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Witalisz-Siepracka A, Denk CM, Zdársky B, Hofmann L, Edtmayer S, Harm T, Weiss S, Heindl K, Hessenberger M, Summer S, Dutta S, Casanova E, Obermair GJ, Győrffy B, Putz EM, Sill H, Stoiber D. STAT3 in acute myeloid leukemia facilitates natural killer cell-mediated surveillance. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1374068. [PMID: 39034990 PMCID: PMC11257888 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1374068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous disease characterized by the clonal expansion of myeloid progenitor cells. Despite recent advancements in the treatment of AML, relapse still remains a significant challenge, necessitating the development of innovative therapies to eliminate minimal residual disease. One promising approach to address these unmet clinical needs is natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. To implement such treatments effectively, it is vital to comprehend how AML cells escape the NK-cell surveillance. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a component of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT signaling pathway, is well-known for its role in driving immune evasion in various cancer types. Nevertheless, the specific function of STAT3 in AML cell escape from NK cells has not been deeply investigated. In this study, we unravel a novel role of STAT3 in sensitizing AML cells to NK-cell surveillance. We demonstrate that STAT3-deficient AML cell lines are inefficiently eliminated by NK cells. Mechanistically, AML cells lacking STAT3 fail to form an immune synapse as efficiently as their wild-type counterparts due to significantly reduced surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). The impaired killing of STAT3-deficient cells can be rescued by ICAM-1 overexpression proving its central role in the observed phenotype. Importantly, analysis of our AML patient cohort revealed a positive correlation between ICAM1 and STAT3 expression suggesting a predominant role of STAT3 in ICAM-1 regulation in this disease. In line, high ICAM1 expression correlates with better survival of AML patients underscoring the translational relevance of our findings. Taken together, our data unveil a novel role of STAT3 in preventing AML cells from escaping NK-cell surveillance and highlight the STAT3/ICAM-1 axis as a potential biomarker for NK-cell therapies in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Clio-Melina Denk
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Bernhard Zdársky
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Lorenz Hofmann
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Sophie Edtmayer
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Theresa Harm
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Stefanie Weiss
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Kerstin Heindl
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Manuel Hessenberger
- Division Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Sabrina Summer
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems, Austria
| | | | - Emilio Casanova
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald J. Obermair
- Division Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
- Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eva Maria Putz
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heinz Sill
- Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Division Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
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de Camargo Magalhães ES, Hubner SE, Brown BD, Qiu Y, Kornblau SM. Proteomics for optimizing therapy in acute myeloid leukemia: venetoclax plus hypomethylating agents versus conventional chemotherapy. Leukemia 2024; 38:1046-1056. [PMID: 38531950 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The use of Hypomethylating agents combined with Venetoclax (VH) for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has greatly improved outcomes in recent years. However not all patients benefit from the VH regimen and a way to rationally select between VH and Conventional Chemotherapy (CC) for individual AML patients is needed. Here, we developed a proteomic-based triaging strategy using Reverse-phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to optimize therapy selection. We evaluated the expression of 411 proteins in 810 newly diagnosed adult AML patients, identifying 109 prognostic proteins, that divided into five patient expression profiles, which are useful for optimizing therapy selection. Furthermore, using machine learning algorithms, we determined a set of 14 proteins, among those 109, that were able to accurately recommend therapy, making it feasible for clinical application. Next, we identified a group of patients who did not benefit from either VH or CC and proposed target-based approaches to improve outcomes. Finally, we calculated that the clinical use of our proteomic strategy would have led to a change in therapy for 30% of patients, resulting in a 43% improvement in OS, resulting in around 2600 more cures from AML per year in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Edward Hubner
- John Sealy School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Brandon Douglas Brown
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Yihua Qiu
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA
| | - Steven Mitchell Kornblau
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.
