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Senapati J, Kadia TM, Ravandi F. Maintenance therapy in acute myeloid leukemia: advances and controversies. Haematologica 2023; 108:2289-2304. [PMID: 37139599 PMCID: PMC10483353 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.281810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen steadfast progress in drug development in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) which has moved progressively towards genomic-based therapy. With these advances, outcomes in AML have improved but remains far from satisfactory. One approach towards preventing relapse in AML is to use maintenance therapy in patients, after attaining remission. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an effective post-remission therapy that has been proven to reduce the risk of relapse. However, in patients who are ineligible for HSCT or have a high risk of relapse, other effective measures to prevent relapse are needed. There is also a need for post-HSCT maintenance to reduce relapse in high-risk subsets. Over the last 3 decades maintenance therapy in AML has evolved from the use of chemotherapeutic agents to more targeted therapies and better modulation of the immune system. Unfortunately, improvements in survival outcomes as a result of using these agents have not been consistently demonstrated in clinical trials. To derive the optimum benefit from maintenance therapy the time points of therapy initiation need to be defined and therapy must be selected precisely with respect to the AML genetics and risk stratification, prior treatment exposure, transplant eligibility, expected toxicity and the patient's clinical profile and desires. The far-reaching goal is to facilitate patients with AML in remission to achieve a normal quality of life while improving remission duration and overall survival. The QUAZAR trial was a welcome step towards a safe maintenance drug that is easy to administer and showed survival benefit but leaves many open issues for discussion. In this review we will discuss these issues, highlighting the development of AML maintenance therapies over the last 3 decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayastu Senapati
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Tapan M Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.
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Mi R, Chen L, Wang X, Yin Q, Wang Z, Ma X, Xu Y, Chen S, Wang G, Yang H, Li Z, Wang H, Guo S, Zhao H, Song Q, Li W, Li J, Wei X. A retrospective study on effectiveness of combined recombinant human interferon-α-1b, interleukin-2, and thalidomide for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in various disease states. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1382. [PMID: 36660719 PMCID: PMC9843385 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-5520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Interferon-α-1b, interleukin-2 combined with thalidomide (ITI) improved the outcome and prognosis of some acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, but the cases was insufficient. This study observed the efficacy and safety of this regimen in the treatment of numbers of AML patients in various disease states. Methods Starting in January 2014, patients with AML (n=188) were treated with ITI regimen, including 60 refractory/relapses patients in group A, 40 patients in group B remained minimal residual disease-positive (MRD) or changed from negative to positive again after consolidation therapy, and 88 patients in group C with initial complete remission of AML received the ITI treatment after routine consolidation therapy. Bone marrow, fusion gene and MRD were detected to judge the curative effect and the adverse reactions were observed. The remission rate, MRD status and long-term survival of three groups were analyzed. An AML mouse model was constructed to observe the anti-leukemia effect of the three drugs in vivo. Results Sixty patients with primary AML who were unable to receive chemotherapy, or with relapsed/refractory AML, showed a total response rate of 28.3% (17/60) after receiving the ITI regimen. Forty patients with morphologically complete remission and MRD-positive achieved a response rate of 77.5% (31/40); the MRD converted to negative in 19 patients and was mitigated in 12 patients. Among 88 patients with initial complete remission, 11 failed to maintain the negative MRD, and the relapse rate was 12.5%, which was significantly lower than that of the non-maintenance treatment group (54.3%). In the mouse model, interferon, interleukin-2, and thalidomide exerted an anti-leukemia effect, prolonged the survival time of the mice, and the anti-leukemia effect was further enhanced after administration of the combination ITI regimen. Conclusions For suitable patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is still strong recommended. The ITI regimen may be an effective option for patients with AML who cannot tolerate conventional chemotherapy, including those with relapsed/refractory disease, those with a complete remission status but are MRD-positive, or those who require maintenance treatment after consolidation therapy. However, a rigorous clinical randomized controlled trial and more in-depth mechanism exploration are still needed to verify this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Mi
