The clinical and financial burden of pre-emptive management of cytomegalovirus disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation-implications for preventative treatment approaches

Impact of Primary Letermovir Prophylaxis Versus Preemptive Antiviral Therapy for Cytomegalovirus on Economic and Clinical Outcomes after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Preemptive therapy (PET) historically has been the primary strategy to reduce early-onset cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) but is associated with antiviral-associated toxicities and increases in healthcare resource utilization and cost. Despite its high cost, letermovir (LTV) prophylaxis has largely supplanted PET due to its effectiveness and tolerability. Direct comparisons between LTV and PET approaches on economic and clinical outcomes after allogeneic HCT remain limited. Objective: To compare total cost of care (inpatient and outpatient) between LTV prophylaxis and PET through day+180 after allogeneic HCT. Adult allogeneic CMV seropositive (R+) HCT recipients who initiated LTV <30 days after HCT between 01/01/18 and 12/31/18 were matched 1:1 to allogeneic CMV R+ HCT recipients between 01/01/15 and 12/31/17 (PET cohort). Patients were grouped into high-risk (HR) or standard-risk (SR) for CMV to compare the LTV and PET cohorts. Direct costs for each patient's index HCT admission and all subsequent inpatient and outpatient care through day+180 after HCT were determined and converted into 2021 US dollars and then to Medicare proportional dollars (MPD). A secondary analysis using 2019 average wholesale price was conducted to specifically evaluate anti-CMV medication costs. There were a total of 176 patients with 54 HR CMV pairs and 34 SR CMV pairs. No differences in survival between LTV and PET for both HR and SR CMV groups were observed. The rate of clinically significant CMV infection decreased for both HR CMV (11/54, 20.4% versus 38/54, 70.4%, P < .001) and SR CMV (1/34, 2.9% versus 12/34, 35.3%, P < .001) patients who were given LTV prophylaxis with corresponding reductions in val(ganciclovir) and foscarnet (HR CMV only) use. Among HR CMV patients, LTV prophylaxis was associated with reductions in CMV-related readmissions (3/54, 5.6% versus 18/54, 33.3%, P < .001) and outpatient visits within the first 100 days after HCT (20 versus 25, P = .002), and a decreased median total cost of care ($36,018 versus $75,525, P < .001) in MPD was observed. For SR CMV patients on LTV, a significant reduction in the median inpatient cost ($15,668 versus $27,818, P < .001) was found, but this finding was offset by a higher median outpatient cost ($26,145 versus $20,307, P = .030) that was not CMV-driven. LTV prophylaxis is highly effective in reducing clinically significant CMV reactivations for both HR and SR HCT recipients. In this study, LTV prophylaxis was associated with a decreased total cost of care for HR CMV patients through day+180. Specifically, reductions in CMV-related readmissions, exposure to CMV-directed antiviral agents, and outpatient visits in the first 100 days after HCT were observed. SR CMV patients receiving LTV prophylaxis benefited by having a reduced inpatient cost of care due to lowered room and pharmacy costs.

IL-6-mediated endothelial injury impairs antiviral humoral immunity after bone marrow transplantation

Endothelial function and integrity are compromised after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), but how this affects immune responses broadly remains unknown. Using a preclinical model of CMV reactivation after BMT, we found compromised antiviral humoral responses induced by IL-6 signaling. IL-6 signaling in T cells maintained Th1 cells, resulting in sustained IFN-γ secretion, which promoted endothelial cell (EC) injury, loss of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) responsible for IgG recycling, and rapid IgG loss. T cell-specific deletion of IL-6R led to persistence of recipient-derived, CMV-specific IgG and inhibited CMV reactivation. Deletion of IFN-γ in donor T cells also eliminated EC injury and FcRn loss. In a phase III clinical trial, blockade of IL-6R with tocilizumab promoted CMV-specific IgG persistence and significantly attenuated early HCMV reactivation. In sum, IL-6 invoked IFN-γ-dependent EC injury and consequent IgG loss, leading to CMV reactivation. Hence, cytokine inhibition represents a logical strategy to prevent endothelial injury, thereby preserving humoral immunity after immunotherapy.

Cytomegalovirus related hospitalization costs among hematopoietic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients treated with maribavir versus investigator-assigned therapy: A US-based study

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients impose a significant health care resource utilization (HCRU)-related economic burden. Maribavir (MBV), a novel anti-viral therapy (AVT), approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for post-transplant CMV infections refractory (with/without resistance) to conventional AVTs has demonstrated lower hospital length of stay (LOS) versus investigator-assigned therapy (IAT; valgancilovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, or cidofovir) in a phase 3 trial (SOLSTICE). This study estimated the HCRU costs of MBV versus IAT.

METHODS

An economic model was developed to estimate HCRU costs for patients treated with MBV or IAT. Mean per-patient-per-year (PPPY) HCRU costs were calculated using (i) annualized mean hospital LOS in SOLSTICE, and (ii) CMV-related direct costs from published literature. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis with Monte-Carlo simulations assessed model robustness.

RESULTS

Of 352 randomized patients receiving MBV (n = 235) or IAT (n = 117) for 8 weeks in SOLSTICE, 40% had HSCT and 60% had SOT. Mean overall PPPY HCRU costs of overall hospital-LOS were $67,205 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $33,767, $231,275) versus $145,501 (95% CI: $62,064, $589,505) for MBV and IAT groups, respectively. Mean PPPY ICU and non-ICU stay costs were: $32,231 (95% CI: $5,248, $184,524) versus $45,307 (95% CI: $3,957, $481,740) for MBV and IAT groups, and $82,237 (95% CI: $40,397, $156,945) MBV versus $228,329 (95% CI: $94,442, $517,476) for MBV and IAT groups, respectively. MBV demonstrated cost savings in over 99.99% of simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis suggests that Mean PPPY HCRU costs were 29%-64% lower with MBV versus other-AVTs.

Health care costs among patients with hematologic malignancies receiving allogeneic transplants: a US payer perspective

ABSTRACT

Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) require extensive care. Using the Merative MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database (2016 Q1-2020 Q2), we quantified the costs of care and assessed real-world complication rates among commercially insured US patients diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy and aged between 12 and 64 years undergoing inpatient allo-HCT. Health care resource use and costs were assessed from 100 days before HCT to 100 days after HCT. Primary hospitalization was defined as the time from HCT until first discharge date. Incidence of complications was assessed using medical billing codes from HCT date to 100 days after HCT. Among the 1082 patients analyzed, allo-HCT grafts included peripheral blood (79%), bone marrow (11%), and umbilical cord blood (3%). In the 100 days after HCT, 52% of the patients experienced acute graft-versus-host disease; 21% had cytomegalovirus infection. The median primary hospitalization length of stay (LOS) was 28 days; 31% required readmission in first 100 days after HCT. Across the transplant period (14 days pretransplant to 100 days posttransplant), 44% of patients were admitted to the intensive care unit with a median LOS of 29 days. Among those with noncapitated health plans (n = 937), median cost of all-cause health care per patient during the transplant period was $331 827, which was driven by primary hospitalization and readmission. Additionally, the predicted median incremental costs per additional day in an inpatient setting increased with longer LOS (eg, $3381-$4071, 10th-20th day.) Thus, decreasing length of primary hospitalization and avoiding readmissions should significantly reduce the allo-HCT cost of care.

