1
|
Riley C, Kraft WK, Miller R. Hydroxyurea in the sickle cell disease modern era. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:777-791. [PMID: 39135533 PMCID: PMC11428029 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2390915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder characterized by hemoglobin S polymerization leading to vaso-occlusion and hemolytic anemia. These result in a variety of pathological events, causing both acute and chronic complications. Millions around the world are affected by sickle cell disease with predominance in sub-Saharan Africa. Hydroxyurea was the first drug approved for use in sickle cell disease to reduce the occurrence of painful crises and blood transfusions in patients with frequent, moderate to severe painful crises. AREAS COVERED With the development of new therapeutics, the role of hydroxyurea is evolving. This narrative review aims to provide clinical data, safety information, and supplementary evidence for the role of hydroxyurea in the current era of sickle cell disease. A comprehensive literature search of databases, including PubMed and Cochrane Library, was conducted from 1963 to 2024. EXPERT OPINION Even though new medications have been approved for sickle cell disease, hydroxyurea remains the gold standard. Hydroxyurea is not only a disease modifier but it has additional clinical benefits, it is affordable, and its longevity has prompted expanded research in areas such as underutilization and pharmacogenomics. As the treatment landscape evolves, hydroxyurea's long-standing record of efficacy and safety continues to support its role as a key agent in disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chazmyn Riley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Walter K Kraft
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robin Miller
- Lisa Dean Moseley Institute Foundation for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bhatt S, Argueta DA, Gupta K, Kundu S. Red Blood Cells as Therapeutic Target to Treat Sickle Cell Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2024; 40:1025-1049. [PMID: 37975291 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited diathesis affecting mostly underserved populations globally. SCD is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, severe acute painful crises requiring hospitalization and opioids, strokes, multiorgan damage, and a shortened life span. Symptoms may appear shortly after birth, and, in less developed countries, most children with SCD die before attaining age 5. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant and gene therapy offer a curative therapeutic approach, but, due to many challenges, are limited in their availability and effectiveness for a majority of persons with SCD. A critical unmet need is to develop safe and effective novel targeted therapies. A wide array of drugs currently undergoing clinical investigation hold promise for an expanded pharmacological armamentarium against SCD. Recent Advances: Hydroxyurea, the most widely used intervention for SCD management, has improved the survival in the Western world and more recently, voxelotor (R-state-stabilizer), l-glutamine, and crizanlizumab (anti-P-selectin antibody) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in SCD. The recent FDA approval emphasizes the need to revisit the advances in understanding the core pathophysiology of SCD to accelerate novel evidence-based strategies to treat SCD. The biomechanical breakdown of erythrocytesis, the core pathophysiology of SCD, is associated with intrinsic factors, including the composition of hemoglobin, membrane integrity, cellular volume, hydration, andoxidative stress. Critical Issues and Future Directions: In this context, this review focuses on advances in emerging nongenetic interventions directed toward the therapeutic targets intrinsic to sickle red blood cells (RBCs), which can prevent impaired rheology of RBCs to impede disease progression and reduce the sequelae of comorbidities, including pain, vasculopathy, and organ damage. In addition, given the intricate pathophysiology of the disease, it is unlikely that a single pharmacotherapeutic intervention will comprehensively ameliorate the multifaceted complications associated with SCD. However, the availability of multiple drug options affords the opportunity for individualized therapeutic regimens tailored to specific SCD-related complications. Furthermore, it opens avenues for combination drug therapy, capitalizing on distinct mechanisms of action and profiles of adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Bhatt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
