ASBMT Practice Guidelines Committee Survey on Long-Term Follow-Up Clinics for Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Survivors

Severity and organ distribution of graft-versus-host disease with post-transplant cyclophosphamide versus calcineurin inhibitor plus methotrexate/mycophenolate mofetil or sirolimus in allogenic HLA-matched or single-allele mismatched stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective single center study aims to describe changes in the severity and organ-specific distribution of GvHD, by comparing the outcomes of 3 distinct GvHD prophylaxis approaches.

METHODS

Between January 2012 and June 2022, 226 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from HLA-matched or 1-allele mismatched related or unrelated donors. Fifty-eight (26%) received prophylaxis with calcineurin inhibitor in combination with mycophenolate mofetil or a short course of methotrexate (Cohort-1), 87 (38%) tacrolimus plus sirolimus (Cohort-2), and 81 (36%) post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) plus tacrolimus (Cohort-3).

RESULTS

The incidence of grade II-IV aGvHD was 69% vs. 41.4% vs. 27.2%; p < .01. The most significant reduction with PTCy was observed in both stage 3-4 skin and lower gastrointestinal (GI) involvement (p < .01). The incidence of moderate-to-severe cGvHD at 12 months was 34.5% vs. 34.5% vs. 6.2%; p < .01. Moderate-to-severe skin and GI cGvHD was less common after PTCy (p < .01). The 1-year GvHD-free/relapse-free survival was higher with PTCy (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that PTCy-based GvHD prophylaxis reduces the frequency and severity of both acute and chronic GvHD, with a notable decrease in severe GI and cutaneous manifestations. The higher GRFS may result in lower GvHD-related mortality, leading to an improved quality of life among survivors.

Chronic liver disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND AIMS

There are few descriptions of the epidemiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Among those transplanted before 2000, viral hepatitis was the dominant cause of CLD. Recently, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) is increasing in the general population. In addition, survivors of allo-HCT are known to be at increased risk of metabolic syndrome. We set out to describe the epidemiology of CLD in a modern cohort of allo-HCT recipients. We hypothesized that MASLD would be the most common cause of CLD in the cohort.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective cohort and nested case-control study of 2-year survivors of allo-HCT in Alberta transplanted between 2008 and 2018.

RESULTS

Among 392 2-year survivors of allo-HCT between 2008 and 2018, the prevalence of CLD was 41.8% and MASLD was identified in 56% of those with CLD, followed by iron overload in 47% of those with CLD. The prevalence of MASLD among the entire cohort was 46%. Although most patients developed CLD before 2 years post-transplant, there was a 13% cumulative incidence of new CLD after 2 years posttransplant. Grade 2-4 acute graft-versus-host disease and/or moderate-to-severe chronic graft-versus-host disease and pretransplant CLD were strongly associated with CLD. In the case-control study examining the association between cardiovascular risk factors and CLD, type 2 diabetes was associated with CLD. Cirrhosis developed in 1.5% of survivors, and MASLD was an underlying etiology in one half of these cases. There was no difference in overall survival and non-relapse mortality between those who did and did not develop CLD.

CONCLUSIONS

MASLD is the main cause of CLD in recent long-term survivors of allo-HCT and may be associated with post-transplant corticosteroid exposure and type 2 diabetes. We note a shift in the underlying etiology of CLD post-HCT: previous studies describe viral hepatitis as the most common cause of CLD. The high prevalence of MASLD in allo-HCT recipients has important implications for survivorship care.

Outcomes of a Formal Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivorship Program on Screening for Late Effects

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors may benefit from routine screening for post-transplant complications. However, the impact of formal survivorship efforts to promote screening adherence is uncertain. The effect of a formal HCT survivorship program to promote screening adherence was evaluated. We conducted a retrospective analysis of an academic formal HCT survivorship program with primary and specialty consult components. We included patients who underwent allogeneic HCT and were alive and relapse-free 1-year post-HCT. We excluded patients who died <2-year post-HCT or transferred care. We measured screening adherence to cardiovascular, pulmonary, ocular, secondary cancer, and endocrine evaluations. The primary outcome was proportion of patients completing ≥1 evaluation per screening domain prior to 2-year post-HCT. We examined screening adherence during 3 time periods: presurvivorship (2012 to 2014) and 2 postsurvivorship (2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021) using multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression. Four hundred ten patients (2012 to 2014: n = 136, 2016 to 2018: n = 153, 2019 to 2021: n = 121) were included. Compared to the presurvivorship period (16.9%), patients in 2016 to 2018 (47.7%, odds ratio [OR] = 4.9, P < .0001) and 2019 to 2021 (34.7%, OR = 2.7, P = .001) were more likely to complete ≥1 evaluation per screening domain. Except for pulmonary function tests in 2019 to 2021, median time to completion of survivorship evaluations was shorter in the survivorship periods compared to presurvivorship. Patients who completed a formal HCT survivorship consult in 2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021 were more likely to complete ≥1 evaluation per screening domain (OR = 5.1, P = .0004). Survivorship consult had similar effect on the primary screening outcome in 2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021 (consult × time interaction OR: 2.5, P = .2). However, patients who received a consult in 2019 to 2021 were more likely to complete all screenings (consult × time interaction: OR = 5.7, P = .03). Our HCT survivorship program with primary and specialty components improved screening adherence. Additional studies are needed to evaluate efficacy, dissemination, and implementation of formal HCT survivorship programs.

