Epidemiology of the classical myeloproliferative neoplasms: The four corners of an expansive and complex map

Sex-dependent differences in hematopoietic stem cell aging and leukemogenic potential

Sex influences many biological outcomes, but how sex affects hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging and hematological disorders is poorly understood. The widespread use of young animal models to study age-related diseases further complicates these matters. Using aged and long-lived BALB/c mouse models, we discovered that aging mice exhibit sex-dependent disparities, mirroring aging humans, in developing myeloid skewing, anemia, and leukemia. These disparities are underlined by sex-differentiated HSC aging characteristics across the population, single-cell, and molecular levels. The HSC population expanded significantly with aging and longevity in males, but this occurred to a much lesser degree in aging females that instead expanded committed progenitors. Aging male HSCs are more susceptible to BCR-ABL1 transformation with faster development of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) than female HSCs. Additionally, the loss of the aging regulator Sirt1 inhibited CML development in aging male but not female mice. Our results showed for the first time that sex-differentiated HSC aging impacts hematopoiesis, leukemogenesis, and certain gene functions. This discovery provides insights into understanding age-dependent hematological diseases and sex-targeted strategies for the treatment and prevention of certain blood disorders and cancer.

Analysis of Molecular Testing for Suspected Myeloproliferative Neoplasm at a Hybrid Community-Academic Health System

Testing for somatic mutations in JAK2, MPL, and CALR genes is critical in the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, this testing may have inadvertently led to increased requests to rule out MPN, including clinical situations with low pretest probability. This article examines JAK2, MPL, and CALR testing by next-generation sequencing (NGS) with the goal of formulating practical guidelines to make test use more efficient and effective. NGS results from 1482 patients tested between 2015 and March 2022 were retrieved, along with corresponding bone marrow biopsies and complete blood cell count results performed within 90 days before NGS, and 245 cases (16.5%) were positive for pathogenic variants in JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes. The findings showed an increase in the proportion of positive cases with patient age, and a statistically significant difference in red blood cell counts and platelet counts among patients with positive versus negative results. Using these factors, simple algorithms were constructed to predict positive results with a maximum sensitivity of 91%, while potentially eliminating 28% of negative test results. However, these models still failed to identify approximately 9% of patients with MPNs. Among these missed patients, many had either primary myelofibrosis or myelodysplastic syndrome/MPN. Considering a simple triage model to help guide MPN testing could represent a more cost-effective approach, particularly if missed patients could be further reduced.

Insights into the role of JAK2-I724T variant in myeloproliferative neoplasms from a unique cohort of New Zealand patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compile bioinformatic and experimental information for JAK2 missense variants previously reported in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and determine if germline JAK2-I724T, recently found to be common in New Zealand Polynesians, associates with MPN.

METHODS

For all JAK2 variants found in the literature, gnomAD_exome allele frequencies were extracted and REVEL scores were calculated using the dbNSFP database. We investigated the prevalence of JAK2-I724T in a cohort of 111 New Zealand MPN patients using a TaqMan assay, examined its allelic co-occurrence with JAK2-V617F using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and modelled the impact of I724T on JAK2 using I-Mutant and ChimeraX software.

RESULTS

Several non-V617F JAK2 variants previously reported in MPN had REVEL scores greater than 0.5, suggesting pathogenicity. JAK2-I724T (REVEL score 0.753) was more common in New Zealand Polynesian MPN patients (n = 2/27; 7.4%) than in other New Zealand patients (n = 0/84; 0%) but less common than expected for healthy Polynesians (n = 56/377; 14.9%). Patients carrying I724T (n = 2), one with polycythaemia vera and one with essential thrombocythaemia, had high-risk MPN. Both patients with JAK2-I724T were also positive for JAK2-V617F, found on the same allele as I724T, as well as separately. In silico modelling did not identify noticeable structural changes that would give JAK2-I724T a gain-of-function.

CONCLUSION

Several non-canonical JAK2 variants with high REVEL scores have been reported in MPN, highlighting the need to further understand their relationship with disease. The JAK2-I724T variant does not drive MPN, but additional investigations are required to exclude any potential modulatory effect on the MPN phenotype.

Long-term risks of cardiovascular-specific mortality among myeloproliferative neoplasms patients

Background

The myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) is a heterogeneous group of clonal hyperplasia hematopoietic stem cell disorders, predominantly affecting middle-aged and elderly individuals, with a slow disease progression. With advancements in disease-related research, the survival rates of MPN patients have significantly improved. This research primarily focuses on cardiovascular disease mortality (CVM) and prognostic factors in MPN patients, aiming to provide clinicians with more comprehensive references.

Methods

A total of 24,277 patients were included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Cumulative mortality was assessed using a competing risk model, univariate and multivariate regression analysis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk factors, and a comparison of standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and general population CVM.

Results

Among the 24,277 patients included in this study, a total of 8841 deaths occurred during the follow-up period, with 2429 attributed to CVD. Notably, the risk of CVM was found to be significantly higher in patients with MPNs compared to the general population. Furthermore, this risk increased over time. CVD emerged as the predominant cause of death among individuals aged over 80 years and younger patients exhibited a significantly elevated SMR. Additionally, age, race, marital status, and insurance status were identified as independent prognostic factors for CVM.

Conclusion

The incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with MPNs is significantly higher compared to the general population. Early screening and assessment of cardiac health should be implemented in MPN patients to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular events and enhance their prognosis.

An Overview of Myeloid Blast-Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Myeloid blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (MBP-CML) is a rare disease with a dismal prognosis. It is twice as common as lymphoid blast-phase CML, and its prognosis is poorer. Despite the success with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of chronic-phase CML, the same does not hold true for MBP-CML. In addition to the Philadelphia chromosome, other chromosomal and molecular changes characterize rapid progression. Although some progress in elucidating the biology of MBP-CML has been made, there is need to discover more in order to develop more satisfactory treatment options. Currently, most common treatment options include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as monotherapy or in combination with acute myeloid leukemia-based intensive chemotherapy regimens. Some patients may develop resistance to TKIs via BCR-ABL1-dependent or BCR-ABL1-independent mechanisms. In this paper, we provide an overview of the biology of MBP-CML, the current treatment approaches, and mechanisms of resistance to TKIs. In order to improve treatment responses in these patients, more emphasis should be placed on understanding the biology of myeloid blastic transformation in CML and mechanisms of resistance to TKIs. Although patient numbers are small, randomized clinical trials should be considered.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: Implication in myeloid malignancies and immunotherapy

Myeloid malignancies stem from a modified hematopoietic stem cell and predominantly include acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic neoplasms, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) exhibit immunoregulatory properties by governing the innate and adaptive immune systems, creating a permissive and supportive environment for neoplasm growth. This review examines the key characteristics of MDSCs in myeloid malignancies, highlighting that an increased MDSC count corresponds to heightened immunosuppressive capabilities, fostering an immune-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Also, this review analyzes and describes the potential of combined cancer therapies, focusing on targeting MDSC generation, expansion, and their inherent immunosuppressive activities to enhance the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies. A comprehensive understanding of the implications of myeloid malignancies may enhance the exploration of immunotherapeutic strategies for their potential application.

Challenges in management of older patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have significantly improved the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), however, older patients are often underrepresented in pivotal trials. Approximately 20% of older adults never start treatment and face significant barriers to accomplish favorable outcomes. The treatment goal is to improve survival, prevent progression, and preserve quality of life. This is achieved through optimizing TKI doses and employing discontinuation strategies to attain treatment-free remission (TFR), a goal increasingly pursued by older patients. Imatinib may be favored as the front-line option for older individuals due to its side effect profile and cost. Bosutinib's favorable cardiovascular tolerability makes it a suitable second-line agent, but lower-dose dasatinib may likewise be an attractive option. The prevalence of comorbidities can preclude the use of second generation TKIs in some older patients. Optimal care for older patients with CML centers on personalized treatment, close monitoring, and proactive support.

Comparative efficacy and hematologic safety of different dosages of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of myelofibrosis: a network meta-analysis

Background

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by bone marrow fibrosis associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The therapeutic landscape for MF has advanced with the development of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) like ruxolitinib (RUX), fedratinib (FED), pacritinib (PAC), and momelotinib (MMB), aiming to alleviate symptoms and enhance patient comfort.