Investigation of Clinical Features and Association between Vascular Endothelial Injury Markers and Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Patients with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis: Case-Based Research

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) can occasionally trigger thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be reactivated during intensive immunosuppressive therapy for AAV and cause TMA. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical features of and the association between vascular endothelial injury markers and TMA due to CMV in patients with AAV. A 61-year-old female was diagnosed with AAV and severe kidney injury. Immunosuppressive therapy gradually improved her symptoms and laboratory findings. However, 2 weeks after induction therapy initiation, she exhibited altered consciousness, a significant decrease in platelet count, and hemolytic anemia, resulting in a TMA diagnosis. Plasma exchange did not improve TMA findings and routine screening test revealed CMV infection. Ganciclovir injection improved the infection and TMA findings. Consequently, we diagnosed her with CMV-induced TMA. Both AAV and CMV may induce severe vascular endothelial injury, potentially leading to TMA development. CMV-induced TMA should be considered when TMA develops during induction therapy against AAV. Moreover, of the three serum markers of vascular injury-serum sulfatides, soluble thrombomodulin, and pentraxin 3-serum sulfatides may be associated with the development of TMA, and a high level of soluble thrombomodulin may be associated with the development of CMV viremia during the clinical course of AAV.

Development of a highly cytotoxic, clinical-grade virus-specific T cell product for adoptive T cell therapy

At present, recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cells are still suffering from recurrent infections after transplantation. Infusion of virus-specific T cells (VST) post-transplant reportedly fights several viruses without increasing the risk of de novo graft-versus-host disease. This study targeted cytomegalovirus (CMV) for the development of an innovative approach for generating a very specific VST product following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) guidelines. We used a sterile disposable compartment named the Leukoreduction System Chamber (LRS-chamber) from the apheresis platelet donation kit as the starting material, which has demonstrated high levels of T cells. Using a combination of IL-2 and IL-7 we could improve expansion of CMV-specific T cells. Moreover, by developing and establishing a new product protocol, we were able to stimulate VST proliferation and favors T cell effector memory profile. The expanded VST were enriched in a closed automated system, creating a highly pure anti-CMV product, which was pre-clinically tested for specificity in vitro and for persistence, biodistribution, and toxicity in vivo using NOD scid mice. Our results demonstrated very specific VST, able to secrete high amounts of interferon only in the presence of cells infected by the human CMV strain (AD169), and innocuous to cells partially HLA compatible without viral infection.

Real-World Outcomes Associated With Letermovir Use for Cytomegalovirus Primary Prophylaxis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies

Background

A systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world observational studies was conducted to summarize the impact of letermovir cytomegalovirus (CMV) primary prophylaxis (PP) among adult allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients.

Methods

Systematic searches in Medline/PubMed, Embase, and conferences (from database inception to October 2021) were conducted to identify studies for inclusion. Random-effects models were used to derive pooled estimates on the relative effectiveness of letermovir PP compared to controls.

Results

Forty-eight unique studies (N = 7104 patients) were included, most of which were comparative, single-center, and conducted in the United States. Letermovir PP was associated with statistically significant reduction in odds of CMV reactivation (pooled odds ratio [pOR], 0.13 and 0.24; P < .05), clinically significant CMV infection (pOR, 0.09 and 0.19; P < .05), and CMV disease (pOR, 0.31 and 0.35; P < .05) by day +100 and day +200 after allo-HCT, respectively. Letermovir PP was associated with significantly lower odds of all-cause (pOR, 0.73; P < .01) and nonrelapse mortality (pOR, 0.65; P = .01) beyond day 200 after allo-HCT.

Conclusions

Letermovir for CMV PP was effective in reducing the risk of CMV-related complications overall and mortality beyond day 200 among adult allo-HCT recipients.

Long-term survivors demonstrate superior quality of life after haploidentical stem cell transplantation to matched sibling donor transplantation

Background

It has been well-documented that haplo-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HID-HSCT) can provide outcomes comparable to conventional matched sibling donor (MSD) HSCT, however, little is known about the effects on quality of life (QoL) in long-term survivors. This study is to investigate the differences in longitudinal performance of QoL between HID and MSD HSCT using a comprehensive assessment system.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients who had received allogenic-HSCT (allo-HSCT) between January 2018 and December 2019 in our center. All patients were informed to complete QoL questionnaires including the Mos 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT, version 4), using an online applet, before transplantation and at scheduled time points after transplantation. The linear mixed-effects model was used to analyze the variation trend of different dimensions of both SF-36 and FACT-BMT with different follow-up times.

Results

Of the 425 participants, recipients of HID and MSD who survived more than 1 year (n = 230) were included in the final analysis of QoL (median age [range]: 36, [15, 66]). The 3 year overall survival (OS) of HID and MSD was 82.42% and 86.46%, respectively. QoL was assessed using both SF-36 and FACT-BMT and there was longitudinal recovery with clinical significance in the cohort. Compared to MSD-HSCT patients, HID-HSCT recipients demonstrated superior QoL performance in some subscales describing physical and mental wellness. Specifically, the difference in physical performance is more remarkable using FACT-BMT whereas that in mental wellness is more significant using SF36. In the subsequent stratified analysis, patients with a history of aGVHD or CMV reactivation demonstrated inferior QoL.

Conclusions

Long-term survivors of HID HSCT achieved better QoL in some sub-scales compared to MSD HSCT. In addition, SF-36 and FACT-BMT demonstrated different performance thus combination of both improved capacity of the evaluation system.

Clinical and healthcare burden of disease associated with cytomegalovirus in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - A retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND

CMV infection is a common complication in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We investigated the association of clinically significant CMV (CS-CMV) infection with clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in allogeneic HSCT patients in Finland.

METHODS

This retrospective study included adult patients who received their first allogeneic HSCT between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, at the Turku University Hospital. Data were collected from the hospital data lake. Clinical and healthcare outcomes were investigated at one year and mortality up to three years.

RESULTS

The study included 251 patients. CMV seroprevalence was 69.7%. CS-CMV infection occurred in 59.0% of the patients, and of those, 14.2% had ≥2 infections. The median time to CS-CMV infection was 34.5 days (Q₁ -Q₃ , 27.0-45.0). Recipient and donor seropositivity, and lymphoproliferative diseases were associated with higher, and HLA identical sibling donors with lower CS-CMV infection risk. CS-CMV infection was not associated with mortality in three years of follow-up. One hundred thirty-three (89.8%) and 75 (72.8%) patients with and without CS-CMV infection, respectively, were readmitted to the hospital. Patients with CS-CMV infection had more hospital readmissions (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-1.73, p = .005) and patients with one CS-CMV infection (IRR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12-1.94, p = .005) or ≥2 infections had longer length of hospital stay (IRR 2.71, 95% CI 1.76-4.35, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

CMV seroprevalence is relatively high among Finnish allogeneic HSCT patients. CS-CMV infection was common and associated with a higher readmission rate and longer length of hospital stay.

Features of Epstein–Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in Acute Leukemia Patients After Haplo-HCT With Myeloablative ATG-Containing Conditioning Regimen

Background

Haploidentical donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) has become a preferred option for patients without HLA-matched donors, but it increases the risk of viral reactivations. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are common viruses post-HCT, but limited data have been reported in the setting of haplo-HCT.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study enrolling acute leukemia patients who received haplo-HCT with myeloablative conditioning regimen employing ATG in our center from July 2014 to July 2017. All the patients enrolled were EBV-IgM and EBV-DNA negative but EBV-IgG positive, and so were their donors. The same went for CMV as well.