International recommendations for screening and preventative practices for long-term survivors of transplantation and cellular therapy: a 2023 update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the volume of HCT performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long-term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pre-, peri- and post-transplant exposures and other underlying risk-factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and updated in 2012. To review contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practice of HCT and cellular therapy, an international group of experts was again convened. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (e.g., hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group, disease, or condition specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

International Recommendations for Screening and Preventative Practices for Long-Term Survivors of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: A 2023 Update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the number of HCTs performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pretransplantation, peritransplantation, and post-transplantation exposures and other underlying risk factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and then updated in 2012. An international group of experts was convened to review the contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practices of HCT and cellular therapy. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed, but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize the special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (eg, hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group-, disease-, or condition-specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Long-Term Outcomes in ≥1 Year Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors: A CIBMTR Analysis

Racial/ethnic minorities have demonstrated worse survival after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) compared to whites. Whether the racial disparity in HCT outcomes persists in long-term survivors and possibly may be even exacerbated in this population, which frequently transitions back from the transplant center to their local healthcare providers, is unknown. In the current study, we compared long-term outcomes among 1-year allogeneic HCT survivors by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database was used to identify 5473 patients with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndromes who underwent their first allogeneic HCT between 2007 and 2017 and were alive and in remission for at least 1 year after transplantation. The study was restricted to patients who underwent HCT in the United States. SES was defined using patient neighborhood poverty level estimated from the recipient's ZIP code of residence; a ZIP code with ≥20% of persons below the federal poverty level was considered a high poverty area. The primary outcome was to evaluate the associations of race/ethnicity and neighborhood poverty level with overall survival (OS), relapse, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Cox regression models were used to determine associations of ethnicity/race and SES with OS, relapse, and NRM. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated to compare mortality rates of the study patients and their general population peers matched on race/ethnicity, age, and sex. The study cohort was predominately non-Hispanic white (n = 4385) and also included non-Hispanic black (n = 338), Hispanic (n = 516), and Asian (n = 234) patients. Overall, 729 patients (13%) resided in high-poverty areas. Significantly larger proportions of non-Hispanic black (37%) and Hispanic (26%) patients lived in high-poverty areas compared to non-Hispanic whites (10%) and Asians (10%) (P < .01). Multivariable analysis revealed no significant associations between OS, PFS, relapse, or NRM and race/ethnicity or poverty level when adjusted for patient-, disease- and transplantation-related covariates. Our retrospective cohort registry study shows that among adult allogeneic HCT recipients who survived at least 1 year in remission, there were no associations between race/ethnicity, neighborhood poverty level, and long-term outcomes.

The lived experience of long-term follow-up clinical care for haematopoietic stem cell recipients in England: a qualitative exploration

PURPOSE

Despite a haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) being a potentially curative treatment option for malignant and non-malignant disorders, patients may develop complex physical and psychological post-transplant complications. Consequently, transplant centres remain responsible for patients' life-long monitoring and screening practices. We sought to describe how HSCT survivors experience long-term follow-up (LTFU) monitoring clinics in England.

METHOD

A qualitative approach was adopted with data collected from written accounts. Seventeen transplant recipients were recruited from across England, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Data analysis elicited four themes: Transfer to LTFU care: 'will there be a change in my care, or will appointments just become less frequent?'; Care Coordination: 'it is good to know I am still in the system'; Relationship continuity: 'a good knowledge of me, my health and what is important to me'; and Late-effects Screening: 'there was not much information about what to expect or be aware of'.

CONCLUSIONS

HSCT survivors in England experience uncertainty and lack of information regarding the transfer from acute to long-term care and clinic screening practices. However, patients gain reassurance from remaining on a healthcare pathway and maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

HSCT recipients entering LTFU monitoring clinics are a growing population of cancer survivors. Understanding and acknowledging this cohort of patients' needs may inform the development of tailored support to help patients navigate the complicated healthcare pathway.

Feasibility of a new model of care for allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients facilitated by eHealth: The MY-Medula pilot study

BACKGROUND

The use of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for the treatment of hematologic diseases is steadily increasing. However, allo-SCT has the downside of causing considerable treatment-related morbidity and mortality. Mobile technology applied to healthcare (mHealth) has proven to be a cost-effective strategy to improve care and offer new services to people with multimorbidity, but there are few data on its usefulness in allo-SCT recipients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this report was to describe a new integrated healthcare model facilitated by an mHealth platform, named EMMASalud-MY-Medula, and to report the results of a le.