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaojiao Wang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingsong Yin
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhanfang Wang
- Department of Hematology, First People’s Hospital of Pingdingshan City, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Xiaomiao Ma
- Department of Hematology, First People’s Hospital of Pingdingshan City, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Yulin Xu
- Department of Hematology, No. 989 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Luoyang, China
| | - Shuxia Chen
- Department of Hematology, First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu City, Shangqiu, China
| | - Genjie Wang
- Department of Hematology, First People’s Hospital of Shangqiu City, Shangqiu, China
| | - Haiping Yang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhichun Li
- Department of Hematology, Puyang People’s Hospital, Puyang, China
| | - Huirui Wang
- Department of Hematology, Luoyang Central Hospital, Luoyang, China
| | - Shuli Guo
- Department of Hematology, Luoyang Central Hospital, Luoyang, China
| | - Hongmian Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qinglin Song
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People’s Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Wenyong Li
- Department of Hematology, Jiaozuo People’s Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Jingdong Li
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University/Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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Redirecting the Immune Microenvironment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061423. [PMID: 33804676 PMCID: PMC8003817 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite remarkable progress in the outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), risk of relapse and refractory diseases remains high. Treatment of the chemo-refractory disease is restricted by dose-limiting therapy-related toxicities which necessitate alternative tolerable efficient therapeutic modalities. By disrupting its immune environment, leukemic blasts are known to gain the ability to evade immune surveillance and promote disease progression; therefore, many efforts have been made to redirect the immune system against malignant blasts. Deeper knowledge about immunologic alterations has paved the way to the discovery and development of novel targeted therapeutic concepts, which specifically override the immune evasion mechanisms to eradicate leukemic blasts. Herein, we review innovative immunotherapeutic strategies and their mechanisms of action in pediatric AML. Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia is a life-threatening malignant disorder arising in a complex and dysregulated microenvironment that, in part, promotes the leukemogenesis. Treatment of relapsed and refractory AML, despite the current overall success rates in management of pediatric AML, remains a challenge with limited options considering the heavy but unsuccessful pretreatments in these patients. For relapsed/refractory (R/R) patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) following ablative chemotherapy presents the only opportunity to cure AML. Even though in some cases immune-mediated graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect has been proven to efficiently eradicate leukemic blasts, the immune- and chemotherapy-related toxicities and adverse effects considerably restrict the feasibility and therapeutic power. Thus, immunotherapy presents a potent tool against acute leukemia but needs to be engineered to function more specifically and with decreased toxicity. To identify innovative immunotherapeutic approaches, sound knowledge concerning immune-evasive strategies of AML blasts and the clinical impact of an immune-privileged microenvironment is indispensable. Based on our knowledge to date, several promising immunotherapies are under clinical evaluation and further innovative approaches are on their way. In this review, we first focus on immunological dysregulations contributing to leukemogenesis and progression in AML. Second, we highlight the most promising therapeutic targets for redirecting the leukemic immunosuppressive microenvironment into a highly immunogenic environment again capable of anti-leukemic immune surveillance.