Results

In total, 602 patients were recruited consisting of 331 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 271 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). One-year cumulative incidences of EBV (22.9% ± 2.4% vs. 27.4% ± 2.8%, P = 0.169) and CMV (24.7% ± 2.4% vs. 29.4% ± 2.8%, P = 0.190) reactivation were comparable between AML and ALL. EBV and CMV were independent risk factors for each other. In the AML group, male recipients [HR = 1.275, 95% CI (1.001–1.624), P = 0.049] and acute graft-versus-host disease [HR = 1.592, 95% CI (1.001–2.533), P = 0.049] were independent risk factors for EBV reactivation and CMV reactivation, respectively. CMV rather than EBV reactivation was related to a trend of worsened treatment-related mortality (TRM) (15.6% ± 0.1% vs. 10.2% ± 0.0%, P = 0.067) and progression-free survival (PFS) (60.6% ± 4.1% vs. 70.3% ± 2.3%, P = 0.073), while significant impacts were revealed only in the subgroup analysis. CMV reactivation resulted in a remarkable inferior 2-year overall survival (OS) (64.2% ± 5.7% vs. 77.6% ± 3.2%, P = 0.038) and PFS (55.0% ± 5.9% vs. 71.9% ± 3.4%, P = 0.042) in ALL patients. On the other hand, in the EBV+/CMV− subgroup, relapse was lower in ALL patients (8.2% ± 0.2% vs. 32.4% ± 0.8%, P = 0.010) compared with AML patients, which led to a superior 2-year OS (82.0% ± 6.2% vs. 60.3% ± 8.8%, P = 0.016) and PFS (74.5% ± 7.0% vs. 57.5% ± 8.4%, P = 0.036).

Conclusion

We concluded that EBV and CMV reactivations were frequent in acute leukemia patients after haplo-HCT, with possibly distinctive risk factors from HLA-matched HCT. There could be a potential interaction between EBV and CMV, but impacts on transplant outcomes remained complex.

Clinical characteristics and viral load patterns in children with cytomegalovirus gastrointestinal disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) causes significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with CMV GI disease after allo-HSCT. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients <19 years old that underwent allo-HSCT during an 11-year period. Of the 756 patients, 55.5% (n = 420) experienced post-transplant CMV DNAemia, 2.9% (n = 22) were diagnosed with proven CMV GI diseases, and the highest incidence was found in familial mismatched donors (5.6%, P = 0.029). CMV GI disease was diagnosed <100 days of transplant in 68.2% (n = 15/22), and 13.6% (n = 3/22) did not have concurrent CMV DNAemia. Patients were divided into five groups based on the patterns of CMV viremia initiation and duration post-HSCT. At 3 months post-transplant, lower CD4+ (P = 0.006) and CD8+ (P = 0.011) T-cell counts were observed in patients with waxing and waning CMV viral load titers >100 days post-transplant (groups 1-3) compared to those with CMV DNAemia only prior to 100 days post-transplant and those without concurrent CMV DNAemia (groups 4-5). A higher 1-year all-cause mortality was observed in groups 1-3 compared to groups 4-5 (42.8% vs. 0%; P = 0.051). Active surveillance and aggressive management of CMV reactivation is crucial, especially in children with delayed CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell reconstitution after allo-HSCT.

Immune control of cytomegalovirus reactivation in stem cell transplantation

The reactivation of viruses from latency after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) continues to represent a major clinical challenge requiring sophisticated monitoring strategies in the context of prophylactic and/or pre-emptive antiviral drugs that are associated with significant expense, toxicity, and rates of failure. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the association of polyfunctional virus-specific T-cells with protection from viral reactivation, affirmed by the ability of adoptively transferred virus-specific T-cells to prevent and treat reactivation and disease. The roles of innate cells (NK cells) in early viral surveillance, and dendritic cells in priming of T-cells have also been delineated. Most recently, a role for strain-specific humoral responses in preventing early cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation has been demonstrated in preclinical models. Despite these advances, many unknowns remain: what are the critical innate and adaptive responses over time, is the origin (e.g. recipient versus donor) and localization (e.g. in parenchymal tissue versus lymphoid organs) of these responses important, how does GVHD and the prevention/treatment thereof (e.g. high dose steroids) impact the functionality and relevance of a particular immune axis, do the immune parameters that control latency, reactivation and dissemination differ, and what is the impact of new antiviral drugs on the development of enduring antiviral immunity. Thus, whilst antiviral drugs have provided major improvements over the last two decades, understanding the immunological paradigms underpinning protective antiviral immunity after SCT offers the potential to generate non-toxic immune-based therapeutic approaches for lasting protection from viral reactivation.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients from a US payer perspective

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of letermovir versus no prophylaxis for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in adult cytomegalovirus-seropositive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) recipients. A decision model for 100 patients was developed to estimate the probabilities of cytomegalovirus infection, cytomegalovirus disease, various other complications, and death in patients receiving letermovir versus no prophylaxis. The probabilities of clinical outcomes were based on the pivotal phase 3 trial of letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis versus placebo in adult cytomegalovirus-seropositive recipients of an allo-HCT. Costs of prophylaxis with letermovir and of each clinical outcome were derived from published sources or the trial clinical study reports. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained were used in the model. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore uncertainty around the base-case analysis. In this model, the use of letermovir prophylaxis would lead to an increase of QALYs (619) and direct medical cost ($1  733  794) compared with no prophylaxis (578 QALYs; $710  300) in cytomegalovirus-seropositive recipients of an allo-HCT. Letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was a cost-effective option versus no prophylaxis with base-case analysis ICER $25 046/QALY gained. One-way sensitivity analysis showed the most influential parameter was mortality rate. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a 92% probability of letermovir producing an ICER below the commonly accepted willingness-to-pay threshold of $100 000/QALY gained. Based on this model, letermovir use for cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was a cost-effective option in adult cytomegalovirus-seropositive recipients of an allo-HCT.

New advances in the management of cytomegalovirus in allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viraemia continues to be a frequent complication in the post-haemopoietic stem cell transplantation period despite a low incidence of CMV end-organ disease. Several significant advances in the understanding and management of CMV infection have occurred in the last few years including improved diagnostics, monitoring of CMV immunity, availability of novel anti-CMV drugs, and emerging use of immunotherapies including CMV-specific T-cell infusions. In addition to reviewing these advances we also explore some of the more practical prescribing issues of the older and newer CMV drugs including cost, toxicity and drug interactions to help clinicians navigate this new era of CMV management.

Clinical and economic impact of treated CMV infection in adult CMV-seropositive patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) with positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between treated CMV infection and overall mortality within 1 year after allo-HCT in adult CMV-seropositive Recipients (R+). Secondary objectives included overall 5-year mortality after allo-HCT, risk factors for treated CMV infection, associations between treated CMV infection and allo-HCT complications and medical costs.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in adult CMV-seropositive recipients (R+) who underwent to allo-HCT between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2014.

RESULTS

Five hundred seventy two CMV-seropositive patients (mean age, 50.2 years) undergoing allo-HCT between 2010 and 2014 were included; 55.9% of donors were CMV seropositive. CMV infection treated with antiviral therapy was reported in 227 patients (39.7%) after transplantation. One-year overall mortality was significantly increased in patients with treated CMV infections (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.16-3.00; P = .011). Mean medical costs during the first post-HCT year were higher in patients with CMV infection (€46 853 vs €31 318; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of CMV-seropositive patients undergoing allo-HCT, treated CMV infection was significantly associated with an increased 1-year risk of overall mortality, with increased length of stay and with hospitalization cost. The burden of CMV disease in allo-HCT could be reduced in the future by appropriate prophylactic strategies.

Cost-effectiveness of letermovir as cytomegalovirus prophylaxis in adult recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

The cost-effectiveness of letermovir as cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in adult seropositive patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), compared with the conventional strategy of preemptive treatment, has not been evaluated in Asia.