STUDY DESIGN

The MY-Medula platform development approach consisted of 4 phases. Firstly, patient and healthcare professional needs were identified and technological development and pre-testing tests were conducted (phases 1-3, January 2016-March 2021). Then, a non-randomized, prospective, observational, single-center pilot study was conducted (October 2021-January 2022) at the adult Stem Cell Transplant Unit of a tertiary university hospital.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight volunteer allo-SCT recipients were included in the pilot study. Fifty percent were outpatients in the first-year post-SCT and the remaining 50% were affected by steroid-dependent graft-versus-host disease (SR-GVHD). All patients used MY-Medula application during the two-month follow-up period with a median number of visits to the application of 143 (range 6-477). A total of 2067 self-monitoring records were made, and 205 text messages were received, most of them related to symptoms description (47%) and doubts about medication (21%). In 3.4% of the cases drug dose adjustments were performed by the pharmacist because of dosing errors or interactions. At the end of the study, a 6-question Likert-type questionnaire for patients and a 22-question test for healthcare professionals showed a high degree of satisfaction (95% and 100% respectively) with the new healthcare pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-engineering allo-SCT recipients follow-up into an integrated, multidisciplinary model of care facilitated by mHealth tools is feasible and has been associated with a high usability and degree of satisfaction by patients and healthcare professionals. A randomized trial aiming to determine the cost-effectiveness of MY-Medula-based follow-up post-SCT is currently enrolling participants.

Primary Preventive Care of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors: Time to Educate and Empower Recipients and Providers

Increasing use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and improvements in recipient outcomes have led to a steady increase in the number of allogeneic HCT survivors. In addition to complications specific to the transplantation process, HCT recipients are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and subsequent neoplasm (SN). Strict surveillance of risk factors for CVD and cancer in the general population is recommended as an essential component of long-term follow-up (LTFU) care of HCT survivors, but implementation of this has been suboptimal. Various models for improving the provision of survivorship care have been proposed, including a hybrid/combined care approach wherein the HCT provider manages transplantation-specific complications and the primary care physician (PCP) provides general medical care, including surveillance and aggressive management of CVD risk factors and screening for SN. This model also offers a practical approach to LTFU care for HCT survivors who live at a distance from the HCT center, which is a reality for many recipients of HCT at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). As the success of such a hybrid approach to survivorship care depends on the engagement of HCT recipients with their PCP and compliance with recommended general population surveillance, the aim of the present study was to assess the rates of PCP attendance and adherence to recommended preventive medicine interventions in the years immediately before and after HCT. We hypothesized that rates would be suboptimal and planned to use these results as a baseline for an educational initiative aimed at increasing awareness of HCT recipients and their PCPs about embracing preventive survivorship care. This was a single-center cohort study of allogeneic HCT recipients who underwent transplantation at TOH with linkage to population-based health administrative data. Published clinical practice guidelines were used to define recommended screening for CVD risk factors and cancer. The rates of annual PCP visits and utilization of recommended preventive care interventions in the 5 years before and after HCT were calculated for all eligible patients. Between 2014 and 2020, 409 patients with provincial health care coverage underwent allogeneic HCT at TOH. The median patient age was 51 years (range, 15 to 73 years), with a male predominance (60.9%). Approximately one-quarter of recipients did not attend a PCP visit in the 5 years before and after transplantation, and this proportion increased to one- third in the fifth year post-HCT. Among those recipients who were eligible, only 20% to 25% underwent recommended screening for dyslipidemia and diabetes. Cancer screening rates were also low, at 16% to 18% for cervical cancer, 18% to 22% for colon cancer, and 30% to 31% for breast cancer. These results highlight the need to increase awareness of HCT recipients and their PCPs about the risk of developing CVD and SN post-transplantation and to emphasize the potential to mitigate this risk by adhering to recommendations for surveillance to enable prompt intervention. Patient education should incorporate this information and empower HCT survivors to actively engage in their follow-up care and optimize their long-term outcomes.

Impact of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in childhood and adolescence on quality of adulthood life: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is associated with late complications that can impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients for years after transplant. The purpose of the present study was to determine the difference in the QoL of adults that underwent allo-HSCT in childhood and adolescence compared with not transplanted adults.

METHODS

In this prospective case-control cross-sectional study, we included patients aged ≥18 years that received an allo-HSCT during childhood or adolescence and subsequently survived at least 2 years after transplantation. The control group consisted of blood donors matched for age and sex. QoL assessment was performed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey, Portuguese version 2.

