Outcomes of Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma with Melphalan-Based Conditioning

Current status of conditioning regimens in haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation

The development of effective prophylaxis strategies against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has contributed to the widespread use of haploidentical related hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT). Currently, GVHD prophylaxis containing posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) is considered the standard of care in Haplo-HCT, and recent studies have shown comparable results for PTCY-based Haplo-HCT and HCT from other donor sources. The conditioning regimen plays an important role in eradicating tumor cells to prevent disease relapse and suppressing the recipient's immune system to facilitate engraftment. PTCY-based Haplo-HCT was initially developed using a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and low-dose total body irradiation, but high relapse rates reinforced the need to intensify the conditioning regimen. In this respect, various myeloablative and reduced-intensity conditioning regimens have been investigated. However, the optimal conditioning regimens for PTCY-based Haplo-HCT have not yet been established, and this issue needs to be addressed based on data from patients undergoing the procedure. In this article, we review the existing literature on conditioning regimens for PTCY-based Haplo-HCT and discuss future perspectives.

Sirolimus Is an Acceptable Alternative to Tacrolimus for Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis after Haploidentical Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy), tacrolimus (Tac), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for allogeneic haploidentical donor (haplo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) results in comparable outcomes to matched unrelated donor HCT. A phase II study from the Moffitt Cancer Center substituting sirolimus (Siro) for Tac in this prophylactic regimen reported comparable rates of grade II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD). Many centers have substituted Siro for Tac in this setting based on a preferable side effect profile, although comparative data are limited. In this study, we retrospectively compared outcomes in haplo-HCT with PTCy/Siro/MMF versus haplo-HCT with PTCy/Tac/MMF. The study cohort included all consecutive patients receiving haploidentical donor T cell-replete peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) HCT for hematologic malignancies at Moffitt Cancer Center or the City of Hope National Medical Center between 2014 and 2019. A total of 423 patients were included, of whom 84 (20%) received PTCy/Siro/MMF and 339 (80%) received PTCy/Tac/MMF. The median age for the entire cohort was 54 years (range, 18 to 78 years), and the median follow-up was 30 months. The Siro group had a higher proportion of patients age ≥60 years (58% versus 34%; P < .01), and the groups also differed in diagnosis type, conditioning regimen, and cytomegalovirus serostatus. There were no significant differences in the rates of grade II-IV aGVHD (45% versus 47%; P = .6) at day +100 or chronic GVHD (cGVHD) (47% versus 54%; P = .79) at 2 years post-HCT. In multivariate analysis, neutrophil engraftment at day +30 was significantly better in the Tac group (odds ratio, .30; 95% confidence interval, .1 to .83; P = .02), with a median time to engraftment of 17 days versus 18 days in the Siro group, but platelet engraftment was similar in the 2 groups. Otherwise, in multivariate analysis, GVHD prophylaxis type had no significant influence on aGVHD or cGVHD, nonrelapse mortality, relapse, GVHD-free relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, or overall survival after PBSC haplo-HCT. These findings suggest that Siro is a comparable alternative to Tac in combination with PTCy/MMF for GVHD prophylaxis, with overall similar clinical outcomes despite delayed engraftment after peripheral blood stem cell haplo-HCT. Although Tac remains the standard of care, Siro may be substituted based on the side effect profile of these medications, with consideration of patient medical comorbidities at HCT.

Stability of Captisol-enabled versus propylene glycol-based melphalan at room temperature and after refrigeration

DISCLAIMER

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

PURPOSE

To compare the chemical stability of Captisol-enabled (CE) melphalan ("CE-melphalan"; Evomela, Acrotech Biopharma LLC) and propylene glycol-(PG)-based melphalan ("PG-melphalan"; Alkeran, GlaxoSmithKline) admixtures prepared with 0.9% sodium chloride injection in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) bags or reconstituted vials stored at room temperature (RT) and under refrigeration.

METHODS

Lyophilized CE-melphalan and generic PG-melphalan were reconstituted to 5 mg/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection or manufacturer-supplied diluent, respectively. The reconstituted vials were then diluted to the desired concentrations with 0.9% sodium chloride injection in PVC bags and were stored at RT (23 °C) or under refrigeration (4 °C). Aliquots were withdrawn from the bags and reconstituted vials of CE-melphalan and PG-melphalan immediately after preparation and at predetermined time intervals. Melphalan concentrations were measured using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method.

RESULTS

CE-melphalan reconstituted in PVC bags at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg/mL was stable for 6 and 24 hours, respectively, at RT and for 8 and 24 hours, respectively, at 4 °C. PG-melphalan reconstituted in bags at 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/mL was stable for 1, 2, and 2 hours, respectively, at RT and for 2, 4, and 4 hours, respectively, at 4 °C. Reconstituted CE-melphalan vials were stable for 48 hours at both RT and 4 °C, whereas PG-melphalan vials were stable for 6 hours at RT but formed precipitate within 2 hours at 4 °C.

CONCLUSION

CE-melphalan remained stable longer than generic PG-melphalan under the test conditions. CE-melphalan at 2 mg/mL has 24-hour stability at RT and can be used for extended infusion times or may be compounded ahead of time. Reconstituted CE-melphalan vials are stable for 48 hours at both RT and 4 °C.

