How I treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults

Fratricide-resistant CD1a-specific CAR T cells for the treatment of cortical T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Relapsed/refractory T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a dismal outcome, and no effective targeted immunotherapies for T-ALL exist. The extension of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CARTs) to T-ALL remains challenging because the shared expression of target antigens between CARTs and T-ALL blasts leads to CART fratricide. CD1a is exclusively expressed in cortical T-ALL (coT-ALL), a major subset of T-ALL, and retained at relapse. This article reports that the expression of CD1a is mainly restricted to developing cortical thymocytes, and neither CD34+ progenitors nor T cells express CD1a during ontogeny, confining the risk of on-target/off-tumor toxicity. We thus developed and preclinically validated a CD1a-specific CAR with robust and specific cytotoxicity in vitro and antileukemic activity in vivo in xenograft models of coT-ALL, using both cell lines and coT-ALL patient-derived primary blasts. CD1a-CARTs are fratricide resistant, persist long term in vivo (retaining antileukemic activity in re-challenge experiments), and respond to viral antigens. Our data support the therapeutic and safe use of fratricide-resistant CD1a-CARTs for relapsed/refractory coT-ALL.

Complete Blood Count Score Model Integrating Reduced Lymphocyte-Monocyte Ratio, Elevated Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Elevated Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Inferior Clinical Outcomes in Adult T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is a highly aggressive neoplasm of lymphoblasts of T-cell origin. Although promising improvements have been recently achieved, one third of patients experience relapse or refractory T-LBL. Therefore, optimal strategies for identifying high-risk patients are urgently needed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 75 newly diagnosed adult patients (aged ≥15 years) with T-LBL were identified and the predictive value of complete blood count (CBC) abnormalities, including lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on clinical outcomes, was analyzed.

RESULTS

Using the receiver operating characteristic curve to determine the best cutoff values based on survival, it was found that patients with T-LBL with LMR ≤2.8, NLR ≥3.3, and PLR ≥200 had both inferior progression-free survival (PFS) and inferior overall survival (OS), in which the differences were much more remarkable in the international prognostic index score 0-2 subgroup. In the multivariable analysis, NLR ≥3.3 together with age >40 years and central nervous system (CNS) involvement were identified to be independently associated with shortened PFS, whereas PLR ≥200 and CNS involvement were identified to be independent risk factors for OS. LMR, NLR, and PLR were integrated to generate a "CBC score" model, which well separated adult patients with T-LBL into three risk groups, and the 3-year OS was 84%, 53%, and 30% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Overall, a "CBC score" model was initially promoted for stratification in adult patients with T-LBL using simple, widely available, and easy to interpret parameters in the largest adult T-LBL cohort to date.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Optimal strategies for identifying high-risk patients with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) are urgently needed. In the largest adult T-LBL cohort to date, simple, inexpensive, widely available parameters were applied and revealed that patients with lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) ≤2.8, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥3.3, and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) ≥200 had both inferior progression-free survival and inferior overall survival (OS), in which the differences were much more remarkable in the international prognostic index score 0-2 subgroup. LMR, NLR, and PLR were integrated to generate a "complete blood count score" model, in which the 3-year OS was 84%, 53%, and 30% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively.

Prognostic miRNA classifiers in t cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational clinical studies

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of microRNA (miRNA) expression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has generated significant research interest in recent years. However, most diagnostic and prognostic studies with regards to miRNA expression have been focused on combined B cell and T cell lymphoblastic leukemia. There are very few studies reporting the prognostic effects of miRNA expression on T-ALL. Therefore, a pioneer systematic review and meta-analysis was proposed to explore the possibilities of miRNAs as viable prognostic markers in T-ALL. This study is intended to be useful as a guideline for future research into drug evaluation and targeting miRNA as a biomarker for the treatment and prognosis of T-ALL.

METHODS

The systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The study search will be conducted by using Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline, Science Direct, and SCOPUS bibliographic databases. The reference lists of included studies will be manually searched to further bolster the search results. A combination of keywords will be used to search the databases.

DISCUSSION

To explore the effect of miRNA on prognosis, forest plots will be generated to assess pooled HR and 95% CI. Upregulation, downregulation, and deregulation of specific miRNAs will be individually noted and used to extrapolate patient prognosis when associated with risk factors involved in T-ALL. Subgroup analysis will be carried out to analyze the effect of deregulation of miRNA expression on patient prognosis. A fixed or random-effects model of meta-analysis will be used depending upon between-study heterogeneity. This systematic review and meta-analysis will identify and synthesize evidence to determine the prognosis of miRNA in T-ALL and suggest the possible miRNA from meta-analysis results to predict as a biomarker for further detection and treatment of T-ALL.