RESULTS

Thirty-four transplanted patients and controls were included. 58.8% were male, and the median age at transplant was 13.5 years (range, 4-17 years). The median follow-up was 11.5 years (range, 2.0-23.0 years). The most common late effect was skeletally followed by endocrine complications. Patients with these late complications had the worst QOL in the following dimensions: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, and mental health. When compared to the control group, patients had a lower score in two dimensions: physical functioning and role physical.

CONCLUSIONS

Although skeletal and endocrine complications of transplant patients in childhood have an impact on physical functioning, most parameters of QoL of these patients in adulthood are similar to healthy individuals of the same age and gender. Early detection and long-term monitoring of late complications can prevent impairment of the QoL.

Association of Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease with Late Effects following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Children with Hematologic Malignancy

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) occurs in up to 25% of children following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and continues to be a major cause of late morbidity and poor quality of life among long-term survivors of pediatric HCT. Late effects (LEs) of HCT are well documented in this population, and cGVHD has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent neoplasms (SNs) and several nonmalignant LEs (NM-LEs); however, the reported correlation between cGVHD and LEs varies among studies. We compared LEs occurring ≥2 years following childhood HCT for a hematologic malignancy in 2-year disease-free survivors with and without cGVHD and further evaluated the association of cGVHD features on the development of LEs. This systematic retrospective analysis used data from the Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) on a large, representative cohort of 1260 survivors of pediatric HCT for hematologic malignancy to compare first malignant LEs and NM-LEs in those with a diagnosis of cGVHD and those who never developed cGVHD. The cumulative incidences of any first LE, SN, and NM-LE were estimated at 10 years after HCT, with death as a competing risk for patients with cGVHD versus no cGVHD. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the impact of cGVHD and its related characteristics on the development of first LEs. The estimated 10-year cumulative incidence of any LE in patients with and without cGVHD was 43% (95% CI, 38% to 48.2%) versus 32% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.5% to 36.3%) (P < .001), respectively. The development of cGVHD by 2 years post-HCT was independently associated with any LE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.68; P = .001) and NM-LE (HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.70; P = .006), but not SN (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, .73 to 2.31; P = .38). cGVHD-related factors linked with the development of an NM-LE included having extensive grade cGVHD (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.08; P = .0005), severe cGVHD (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.60 to 3.17; P < .0001), interrupted onset type (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.05; P = .0008), and both mucocutaneous and visceral organ involvement (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.24 to 2.03; P = .0002). No significant association between cGVHD-specific variables and SN was identified. Finally, the duration of cGVHD treatment of cGVHD with systemic immunosuppression was not significantly associated with SNs or NM-LEs. cGVHD was more closely associated with NM-LEs than with SNs among survivors of pediatric HCT for hematologic malignancy. In this analysis, the development of SNs was strongly associated with the use of myeloablative total body irradiation. cGVHD-related characteristics consistent with a state of greater immune dysregulation were more closely linked to NM-LEs.

Patient-reported long-term outcome following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia

Background

Pediatric CML is very rare. Before the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from a donor -if available- was the standard cure attempt. Data on the long-term outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in former pediatric CML patients undergoing HSCT are lacking.

Study question

We investigated long-term survivors' self-reporting to a questionnaire sent out to patients formerly enrolled in pediatric CML-HSCT trials.

Methods

Individuals with CML transplanted at age <18 years were identified from the German Childhood Cancer Registry database. Long-term survivors received a questionnaire based on the SF-36 and FACT-BMT asking them to self-report HRQOL issues. (Ethical vote #541_20 B, Medical Faculty, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg).

Results

111/171 (64.9%) individuals survived HSCT long-term and 86/111 (77.5%) fulfilled all inclusion criteria and received the questionnaire. 37/86 (43%) participants (24 female, 13 male, median age at HSCT 12 years [range 2-18], median age at the time of the survey 29 years [range 18-43]) responded after a median follow-up period of 19 years (range 4-27) after HSCT. 10/37 (27%) participants underwent no regular medical follow-up examinations. Self-reported symptoms like chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD)-associated organ impairments and conditioning regimen consequences could causatively not sharply be separated in each case. Complains comprised hypothyroidism (N=11, 30%), infertility (N=9, 24%), lung problems, dry eyes (each N=7, 19%), skin alterations (N=6, 17%), hair problems (N=4, 11%), and sexual dysfunction (N=3, 9%). 10 (27%) participants experienced 13 CML relapses after a median interval from HSCT of 31 months (range 2-93). Only one patient underwent 2nd SCT after failure of relapse treatment with TKIs. Six secondary malignancies (dysplastic melanocytic nevus and ALL, basal cell carcinoma (N=2), rhabdomyosarcoma, and thyroid carcinoma developed in 5 (13%) participants. As assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, impaired physical health was mainly associated with cGvHD. The mental component summary score showed that also participants without cGvHD scored significantly lower than the general population. When assessed by the FACT-BMT, participants with cGvHD scored significantly lower while participants without cGvHD scored even 5 points higher than the data from controls. 18 (49%) participants considered the sequelae of HSCT an obstacle to education. Out of the total cohort, N=20 (54%), N=7 (19%), N=5 (14%), and N=4 (11%) participants worked full time, part-time, were unemployed, or had not yet finalized their education, respectively. 20 (54%) participants lived as singles, 8 (22%) lived in a partnership, 6 (16%) were married, and 3 (8%) had been divorced. Four (11%) participants reported a total number of 7 children.