Cytokine Release Syndrome Following Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is a safe and efficacious graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from a haploidentical (haplo) donor. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a common complication of this platform. Early fever post-haplo-HCT using bone marrow grafts is associated with higher CD3⁺ cell dose and CRS. However, the impact of CD3⁺ and CD34⁺ cell dose on CRS post-haplo-HCT using peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts is unknown. Our goals were to evaluate the incidence of CRS following PBSC transplantation (PBSCT) and to identify factors that can be modified to prevent the development of severe CRS in this setting. In 271 patients, we investigated factors associated with the development of CRS following haplo-PBSCT and examined the impact of CRS on clinical outcomes. Ninety-three percent of the patients developed CRS of any grade post-haplo-PBSCT. In multivariate analysis, severe CRS (grade 3-4 versus grade 0-1) was associated with higher nonrelapse mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 6.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68 to 15.39; P < .001), worse 1-year overall survival (HR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.63 to 7.08; P = .005), and worse disease-free survival (HR, 4.02; 95% CI, 1.99 to 8.08; P < .001). Moderate to severe CRS (grade 2-4) did not impact 1-year relapse or acute GVHD (grade II-IV and III-IV) at 100 days (P = .71 and .19, respectively). Importantly, higher CD3⁺ cell dose, but not CD34⁺ cell dose, predicted a higher incidence of grade 2-4 CRS (HR, 1.20; 95% CI,1.07 to 1.36; P = .003) and grade 3-4 CRS (HR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.86; P = .022). Both older age (HR, 8.57; 95% CI, 1.73 to 42.36; P < .001) and non-total body irradiation-based reduced-intensity conditioning with fludarabine/melphalan (HR, 15.38; 955 CI, 2.06 to 114.67; P < .001) were predictive of grade 3-4 CRS. Overall, we observed that severe CRS (grade 3-4) negatively affected transplantation outcome, and that higher CD3 cell dose was associated with the development of any grade CRS and severe CRS.

Ibrutinib Monotherapy as Bridge-to-Transplant for Relapsed/Refractory Primary Oculo-Cerebral Lymphoma

Introduction. Primary central nervous system lymphoma is an uncommon form of extranodal non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, with increasing incidence, a relatively aggressive course and a poor 5-year survival. Because of its localization, the therapeutic compounds used in this disease must be able to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Chemotherapy regimens based on high-dose methotrexate are currently the standard of care for all patients who can tolerate such drugs. Autologous stem cell transplantation is indicated for malignant lymphomas in the relapsed/refractory setting. Methods. Three patients, with a median age of 60 years, range 53–64, were diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma, and treated with ibrutinib monotherapy in the Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, between September 2018 and November 2020 All the patients were relapsed–refractory following high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy. We present our experience using ibrutinib monotherapy-based treatment as a bridge-to-transplant option on a single-center case series and a review of the literature in this field. Results. Two of the patients were given ibrutinib as a second line therapy, both achieving complete remission and being eligible for an autologous stem cell transplantation. The third patient achieved a short remission using six cycles of systemic chemotherapy, but was started on ibrutinib monotherapy, with limited results. Conclusion. Our data is limited, and these results should be confirmed by multicentric clinical trials and should be regarded as a single-center case series, with all its limitations. Still, it brings forward a new therapeutic option for this rare subtype of malignant lymphomas, which if left untreated has a dismal prognosis.

Feasibility and Efficacy of a Pharmacokinetics-Guided Busulfan Conditioning Regimen for Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide as Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Adult Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Busulfan (Bu) is an alkylating agent routinely used for conditioning regimens before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Bu shows wide pharmacokinetic (PK) variability among patients. Patients can have a higher systemic exposure (expressed as area under the curve [AUC]) with an increased risk of toxicity or a lower AUC with a higher probability of graft rejection and/or disease relapse. After i.v. administration, an optimal Bu therapeutic window (AUC target of 16,000 to 24,000 μM·minute) has been identified. The use of PK-guided Bu dosing leads to improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared with fixed-dose administration in a variety of hematologic diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and feasibility of a reduced-toxicity conditioning (RTC) regimen comprising thiotepa, Bu, and fludarabine (TBF) with therapeutic drug monitoring of Bu in patients with hematologic disorders. We report on 41 adult patients with myeloid or lymphoid malignancies who underwent an allo-SCT with a PK-guided Bu-based RTC regimen between January 2019 and October 2020. Patients received a total Bu dose to achieve a target AUC of 16,000 μM·minute in combination with Flu and thiotepa. The median time to absolute neutrophil count recovery and transfusion-independent platelet count recovery was 23 days (range, 15 to 42 days) and 29 days (range, 14 to 97 days), respectively. The cumulative incidence (CI) of nonrelapse mortality was 7% at 100 days and 13% at 1 year. Grade 3 liver toxicity was observed in 6 patients. One patient developed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome at day +27. Grade 3 mucositis occurred in 18 patients. Looking at grade ≥3 infections, the CI was 29% at 30 days, 34% at 60 days, 44% at 100 days, and 56% at 1 year. The 180-day CI of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 15%, and the 1-year CI of overall chronic GVHD was 20%. With a median follow-up of alive patients of 14.4 months (range, 3.2 to 24 months), the CI of relapse at 1 year was 6%. The 1-year PFS was 81%, and 1-year OS was 84%. In conclusion, these data support the efficacy of PK-guided Bu dose in the context of a TBF conditioning regimen and the feasibility of therapeutic dosage monitoring of i.v. Bu for patients with hematologic diseases. © 2021 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in cytokine release syndrome following immunotherapy or cellular therapies?