Distinguishing thymoma from T-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma: a case-based evaluation

T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and thymoma are distinct primary mediastinal neoplasms that can have similar clinical presentations and overlapping histological features. Microscopic distinction is occasionally difficult because the immature lymphocytes associated with thymoma may resemble T-lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma cells, morphologically and immunohistochemically. An accurate diagnosis assumes particular importance since the treatment approaches for these two entities differ considerably. Multimodality diagnostic approaches incorporating histological, flow cytometry immunophenotypic' and molecular approaches are required. In this article, we describe four patients, each presenting with a mediastinal tumour in different clinicopathological settings. A detailed report of each case will follow, illustrating the challenges involved in the diagnosis in patients with these mediastinal neoplasms.

[Characteristics and prognosis in adult patients with early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

目的

分析成人早期前体T细胞急性淋巴细胞白血病（ETP-ALL）的临床、实验室特征及预后情况。

方法

回顾性分析2009年1月至2017年3月确诊的13例ETP-ALL患者的临床和实验室资料，并与非ETP的T-ALL（Non-ETP ALL）患者进行比较。

结果

75例T-ALL患者中，符合ETP-ALL诊断标准患者13例（17.3%），其中男10例（76.9%），女3例（23.1%），诊断时中位年龄为35（15~49）岁。与62例Non-ETP ALL患者相比，ETP-ALL患者的WBC、LDH、外周血原始细胞计数较低，胸腺肿物发生率更低，PLT水平更高。ETP-ALL与Non-ETP ALL患者1个疗程CR率分别为33.3%和90.1%，差异具有统计学意义（χ²=26.521，P<0.001）。两组患者的中位总生存（OS）时间分别为11.33（95%CI 0~28.46）和25.69（95% CI 11.98~39.41）个月，3年OS率分别为41.7%和40.7%（P=0.699）。两组患者的中位无事件生存（EFS）时间分别为1.51（95% CI 1.23~1.79）和21.36（95% CI 4.67~38.04）个月，3年EFS率分别为16.7%和39.5%（P=0.002），3年无复发生存（RFS）率分别为53.0%和52.0%（P=0.797）。多因素分析显示是否为ETP-ALL并不是影响T-ALL总体预后的独立因素，而是否合并中枢神经系统白血病、是否行异基因造血干细胞移植为T-ALL的独立预后因素。

结论

该研究为国内首次关于成人ETP-ALL特征以及预后分析的报道。在成人T-ALL患者中，ETP-ALL占17.3%，具有起病时肿瘤负荷不高，但1个疗程化疗CR率较低的临床特点。异基因造血干细胞移植有可能克服ETP-ALL的不良预后。

Clinical trials of dual-target CAR T cells, donor-derived CAR T cells, and universal CAR T cells for acute lymphoid leukemia

The current treatment for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is highly successful with high cure rate. However, the treatment of adult ALL remains a challenge, particularly for refractory and/or relapsed (R/R) ALL. The advent of new targeted agents, blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamycin, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, are changing the treatment paradigm for ALL. Tisagenlecleucel (kymriah, Novartis) is an autologous CD19-targeted CAR T cell product approved for treatment of R/R B cell ALL and lymphoma. In an attempt to reduce the relapse rate and treat those relapsed patients with antigen loss, donor-derived CAR T cells and CD19/CD22 dual-target CAR T cells are in clinical trials. Gene-edited “off-the-shelf” universal CAR T cells are also undergoing active clinical development. This review summarized new clinical trials and latest updates at the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting on CAR T therapy for ALL with a focus on dual-target CAR T and universal CAR T cell trials.

Clinical trial update on bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and antibody-containing regimens for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The relapse rate remains high after chemotherapy for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). With better molecular diagnosis and classification as well as better assessment for minimal residual disease, major progress in the treatment for refractory and/or relapsed ALL is being made. In addition to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, immunotherapeutic agents, blinatumomab, inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO), and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, are changing the treatment paradigm for ALL. Blinatumomab and INO are being incorporated into induction chemotherapy regimens and combined with TKIs for ALL therapy. A novel low-intensity regimen, miniHCVD-INO-blinatumomab, appears to be less toxic and more effective than conventional intensive chemotherapy regimens. This review summarized new therapeutic researches of ALL and updated latest progress in clinical trials on bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and new regimens incorporating these novel antibodies.

Overexpression of CD59 inhibits apoptosis of T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia via AKT/Notch1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) was a hematological malignancy characterized by the accumulation of immature T cells in bone marrow and peripheral blood. In this study, we tried to explore the physiological role of CD59 in T-ALL.