Methods

A network meta-analysis was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of eleven JAKi treatment regimens across nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 2340 participants. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of spleen volume reduction (SVR), total symptom score reduction (TSSR), hematological safety profiles, and overall survival (OS).

Results

RUX and MMB were superior in achieving SVR and TSSR, with significant dose-response relationships observed. PAC and MMB were associated with a decreased risk of grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia compared to other JAKis. However, no substantial benefits in OS were observed with newer JAKis compared to RUX. The poorer OS outcomes with certain PAC dosages were likely influenced by baseline patient characteristics, particularly severe cytopenias.

Conclusion

The introduction of JAKis significantly changed the treatment of MF. This meta-analysis reaffirms the core role of RUX and positions MMB as a potentially powerful alternative for treating symptoms and reducing spleen size. Meanwhile, MMB and PAC have a positive effect on anemia in MF while FED is more tolerable for patients with thrombocytopenia. However, it should be noted that these results are influenced by baseline patient characteristics, particularly cytopenias, which affects both management and overall survival. Therefore, there is an urgent need for personalized dosing strategies to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety, with careful consideration of patient-specific factors.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023424179.

Essential thrombocythaemia: A contemporary approach with new drugs on the horizon

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an increased risk of vascular complications and a tendency to progress to myelofibrosis and acute leukaemia. ET patients have traditionally been stratified into two thrombosis risk categories based on age older than 60 years and a history of thrombosis. More recently, the revised IPSET-thrombosis scoring system, which accounts for the increased risk linked to the JAK2 mutation, has been incorporated into most expert recommendations. However, there is increasing evidence that the term ET encompasses different genomic entities, each with a distinct clinical course and prognosis. Moreover, the effectiveness and toxicity of cytoreductive and anti-platelet treatments differ depending on the molecular genotype. While anti-platelets and conventional cytoreductive agents, mainly hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea), anagrelide and pegylated interferon, remain the cornerstone of treatment, recent research has shed light on the effectiveness of novel therapies that may help improve outcomes. This comprehensive review focuses on the evolving landscape of treatment strategies in ET, with an emphasis on the role of molecular profiling in guiding therapeutic decisions. Besides evidence-based management according to revised IPSET-thrombosis stratification, we also provide specific observations for those patients with CALR-, MPL-mutated and triple-negative ET, as well as cases with high-risk mutations.

Real-World Electronic Medical Records Data Identify Risk Factors for Myelofibrosis and Can Be Used to Validate Established Prognostic Scores

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasia arising de novo as primary myelofibrosis (PMF) or secondary to polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia. Patients experience a high symptom burden and a marked reduction in life expectancy. Despite progress in molecular understanding and treatment, the clinical and prognostic heterogeneity of MF complicates treatment decisions. The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) integrates clinical factors for risk stratification in MF. This study leverages the TriNetX database with more than 64,000 MF patients to assess the impact of accessible parameters on survival and complicating events, including AML transformation, cachexia, increased systemic inflammation, thrombosis and hemorrhage. Age over 65 years correlated with increased risks of death, AML transformation, thrombosis and hemorrhage. Anemia (Hb < 10 g/dL), leukocytosis (>25 × 103/µL) and thrombocytopenia (<150 × 103/µL) reduced survival and increased risks across all assessed events. Monocytosis is associated with decreased survival, whereas eosinophilia and basophilia were linked to improved survival. Further, as proof of concept for the applicability of TriNetX for clinical scores, we devised a simplified IPSS, and confirmed its value in predicting outcomes. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of age, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia in predicting disease trajectory and contributes to refining prognostic models, addressing the challenges posed by the disease's heterogeneity.

Mesenchymal stromal cells in myeloid malignancies: Immunotherapeutic opportunities

Myeloid malignancies are clonal disorders of the progenitor cells or hematopoietic stem cells, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic cells affect the proliferation and differentiation of other hematopoietic lineages in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to severe and life-threatening complications. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing in the bone marrow exert immunosuppressive functions by suppressing innate and adaptive immune systems, thus creating a supportive and tolerant microenvironment for myeloid malignancy progression. This review summarizes the significant features of MSCs in myeloid malignancies, including their role in regulating cell growth, cell death, and antineoplastic resistance, in addition to their immunosuppressive contributions. Understanding the implications of MSCs in myeloid malignancies could pave the path for potential use in immunotherapy.

High molecular risk variants, severe thrombocytopenia and large unstained cells count affect the outcome in primary myelofibrosis

Apart from the driver mutations, high molecular risk (HMR) variants and other factors have been reported to influence the prognosis of primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of laboratory and molecular characteristics at the time of diagnosis (TOD) on the PMF outcome. The study group consisted of 82 patients recruited from three Polish university centers. Among the driver mutations, only CALR type 1 positively influenced the overall survival (OS). The risk of progression to accelerated or blastic disease phase (AP/BP) did not depend on the driver mutation type, but was closely associated with the presence of HMR variants (p = 0.0062). The risk of death (ROD) was higher in patients with HMR variants (OR[95%CI] = 4.33[1.52;12.34], p = 0.0044) and in patients with a platelet count at the TOD between 50-100 G/L (HR[95%CI] = 2.66[1.11;6.35]) and < 50 G/L (HR[95%CI] = 8.44[2.50;28.44]). Median survival time was 7.8, 2.2 and 1.4 years in patients with large unstained cells (LUC) count of [0.0-0.2], (0.2-0.4] and > 0.4 G/L at the TOD, respectively. We found an unexpected, hitherto undescribed, association between LUC count at the TOD and PMF prognosis. Our analysis led to the following conclusions: in PMF patients at the TOD 1) the presence of HMR variants, especially combined, is associated with an increased risk of progression to the AP and BP, and shorter OS, 2) severe thrombocytopenia confers worse prognosis than the moderate one, 3) LUC count is closely related with the disease phase, and associated with the ROD and OS.

Anticoagulant treatment for pediatric splanchnic vein thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The clinical characteristics of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) in pediatric patients and its optimal treatment strategies are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of anticoagulant therapy for pediatric SVT.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to December 2021. We included observational and interventional studies that enrolled pediatric patients with SVT and reported anticoagulant treatment and outcomes, including rates of vessel recanalization, SVT extension, venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence, major bleeding, and mortality. Pooled proportions of vessel recanalization were calculated with their 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 506 pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) across 17 observational studies were included. The majority of patients had portal vein thrombosis (n = 308, 60.8%) or Budd-Chiari syndrome (n = 175, 34.6%). Most events were triggered by transient provoking factors. Anticoagulation (heparins and vitamin K antagonists) was prescribed in 217 (42.9%) patients, and 148 (29.2%) patients underwent vascular interventions. The overall pooled proportions of vessel recanalization were 55.3% (95% CI, 34.1%-74.7%; I2 = 74.0%) among anticoagulated patients and 29.4% (95% CI, 2.6%-86.6%; I2 = 49.0%) among non-anticoagulated patients. SVT extension, major bleeding, VTE recurrence, and mortality rates were 8.9%, 3.8%, 3.5%, and 10.0%, respectively, in anticoagulated patients and 2.8%, 1.4%, 0%, and 50.3%, respectively, in non-anticoagulated patients.

CONCLUSION

In pediatric SVT, anticoagulation appears to be associated with moderate recanalization rates and a low risk of major bleeding. VTE recurrence is low and comparable to that reported in pediatric patients with other types of provoked VTE.