Recently, an increasing number of novel drugs were approved in oncology and hematology. Nevertheless, pharmacology progress comes with a variety of side effects, of which cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a potential complication of some immunotherapies that can lead to multiorgan failure if not diagnosed and treated accordingly. CRS generally occurs with therapies that lead to highly activated T cells, like chimeric antigen receptor T cells or in the case of bispecific T-cell engaging antibodies. This, in turn, leads to a proinflammatory state with subsequent organ damage. To better manage CRS there is a need for specific therapies or to repurpose strategies that are already known to be useful in similar situations. Current management strategies for CRS are represented by anticytokine directed therapies and corticosteroids. Based on its pathophysiology and the resemblance of CRS to sepsis and septic shock, as well as based on the principles of initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in sepsis, we propose the rationale of using CRRT therapy as an adjunct treatment in CRS where all the other approaches have failed in controlling the clinically significant manifestations.

A narrative review of central nervous system involvement in acute leukemias

Acute leukemias (both myeloid and lymphoblastic) are a group of diseases for which each year more successful therapies are implemented. However, in a subset of cases the overall survival (OS) is still exceptionally low due to the infiltration of leukemic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and the subsequent formation of brain tumors. The CNS involvement is more common in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), than in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although the rates for the second case might be underestimated. The main reasons for CNS invasion are related to the expression of specific adhesion molecules (VLA-4, ICAM-1, VCAM, L-selectin, PECAM-1, CD18, LFA-1, CD58, CD44, CXCL12) by a subpopulation of leukemic cells, called “sticky cells” which have the ability to interact and adhere to endothelial cells. Moreover, the microenvironment becomes hypoxic and together with secretion of VEGF-A by ALL or AML cells the permeability of vasculature in the bone marrow increases, coupled with the disruption of blood brain barrier. There is a single subpopulation of leukemia cells, called leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that is able to resist in the new microenvironment due to its high adaptability. The LCSs enter into the arachnoid, migrate, and intensively proliferate in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and consequently infiltrate perivascular spaces and brain parenchyma. Moreover, the CNS is an immune privileged site that also protects leukemic cells from chemotherapy. CD56/NCAM is the most important surface molecule often overexpressed by leukemic stem cells that offers them the ability to infiltrate in the CNS. Although asymptomatic or with unspecific symptoms, CNS leukemia should be assessed in both AML/ALL patients, through a combination of flow cytometry and cytological analysis of CSF. Intrathecal therapy (ITT) is a preventive measure for CNS involvement in AML and ALL, still much research is needed in finding the appropriate target that would dramatically lower CNS involvement in acute leukemia.

B Cells versus T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Malignant Lymphomas. Are the Lymphocytes Playing the Roles of Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman in Zaire 1974?

Malignant lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that develop both in nodal and extranodal sites. The different tissues involved and the highly variable clinicopathological characteristics are linked to the association between the lymphoid neoplastic cells and the tissues they infiltrate. The immune system has developed mechanisms to protect the normal tissue from malignant growth. In this review, we aim to explain how T lymphocyte-driven control is linked to tumor development and describe the tumor-suppressive components of the resistant framework. This manuscript brings forward a new insight with regard to intercellular and intracellular signaling, the immune microenvironment, the impact of therapy, and its predictive implications. A better understanding of the key components of the lymphoma environment is important to properly assess the role of both B and T lymphocytes, as well as their interplay, just as two legendary boxers face each other in a heavyweight title final, as was the case of Ali versus Foreman.

Review of conditioning regimens for haplo-identical donor transplants using post-transplant cyclophosphamide in recipients of G-CSF mobilised peripheral stem cell

Haplo-identical transplant is being increasingly used in patients who do not have a readily available matched related or unrelated donor. Post-transplant cyclophosphamide's use due to its simplicity and documented efficacy has made this approach readily employable across diverse transplant centres across the globe. The outcomes of regimens used for conditioning in recipients of bone marrow are at times in variance to that from more commonly employed G-CSF mobilised peripheral stem cell (PBSC). This review highlights various conditioning regimens used in PBSC recipients, with emphasis on toxicities, practicalities and transplant related outcomes of relapse, non-relapse mortality and graft versus host disease.

