Second cancer incidence and cancer mortality among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients: a population-based study

Risk of Incident Melanoma Among Individuals With Low-Count Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis

PURPOSE

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)-phenotype monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is a premalignant condition that is roughly 500-fold more common than CLL. It is unknown whether the two-fold increased risk of developing melanoma associated with CLL extends to individuals with MBL.

METHODS

Using the Mayo Clinic Biobank, we identified participants who were 40 years or older with no previous hematological malignancies, who resided in the 27 counties around Mayo Clinic, and who had available biospecimens for screening. Eight-color flow cytometry was used to screen for MBL. Individuals with MBL were classified as low-count MBL (LC-MBL) or high-count MBL on the basis of clonal B-cell percent. Incident melanomas were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes and confirmed via medical records review. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI.

RESULTS

Of the 7,334 participants screened, 1,151 were identified with a CD5-positive MBL, of whom 1,098 had LC-MBL. After a median follow-up of 3.2 years (range, 0-13.5), 131 participants developed melanoma, of whom 36 individuals were positive for MBL. The estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of melanoma was 3.4% and 2.0% among those with and without MBL, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and history of previous melanoma, individuals with MBL exhibited a 1.86-fold (95% CI, 1.25 to 2.78) risk of melanoma. This elevated risk persisted when analysis was restricted to those without a history of melanoma (HR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.30 to 3.23]). Individuals with LC-MBL had a 1.92-fold (95% CI, 1.29 to 2.87) increased risk of developing melanoma overall and a 2.74-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.50 to 5.03) of melanoma in situ compared with those without MBL.

CONCLUSION

LC-MBL is associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of melanoma overall and a 2.74-fold increased risk of melanoma in situ.

Melanoma as Subsequent Primary Malignancy in Hematologic Cancer Survivors-A Literature Review

The occurrence of second primary malignancies is becoming increasingly important among cancer survivors. Melanoma, an aggressive neoplasm originating from the melanocytes, is responsible for most skin cancer-related deaths. This review aims to explore the risk of melanoma occurrence as a second primary cancer after the most common subtypes of hematologic neoplasia, a malignant disease originating from myeloid or lymphocytic cell lineages. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are among the most associated subtypes with melanoma development. We also discuss the underlying hypotheses that may explain the associations between these malignancies and the impact of melanoma on survival. The review emphasizes the importance of increasing awareness of melanoma risk in hematologic cancer survivors, as it can lead to prompt recognition, improved skin surveillance, and better survival outcomes.

Australians with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia continue to have high rates of second primary malignancies in the modern era

Population-based studies have demonstrated a high risk of second cancers, especially of the skin, among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We describe age-standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of second primary malignancies (SPM) in Australian patients with relapsed/refractory CLL treated with at least two lines of therapy, including ibrutinib. From December 2014 to November 2017, 156 patients were identified from 13 sites enrolled in the Australasian Lymphoma and Related Diseases Registry, and 111 had follow-up data on rates of SPM. At 38.4 months from ibrutinib therapy commencement, 25% experienced any SPM. SIR for melanoma and all cancers (excluding nonmelanomatous skin cancers) were 15.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.0-35.3) and 4.6 (95% CI: 3.1-6.9) respectively. These data highlight the importance of primary preventive interventions and surveillance, particularly as survival from CLL continues to improve.

Cutaneous malignancies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common lymphoid malignancy that is associated with an increased risk of developing cutaneous malignancies. Clinical outcomes for these malignancies, including melanoma and keratinocyte cancers (KC), are worse for patients with CLL. Individuals with CLL develop an immunodeficiency of both the adaptive and innate immune system, which plays a role in the increased prevalence of skin cancers. This review focuses on the complex interplay between genetics, immunity, and pathogens that influence the cellular composition and biology of skin tumors and their microenvironment in CLL patients, and in comparison with other chronic hematological malignancies. It is paramount for dermatologists to be aware of the association between CLL (and chronic hematological malignancies more broadly) and cutaneous malignancies. This is a high-risk population who require regular and vigorous dermatologic follow-up.