| | - Donovan A Argueta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Suman Kundu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, KK Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Levy M, Naudin J, Geslain G, Maroni A, Koehl B, Le Bourgeois F, Poncelet G, Chomton M, Deho A, Julliand S, Dauger S, Sommet J. Factors associated with adverse outcome among children with sickle cell disease admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit: an observational cohort. Ann Intensive Care 2024; 14:55. [PMID: 38594419 PMCID: PMC11003929 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-024-01283-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most frequent inherited diseases in the world. Over the last decades, in high-income countries, an important decrease in mortality have been observed due to the improvement of care. However, children with SCD can become critically ill and require admission in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU). The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of children with SCD admitted to PICU for acute crisis and to identify factors associated with adverse outcome (AO). METHODS We conducted a retrospective study in a Tertiary Hospital in France including all consecutive children with SCD admitted to PICU between January 1st, 2009 and December 31, 2019. We collected baseline patient's characteristics, clinical and biological data as well as treatments and life sustaining therapies used in the PICU. Patients were defined as experiencing AO in case of death during stay and/or need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) and/or for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for more than 3 days and/or need for vasopressors and/or need for renal replacement therapy. RESULTS We included 579 admissions in 395 patients, mainly of SS genotype (90%) with a median age of 9.2 years [5.5-13.4] and a median baseline hemoglobin of 8.0 g/dl (7.5-8.8). The two main reasons for admission were acute chest syndrome (ACS) (n = 331, 57%) and vaso-occlusive crisis refractory to first line therapy (n = 99, 17%). Half of patients required NIV and 47 (8%) required MV. The overall length of stay was 3 days [1-4] and seven (1%) patients died during PICU stay.There was a total of 113 (20%) admissions with AO and on multivariable analysis, baseline hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, history of bronchial obstruction and admission for ACS were associated with AO. There was no difference in the proportion of hydroxyurea treatment or exchange transfusion program between patients with AO and the other patients. CONCLUSIONS Baseline hemoglobin < 8 g/dL, history of bronchial obstruction and admission for ACS were the strongest risk factors for severe evolution in SCD children admitted to PICU. These factors could be taken into consideration when choosing the adequate therapeutic options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Levy
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Jérôme Naudin
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Geslain
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Arielle Maroni
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Bérengère Koehl
- Reference Center for Sickle-Cell Disease, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm U1134, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Fleur Le Bourgeois
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Géraldine Poncelet
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maryline Chomton
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anna Deho
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Julliand
- Pediatric Mobile Emergency Unit, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Dauger
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julie Sommet
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- General Pediatrics, Pediatric infectious disease and Internal Medicine, Robert-Debré University Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, ECEVE UMR 1123, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cannas G, Poutrel S, Heiblig M, Labussière H, Larcher MV, Thomas X, Hot A. Sickle cell disease and acute leukemia: one case report and an extensive review. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:1657-1667. [PMID: 37269388 PMCID: PMC10239223 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Population-based studies and case reports suggest that there may be an increased risk of acute leukemia associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Following the description of a new case report, an extensive review of the literature identified 51 previously described cases. Most cases study showed myelodysplastic features confirmed, when available, by genetic markers such as chromosome 5 and/or chromosome 7 abnormalities and TP53 gene mutations. The increased risk of leukemogenesis is certainly multifactorial and related to the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the clinical manifestations of SCD. Chronic hemolysis and secondary hemochromatosis may cause increased chronic inflammation, resulting in persistent marrow stress, which could potentially compromise the genomic stability of the hematopoietic stem cells generating genomic damage and somatic mutations over the course of SCD and its treatment, resulting in a clone that led to acute myeloid leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cannas
- Internal Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5, place d'Arsonval, Lyon cedex 03, 69437, Lyon, France.
- Constitutive reference center: Major sickle cell syndromes, thalassemias and other rare pathologies of red blood cell and erythropoiesis, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France.