Differential Diagnosis of Malignant Lymphadenopathy Using Flow Cytometry on Fine Needle Aspirate: Report on 269 Cases

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is frequently the first noninvasive test used for the diagnostic workup of lymphadenopathy. There have been many studies showing its usefulness, especially in conjunction with other techniques for the diagnosis of lymphoma, but it remains inferior to histological examination. The data regarding this subject have mostly been reported mostly from first-world countries, but are scarce for emerging economies. Thus, the current study assesses the agreement between fine needle aspiration flow cytometry (FNA FC) and histology in the aforementioned region. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including the FNA FC adenopathy diagnoses made between January 2011 and December 2016 at the Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Additional variables included were the histological diagnosis, sex and age of the included patients. Results: In the descriptive part of the current study, 269 FNA FC samples were included. The most frequent diagnoses made on these were represented by B-cell lymphoma, reactive adenopathy, no abnormality detected (NAD), and non-hematological malignancy. In the analytical part of the current study, there were 115 cases included that had both valid FNA FC and histological diagnoses. It could be observed that FNA FC can correctly diagnose B-cell lymphoma in most cases, but it is a poor diagnostic tool especially for Hodgkin lymphoma in this setting as only a four-color flow cytometer was available for diagnosis. Moreover, FNA FC diagnosis of reactive adenopathy and of no abnormalities detected was shown to frequently hide a malignant disease. Conclusion: In countries with scarce resources, FNA FC represents a useful diagnostic tool in the case of B-cell lymphoma, but may misdiagnose reactive adenopathy. Thus, FNA FC should be used in a case-specific manner, in addition to as a screening tool, with the knowledge that in cases with a high clinical suspicion of lymphoma, histological diagnosis is a necessity.

LEAM vs. BEAM vs. CLV Conditioning Regimen for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Malignant Lymphomas. Retrospective Comparison of Toxicity and Efficacy on 222 Patients in the First 100 Days After Transplant, On Behalf of the Romanian Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation

High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is widely used in patients with malignant lymphomas. In Europe over 8,000 ASCTs for lymphoma were performed out of a total of 40,000 transplants according to the European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) activity survey in 2017. ASCT is considered the standard treatment for eligible patients failing to achieve remission after first line chemotherapy or patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas, including classical Hodkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma, as well as consolidation therapy in first remission in mantle cell lymphoma. BEAM (BCNU/carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan) is the most commonly used conditioning regimen for ASCT in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) lymphomas in Europe, whereas the CBV (cyclophosphamide, BCNU, and etoposide) regimen is also widely used in North America. Recently, concerns regarding BCNU toxicity as well as restricted availability of BCNU and melphalan has determined an increasing number of transplant centers to use alternative conditioning regimens. Currently, only a few comparative studies, most of them retrospective, between different conditioning protocols regarding efficacy and toxicity have been published. Thus, in the current manuscript, we report the experience of 2 transplant centers in ASCT in R/R lymphomas with three types of conditioning: BEAM, CLV (cyclophosphamide, lomustine, etoposide) and LEAM (lomustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan), with the aim to evaluate the results of alternative conditioning regimens using lomustine (LEAM and CLV) and compare them with the standard BEAM regarding early toxicity, engraftment, and transplant related mortality (TRM). All patients developed grade IV neutropenia, anemia with/without transfusion necessity. Severe thrombocytopenia with transfusion requirements is reported in most cases. Median time to platelet engraftment and neutrophil engraftment was 13 days (range) and 10 days (range), respectively. Gastrointestinal toxicity was the most common non-hematologic toxicity after all three conditioning regimens. Oral mucositis in various grades from I to IV was diagnosed in most cases. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, colitis, and skin rash but with low severity grades. For the LEAM arm, one patient died after transplant, before engrafting, one patient didn't achieve platelet engraftment in day 100, one patient developed grade 3 upper gastrointestinal bleeding, one patient died (grade 5 toxicity) with acute renal failure, one patient developed hypoxic events up to grade 4 acute respiratory failure and one patient developed grade 3 itchy skin rash. For the CLV arm, one patient died after transplant, before engrafting, one patient developed grade 3 colitis, one patient with grade 3 hepatic cytolysis, one patient with cardiac toxicity followed by death (grade 5) caused by an acute myocardial infarction with ST elevation and one patient with pulmonary toxicity clinically manifested with grade 3 pleurisy. For the BEAM arm, one patient developed grade 3 cardiac toxicity with sinus bradycardia and afterwards grade 4 with acute pulmonary edema, three patients presented a grade 3 pruritic skin rash and two patients developed grade 3 seizures. In the present study we presented the differences that were observed between BEAM, LEAM, and CLV conditioning regimens offering clinical arguments for an SCT practitioner choice in the ideal situation, but also of choice for alternative regimens in the case that one regimen cannot be used.

Clinical Approach to the Patient in Critical State Following Immunotherapy and/or Stem Cell Transplantation: Guideline for the On-Call Physician

: The initial management of the hematology patient in a critical state is crucial and poses a great challenge both for the hematologist and the intensive care unit (ICU) physician. After years of clinical practice, there is still a delay in the proper recognition and treatment of critical situations, which leads to late admission to the ICU. There is a much-needed systematic ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) approach for the patients being treated on the wards as well as in the high dependency units because the underlying hematological disorder, as well as disease-related complications, have an increasing frequency. Focusing on score-based decision-making on the wards (Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), together with Quick Sofa score), active sepsis screening with inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and presepsin), and assessment of microcirculation, organ perfusion, and oxygen supply by using paraclinical parameters from the ICU setting (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation (ScVO2), and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference), hematologists can manage the immediate critical patient and improve the overall outcome.