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Schiller GJ, Kustanovich V. Considerations regarding maintenance therapy for acute myeloid leukemia in remission. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:15-20. [PMID: 38230741 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2306164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For most adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, relapse is characteristic of the disease. When allotransplant in first complete remission is administered as consolidative therapy, relapse is still common, affecting 20-40% of recipients. Maintenance of remission with low-dose treatments may hold promise in preventing relapse. AREAS COVERED Improvements in the detection of clinical and biological variants of disease allow the practitioner to identify which patients, based on disease features, may benefit from therapy directed at residual clonal elements that might contribute to relapse. Along with improvements in methods of detecting residual disease, novel agents are under investigation as a platform in order to maintain remission and may contribute to prolonged survival. In this manuscript, we review literature available through PubMed regarding the use of maintenance therapy, described as post-remission or post-transplant treatment intended to delay or prevent relapse. EXPERT OPINION Although results of randomized studies are limited, a role for maintenance therapy, particularly directed at molecular targets, in distinct settings of post-remission management is recommended. We also advise that randomized studies of immune therapy along with opportunities for further evaluation of risk-agnostic interventions be a focus of cooperative groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Schiller
- Hematological Malignancy/Stem Cell Transplant Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vlad Kustanovich
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Unterfrauner M, Rejeski HA, Hartz A, Bohlscheid S, Baudrexler T, Feng X, Rackl E, Li L, Rank A, Filippini Velázquez G, Schmid C, Schmohl J, Bojko P, Schmetzer H. Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating-Factor Combined with Prostaglandin E1 Create Dendritic Cells of Leukemic Origin from AML Patients' Whole Blood and Whole Bone Marrow That Mediate Antileukemic Processes after Mixed Lymphocyte Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17436. [PMID: 38139264 PMCID: PMC10743754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several (chemotherapeutic) protocols to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are available, high rates of relapses in successfully treated patients occur. Strategies to stabilize remissions are greatly needed. The combination of the (clinically approved) immune-modulatory compounds Granulocyte-Macrophage-Colony-Stimulating-Factor (GM-CSF) and Prostaglandine E1 (PGE-1) (Kit-M) converts myeloid blasts into dendritic cells of leukemic origin (DCleu). After stimulation with DCleu ex vivo, leukemia-specific antileukemic immune cells are activated. Therefore, Kit-M treatment may be an attractive immunotherapeutic tool to treat patients with myeloid leukemia. Kit-M-mediated antileukemic effects on whole bone marrow (WBM) were evaluated and compared to whole blood (WB) to evaluate the potential effects of Kit-M on both compartments. WB and WBM samples from 17 AML patients at first diagnosis, in persisting disease and at relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) were treated in parallel with Kit-M to generate DC/DCleu. Untreated samples served as controls. After a mixed lymphocyte culture enriched with patients' T cells (MLC), the leukemia-specific antileukemic effects were assessed through the degranulation- (CD107a+ T cells), the intracellular IFNγ production- and the cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay. Quantification of cell subtypes was performed via flow cytometry. In both WB and WBM significantly higher frequencies of (mature) DCleu were generated without induction of blast proliferation in Kit-M-treated samples compared to control. After MLC with Kit-M-treated vs. not pretreated WB or WBM, frequencies of (leukemia-specific) immunoreactive cells (e.g., non-naive, effector-, memory-, CD3+β7+ T cells, NK- cells) were (significantly) increased, whereas leukemia-specific regulatory T cells (Treg, CD152+ T cells) were (significantly) decreased. The cytotoxicity fluorolysis assay showed a significantly improved blast lysis in Kit-M-treated WB and WBM compared to control. A parallel comparison of WB and WBM samples revealed no significant differences in frequencies of DCleu, (leukemia-specific) immunoreactive cells and achieved antileukemic processes. Kit-M was shown to have comparable effects on WB and WBM samples regarding the generation of DCleu and activation of (antileukemic) immune cells after MLC. This was true for samples before or after SCT. In summary, a potential Kit-M in vivo treatment could lead to antileukemic effects in WB as well as WBM in vivo and to stabilization of the disease or remission in patients before or after SCT. A clinical trial is currently being planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hazal Aslan Rejeski
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Hartz
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Bohlscheid
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Baudrexler
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Xiaojia Feng