Older patients with chronic myeloid leukemia face suboptimal molecular testing and tyrosine kinase inhibitor adherence

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) use is critical in the care of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) testing for BCR-ABL1 every 3 months during the first year of TKI treatment is recommended to assure achievement of milestone response goals. Real-world evidence for the patterns of qPCR monitoring and TKI adherence in the older patient population is lacking. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database, we identified 1192 patients aged ≥66 years (median age, 74 years) with newly diagnosed CML who were followed up for ≥13 months from TKI initiation. In total, 965 patients (81.0%) had ≥1 test, with 425 (35.7%) and 540 (45.3%) of the patients tested during 1, 2, and ≥3 quarters (optimal monitoring) of the first year from TKI initiation, respectively. In multivariable analysis, diagnosis in later years and influenza vaccination before diagnosis, a proxy for health care access, were associated with optimal qPCR monitoring. Use of low-income subsidy and residing in census tracts with the lowest socioeconomic status were associated with less optimal monitoring. Patients with optimal monitoring were 60% more likely to be TKI adherent (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.11-2.31; P = .01) and had improved 5-year survival (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.90; P < .01) than those without such monitoring. In this large, real-world study of CML management patterns, many older patients had suboptimal molecular monitoring, which was associated with decreased TKI adherence and worse survival.

Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients with Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative disease with an inflammatory background. Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized by chronic inflammation and a tendency for connective tissue remodeling.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of symptomatic OA (sOA) in MPN patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 consecutive MPN (39 essential-thrombocythemia, 34 polycythemia-vera, 27 myelofibrosis) patients treated in two community hematologic centers were cross-sectionally evaluated. Patients were required to have both symptoms attributable to hip and/or knee OA and radiographic confirmation to be considered as having sOA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of hip and/or knee sOA was significantly higher among MPN patients than the previously reported prevalence in the general population of similar age (61% vs. 22%, p < 0.001). Hip sOA was present in 50%, knee sOA in 51% and sOA of both localizations in 41% of patients. A high proportion of MPN patients had radiographic signs of hip OA (94%) and knee OA (98%) in the presence of attributable symptoms. Among the other factors, sOA was univariately associated with the presence of JAK2 mutation, myelofibrosis phenotype, older age, higher body weight, and higher MPN-SAF score (p < 0.050 for all analyses). In the multivariate analysis, older age (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval-CI 1.06-1.33) and higher body weight (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.06-1.25) were recognized as independent risk factors for sOA. On the other hand, cytoreductive treatment was a protective factor for sOA (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.006-0.86).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of sOA in MPN patients was higher than that in the general population and seems to correlate with older age, increased myeloproliferation and a higher inflammatory state. Whether cytoreductive treatment may postpone OA development in MPN patients warrants additional confirmation.

Novel therapeutic strategies for essential thrombocythemia/polycythemia vera

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal disorders of hematopoietic stem cells; these include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). MPNs are inflammatory cancers, wherein the malignant clone generates cytokines that sustain the inflammatory drive in a self-perpetuating vicious cycle. The course of MPNs follows a biological continuum, that is, from early cancer stages (ET/PV) to advanced myelofibrosis as well as impending leukemic transformation. MPN-related symptoms, e.g., fatigue, general weakness, and itching, are caused by inflammatory cytokines. Thrombosis and bleeding are also exacerbated by inflammatory cytokines in patients with MPN. Until recently, the primary objective of ET and PV therapy was to increase survival rates by preventing thrombosis. However, several medications have recently demonstrated the ability to modify the course of the disease; symptom relief is expected for most patients. In addition, there is increasing interest in the active treatment of patients at low risk with PV and ET. This review focuses on the ET/PV treatment strategies as well as novel treatment options for clinical development.

Cytological Diagnosis of Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms at the Age of Molecular Biology

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell-derived disorders characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of differentiated myeloid cells. Two main groups of MPN, BCR::ABL1-positive (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) and BCR::ABL1-negative (Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocytosis, Primary Myelofibrosis) are distinguished. For many years, cytomorphologic and histologic features were the only proof of MPN and attempted to distinguish the different entities of the subgroup BCR::ABL1-negative MPN. World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms evolves over the years and increasingly considers molecular abnormalities to prove the clonal hematopoiesis. In addition to morphological clues, the detection of JAK2, MPL and CALR mutations are considered driver events belonging to the major diagnostic criteria of BCR::ABL1-negative MPN. This highlights the preponderant place of molecular features in the MPN diagnosis. Moreover, the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) allowed the identification of additional somatic mutations involved in clonal hematopoiesis and playing a role in the prognosis of MPN. Nowadays, careful cytomorphology and molecular biology are inseparable and complementary to provide a specific diagnosis and to permit the best follow-up of these diseases.

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and BCR/FGFR1 rearrangement with transformation to cortical T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and erythroid precursors: a case report

BACKGROUND

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of diseases with diverse biological and clinical characteristics. As a provisional separate entity, myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and genetic rearrangement have been described, which may present an initial clinical behavior of myeloproliferation and be characterized by varied genetic rearrangements. One of these entities is associated with FGFR1 rearrangements, characterized by its low prevalence and few treatment options.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 53-year-old Mestizo male patient of Hispanic origin who initially presented weight loss and fatigue, with a complete blood count showing leukocytosis and eosinophilia, with an initial diagnosis of nonspecific myeloproliferative disorder. In a next-generation sequencing study, BCR::FGFR1 rearrangement was documented, a diagnosis of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasia with eosinophilia and BCR::FGFR1 rearrangement was made, and hydroxyurea therapy was initiated. Subsequently, transformation to cortical T-lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma and erythroid precursors was documented, requiring management with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and genetic rearrangements constitute a group of deeply heterogeneous diseases with variable clinical and diagnostic characteristics and whose treatment is not clearly defined.

Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Ph-neg chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms: results from the EPICOVIDEHA registry

Background

Patients with Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) typically incur high rates of infections and both drugs and comorbidities may modulate infection risk.

Objectives

The present study aims to assess the effect of immunosuppressive agents on clinical outcomes of MPN patients affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Design

This is an observational study.

Methods

We specifically searched and analyzed MPN patients collected by EPICOVIDEHA online registry, which includes individuals with hematological malignancies diagnosed with COVID-19 since February 2020.

Results

Overall, 398 patients with MPN were observed for a median of 76 days [interquartile range (IQR): 19-197] after detection of SARS-CoV2 infection. Median age was 69 years (IQR: 58-77) and 183 individuals (46%) had myelofibrosis (MF). Overall, 121 patients (30%) of the whole cohort received immunosuppressive therapies including steroids, immunomodulatory drugs, or JAK inhibitors. Hospitalization and consecutive admission to intensive care unit was required in 216 (54%) and 53 patients (13%), respectively. Risk factors for hospital admission were identified by multivariable logistic regression and include exposure to immunosuppressive therapies [odds ratio (OR): 2.186; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.357-3.519], age ⩾70 years, and comorbidities. The fatality rate was 22% overall and the risk of death was independently increased by age ⩾70 years [hazard ratio (HR): 2.191; 95% CI: 1.363-3.521], previous comorbidities, and exposure to immunosuppressive therapies before the infection (HR: 2.143; 95% CI: 1.363-3.521).

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection led to a particularly dismal outcome in MPN patients receiving immunosuppressive agents or reporting multiple comorbidities. Therefore, specific preventive strategies need to be tailored for such individuals.

Plain language summary

EPICOVIDEHA registry reports inferior outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms receiving immunosuppressive therapies. Patients with Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) incur high rates of infections during the course of their disease.The present study was aimed at assessing which patient characteristics predicted a worse outcome of SARS-COV-2 infection in individuals with MPN.To pursue this objective, the researchers analyzed the data collected by EPICOVIDEHA, an international online registry, which includes individuals with hematological malignancies diagnosed with COVID-19 since February 2020.The database provided clinical data of 398 patients with MPN incurring COVID-19:Patients were mostly elderly (median age was 69 years);Forty-six percent of them were affected by myelofibrosis, which is the most severe MPN;Moreover, 32% were receiving immunosuppressive therapies (JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, steroids, or immunomodulatory IMID drugs, such as thalidomide) before COVID-19.Hospitalization was required in 54% of the patients, and the risk of being hospitalized for severe COVID-19 was independently predicted byOlder age;Comorbidities;Exposure to immunosuppressive therapies.Overall, 22% of MPN patients deceased soon after COVID-19 and the risk of death was independently increased over twofold byOlder age;Comorbidities;Exposure to immunosuppressive therapies before the infection.In conclusion, COVID-19 infection led to a particularly dismal outcome in MPN patients receiving immunosuppressive agents, including JAK inhibitors, or reporting multiple comorbidities. Therefore, specific preventive strategies need to be tailored for such individuals.

