Outcomes after (90) Yttrium-ibritumomab tiuxetan-BEAM in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a meta-analysis

BeEAM Conditioning including High-Dose Bendamustine before Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation Is Safe and Effective in Patients with Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia

High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an option to consolidate remission in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), particularly in selected younger patients with chemosensitive disease. BEAM, consisting of BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan, is often used as a conditioning regimen. However, problems with BCNU, including pneumotoxicity, tolerance, and availability, necessitate the search for alternatives. In this pilot study, we investigated high-dose chemotherapy with BeEAM, in which BCNU is replaced with high-dose bendamustine as an alternative conditioning regimen in six subsequent patients with WM. Bendamustine treatment was well tolerated without unexpected toxicities. The overall response rate was 6/6 patients (2 very good partial responses (VGPR) and 4 PR). After a median follow-up of 72 months, two (33%) patients relapsed. Median progression-free and overall survivals were not reached, and no severe late-onset toxicities were observed so far. In this pilot study, BeEAM conditioning before ASCT seems feasible, safe, and effective in patients with WM.

Quantitative evaluation of therapy options for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A model-based meta-analysis

New therapies for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (r/rDLBCL) have emerged in recent years, but there have been no comprehensive quantitative comparisons of the efficacy of these therapies. In this study, the efficacy characteristics of 11 types of treatment strategy and 63 treatment regimens were compared by model based meta-analysis. We found that compared with monotherapy, association therapy had significant benefits in terms of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR). However, whereas treatment regimens involving chemotherapy contributed to significant improvements in ORR and PFS, OS was not improved. In terms of treatment strategy, we identified chemotherapy in association with immunotherapy sequential autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), the association of two different types of immunotherapies, chemotherapy sequential ASCT, chemotherapy in association with immunotherapy, and chemotherapy in association with two types of immunotherapies as showing better efficacy. With respect to specific treatment regimens, we found that the following had better efficacy: rituximab in association with inotuzumab ozogamicin; rituximab in association with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan sequential ASCT (R-BEAM+ASCT); lenalidomide in association with rituximab, etoposide, cisplatin, cytarabine, and methylprednisolone; iodine-131 tositumomab in association with BEAM sequential ASCT; and chemotherapy sequential chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy, with median OS of 48.2, 34.2, 27.8, 25.8, and 25 months, respectively. Moreover, with respect to association therapy, there was a strong correlation between the 6-month PFS and 2-year OS. The findings of this study provide the necessary quantitative information for clinical practice and clinical trial design for the treatment of r/rDLBCL.

Genetic profile considerations for induction of allogeneic chimerism as a therapeutic approach for type 1 diabetes mellitus

The major therapeutic modality for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remains sustaining euglycemia by exogenous administration of insulin. Based on a new understanding of bone marrow structural and functional dynamics, a conditioning-free bone marrow transplantation (BMT), with reduced adverse effects, opens the possibility for evaluating β cell regeneration and restoration of euglycemia by induction of allogeneic chimerism in patients T1DM, as shown in a mouse model. With this therapeutic modality, donor bone marrow (BM) selection based on T1DM-predisposing and preventive phenotypes will improve treatment outcomes by limiting the risk of exacerbating the autoimmune processes in the BM recipient.

Consolidation with 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy in mantle cell lymphoma patients ineligible for high dose therapy: results of the phase II multicentre Polish Lymphoma Research Group trial, after 8-year long follow-up

Polish Lymphoma Research Group performed a phase-II trial to test whether ⁹⁰Y ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy (Y90) may constitute an alternative consolidation for mantle cell lymphoma patients unfit for high-dose therapy. Forty-six patients were consolidated with Y90 following response to the 1st (n = 34) or 2nd line (n = 12) (immuno)chemotherapy. Majority of the patients had advanced disease (stage IV and presence of B-symptoms in 85% and 70%, respectively) and high MIPI (5.8, range 4-7). Consolidation with Y90 increased the complete remission (CR) rate obtained by the 1st line therapy from 41% to 91% and allowed for median PFS of 3.3 and OS of 6.5 years. In the first relapse, CR rate increased from 16% to 75%, while median PFS and OS totaled 2.2 and 6.5 years, respectively. At 8 years, 30% of patients, consolidated in the 1st line CR were alive, without relapse. Toxicity associated with Y90 is manageable, more severe after fludarabine-based regimens.