METHODS

A decision analytical model, simulating the clinical progression of CMV infection on a lifetime horizon, was developed to compare prophylactic strategy with letermovir with preemptive therapy alone as anti-CMV strategies. Prophylaxis comprised administering letermovir for 14 weeks, with clinical outcomes measured at 24 weeks, followed by preemptive therapy if CMV infection occurred. This approach was modeled on outcomes of the letermovir phase 3 clinical study. The model enumerated the cost of letermovir prophylaxis, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost per QALYs gained with prophylaxis. The opposite arm involved regular monitoring and preemptive therapy for CMV reactivation. Real-world costs from the adult HSCT center at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, were adopted for analysis. Costs and clinical benefits, expressed as QALYs, were discounted at 3% per year.

RESULTS

Letermovir prophylaxis compared with preemptive therapy only would lead to an increase of life-year and QALYs at increased costs. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis showed that letermovir prophylaxis had an associated cost of HKD 193,580 for each life-year gained, and HKD 234,675 for each QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the majority of incremental cost-effectiveness ratio fell below the cost-effectiveness threshold of HKD 382,046 (one gross domestic product per capita) per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Letermovir prophylaxis would be cost-effective for preventing CMV infection in adult seropositive allogeneic HSCT recipients in Hong Kong.

Donor CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes successfully treated drug-resistant cytomegalovirus encephalitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare but life-threatening complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).Cases presentation: Two patients with drug-resistant CMV encephalitis after allo-HSCT were successfully treated with donor CMV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In the first case, a 27-year-old male who received haploidentical transplantation to treat T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), developed CMV encephalitis during the time of the ganciclovir maintenance treatment. After intravenous foscarnet and donor CMV-specific CTLs, CMV-DNA of CSF became undetectable and the abnormal signs of brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were limited. Another case, a 57-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent haploidentical transplantation, also developed CMV encephalitis during the maintenance treatment of the ganciclovir. After administering donor CMV-specific CTLs intrathecally, the CMV load of the CSF decreased.Conclusions: The intravenous/intratheca administration of donor CMV-specific CTLs may be a safe and effective treatment for CMV encephalitis, especially for patients who suffered from drug-resistant CMV infection.

Impact of Preemptive Therapy for Cytomegalovirus on Hospitalizations and Cost after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia occurs in 40% to 80% of CMV-seropositive (R+) recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The preemptive therapy (PET) strategy has reduced the risk of CMV end-organ disease (EOD) and associated mortality but may lead to substantial healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs. Real-world data on the economic impact of PET is relevant for the evaluation of alternative strategies for CMV management. We examined the impact of clinically significant CMV treated with PET on inpatient length of stay (LOS), number of readmissions, and associated costs from day 0 through day 180 post-HCT. This was a retrospective study of R+ adults who underwent peripheral blood or marrow allogeneic HCT at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between March 2013 and December 2017. Patients were routinely screened for CMV by qPCR and received PET according to institutional standards of care. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and hospital databases. Itemized cost data per patient were obtained from the Vizient database, adjusted to 2017 dollars using inflation indices. Study outcomes included HCRU evaluated by inpatient LOS and inpatient cost in patients who received PET for clinically significant CMV (PET group) compared with those who did not receive PET (no PET group) and the frequency and cost of CMV-related readmissions compared with non CMV-related readmissions. We used generalized linear models to examine the incremental HCRU and costs associated with PET controlling for other potential factors. Of 357 patients, PET was initiated in 208 (58.3%), at a median of 35 days after HCT. By day 180, 23 patients (6.4%) had developed CMV EOD and 3 (.8%) had died of CMV. Compared with the no PET group, the PET group had a longer LOS for HCT admission (P = .0276), longer total LOS by day 180 (P = .0001), a higher number of readmissions (P = .0001), a higher mean inpatient cost for HCT admission ($189,389 versus $151,646; P = .0133), and a higher total inpatient cost ($297,563 versus $205,815; P < .0001). Among PET recipients, CMV-related readmissions were associated with higher mean cost per episode compared with non CMV-related readmissions ($165,455 versus $89,419; P = .005). CMV-related readmissions comprised 40.6% of total all-cause readmissions and incurred 55.9% of total all-cause readmission costs in PET recipients. Our data show that patients treated with currently available PET had greater inpatient HCRU and cost, by day 180 compared with patients who did not receive PET. The cost of CMV-related readmissions accounted for 56% of total readmission cost among PET recipients. Future studies are needed to examine the cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies for CMV management.

Pharmacokinetics and Immunogenicity of ASP0113 in CMV-Seronegative Dialysis Patients and CMV-Seronegative and -Seropositive Healthy Subjects

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised transplant patients. ASP0113, a first-in-class DNA vaccine containing plasmids encoding CMV phosphoprotein 65 and glycoprotein B (gB), was evaluated in a phase 1b, subject-blinded study in CMV-seropositive (n = 13) and CMV-seronegative (n = 12) healthy and CMV-seronegative dialysis subjects (n = 12) randomized to ASP0113 or placebo. End points included pharmacokinetics, anti-gB antibody levels, phosphoprotein 65-specific T-cell responses measured by ex vivo enzyme-linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) assay and 10-day cultured ELISpot and Stat T-cell activation assays, and safety. ASP0113 concentrations peaked at 2-10 and 24-48 hours; the pharmacokinetics were similar across groups. No group demonstrated significant anti-gB antibody responses. T-cell responder rates in the cultured ELISpot assay were 8/12 (66.7%, 95%CI 35% to 90%) and 4/12 (33.3%, 95%CI 10% to 65%) in CMV-seronegative healthy subjects and dialysis patients, respectively, whereas ex vivo ELISpot assay response rates were 4/11 (36.4%, 95%CI 11% to 69%) and 0/12, respectively. Responses peaked at week 27, with lower magnitude observed in CMV-seronegative dialysis patients versus CMV-seronegative healthy subjects. No serious adverse events occurred; the most common adverse event in ASP0113-vaccinated patients was injection-site pain (64.9%). Some CMV-seronegative healthy subjects and dialysis patients had T-cell responses; no humoral responses were detected.

Cytomegalovirus infection and associated hospitalization and costs among individuals undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Objective: This study utilized a large, national US database to explore the impact of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on hospital services utilization and costs during the first 100 days following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT).Methods: This retrospective, observational cohort study used data from the Premier Healthcare database to identify patients undergoing their first (index) allo-HSCT procedure between 1 January 2006 and 31 March 2015. Three subgroups were analyzed according to CMV-related readmissions during the 100-day follow-up (0, 1, or 2+ readmissions) to compare healthcare utilization and costs.Results: A total of 1610 patients (mean age, 50.5 years; 56.9% male) from 52 US hospitals met the inclusion criteria. During follow-up, 212 (13.2%) patients had 1 (n = 161; 10.0%) or 2+ (n = 51; 3.2%) CMV-related readmissions. The mean ± SD number of all follow-up encounters (inpatient admissions and hospital-based outpatient visits) was similar for the no CMV (3.9 ± 3.9), 1 CMV (3.7 ± 3.9), and 2+ CMV (4.5 ± 3.8) readmission groups (p = .439). Mean total costs of hospital-based healthcare encounters (inpatient admissions and hospital-based outpatient visits) during follow-up were significantly greater in patients who had a CMV readmission ($111,729 [1 CMV readmission]; $184,021 [2+ CMV readmissions]) compared to those without a CMV readmission ($46,064; p < .001]. 100-day follow-up mortality was higher in the CMV vs. non-CMV readmission groups (30.2 vs. 8.2%; p < .001).Conclusions: This large, national database study revealed significantly higher healthcare utilization and costs, as well as mortality, among patients with CMV-related re-hospitalization during the first 100 days post-transplant as compared to patients without CMV-related hospitalization.