HLA-haploidentical stem cell transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide

HLA-haploidentical stem cell transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide has spread rapidly worldwide. This strategy was initially developed in the setting of bone marrow transplantation following nonmyeloablative conditioning. Recently, peripheral blood stem cell grafts and/or myeloablative conditioning regimen have been widely used. In Japan, prospective, multicenter, phase II studies have been conducted by the Japan Study Group for Cell Therapy and Transplantation to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HLA-haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy-haploPBSCT). In the first such study (JSCT Haplo 13 study), we demonstrated that PTCy-haploPBSCT after busulfan-based reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) enables stable donor engraftment and low incidences of both acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In the second (JSCT Haplo 14 study), we showed that both myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and RIC are valid options for PTCy-haploPBSCT. Emerging evidence, including our findings, suggests that donor type (HLA-haploidentical donor versus HLA-matched related or unrelated donor) may no longer be a significant predictor of transplant outcome.

Thiotepa, Busulfan, and Fludarabine Conditioning Regimen in T Cell-Replete HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

We report the outcomes of 51 patients who underwent unmanipulated haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG), from peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) or bone marrow, after receipt of a TBF (thiotepa, busulfan, and fludarabine) conditioning regimen. Their median age was 55 years (range, 16 to 72 years). Hematologic diagnoses included acute leukemias (n = 31), lymphoid neoplasm (n = 12), myeloproliferative neoplasm (n = 5), and myelodysplastic syndromes (n = 3). Thirty-seven patients (73%) were in complete remission. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine and mycophenolate for all patients, associated with ATG in 39 patients (76.5%). The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 17 days (range, 12 to 34 days). The cumulative incidences of grade II-IV and grade III-IV acute GVHD were 27.5% and 14%, respectively. In patients receiving a PBSC graft and ATG prophylaxis, grade II-IV aGVHD occurred in 16% of patients. The use of ATG and a lower thiotepa dose (5 mg/kg versus 10 mg/kg) were associated with a reduced cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (P = .03 and .005, respectively). The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 29% and was significantly reduced to 13% with the lower thiotepa dose (P = .002). After a median follow-up of 25 months (range, 12 to 62 months), the cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality, relapse, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GFRFS) were 20%, 22.5%, 67%, 58%, and 51%, respectively. Pretransplantation disease status (complete remission versus others) was the main factor associated with OS, DFS, and GFRFS. In conclusion, the TBF conditioning regimen is an appealing platform in the haplo-HSCT setting with PT-Cy in terms of engraftment rate, toxicity, and disease control. We found no benefit of a thiotepa dose of 10 mg/kg compared with a dose of 5 mg/kg. ATG reduced the risk of acute GVHD without comprising outcomes.

Impact of Donor Type and Melphalan Dose on Allogeneic Transplantation Outcomes for Patients with Lymphoma

We analyzed 186 patients with lymphoma who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with fludarabine-melphalan (FM) conditioning and different types of donors (25 haploidentical [HD], 98 matched unrelated [MUD], and 63 matched related [MRD]) at our institution between September 2009 and January 2018. Patients received fludarabine 160 mg/m² (40 mg/m²/day for 4 days) in combination with 1 dose of melphalan 140 mg/m² (FM140) or 100 mg/m² (FM100). Engraftment was similar among the 3 groups (92%, 89%, and 98%, respectively; P = .7). The 6-month cumulative incidence of grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 4% in the HD group, 14% in the MUD group, and 8% in the MRD group (P not significant), and the respective 3-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 5%, 16%, and 26% (P not significant). The respective 3-year nonrelapse mortality and relapse rates were 31%, 32%, and 10% (HD versus MUD, P = .9; HD versus MRD, P = .02) and 15%, 21%, and 39% (HD versus MUD, P = .4; HD versus MRD, P = .04). At 3 years, progression-free survival (PFS) was 59%, 44%, and 46% (P not significant); overall survival (OS) was 52%, 54%, and 67% (P not significant); and GVHD-free, relapse-free survival was 39%, 31%, and 24% (P not significant). No differences in the 3-year PFS (57% versus 43%; P = .3) and OS (64% versus 58%; P = .7) were seen between patients receiving FM100 and those receiving FM140. Our data demonstrate that in patients with lymphoma, ASCT with HD transplants have similar outcomes as ASCT with HLA-matched transplants, and the FM100 conditioning regimen appears to be at least as effective as the FM140 regimen.

