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Joung CH, Shin JY, Koo JK, Lim JJ, Wang JS, Lee SJ, Tan HK, Kim SL, Lim SM. Production and characterization of long-acting recombinant human albumin–EPO fusion protein expressed in CHO cell. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 68:137-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Revised: 06/25/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders of the haemopoietic stem cell characterized by peripheral cytopenias that are the result of abnormal haemopoietic differentiation and maturation. Approximately 90% of MDS patients present with anemia at the beginning or during the course of the disease and often require transfusions. The rationale for treating anemic MDS patients with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), alone or in combination with other growth factors, is based on the possibility of overcoming the defective proliferation and maturation of erythroid precursors through the inhibition of bone marrow apoptosis, the enhancement of the differentiation of preleukemic progenitor cells or the stimulation of the growth of residual normal haematopoietic cells. Clinical trails have shown that rHuEpo, alone or in combination with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, is a useful drug for the treatment of anemia in low-risk MDS patients, and the same trials have identified patients who are more likely to respond to maximize benefits, to minimize adverse effects, and to avoid misuse or abuse. However, further research is required to determine whether this treatment has any real impact on quality of life and on life expectancy, thus allowing recommendations to be made about rHuEpo use in MDS patients with a degree of certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Matteo Rigolin
- Hematology Section, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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3
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Fra MD GP, Avanzi MD GC. Haemopoietic growth factors in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2006. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.16.11.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Mannone L, Gardin C, Quarre MC, Bernard JF, Vassilieff D, Ades L, Park S, Vaultier S, Hamza F, Beyne-rauzy MO, Cheze S, Giraudier S, Agape P, Legros L, Voillat L, Dreyfus F, Fenaux P. High-dose darbepoetin alpha in the treatment of anaemia of lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome results of a phase II study. Br J Haematol 2006; 133:513-9. [PMID: 16681638 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2006.06070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
An open-label, phase II non-randomised trial was conducted with darbepoetin (DAR), an erythropoiesis-stimulating factor with prolonged half-life, at a weekly dose of 300 mug subcutaneously in 62 anaemic patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with an endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) level <500 mU/ml. Most of the patients were classified as low or intermediate 1 according to the International Prognostic Scoring System. After 12 weeks, 44 (71%) patients had an erythroid response (34 major and 10 minor), including eight of 13 patients who were previous non-responders to conventional EPO. Two additional responses (one minor and one major) occurred, in 10 non-responders, after the addition of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Thirty-six of the 46 total responders (31/35 major and 5/11 minor) continued to respond on maintenance DAR after a median of 40 weeks (range 4-84). Median dose of DAR required to maintain response was 300 microg every 14 d. The only prognostic factors of favourable response were low endogenous EPO level and low or absent red blood cell transfusion requirement. Those results suggest that high-dose DAR alone yields high erythroid response rates in anaemia of lower risk MDS, possibly equivalent to those obtained with conventional EPO + G-CSF, although this will need to be confirmed in larger and randomised trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mannone
- Department of Haematology, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
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5
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Tehranchi R. Impact of growth factors in the regulation of apoptosis in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Med Oncol 2006; 23:37-49. [PMID: 16645228 DOI: 10.1385/mo:23:1:137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2005] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 03/28/2005] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Increased apoptosis of hematopoietic progenitors is a hallmark of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and results in ineffective hematopoiesis. Erythroid apoptosis is thought to be the main mechanism underlying the severe anemia observed in the low-risk subgroups, refractory anemia (RA) and RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS). Treatment with erythropoietin (Epo) alone or in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) may significantly improve anemia and reduce bone marrow apoptosis. A synergistic effect between Epo and G-CSF has been observed in the clinic, in particular in RARS. However, the molecular mechanisms beyond the anti-apoptotic effect of these growth factors have not been fully understood. This paper outlines the potential mechanisms underlying the augmented apoptosis during the erythroid differentiation in low-risk MDS as well as the anti-apoptotic effect of the growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tehranchi
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, Lund Strategic Research Center for Stem Cell Biology and Cell Therapy, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden.
