High rate of durable remissions after treatment of newly diagnosed aggressive mantle-cell lymphoma with rituximab plus hyper-CVAD alternating with rituximab plus high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine

Current Approaches to Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Therapies

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a unique lymphoma subtype, both biologically and clinically. Virtually all cases are characterized by a common genetic lesion, t(11;14), resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1. The clinical course is moderately aggressive, and the disease is considered incurable. Considerable biologic and clinical heterogeneity exists, with some patients experiencing a rapidly progressive course, while others have disease that is readily managed. New tools exist for risk stratification and may allow for a more personalized approach in the future. Landmark studies have been completed in recent years and outcomes appear to be improving. Randomized clinical trials have clarified the role of high-dose cytarabine (Ara-C) for younger patients and have demonstrated a role for maintenance rituximab therapy. Multiple areas of uncertainty remain, however, and are the focus of ongoing research. This review focuses on (1) strategies to differentiate between aggressive and less aggressive cases, (2) understanding who should receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and (3) the role for maintenance therapy in MCL.

Efficacy of Standard Dose R-CHOP Alternating With R-HDAC Followed by Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Initial Therapy of Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a Single-Institution Experience

BACKGROUND

Young fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are commonly treated with induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT). Induction regimens with modifications of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) and/or incorporation of high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) appear more effective than R-CHOP alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We adopted a modification of the Nordic protocol using standard, rather than higher dose R-CHOP, alternating with HDAC (rituximab plus HDAC), for 3 cycles each or, for patients already treated with R-CHOP alone before referral for AHCT, an additional 2 cycles of rituximab plus HDAC. We herein report our experience with 28 patients treated with this regimen who proceeded to AHCT, and compare their outcomes with patients treated with either standard-dose R-CHOP (n = 38) or R-HCVAD/MA (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate, and cytarabine; n = 21), before AHCT.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up duration of 26 months, our data show that this modification of the Nordic regimen is a highly effective pre-AHCT first-line therapy for MCL (3-year progression-free and overall survival rates of 69% and 75%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

By using a less intense induction, this regimen can serve as a platform for combined use of novel agents, with less risk of additive toxicity.

VcR-CVAD Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Maintenance Rituximab Produces Durable Remissions in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A Wisconsin Oncology Network Study

INTRODUCTION

VcR-CVAD was developed as an intermediate-intensity induction regimen with maintenance rituximab (MR) to improve remission durations after first-line therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in older and younger patients with MCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with previously untreated MCL received VcR-CVAD induction chemotherapy for 6 cycles (21-day cycles). Patients achieving at least a partial response received rituximab consolidation (375 mg/m² × 4 weekly doses) and MR (375 mg/m² every 12 weeks × 20 doses). The primary endpoints were overall and complete response (CR), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Thirty patients were enrolled, with a median age of 61 years. There was an even distribution of patients < 60 years and ≥ 60 years. Mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index medium- or high-risk disease was present in 60%. The overall response rate observed was 90% (77% CR/unconfirmed CR). After a median follow-up of 7.8 years, the 6-year PFS and OS were 53% and 70%, respectively. There was no difference in 6-year PFS or OS between the younger (age < 60 years) and older (age ≥ 60 years) subgroups. In a univariate analysis, lactate dehydrogenase, when analyzed for interaction with age, had a significant effect on PFS outcomes at 6 years. There were no pretreatment variables determined to have a significant effect on OS outcomes at 6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term outcomes with VcR-CVAD are comparable with more intensive inductions and consolidation approaches. MCL is biologically heterogeneous, and durable remission can be achieved with intermediate intensity therapy. MR appears to contribute to these excellent outcomes.

Rituximab after Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Mantle-cell lymphoma is generally incurable. Despite high rates of complete response after initial immunochemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation, patients have relapses. We investigated whether rituximab maintenance therapy at a dose of 375 mg per square meter of body-surface area administered every 2 months for 3 years after transplantation would prolong the duration of response.

METHODS

In a phase 3 trial involving 299 patients who were younger than 66 years of age at diagnosis, we randomly assigned 240 patients to receive rituximab maintenance therapy or to undergo observation after autologous stem-cell transplantation (120 patients per group); 59 patients did not undergo randomization. The primary end point was event-free survival (with an event defined as disease progression, relapse, death, allergy to rituximab, or severe infection) after transplantation among patients who underwent randomization.

RESULTS

After four courses of immunochemotherapy induction (rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, and a platinum derivative [R-DHAP]), the overall response rate was 89%, and the complete response rate 77%. Transplantation was performed in 257 patients. The median follow-up from randomization after transplantation was 50.2 months (range, 46.4 to 54.2). Starting from randomization, the rate of event-free survival at 4 years was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70 to 86) in the rituximab group versus 61% (95% CI, 51 to 70) in the observation group (P=0.001). The rate of progression-free survival at 4 years was 83% (95% CI, 73 to 88) in the rituximab group versus 64% (95% CI, 55 to 73) in the observation group (P<0.001). The rate of overall survival was 89% (95% CI, 81 to 94) in the rituximab group versus 80% (95% CI, 72 to 88) in the observation group (P=0.04). According to a Cox regression unadjusted analysis, the rate of overall survival at 4 years was higher in the rituximab group than in the observation group (hazard ratio for death, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.99; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab maintenance therapy after transplantation prolonged event-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival among patients with mantle-cell lymphoma who were younger than 66 years of age at diagnosis. (Funded by Roche and Amgen; LyMa ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00921414 .).