Radioimmunotherapy-based conditioning regimen prior to autologous stem cell transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy and the sixth cause of death from cancer in the USA. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic option for many NHL patients. Choosing the most effective conditioning regimen prior to ASCT can lead to longer survival in these patients, and, as in many cases of high risk NHL, the only potentially curative option is stem cell transplantation. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is based on using radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies against tumoral antigens. Since lymphoma cells are sensitive to radiation, RIT has become a potential approach in treating NHL. In this review, we have discussed the efficacy and safety of RIT as an alternative conditioning regimen prior to ASCT.

A Review of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chemotherapy remains the first-line therapy for aggressive lymphomas. However, 20-30% of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 15% with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) recur after initial therapy. We want to explore the role of high-dose chemotherapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) for these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is some utility of upfront consolidation for-high risk/high-grade B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma, but there is no role of similar intervention for HL. New conditioning regimens are being investigated which have demonstrated an improved safety profile without compromising the myeloablative efficiency for relapsed or refractory HL. Salvage chemotherapy followed by HDT and rescue autologous stem cell transplant remains the standard of care for relapsed/refractory lymphoma. The role of novel agents to improve disease-related parameters remains to be elucidated in frontline induction, disease salvage, and high-dose consolidation or in the maintenance setting.

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.

Musculoskeletal Imaging Findings of Hematologic Malignancies

Hematologic malignancies comprise a set of prevalent yet clinically diverse diseases that can affect every organ system. Because blood components originate in bone marrow, it is no surprise that bone marrow is a common location for both primary and metastatic hematologic neoplasms. Findings of hematologic malignancy can be seen with most imaging modalities including radiography, computed tomography (CT), technetium 99m (^99mTc) methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scanning, fluorine 18 (¹⁸F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Because of the diversity of imaging appearances and clinical behavior of this spectrum of disease, diagnosis can be challenging, and profound understanding of the underlying pathophysiologic changes and current treatment modalities can be daunting. The appearance of normal bone marrow at MR imaging and FDG PET/CT is also varied due to dynamic compositional changes with normal aging and in response to hematologic demand or treatment, which can lead to false-positive interpretation of imaging studies. In this article, the authors review the normal maturation and imaging appearance of bone marrow. Focusing on lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, they present the spectrum of imaging findings of hematologic malignancy affecting the musculoskeletal system and the current imaging tools available to the radiologist. They discuss the imaging findings of posttreatment bone marrow and review commonly used staging systems and consensus recommendations for appropriate imaging for staging, management, and assessment of clinical remission. ^©RSNA, 2017.

Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

High-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell support/transplantation (HDT/ASCT) has been a standard of care over the last two decades in patients with relapsed or refractory(R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is sensitive to salvage chemotherapy. HDT/ASCT for high-risk DLBCL in upfront setting remains controversial, so it is not recommended for clinical practice. Various promising salvage chemotherapy regimens have been reported in phase 2 studies; however, two large randomized phase 3 studies showed similar efficacy of R-ICE vs. R-DHAP and R-GDP vs. R-DHAP. Since the registry data shows feasibility and efficacy of HDT/ASCT in elderly R/R DLBCL patients, older age (> 65 years) itself is not a contraindication for HDT/ASCT. Rituximab maintenance failed to demonstrate a significant benefit compared with observation only after HDT/ASCT. While sensitive R/R DLBCL might be cured by HDT/ASCT even in third-line therapy, the prognosis of insensitive R/R DLBCL is extremely poor. Further study to establish treatment strategies for high-risk patients defined by prognostic factors or biomarkers, and insensitive patients is warranted.

A pioneer experience in Malaysia on In-house Radio-labelling of (131)I-rituximab in the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and a case report of high dose (131)I-rituximab-BEAM conditioning autologous transplant

Radioimmunotherapy is an established treatment modality in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The only two commercially available radioimmunotherapies - (90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan is expensive and (131)I-tositumomab has been discontinued from commercial production. In resource limited environment, self-labelling (131)I-rituximab might be the only viable practical option. We reported our pioneer experience in Malaysia on self-labelling (131)I-rituximab, substituting autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and a patient, the first reported case, received high dose (131)I-rituximab (6000MBq/163mCi) combined with BEAM conditioning for autologous HSCT.