Conclusion

This first assessment of HRQOL in former pediatric patients with CML surviving HSCT for more than two decades demonstrates self-reported satisfactory well-being only in the absence of cGvHD. Research-based on self-reported outcomes sheds light on former patients' perspectives and provides an additional layer of valuable knowledge for pediatric and adult hematologists. Regular follow-up examinations are mandatory helping to avoid that late secondary neoplasias, CML-relapse, and disorders forming the broad range of possible long-term consequences of HSCT are not detected too late.

ASTCT Committee on Practice Guidelines Survey on Evaluation & Management of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma after Failure of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy (CAR-T) Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) is a major advance in managing aggressive relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas; however, relapses are frequent and pose a major therapeutic challenge. There is substantial variability across transplantation and cellular therapy programs in assessing and managing post-CAR-T failures. The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Committee on Practice Guidelines conducted an online cross-sectional survey between August 2021 and October 2021 to determine the U.S. lymphoma and transplantation and cellular therapy physicians' practice patterns for the detection and diagnosis of CAR-T failure, as well as management strategies for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in this particular setting. E-mail surveys were sent to 901 potential participants, of which 174 (19%) completed the survey. Responders were mainly White (51.2%), male (70.7%), and with >10 years of practice experience (51.2%). Overall, 87% of the responders were affiliated with university/teaching centers; 54.6% had general oncology practices, and 45.4% had lymphoma-focused transplantation/cellular therapy practices. The most common periods to perform surveillance scans were at 3 months and 12 months after CAR-T infusion. Overall, 88.5% of responders would often or always consider a biopsy to confirm relapse and 89% would routinely check for the persistence of the antigen targeted by the CAR (e.g., CD19 in the case of CD19 CAR-T). The most popular first salvage regimen for relapse or progression was an alternate CAR-T therapy (dual or alternate target) regardless of CD19 positivity. Twenty-seven percent of responders chose this regimen for CD19 positive relapse, whereas 31% of responders did so for CD19 negative relapse. Overall, 88.5% of responders favored consolidative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation after response to salvage, whereas 51.2% of physicians would consider autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in transplantation-naïve patients. There is substantial cross-center variation in surveillance, diagnosis, and management of CAR-T failure. Prospective clinical trials evaluating novel agents in this setting are urgently needed to identify best management strategies.

Development and Implementation of an Advanced Practitioner-Led Survivorship Clinic for Patients Status Post Allogeneic Transplant

Background:

Survivor recovery from hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is long term, with significant physical and psychological morbidities that impact quality of life and reentry into personal and social lives. The optimal timing of when and how to deliver comprehensive HCT survivorship care is not well defined.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate an advanced practitioner (AP)-led pilot survivorship clinic incorporating an individual and group format for patients post HCT at the 1-year transition period.

Methods:

A survey assessing physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs and concerns was mailed to a sample of patients who underwent HCT between 2009 and 2014. This phase 1 survey was utilized in the phase 2 design of an AP-led pilot survivorship clinic for patients post allogeneic HCT. A total of 15 patients were approached, out of which 7 enrolled over a 12-month period in the pilot survivorship clinic.

Results:

The needs assessment survey noted the most prevalent moderate to high concerns were in the emotional domain, with 52% of respondents identifying fear of cancer returning and new cancer developing. The pilot survivorship clinic incorporating a group visit format with multiple sessions was not feasible for both patients and APs within the context of a small- to medium-sized HCT program.

Conclusion:

The needs assessment survey underscored the importance of addressing all four quality of life domains in cancer survivors. A hybrid survivorship clinic with one comprehensive group visit may be beneficial for HCT survivors at the 1-year transition for small- to medium-sized HCT programs.