Mantle cell lymphoma: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and clinical management

DISEASE OVERVIEW

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by involvement of the lymph nodes, spleen, blood and bone marrow with a short remission duration to standard therapies and a median overall survival (OS) of 4-5 years.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on lymph node, bone marrow, or tissue morphology of centrocytic lymphocytes, small cell type, or blastoid variant cells. A chromosomal translocation t (11:14) is the molecular hallmark of MCL, resulting in the overexpression of cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 is detected by immunohistochemistry in 98% of cases. The absence of SOX-11 or a low Ki-67 may correlate with a more indolent form of MCL. The differential diagnosis of MCL includes small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma.

RISK STRATIFICATION

The MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) is the prognostic model most often used and incorporates ECOG performance status, age, leukocyte count, and lactic dehydrogenase. A modification of the MIPI also adds the Ki-67 proliferative index if available. The median OS for the low-risk group was not reached (5-year OS of 60%). The median OS for the intermediate risk group was 51 months and 29 months for the high risk group.

RISK-ADAPTED THERAPY

For selected indolent, low MIPI MCL patients, initial observation may be appropriate therapy. For younger patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI MCL, aggressive therapy with a cytotoxic Regimen followed by autologous stem cell transplantation should be considered. Rituximab maintenance after autologous stem cell transplantation has also improved the progression-free and overall survival. For older symptomatic MCL patients with intermediate or high risk MIPI, combination chemotherapy with R-CHOP, R-Bendamustine, or a clinical trial should be considered. In addition, rituximab maintenance therapy may prolong the progression-free survival. At the time of relapse, agents directed at activated pathways in MCL cells such as bortezomib (NFkB inhibitor), lenalidamide (anti-angiogenesis) and Ibruitinib (Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase [BTK] inhibitor) have demonstrated excellent clinical activity in MCL patients. Autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation can also be considered in young patients. Clinical trials with novel agents are always a consideration for MCL patients.

Extensive colorectal lymphomatous polyposis complicated by acute intestinal obstruction: a case report

Background

Multiple lymphomatous polyposis is a rare type of gastrointestinal lymphoma that extensively infiltrates the intestine. Multiple lymphomatous polyposis originates from the mantle zone of the lymphoma follicle and is considered to be a mantle cell lymphoma, which is a relatively aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We report an unusual case of a patient with multiple lymphomatous polyposis with extensive colorectal involvement and acute intestinal obstruction, an atypical complication of this rare disease. On the basis of this case study, the pitfalls in gastrointestinal tract lymphomatous polyposis diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the treatment options, are discussed.

Case presentation

Our patient was a 76-year-old white woman with asthenia, cramps, and swelling in the lower left quadrant of the abdomen, as well as weight loss within the previous 5 months. A colonoscopy revealed polyps in the rectum, sigmoid colon, descending colon, and right and left colic flexures. A biopsy revealed lymphomatous infiltration of the intestinal wall. Because of the large size of the polypoid masses, which narrowed the colonic lumen in multiple locations, the patient developed acute intestinal obstruction and was referred for laparotomy. She underwent a total proctocolectomy with a permanent ileostomy and a left salpingo-oophorectomy. Microscopic examination showed the presence of a multicentric, low-grade, small lymphocytic lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive immunostaining for CD79a, CD20, and CD45. These results were consistent with the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma. Two weeks after surgery and prior to discharge, but before the beginning of chemotherapy, the patient’s general condition worsened as she experienced a severe and progressive respiratory tract infection, advanced respiratory insufficiency, and septic shock, and she ultimately died.

Conclusions

Mantle cell lymphoma develops as a progressive and aggressive disease with widespread polyposis of the gastrointestinal tract. The intensive chemotherapeutic regimens usually result in the regression of macroscopic and microscopic lesions; however, remissions are short in duration, and the median length of patient survival is 3–4 years. Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare disease that should be part of the differential diagnosis of polypoid diseases of the large intestine.

Cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein is associated with risk stratification of mantle cell lymphoma

Aim

To investigate the association of C-MYC protein expression and risk stratification in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and to evaluate the utility of C-MYC protein as a prognostic biomarker in clinical practice.