Assessment of second primary malignancies among treated and untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia using real-world data from the USA

Aim: Improved management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has resulted in a growing population of CLL survivors; these patients have a higher risk of developing second primary malignancies (SPMs) versus the general population. This retrospective cohort study aims to assess the timing, frequency, incidence and types of SPMs in treated and untreated patients with CLL in the USA, using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Medicare database, which links a nationally representative cancer registry with Medicare claims data. Patients & methods: Patients aged ≥66 years with newly diagnosed CLL between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016, who were enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare for ≥12 months pre-diagnosis of CLL were selected from the database. Patients were assessed for ≥36 months until the end of continuous enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B and D, a switch to a health maintenance organization, death, or end of the study period (December 2019). Results: Of 3053 patients included in the analyses, 620 (20.3%) were treated and 2433 (79.7%) were untreated within 36 months of diagnosis. Overall, 638 (20.9%) patients developed a SPM, 26.8% of patients in the treated cohort and 19.4% of patients in the untreated cohort. The most common SPMs for both cohorts were squamous cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. Among the 166 treated patients who developed a SPM, a greater proportion developed their first SPM after treatment initiation versus those who developed their first SPM prior to treatment initiation (p < 0.001). A significantly lower percentage of patients who received targeted therapy developed a SPM (p < 0.05) versus patients treated with anti-CD20 + chemotherapy. Conclusion: Findings indicate that treatment type and timing can affect SPM development in patients with CLL. Combined with previous findings, this can help inform best practices in monitoring for SPM in patients with CLL.

Other malignancies in the history of CLL: an international multicenter study conducted by ERIC, the European Research Initiative on CLL, in HARMONY

Background

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have a higher risk of developing other malignancies (OMs) compared to the general population. However, the impact of CLL-related risk factors and CLL-directed treatment is still unclear and represents the focus of this work.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective international multicenter study to assess the incidence of OMs and detect potential risk factors in 19,705 patients with CLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or high-count CLL-like monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, diagnosed between 2000 and 2016. Data collection took place between October 2020 and March 2022.

Findings

In 129,254 years of follow-up after CLL diagnosis, 3513 OMs were diagnosed (27.2 OMs/1000 person-years). The most common hematological OMs were Richter transformation, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Non-melanoma skin (NMSC) and prostate cancers were the most common solid tumors (STs).The only predictor for MDS and AML development was treatment with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide with/without rituximab (FC ± R) (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 2.79-4.91; p < 0.001). STs were more frequent in males and patients with unmutated immunoglobulin heavy variable genes (OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.49-2.11; p < 0.001/OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.6-2.24; p < 0.001).CLL-directed treatment was associated with non-melanoma skin and prostate cancers (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.36-2.41; p < 0.001/OR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.12-3.97; p = 0.021). In contrast, breast cancers were more frequent in untreated patients (OR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.08-0.33; p < 0.001).Patients with CLL and an OM had inferior overall survival (OS) than those without. AML and MDS conferred the worst OS (p < 0.001).

Interpretation

OMs in CLL impact on OS. Treatment for CLL increased the risk for AML/MDS, prostate cancer, and NMSC. FCR was associated with increased risk for AML/MDS.

Funding

AbbVie, and EU/EFPIAInnovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking HARMONY grant n° 116026.

Comprehensive profiling identifies tumour and immune microenvironmental differences in clinical subsets of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) are the second most diagnosed skin cancer worldwide; however, little is known about the pathobiological factors that contribute to the diverse clinical outcomes seen.

OBJECTIVES

To profile cSCCs comprehensively and identify the pathological processes that contribute to the disparities seen in their clinical behaviour.

METHODS

We characterized the genomic, transcriptomic and immunohistochemical profiles of 211 cSCC tumours, including 37 cSCCs from immunocompromised patients.

RESULTS

cSCCs from immunocompromised patients were characterized by a lack of B cells in the peritumoral stroma compared with immunocompetent patients. Further, an abundance of a memory B-cell-like population in the peritumoral stroma was associated with a better prognosis in all patients (immunocompetent and immunocompromised), as well as only immunocompetent patients. No differences in genetic -variants, tumour mutational burden or mutational signatures were observed between cSCCs from immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Thus, differences in survival between cSCCs from immunocompromised patients and immunocompetent patients are not likely to be driven by tumour genomic factors, but may be associated with differential host immune response. cSCC not from a primary head and neck site had lower tumour mutational burden and exhibited upregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition programme compared with head and neck cSCC. Both factors were implicated with poorer responses to immune checkpoint inhibition, and the latter with poorer survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified tumour and host immune factors that contribute to the disparate clinical behaviour of cSCC, with broad translational application, including prognostication, treatment prediction to current therapies and the identification of novel anticancer therapy approaches in cSCC.