| | - Solène Poutrel
- Internal Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5, place d'Arsonval, Lyon cedex 03, 69437, Lyon, France
- Constitutive reference center: Major sickle cell syndromes, thalassemias and other rare pathologies of red blood cell and erythropoiesis, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Maël Heiblig
- Hematology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | - Hélène Labussière
- Hematology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon-Sud Hospital, Pierre-Bénite, France
| | | | - Xavier Thomas
- Constitutive reference center: Major sickle cell syndromes, thalassemias and other rare pathologies of red blood cell and erythropoiesis, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
| | - Arnaud Hot
- Internal Medicine, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 5, place d'Arsonval, Lyon cedex 03, 69437, Lyon, France
- Constitutive reference center: Major sickle cell syndromes, thalassemias and other rare pathologies of red blood cell and erythropoiesis, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Light J, Boucher M, Baskin-Miller J, Winstead M. Managing the Cerebrovascular Complications of Sickle Cell Disease: Current Perspectives. J Blood Med 2023; 14:279-293. [PMID: 37082003 PMCID: PMC10112470 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s383472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of protecting brain function for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) cannot be overstated. SCD is associated with multiple cerebrovascular complications that threaten neurocognitive function and life. Without screening and preventive management, 11% of children at 24% of adults with SCD have ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes. Stroke screening in children with SCD is well-established using transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). TCD velocities above 200 cm/s significantly increase the risk of stroke, which can be prevented using chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. RBC transfusion is also the cornerstone of acute stroke management and secondary stroke prevention. Chronic transfusion requires long-term management of complications like iron overload. Hydroxyurea can replace chronic transfusions for primary stroke prevention in a select group of patients or in populations where chronic transfusions are not feasible. Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is even more common than stroke, affecting 39% of children and more than 50% of adults with SCD; management of SCI is individualized and includes careful neurocognitive evaluation. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant prevents cerebrovascular complications, despite the short- and long-term risks. Newer disease-modifying agents like voxelotor and crizanlizumab, as well as gene therapy, may treat cerebrovascular complications, but these approaches are investigational.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Light
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Maria Boucher
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Baskin-Miller
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mike Winstead
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Correspondence: Mike Winstead, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, Tel +1 919-966-1178, Fax +1 919-966-7629, Email
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Origa R, Gianesin B, Longo F, Di Maggio R, Cassinerio E, Gamberini MR, Pinto VM, Quarta A, Casale M, La Nasa G, Caocci G, Piroddi A, Piolatto A, Di Mauro A, Romano C, Gigante A, Barella S, Maggio A, Graziadei G, Perrotta S, Forni GL. Incidence of cancer and related deaths in hemoglobinopathies: A follow-up of 4631 patients between 1970 and 2021. Cancer 2023; 129:107-117. [PMID: 36321594 PMCID: PMC10092274 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The correlation between thalassemia and malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the possible relationship between other hemoglobinopathies and tumor risk have been poorly evaluated. METHODS Eight Italian specialized centers evaluated the incidence of malignant neoplasms in hemoglobinopathies as well as their sites and features. The study cohort included 4631 patients followed between 1970 and 2021 (transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, 55.6%; non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia, 17.7%; sickle cell disease, 17.6%; hemoglobin H disease, 8.3%). RESULTS A total of 197 diagnoses of cancer were reported (incidence rate, 442 cases per 100,000 person-years). The liver was the most frequent site of tumors in both sexes, with a higher incidence (190 cases per 100,000 person-years) in comparison with the general population found in all types of hemoglobinopathies (except hemoglobin H disease). In recent years, tumors have become the second cause of death in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. A lower risk of breast and prostate cancer was observed in the whole group of patients with hemoglobinopathies. The first cancer diagnoses dated back to the 1980s, and the incidence rate sharply increased after the 2000s. However, although the incidence rate of cancers of all sites but the liver continued to show an increasing trend, the incidence of HCC showed stability. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel insights into the relationship between cancer and hemoglobinopathies and suggest that the overall risk is not increased in these patients. HCC has been confirmed as the most frequent tumor, but advances in chelation and the drugs that have led to the eradication of hepatitis C may explain the recent steadiness in the number of diagnoses that is reported here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Origa