Methods

We conducted immunohistochemical staining of C-MYC, Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD8, Ki-67, p53 and SRY (sex determining region Y) -11 (SOX11) to investigate their expression in 64 patients with MCL. The staining results and other clinical data were evaluated for their roles in risk stratification of MCL cases using ANOVA, Chi-square, and Spearman’s Rank correlation coefficient analysis.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining in our study indicated that SOX11, Ki-67 and p53 presented nuclear positivity of tumor cells, CD8 showed membrane positivity in infiltrating T lymphocytes while PD-L1 showed membrane and cytoplasmic positivity mainly in macrophage cells and little in tumor cells. We observed positive staining of C-MYC either in the nucleus or cytoplasm or in both subcellular locations. There were significant differences in cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 proliferative index of tumor cells, and CD8 positive tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (CD8+TIL) among three risk groups (P = 0.000, P = 0.037 and P=0.020, respectively). However, no significant differences existed in the expression of nuclear C-MYC, SOX11, p53, and PD-L1 in MCL patients with low-, intermediate-, and high risks. In addition, patient age and serum LDH level were also significantly different among 3 groups of patients (P = 0.006 and P = 0.000, respectively). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis indicated that cytoplasmic C-MYC expression, Ki-67 index, age, WBC, as well as LDH level had significantly positive correlations with risk stratification (P = 0.000, 0.015, 0.000, 0.029 and 0.000, respectively), while CD8+TIL in tumor microenvironment negatively correlated with risk stratification of patients (P = 0.006). Patients with increased positive cytoplasmic expression of C-MYC protein and decreased CD8+TIL appeared to be associated with a poor response to chemotherapy, but the correlation was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that assessment of cytoplasmic C-MYC overexpression and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by immunohistochemical staining might be helpful for MCL risk stratification and outcome prediction. However, large cohort studies of MCL patients with complete follow up are needed to validate our speculation.

Phase II Study of Yttrium-90 Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Plus High-Dose BCNU, Etoposide, Cytarabine, and Melphalan for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Role of Histology

Standard-dose 90yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan (.4 mci/kg) together with high-dose BEAM (BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) (Z-BEAM) has been shown to be a well-tolerated autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation preparative regimen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We report the outcomes of a single-center, single-arm phase II trial of Z-BEAM conditioning in high-risk CD20+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma histologic strata: diffuse large B cell (DLBCL), mantle cell, follicular, and transformed. Robust overall survival and notably low nonrelapse mortality rates (.9% at day +100 for the entire cohort), with few short- and long-term toxicities, confirm the safety and tolerability of the regimen. In addition, despite a high proportion of induction failure patients (46%), the promising response and progression-free survival (PFS) rates seen in DLBCL (3-year PFS: 71%; 95% confidence interval, 55 to 82%), support the premise that the Z-BEAM regimen is particularly effective in this histologic subtype. The role of Z-BEAM in other strata is less clear in the context of the emergence of novel agents.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Is It Time for a New Treatment Paradigm?

Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare subtype of lymphoma with a great deal of heterogeneity, both clinically and biologically. Since its recognition as a separate entity in the early 1990s though, consistent efforts have led to a significant improvement of overall survival, from a median overall survival of 2.5 years initially to 5-7 years currently. This decades-long and stepwise progress, summarized in the article, definitely accelerated recently, shedding light on a changing paradigm.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with mantle cell lymphoma: a retrospective study of the Spanish lymphoma group (GELTAMO)

Guidelines recommend autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation in first complete or partial response after regimens including rituximab (R) and high-dose AraC (HDAC), but its use beyond that response is questioned. We present a retrospective analysis of 268 patients with MCL who received ASCT. With a median follow-up for survival patients of 54 months, progression-free survival and overall survival for the whole series were 38 and 74 months, respectively, and for patients transplanted in first CR 49 and 97 months, respectively. Patients without CR before transplant were analyzed separately, those who achieved CR after transplantation had better PFS (48 vs 0.03 months, p < 0.001) and OS (92 vs 16 months, p < 0.001) than the remaining. In univariate analysis, first CR at transplant (p = 0.01) and prior rituximab (p = 0.02) were the variables associated with PFS. For OS, the same variables resulted significant (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only the status at transplant (first CR) remained significant. This retrospective study concludes that ASCT consolidation in first CR induces high survival rates. In other stages of disease, the need of ASCT as consolidation may be questioned.

Hyperfractionated Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Doxorubicin, and Dexamethasone Chemotherapy in Mantle Cell Lymphoma Patients Is Associated with Higher Rates of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Mobilization Failure despite Plerixafor Rescue

Induction regimens for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) can be categorized into highly intensive regimens containing cytarabine and less intense regimens, such as rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) or rituximab with bendamustine (R-bendamustine). Prior publications have shown rituximab and hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (R-hyperCVAD) can be associated with stem cell mobilization failures. However, those studies did not include the use of plerixafor as rescue for stem cell mobilization failure. We examined our database of 181 consecutive MCL patients who received upfront therapy from 2005 to 2015 with either R-hyperCVAD or less intense chemotherapy (R-bendamustine and R-CHOP only) regimens to assess impact of frontline chemotherapy on collection of hematopoietic cell progenitors before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In the preplerixafor era (before August 16, 2009), a significant difference in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection failure between the R-hyperCVAD (12%) and other chemotherapy (11%) groups was not established. However, in the postplerixafor era, use of R-hyperCVAD chemotherapy was associated with significantly higher rates of hematopoietic progenitor cell collection failures (17%) compared with that observed in the other chemotherapy group (4%; P = .04). The rates of mobilization failure declined to 4% in the postplerixafor era from 11% in the preplerixafor era for patients receiving less intensive chemotherapy. Conversely, the rate of mobilization failure increased in the R-hyperCVAD group from 12% in the preplerixafor era to 17% in the postplerixafor era. Plerixafor does not overcome the negative impact of R-hyperCVAD on PBSC mobilization, and caution is warranted in using R-hyperCVAD in patients with newly diagnosed MCL who are candidates for ASCT.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Contemporary Diagnostic and Treatment Perspectives in the Age of Personalized Medicine

Mantle cell lymphoma is a clinically heterogeneous disease occurring within a heterogeneous patient population, highlighting a need for personalized therapy to ensure optimal outcomes. It is therefore critical to understand the benefits and risks associated with both intensive and deintensified approaches. In the following review we provide a therapeutic roadmap to strategically guide treatment for newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patients highlighting pivotal and recently published results involving known and novel therapies.