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Elias Rackl
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Rank
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | | | - Christoph Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Schmohl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Diakonieklinikum Stuttgart, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Bojko
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Rotkreuzklinikum Munich, 80634 Munich, Germany
| | - Helga Schmetzer
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Zheng F, Li Q, Yang S, Zhou Z, Zeng Q, Liu K. Maintenance therapy with a combination of azacitidine, danazol, and thalidomide after intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Hematology 2023; 28:2276550. [PMID: 37916643 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2023.2276550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of azacitidine (AZA) combined with danazol (DNZ) and thalidomide (THD) maintenance therapy after intensive chemotherapy (IC) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 11 patients treated with AZA combined with DNZ and THD as maintenance therapy after IC at the Baiyun Hospital were between February 2017 and March 2021. The patients' clinical features, relapse-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS Eleven cases fulfilled the AML criteria per the 2016 World Health Organization classification. Of the 11 patients, five were females, and six were males, with a median age of 45 years (range, 23-65 years). Ten patients were in the first complete remission (CR1), and one patient was in the second complete remission (CR2). All patients received AZA combined with DNZ and THD maintenance therapy after IC. The median number of AZA cycles received was 7 (6-12). Until June 2022, the median follow-up period was 37 (14-63) months; one patient had a relapse, and three died. RFS at 1 year and 3 years was 100% and 71.1%, respectively, and OS at 3 years was 100%. CONCLUSION AZA combined with DNZ and THD maintenance therapy is effective for patients with AML who are ineligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Further studies with large sample sizes and randomized are needed to verify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Hematology, Cangzhou people' Hospital, Cangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Yang
- Department of Hematology, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingfan Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiqi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Wang X, Yuan L, Lu B, Lin D, Xu X. Glutathione promotes the synergistic effects of venetoclax and azacytidine against myelodysplastic syndrome‑refractory anemia by regulating the cell cycle. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:574. [PMID: 38023359 PMCID: PMC10652243 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Azacitidine is a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor that has been used as a singular agent for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia with excess blast-1 and -2 (MDS-RAEB I/II). However, recurrence and overall response rates following this treatment remain unsatisfactory. The combination of azacitidine and venetoclax has been used for the clinical treatment of a variety of hematological diseases due to the synergistic killing effect of the two drugs. Venetoclax is a BCL-2 inhibitor that can inhibit mitochondrial metabolism. In addition, azacitidine has been shown to reduce the levels of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL-1) in acute myeloid leukemia cells. MCL-1 is an anti-apoptotic protein and a potential source of resistance to venetoclax. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of combined venetoclax and azacitidine treatment remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the molecular mechanism underlying the impact of venetoclax on the efficacy of azacitidine was investigated by examining its effects on cell cycle progression. SKM-1 cell lines were treated in vitro with 0-2 µM venetoclax and 0-4 µM azacytidine. After 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment, the impact of the drugs on the cell cycle was assessed by flow cytometry. Following drug treatment, changes in cellular glutamine metabolism pathways was analyzed using western blotting (ATF4, CHOP, ASCT2, IDH2 and RB), quantitative PCR (ASCT2 and IDH2), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (α-KG, succinate and glutathione) and ELISA (glutamine and glutaminase). Venetoclax was found to inhibit mitochondrial activity though the alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2 (ASCT2) pathway, which decreased glutamine uptake. Furthermore, venetoclax partially antagonized the action of azacitidine through this ASCT2 pathway, which was reversed by glutathione (GSH) treatment. These results suggest that GSH treatment can potentiate the synergistic therapeutic effects of venetoclax and azacitidine combined treatment on a myelodysplastic syndrome-refractory anemia cell line at lower concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Lihua Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Dongjun Lin
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P.R. China