Real-world treatments and thrombotic events in polycythemia vera patients in the USA

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with increased risk of thrombotic events (TE) and death. Therapeutic interventions, phlebotomy and cytoreductive medications, are targeted to maintain hematocrit levels < 45% to prevent adverse outcomes. This retrospective observational study examined medical and pharmacy claims of 28,306 PV patients initiating treatment for PV in a data period inclusive of 2011 to 2019. Study inclusion required ≥ 2 PV diagnosis codes in the full data period, at least 1 year of PV treatment history, and ≥ 1 prescription claim and medical claim in both 2018 and 2019. Patients having ≥ 2 hematocrit (HCT) test results in linked outpatient laboratory data (2018-2019) were designated as the HCT subgroup (N = 4246). Patients were characterized as high- or low-risk at treatment initiation based on age and prior thrombotic history. The majority of patients in both risk groups (60% of high-risk and 83% of low-risk) initiated treatment with phlebotomy monotherapy, and during a median follow-up period of 808 days, the vast majority (81% low-risk, 74% high-risk) maintained their original therapy during the follow-up period. Hematocrit control was suboptimal in both risk groups; 54% of high-risk patients initiating with phlebotomy monotherapy sometimes/always had HCT levels > 50%; among low-risk patients, 64% sometimes/always had HCT levels above 50%. Overall, 16% of individuals experienced at least 1 TE subsequent to treatment initiation, 20% (n = 3920) among high-risk and 8% (n = 629) among low-risk patients. This real-world study suggests that currently available PV treatments may not be used to full advantage.

The Manifestation of a Patient With Myelofibrosis in 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT Mimicking "Super Bone Imaging"

ABSTRACT

Primary myelofibrosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bone marrow. It progresses from an early robust inflammatory state to a more advanced fibrotic response, representing the advanced stage of the disease. We report a 50-year-old woman who was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed mild uptake in diffuse sclerotic lesions in the bone matrix, whereas 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 showed intense uptake at the whole skeleton.

Identification of microRNA editing sites in three subtypes of leukemia

Leukemia is an aberrant hyper-proliferation of immature blood cells that do not form solid tumors. The transcriptomes of microRNAs (miRNAs) of leukemia have been intensively explored. However, miRNA editing of leukemia has not been extensively studied. To identify miRNA editing patterns and explore their functional relevance in leukemia, we analyzed 200 small RNA sequencing profiles of three subtypes of leukemia and identified hundreds of miRNA editing sites in three subtypes of leukemia. Then, we compared the editing levels of identified miRNA editing sites in leukemia and normal controls. Many miRNAs were differential edited in different subtypes of leukemia. We also found the editing levels of 3'-A editing sites of hsa-mir-21-5p and hsa-mir-155-5p decreased in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with radiation treatments. By integrating PAR-CLIP sequencing profiles, we predicted the targets of original and edited miRNAs. One of the edited miRNA, hsa-let-7b_5c, with an additional cytosine at 5' end of hsa-let-7b-5p, potentially targeted VBP1 and CTDSP1. CTDSP1 was significantly downregulated in T-ALL compared to normal controls, which might be originated from the hyperediting of hsa-let-7b-5p in T-ALL. Our study provides a comprehensive view of miRNA editing in three different subtypes of leukemia.

Healthcare resource utilization in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: A Danish nationwide matched cohort study

Few studies have assessed healthcare resource utilization (HRU) in patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) using a matched cohort design. Further, no detailed assessment of HRU in the years preceding an MPN diagnosis exists. We conducted a registry-based nationwide Danish cohort study, including patients with essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis, and unclassifiable MPN diagnosed between January 2010 and December 2016. HRU data were summarized annually from 2 years before MPN diagnosis until emigration, death, or end of study (December 2017). We included 3342 MPN patients and 32 737 comparisons without an MPN diagnosis, matched on sex, age, region of residence, and level of education. During the study period, the difference in HRU (rate ratio) between patients and matched comparisons ranged from 1.0 to 1.5 for general practitioner contacts, 0.9 to 2.2 for hospitalizations, 0.9 to 3.8 for inpatient days, 1.0 to 4.0 for outpatient visits, 1.3 to 2.1 for emergency department visits, and 1.0 to 4.1 for treatments/examinations. In conclusion, MPN patients had overall higher HRU than the matched comparisons throughout the follow-up period (maximum 8 years). Further, MPN patients had substantially increased HRU in both the primary and secondary healthcare sector in the 2 years preceding the diagnosis.

The Contribution of JAK2 46/1 Haplotype in the Predisposition to Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Haplotype 46/1 (GGCC) consists of a set of genetic variations distributed along chromosome 9p.24.1, which extend from the Janus Kinase 2 gene to Insulin like 4. Marked by four jointly inherited variants (rs3780367, rs10974944, rs12343867, and rs1159782), this haplotype has a strong association with the development of BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) because it precedes the acquisition of the JAK2V617F variant, a common genetic alteration in individuals with these hematological malignancies. It is also described as one of the factors that increases the risk of familial MPNs by more than five times, 46/1 is associated with events related to inflammatory dysregulation, splenomegaly, splanchnic vein thrombosis, Budd-Chiari syndrome, increases in RBC count, platelets, leukocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin, which are characteristic of MPNs, as well as other findings that are still being elucidated and which are of great interest for the etiopathological understanding of these hematological neoplasms. Considering these factors, the present review aims to describe the main findings and discussions involving the 46/1 haplotype, and highlights the molecular and immunological aspects and their relevance as a tool for clinical practice and investigation of familial cases.

Age-related macular degeneration and myeloproliferative neoplasms - A common pathway