Lymphoma

Lymphomas may be broadly divided into non-Hodgkin (90%) and Hodgkin (10%) types. Most lymphomas (90%) are of B cell origin but can also be T cell or natural killer cell. Clinical management of indolent and aggressive lymphomas is different. Aggressive lymphomas are more dangerous if left untreated yet a higher cell proliferation rate also renders them more chemosensitive, so they are managed with curative intent. Indolent lymphomas are, for the most part, incurable, such that quality of life must be balanced against toxicity of treatment in deciding when and how to treat.

Indian Council of Medical Research Consensus Document for the Management of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (High Grade)

This consensus document is based on the guidelines related to the management of Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma (High grade) in the Indian population as proposed by the core expert committee. Accurate diagnosis in hematolymphoid neoplasm requires a combination of detailed history,clinical examination, and various investigations including routine laboratory tests, good quality histology section (of tumor and also bone marrow aspirate/biopsy), immunostaining, cytogenetic and molecular studies and radiology investigations. The staging system used for adult high grade lymphomas is based on the Ann Arbor system and includes various parameters like clinical, haematology, biochemistry, serology and radiology. Response should be evaluated with radiological evaluation after 3-4 cycles and at the end of treatment based on criteria including and excluding PET. Treatment of high grade lymphomas is based on histologic subtype, extent of disease, and age of the patient. Autologous stem cell transplantation after high dose chemotherapy is effective in the treatment of relapsed NHL. Newer RT techniques like 3 dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can significantly reduce radiation doses to surrounding normal tissues in lymphoma patients. Patients should be followed up every 3 to 4 months for the first 2 years, followed by 6 monthly for the next 3 years and then annually.

RB but not R-HCVAD is a feasible induction regimen prior to auto-HCT in frontline MCL: results of SWOG Study S1106

Aggressive induction chemotherapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (auto-HCT) is effective for younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, the optimal induction regimen is widely debated. The Southwestern Oncology Group S1106 trial was designed to assess rituximab plus hyperCVAD/MTX/ARAC (hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone, alternating with high dose cytarabine and methotrexate) (RH) versus rituximab plus bendamustine (RB) in a randomized phase II trial to select a pre-transplant induction regimen for future development. Patients had previously untreated stage III, IV, or bulky stage II MCL and received either 4 cycles of RH or 6 cycles of RB, followed by auto-HCT. Fifty-three of a planned 160 patients were accrued; an unacceptably high mobilization failure rate (29%) on the RH arm prompted premature study closure. The estimated 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 81% vs. 82% and overall survival (OS) was 87% vs. 88% for RB and RH, respectively. RH is not an ideal platform for future multi-centre transplant trials in MCL. RB achieved a 2-year PFS of 81% and a 78% MRD negative rate. Premature closure of the study limited the sample size and the precision of PFS estimates and MRD rates. However, RB can achieve a deep remission and could be a platform for future trials in MCL.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: A North Indian Tertiary Care Centre Experience

Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with a pathognomonic chromosomal translocation t (11;14). Prognosis is uniformly dismal but there is a paucity of information on MCL from India. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analysed clinicopathological information on all treated patients with MCL at our centre. STATA 14.0 was used for analysis. Survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox’s proportional hazards method. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of < 0.05. Results: Fifty-one patients with MCL were reviewed. The median age at presentation was 57.0 years. Extranodal involvement was seen in 39.0 (74.0%) while bone marrow positivity at presentation was found in 27.0 (54.0%). Initial treatment was chemotherapy with or without rituximab. Patients receiving rituximab-based therapy (n = 24) had 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 21.0 (88.0%), compared with 14.0 (61.0%) for those not receiving rituximab (n = 23, P = 0.036). Twenty-three patients were alive with a median follow-up of 20.7 months (range 2.5-89.2). PFS at 1 and 2 years was 51.0% and 27.0%, and overall survival (OS) 78.0% and 72.0%, respectively. Use of more than 2.0 lines of therapy, use of bendamustine-rituximab, and high TLC (>10,000.0/cu.mm) significantly affected PFS. Conclusions: In our experience, MCL patients from north India have an early age at presentation. When treated with regimens including rituximab results in an improved response rate and PFS. This study provided comprehensive insights into the treatment of MCL in a developing country.

Addition of high-dose cytarabine to immunochemotherapy before autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients aged 65 years or younger with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL Younger): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial of the European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network

BACKGROUND

Mantle cell lymphoma is characterised by a poor long-term prognosis. The European Mantle Cell Lymphoma Network aimed to investigate whether the introduction of high-dose cytarabine to immunochemotherapy before autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) improves outcome.

