEBPA- and moCEBPA-mutated patients were 82% vs. 70% (p = 0.17). biCEBPA-mutated patients showed a longer relapse free survival (RFS) (median RFS 9.4 years vs. 1.5 years, p = 0.021) and a lower cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) compared to moCEBPA-mutated patients. These differences in OS and RFS were confirmed after adjustment for known clinical and molecular prognostic factors.

Conclusions

In this long-term observation we confirmed the favorable prognostic outcome of patients with biCEBPA mutations compared to moCEBPA-mutated CN-AML. The high probability of OS (81%) in younger patients is helpful to guide intensity of postremission therapy.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-014-0055-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Integrating genomics into prognostic models for AML

The use of genomic profiling in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led to an improved understanding of disease pathogenesis. Genomic profiling has given rise to fundamental observations about the biology of AML and has served to better define clinical outcomes for patients based on somatic mutational status. As additional mutations are identified with a known or postulated role in AML pathogenesis, the challenge ahead will be learning how to integrate these findings into clinical practice in such a way that they have a meaningful impact on patient care and, ultimately, on patient outcomes. Potential goals include using genomic information for refined risk stratification and clinical decision making, and to identify genetic lesions that guide the use of molecularly targeted therapies. The development of next-generation sequencing technologies has made genomic profiling a viable option for use in clinical practice because it can provide robust, high-coverage sequencing data for multiple genes in 1 assay, within a clinically reasonable time frame. The present article discusses recent candidate gene sequencing studies, the development of prognostic models based on these studies, and the current and potential future uses of next-generation sequencing technologies in making treatment decisions for patients with AML.