DANSK RESUMÉ (DANISH SUMMARY): Aldersrelateret makuladegeneration (AMD) er den hyppigste årsag til uopretteligt synstab og blindhed i højindkomstlande. Det er en progredierende nethindesygdom som gradvist fører til ødelaeggelse af de celler som er ansvarlige for vores centralsyn. De tidlige stadier er ofte asymptomatiske, imens senstadie AMD, som opdeles i to former, neovaskulaer AMD (nAMD) og geografisk atrofi (GA), begge udviser gradvist synstab, dog generelt med forskellig hastighed. Tidlig AMD er karakteriseret ved tilstedevaerelsen af druser og pigmentforandringer i nethinden mens nAMD og GA udviser henholdsvis karnydannelse i og atrofi af nethinden. AEtiologien er multifaktoriel og udover alder omfatter patogenesen miljø- og genetiske risikofaktorer. Forskning har specielt fokuseret på lokale forandringer i øjet hvor man har fundet at inflammation spiller en betydelig rolle for udviklingen af sygdommen, men flere studier tyder også på at systemiske forandringer og specielt systemisk inflammation spiller en vaesentlig rolle i patogenesen. De Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasier (MPNs) er en gruppe af haematologiske kraeftsygdomme med en erhvervet genetisk defekt i den tidlige pluripotente stamcelle som medfører en overproduktion af en eller flere af blodets modne celler. Sygdommene er fundet at udvikle sig i et biologisk kontinuum fra tidligt cancerstadie, essentiel trombocytose (ET) over polycytaemi vera (PV) og endelig til det sene myelofibrose stadie (PMF). Symptomer hos disse patienter skyldes isaer den aendrede sammensaetning af blodet, hyperviskositet, kompromitteret mikrocirkulation og nedsat vaevsgennemblødning. Den øgede morbiditet og mortalitet beror i høj grad på tromboembolier, blødninger og leukemisk transformation. En raekke mutationer som driver MPN sygdommene er identificeret, bl.a. JAK2V617F-mutationen som medfører en deregulering JAK/STAT signalvejen, der bl.a. har betydning for cellers vaekst og overlevelse. Et tidligere stort registerstudie har vist at patienter med MPNs har en øget risiko for neovaskulaer AMD og et pilotstudie har vist øget forekomst af intermediaer AMD. Dette ønsker vi at undersøge naermere i et større studie i dette Ph.d.- projekt. Flere studier har også vist at kronisk inflammation spiller en vigtig rolle for både initiering og udvikling af den maligne celleklon hos MPNs og herfra er en "Human Inflammationsmodel" blevet udviklet. Siden er MPN sygdommene blevet anvendt som "model sygdomme" for en tilsvarende inflammationsmodel for udvikling af Alzheimers sygdom. I dette Ph.d.-projekt vil vi tilsvarende forsøge at undersøge systemisk inflammation i forhold til forekomst af druser. Det vil vi gøre ved at sammenligne systemiske immunologiske markører som tidligere er undersøgt hos patienter med AMD og sammenligne med MPN. Specielt er vi interesseret i systemiske immunologiske forskelle på patienter med MPN og druser (MPNd) og MPN med normale nethinder (MPNn). Denne afhandling består af to overordnede studier. I Studie I, undersøgte vi forekomsten af retinale forandringer associeret med AMD hos 200 patienter med MPN (artikel I). Studie II, omhandlede immunologiske ligheder ved AMD og MPN, og var opdelt i yderligere tre delstudier hvor vi undersøgte hhv. systemiske markører for inflammation, aldring og angiogenese (artikel II, III og IV). Vi undersøgte markørerne i fire typer af patienter: nAMD, intermediaer AMD (iAMD), MPNd og MPNn. Undersøgelsen af forskelle mellem MPNd og MPNn, vil gøre det muligt at identificere forandringer i immunsystemet som kunne vaere relevante for AMD-patogenesen. Vi vil endvidere sammenholde resultaterne for patienter med MPN med patienter som har iAMD og nAMD. I studie I (Artikel I) fandt vi at patienter med MPN har en signifikant højere praevalens af store druser og AMD tidligere i livet sammenlignet med estimater fra tre store befolkningsundersøgelser. Vi fandt også at forekomst af druser var associeret med højere neutrofil-lymfocyt ratio, hvilket indikerer et højere niveau af kronisk inflammation i patienterne med druser sammenlignet med dem uden druser. I studie II (Artikel II, III og IV) fandt vi flere immunologiske forskelle mellem patienter med MPNd og MPNn. Da vi undersøgte markører for inflammation, fandt vi en højere grad af systemisk inflammation i MPNd end MPNn. Dette blev vist ved en højere inflammationsscore (udregnet på baggrund af niveauer af pro-inflammatoriske markører), en højere neutrofil-lymfocyt ratio, samt indikationer på et dereguleret komplementsystem. Ved undersøgelse af aldringsmarkører fandt vi tegn på accelereret immunaldring hos MPNd i forhold til MPNn, hvilket kommer til udtryk ved en større procentdel af "effector memory T celler". Endelig fandt vi en vaesentlig lavere ekspression af CXCR3 på T celler og monocytter hos patienter med nAMD sammenlignet med iAMD, MPNd og MPNn. Dette er i overensstemmelse med tidligere studier hvor CXCR3 ekspression er fundet lavere end hos raske kontroller. Derudover fandt vi en faldende CXCR3 ekspression på monocytter over det biologiske MPN-kontinuum. Disse studier indikerer en involvering af CXCR3 i både nAMD og PMF, begge sygdomsstadier som er karakteriseret ved angiogenese og fibrose. Ud fra resultaterne af denne afhandling kan vi konkludere at forekomsten af druser og AMD hos MPN er øget i forhold til baggrundsbefolkningen. Endvidere viser vores resultater at systemisk inflammation muligvis spiller en vaesentlig større rolle i udviklingen af AMD end tidligere antaget. Vi foreslår derfor en AMD-model (Figur 18) hvor inflammation kan initiere og accelerere den normale aldersafhaengige akkumulation af affaldsstoffer i nethinden, som senere udvikler sig til druser, medførende øget lokal inflammation og med tiden tidlig og intermediaer AMD. Dette resulterer i den øgede risiko for udvikling til de invaliderende senstadier af AMD. ENGLISH SUMMARY: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness in high-income countries. It is a progressive retinal disease leading to damage of the cells responsible for central vision. The early stages of the disease are often asymptomatic, while late-stage AMD, which is divided into two entities, neovascular AMD and geographic atrophy (GA), both show vision loss, though generally with different progression rates. Drusen and pigmentary abnormalities in the retina characterise early AMD, while nAMD and GA show angiogenesis in and atrophy of the retina, respectively. The aetiology is multifactorial and, in addition to ageing, which is the most significant risk factor for developing AMD, environmental- and genetic risk factors are implicated in the pathogenesis. Research has focused on local changes in the eye where inflammation has been found to play an essential role, but studies also point to systemic alterations and especially systemic inflammation to be involved in the pathogenesis. The Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of haematological cancers with an acquired genetic defect of the pluripotent haematopoietic stem cell, characterised by excess haematopoiesis of the myeloid cell lineage. The diseases have been found to evolve in a biological continuum from early cancer state, essential thrombocythemia, over polycythaemia vera (PV), to the advanced myelofibrosis stage (PMF). The symptoms in these patients are often a result of the changes in the blood composition, hyperviscosity, microvascular disturbances, and reduced tissue perfusion. The major causes of morbidity and mortality are thromboembolic- and haemorrhagic events, and leukemic transformation. A group of mutations that drive the MPNs has been identified, e.g., the JAK2V617F mutation, which results in deregulation of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway important, for instance, in cell differentiation and survival. A previous large register study has shown that patients with MPNs have an increased risk of neovascular AMD, and a pilot study has shown an increased prevalence of intermediate AMD. We wish to study this further in a larger scale study. Several studies have also shown that systemic inflammation plays an essential role in both the initiation and progression of the malignant cell clone in MPNs. From this knowledge, a "Human inflammation model" has been developed. Since then, the MPNs has been used as model diseases for a similar inflammation model for the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this PhD project, we would like to investigate systemic inflammation in relation to drusen presence. We will do this by comparing systemic immunological markers previously investigated in patients with AMD and compare with MPN. We are primarily interested in systemic immunological differences between patients with MPN and drusen (MPNd) and MPN with normal retinas (MPNn). This thesis consists of two main studies. Study I investigated the prevalence of retinal changes associated with AMD and the prevalence of different AMD stages in 200 patients with MPN (paper I). Study II examined immunological similarities between AMD and MPNs. This study was divided into three substudies exploring systemic markers of inflammation, ageing and angiogenesis, respectively. This was done in four types of patients: nAMD, intermediate AMD (iAMD), MPNd and MPNn. Investigating, differences between MPNd and MPNn, will make it possible to identify changes in the immune system, relevant for AMD pathogenesis. Additionally, we will compare patients with MPNs with patients with iAMD and nAMD. In study I (Paper I), we found that patients with MPNs have a significantly higher prevalence of large drusen and consequently AMD from an earlier age compared to the estimates from three large population-based studies. We also found that drusen prevalence was associated with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio indicating a higher level of chronic low-grade inflammation in patients with drusen compared to those without drusen. In study II (papers II, III and IV), we found immunological differences between patients with MPNd and MPNn. When we investigated markers of inflammation, we found a higher level of systemic inflammation in MPNd than MPNn. This was indicated by a higher inflammation score (based on levels of pro-inflammatory markers), a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and indications of a deregulated complement system. When examining markers of ageing, we found signs of accelerated immune ageing in MPNd compared to MPNn, shown by more senescent effector memory T cells. Finally, when exploring a marker of angiogenesis, we found a lower CXCR3 expression on monocytes and T cells in nAMD compared to iAMD, MPNd and MPNn, in line with previous studies of nAMD compared to healthy controls. Further, we found decreasing CXCR3 expression over the MPN biological continuum. These studies indicate CXCR3 involvement in both nAMD and PMF, two disease stages characterised by angiogenesis and fibrosis. From the results of this PhD project, we can conclude that the prevalence of drusen and AMD is increased in patients with MPN compared to the general population. Further, our results show that systemic inflammation may play a far more essential role in AMD pathogenesis than previously anticipated. We, therefore, propose an AMD model (Figure 18) where inflammation can initiate and accelerate the normal age-dependent accumulation of debris in the retina, which later evolve into drusen, resulting in increased local inflammation, and over time early- and intermediate AMD. This results in the increased risk of developing the late debilitating stages of AMD.