Impact of cytomegalovirus complications on resource utilization and costs following hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Objective: The impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) has not been well studied in the US. This retrospective, observational cohort study examined such outcomes in the first year following allo-HSCT.Methods: The IBM MarketScan administrative claims database was used to identify adults who underwent a first allo-HSCT between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2015. Patients were required to have continuous medical and pharmacy enrollment for ≥12 months before and after the allo-HSCT. HCRU and medical costs (2016 US$) were compared by the presence or absence of CMV infection over 1-year follow-up.Results: A total of 1825 adults met the inclusion criteria (57.5% male; mean age 50.8 years). During the follow-up period, 410 (22.5%) patients had a CMV-related claim. Patients with CMV infection were significantly more likely to have a 60-day-(31.2 vs. 19.4%), 100-day-(50.0 vs. 30.5%) or 365-day readmission (78.0 vs. 57.8%) compared to those without a CMV-related event (all p < .001). During follow-up, patients with CMV infection had significantly greater mean total costs, reflecting higher inpatient costs ($677,240 vs. $462,562), outpatient costs ($141,366 vs. $94,312) and prescription drug costs ($27,391 vs. $22,082) (all p < .001). Valganciclovir (59.8%) and ganciclovir (33.7%) were the most commonly utilized anti-viral agents in patients with CMV.Conclusions: CMV infection was associated with significantly higher healthcare resource utilization and costs during the first year post-allo-HSCT. Additional research is warranted to further evaluate the consequences of post-HSCT CMV infection, as well as cost-effective measures to minimize its occurrence.

Cost analysis of ganciclovir and foscarnet in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with cytomegalovirus viremia

BACKGROUND

Ganciclovir (GCV) and foscarnet (FOS) are the most commonly used antivirals for preemptive treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). The current literature indicates similar efficacy between these agents. Thus, the primary consideration for choice of initial anti-CMV treatment is the safety profile, time period after alloHCT, and concern of myelosuppression or renal dysfunction.

METHODS

Herein, we retrospectively reviewed medical records of 124 alloHCT recipients who received GCV or FOS between April 27, 2014, and December 31, 2015, during the first year post-transplant. Healthcare resource use included drug, hospitalization, home health, dialysis, and growth factor costs.

RESULTS

Total duration of therapy was longer in the GCV group (37 days vs 28 days, P = .21) but hospitalization days were similar (9 days) in both groups. The total treatment cost was significantly lower in the GCV group ($38 100 vs $59 400, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Preemptive anti-CMV therapy is associated with major healthcare resource costs, which were greater in patients who required FOS than those who were treated with GCV.

The clinical and economic burden of cytomegalovirus management post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Japan - a retrospective database study

Introduction: Reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major threat and it causes significant morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). There remains, however, a paucity of evidence regarding the economic burden of current CMV management in Japan. The aim of this study is to characterize the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and cost incurred for CMV management post allo-HSCT, using a Japanese hospital claims database.Methods: Patients who underwent allo-HSCT between April 2010 and March 2018 were identified and followed up for 180 days.Results: In total, 916 patients were included for analysis and categorized into CMV (-) group and CMV (+) group based on the presence of a CMV episode within 100 days post allo-HSCT. A CMV episode was defined as evidence of receiving at least one dose of the following anti-CMV drugs, ganciclovir, foscarnet, or valganciclovir. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) total length of stay was 93.6 (± 43.7) days in the CMV (+) group, which was significantly longer than 55.9 (±40.6) days in the CMV (-) group, and this trend was more pronounced in patients with multiple CMV episodes. The mean (±SD) total medical cost within 180 days post allo-HSCT was US$122,328 (±56,977) in the CMV (+) group, while the mean total medical cost was US$75,344 (±43,821) in the CMV (-) group. Moreover, transfusion and antimicrobial use was observed as the major medication cost component, which is suggestive of the indirect effect of CMV episodes.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CMV episodes post allo-HSCT were associated with increased HCRU and cost.

Cytomegalovirus in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplantation: Impact on Costs and Clinical Outcomes Using a Preemptive Strategy

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) results in significant morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Establishing the cost and clinical impact is imperative to the selection of appropriate CMV preventative strategies. This is a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing their first allogeneic HCT between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013. Detailed clinical and institutional cost data were obtained from the start of conditioning through 1-year post-transplantation. Baseline characteristics, resource utilization, costs, and outcomes were compared between patients with and without clinically significant CMV infection (csCMVi). One hundred seventy out of 388 patients (44%) developed csCMVi within 1 year after HCT. Within the first year post-HCT, patients with csCMVi had a significantly longer transplantation-related length of stay (mean, 91.7 days versus 78.3 days; P < .0001) and more frequent and prolonged hospitalizations (mean, 2.4 versus 1.7 admissions [P < .0001]; mean, 39.1 versus 31.5 inpatient days [P = .001]) without significantly more admissions to the intensive care unit (28.2% versus 21.6%; P = .408). The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was greater in patients with csCMVi (73.5% versus 54.1%; P = .0001), although no significant differences were demonstrated in mean platelet or red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Total costs were also higher in patients with csCMVi (mean cost difference, $45,811; 95% CI, $26,385 to $67,544). However, the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and selected infectious complications was not significantly different between the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in 1-year and 5-year post-transplantation overall survival (OS) or nonrelapse mortality (NRM) between those with and those without csCMVi, although relapse of underlying disease was significantly lower in the csCMVi group. Overall, our data show that allogeneic HCT recipients with csCMVi had significantly greater medical resource utilization and costs than those without csCMVi. However, clinical outcomes, including GVHD, infections, and mortality, were similar in the 2 groups. Further study is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of CMV preventive modalities.

Clinical and economic burden of pre-emptive therapy of cytomegalovirus infection in hospitalized allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We conducted a retrospective study to determine the clinical and economic burden of pre-emptive therapy (PET) for CMV infection in 100 consecutive hospitalized adult CMV positive serostatus allo-HCT recipients and compared their hospitalization cost with allo-HCT recipients hospitalized with graft vs host disease without CMV infection (control group) and across 19 US cancer centers for hospitalized patients with CMV infection between 2012 and 2015 (Vizient database). A total of 192 CMV episodes of PET for CMV infection occurred within 1 year post-HCT. PET consisted of ganciclovir (41% of episodes), foscarnet (40%), and valganciclovir (38%) with the longest average length of stay in foscarnet-treated patients (41 days). The average direct cost per patient admitted for PET was $116 976 (range: $7866-$641 841) compared with $12 496 (range: $2004-$43 069) in the control group (P < .0001). The total direct cost per encounter was significantly higher in patients treated with foscarnet and had nephrotoxicity ($284 006) compared with those who did not ($112 195). The average cost amongst the 19 US cancer centers, including our institution, was $42 327 with major disparities in cost and clinical outcomes. PET for CMV infection is associated with high economic burden in allo-HCT recipients.