- Università di Cagliari, SSD Talassemia, Ospedale Microcitemico 'A. Cao,' ASL8 Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Filomena Longo
- Centro Microcitemie-Pediatria Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy
| | - Rosario Di Maggio
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia per le Malattie Rare del Sangue e degli Organi Ematopoietici, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Cassinerio
- Attività Diurne Malattie Rare Internistiche-Medicina Generale, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Day Hospital della Talassemia e delle Emoglobinopatie, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Maria Pinto
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Centro della Microcitemia, delle Anemie Congenite e dei Disordini del Metabolismo del Ferro, Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Quarta
- Unità Operativa Semplice Centro Microcitemia, Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia e Trapianto di Cellule Staminali Emopoietiche, Ospedale 'A. Perrino', Brindisi, Italy
| | - Maddalena Casale
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università̀ della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,', Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio La Nasa
- Università di Cagliari, Struttura Complessa Ematologia e Centro Trapianto di Midollo Osseo, Ospedale Businco, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caocci
- Università di Cagliari, Struttura Complessa Ematologia e Centro Trapianto di Midollo Osseo, Ospedale Businco, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Piroddi
- Centro Trapianti Cellule Staminali, Ospedale Microcitemico 'A. Cao', ASL8 Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Piolatto
- Centro Microcitemie-Pediatria Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Luigi Gonzaga, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Mauro
- Attività Diurne Malattie Rare Internistiche-Medicina Generale, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Romano
- Unità Operativa Semplice Centro Microcitemia, Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia e Trapianto di Cellule Staminali Emopoietiche, Ospedale 'A. Perrino', Brindisi, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Barella
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Talassemia, Ospedale Microcitemico 'A. Cao,' ASL8 Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Unità Operativa Complessa Ematologia per le Malattie Rare del Sangue e degli Organi Ematopoietici, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Villa Sofia-V. Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Attività Diurne Malattie Rare Internistiche-Medicina Generale, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Silverio Perrotta
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, Università̀ della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli,', Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Luca Forni
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale Centro della Microcitemia, delle Anemie Congenite e dei Disordini del Metabolismo del Ferro, Ente Ospedaliero Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Weinstock LB, Brook JB, Molderings GJ. Efficacy and toxicity of hydroxyurea in mast cell activation syndrome patients refractory to standard medical therapy: retrospective case series. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1441-1447. [PMID: 35982335 PMCID: PMC9388361 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Determine efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of hydroxyurea (HU) in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) patients who were refractory to standard medical therapy. An electronic chart review was performed to find MCAS patients who received HU in a MCAS medical practice. Diagnosis of MCAS was established on the basis of mast cell (MC) activation symptoms in ≥ 5 systems plus ≥ 1 abnormal MC mediators and/or ≥ 20 MC/high power field on duodenal biopsies. Medicines not providing significant clinical improvement prior to HU were tabulated. The following symptoms were evaluated by patients on a 0–10 scale prior to and at the study conclusion: bone pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Safety labs were obtained on a regular basis. Twenty out of three hundred ten (8.4%) MCAS patients received HU. Patients included 22 females, average age 42.4 years. Dysautonomia was present in 60%. An average of 10.6 (SD 1.7, range 8–13) medications were used prior to adding HU to various concomitant medications. Average dose of HU was 634 mg. In 20 patients who continued therapy for ≥ 2 months, there was statistically significant reduction of bone pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and nausea. Fourteen patients noted prolonged success with therapy. Six patients stopped HU within 6 weeks owing to AEs. Four patients treated ≥ 2 months had AEs and 2 led to HU cessation. All AEs were reversible. Refractory MCAS patients showed clear significant improvement in bone pain and gastrointestinal symptoms on HU. Systematic monitoring was effective in preventing the occurrence of severe HU-induced adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard B Weinstock