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Tehranchi R, Fadeel B, Schmidt-Mende J, Forsblom AM, Emanuelsson E, Jadersten M, Christensson B, Hast R, Howe RB, Samuelsson J, Zhivotovsky B, Hellström-Lindberg E. Antiapoptotic Role of Growth Factors in the Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Concordance BetweenIn vitroandIn vivoObservations. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:6291-9. [PMID: 16144933 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-1850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Erythroid apoptosis in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) maybe mediated via mitochondrial release of cytochrome c and subsequent caspase activation. In the present study, we compared the in vitro and in vivo effects of proerythroid treatment with erythropoietin + granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on myelodysplastic erythropoiesis regarding apoptosis and preferential growth of clones with cytogenetic abnormalities. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We enrolled 15 refractory anemia (RA) and 11 refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), including 5q- aberration, monosomy 7, and trisomy 8, before initiation of treatment and followed nine patients after successful treatment. The effects of G-CSF and erythropoietin were assessed. The expression of G-CSF receptor (G-CSFR) was explored during erythroid maturation. The relative growth of erythroid progenitors with cytogenetic aberrations in presence of erythropoietin was investigated. RESULTS Significant redistribution of cytochrome c was seen before treatment at all stages of erythroid differentiation. This release was blocked by G-CSF during the whole culture period and by erythropoietin during the latter phase. Both freshly isolated glycophorin A+ bone marrow cells and intermediate erythroblasts during cultivation retained their expression of G-CSFR. Cytochrome c release and caspase activation were significantly less pronounced in progenitors obtained from successfully treated nonanemic patients and showed no further response to G-CSF in vitro. Moreover, erythropoietin significantly promoted growth of cytogenetically normal cells from 5q- patients, whereas no such effect was observed on erythroblasts from monosomy 7 or trisomy 8 patients. CONCLUSION We conclude that growth factors such as erythropoietin and G-CSF can act both via inhibition of apoptosis of myelodysplastic erythroid precursors and via selection of cytogenetically normal progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Tehranchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Musto P. Revisiting the Use of Recombinant Erythropoietin in Myelodysplastic Syndromes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 6:52-5. [PMID: 15989709 DOI: 10.3816/clm.2005.n.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pellegrino Musto
- Unit of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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Abstract
During the past 15 years, important progress has been made in the understanding of the biology and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is a clonal disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, which can lead to either fatal cytopenias or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Risk-adapted treatment strategies were established because of the high median age (60-75 years) of the MDS patients and the individual history of the disease (number of cytopenias, cytogenetic changes, transfusion requirements). Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation currently offers the only potentially curative treatment, but this form of therapy is not available for the typical MDS patient, who is >60 years of age. Therapy with erythropoietin and G-CSF has improved the quality of life of selected patients. The development of small molecules directed against specific molecular targets with minimal adverse effects is the hope for the future. Innovative uses of immunomodulatory agents and the optimizing of cytotoxic treatment should continue to help in the treatment of MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf-K Hofmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, 12200 Berlin, Germany.
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Hofmann WK, Baldus C, Uharek L, Thiel E. Therapeutic spectrum in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2004; 5:2451-8. [PMID: 15571463 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.5.12.2451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
During the last 15 years, important progress has been made in the understanding of the biology and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It is a clonal disorder, characterised by ineffective haematopoiesis, which can lead to either fatal cytopenias or acute myelogenous leukaemias. Risk-adapted treatment strategies were established, due to the high median age (60 - 75 years) of the MDS patients and the individual history of the disease (i.e. number of cytopenias, cytogenetic changes, transfusion requirements). Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation currently offers the only potentially curative treatment, but this form of therapy is not available for the 'typical' MDS patient, who is > 60 years of age. Therapy with erythropoietin and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has improved the quality of life of selected patients. The development of target-specific therapies, including antibodies and small molecules directed against specific molecular alterations in MDS, with minimal adverse effects, is the hope for the future. Furthermore, the innovative use of immunomodulatory agents and the optimising of cytotoxic treatment should continue to help in the treatment of MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf-K Hofmann
- Charité University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Department of Hematology and Oncology and Transfusion Medicine, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and the choice of therapies remain challenging. New therapies are now emerging after the identification of molecular targets that result in improvement of hematologic parameters and may hold promise for the prevention of disease progression. METHODS A review of the English literature was performed that included original articles and related reviews from MEDLINE (PubMed) and abstracts based on published meeting material. RESULTS MDS is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Although current classification and prognostic schemes have proven valid to define subgroups, they are insufficient to take into consideration the significant biologic diversity of MDS. New molecular targets are identified as the mosaic of pathophysiologic pathways in MDS is being unraveled. Novel and targeted therapeutic agents, such as the inhibition of farnesyl transferases and receptor tyrosine kinases, more potent thalidomide analogs, and arsenic trioxide, have shown encouraging results and may offer durable benefit to patients with MDS. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made in the understanding of clinical manifestations and some of the molecular pathways underlying ineffective hematopoiesis and leukemic transformation in MDS, intensive clinical and laboratory research continues to 1) identify further relevant pathophysiologic pathways, 2) better define MDS subgroups, and 3) develop new drugs based on a clearer understanding of disease biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Faderl
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Valent P, Wimazal F, Schwarzinger I, Sperr WR, Geissler K. Pathogenesis, classification, and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Wien Klin Wochenschr 2003; 115:515-36. [PMID: 13677270 DOI: 10.1007/bf03041035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of clonal myeloid disorders characterized by morphologic dysplasia in one or more cell lineages. Dysplasia in MDS is associated with insufficient production of blood cells and consecutive cytopenia(s). The natural course and prognosis of MDS vary among patients and depend on genetic defects that occur during clonal evolution. In a significant group of patients (roughly 30%) progression to secondary leukemia is observed. These patients appear to have a grave prognosis. The treatment of patients with MDS has to be adjusted to the individual situation and age in each case. In many patients, control of blast cell production by palliative cytoreduction, continuous support with red blood cells, as well as other supportive measures, seem appropriate. In other patients, however, curative therapy (chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation) should be considered. The final decision to offer curative therapy must be based on many different factors including age and the overall situation of the patient. Recently established scoring systems aimed at predicting survival and evolution of leukemia in MDS may be helpful in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Valent
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
The introduction of recombinant human erythropoietin (RHuEPO) has revolutionised the treatment of patients with anaemia of chronic renal disease. Clinical studies have demonstrated that RHuEPO is also useful in various non-uraemic conditions including haematological and oncological disorders, prematurity, HIV infection, and perioperative therapies. Besides highlighting both the historical and functional aspects of RHuEPO, this review discusses the applications of RHuEPO in clinical practice and the potential problems of RHuEPO treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ng
- Phase One Clinical Trials Unit Ltd, Plymouth, UK.