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Fløisand Y, Remberger M, Bigalke I, Josefsen D, Vålerhaugen H, Inderberg EM, Olaussen RW, Gjertsen BT, Goedkoop R, Geiger C, Prinz PU, Schnorfeil FM, Pinkernell K, Schendel DJ, Kvalheim G. WT1 and PRAME RNA-loaded dendritic cell vaccine as maintenance therapy in de novo AML after intensive induction chemotherapy. Leukemia 2023; 37:1842-1849. [PMID: 37507426 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01980-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Intensive induction chemotherapy achieves complete remissions (CR) in >60% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but overall survival (OS) is poor for relapsing patients not eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Oral azacytidine may be used as maintenance treatment in AML in first remission, but can be associated with substantial side effects, and less toxic strategies should be explored. Twenty AML patients in first CR (CR1) ineligible for allo-HSCT were treated with FDC101, an autologous RNA-loaded mature dendritic cell (mDC) vaccine expressing two leukemia-associated antigens (LAAs). Each dose consisted of 2.5-5 × 106 mDCs per antigen, given weekly until week 4, at week 6, and then monthly, during the 2-year study period. Patients were followed for safety and long-term survival. Treatment was well tolerated, with mild and transient injection site reactions. Eleven of 20 patients (55%) remained in CR, while 4 of 6 relapsing patients achieved CR2 after salvage therapy and underwent allo-HSCT. OS at five years was 75% (95% CI: 50-89), with 70% of patients ≥60 years of age being long-term survivors. Maintenance therapy with this DC vaccine was well tolerated in AML patients in CR1 and was accompanied by encouraging 5-year long-term survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yngvar Fløisand
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Mats Remberger
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Clinical Research and Development Unit, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Iris Bigalke
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Josefsen
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Bjørn Tore Gjertsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen; Department of Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rene Goedkoop
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH and Medigene AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Petra U Prinz
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH and Medigene AG, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Frauke M Schnorfeil
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH and Medigene AG, Martinsried, Germany
- Bavarian Nordic GmbH, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Kai Pinkernell
- Medigene Immunotherapies GmbH and Medigene AG, Martinsried, Germany
- Dr. Falk Pharma, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Gunnar Kvalheim
- Department of Cellular Therapy, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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More P, Ngaffo JAM, Goedtel-Armbrust U, Hähnel PS, Hartwig UF, Kindler T, Wojnowski L. Transcriptional Response to Standard AML Drugs Identifies Synergistic Combinations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12926. [PMID: 37629110 PMCID: PMC10455220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike genomic alterations, gene expression profiles have not been widely used to refine cancer therapies. We analyzed transcriptional changes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines in response to standard first-line AML drugs cytarabine and daunorubicin by means of RNA sequencing. Those changes were highly cell- and treatment-specific. By comparing the changes unique to treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant AML cells, we enriched for treatment-relevant genes. Those genes were associated with drug response-specific pathways, including calcium ion-dependent exocytosis and chromatin remodeling. Pharmacological mimicking of those changes using EGFR and MEK inhibitors enhanced the response to daunorubicin with minimum standalone cytotoxicity. The synergistic response was observed even in the cell lines beyond those used for the discovery, including a primary AML sample. Additionally, publicly available cytotoxicity data confirmed the synergistic effect of EGFR inhibitors in combination with daunorubicin in all 60 investigated cancer cell lines. In conclusion, we demonstrate the utility of treatment-evoked gene expression changes to formulate rational drug combinations. This approach could improve the standard AML therapy, especially in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush More
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.A.M.N.); (U.G.-A.); (L.W.)
| | - Joëlle Aurelie Mekontso Ngaffo
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.A.M.N.); (U.G.-A.); (L.W.)
- Leibniz Institute for New Materials, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ute Goedtel-Armbrust
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.A.M.N.); (U.G.-A.); (L.W.)
| | - Patricia S. Hähnel
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.H.); (T.K.)
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Udo F. Hartwig
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
- Research Center of Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Kindler
- University Cancer Center (UCT) Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (P.S.H.); (T.K.)
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Leszek Wojnowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (J.A.M.N.); (U.G.-A.); (L.W.)