- Clinical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, President, Specialists in Gastroenterology, 11525 Olde Cabin Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ware RE, Dertinger SD. Absence of hydroxyurea-induced mutational effects supports higher utilisation for the treatment of sickle cell anaemia. Br J Haematol 2021; 194:252-266. [PMID: 33570176 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide) is approved for treating both children and adults with sickle cell anaemia (SCA). Fetal haemoglobin (HbF) induction is the primary treatment response, along with improved anaemia, reduced haemolysis, myelosuppression and decreased endothelial inflammation. Hydroxyurea has proven clinical efficacy for SCA - treatment significantly reduces disease manifestations and prolongs survival. Despite these recognised benefits, long-standing concerns regarding the risks of mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic drug exposure have hampered efforts for broad hydroxyurea use in SCA, although these are based largely on outdated experimental models and treatment experiences with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Consequently, many patients with SCA are not receiving this highly effective disease-modifying therapy. In this review, we describe the concept of genotoxicity and its laboratory measurements, summarise hydroxyurea-associated data from both preclinical and clinical studies, and discuss carcinogenic potential. The genotoxicity results clearly demonstrate that hydroxyurea does not directly bind DNA and is not mutagenic. Rather, its genotoxic effects are limited to indirect clastogenicity occurring in select cell types, and only when high dose and time thresholds are exceeded. This absence of mutagenic activity is consistent with the observed lack of any compelling carcinogenic potential. Since hydroxyurea therapy for SCA carries minimal carcinogenic risks, the current drug labelling should be modified accordingly, and prescribing practices should be broadened to allow better access and increased utilisation of this highly effective drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Ware
- Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Global Health Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oliveira EAMD, Boy KDA, Santos APP, Machado CDS, Velloso-Rodrigues C, Gerheim PSAS, Mendonça LM. Evaluation of hydroxyurea genotoxicity in patients with sickle cell disease. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2019; 17:eAO4742. [PMID: 31508660 PMCID: PMC6750882 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2019ao4742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the induction of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with sickle cell disease, SS and SC genotypes, treated with hydroxyurea. METHODS The study subjects were divided into two groups: one group of 22 patients with sickle cell disease, SS and SC genotypes, treated with hydroxyurea, and a Control Group composed of 24 patients with sickle cell disease who were not treated with hydroxyurea. Peripheral blood samples were submitted to peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation to assess genotoxicity by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay, in which DNA damage biomarkers - micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds - were counted. RESULTS Patients with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea had a mean age of 25.4 years, whereas patients with sickle cell disease not treated with hydroxyurea had a mean age of 17.6 years. The mean dose of hydroxyurea used by the patients was 12.8mg/kg/day, for a mean period of 44 months. The mean micronucleus frequency per 1,000 cells of 8.591±1.568 was observed in the Hydroxyurea Group and 10.040±1.003 in the Control Group. The mean frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges per 1,000 cells and nuclear buds per 1,000 cells for the hydroxyurea and Control Groups were 0.4545±0.1707 versus 0.5833±0.2078, and 0.8182±0.2430 versus 0.9583±0.1853, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION In the study population, patients with sickle cell disease treated with the standard dose of hydroxyurea treatment did not show evidence of DNA damage induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Paula Pinho Santos
- Hemocentro Regional de Governador Valadares, Fundação Hemominas, Governador Valadares, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Regan S, Yang X, Finnberg NK, El-Deiry WS, Pu JJ. Occurrence of acute myeloid leukemia in hydroxyurea-treated sickle cell disease patient. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1389-1397. [PMID: 31423878 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1647055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxyurea (HU) has been widely used in sickle cell disease. Its potential long-term risk for carcinogenesis or leukemogenic risk remains undefined. Here, we report a 26 y old African-American female with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) who developed refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) 6 months after 26 months of HU use. That patient's cytogenetics and molecular genetics analyses demonstrated a complex mutation profile with 5q deletion, trisomy 8, and P53 deletion (deletion of 17p13.1). P53 gene sequence studies revealed a multitude of somatic mutations that most suggest a treatment-related etiology. The above-mentioned data indicates that the patient may have developed acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) as a direct result of HU exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Regan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA
| | - Xuebin Yang
- Department of Pathology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | | | - Wafik S El-Deiry
- Department of Pathology, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University , Providence , Rhode Island , USA
| | - Jeffrey J Pu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA.,Upstate Cancer Center, Departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA.,Syracuse VA Medical Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse , New York , USA
| |
Collapse
|