METHODS

This randomised, open-label, parallel-group, phase 3 trial was done in 128 haemato-oncological hospital departments or private practices in Germany, France, Belgium, and Poland. Patients aged 65 years or younger with untreated stage II-IV mantle cell lymphoma were centrally randomised (1:1), with computer-assisted random block selection, to receive either six courses of R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) followed by myeloablative radiochemotherapy and ASCT (control group), or six courses of alternating R-CHOP or R-DHAP (rituximab plus dexamethasone, high-dose cytarabine, and cisplatin) followed by a high-dose cytarabine-containing conditioning regimen and ASCT (cytarabine group). Patients were stratified by study group and international prognostic index. The primary outcome was time to treatment failure from randomisation to stable disease after at least four induction cycles, progression, or death from any cause. Patients with stage II-IV mantle cell lymphoma were included in the primary analysis if treatment was started according to randomisation. For safety analyses, patients were assessed according to the treatment actually started. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00209222.

FINDINGS

Of 497 patients (median age 55 years [IQR 49-60]) randomised from July 20, 2004, to March 18, 2010, 234 of 249 in the control group and 232 of 248 in the cytarabine group were included in the primary analysis. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years (95% CI 5.4-6.4), time to treatment failure was significantly longer in the cytarabine group (median 9.1 years [95% CI 6.3-not reached], 5 year rate 65% [95% CI 57-71]) than in the control group (3.9 years [3.2-4.4], 40% [33-46]; hazard ratio 0.56; p=0.038). During induction immunochemotherapy, patients who received high-dose cytarabine had increased grade 3 or 4 haematological toxicity (haemoglobin 71 [29%] of 241m vs 19 [8%] of 227 controls; platelets 176 [73%] of 240 vs 21 [9%] of 225), grade 3 or 4 febrile neutropenia (39 [17%] of 230 vs 19 [8%] of 224), and grade 1 or 2 renal toxicity (creatinine 102 [43%] of 236 vs 22 [10%] of 224). The number of ASCT-related deaths was similar (eight [3.4%]) in both groups.

INTERPRETATION

Immunochemotherapy containing high-dose cytarabine followed by ASCT should be considered standard of care in patients aged 65 years or younger with mantle cell lymphoma.

FUNDING

European Commission, Lymphoma Research Foundation, and Roche.

New monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Monoclonal antibodies represent a major advance in treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Targeted delivery of these agents based on leukemic cell-surface receptor recognition, improves efficacy and minimizes off-target toxicity. The antigens CD19, CD20, CD22 and CD52, are the most common antigens to which monoclonal antibodies in B-cell ALL have been directed. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, in combination with conventional chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in newly diagnosed CD20 positive B-cell ALL. Blinatumomab, a bispecific T-cell engager, as monotherapy in relapsed and refractory B-cell ALL resulted in prolonged relapse free survival. Inotuzumab ozogamicin, an anti-CD22 antibody, alone and in combination with chemotherapy has been promising in relapsed and refractory B-cell ALL. The effectiveness and safety of several newer monoclonal antibodies including ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, epratuzumab, denintuzumab mafodotin and moxetumomab pasudotox as single agents or in combination with a chemotherapeutic back bone are currently under investigation.

The Prognostic Significance of Beta2 Microglobulin in Patients with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Objective. To determine the prognostic significance of beta2 microglobulin (β₂-m) concentrations in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disorder caused by pathologic activation of the immune system. Patients and Methods. The study population consisted of 74 patients diagnosed with HLH and 35 healthy controls. Serum β₂-m levels were measured using a latex agglutination photometric immunoassay. Results. Median serum β₂-m levels were significantly higher in HLH patients than in healthy controls (4.05 versus 1.5 mg/L; P < 0.001) and were significantly higher in patients with lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) than in patients with benign disease-associated HLH (4.2 versus 3.3 mg/L; P < 0.001). Higher serum β₂-m levels were positively correlated with LAHS (P = 0.005), abnormal lactate dehydrogenase concentrations (P = 0.009), and hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.003). ROC analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in LAHS patients with serum β₂-m levels ≥4.03 mg/L compared to <4.03 mg/L (P < 0.001). Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that serum β₂-m level was an independent prognostic of OS (P = 0.034) in patients with LAHS. Conclusion. High serum β₂-m levels and LAHS were associated with markedly poorer OS in patients with HLH. Serum β₂-m concentration was a powerful and independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with LAHS.

Pevonedistat, a NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor, is active in mantle cell lymphoma and enhances rituximab activity in vivo

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by an aggressive clinical course and inevitable development of refractory disease, stressing the need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies. To this end, we evaluated pevonedistat (MLN4924), a novel potent and selective NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor in a panel of MCL cell lines, primary MCL tumor cells, and 2 distinct murine models of human MCL. Pevonedistat exposure resulted in a dose-, time-, and caspase-dependent cell death in the majority of the MCL cell lines and primary tumor cells tested. Of interest, in the MCL cell lines with lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (0.1-0.5 μM), pevonedistat induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest, downregulation of Bcl-xL levels, decreased nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity, and apoptosis. In addition, pevonedistat exhibited additive/synergistic effects when combined with cytarabine, bendamustine, or rituximab. In vivo, as a single agent, pevonedistat prolonged the survival of 2 MCL-bearing mouse models when compared with controls. Pevonedistat in combination with rituximab led to improved survival compared with rituximab or pevonedistat monotherapy. Our data suggest that pevonedistat has significant activity in MCL preclinical models, possibly related to effects on NF-κB activity, Bcl-xL downregulation, and G1 cell cycle arrest. Our findings support further investigation of pevonedistat with or without rituximab in the treatment of MCL.