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Magee G, Ragon BK. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2023; 36:101466. [PMID: 37353286 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2023.101466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment modality for select patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), functioning as a restorative agent following intensified chemo- and/or radiotherapy and also engendering the disease-directed immunologic threat of graft-versus-leukemia effect. Advancements in conditioning regimen intensity, donor availability, and supportive care have broadened the eligibility for allogeneic HCT, reduced rates of transplant related mortality, and improved outcomes over time. There are still obstacles to transplant in AML, offering opportunities for ongoing discovery, including poor recipient fitness, insufficient donor availability for certain populations, and limited access to care. Relapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure and a high priority area of investigative efforts. Post-transplant maintenance and novel applications of cellular therapeutics are expected to usher in a new era of promise for successful HCT in AML and will aim to overcome the remaining barriers impeding favorable outcomes for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gray Magee
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, The Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Brittany Knick Ragon
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, The Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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10
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Oliva EN, Candoni A, Salutari P, Palumbo GA, Reda G, Iannì G, Tripepi G, Cuzzola M, Capelli D, Mammì C, Alati C, Cannatà MC, Niscola P, Serio B, Musto P, Vigna E, Volpe A, Melillo LMA, Arcadi MT, Mannina D, Zannier ME, Latagliata R. Azacitidine Post-Remission Therapy for Elderly Patients with AML: A Randomized Phase-3 Trial (QoLESS AZA-AMLE). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092441. [PMID: 37173908 PMCID: PMC10177242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This phase-3 randomized multicenter trial evaluated the efficacy of subcutaneous azacitidine (AZA) post-remission therapy vs. best supportive care (BSC) in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The primary endpoint was the difference in disease-free survival (DFS) from complete remission (CR) to relapse/death. Patients with newly diagnosed AML aged ≥61 years received two courses of induction chemotherapy ("3+7" daunorubicin and cytarabine) followed by consolidation (cytarabine). At CR, 54 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive BSC (N = 27) or AZA (N = 27) at a dose of 50 mg/m2 for 7 days every 28 days and the dose increased after the 1st cycle to 75 mg/m2 for a further 5 cycles, followed by cycles every 56 days for 4.5 years. At 2 years, median DFS was 6.0 (95% CI: 0.2-11.7) months for patients receiving BSC vs. 10.8 months (95% CI: 1.9-19.6, p = 0.20) months for AZA. At 5 years, DFS was 6.0 (95% CI: 0.2-11.7) months in the BSC arm vs. 10.8 (95% CI: 1.9-19.6, p = 0.23) months in the AZA arm. Significant benefit was afforded by AZA on DFS at 2 and 5 years in patients aged >68 years (HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.90, p = 0.030 and HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15-0.93, p = 0.034, respectively). No deaths occurred prior to leukemic relapse. Neutropenia was the most frequent adverse event. There were no differences in patient-reported outcome measures between study arms. In conclusion, AZA post-remission therapy was found to provide benefit in AML patients aged >68 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Natalie Oliva
- U.O.C. Ematologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Anna Candoni
- Divisione Ematologia, P.O. Santa Maria della Misericordia, A.S.U.F.C di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Prassede Salutari
- Dipartimento Oncologico-Ematologico Ospedale Civile Spirito Santo Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reda
- UOC Ematologia Università degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iannì
- Dielnet SRL, CRO Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tripepi
- IFC-CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Maria Cuzzola
- UOSD Tipizzazione Tissutale, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Debora Capelli
- Clinica di Ematologia Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Mammì
- UOSD Medical Genetics, Great Metropolitan Hospital, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Caterina Alati
- U.O.C. Ematologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | | | | | - Bianca Serio
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, 84125 Salerno, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Musto
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine with Ionian Area, "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Unit of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, AOUC Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ernesto Vigna
- U.O. di Ematologia, Ospedale L'Annunziata, 87100 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Volpe
- U.O. di Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giuseppe Moscato, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Lorella Maria Antonia Melillo
- U.O.C. Ematologia e Trapianto di Cellule Staminali Emopoietiche, Policlinico Foggia Ospedaliero-Universitario, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Arcadi
- U.O. Farmacia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Donato Mannina
- U.O.C. di Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Papardo, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Zannier
- Divisione Ematologia, P.O. Santa Maria della Misericordia, A.S.U.F.C di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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Allogeneic transplantation for advanced acute leukemia. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:534-538. [PMID: 36485146 PMCID: PMC9819988 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with advanced acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remain uncertain. All published series include the important and often not stated selection bias that influences outcome. Performance status, patient age, prompt donor availability, risk phenotype of the leukemia, and tumor burden all influence the decision-making process about HCT with active disease. In addition, patients with MDS do not achieve a true pre-HCT complete remission, and thus much less stringent measures are used to indicate suitability for allografting in that disease. Post-HCT maintenance or investigational approaches for tumor depletion may improve the outcomes.