Towards a Personalized Definition of Prognosis in Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Purpose of Review

Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), prefibrotic (pre-), and overt-primary myelofibrosis (primary MF, PMF). PV and ET could evolve into secondary MF (SMF), whose early diagnosis relies on monitoring signs of possible progression. All MPNs have a risk of blast phase (BP), that is associated with a very dismal outcome. Overall survival (OS) is different among MPNs, and disease-specific prognostic scores should be applied for a correct clinical management. In this review, an overview of current prognostic scores in MPNs will be provided.

Recent Findings

The biological complexity of MPNs and its role on the trajectory of disease outcome have led to the design of integrated prognostic models that are nowadays of common use in PMF patients. As for PV and ET, splicing gene mutations could have a detrimental role, but with the limit of the not routinary recommended application of extensive molecular analysis in these diseases. SMF is recognized as a distinct entity compared to PMF, and OS estimates should be calculated by the MYSEC-PM (Myelofibrosis SECondary-prognostic model). Both in PMF and SMF, decisions as selection of patients potentially candidates to allogenic stem cell transplant or that could benefit from an early shift from standard treatment are based not only on conventional prognostic scores, but also on multivariable algorithms.

Summary

The expanding landscape of risk prediction for OS, evolution to BP, and SMF progression from PV/ET informs personalized approach to the management of patients affected by MPNs.

Advances in Risk Stratification and Treatment of Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Estimating and modifying thrombotic risk is currently the mainstay of care for patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). In recent years, however, increased attention has shifted towards quality of life and disease modification. In this review, we discuss recent advances in risk stratification, present updated results for ruxolitinib and interferon randomized clinical trials, discuss new approaches in antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment, and summarize early phase trials of novel agents and emerging therapeutic concepts for the treatment of PV and ET.

RECENT FINDINGS

International collaborations and novel technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and machine learning techniques, have demonstrated excellent abilities to improve thrombotic risk stratification in PV and ET. Updated results from ruxolitinib and interferon randomized clinical trials have confirmed excellent efficacy and safety of these agents, both as first- and second-line treatments. Early trials of novel agents (histone deacetylase inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, lysine-specific demethylase-1 inhibitors, human double-minute 2 inhibitors, and hepcidin mimetics) have shown encouraging efficacy and safety in blood count control, reduction of splenomegaly, and alleviation of disease-related symptoms. Finally, accumulating evidence suggested that direct oral anticoagulants may be a valid therapeutic alternative to warfarin for prolonged thromboprophylaxis. International collaborations ("big data") with the help of new technologies represent an exciting new approach to analyze rare outcomes in rare diseases, especially for identifying novel prognostic biomarkers in PV and ET. Randomized clinical trials are also needed to fully elucidate whether novel agents may establish new standards of care.

Mobile App Intervention on Reducing the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Burden: Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Background

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of myeloid malignancies associated with significant symptom burden. Despite pharmacological advances in therapies, inadequate management of MPN symptoms results in reduced quality of life.

Objective

This study aims to determine the feasibility of a 12-week global wellness mobile app intervention in decreasing MPN symptom burden. The University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine’s global wellness mobile app, My Wellness Coach (MWC), guides patients to improve their health and well-being through facilitating behavior changes.

Methods

Of the 30 patients enrolled in a 12-week intervention, 16 (53%) were retained through the final assessment. Feasibility was assessed by the ease of recruitment, participant adherence, and mobile app acceptability. App acceptability was measured using the user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale. MPN symptom burden was measured at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention.

Results

Recruitment was efficient, with the participant goal reached within a 60-day period, suggestive of a demand for such an intervention. Adherence was less than the target within study design (75%), although similar to mobile device app use in other studies (53%). The app was deemed acceptable based on the mean user version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale 3-star rating by participants. Finally, there were statistically significant improvements in several MPN symptoms, quality of life, and total score on the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form surveys.

Conclusions

Our 12-week intervention with the MWC app was feasible and was associated with a decrease in MPN symptom burden. Further investigation of the MWC app for use as a self-management strategy to reduce the symptom burden in patients with MPN is warranted.

Changes in the incidence and overall survival of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms between 2002 and 2016 in the United States

This analysis examined trends in incidence and survival among US adults with myeloproliferative neoplasms, including essential thrombocythemia (ET; n = 14,676), polycythemia vera (PV; n = 15,141), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF; n = 4214), using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End User Results (SEER) data (SEER 18; 2002-2016). Incidence and survival rates over the study period and by diagnosis year (per 5-year time frames: 2002-2006; 2007-2011; 2012-2016) were assessed. The overall incidence rates (95% CI) were 1.55 (1.52-1.57) for ET, 1.57 (1.55-1.60) for PV, and 0.44 (0.43-0.45) per 100,000 person-years for PMF, with rising ET incidence. Five-year mortality over the study period was 19.2%, 19.0%, and 51.0% for ET, PV, and PMF, respectively. Improved survival over time was observed for PV and PMF, but not for ET. These findings highlight the need for effective ET therapies, as ET incidence has risen without concurrent improvements in survival over the past 2 decades.

Red Blood Cell Morphodynamics in Patients with Polycythemia Vera and Stroke

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) which is characterized by erythrocytosis and a high incidence of thrombotic complications, including stroke. The study aimed to evaluate red blood cell (RBC) morphodynamic properties in PV patients and their possible association with stroke. We enrolled 48 patients with PV in this cross-sectional study, 13 of which have a history of ischemic stroke. The control group consisted of 90 healthy subjects. RBC deformability and aggregation analysis were performed using a laser-assisted optical rotational red cell analyzer. The following parameters were calculated: aggregation amplitude (Amp), RBC rouleaux formation time constant (Tf), time of formation of three-dimensional aggregates (Ts), aggregation index (AI), rate of complete disaggregation (y-dis), and the maximal elongation of RBC (EImax). Statistical analysis was performed with the R programming language. There were significant differences in RBCs morphodynamics features between patients with PV and the control group. Lower EImax (0.47 (0.44; 0.51) vs. 0.51 (0.47; 0.54), p < 0.001) and γ-dis (100 (100; 140) vs. 140 (106; 188) s⁻¹, p < 0.001) along with higher amplitude (10.1 (8.6; 12.2) vs. 7.7 (6.6; 9.2), p < 0.001) was seen in patients with PV compared with control. A statistically significant difference between PV patients with and without stroke in aggregation amplitude was found (p = 0.03). A logistic regression model for stroke was built based on RBC morphodynamics which performed reasonably well (p = 0.01). RBC alterations may be associated with overt cerebrovascular disease in PV, suggesting a possible link between erythrocyte morphodynamics and increased risk of stroke.

Covert Brain Infarcts in Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Myeloproliferative Disorders

Backgrounds and Purpose. Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders (Ph-negative MPD) are a rare group of hematological diseases, including three distinct pathologies: essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). They most often manifest with thrombotic complications, including cerebrovascular events. Covert brain infarcts (CBIs) are defin ed as predominantly small ischemic cerebral lesions that are detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the absence of clinical stroke events. The relationship between MPD and CBIs remains unclear. Methods. Included in the study were 103 patients with the diagnosis of Ph-MPD (according to WHO 2016 criteria) (median age—47 (35; 54) years; 67% female). In total, 38 patients had ET, 42 had PV, and 23 had PMF. They underwent clinical examination, routine laboratory analyses (complete blood count), brain MRI, ultrasound carotid artery, flow-mediated dilatation (as a measure of endothelial dysfunction—FMD). Results. Overall, 23 patients experienced an ischemic stroke (as per MRI and/or clinical history), of which 16 (15.5%) could be classified as CBIs. The rate of CBIs per MPD subtype was statistically non-significant between groups (p = 0.35): ET–13.2%, PV–21.4%, and PMF–8.7%. The major vascular risk factors, including arterial hypertension, carotid atherosclerosis, and prior venous thrombosis, were not associated with CBIs (p > 0.05). Age was significantly higher in patients with CBIs compared to patients without MRI ischemic lesions: 50 (43; 57) years vs. 36 (29; 48) (p = 0.002). The frequency of headaches was comparable between the two groups. CBIs were associated with endothelial dysfunction (OR - 0.71 (95% CI: 0.49–0.90; p = 0.02)) and higher hemoglobin levels (OR—1.21 (95% CI: 1.06–1.55); p =0.03). Conclusions. CBIs are common in patients with Ph-negative MPD. Arterial hypertension and carotid atherosclerosis were not associated with CBIs in this group of patients. The most significant factors in the development of CBIs were endothelial dysfunction (as measured by FMD) and high hemoglobin levels. Patients with Ph-negative MPD and CBIs were older and had more prevalent endothelial dysfunction.