METHODS

In this study, we collected the bone marrow samples from 17 T-ALL patients and 38 healthy participants to find differences in CD59 expression patterns. Then, CD59 was over-expressed in T-ALL cell line Jurkat, and its biological functions were detected. In addition, in order to understand the active site of CD59, the Trp40 was mutated. Further, we constructed a mouse model by transplanting Jurkat cells into the nude mice to verify the function of CD59 in vitro. At last, mechanism studies were performed by western blot.

RESULTS

We found that the proportion of T lymphocytes expressing CD59 in bone marrow of T-ALL patients was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Then, we found that the overexpression of CD59 in Jurkat cells was beneficial to the cell survival by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting IL-2 secretion. In this process, Trp40 of CD59 was a key functional site. Further, the high expression of CD59 inhibited apoptosis of bone marrow and peripheral blood cells, and promoted IL-2 secretion in mouse model. At last, mechanism studies showed that the activation of AKT, STAT5 and Notch1 signaling pathways in Jurkat cells, may be involved in the regulation of apoptosis by CD59; and mutation in the Trp40 affect the interaction of CD59 with these signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, CD59 inhibited apoptosis of T-ALL by regulating AKT/Notch1 signaling pathway, providing a new perspective for the treatment of T-ALL.

Recent Advances in the Biology and Treatment of T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the biology and treatment of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and highlights the most recent findings in this field over the past 5 years.

RECENT FINDINGS

Remarkable progress has been made in the genomic landscape of T-ALL over the past few years. The discovery of activating mutations of NOTCH1 and FBXW7 in a majority of patients has been a seminal observation, with several early phase clinical trials currently exploring these as potential therapeutic targets. Characterization of early T cell precursor ALL, incorporation of minimal residual disease assessment into therapeutic protocols, and use of pediatric-intensive regimens along with judicious use of allogeneic HCT have significantly improved risk stratification and treatment outcomes. Improved risk stratification and the use of novel targeted therapies based on recent genomic discoveries are expected to change the therapeutic landscape of T-ALL and hopefully improve the outcomes of this historically poor prognosis disease.

Incidence and survival of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the United States

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a curable malignancy in the pediatric population. However, population-level data on its incidence and outcomes among adults is sparse. Using SEER database, we identified 1141 patients aged ≥20 years with pathologically confirmed T-ALL diagnosed between the years 2001 and 2014 and actively followed. Incidence of T-ALL was 0.13 cases/100,000 population with significant variations by age, gender, race, and period. The 5-year overall survival (OS) declined significantly with increasing age (age <40, 51.9%; age 40-59, 37.3%; age 60-79, 19.2%; age ≥80, 0%; p < .001) and varied by race (whites - 45.7%, blacks - 25.1%, others - 40.3%; p < .001). Over time, OS has improved significantly in patients <60 years (2001-2007, 42.8% vs 2008-2014, 53.1%; p = .005), but not in patients older than 60 years (2001-2007, 18% vs 2008-2014, 22.8%; p = .71), highlighting the need for effective and safe treatments in this population.

CAR T-cells for T-cell malignancies: challenges in distinguishing between therapeutic, normal, and neoplastic T-cells

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells targeting CD19 demonstrated remarkable efficacy for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The development of CAR T-cells against T-cell malignancies appears more challenging due to the similarities between the therapeutic, normal and malignant T-cells. The obstacles include CAR T-cell fratricide, T-cell aplasia, and contamination of CAR T-cell products with malignant T-cells. Here, we review these challenges and propose solutions to overcome these limitations.

CAR T-cells for T-cell malignancies: challenges in distinguishing between therapeutic, normal, and neoplastic T-cells

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells targeting CD19 demonstrated remarkable efficacy for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The development of CAR T-cells against T-cell malignancies appears more challenging due to the similarities between the therapeutic, normal and malignant T-cells. The obstacles include CAR T-cell fratricide, T-cell aplasia, and contamination of CAR T-cell products with malignant T-cells. Here, we review these challenges and propose solutions to overcome these limitations.

Successful Treatment of a Very Late Isolated Relapse in an Adolescent With a PICALM-MLLT10 Positive T-lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

T-lineage ALL is an aggressive disease that needs to be treated with intensive treatment schedules. A late relapse rarely occurs and a clear choice for second-line treatment is on debate. We report on a young adult with a very late isolated extramedullary relapse of PICALM-MLLT10 positive T-ALL, successfully treated with a chemotherapy-based and radiotherapy-based pediatric protocol. We demonstrate that relapse can occur in T-ALL although a SR-MRD behavior treated with a high-risk protocol; specific molecular diagnostic aberrations, as PICALM-MLLT10, are still conserved at very late relapse; a second-line treatment based on pediatric protocol can be effective.