Long-term transplant outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic transplant in pediatric patients with hematological malignancies are influenced by severe chronic graft vs. host disease and immune reconstitution

Long-term follow-up studies are crucial to ensure surveillance and intervention for late complications after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but they are scarce on the pediatric population. This study aims to analyze risk factors for long-term transplant outcomes. We report a landmark analysis of 162 pediatric patients who underwent allogeneic transplantation between 1991 and 2016, and survived for at least 12 months after the transplant. With a median follow-up time of 10 years for the survivors, the probability of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) is 81 ± 3 and 88 ± 2%, respectively. Variables that influenced DFS in the univariate analysis were: disease phase (early phase 87 ± 3% vs. advanced phase 74 ± 5%; p = 0.04), acute graft vs. host disease (aGvHD; yes 73 ± 5% vs. no 87 ± 3%; p = 0.038), severe chronic GvHD (cGvHD; yes 41 ± 13% vs. no 85 ± 3%; p = 0.0001), and CD4+ lymphocytes 2 years after the transplant (above the median of 837/μl 98 ± 2% vs. below the median 82 ± 6%, p = 0.026). However, in the multivariate analysis, the only variable that influenced DFS was presence of severe chronic GvHD (yes vs. no, HR 6.25; 95% CI, 1.35-34.48; p = 0.02). Transplant strategies should aim to reduce the risk of severe cGvHD. Immune reconstitution surveillance may help clinicians to better deal with late transplant complications.

Feasibility and usefulness of recommended screenings at long-term follow-up clinics for hematopoietic cell transplant survivors

PURPOSE

Advances in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have resulted in a growing number of transplant survivors; however, long-term survivors are at risk of developing late complications, and published guidelines recommend screening of this population. We conducted a single-center prospective study to evaluate the adherence to and usefulness of recommended screenings at a long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinic.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients who received allo-HCT at our center from 2014, as well as post-HCT patients visiting our outpatient clinic. Visits and screenings were planned at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after allo-HCT, and annually thereafter. Outcomes were reported by physicians including the incidence of findings at each screening that led to interventions.

RESULTS

Among the 216 participants, 95% visited the LTFU clinic, and 94% completed planned screenings. However, the rate of secondary cancer screenings targeting high-risk subjects was lower (38% to 68%). The overall percentage of screening results leading to interventions was 4.5%, with higher percentages (> 10%) for bone density testing, ophthalmological examinations, dental assessment, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and colonoscopy, with two patients diagnosed with secondary cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the overall screening rate was high, it should be possible to improve the detection rate of late complications by decreasing screening failures, especially the screening for secondary cancers limited for high-risk survivors. A nationwide effort to educate HCT survivors and health practitioners using standardized nationwide LTFU tools may be effective, along with the development of institutional, local, and nationwide networks to maintain effective follow-up systems.

Pulmonary surveillance in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant: A multinational multidisciplinary survey

Background

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is an established treatment for malignant and non‐malignant conditions and pulmonary disease is a leading cause of late term morbidity and mortality. Accurate and early detection of pulmonary complications is a critical step in improving long term outcomes. Existing guidelines for surveillance of pulmonary complications post‐HSCT contain conflicting recommendations.

Aim

To determine the breadth of current practice in monitoring for pulmonary complications of pediatric HSCT.

Methods

An institutional review board approved, online, anonymous multiple‐choice survey was distributed to HSCT and pulmonary physicians from the United States of America and Australasia using the REDcap platform. The survey was developed by members of the American Thoracic Society Working Group on Complications of Childhood Cancer, and was designed to assess patient management and service design.

Results

A total of 40 (34.8%) responses were received. The majority (62.5%) were pulmonologists, and 82.5% were from the United States of America. In all, 67.5% reported having a protocol for monitoring pulmonary complications and 50.0% reported adhering “well” or “very well” to protocols. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) most commonly involved spirometry and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide. The frequency of PFTs varied depending on time post‐HSCT and presence of complications. In all, 55.0% reported a set threshold for a clinically significant change in PFT.

Conclusions

These results illustrate current variation in surveillance for pulmonary complications of pediatric HSCT. The results of this survey will inform development of future guidelines for monitoring of pulmonary complications after pediatric HSCT.

Late effects after ablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation for adolescent and young adult acute myeloid leukemia

There is marked paucity of data regarding late effects in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who undergo myeloablative conditioning (MAC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We evaluated late effects and survival in 826 1-year disease-free survivors of MAC HCT for AYA AML, with an additional focus on comparing late effects based upon MAC type (total body irradiation [TBI] vs high-dose chemotherapy only). The estimated 10-year cumulative incidence of subsequent neoplasms was 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2%-6%); 10-year cumulative incidence of nonmalignant late effects included gonadal dysfunction (10%; 95% CI, 8%-13%), cataracts (10%; 95% CI, 7%-13%), avascular necrosis (8%; 95% CI, 5%-10%), diabetes mellitus (5%; 95% CI, 3%-7%), and hypothyroidism (3%; 95% CI, 2%-5%). Receipt of TBI was independently associated with a higher risk of cataracts only (hazard ratio [HR], 4.98; P < .0001) whereas chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) was associated with an increased risk of cataracts (HR, 3.22; P = .0006), avascular necrosis (HR, 2.49; P = .006), and diabetes mellitus (HR, 3.36; P = .03). Estimated 10-year overall survival and leukemia-free survival were 73% and 70%, respectively, and did not differ on the basis of conditioning type. In conclusion, late effects among survivors of MAC HCT for AYA AML are frequent and are more closely linked to cGVHD than type of conditioning.