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Hellström-Lindberg E, Gulbrandsen N, Lindberg G, Ahlgren T, Dahl IMS, Dybedal I, Grimfors G, Hesse-Sundin E, Hjorth M, Kanter-Lewensohn L, Linder O, Luthman M, Löfvenberg E, Oberg G, Porwit-MacDonald A, Rådlund A, Samuelsson J, Tangen JM, Winquist I, Wisloff F. A validated decision model for treating the anaemia of myelodysplastic syndromes with erythropoietin + granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: significant effects on quality of life. Br J Haematol 2003; 120:1037-46. [PMID: 12648074 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04153.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have published previously a prototype of a decision model for anaemic patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), in which transfusion need and serum erythropoietin (S-Epo) were used to define three groups with different probabilities of erythroid response to treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) + Epo. S-Epo </= 500 U/l and a transfusion need of < 2 units/month predicted a high probability of response to treatment, S-Epo > 500 U/l and >/= 2 units/month for a poor response, whereas the presence of only one negative prognostic marker predicted an intermediate response. A total of 53 patients from a prospective study were included in our evaluation sample. Patients with good or intermediate probability of response were treated with G-CSF + Epo. The overall response rate was 42% with 28.3% achieving a complete and 13.2% a partial response to treatment. The response rates were 61% and 14% in the good and intermediate predictive groups respectively. The model retained a significant predictive value in the evaluation sample (P < 0.001). Median duration of response was 23 months. Scores for global health and quality of life (QOL) were significantly lower in MDS patients than in a reference population, and fatigue and dyspnoea was significantly more prominent. Global QOL improved in patients responding to treatment (P = 0.01). The validated decision model defined a subgroup of patients with a response rate of 61% (95% confidence interval 48-74%) to treatment with G-CSF + Epo. The majority of these patients have shown complete and durable responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hellström-Lindberg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wallvik J, Stenke L, Bernell P, Nordahl G, Hippe E, Hast R. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels correlate with survival and independently predict response to EPO treatment in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Eur J Haematol 2002; 68:180-5. [PMID: 12068800 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0609.2002.01530.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) can alleviate anaemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The present study, based on a long-term follow-up of 68 MDS patients (26RA, 16 RAS, 26 RAEB) treated with EPO alone, pinpoints pre-treatment variables associated with response induction, response duration and overall survival. Response, defined as an increase in haemoglobin >15gL1 or eliminated erythrocyte transfusion requirements, was observed in 22 of 66 (33%) evaluable patients. The median response duration was 15 (range 3-64+) months. Using univariate logistic regression models, responders displayed significantly lower baseline serum EPO levels (S-EPO), more often normal bone marrow blast cell content (RA/RAS vs. RAEB), normal cytogenetics and no need for erythrocyte transfusion. In a multiple logistic regression model, S-EPO (P=0.009), marrow blast content (P=0.031) and erythrocyte transfusion need (P=0.024) remained associated with response induction. The probability of response for a patient with S-EPO >50UL1, RA/RAS and no transfusion need was 0.79 (0.53-0.93, 95% CI). The median overall survival time from start of EPO treatment was 26 months, significantly longer for responders than for non-responders (49 vs. 18 months, P=0.018). Survival was also predicted by baseline S-EPO; patients with S-EPO >50UL1 (n=50) had a median survival of 17 months, as compared to 65 months for those with S-EPO >50UL1 (n=14, P=0.024). The international prognostic scoring system (IPSS) for MDS predicted survival (P=0.003) and progression to acute leukemia (P<0.001) but not response to EPO treatment. Furthermore, in a logistic regression model with S-EPO and IPSS, S-EPO (but not IPSS) was again a significant predictor for response (P=0.007). Our data facilitate the optimal selection of MDS patients suitable for EPO treatment and pinpoint S-EPO as a powerful predictor of response and overall survival in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wallvik
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sundsvall Hospital, Sweden.
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Recent publications in hematological oncology. Hematol Oncol 2001. [PMID: 11574933 DOI: 10.1002/hon.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Bowen DT, Hellstrom-Lindberg E. Best supportive care for the anaemia of myelodysplasia: inclusion of recombinant erythropoietin therapy? Leuk Res 2001; 25:19-21. [PMID: 11137556 DOI: 10.1016/s0145-2126(00)00100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D T Bowen
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, DD1 9SY, Dundee, UK
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