Cytomegalovirus Infection Incidence and Risk Factors Across Diverse Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Platforms Using a Standardized Monitoring and Treatment Approach: A Comprehensive Evaluation from a Single Institution

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. Disruption of or weak reconstitution of virus-specific cellular immune function, such as with certain HCT approaches, poses significant risk for CMV-related complications. The incidence of and risk factors for CMV infection and the nature of CMV disease were evaluated retrospectively among 356 consecutive HCT recipients transplanted at the National Institutes of Health using all graft sources, including bone marrow, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC), and umbilical cord blood (UCB), and a range of in vivo and ex vivo approaches for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The cumulative incidence of CMV infection was higher for CMV-seropositive recipients at 33%, regardless of donor CMV serostatus. Patients transplanted with CMV-seropositive donors had a significantly shorter duration of antiviral therapy. Among graft sources UCB was associated with the highest cumulative incidence of CMV infection at 65% and significantly longer treatment duration at a median of 36days, whereas PBSC HCT was associated with the lowest incidence at 26% and the shortest CMV treatment duration at a median of 21days. There were significant differences in the cumulative incidence of CMV infection by T cell manipulation strategy when systemic steroids were included as a risk-modifying event. Over one-third of CMV infections occurred in the setting of systemic steroid administration. CMV disease occurred in 5% of HCT recipients, with 70% of cases in the setting of treatment for GVHD. Although factors related to serostatus, graft source, and GVHD prophylaxis were associated with varied CMV infection incidence, unplanned post-HCT corticosteroid therapy contributed greatly to the incidence of both CMV infection and disease across HCT approaches, highlighting this post-HCT intervention as a key time to potentially tailor the approach to monitoring, preemptive therapy, and even prophylaxis.

Deep functional immunophenotyping predicts risk of cytomegalovirus reactivation after hematopoietic cell transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. We performed deep phenotyping of CMV-specific T cells to predict CMV outcomes following allogeneic HCT. By using 13-color flow cytometry, we studied ex vivo CD8⁺ T-cell cytokine production in response to CMV-pp65 peptides in 3 clinically distinct subgroups of CMV-seropositive HCT patients: (1) Elite Controllers (n = 19): did not have evidence of CMV DNAemia on surveillance testing; (2) Spontaneous Controllers (n = 16): spontaneously resolved low-grade CMV DNAemia without antiviral therapy; and (3) Noncontrollers (NC; n = 21): experienced clinically significant CMV. Two CMV-specific CD8⁺ T-cell functional subsets were strongly associated with risk of CMV: (i) the nonprotective signature (NPS; IL-2^-IFN-γ⁺TNF-α^-MIP-1β⁺), found at increased levels among NC; and (ii) the protective signature (PS; IL-2⁺IFN-γ⁺TNF-α⁺MIP-1β⁺) found at low levels among NC. High levels of the NPS and low levels of PS were associated with an increased 100-day cumulative incidence of clinically significant CMV infection (35% vs 5%; P = .02; and 40% vs 12%; P = .05, respectively). The highest predictive value was observed when these signatures were combined into a composite biomarker consisting of low levels of the PS and high levels of the NPS (67% vs 10%; P < .001). After adjusting for steroid use or donor type, this composite biomarker remained associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of clinically significant CMV infection. CMV-specific CD8⁺ T-cell cytokine signatures with robust predictive value for risk of CMV reactivation should prove useful in guiding clinical decision making in HCT recipients.

Update on prevention of cytomegalovirus in hematopoietic cell transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytomegalovirus infection (CMVi) has been the troll of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Over the last 4 decades various approaches have been adopted to minimize the burden from CMVi. There has been major advancement in the management of CMVi in HCT within the last few years that is poised to change the approaches employed in preventing and managing CMVi. This review will summarize recent advances and potential future development in the management of CMV in HCT.

RECENT FINDING

The major development has been the approval of letermovir for the prevention of CMVi in allo-HCT recipients. Also, with the potential availability of tests that can determine host CMV immunity a risk adapted approach to CMV prevention may become a possibility.

SUMMARY

The landscape of CMV prevention is about to change with the approval of a new anti-CMV antiviral that is safe and effective. However, the prophylaxis may lead to late onset CMVi in the context of ongoing risk factors after stopping prophylaxis and measures to counter this shifting epidemiology will need further research; such as extending the prophylaxis in high-risk patients vs. immunotherapy with vaccination and T-cell therapy.

Why is a 3-year NRM following allogeneic transplantation still stuck at approximately 20%?

Whether and when to recommend an allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT) for a patient with leukemia is a treatment decision that rests on determining whether the transplant or non-transplant option carries the greatest probability of 3-5-year survival. While SCT confers a greater possibility of leukemia cure, the decision to transplant has to be made in the light of the high chance of treatment-related mortality (TRM) that follows the allograft. Here we identify that current estimates of a 20% 3-year TRM hold largely true for a variety of leukemias, diverse types of conditioning regimen, and varied donor-recipient compatibility across a wide age-range. While there is a wide spectrum of causes of death in the first few months after SCT, they usually stem from a limited set of immediate post-transplant complications, including those induced by the conditioning regimen, post-transplant endovascular damage, gut dysbiosis, graft-versus-host disease, and immunodeficiency causing viral reactivation. As we better understand and improve preventative treatments for these initiating events there is a real expectation that TRM will continue to fall to levels well below 10% within the next decade.

Restoring antiviral immunity with adoptive transfer of ex-vivo generated T cells

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Latent viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and adenovirus (ADV) often reactivate in immunocompromised patients, contributing to poor clinical outcomes. A rapid reconstitution of antiviral responses via adoptive transfer of virus-specific T cells (VSTs) can prevent or eradicate even refractory infections. Here, we evaluate this strategy and the associated methodological, manufacturing and clinical advances.

RECENT FINDINGS

From the early pioneering but cumbersome efforts to isolate CMV-specific T cell clones, new approaches and techniques have been developed to provide quicker, safer and broader-aimed ex-vivo antigen-specific cells. New manufacturing strategies, such as the use of G-Rex flasks or 'priming' with a library of overlapping viral peptides, allow for culturing greater numbers of cells that could be patient-specific or stored in cell banks for off-the-shelf applications. Rapid isolation of T cells using major histocompatibility complex tetramer or cytokine capture approaches, or genetic reprogramming of cells to target viral antigens can accelerate the generation of potent cellular products.

SUMMARY

Advances in the ex-vivo generation of VSTs in academic medical centres and as off-the-shelf blood bank-based or commercially produced reagents are likely to result in broader accessibility and possible manufacturing cost reduction of these cell products, and will open new therapeutic prospects for vulnerable and critically ill immunocompromised patients.

A fifty-year odyssey: prospects for a cytomegalovirus vaccine in transplant and congenital infection

INTRODUCTION

It has been almost fifty years since the Towne strain was used by Plotkin and collaborators as the first vaccine candidate for cytomegalovirus (CMV). While that approach showed partial efficacy, there have been a multitude of challenges to improve on the promise of a CMV vaccine. Efforts have been dichotomized into a therapeutic vaccine for patients with CMV-infected allografts, either stem cells or solid organ, and a prophylactic vaccine for congenital infection.

AREAS COVERED

This review will evaluate research prospects for a therapeutic vaccine for transplant recipients that recognizes CMV utilizing primarily T cell responses. Similarly, we will provide an extensive discussion on attempts to develop a vaccine to prevent the manifestations of congenital infection, based on eliciting a humoral anti-CMV protective response. The review will also describe newer developments that have upended the efforts toward such a vaccine through the discovery of a second pathway of CMV infection that utilizes an alternative receptor for entry using a series of antigens that have been determined to be important for prevention of infection.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

There is a concerted effort to unify separate therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine strategies into a single delivery agent that would be effective for both transplant-related and congenital infection.