Gemcitabine enhances rituximab-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity to B cell lymphoma by CD20 upregulation

Although rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to CD20, has significantly improved the prognosis for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), one-third of DLBCL patients demonstrate resistance to rituximab or relapse after rituximab treatment. Thus, a novel approach to rituximab-based treatment is likely to be required to improve the efficacy of DLBCL treatment. As complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is a key mechanism mediating rituximab's tumoricidal activity, rituximab binding to CD20 on tumor cells is a critical factor for effective rituximab-based treatments against DLBCL. We found that gemcitabine (GEM), but not lenalidomide (LEN) or azacitidine (AZA), can upregulate CD20 expression in TK and KML-1 cells, two human DLBCL cell lines. Treatment of TK and KML-1 cells with GEM enhanced CD20 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. CD20 upregulation by GEM treatment was accompanied by increased rituximab binding to CD20. In TK cells, GEM treatment synergistically increased rituximab-mediated CDC activity in a dose-dependent manner. In KML cells, GEM treatment also induced upregulation of complement regulatory proteins, possibly leading to resistance to CDC. Treatment with LEN, a drug that did not upregulate CD20, did not enhance rituximab-mediated CDC activity. GEM treatment activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) signaling in these cells. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor to NF-kB suppressed GEM-induced CD20 upregulation, indicating that GEM-induced NF-kB activation is closely associated with CD20 upregulation. These results suggest that when used in combination, GEM might enhance the antitumor efficacy of rituximab against DLBCL due to its unique ability to upregulate CD20.

90 Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan: a nearly forgotten opportunityr

Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (90Y-IT) combines the benefits of a monoclonal antibody with the efficacy of radiation in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a remarkably radiosensitive hematologic malignancy. 90Y-IT activity has been well established in the indolent setting, being approved in front-line treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL) patients as well as salvage therapy. However, no advantage in OS was observed with respect to standard treatment. Promising data are available also for aggressive B-cell lymphoma. In particular, the addition of RIT to short-course first line chemotherapy enables reduction of chemotherapy while maintaining cure rates in elderly, untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Furthermore, 90Y-IT improves response rate and outcomes of relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients, eligible and ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Clinical results have shown a role of 90Y-IT even in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). RIT might improve responses and treat minimal residual disease when used as consolidation after first-line chemotherapy in MCL. Moreover, 90Y-IT has demonstrated its efficacy in combination with high-dose chemotherapies as conditioning regimen for ASCT, with evidence suggesting the ability to overcome chemotherapy resistance. Herein, we review the available evidence for this approved drug and examine the recently published and ongoing trials for potential novel indication in aggressive B-cell NHL.

Targeted Therapies in Adult B-Cell Malignancies

B-lymphocytes are programmed for the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) after antigen presentation, in the context of T-lymphocyte control within lymphoid organs. During this differentiation/activation process, B-lymphocytes exhibit different restricted or common surface markers, activation of cellular pathways that regulate cell cycle, metabolism, proteasome activity, and protein synthesis. All molecules involved in these different cellular mechanisms are potent therapeutic targets. Nowadays, due to the progress of the biology, more and more targeted drugs are identified, a situation that is correlated with an extended field of the targeted therapy. The full knowledge of the cellular machinery and cell-cell communication allows making the best choice to treat patients, in the context of personalized medicine. Also, focus should not be restricted to the immediate effects observed as clinical endpoints, that is, response rate, survival markers with conventional statistical methods, but it should consider the prediction of different clinical consequences due to other collateral drug targets, based on new methodologies. This means that new reflection and new bioclinical follow-up have to be monitored, particularly with the new drugs used with success in B-cell malignancies. This review discussed the principal aspects of such evident bioclinical progress.

Z-BeEAM (Ibritumomab tiuxetan, Bendamustine, Etoposide, Cytarabine, Melphalan) before autologous stem cell transplantation is safe and efficient for refractory large B-cell lymphoma

Background

Refractory or relapsed large B-cells lymphoma are usually treated with a high dose chemotherapy regimen followed by an autolougous stem cells transplantation. BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) or more recently Z-BEAM (ibritumomab tiuxetan and BEAM) are commonly used regimens, but recently carmustine availability became difficult. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the safety of replacing carmustine by bendamustine in a new Z-BeEAM regimen (ibritumomab tiuxetan, bendamustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) prior to autologous stem cell transplantation.

Findings

This study was a retrospective analyze of six patients, with a median age of 60, treated by Z-BeEAM before autologous stem cell transplantation. We did not put in evidence any additional toxicities compared to conventional induction chemotherapy. The main toxicities were mucositis (3 grade III among 6 patients), gastrointestinal (2 grade III vomiting and 2 grade III diarrhea) and neutropenia (6 grade IV). Engraftment was successfully achieved for all patients. At the time of analysis of this study all patients were alive and in complete response based on the PET-CT evaluation.

Conclusions

BeEAM plus ibritumomab tiuxetan combined regimen before autologous stem cell transplantation is feasible and safe in aggressive relapsing large B-cell lymphoma.