Blast and accelerated phase CML: room for improvement

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). With TKI therapy, the percentage of patients who progress to accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) CML has decreased from more than 20% to 1% to 1.5% per year. Although AP- and BP-CML occur in a minority of patients, outcomes in these patients are significantly worse compared with chronic phase CML, with decreased response rates and duration of response to TKI. Despite this, TKIs have improved outcomes in advanced phase CML, particularly in de novo AP patients, but are often inadequate for lasting remissions. The goal of initial therapy in advanced CML is a return to a chronic phase followed by consideration for bone marrow transplantation. The addition of induction chemotherapy with TKI is often necessary for achievement of a second chronic phase. Given the small population of patients with advanced CML, development of novel treatment strategies and investigational agents is challenging, although clinical trial participation is encouraged in AP and BP patients, whenever possible. We review the overall management approach to advanced CML, including TKI selection, combination therapy, consideration of transplant, and novel agents.

Contemporary practice patterns of tyrosine kinase inhibitor use among older patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in the United States

Introduction:

The choice of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for the first line of therapy (LOT) for chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is tailored to disease risk and patient characteristics like comorbidities, which become more prevalent with age. However, contemporary evaluations of frontline TKI choice and the factors associated with TKI switching in this specific patient population are lacking.

Methods:

We sought to describe TKI use in older patients (age: 66–99 years) with CML in the United States. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare-linked database, we identified 810 older (median age: 75 years, interquartile range: 70–80 years) patients diagnosed during 2007–2015.

Results:

Imatinib was the most common frontline TKI (63.1%) throughout the study period, but its utilization as such decreased from 76% in 2010 to 47% in 2015. Most patients (65.3%) used only one TKI, but 12.5% of the 281 patients who switched from frontline TKI received ⩾4 LOT. Among the 167 patients switching from frontline imatinib, 18.6% eventually returned to imatinib with nearly all as the third LOT, supporting its favorable safety profile and indicating that the initial switch from imatinib might have been premature. Older patients within our cohort, white patients and those with greater comorbidity were less likely to switch from frontline TKI. Diagnosis year, geographic region, and surrogates for socioeconomic status and healthcare access had no impact on TKI switching.

Conclusion:

As expected, our findings highlight the frequent use of imatinib as the treatment option for older CML patients despite the availability of second-generation TKIs.

Loss of Atg2b and Gskip impairs the maintenance of the hematopoietic stem cell pool size

A germ line copy number duplication of chromosome 14q32, which contains ATG2B and GSKIP, was identified in families with myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Here, we show that mice lacking both Atg2b and Gskip, but not either alone, exhibited decreased hematopoiesis, resulting in death in utero accompanied by anemia. In marked contrast to MPN patients with duplication of ATG2B and GSKIP, the number of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), in particular long-term HSCs, in double-knockout fetal livers was significantly decreased due to increased cell death. Although the remaining HSCs still had the ability to differentiate into hematopoietic progenitor cells, the differentiation efficiency was quite low. Remarkably, mice with knockout of Atg2b or Gskip alone did not show any hematopoietic abnormality. Mechanistically, while loss of both genes had no effect on autophagy, it increased the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Taken together, our results indicate that Atg2b and Gskip play a synergistic effect in maintaining the pool size of HSCs.

Real-world survival of US patients with intermediate- to high-risk myelofibrosis: impact of ruxolitinib approval

The Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib is approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis (MF) and improved overall survival (OS) versus control therapy in the phase 3 COMFORT trials. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to examine the real-world impact of ruxolitinib on OS in patients with MF. The US Medicare Fee-for-Service claims database (parts A/B/D) was used to identify patients with ≥ 1 inpatient or ≥ 2 outpatient claims with an MF diagnosis (January 2010-December 2017). Eligible patients with MF were ≥ 65 years old (intermediate-1 or higher risk based on age). Patients were divided into 3 groups based on ruxolitinib approval status at diagnosis and ruxolitinib exposure: (1) preapproval, ruxolitinib-unexposed; (2) post-approval, ruxolitinib-unexposed; and (3) post-approval, ruxolitinib-exposed. In total, 1677 patients with MF were included (preapproval [all ruxolitinib-unexposed], n = 278; post-approval, n = 1399 [ruxolitinib-unexposed, n = 1127; ruxolitinib-exposed, n = 272]). Overall, median age was 78 years, and 39.8% were male. Among patients with valid death dates (preapproval, n = 119 [42.8%]; post-approval, ruxolitinib-unexposed, n = 382 [33.9%]; post-approval ruxolitinib-exposed, n = 54 [19.9%]), 1-year survival rates were 55.6%, 72.5%, and 82.3%, and median OS was 13.2 months, 44.4 months, and not reached, respectively. Risk of mortality was significantly lower post- versus preapproval regardless of exposure to ruxolitinib (ruxolitinib-unexposed: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; ruxolitinib-exposed: adjusted HR, 0.36; P < 0.001 for both); post-approval, mortality risk was significantly lower in ruxolitinib-exposed versus ruxolitinib-unexposed patients (adjusted HR, 0.61; P = 0.002). Findings from this study complement clinical data of ruxolitinib in MF by demonstrating a survival benefit in a real-world setting.

Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients With Myelofibrosis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) remains the only potentially curative therapeutic modality for patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis (MF). However, many patients are considered ineligible for allo-HCT, and transplant-related mortality can be substantial. Data on the efficacy and safety of allo-HCT are mixed and largely derived from retrospective studies. We aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the safety and efficacy of allo-HCT in MF and to identify patient, disease, and transplant characteristics with prognostic impact on outcomes of patients with MF undergoing allo-HCT. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to October 11, 2020, for studies on allo-HCT in MF. Random-effects models were used to pool response rates for the co-primary outcomes of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year overall survival (OS). Rates of non-relapse mortality and acute and chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) were studied as secondary endpoints. Subgroup analyses on the effect of conditioning regimen intensity, baseline dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS) score, and patient age were performed. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020188706). Forty-three studies with 8739 patients were identified and included in this meta-analysis. Rates of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year OS were 66.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 63.5%-69.8%), 64.4% (95% CI, 57.6%-70.6%), and 55.0% (95% CI, 51.8%-58.3%), respectively. Rates of 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year nonrelapse mortality were 25.9% (95% CI, 23.3%-28.7%), 29.7% (95% CI, 24.5%-35.4%), and 30.5% (95% CI, 25.9%-35.5%), respectively. The combined rate of graft failure was 10.6% (95% CI, 8.9%-12.5%) with primary and secondary graft failure occurring in 7.3% (95% CI, 5.7%-9.4%) and 5.9% (95% CI, 4.3%-8.0%) of patients, respectively. Rates of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 44.0% (95% CI, 39.6%-48.4%; grade III/IV: 15.2%) and 46.5% (95% CI, 42.2%-50.8%; extensive or moderate/severe: 26.1%), respectively. Subgroup analyses did not show any significant difference between conditioning regimen intensity (myeloablative versus reduced-intensity), median patient age, and proportion of DIPSS-intermediate-2/high patients. The quality of the evidence is limited by the absence of randomized clinical trials in the field and the heterogeneity of patient and transplant characteristics across included studies. Given the poor prognosis of patients not receiving transplants and in the absence of curative nontransplantation therapies, our results support consideration of allo-HCT for eligible patients with MF.

NK Cells in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN)

Simple Summary

NK cells are important innate immune effectors that contribute substantially to tumor control, however the role of NK cells in haematological cancers is not as well understood. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of the role of NK cells in the management of Ph+ Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, and emphasize the need and possible benefits of a more in-depth investigation into their role in classical MPNs and show potential strategies to harness the anti-tumoral capacities of NK cells.