An "off-the-shelf" fratricide-resistant CAR-T for the treatment of T cell hematologic malignancies

T cell malignancies represent a group of hematologic cancers with high rates of relapse and mortality in patients for whom no effective targeted therapies exist. The shared expression of target antigens between chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and malignant T cells has limited the development of CAR-T because of unintended CAR-T fratricide and an inability to harvest sufficient autologous T cells. Here we describe a fratricide resistant ‘off-the-shelf’ CAR-T (or UCART7) that targets CD7+ T cell malignancies and, through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, lacks both CD7 and T cell receptor alpha chain (TRAC) expression. UCART7 demonstrates efficacy against human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cell lines and primary T-ALL in vitro and in vivo without the induction of xenogeneic GvHD. Fratricide resistant, allo-tolerant ‘off-the-shelf’ CAR-T represents a strategy for treatment of relapsed and refractory T-ALL and non-Hodgkin’s T cell lymphoma without a requirement for autologous T cells.

Patients over 40 years old with precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma have different prognostic factors comparing to the youngers

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients, divided into over 40-year-old group or not, with precursor T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (Pre-T-LBL). Based on the retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 59 patients with Pre-T-LBL during the period from December 2010 to December 2015, albumin level, anemia, pleural or pericardial effusion, protocol, therapy response, mediastinal mass, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and international prognostic index (IPI) or age-adjusted international prognostic index (aaIPI) were summarized. For patients aged <40 years, factors correlating with poor progression-free survival (PFS) were pleural or pericardial effusion, regimen, albumin level and therapy response. Pleural or pericardial effusion, aaIPI score, regimen, LDH increased, albumin level, therapy response and mediastinal mass were all related with poor overall survival (OS). In the patients aged ≥40 years, only anemia associated with PFS. However, anemia, involvement of bone marrow and therapeutic response were all related with poor OS. In conclusion, the patients with Pre-T-LBL are characterized by a low incidence and bad prognosis. Different prognostic factors can be discovered for patients over 40-year-old with Pre-T-LBL comparing to the youngers. New prognostic evaluation factors should be explored for patients ≥40 years old.

MicroRNA expression and activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a lymphoid malignancy caused by the oncogenic transformation of immature T-cell progenitors. Many biologically relevant genetic and epigenetic alterations have been identified as driving factors for this transformation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence various leukemias, including T-ALL. Aberrant expression of miRNAs can function as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in T-ALL through the regulation of cell migration, invasion, proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. This occurs by targeting key signaling pathways or transcriptional factors that play a critical role in T-ALL pathology and progression. Different miRNA expression profiles have been linked to specific genetic subtypes of human T-ALL. Furthermore, miRNAs can also act as independent prognostic factors to predict clinical outcomes for T-ALL patients. In the current review, we will focus on the role of miRNAs in the development and progression of T-ALL.

The Approach to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Older Patients: Conventional Treatments and Emerging Therapies

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among older adult patients presents significant clinical challenges. As opposed to pediatric populations, in whom long-term outcomes are markedly superior, those for adults remain grim. Nevertheless, younger adults with ALL have experienced a steady improvement in long-term survival in the last few decades. This is significantly different for older ALL patients, for whom long-term outcomes remain poor. Conventional chemotherapies are associated with sub-optimal outcomes and increased toxicity in this population. However, several emerging therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates, bi-specific engagers, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have demonstrated much promise and are either incorporated into the existing therapeutic paradigms or being actively investigated to improve outcomes.

Zebrafish in Translational Cancer Research: Insight into Leukemia, Melanoma, Glioma and Endocrine Tumor Biology

Over the past 15 years, zebrafish have emerged as a powerful tool for studying human cancers. Transgenic techniques have been employed to model different types of tumors, including leukemia, melanoma, glioblastoma and endocrine tumors. These models present histopathological and molecular conservation with their human cancer counterparts and have been fundamental for understanding mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, xenotransplantation of human cancer cells in embryos or adult zebrafish offers the advantage of studying the behavior of human cancer cells in a live organism. Chemical-genetic screens using zebrafish embryos have uncovered novel druggable pathways and new therapeutic strategies, some of which are now tested in clinical trials. In this review, we will report on recent advances in using zebrafish as a model in cancer studies—with specific focus on four cancer types—where zebrafish has contributed to novel discoveries or approaches to novel therapies.