Use of flow cytometry in the phenotypic diagnosis of hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has a unique immunophenotype derived from immunohistochemistry (positive for CD15, CD30, and Pax-5; negative for CD3, CD20 in most cases, and CD45). The knowledge gained over recent years enables better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of HL. Flow cytometry as a tool for the diagnosis of classic HL has not been useful in the past due to the difficulty in isolating Reed-Sternberg cells as they are admixed in a rich inflammatory background which consists mainly of T cells, B cells, eosinophils, histiocytes, and plasma cells. However, in the recent past, several studies have tried to identify Reed-Sternberg cells using flow cytometry on fine needle aspiration or tissue biopsy of lymph nodes to confirm or supplement immunohistochemistry staining in diagnosis. Newer and more sensitive tools such as flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, technology that may have been difficult in the past for diagnosis of this lymphoma subtype. Using flow cytometry, diagnosis is faster and could lead to point-of-care technology especially where we have typical immunophenotype signatures. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Outcomes of Patients with Recurrent and Refractory Lymphoma Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with BEAM Conditioning and Sirolimus- and Tacrolimus-Based GVHD Prophylaxis

The current standard of care for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is high-dose conditioning followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). For some patients (ie, those with highest-risk disease, insufficient stem cell numbers after mobilization, or bone marrow involvement) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) offers the potential for cure. However, the majority of patients undergoing alloHCT receive reduced-intensity conditioning as a preparative regimen, and studies assessing outcomes of patients after alloHCT with myeloablative conditioning are limited. In this retrospective study, we reviewed outcomes of 22 patients with recurrent and refractory NHL who underwent alloHCT with myeloablative BEAM conditioning and received tacrolimus/sirolimus as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis at City of Hope between 2005 and 2018. With a median follow-up of 2.6 years (range, 1.0 to 11.2 years), the probabilities of 2-year overall survival and event-free survival were 58.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.0% to 75.8%) and 45.5% (95% CI, 24.4% to 64.3%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD was 45.5% (95% CI, 23.8% to 64.9%), with only 1 patient developing grade IV acute GVHD. However, chronic GVHD was seen in 55% of the patients (n = 12). Of the 22 eligible patients, 2 had undergone previous ASCT and 2 had undergone previous alloHCT. Both patients with previous ASCT developed severe regimen-related toxicity. Patients who underwent alloHCT with chemorefractory disease had lower survival rates, with 1-year OS and EFS of 44.4% and 33.0%, respectively. In conclusion, alloHCT with a BEAM preparative regimen and tacrolimus/sirolimus-based GVHD should be considered as an alternative option for patients with highest-risk lymphoma whose outcomes are expectedly poor after ASCT.

Fertility preservation in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients that undergo targeted molecular therapies: an important step forward from the chemotherapy era

In total, 80%-90% of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients are curable with combination chemoradiotherapy. Due to improvements in therapeutic strategies, 50% of all relapsed/refractory patients may undergo complete clinical responses and have long-term survival. Treatment options for HL are effective, but may have a negative impact on post-chemotherapy fertility. Thus, cryopreservation of semen prior to treatment is recommended for male patients. For female patients, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) consult and fertility preservation should be offered as a therapeutical option. In the last years, new targeted molecules have been available for HL treatment. These new drugs showed a high rate of overall responses in the setting of heavily pretreated patients, most of them in relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation, a group previously considered very poor risk. Up to 50% of patients have a complete response and an improved overall survival. Future studies will address the usefulness of novel molecules as a frontline therapy. Considering the high response and survival rates with monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics, fertility has become a concerning issue for long-term HL survivors. As progress has been made regarding ART, with the rigorous steps planned for HL patients, more survivors will become parents.

Update on current research into haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (Haplo-SCT) is currently a suitable alternative worldwide for patients with hematological diseases, who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings or unrelated donors. Areas covered: This review summarizes the advancements in Haplo-SCT in recent years, primarily focusing on the global trends of haploidentical allograft, the comparison of outcomes between Haplo-SCT and other transplantation modalities, strategies for improving clinical outcomes, including donor selection, hematopoietic reconstitution promotion, and graft-versus-host disease, and relapse prevention/management, as well as the expanded indications of Haplo-SCT, such as severe aplastic anemia, myeloma and lymphoma. Expert commentary: Haploidentical allografts, including granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-based protocol and a post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based protocol, have been the mainstream strategy for Haplo-SCT. However, there are many unanswered questions in this field.

Outcomes of haploidentical stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a retrospective study on behalf of the chronic malignancies working party of the EBMT

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) may result in long-term disease control in high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Recently, haploidentical HCT is gaining interest because of better outcomes with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCY). We analyzed patients with CLL who received an allogeneic HCT with a haploidentical donor and whose data were available in the EBMT registry. In total 117 patients (74% males) were included; 38% received PTCY as GVHD prophylaxis. For the whole study cohort OS at 2 and 5 yrs was 48 and 38%, respectively. PFS at 2 and 5 yrs was 38 and 31%, respectively. Cumulative incidence (CI) of NRM in the whole group at 2 and 5 years were 40 and 44%, respectively. CI of relapse at 2 and 5 yrs were 22 and 26%, respectively. All outcomes were not statistically different in patients who received PTCY compared to other types of GVHD prophylaxis. In conclusion, results of haploidentical HCT in CLL seem almost identical to those with HLA-matched donors. Thereby, haploidentical HCT is an appropriate alternative in high risk CLL patients with a transplant indication but no available HLA-matched donor. Despite the use of PTCY, the CI of relapse seems not higher than observed after HLA-matched HCT.