The role of targeted treatment in mantle cell lymphoma: is transplant dead or alive?

Based on the profound biological insights of the last years into the molecular pathogenesis of mantle cell lymphoma and the clinical introduction of new targeted drugs, with high efficacy and a good safety profile, the therapeutic scenario for this tumor has been shown to be thoroughly favourable. No longer characterized by a uniformly dismal prognosis, mantle cell lymphoma has been revealed as a spectrum of different diseases, ranging from very indolent cases to highly aggressive and refractory ones. Thus, there is an urgent need to adapt therapy to accommodate the diverse presentations of the disease. High-dose chemotherapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is the current standard of care for younger patients, generally providing high responses and long survival rates, but hampered by acute and long-term toxicity. In addition, some patients may be overtreated, while others could benefit from targeted approaches, based on the new, molecular-directed compounds. Such a personalized treatment based on the specific characteristics of individual patients may be guided by validated prognostic tools, such as the Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index and the Ki-67 Proliferative Index, as well as by early predictors of treatment response, like minimal residual disease analysis. Moreover, mutation screening of distinctive genomic alterations may provide new, predictive biomarkers, with an additional impact on clinical practice. Only after tailoring treatment according to the clinical and biological heterogeneity of the disease the role of transplantation and modern therapeutic options will be redefined in mantle cell lymphoma.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma previously considered to have a poor prognosis. Large gains were made in the first decade of the new century when clinical trials established the importance of high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell rescue and high-dose cytarabine in younger patients and the benefits of maintenance rituximab and bendamustine in older patients. In particular, greater depth of understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of MCL has resulted in an explosion of specifically targeted new efficacious agents. In particular, agents recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration include the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, immunomodulator lenalidomide, and Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. We review recent advances in the understanding of MCL biology and outline our recommended approach to therapy, including choice of chemoimmunotherapy, the role of stem-cell transplantation, and mechanism-based targeted therapies, on the basis of a synthesis of the data from published clinical trials.

Minimal residual disease monitoring by 8-color flow cytometry in mantle cell lymphoma: an EU-MCL and LYSA study

Quantification of minimal residual disease may guide therapeutic strategies in mantle cell lymphoma. While multiparameter flow cytometry is used for diagnosis, the gold standard method for minimal residual disease analysis is real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). In this European Mantle Cell Lymphoma network (EU-MCL) pilot study, we compared flow cytometry with RQ-PCR for minimal residual disease detection. Of 113 patients with at least one minimal residual disease sample, RQ-PCR was applicable in 97 (86%). A total of 284 minimal residual disease samples from 61 patients were analyzed in parallel by flow cytometry and RQ-PCR. A single, 8-color, 10-antibody flow cytometry tube allowed specific minimal residual disease assessment in all patients, with a robust sensitivity of 0.01%. Using this cut-off level, the true-positive-rate of flow cytometry with respect to RQ-PCR was 80%, whereas the true-negative-rate was 92%. As expected, RQ-PCR frequently detected positivity below this 0.01% threshold, which is insufficiently sensitive for prognostic evaluation and would ideally be replaced with robust quantification down to a 0.001% (10-5) threshold. In 10 relapsing patients, the transition from negative to positive by RQ-PCR (median 22.5 months before relapse) nearly always preceded transition by flow cytometry (4.5 months), but transition to RQ-PCR positivity above 0.01% (5 months) was simultaneous. Pre-emptive rituximab treatment of 2 patients at minimal residual disease relapse allowed re-establishment of molecular and phenotypic complete remission. Flow cytometry minimal residual disease is a complementary approach to RQ-PCR and a promising tool in individual mantle cell lymphoma therapeutic management. (clinicaltrials identifiers: 00209209 and 00209222).

Rituximab plus hyper-CVAD alternating with MTX/Ara-C in patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: 15-year follow-up of a phase II study from the MD Anderson Cancer Center

Intensive chemotherapy regimens containing cytarabine have substantially improved remission durability and overall survival in younger adults with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, there have been no long-term follow-up results for patients treated with these regimens. We present long-term survival outcomes from a pivotal phase II trial of rituximab, hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate and cytarabine (R-HCVAD/MA). At 15 years of follow-up (median: 13·4 years), the median failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients was 4·8 years and 10·7 years, respectively. The FFS seems to have plateaued after 10 years, with an estimated 15-year FFS of 30% in younger patients (≤65 years). Patients who achieved complete response (CR) after 2 cycles had a favourable median FFS of 8·8 years. Six patients developed myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia (MDS/AML) whilst in first CR. The 10-year cumulative incidence of MDS/AML of patients in first remission was 6·2% (95% confidence interval: 2·5-12·2%). In patients with newly diagnosed MCL, R-HCVAD/MA showed sustained efficacy, with a median OS exceeding 10 years in all patients and freedom from disease recurrence of nearly 15 years in almost one-third of the younger patients (≤65 years).