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL): New insights into the cellular origins and infiltration mechanisms common and unique among hematologic malignancies

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for 15% and 25% of total childhood and adult ALL cases, respectively. During T-ALL, patients are at risk of organ infiltration by leukemic T-cells. Infiltration is a major consequence of disease relapse and correlates with poor prognosis. Transendothelial migration of leukemic cells is required to exit the blood stream into target organs. While mechanisms of normal T-cell transmigration are well known, the mechanisms of leukemic T-cell extravasation remain elusive; but involvement of chemokines, integrins and Notch signaling play critical roles. Here, we summarize current knowledge about molecular mechanisms of leukemic T-cell infiltration with special emphasis on the newly identified subtype early T-cell-progenitor (ETP)-ALL. Furthermore, we compare the extravasation potential of T-ALL cells with that of other hematologic malignancies such as B-ALL and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

PHF6 regulates phenotypic plasticity through chromatin organization within lineage-specific genes

In this study, Soto-Feliciano et al. describe the function of the plant homeodomain finger 6 (PHF6) protein in leukemia and define its role in regulating chromatin accessibility to lineage-specific transcription factors. Their findings suggest that active maintenance of a precise chromatin landscape is essential for sustaining proper leukemia cell identity and that loss of a single factor (PHF6) can cause focal changes in chromatin accessibility and nucleosome positioning that render cells susceptible to lineage transition.

Developmental and lineage plasticity have been observed in numerous malignancies and have been correlated with tumor progression and drug resistance. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that enable such plasticity to occur. Here, we describe the function of the plant homeodomain finger protein 6 (PHF6) in leukemia and define its role in regulating chromatin accessibility to lineage-specific transcription factors. We show that loss of Phf6 in B-cell leukemia results in systematic changes in gene expression via alteration of the chromatin landscape at the transcriptional start sites of B-cell- and T-cell-specific factors. Additionally, Phf6^KO cells show significant down-regulation of genes involved in the development and function of normal B cells, show up-regulation of genes involved in T-cell signaling, and give rise to mixed-lineage lymphoma in vivo. Engagement of divergent transcriptional programs results in phenotypic plasticity that leads to altered disease presentation in vivo, tolerance of aberrant oncogenic signaling, and differential sensitivity to frontline and targeted therapies. These findings suggest that active maintenance of a precise chromatin landscape is essential for sustaining proper leukemia cell identity and that loss of a single factor (PHF6) can cause focal changes in chromatin accessibility and nucleosome positioning that render cells susceptible to lineage transition.

Early Response-Based Therapy Stratification Improves Survival in Adult Early Thymic Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Study

Purpose Early thymic precursor (ETP) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an immunophenotypically defined subgroup of T-cell ALL (T-ALL) associated with high rates of intrinsic treatment resistance. Studies in children have shown that the negative prognostic impact of chemotherapy resistance is abrogated by the implementation of early response-based intensification strategies. Comparable data in adults are lacking. Patients and Methods We performed comprehensive clinicobiologic, genetic, and survival analyses of a large cohort of 213 adult patients with T-ALL, including 47 patients with ETP-ALL, treated in the GRAALL (Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) -2003 and -2005 studies. Results Targeted next-generation sequencing revealed that the genotype of immunophenotypically defined adult T-ALL is similar to the pediatric equivalent, with high rates of mutations in factors involved in cytokine receptor and RAS signaling (62.2%), hematopoietic development (29.7%), and chemical modification of histones (48.6%). In contrast to pediatric cases, mutations in DNA methylation factor genes were also common (32.4%). We found that despite expected high levels of early bone marrow chemotherapy resistance (87%), the overall prognosis for adults with ETP-ALL treated using the GRAALL protocols was not inferior to that of the non-ETP-ALL group (5-year overall survival: ETP, 59.6%; 95% CI, 44.2% to 72.0% v non-ETP, 66.5%; 95% CI, 58.7% to 73.2%; P = 0.33) and that allogeneic stem-cell transplantation had a beneficial effect in a large proportion of patients with ETP-ALL. Conclusion Our results suggest that the use of response-based risk stratification and therapy intensification abrogates the poor prognosis of adult ETP-ALL.

Complete remission with romidepsin in a patient with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia refractory to induction hyper-CVAD

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) and T‐cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL) are neoplasms that originate from T‐cell precursors. Outcomes in adult patients with T‐ALL/LBL remain unsatisfactory; early relapse following intensive induction chemotherapy is a concern, and patients with relapsed or refractory disease have a poor prognosis. Romidepsin is a potent, class 1 selective histone deacetylase inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma who have had ≥1 prior therapy and patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma who have had ≥1 prior systemic therapy. Here, we report the case of an adult patient with T‐ALL refractory to induction hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (hyper‐CVAD). Treatment with romidepsin was initiated, and romidepsin in combination with hyper‐CVAD resulted in complete remission, with mild tumor lysis syndrome as the only detectable additional toxicity. The patient eventually underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant while in first complete remission. Prior studies have shown that romidepsin is capable of inducing durable responses with manageable toxicities in patients with mature T‐cell lymphomas. This case study describes the successful use of romidepsin in combination with hyper‐CVAD in an adult patient with refractory T‐ALL and highlights the activity of romidepsin in the T‐cell lineage. The potential of romidepsin‐containing regimens in patients with T‐ALL/LBL deserves further study.