Abstract

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) comprise a heterogenous group of hematologic neoplasms which are divided into Philadelphia positive (Ph+), and Philadelphia negative (Ph−) or classical MPNs. A variety of immunological factors including inflammatory, as well as immunomodulatory processes, closely interact with the disease phenotypes in MPNs. NK cells are important innate immune effectors and substantially contribute to tumor control. Changes to the absolute and proportionate numbers of NK cell, as well as phenotypical and functional alterations are seen in MPNs. In addition to the disease itself, a variety of therapeutic options in MPNs may modify NK cell characteristics. Reports of suppressive effects of MPN treatment strategies on NK cell activity have led to intensive investigations into the respective compounds, to elucidate the possible negative effects of MPN therapy on control of the leukemic clones. We hereby review the available literature on NK cells in Ph+ and Ph− MPNs and summarize today’s knowledge on disease-related alterations in this cell compartment with particular focus on known therapy-associated changes. Furthermore, we critically evaluate conflicting data with possible implications for future projects. We also aim to highlight the relevance of full NK cell functionality for disease control in MPNs and the importance of considering specific changes related to therapy in order to avoid suppressive effects on immune surveillance.

Subdural Hemorrhage Due to Acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome in a Patient With Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with thrombosis. A 48-year-old female with PV presented with right eye pain following a low-impact head trauma. She consumed aspirin for analgesia and took preparations of Chinese herbs. CT head revealed right-sided subdural hematoma. She had reduced Von Willebrand activity to 26%. Direct angiographic imaging showed an aneurysm arising from a right middle cerebral atery (MCA) branch. The patient was given 1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) prior to the craniotomy. Intra-operative examination revealed that the aneurysm-like structure was a small grape-like structure of the fibrinous part of the subdural membrane that had formed from the subdural hematoma. Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is an important risk factor for bleeding in PV. DDAVP may be useful to increase levels of Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) and decrease the risk of bleeding perioperatively. Exogenous substances such as ginseng should be investigated as possible contributors to bleeding tendency and discontinued.

Integration of Molecular Information in Risk Assessment of Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal disorders of a hematopoietic stem cell, characterized by an abnormal proliferation of largely mature cells driven by mutations in JAK2, CALR, and MPL. All these mutations lead to a constitutive activation of the JAK-STAT signaling, which represents a target for therapy. Beyond driver ones, most patients, especially with myelofibrosis, harbor mutations in an array of "myeloid neoplasm-associated" genes that encode for proteins involved in chromatin modification and DNA methylation, RNA splicing, transcription regulation, and oncogenes. These additional mutations often arise in the context of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). The extensive characterization of the pathologic genome associated with MPN highlighted selected driver and non-driver mutations for their clinical informativeness. First, driver mutations are enlisted in the WHO classification as major diagnostic criteria and may be used for monitoring of residual disease after transplantation and response to treatment. Second, mutation profile can be used, eventually in combination with cytogenetic, histopathologic, hematologic, and clinical variables, to risk stratify patients regarding thrombosis, overall survival, and rate of transformation to secondary leukemia. This review outlines the molecular landscape of MPN and critically interprets current information for their potential impact on patient management.

Arterial hypertension assessment in a population with chronic myeloid leukemia

Treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is based on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), whose introduction in 2001 improved the survival rate after 5 years from 40 to 90%. The longevity increase has been accompanied by a higher incidence of cardiovascular events (CVE) that can be explained due to the sum of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) together with the secondary effects of the TKI. The effect of the TKI over the blood pressure control is still unknown. An observational cross-sectional study of patients with CML under treatment with TKI (imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib) was conducted. Blood pressure was analyzed through sphygmomanometer and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). A total of 73 patients were included, 57 treated with a single line of treatment. 32.9% of the total of individuals under this study showed uncontrolled blood pressure according to the ABPM. The factors related to uncontrolled BP were overweight, dyslipidemia, alcohol use, pulse wave velocity a high/very high cardiovascular risk. The subjects who received treatment with nilotinib did present worse control of their blood pressure in ABPM than those treated with imatinib and dasatinib (p = 0.041). This finding could indicate that an uncontrolled blood pressure is implied in the pro-inflammatory and pro-atherogenic mechanism underlying the development of the cardiovascular disease in those patients under treatment with nilotinib. The ABPM is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of HT, being the reason why it should be included in the assessment of patients with CML whose HT diagnosis proves uncertain.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Myeloid Malignancies

Myeloid malignancies arise from an altered hematopoietic stem cell and mainly comprise acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic leukemic cells may influence the growth and differentiation of other hematopoietic cell lineages in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) display immunoregulatory properties by controlling the innate and adaptive immune systems that may induce a tolerant and supportive microenvironment for neoplasm development. This review analyzes the main features of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies. The number of MDSCs is elevated in myeloid malignancies exhibiting high immunosuppressive capacities, whereas MSCs, in addition to their immunosuppression contribution, regulate myeloid leukemia cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, MSCs may promote MDSC expansion, which may mutually contribute to the creation of an immuno-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Understanding the implication of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies may favor their potential use in immunotherapeutic strategies.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Myeloid Malignancies

Myeloid malignancies arise from an altered hematopoietic stem cell and mainly comprise acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic leukemic cells may influence the growth and differentiation of other hematopoietic cell lineages in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) display immunoregulatory properties by controlling the innate and adaptive immune systems that may induce a tolerant and supportive microenvironment for neoplasm development. This review analyzes the main features of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies. The number of MDSCs is elevated in myeloid malignancies exhibiting high immunosuppressive capacities, whereas MSCs, in addition to their immunosuppression contribution, regulate myeloid leukemia cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, MSCs may promote MDSC expansion, which may mutually contribute to the creation of an immuno-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Understanding the implication of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies may favor their potential use in immunotherapeutic strategies.

Emerging agents and regimens for polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia

Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are both driven by JAK-STAT pathway activation and consequently much of the recent research efforts to improve the management and outcomes of patients with these neoplasms have centered around inhibition of this pathway. In addition to newer JAK inhibitors and improved interferons, promising novel agents exploiting a growing understanding of PV and ET pathogenesis and disease evolution mechanisms are being developed. These agents may modify the disease course in addition to cytoreduction. Histone deacetylase, MDM2 and telomerase inhibitors in patients with PV/ET have demonstrated clinically efficacy and serve as chief examples. Hepcidin mimetics, limiting iron availability to red blood cell precursors, offer an exciting alternative to therapeutic phlebotomy and have the potential to revolutionize management for patients with PV. Many of these newer agents are found to improve hematologic parameters and symptom burden, but their role in thrombotic risk reduction and disease progression control is currently unknown. The results of larger, randomized studies to confirm the early efficacy signals observed in phase 1/2 trials are eagerly awaited.

The Epidemiology of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in New Zealand between 2010 and 2017: Insights from the New Zealand Cancer Registry

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on ethnic disparities in patients with the classical Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF).

METHODS

This study analysed the demographic data for PV, ET and PMF collected by the New Zealand Cancer Registry (NZCR) between 2010 and 2017.

RESULTS

We found that the NZCR capture rates were lower than average international incidence rates for PV and ET, but higher for PMF (0.76, 0.99 and 0.82 per 100,000, respectively). PV patients were older and had worse outcomes than expected, which suggests these patients were reported to the registry at an advanced stage of their disease. Polynesian patients with all MPN subtypes, PV, ET and PMF, were younger than their European counterparts both at the time of diagnosis and death (p < 0.001). Male gender was an independent risk factor for mortality from PV and PMF (hazard ratios (HR) of 1.43 and 1.81, respectively; p < 0.05), and Māori ethnicity was an independent risk factor for mortality from PMF (HR: 2.94; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

New Zealand Polynesian patients may have increased genetic predisposition to MPN, thus we advocate for modern genetic testing in this ethnic group to identify the cause. Further work is also required to identify modifiable risk factors for mortality in MPN, in particular those associated with male gender and Māori ethnicity; the results may benefit all patients with MPN.