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of advanced melanoma in patients with concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the management of advanced melanoma (AM). However, data on ICI effectiveness have largely been restricted to clinical trials, thereby excluding patients with co-existing malignancies. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent adult leukemia and is associated with increased risk of melanoma. CLL alters systemic immunity and can induce T-cell exhaustion, which may limit the efficacy of ICIs in patients with CLL. We, therefore, sought to examine the efficacy of ICI in patients with these co-occurring diagnoses.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this international multicenter study, a retrospective review of clinical databases identified patients with concomitant diagnoses of CLL and AM treated with ICI (US-MD Anderson Cancer Center, N = 24; US-Mayo Clinic, N = 15; AUS, N = 19). Objective response rates (ORRs), assessed by RECIST v1.1, and survival outcomes [overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS)] among patients with CLL and AM were assessed. Clinical factors associated with improved ORR and survival were explored. Additionally, ORR and survival outcomes were compared between the Australian CLL/AM cohort and a control cohort of 148 Australian patients with AM alone.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2020, 58 patients with concomitant CLL and AM were treated with ICI. ORRs were comparable between AUS-CLL/AM and AM control cohorts (53% versus 48%, P = 0.81). PFS and OS from ICI initiation were also comparable between cohorts. Among CLL/AM patients, a majority were untreated for their CLL (64%) at the time of ICI. Patients with prior history of chemoimmunotherapy treatment for CLL (19%) had significantly reduced ORRs, PFS, and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case series of patients with concomitant CLL and melanoma demonstrate frequent, durable clinical responses to ICI. However, those with prior chemoimmunotherapy treatment for CLL had significantly worse outcomes. We found that CLL disease course is largely unchanged by treatment with ICI.

Chronic Use of Hydrochlorothiazide and Risk of Skin Cancer in Caucasian Adults: A PharmLines Initiative Inception Cohort Study

Photosensitizing properties of hydrochlorothiazide may increase skin cancer risk. To date, study findings on the association between hydrochlorothiazide use and skin cancer risk are inconsistent, notably regarding confounding and dose-response. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between hydrochlorothiazide use and incidence of skin cancer in a cohort of unselected Caucasian adults, taking dosing into account. As part of the PharmLines Initiative, which links data from the Lifelines Cohort Study and prescription database IADB.nl, patients aged ≥ 40 years were included from Lifelines, a prospective population-based cohort study in the north of the Netherlands. Skin cancer incidence was compared between subjects starting hydrochlorothiazide treatment (n = 608), subjects starting treatment with other antihypertensives (n = 508), and non-antihypertensive long-term medication users (n = 1,710). Cox regression analyses were performed to obtain hazard ratios, adjusted for potential confounders. The risk of any skin cancer, keratinocyte carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma was not significantly increased in general hydrochlorothiazide users. A clear association was observed between high cumulative hydrochlorothiazide use (≥ 5,000 defined daily dose; ≥ 125,000 mg) and the risk of any skin cancer (adjusted hazard ratio 5.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.40-11.81), keratinocyte carcinoma (adjusted hazard ratio 7.31, 95% CI 3.12-17.13), basal cell carcinoma (adjusted hazard ratio 7.72, 95% CI 3.11-19.16) and squamous cell carcinoma (adjusted hazard ratio 19.63, 95% CI 3.12-123.56). These findings should lead to awareness with high use of hydrochlorothiazide in Caucasian adults.

Second primary malignancies in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: epidemiology and risk factors

With the advancements in therapeutics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the long-term survival of patients with NHL has markedly increased. Second primary malignancies (SPMs) have become an increasingly relevant long-term concern for NHL survivors. The etiology of SPMs is multifactorial and involves multiple steps. Germline alterations, immune dysregulation, and clonal hematopoiesis contribute to the accumulation of intrinsic adverse factors, and external factors such as lifestyle; exposure to infectious factors; and late effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, high-dose therapy, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation further increase SPM risk. Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs) are a devastating complication of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. However, as targeted therapies begin to replace cytotoxic chemotherapy, the incidence of t-MNs is likely to decline, particularly for indolent B-cell NHL.