Bortezomib in mantle cell lymphoma: comparative therapeutic outcomes

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable, typically aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for 4%–7% of newly diagnosed non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Chemoresistance commonly ensues in MCL, and patients with this heterogeneous disease invariably relapse, underscoring the unmet need for better therapies. Over the past few years, several novel agents with promising activity and unique mechanisms of action have been deemed effective in MCL. Bortezomib is a reversible proteasome inhibitor, approved as a single agent for patients with relapsed/refractory MCL who have received at least one prior line of therapy. Addition of bortezomib to chemoimmunotherapies has demonstrated good tolerability and superior efficacy, both in the upfront and salvage settings, and recently one such combination of bortezomib plus rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone was approved as a frontline regimen in untreated patients with MCL. This review examines the role of bortezomib in a multitude of clinical settings and ongoing clinical trials designed to optimize its integration in the current treatment paradigms of MCL.

Lenalidomide plus Rituximab as Initial Treatment for Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Mantle-cell lymphoma is generally incurable. Initial treatment is not standardized but usually includes cytotoxic chemotherapy. Lenalidomide, an immunomodulatory compound, and rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, are active in patients with recurrent mantle-cell lymphoma. We evaluated lenalidomide plus rituximab as a first-line therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a single-group, multicenter, phase 2 study with induction and maintenance phases. During the induction phase, lenalidomide was administered at a dose of 20 mg daily on days 1 through 21 of every 28-day cycle for 12 cycles; the dose was escalated to 25 mg daily after the first cycle if no dose-limiting adverse events occurred during the first cycle and was reduced to 15 mg daily during the maintenance phase. Rituximab was administered once weekly for the first 4 weeks and then once every other cycle until disease progression. The primary end point was the overall response rate. Secondary end points included outcomes related to safety, survival, and quality of life.

RESULTS

A total of 38 participants were enrolled at four centers from July 2011 through April 2014. The median age was 65 years. On the basis of the Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index scores, the proportions of participants with low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk disease at baseline were similar (34%, 34%, and 32%, respectively). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were neutropenia (in 50% of the patients), rash (in 29%), thrombocytopenia (in 13%), an inflammatory syndrome ("tumor flare") (in 11%), anemia (in 11%), serum sickness (in 8%), and fatigue (in 8%). At the median follow-up of 30 months (through February 2015), the overall response rate among the participants who could be evaluated was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78 to 98), and the complete response rate was 64% (95% CI, 46 to 79); median progression-free survival had not been reached. The 2-year progression-free survival was estimated to be 85% (95% CI, 67 to 94), and the 2-year overall survival 97% (95% CI, 79 to 99). A response to treatment was associated with improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination biologic therapy consisting of lenalidomide plus rituximab was active as initial therapy for mantle-cell lymphoma. (Funded by Celgene and Weill Cornell Medical College; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01472562.).

Mantle cell lymphoma: biology, clinical presentation, and therapeutic approaches

Mantle cell lymphoma is molecularly characterized by the chromosomal translocation t(11;14) (q13;q32) that results in a constitutional overexpression of the cell cycle regulator protein cyclin D1. Generally, the disease is characterized by rapid relapses and poor long-term outcome. However, a subset of patients with indolent disease has been identified. Randomized trials have demonstrated the superiority of dose intensified, cytarabine-containing induction with or without autologous stem cell transplantation in younger patients. In elderly patients, a rituximab-based maintenance has significantly prolonged progression-free and overall survival after treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). Unfortunately, the vast majority of patients will eventually relapse. Numerous molecular targeting strategies (bortezomib, lenalidomide, temsirolimus, and especially inhibitors of the B-cell receptor pathway) have achieved high response rates in phase II studies and should be strongly considered in relapsed disease.

Phase II trial of R-CHOP plus bortezomib induction therapy followed by bortezomib maintenance for newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma: SWOG S0601

Bortezomib is active in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), with approval in upfront and relapsed settings. Given inevitable recurrence following induction chemoimmunotherapy, maintenance approaches are a rational strategy to improve clinical outcomes. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of six cycles of R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) plus bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 days 1 and 4 of 21 d cycles) followed by bortezomib maintenance (1.3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, 8, and 11 every 3 months for 2 years). Sixty-five eligible patients were enrolled. The treatment was well tolerated and toxicities were mainly haematological. The rate of grade ≥3 peripheral neuropathy was low (5%). With a median follow-up of 6.8 years, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 62%, and 2-year overall survival (OS) was 85%. At 5 years, PFS was 28% and OS was 66%. MCL International Prognostic Index scores were significantly associated with 2-year PFS, but did not predict long-term (≥5-year) PFS. Baseline Ki-67 index was significantly associated with survival. Combination R-CHOP with bortezomib followed by maintenance bortezomib appears to improve outcomes compared historically with R-CHOP alone, with prolonged remissions in a subset of patients. These results suggest that inclusion of bortezomib with induction chemotherapy and/or maintenance is promising in MCL and warrants further exploration.