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Abstract
Recent advances in therapeutics coupled with steady improvements in supportive care for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have led to improved outcomes. Despite these advances, even in patients that achieve a complete remission with initial therapy high rates of relapse remain a clinical dilemma. For decades, investigators have attempted strategies of maintenance therapy to prolong both remission duration and overall survival in patients with AML. These approaches have included cytotoxic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hypomethylating agents, and targeted small molecule therapy. Overall, the evidence in favor of maintenance therapy is limited. Recent strategies, especially with hypomethylating agents have begun to show promise as maintenance therapy in improving clinical outcomes. Ongoing and future studies will continue to elucidate the true role for maintenance therapy options in patients with AML. In this review we summarize prior and ongoing maintenance therapy approaches in AML and highlight some of the most promising strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tapan M. Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Maintenance Therapy With Interleukin-2 for Childhood AML: Results of ELAM02 Phase III Randomized Trial. Hemasphere 2018; 2:e159. [PMID: 31723797 PMCID: PMC6745961 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the treatment of pediatric acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML), relapse remains the commonest cause of death. Randomized ELAM02 trial questioned if maintenance therapy with interleukin-2 (IL2), for 1 year, improves disease-free survival (DFS). Patients aged 0 to 18 years, with newly diagnosed AML (excluding patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia or down syndrome AML) were enrolled. They received 1 course of induction treatment (cytarabine and mitoxantrone) and 3 courses of consolidation treatment (high-dose cytarabine in courses 1 and 3). According to the cytogenetics risk, patients not undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, still in complete remission (CR) after the third course of consolidation treatment, were eligible for randomization to 1 year of maintenance therapy with monthly courses of IL2 or no maintenance treatment. There were 438 evaluable patients, 154 of whom were randomized to the IL2/no maintenance groups. Relapse occurred in 28 patients from the IL2+ group and 29 patients in the IL2- group. Survival was similar in the 2 groups, with a 4-year DFS of 62% without IL2 and 66% with IL2 (P = 0.75). In the CBF population, 4-year DFS was 55% without IL2 and 78% with IL2 (P = 0.07). No deaths from toxicity or excess of serious adverse events related to IL2 treatment were recorded. Prolonged IL2 for maintenance therapy after intensive chemotherapy is feasible and safe in pediatric AML patients in their first CR. Such treatment did not improve DFS in this study, but a positive trend was observed in favor of IL2 maintenance therapy among core binding factor acute myeloblastic leukemia.
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Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the best studied malignancies, and significant progress has been made in understanding the clinical implications of its disease biology. Unfortunately, drug development has not kept pace, as the '7+3' induction regimen remains the standard of care for patients fit for intensive therapy 40 years after its first use. Temporal improvements in overall survival were mostly confined to younger patients and driven by improvements in supportive care and use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Multiple forms of novel therapy are currently in clinical trials and are attempting to bring bench discoveries to the bedside to benefit patients. These novel therapies include improved chemotherapeutic agents, targeted molecular inhibitors, cell cycle regulators, pro-apoptotic agents, epigenetic modifiers, and metabolic therapies. Immunotherapies in the form of vaccines; naked, conjugated and bispecific monoclonal antibodies; cell-based therapy; and immune checkpoint inhibitors are also being evaluated in an effort to replicate the success seen in other malignancies. Herein, we review the scientific basis of these novel therapeutic approaches, summarize the currently available evidence, and look into the future of AML therapy by highlighting key clinical studies and the challenges the field continues to face.
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Role of regulatory T cells in acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing relapse-preventive immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:1473-1484. [PMID: 28721449 PMCID: PMC5645432 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-2040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been proposed to dampen functions of anti-neoplastic immune cells and thus promote cancer progression. In a phase IV trial (Re:Mission Trial, NCT01347996, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) 84 patients (age 18–79) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR) received ten consecutive 3-week cycles of immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) and low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) to prevent relapse of leukemia in the post-consolidation phase. This study aimed at defining the features, function and dynamics of Foxp3+CD25highCD4+ Tregs during immunotherapy and to determine the potential impact of Tregs on relapse risk and survival. We observed a pronounced increase in Treg counts in peripheral blood during initial cycles of HDC/IL-2. The accumulating Tregs resembled thymic-derived natural Tregs (nTregs), showed augmented expression of CTLA-4 and suppressed the cell cycle proliferation of conventional T cells ex vivo. Relapse of AML was not prognosticated by Treg counts at onset of treatment or after the first cycle of immunotherapy. However, the magnitude of Treg induction was diminished in subsequent treatment cycles. Exploratory analyses implied that a reduced expansion of Tregs in later treatment cycles and a short Treg telomere length were significantly associated with a favorable clinical outcome. Our results suggest that immunotherapy with HDC/IL-2 in AML entails induction of immunosuppressive Tregs that may be targeted for improved anti-leukemic efficiency.
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Rashidi A, Walter RB, Tallman MS, Appelbaum FR, DiPersio JF. Maintenance therapy in acute myeloid leukemia: an evidence-based review of randomized trials. Blood 2016; 128:763-73. [PMID: 27354720 PMCID: PMC4982451 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-03-674127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Rashidi
- Section of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Leukemia Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, and Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Martin S Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; and
| | - Frederick R Appelbaum
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA; Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - John F DiPersio
- Section of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Leukemia Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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