Higher exercise tolerance early after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the predictive marker for higher probability of later social reintegration

As the proportion of long-term survivors after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is on the rise, it is essential to consider the significance of quality of life (QOL), including reintegration with society (returning to school or work). This retrospective cohort study aims to illustrate the precise epidemiology of social reintegration later after allo-HSCT and determine its predictive indicators. We enrolled 56 patients, and 40 patients (71%) attained social reintegration at 2 years post-HSCT. Reintegration failure markedly correlated with an inferior performance status and concurrent chronic graft-versus-host disease. In non-reintegrated patients, the physical function at discharge measured by the 6-min walking distance (6MWD) was markedly decreased. On the multivariate risk analyses, sex (female; odds ratio (OR) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.01–0.54; p = 0.01), HCT-CI (≥ 2; OR 0.10; 95% CI 0.01–0.84; p = 0.03), and change in 6MWD (per 5% increase; OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.01–2.13; p = 0.04) were significant predictors of later social reintegration. This study suggests that a multidisciplinary strategy including rehabilitation is essential, especially in patients with poor predictive markers at an early phase, and we should consider suitable rehabilitation programs to prevent a decline in exercise tolerance and improve social reintegration and overall QOL in patients after allo-HSCT.

Driving Distance and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors

Long driving distances to transplantation centers may impede access to care for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. As a secondary analysis from the multicenter INSPIRE study (NCT01602211), we examined baseline data from relapse-free HCT adult survivors (2 to 10 years after allogeneic or autologous HCT) to investigate the association between driving distances and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures of distress and physical function. We analyzed predictors of elevated distress and impaired physical function using logistic regression models that operationalized driving distance first as a continuous variable and separately as a dichotomous variable (<100 versus 100+ miles). Of 1136 patients available for analysis from 6 US centers, median driving distance was 82 miles and 44% resided 100+ miles away from their HCT centers. Elevated distress was reported by 32% of patients, impaired physical function by 19%, and both by 12%. Driving distance, whether operationalized as a continuous or dichotomous variable, had no impact on distress or physical function in linear regression modeling (95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.00, for both PROs with driving distance as a continuous variable). In contrast, chronic graft-versus-host-disease, lower income, and lack of Internet access independently predicted both elevated distress and impaired physical function. In summary, we found no impact of driving distance on distress and physical function among HCT survivors. Our results have implications for how long-term follow-up care is delivered after HCT, with regard to the negligible impact of driving distances on PROs and also the risk of a "digital divide" worsening outcomes among HCT survivors without Internet access.

Survivorship care for allogeneic transplant patients in the UK NHS: changes centre practice, impact of health service policy and JACIE accreditation over 5 years

Care of long-term survivors of allogeneic transplant is known to be variable despite international guidelines and accreditation standards. In 2014 a survey of UK NHS-based adult transplant centres identified significant barriers to delivery of long-term follow-up services. In 2019, we repeated the survey to assess changes over a 5-year period when health service policies had mandated JACIE accreditation incorporating standards for long-term care. Improvements were seen in the number of centres having a dedicated long-term follow-up clinic for allogeneic transplant recipients (52% versus 33%) and a standard operating procedure (88% versus 69%). Inclusion of psychological support in standard operating procedures remained low at both time points (32% versus 28%). There was ongoing variation in practice regarding vaccination programmes, access to cancer screening, and audit processes between centres. Perceived barriers to implementation of comprehensive long-term follow-up clinics were similar in 2019; mainly resourcing clinical staff and psychological support. Whilst the survey reflects the changing practice of transplant centres, best explained by increasing recognition of late effects and survivorship by clinicians, health service policy and JACIE accreditation standards, further developments are warranted to address unmet healthcare needs of long-term HSCT survivors, especially access to psychological support, cancer screening and vaccinations.

Indications for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Immune Effector Cell Therapy: Guidelines from the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) published its first white paper on indications for autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in 2015. It was identified at the time that periodic updates of indications would be required to stay abreast with state of the art and emerging indications and therapy. In recent years the field has not only seen an improvement in transplantation technology, thus widening the therapeutic scope of HCT, but additionally a whole new treatment strategy using modified immune effector cells, including chimeric antigen receptor T cells and engineered T-cell receptors, has emerged. The guidelines review committee of the ASTCT deemed it optimal to update the ASTCT recommendations for indications for HCT to include new data and to incorporate indications for immune effector cell therapy (IECT) where appropriate. The guidelines committee established a multiple stakeholder task force consisting of transplant experts, payer representatives, and a patient advocate to provide guidance on indications for HCT and IECT. This article presents the updated recommendations from the ASTCT on indications for HCT and IECT. Indications for HCT/IECT were categorized as (1) Standard of care, where indication is well defined and supported by evidence; (2) Standard of care, clinical evidence available, where large clinical trials and observational studies are not available but have been shown to be effective therapy; (3) Standard of care, rare indication, for rare diseases where demonstrated effectiveness exists but large clinical trials and observational studies are not feasible; (4) Developmental, for diseases where preclinical and/or early-phase clinical studies show HCT/IECT to be a promising treatment option; and (5) Not generally recommended, where available evidence does not support the routine use of HCT/IECT. The ASTCT will continue to periodically review these guidelines and update them as new evidence becomes available.