The Oncolytic Virotherapy Era in Cancer Management: Prospects of Applying H-1 Parvovirus to Treat Blood and Solid Cancers

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and leukemia are among the most common cancers worldwide. While the treatment of NHL/leukemia of B-cell origin has much progressed with the introduction of targeted therapies, few treatment standards have been established for T-NHL/leukemia. As presentation in both B- and T-NHL/leukemia patients is often aggressive and as prognosis for relapsed disease is especially dismal, this cancer entity poses major challenges and requires innovative therapeutic approaches. In clinical trials, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have been used against refractory multiple myeloma (MM). In preclinical settings, a number of OVs have demonstrated a remarkable ability to suppress various types of hematological cancers. Most studies dealing with this approach have used MM or B- or myeloid-cell-derived malignancies as models. Only a few describe susceptibility of T-cell lymphoma/leukemia to OV infection and killing. The rat H-1 parvovirus (H-1PV) is an OV with considerable promise as a novel therapeutic agent against both solid tumors (pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma) and hematological malignancies. The present perspective article builds on previous reports of H-1PV-driven regression of Burkitt's lymphoma xenografts and on unpublished observations demonstrating effective killing by H-1PV of cells from CHOP-resistant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On the basis of these studies, H-1PV is proposed for use as an adjuvant to (chemo)therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, in the light of a recently completed first parvovirus clinical trial in glioblastoma patients, the advantages of H-1PV for systemic application are discussed.

Novel tumor-suppressor function of KLF4 in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common hematological malignancy in pediatric patients. Despite advances in the treatment of this disease, many children with T-cell ALL (T-ALL) die from disease relapse due to low responses to standard chemotherapy and the lack of a targeted therapy that selectively eradicates the chemoresistant leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) responsible for disease recurrence. We reported recently that the reprogramming factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) has a tumor-suppressive function in children with T-ALL. KLF4 silencing by promoter deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation in patients with T-ALL leads to aberrant activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase MAP2K7 and the downstream c-Jun NH₂-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway that controls the expansion of leukemia cells via c-Jun and activating transcription factor 2. This pathway can be inhibited with small molecules and therefore has the potential to eliminate LICs and eradicate disease in combination with standard therapy for patients with refractory and relapsed disease. The present review summarizes the role of the KLF4-MAP2K7 pathway in T-ALL pathogenesis and the function of JNK and MAP2K7 in carcinogenesis and therapy.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Adult T Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is recommended for patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) in second or later complete remission (CR) and high-risk patients in first CR. Given its relative rarity, data on outcomes of HCT for T-ALL are limited. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study using data from 208 adult patients who underwent HCT between 2000 and 2014 to describe outcomes of allogeneic HCT for T-ALL in the contemporary era. The median age at HCT was 37 years, and the majority of patients underwent HCT in CR, using total body irradiation (TBI)-based myeloablative conditioning regimens. One-quarter of the patients underwent alternative donor HCT using a mismatched, umbilical cord blood, or haploidentical donor. With a median follow up of 38 months, overall survival at 5 years was 34%. The corresponding cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality and relapse was 26% and 41%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with overall survival were the use of TBI (HR, 0.57; P = .021), age >35 years (HR, 1.55; P = .025), and disease status at HCT (HR, 1.98; P = .005 for relapsed/refractory disease compared with CR). Relapse was the most common cause of death (58% of patients). Allogeneic HCT remains a potentially curative option in selected patients with adult T-ALL, although relapse is a major cause of treatment failure.

Management of adults with T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare disease in adults with inferior survival outcomes compared with those seen in pediatric patients. Although potentially curable with ∼50% survival at 5 years, adult patients with relapsed disease have dismal outcomes with <10% of patients surviving long term. This review will discuss the diagnosis and management of adult patients with newly diagnosed T-cell ALL with an emphasis on the immunophenotypic and genetic analyses required to assign prognosis, risk stratify, and guide post-remission therapy. The evidence for the main components of complex T-cell ALL treatment regimens is described. The importance of monitoring minimal residual disease is emphasized, with a discussion of the different methods used. The results of hematopoietic cell transplantation are analyzed, and recommendations made about which patients should be considered for this intervention. The treatment of the adolescent and young adult group is delineated, and the role of using “pediatric-inspired” regimens in older adults considered. We also describe the current data and potential future options for the use of novel therapies, including nelarabine and γ-secretase inhibitors, in adult patients with T-cell ALL.