Burden of cytomegalovirus disease in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: a national, matched cohort study in an inpatient setting

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

No studies have compared the risk of mortality or graft-versus-host disease, in an inpatient setting in France, in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients who develop cytomegalovirus disease with those who do not. This study assessed the impact of cytomegalovirus disease on clinical outcomes and healthcare resource utilization in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients using the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information database.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Recipients who had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant in French hospitals between 2008 and 2011 were included in this retrospective, matched cohort study. Those with cytomegalovirus disease were each matched with two allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients without cytomegalovirus disease according to demographic and clinical characteristics. Probabilities of in-hospital mortality, graft rejection and/or graft-versus-host disease, and healthcare resource utilization were compared up to 12 months after cytomegalovirus disease diagnosis.

RESULTS

Overall, 4884 transplant recipients were enrolled, of which 194 had cytomegalovirus disease. Of these, 165 recipients with cytomegalovirus disease were matched to 330 without cytomegalovirus disease (1:2 ratio). The development of cytomegalovirus disease was associated with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality (relative risk = 1.7, p = 0.0005) and higher cumulative number of inpatient days (p < 0.0001), but was not associated with a significantly higher risk of graft rejection and/or graft-versus-host disease or healthcare costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the increased risk of in-hospital mortality and higher cumulative number of inpatient days in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus disease versus those without, new strategies to prevent and manage cytomegalovirus disease are warranted.

The clinical and economic impact of cytomegalovirus infection in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

CMV infection (CMV-I) remains an important complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center cohort study in HSCT recipients. Primary outcomes were adjusted cost and all-cause mortality. Secondary analyses investigated CMV risk factors and the effect of serostatus.

RESULTS

Overall, 690 transplant episodes were included (allogeneic [n = 310]; autologous [n = 380]). All received preemptive CMV antiviral therapy at first detectable DNAemia. CMV-I occurred in 34.8% of allogeneic and 2.1% of autologous transplants; median time to onset was 45 days. In allogeneic HSCT recipients, the primary risk factor for CMV-I was CMV donor/recipient (D/R) serostatus. In a Markov multi-state model for allogeneic HSCT recipients, the hazard ratio for CMV-I and relapse was 1.5 (95% CI 0.8-2.8) and for CMV-I and mortality 2.4 (95% CI 0.9-6.5). In a multivariable model for all patients, CMV-I was associated with increased total cost (coefficient = 0.21, estimated incremental daily cost USD $500; P = 0.02). Cost was attenuated in allogeneic HSCT recipients (coefficient = 0.13, USD $699 vs $613, or $24 892 per transplant episode; P = 0.23). CMV disease (CMV-D) complicated 29.6% of CMV-I events in allogeneic HSCT recipients, but was not associated with an incrementally increased adjusted risk of mortality compared with CMV-I alone. CMV-I (56.4%) and CMV-D (19.8%) were significantly overrepresented in D-/R+ serostatus HSCT recipients, and mortality was higher in R+ HSCT recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite early preemptive antiviral treatment, CMV-I impacts clinical outcomes and cost after HSCT, but the impact on cost is less pronounced in allogeneic HSCT recipients compared with autologous HSCT recipients.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Different Antiviral Agents for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Over the past 25 years, several randomized controlled trials have investigated the efficacy of different antiviral agents for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. We performed a systematic literature review, conventional meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis using a random-effects model and risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effect estimates. Fifteen randomized controlled trials were identified, including 7 different antiviral agents: acyclovir, ganciclovir, maribavir, brincidofovir, letermovir, valacyclovir, and vaccine. Twelve trials used placebo as comparator while 3 trials compared different antiviral agents. We found evidence for CMV disease and infection being significantly reduced by antiviral prophylaxis, with an RR of .66 (95% CI, .48 to .90) and .63 (95% CI, .50 to .79). Across the network, ganciclovir showed the best relative efficacy for CMV disease while letermovir provided first rank of being the best option for CMV infection. The risk for death was not significantly influenced by antiviral prophylaxis in the meta-analysis, with an RR of .92 (95% CI, .78 to 1.08), as well as in the network meta-analysis. In terms of safety, letermovir was at least similar in comparison with placebo and most agents while both letermovir and acyclovir showed significantly reduced risk for serious adverse events compared with ganciclovir, with RRs of .55 (95% CI, .30 to 1.00) for letermovir and .63 (95% CI, .42 to .93) for acyclovir. With a probability of 81%, letermovir appears to be the best option in terms of safety. Future randomized head-to-head comparisons are needed to evaluate the definite efficacy and safety of different prophylactic strategies.

Cytomegalovirus reactivation and disease amongst patients with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Eastern India: Epidemiology, outcome and healthcare cost

Purpose

Data from developing countries about incidence, prognosis and healthcare cost of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation amongst patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) remain scarce. The purpose of the study was to describe the epidemiology, outcome and cost implications of CMV reactivation and CMV disease amongst patients with AHSCT in cancer hospital in Eastern India.

Materials and Methods

The study design was a retrospective audit of clinical records.

Results

Ninety-nine per cent of patients and 94% of the donors were found to be CMV seropositive. CMV reactivation rate was 43.8% amongst patients with AHSCT (n = 130 patients). CMV reactivation occurred 118 days after AHSCT (median; range: 28-943 days). Patients with any grade of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) had higher CMV reactivation rate than patients without GVHD. Patients with CMV reactivation had more frequent GVHD than patients without CMV reactivation. Use of steroids was associated with CMV reactivation. We found no differences in overall survival of patients with or without CMV reactivation. The cost of in-house CMV-polymerase chain reaction at our centre was USD $57 (Rs. 3650), cost for intravenous ganciclovir was USD $26 (Rs. 1665) per infusion and oral valganciclovir USD $8 (Rs. 512)/900 mg tablet. The median duration of anti-CMV therapy was 14 days (interquartile range: 14-28 days) and the average cost per patient per month directed towards CMV management ranged between USD $800 and USD $1,300 (Rs. 51,238-Rs. 83,264). Three patients (2.3%) in this series had CMV disease, all of whom died.

Conclusion

In an increasingly globalised world, where medical tourism is common, data from developing countries regarding cost and outcome of CMV infections in AHSCT patients are of relevance.

Low-dose donor memory T-cell infusion after TCR alpha/beta depleted unrelated and haploidentical transplantation: results of a pilot trial

Recovery of immunity is delayed in recipients of T-depleted grafts. Adoptive transfer of memory T-cells may improve immune response to common pathogens. A cohort of 53 patients with malignant (n = 36) and non-malignant conditions (n = 17) received TCR alpha/beta depleted grafts from haploidentical (n = 25) or MUD (n = 28) donors. Donor lymphocytes were depleted of CD45RA-positive cells. At a median of 48 days after transplantation, patients received DLI at 25 × 10³/kg CD3 cells from haploidentical or 100 × 10³/kg CD3 from MUD donors. Up to 3 doses of donor lymphocytes were administered at monthly intervals, escalating to 100 × 10³/kg in haploidentical transplants and 300 × 10³/kg in MUD transplants. At a median follow-up of 23 months, the cumulative incidence of de novo acute GVHD after DLI is 2% (1 of 43), while the rate of reactivation of preexisting aGVHD was 50% (5 of 10). The transplant-related mortality is 6%. The overall survival rates are 80% and 88% in malignant and non-malignant conditions, respectively. Among patients with absent CMV-specific immune reactivity at baseline (n = 31) expansion of CMV-specific T-cells was demonstrated in 20 (64.5%) within 100 days. Infusions of low dose donor memory T-lymphocytes are safe and constitute a simple measure to prevent infections in the setting of alpha/beta T cell-depleted transplantation.