Combined Haploidentical and Umbilical Cord Blood Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for High-Risk Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Limited studies have reported on outcomes for lymphoid malignancy patients receiving alternative donor allogeneic stem cell transplants. We have previously described combining CD34-selected haploidentical grafts with umbilical cord blood (haplo-cord) to accelerate neutrophil and platelet engraftment. Here, we examine the outcome of patients with lymphoid malignancies undergoing haplo-cord transplantation at the University of Chicago and Weill Cornell Medical College. We analyzed 42 lymphoma and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) patients who underwent haplo-cord allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Patients underwent transplant for Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 9, 21%), CLL (n = 5, 12%) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (n = 28, 67%), including 13 T cell lymphomas. Twenty-four patients (52%) had 3 or more lines of therapies. Six (14%) and 1 (2%) patients had prior autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplant, respectively. At the time of transplant 12 patients (29%) were in complete remission, 18 had chemotherapy-sensitive disease, and 12 patients had chemotherapy-resistant disease. Seven (17%), 11 (26%), and 24 (57%) patients had low, intermediate, and high disease risk index before transplant. Comorbidity index was evenly distributed among 3 groups, with 13 (31%), 14 (33%), and 15 (36%) patients scoring 0, 1 to 2, and ≥3. Median age for the cohort was 49 years (range, 23 to 71). All patients received fludarabine/melphalan/antithymocyte globulin conditioning regimen and post-transplant graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days (range, 9 to 60) and to platelet engraftment 19.5 days (range, 11 to 88). Cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 11.6% at 100 days and 19 % at one year. Cumulative incidence of relapse was 9.3% at 100 days and 19% at one year. With a median follow-up of survivors of 42 months, the 3-year rates of GVHD relapse free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival were 53%, 62%, and 65%, respectively, for these patients. Only 8% of the survivors had chronic GVHD. In conclusion, haplo-cord transplantation offers a transplant alternative for patients with recurrent or refractory lymphoid malignancies who lack matching donors. Both neutrophil and platelet count recovery is rapid, nonrelapse mortality is limited, excellent disease control can be achieved, and the incidence of chronic GVHD is limited. Thus, haplo-cord achieves high rates of engraftment and encouraging results.

Craniospinal irradiation prior to stem cell transplant for hematologic malignancies with CNS involvement: Effectiveness and toxicity after photon or proton treatment

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Craniospinal irradiation (CSI) improves local control of leukemia/lymphoma with central nervous system (CNS) involvement; however, for adult patients anticipating stem cell transplant (SCT), cumulative treatment toxicity is a major concern. We evaluated toxicities and outcomes for patients receiving proton or photon CSI before SCT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We identified 37 consecutive leukemia/lymphoma patients with CNS involvement who received CSI before SCT at our institution. Photon versus proton toxicities during CSI, transplant, and through 100 days posttransplant were compared using Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Long-term neurotoxicity, disease response, and overall survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients (23 photon, 14 proton) underwent CSI for CNS involvement of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (49%), acute myeloblastic leukemia (22%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (3%), chronic myelocytic leukemia (14%), lymphoma (11%), and myeloma (3%). CSI was used for consolidation (30 patients, 81%) and gross disease treatment (7 patients, 19%). Median radiation dose (interquartile range) was 24 Gy (23.4-24) for photons and 21.8 Gy (21.3-23.6) for protons (P = .03). Proton CSI was associated with lower rates of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 1-3 mucositis during CSI (7% vs 44%, P = .03): 1 grade 3 with protons versus 5 grade 1, 3 grade 2, and 2 grade 3 with photons. During CSI, other toxicities (infection, gastrointestinal symptoms) did not differ. Allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) was used in 95% of patients, with 53% of patients in remission before SCT. Myeloablative conditioning was used for 76%. During SCT admission and 100 days post-SCT, toxicities did not differ by CSI technique. Successful engraftment occurred in 95% of patients (P = .67). Progression or death occurred for 47% of patients, with only 1 CNS relapse.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort, CSI offered excellent local control for CNS-involved hematologic malignancies in the pre-SCT setting. Acute mucositis occurred less frequently with proton CSI with comparable peritransplant/long-term toxicity profile, suggesting the need to further explore the benefit/toxicity profile of this technique.

Steroid treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease grade I: a randomized trial

Patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) grade I were randomized to an observation arm (n=85) or to a treatment arm (n=86) consisting of 6-methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day, after stratification for age and donor type. The primary end point was development of grade II–IV GvHD. The cumulative incidence of grade II–IV GvHD was 50% in the observation arm and 33% in the treatment arm (P=0.005). However, grade III–IV GvHD was comparable (13% vs. 10%, respectively; P=0.6), and this was true for sibling and alternative donor transplants. Moderate/severe chronic GvHD was also comparable (17% vs. 9%). In multivariate analysis, an early interval between transplant and randomization (<day +20) was the only negative predictor of grade III–IV GvHD. Patients in the observation arm had less infectious bacterial episodes (12 vs. 25; P=0.04), less severe infectious fungal episodes (0 vs. 3; P=0.04), and less severe adverse events (3 vs. 11; P=0.07). At five years, non-relapse mortality was 20% versus 26% (P=0.2), relapse-related mortality 25% versus 21%, and actuarial survival was 51% versus 41% (P=0.3) in the observation and treatment arms, respectively. In multivariate analysis, advanced disease phase, older age and an early onset of GvHD were significant negative predictors of survival, independent of the randomization arm. In conclusion, steroid treatment of acute grade I GvHD prevents progression to grade II but not to grade III–IV GvHD, and there is no effect on non-relapse mortality and survival. Patients treated with steroids are at a higher risk of developing infections and have more adverse events. (Trial registered as EUDTRACT 2008-000413-29).