The genetics and molecular biology of T-ALL

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive malignancy caused by the accumulation of genomic lesions that affect the development of T cells. For many years, it has been established that deregulated expression of transcription factors, impairment of the CDKN2A/2B cell-cycle regulators, and hyperactive NOTCH1 signaling play prominent roles in the pathogenesis of this leukemia. In the past decade, systematic screening of T-ALL genomes by high-resolution copy-number arrays and next-generation sequencing technologies has revealed that T-cell progenitors accumulate additional mutations affecting JAK/STAT signaling, protein translation, and epigenetic control, providing novel attractive targets for therapy. In this review, we provide an update on our knowledge of T-ALL pathogenesis, the opportunities for the introduction of targeted therapy, and the challenges that are still ahead.

Improving nelarabine efficacy in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by targeting aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Background

Although in recent years, the introduction of novel chemotherapy protocols has improved the outcome of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients, refractory and/or relapsing disease remains a foremost concern. In this context, a major contribution was provided by the introduction of the nucleoside analog nelarabine, approved for salvage treatment of T-ALL patients with refractory/relapsed disease. However, nelarabine could induce a life-threatening, dose-dependent neurotoxicity. To improve nelarabine efficacy, we have analyzed its molecular targets, testing selective inhibitors of such targets in combination with nelarabine.

Methods

The effectiveness of nelarabine as single agent or in combination with PI3K, Bcl2, and MEK inhibitors was evaluated on human T-ALL cell lines and primary T-ALL refractory/relapsed lymphoblasts. The efficacy of signal modulators in terms of cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, and changes in gene and protein expression was assessed by flow cytometry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR in T-ALL settings.

Results

Treatment with nelarabine as a single agent identified two groups of T-ALL cell lines, one sensitive and one resistant to the drug. Whereas sensitive T-ALL cells showed a significant increase of apoptosis and a strong down-modulation of PI3K signaling, resistant T-ALL cells showed a hyperactivation of AKT and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways, not caused by differences in the expression of nelarabine transporters or metabolic activators. We then studied the combination of nelarabine with the PI3K inhibitors (both pan and dual γ/δ inhibitors), with the Bcl2 specific inhibitor ABT199, and with the MEK inhibitor trametinib on both T-ALL cell lines and patient samples at relapse, which displayed constitutive activation of PI3K signaling and resistance to nelarabine alone. The combination with the pan PI3K inhibitor ZSTK-474 was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of T-ALL cells and was synergistic in decreasing cell survival and inducing apoptosis in nelarabine-resistant T-ALL cells. The drug combination caused AKT dephosphorylation and a downregulation of Bcl2, while nelarabine alone induced an increase in p-AKT and Bcl2 signaling in the resistant T-ALL cells and relapsed patient samples.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that nelarabine in combination with PI3K inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of T-ALL relapsed patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0344-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recent advances and novel treatment paradigms in acute lymphocytic leukemia

This is an exciting time in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) given the advances in the relapsed/refractory setting. The development of antibody treatments (including antibody drug conjugates with toxins) offers a different treatment approach compared with conventional chemotherapy regimens. Moreover, the use of bispecific T-cell-engager antibodies (BiTEs) such as blinatumomab harness the cytotoxic activity of T cells against CD19-positive lymphoblasts. Another strategy involves the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. CAR T cells have demonstrated promising results in the relapsed/refractory setting. However, the use of BiTEs and CAR T cells is also associated with a distinct set of adverse reactions that must be taken into account by the treating physician. Apart from the above strategies, the use of other targeted therapies has attracted interest. Namely, the discovery of the Philadelphia (Ph)-like signature in children and young adults with ALL has led to the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in these patients. The different drugs and strategies that are being tested in the relapsed/refractory ALL setting pose a unique challenge in identifying the optimum sequence of treatment and determining which approaches should be considered for frontline treatment.

Inhibition of γ-secretase activity synergistically enhances tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand induced apoptosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via upregulation of death receptor 5