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12
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Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review for General Practitioners in Oncology. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6245-6259. [PMID: 36135060 PMCID: PMC9498246 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29090491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that most frequently develops in older adults. Overall, AML is associated with a high mortality although advancements in genetic risk stratification and new treatments are leading to improvements in outcomes for some subgroups. In this review, we discuss an individualized approach to intensive therapy with a focus on the role of recently approved novel therapies as well as the selection of post-remission therapies for patients in first remission. We discuss the management of patients with relapsed and refractory AML, including the role of targeted treatment and allogeneic stem cell transplant. Next, we review non-intensive treatment for older and unfit AML patients including the use of azacitidine and venetoclax. Finally, we discuss the integration of palliative care in the management of patients with AML.
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13
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Liberatore C, Stanghellini MTL, Lorentino F, Vago L, Carrabba MG, Greco R, Marktel S, Assanelli A, Farina F, Corti C, Bernardi M, Peccatori J, Sockel K, Middeke JM, Schetelig J, Bergmann A, Rautenberg C, Ciceri F, Bornhäuser M, Schroeder T, Stölzel F. Azacitidine and donor lymphocytes infusions in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from alternative donors. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221090882. [PMID: 35747461 PMCID: PMC9210096 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221090882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Azacitidine (AZA) either single-agent or with donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI) has been used as a salvage treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To date, the majority of data come from patients relapsed after HSCT from full-matched donors. Methods We report a multicenter, collaborative, retrospective analysis of 71 patients with hematologic (n = 40, 56%) and molecular relapse (n = 31, 44%) of myeloid neoplasms after HSCT from alternative donors (mismatched unrelated, n = 39, 55%; haploidentical, n = 29, 41%) consecutively treated at three European centers with AZA ± DLI. Results Median time from HSCT to relapse was 9 months. Additional DLI were given to 33 patients (46%). After a median of four cycles, overall response rate (ORR) was 49% and complete response (CR) rate was 38%. CR lasted for a median of 17 months (range 5-89 months). Median follow-up in the entire cohort was 11 months (range 1-115 months). Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) at 1 year were 26% and 53%, respectively. Treatment of molecular relapse granted higher CR rate (65% versus 15%; p = 0.0001), 1-year EFS (43% versus 13%; p = 0.006), and 1-year OS (79% versus 34%; p < 0.001) compared to hematologic relapses. Addition of DLI resulted in significantly higher responses and longer 1-year EFS and OS (Mantel-Byar test, p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively). When applied to our cohort, the APSS-R score confirmed its ability to stratify patients into distinct prognostic groups with significantly different response rates (p = 0.0005) and survival (p < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated, with the incidence of late acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease of 27% and 18%, respectively. Conclusion AZA ± DLI proved feasible and effective in AML and MDS relapsing after HSCT from alternative donors. Despite modest efficacy among hematologic relapses, pre-emptive treatment with AZA ± DLI fared better in molecular relapse. Additional DLI contributed to improving efficacy and ensuring longer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Liberatore
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Lorentino
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Giovanni Carrabba
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Greco
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah Marktel
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Assanelli
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Farina
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Consuelo Corti
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Bernardi
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacopo Peccatori
- Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Katja Sockel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Moritz Middeke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anika Bergmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Rautenberg
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 60, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Martin Bornhäuser
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Schroeder
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine - University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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