Risk and Response Adapted Treatment Guidelines for Managing First Relapsed and Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma in Children and Young People. Recommendations from the EuroNet Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma Group

The objective of this guideline is to aid clinicians in making individual salvage treatment plans for pediatric and adolescent patients with first relapse or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). While salvage with standard dose chemotherapy followed by high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant is often considered the standard of care in adult practice, pediatric practice adopts a more individualized risk stratified and response adapted approach to salvage treatment with greater use of non-transplant salvage. Here, we present on behalf of the EuroNet Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma group, evidence and consensus-based guidelines for standardized diagnostic, prognostic and response procedures to allocate children and adolescents with R/R cHL to stratified salvage treatments.

Current Status and Needs of Long-Term Follow-Up Clinics for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors: Results of a Nationwide Survey in Japan

With increasing focus on the importance of long-term survivorship care after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), more institutions have been establishing long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinics. Currently, however, with varying volumes of HCT procedures and resources, there is no standardized operation of these clinics in HCT centers. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey to characterize the current operation of LTFU clinics in Japan. We targeted 271 HCT centers (189 adult and 82 pediatric) that registered allo-HCT cases to the national transplant registry database. The response rate was 69%, and 117 of the 188 participating centers (62%) had an established LTFU clinic. The most frequent reason cited for not operating an LTFU clinic was a "lack of human resources," especially nurses. Most centers with an LTFU clinic targeted allo-HCT recipients, although autologous HCT survivors were followed up at 18% of adult centers and 48% of pediatric centers. Ninety-two percent of centers did not terminate LTFU at a specific time point, and 56% recommended that patients visit the LTFU clinic beyond 5 years after HCT. Fifteen of 20 pediatric centers indicated that they did not routinely refer survivors who underwent HCT at a young age to an adult HCT center for their adulthood LTFU. We found that staffing and standard practices varied widely among centers, and that most centers continued to see long-term HCT survivors at their own outpatient clinics. The development of common LTFU tools may help standardize LTFU practices and facilitate efficient transitions.

Transplant center characteristics and survival after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in adults

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is a highly specialized procedure. We surveyed adult transplant centers in the United States (US) and then used data reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) (2008–2010) to evaluate associations of center volume, infrastructure, and care delivery models with survival post alloHCT. Based on their 2010 alloHCT volume, centers were categorized as low-volume (≤40 alloHCTs; N=42 centers, 1,900 recipients) or high-volume (>40 alloHCTs; N=41 centers, 9,637 recipients). 100-day survival was 86% (95% CI, 85–87%) in high-volume compared to 83% (95% CI, 81–85%) in low-volume centers (difference 3%; P<0.001). One-year survival was 62% (95% CI, 61–63%) and 56% (95% CI, 54–58%), respectively (difference 6%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for patient and center characteristics; alloHCT at high-volume centers (odds ratio [OR] 1.32; P<0.001) and presence of a survivorship program dedicated to HCT recipients (OR 1.23; P=0.009) were associated with favorable 1-year survival compared to low-volume centers. Similar findings were observed in a CIBMTR validation cohort (2012–2014); high-volume centers had better 1-year survival (OR 1.24, P<0.001). Among US adult transplant centers, alloHCT at high-volume centers and at centers with survivorship programs is associated with higher 1-year survival.

Early Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: Are We There Yet?

Cardiovascular (CV) events have emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. Accumulating evidence supports the presence of increased CV risk in HCT recipients. Most studies have focused mainly on traditional CV risk factors, such as the metabolic syndrome and hypertension. However, detection of these factors suggests the development of irreversible overt clinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, earlier prediction of CV risk is needed to prevent CV morbidity and mortality in these patients. In the field of CV research, endothelial dysfunction is considered an early event in the pathophysiology of CV risk factors, and a number of markers have been proposed for its assessment. In addition, markers of subclinical target organ damage have been introduced to implement CV risk prediction and early preventive or intensive therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, a number of CV models have been suggested aiming for optimal stratification of patients. Preliminary studies have indicated excess CV risk using these early markers in HCT recipients. However, their role in the pathophysiology and clinical practice in HCT survivors remains largely understudied. Taking into account the need for increased awareness from treating physicians in this evolving setting, we conducted a state-of-the-art review aiming to summarize current knowledge on endothelial dysfunction, subclinical target organ damage, and CV risk prediction in HCT survivors.