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare and aggressive hematopoietic malignancy prone to relapse and drug resistance. Half of all T-ALL patients exhibit mutations in Notch1, which leads to aberrant Notch1 associated signaling cascades. Notch1 activation is mediated by the γ-secretase cleavage of the Notch1 receptor into the active intracellular domain of Notch1 (NCID). Clinical trials of γ-secretase small molecule inhibitors (GSIs) as single agents for the treatment of T-ALL have been unsuccessful. The present study demonstrated, using immunofluorescence and western blotting, that blocking γ-secretase activity in T-ALL cells with N-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) acetyl]-L-alanyl-2-phenyl] glycine-1,1-dimethylethyl ester (DAPT) downregulated NCID and upregulated the tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptor 5 (DR5). Upregulation of DR5 restored the sensitivity of T-ALL cells to TRAIL. Combination index revealed that the combined treatment of DAPT and TRAIL synergistically enhanced apoptosis compared with treatment with either drug alone. TRAIL combined with the clinically evaluated γ-secretase inhibitor 3-[(1r, 4s)-4-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-4-(2, 5-difluorophenyl) cyclohexyl] propanoic acid (MK-0752) also significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced cell death compared with either drug alone. DAPT/TRAIL apoptotic synergy was dependent on the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and was associated with a decrease in BH3 interacting-domain death agonist and x-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. In conclusion, γ-secretase inhibition represents a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome TRAIL resistance for the treatment of T-ALL.

The genetics and mechanisms of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive haematological malignancy derived from early T cell progenitors. In recent years genomic and transcriptomic studies have uncovered major oncogenic and tumour suppressor pathways involved in T-ALL transformation and identified distinct biological groups associated with prognosis. An increased understanding of T-ALL biology has already translated into new prognostic biomarkers and improved animal models of leukaemia and has opened opportunities for the development of targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease. In this Review we examine our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of T-ALL and recent developments in the translation of these results to the clinic.

An early thymic precursor phenotype predicts outcome exclusively in HOXA-overexpressing adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a Group for Research in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia study

Gene expression studies have consistently identified a HOXA-overexpressing cluster of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias, but it is unclear whether these constitute a homogeneous clinical entity, and the biological consequences of HOXA overexpression have not been systematically examined. We characterized the biology and outcome of 55 HOXA-positive cases among 209 patients with adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia uniformly treated during the Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (GRAALL)-2003 and -2005 studies. HOXA-positive patients had markedly higher rates of an early thymic precursor-like immunophenotype (40.8% versus 14.5%, P=0.0004), chemoresistance (59.3% versus 40.8%, P=0.026) and positivity for minimal residual disease (48.5% versus 23.5%, P=0.01) than the HOXA-negative group. These differences were due to particularly high frequencies of chemoresistant early thymic precursor-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia in HOXA-positive cases harboring fusion oncoproteins that transactivate HOXA Strikingly, the presence of an early thymic precursor-like immunophenotype was associated with marked outcome differences within the HOXA-positive group (5-year overall survival 31.2% in HOXA-positive early thymic precursor versus 66.7% in HOXA-positive non-early thymic precursor, P=0.03), but not in HOXA-negative cases (5-year overall survival 74.2% in HOXA-negative early thymic precursor versus 57.2% in HOXA-negative non-early thymic precursor, P=0.44). Multivariate analysis further revealed that HOXA positivity independently affected event-free survival (P=0.053) and relapse risk (P=0.039) of chemoresistant T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These results show that the underlying mechanism of HOXA deregulation dictates the clinico-biological phenotype, and that the negative prognosis of early thymic precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia is exclusive to HOXA-positive patients, suggesting that early treatment intensification is currently suboptimal for therapeutic rescue of HOXA-positive chemoresistant adult early thymic precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The GRAALL-2003 and -2005 studies were registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00222027 and #NCT00327678, respectively.

Impact of conditioning with TBI in adult patients with T-cell ALL who receive a myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a report from the acute leukemia working party of EBMT

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a therapeutic option for adult patients with T-cell ALL (T-ALL). Meanwhile, few allo-SCT data specific to adult T-ALL have been described thus far. Specifically, the optimal myeloablative conditioning regimen is unknown. In this retrospective study, 601 patients were included. Patients received allo-SCT in CR1, CR2, CR >2 or in advanced disease in 69%, 15%, 2% and 14% of cases, respectively. With an overall follow-up of 58 months, 523 patients received a TBI-based regimen, whereas 78 patients received a chemotherapy-based regimen including IV busulfan-cyclophosphamide (IV Bu-Cy) (n=46). Unlike patients aged ⩾35 years, patients aged <35 years who received a TBI-based regimen displayed an improved outcome compared with patients who received a chemotherapy-based regimen (5-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) of 50% for TBI versus 18% for chemo-only regimen or IV Bu-Cy regimens, P=10(-5) and 10(-4), respectively). In multivariate analysis, use of TBI was associated with an improved LFS (hazard ratio (HR)=0.55 (0.34-0.86), P=0.01) and overall survival (HR=0.54 (0.34-0.87), P=0.01) in patients aged <35 years. In conclusion, younger adult patients with T-ALL entitled to receive a myeloablative allo-SCT may benefit from TBI-based regimens.