Transthoracic ultrasonography for the immunocompromised patient. A pilot project that introduces transthoracic ultrasonography for the follow-up of hematological patients in Romania

In the past decade, there has been significant progress in clinical hematology with the discovery of targeted molecules and thus the achievement of both hematologic and molecular responses. Nevertheless, chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for many types of hematological malignancies. Aggressive chemotherapy leads to immunosuppression, accompanied by a high rate of infections and an increased rate of treatment-related mortality. Invasive fungal infections as well as more common bacterial and viral infections are frequent in immunocompromised patients as they are difficult to diagnose and treat. Pleuropulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients are diagnosed using clinical examination, imaging and laboratory tests. Many laboratory tests are run for several days before a final result is given and are expensive. Computer tomography is a reliable technique, but it is encumbered by high irradiation and high cost, and can assess lesions larger than 1 cm. Transthoracic ultrasound is a modern method, used in the diagnostic algorithm of pleuropulmonary pathology. It allows the diagnosis of small lesions, can be performed at the patients' bedside, with acceptable costs and no irradiation. A fast, informed and accurate medical decision is essential for a favorable outcome in immunosuppressed patients with an adjacent infection. In the current case series we present the implementation of a new protocol for the follow-up of immunocompromised patients using transthoracic ultrasonography, of great potential use in the clinic.

Proceedings from the 1st Insights in Hematology Symposium, Cluj-Napoca, Romania March 11-12, 2016

In the March 2016 issue of the Lancet Haematology, the editorial office published a paper stating the roadmap for European research in hematology, based on the European Hematology Association (EHA) consensus document that outlines the directions in hematology for the following years across the continent. The meeting entitled "Insights in hematology" is organized a support for the initiative of a roadmap for European hematologists regarding research, may it be basic research or clinical research, but this consensus should not be focused mainly on European institutions, but rather form the backbone of global research between Europe and the United States, Japan or any other country. This will allow Europeans to learn as well as to share their experience with the rest of the scientific and medical community. And the Cluj-Napoca meeting should be followed by other such meetings all across the EU.

Nonmyeloablative Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide for Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with High-Risk Hematologic Malignancies

Lower-intensity conditioning regimens for haploidentical blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) are safe and efficacious for adult patients with hematologic malignancies. We report data for pediatric/young adult patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies (n = 40) treated with nonmyeloablative haploidentical BMT with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide from 2003 to 2015. Patients received a preparative regimen of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and total body irradiation. Post-transplantation immunosuppression consisted of cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus. Donor engraftment occurred in 29 of 32 (91%), with median time to engraftment of neutrophils >500/µL of 16 days (range, 13 to 22) and for platelets >20,000/µL without transfusion of 18 days (range, 12 to 62). Cumulative incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II to IV and grades III and IV at day 100 were 33% and 5%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 23%, with 7% moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD, according to National Institutes of Health consensus criteria. Transplantation-related mortality (TRM) at 1 year was 13%. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was 52%. With a median follow-up of 20 months (range, 3 to 148), 1-year actuarial overall and event-free survival were 56% and 43%, respectively. Thus, we demonstrate excellent rates of engraftment, GVHD, and TRM in pediatric/young adult patients treated with this regimen. This approach is a widely available, safe, and feasible option for pediatric and young adult patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies, including those with a prior history of myeloablative BMT and/or those with comorbidities or organ dysfunction that preclude eligibility for myeloablative BMT.

Clinical Practice Recommendations for Use of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on Behalf of the Guidelines Committee of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

We sought to establish clinical practice recommendations to redefine the role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in an era of highly active targeted therapies. We performed a systematic review to identify prospective randomized controlled trials comparing allo-HCT against novel therapies for treatment of CLL at various disease stages. In the absence of such data, we invited physicians with expertise in allo-HCT and/or CLL to participate in developing these recommendations. We followed the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. For standard-risk CLL we recommend allo-HCT in the absence of response or if there is evidence of disease progression after B cell receptor (BCR) inhibitors. For high-risk CLL an allo-HCT is recommended after failing 2 lines of therapy and showing an objective response to BCR inhibitors or to a clinical trial. It is also recommended for patients who fail to show an objective response or progress after BCR inhibitors and receive BCL-2 inhibitors, regardless of whether an objective response is achieved. For Richter transformation, we recommend allo-HCT upon demonstration of an objective response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy. A reduced-intensity conditioning regimen is recommended whenever indicated. These recommendations highlight the rapidly changing treatment landscape of CLL. Newer therapies have disrupted prior paradigms, and allo-HCT is now relegated to later stages of relapsed or refractory CLL.