Outcomes of both abbreviated hyper-CVAD induction followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation and conventional chemotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: a 10-year single-centre experience with literature review

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) between 01 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. Eighty eight patients with MCL were included in the analysis of whom 46 (52%) received abbreviated Hyper‐CVAD (a total of two cycles; with addition of Rituximab since 2005) with an intention of proceeding to autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto‐HCT), with a median age of 58 years. Response rate to induction at auto‐HCT time was 89% and complete response was 61%. Forty four patients received an auto‐HCT with a 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 31.2% and 62.5%, respectively. There were 42 nontransplant eligible patients with a median age of 72 years, and 5‐year PFS and OS were 0.0% and 39.9%, respectively. The median survival and PFS in the auto‐HCT eligible group were 68 and 33 months, compared to 32 and 12 months in nontransplant eligible group, without a plateauing of the survival curves in either group. Treatment‐related mortality in the auto‐HCT eligible group was 10.9% (n = 5); two patients died during R‐Hyper‐CVAD and 3 (6.8%) experienced transplant‐related mortality. An abbreviated R‐Hyper‐CVAD‐based induction strategy followed by consolidative auto‐HCT is feasible and provides moderate potential of long‐term survival. Further research to define risk‐adapted strategies; to optimize disease control, is required.

Treatment options for mantle cell lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

In this article, we provide an accurate overview of both standard treatment option and novel promising therapeutics. Major impact is on novel agents now being tested in randomized clinical trials. While the initial data are promising, they may rapidly expand treatment options, change existing paradigms and further improve outcomes for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients.

AREAS COVERED

MCL is a disease with indolent histology, but aggressive clinical course. However, for now, MCL remains incurable and the search for the most effective and tumor-specific treatment still represents a great challenge for oncohematologists. However, the implementation of chemotherapy together with the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, as well as the growing use of autologous stem cell transplantation in first remission, have improved effects of treatment in MCL, including even some improvement in overall survival. Recently, treatment modalities for MCL have been expanded by strategies based on several biologically targeted agents, including m-TOR kinase or proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents, such as lenalidomide. B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors, such as ibrutinib and idelalisib, and histone deacetylase or cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors have also shown promising activity in resistant or relapsed disease.

EXPERT OPINION

Although enormous progress was made in the treatment of MCL over the last year, the disease remains incurable. One chance for the significant life prolongation is intensive treatment with consolidative auto SCT. However, real progress may be afforded by developing the novel agents described in this article. In this way, MCL may soon become another potentially curable oncological malignancy.

Therapeutic leukocytapheresis for improvement in respiratory function in a woman with hyperleukocytosis and mantle cell lymphoma with a circulating small lymphocyte phenotype

Mantle cell lymphoma is an aggressive malignant B-cell disorder that often presents with a leukemic picture. Circulating lymphoma cell morphology may vary from small round mature-appearing lymphocytes resembling the lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia to large prolymphocytoid or blastoid cells. Rare reports of hyperleukocytosis with leukostasis, treated with leukocytapheresis, are described in patients with prolymphocytoid or blastoid morphology. We report an 88 year old woman with mantle cell lymphoma, hyperleukocytosis (WBC > 400 × 10(3) /µL) with severe respiratory compromise but without interstitial or alveolar infiltrates on radiograph or computerized tomography of the chest. She was afebrile and had no central nervous system signs. Circulating lymphoma cell morphology was predominantly of the small lymphocyte type. A two-whole-blood-volume leukocytapheresis reduced her WBC from 465 to 221 × 10(3) /µL in 150 min. Her respiratory rate decreased from 28/min to 18/min and her arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) rose from 91% to 97% on 6 L/min of oxygen by nasal cannula. Severe breathlessness before the procedure abated completely by the end of the procedure. Respiratory compromise may occur in mantle cell lymphoma with hyperleukocytosis with a mature lymphoma cell phenotype, even without a clear picture of leukostasis. Although the ultimate survival of the patient depends on treatment with chemotherapy, leukocytapheresis for alleviation of symptoms may be warranted and should be considered. Respiratory status and response to leukocytapheresis should be documented with physiological measurements. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:398-402, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Phase II study of HCVIDD/MA in patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma

A phase II study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and dexamethasone alternating with methotrexate/cytarabine (HCVIDD/MA) in patients with newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), excluding ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Fifty-three patients were enrolled. Treatment was planned for up to 8 cycles but only 9% of patients received more than 6 cycles due primarily to disease progression (n = 13) or prolonged thrombocytopenia (n = 12). The overall response rate was 66% with a complete response rate of 57%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7·5 months. With a median follow-up of 7·6 years, 5-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 21% and 48%, respectively. The patients with extranodal Natural Killer-cell lymphoma had a shorter PFS (median, 2·4 months) than other subtypes. Grade 3/4 anaemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 66%, 74% and 79% of patients, respectively. Of note, 23% of patients discontinued therapy due to prolonged thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, HCVIDD/MA for the first-line treatment of PTCL patients is associated with significant myelosuppression leading to poor treatment adherence, and the response and survival outcomes with this regimen are similar to standard CHOP. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00290433.