Economic burden of preemptive treatment of CMV infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective study of 208 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease (CMV episodes) are global concerns after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). They affect survival, both by direct and indirect effects. Due to safety issues of current anti-CMV antivirals, long-term CMV prophylaxis is poorly tolerated and the most common strategy to decrease the incidence of CMV disease is preemptive. New, less toxic, molecules are currently being assessed for CMV prophylaxis which should replace or considerably decrease the preemptive approach. The aim of this study was to assess the economic burden of CMV episodes after HSCT with a preemptive approach.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 208 consecutive adults transplanted in our institution, between 2008 and 2013. Hospital resource utilization was retrieved via the linked hospital admissions and Diagnostic Related Groups for the period of conditioning to 12 months after transplant.

RESULTS

CMV episodes occurred in 70 patients (34%) over the first 12 months following HSCT, after a mean of 75 days (median: 46 (7-334)). The mean total length of stay was significantly associated with the occurrence of a CMV episode (113.9 vs. 87.5 days, p = 0.0002) but was associated neither with the pre-transplant CMV serology of donors/recipients nor with survival. The mean cost of transplant was €104,016 (SD = €37,281) after 12 months. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the occurrence of >1 CMV episode increased the costs of allogeneic HSCT by 25-30% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our study, which is the largest, single-institution cost study of allogeneic HSCT in Europe, shows that two or more CMV episodes significantly increased the transplant cost. New prophylactic strategies to prevent CMV infection and disease should decrease transplant costs.

Off-the-Shelf Virus-Specific T Cells to Treat BK Virus, Human Herpesvirus 6, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus Infections After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation

Purpose Improvement of cure rates for patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) will require efforts to decrease treatment-related mortality from severe viral infections. Adoptively transferred virus-specific T cells (VSTs) generated from eligible, third-party donors could provide broad antiviral protection to recipients of HSCT as an immediately available off-the-shelf product. Patient and Methods We generated a bank of VSTs that recognized five common viral pathogens: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), adenovirus (AdV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), BK virus (BKV), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). The VSTs were administered to 38 patients with 45 infections in a phase II clinical trial. Results A single infusion produced a cumulative complete or partial response rate of 92% (95% CI, 78.1% to 98.3%) overall and the following rates by virus: 100% for BKV (n = 16), 94% for CMV (n = 17), 71% for AdV (n = 7), 100% for EBV (n = 2), and 67% for HHV-6 (n = 3). Clinical benefit was achieved in 31 patients treated for one infection and in seven patients treated for multiple coincident infections. Thirteen of 14 patients treated for BKV-associated hemorrhagic cystitis experienced complete resolution of gross hematuria by week 6. Infusions were safe, and only two occurrences of de novo graft-versus host disease (grade 1) were observed. VST tracking by epitope profiling revealed persistence of functional VSTs of third-party origin for up to 12 weeks. Conclusion The use of banked VSTs is a feasible, safe, and effective approach to treat severe and drug-refractory infections after HSCT, including infections from two viruses (BKV and HHV-6) that had never been targeted previously with an off-the-shelf product. Furthermore, the multispecificity of the VSTs ensures extensive antiviral coverage, which facilitates the treatment of patients with multiple infections.

T-cell receptor αβ+ and CD19+ cell-depleted haploidentical and mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in primary immune deficiency

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is used as a therapeutic approach for primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). The best outcomes have been achieved with HLA-matched donors, but when a matched donor is not available, a haploidentical or mismatched unrelated donor (mMUD) can be useful. Various strategies are used to mitigate the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and rejection associated with such transplants.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the outcomes of haploidentical or mMUD HSCT after depleting GvHD-causing T-cell receptor (TCR) αβ CD3⁺ cells from the graft.

METHODS

CD3⁺TCRαβ⁺/CD19⁺ depleted grafts were given in conditioned (except 3) children with PIDs. Treosulfan (busulfan in 1 patient), fludarabine, thiotepa, and anti-thymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab conditioning were used in 77% of cases, and all but 4 received GvHD prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with 12 types of PIDs received 26 HSCTs. Three underwent transplantation for refractory GvHD that developed after the first cord transplantation. At a median follow-up of 20.8 months (range, 5 month-3.3 years), 21 of 25 patients survived and were cured of underlying immunodeficiency. Overall and event-free survival at 3 years were 83.9% and 80.4%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of grade II to IV acute GvHD was 22% ± 8.7%. No case of visceral or chronic GvHD was seen. Cumulative incidences of graft failure, cytomegalovirus, and/or adenoviral infections and transplant-related mortality at 1 year were 4.2% ± 4.1%, 58.8% ± 9.8%, and 16.1% ± 7.4%, respectively. Patients undergoing transplantation with systemic viral infections had poor survival in comparison with those with absent or resolved infections (33.3% vs 100%).

CONCLUSION

CD3⁺TCRαβ⁺ and CD19⁺ cell-depleted haploidentical or mMUD HSCT is a practical and viable alternative for children with a range of PIDs.

Current and future options for cytomegalovirus reactivation in hematopoietic cell transplantation patients

Report from the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood & Marrow Transplantation 2017, 26-29 March 2017, Marseille, France Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation is a potentially life-threatening complication in immunocompromised recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Its management was therefore a key topic for over 5000 delegates from 85 countries attending the 43rd Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood & Marrow Transplantation 2017. The currently available anti-CMV armamentarium is seldom used to prevent CMV reactivation due to the associated myelosuppression and renal toxicity. Following HCT, CMV reactivation is generally managed pre-emptively using sensitive assays for early detection of viral DNA (and to a lesser extent antigenemia) and, where necessary, treatment with antiviral drugs with the aim of preventing CMV disease. However, any degree of CMV reactivation increases the risk of mortality, and novel antiviral therapies may offer the possibility of prophylaxis to prevent CMV reactivation and improve survival after HCT.

Cytomegalovirus Treatment in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a frequent complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplant in pediatric patients, with significant morbidity and mortality. Antiviral drugs are used as prophylactic, preemptive or therapeutic medicines; however, no uniform guidelines exist for the best strategy to prevent CMV disease. Resistance to standard antiviral therapies can lead to further difficulty in managing CMV disease. Studies for investigational therapies are underway and could provide options for treatment of resistant CMV, while limiting toxicities associated with currently used antiviral therapies.

CMV-specific immune reconstitution following allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality following allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) despite widespread use of viraemia monitoring and pre-emptive antiviral therapy. Uncontrolled viral replication occurs primarily in the first 100 d post transplant but this high risk period can extend to many months if immune recovery is delayed. The re-establishment of a functional population of cellular effectors is essential for control of virus replication and depends on recipient and donor serostatus, the stem cell source, degree of HLA matching and post-transplant factors such as CMV antigen exposure, presence of GVHD and ongoing use of immune suppression. A number of immune monitoring assays exist but have not yet become widely accessible for routine clinical use. Vaccination, adoptive transfer of CMV specific T cells and a number of graft engineering processes are being evaluated to enhance of CMV specific immune recovery post HSCT.

CMV in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Due to its negative impact on the outcome of stem cell transplant (SCT) and solid organ transplant patients (SOT) CMV has been called “the troll of transplantation”. One of the greatest advances in the management of SCT has been the introduction of the preemptive strategy. Since its introduction, the incidence of the viremia, as expected, remains unchanged but there has been a marked decline in the incidence of early CMV disease. However, in spite of the advances in prevention of CMV disease, CMV is still today an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Late CMV disease is still occurring in a significant proportion of patients and the so-called indirect effects of CMV are causing significant morbidity and mortality. Fortunately there have been several advances in the development of new antivirals, adoptive immunotherapy and DNA-CMV vaccines that might transform the management of CMV in the near future.