How we approach the perioperative management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia receiving continuous cancer-directed therapies

Historically, invasive procedures and surgeries were deferred in patients with haematological malignancies including advanced stage chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) because of limited life expectancy. However, novel, and often continuous, treatments have markedly improved outcomes in CLL. Some patients may expect years of treatment response and disease control, overcoming the short life expectancy that deters interventionalists. Such patients now often undergo various invasive procedures including major surgery. To inform peri-operative management, we summarize the relevant side effects and drug interactions of continuous CLL therapies, highlight potential surgical risks, and provide recommendations on withholding specific CLL drugs around invasive procedures.

Risk of second primary malignancies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a population-based study in the Netherlands, 1989-2019

The longevity of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has improved progressively over the past decades, making it essential to understand long-term health outcomes, such as second primary malignancies (SPMs). Therefore, this nationwide, population-based study assessed the risk of SPM development in CLL patients diagnosed during 1989-2019 in the Netherlands compared to the expected number of malignancies in an age-, sex-, and period-matched group from the general Dutch population. In 24,815 CLL patients followed for 162,698.49 person-years, 4369 SPMs were diagnosed with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.63 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-1.68). This elevated risk was observed for solid (SIR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.65-1.75) and hematological SPMs (SIR 1.42; 95% CI, 1.24-1.62). The highest risk for SPMs was noted beyond five years post-diagnosis (SIR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.62-1.77), for male individuals (SIR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.64-1.77), and patients aged 18-69 years (SIR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.79-2.05). The risk of SPMs was higher in CLL patients who received anti-neoplastic therapy (SIR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.96-2.28), as compared with those who did not (SIR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.53-1.63). Routine surveillance activities and tailored interventions to counteract the increased morbidity and excess mortality associated with SPMs are essential for improving long-term outcomes in CLL patients.

Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential

Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.

Synchronous renal pelvis carcinoma associated with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is often associated with an increased risk of developing subsequent neoplasms of epithelial and mesenchymal origin. Coincidence of CLL/SLL and urothelial carcinoma (UC) is very rare. Herein, we report a case of synchronous renal pelvis carcinoma with SLL.

CASE SUMMARY

A 78-year-old man presented with the complaint of terminal painless gross hematuria for the past 2 mo. On physical examination, enlarged lymph nodes were palpable in the cervical and axillary regions. The patient’s peripheral blood film was normal. He had a significant smoking history for the past 50 years. Cystoscopy revealed bleeding in the left upper urinary tract. Abdominal computed tomography imaging demonstrated a left renal pelvis tumor. The patient underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy. Histopathology revealed left renal pelvis high-grade invasive papillary UC and SLL involving the kidney and bone marrow. Renal pelvis lymphatic tissue and lymphocytes were positive for CD5, CD20, and CD23. In addition, the following results were obtained: CD3 (-), Ki-67 (30%+), Bcl-2 (+), Bcl-6 (+), CD10 (-), and CD79a (+). Moreover, no UC metastasis was observed in the lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of coincident CLL/SLL and upper tract UC in the literature. Cancer patients with lymphadenopathies should always be investigated to rule out the possibility of synchronous or metachronous malignancy.

Clonally unrelated Richter syndrome are truly de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with a mutational profile reminiscent of clonally related Richter syndrome

Richter syndrome (RS) is mostly due to the direct transformation of the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) clone, as documented by the same immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable region (IGHV) rearrangement in both CLL and RS cells. In rare cases characterized by a better outcome, the RS clone harbours a different IGHV rearrangement compared to the CLL phase. We investigated the CLL phase of clonally unrelated RS to test whether the RS clone was already identifiable prior to clinicopathologic transformation, albeit undetectable by conventional approaches. CLL cells of eight patients with unrelated RS were subjected to an ultra‐deep next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approach with a sensitivity of 10⁻⁶. In 7/8 cases, the RS rearrangement was not identified in the CLL phase. In one case, the RS clone was identified at a very low frequency in the CLL phase, conceivably due to the concomitance of CLL sampling and RS diagnosis. Targeted resequencing revealed that clonally unrelated RS carries genetic lesions primarily affecting the TP53, MYC, ATM and NOTCH1 genes. Conversely, mutations frequently involved in de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) without a history of CLL were absent. These results suggest that clonally unrelated RS is a truly de novo lymphoma with a mutational profile reminiscent, at least in part, of clonally related RS.

Differential regulation of CTLA4 expression through BTK-dependent and independent mechanisms in CLL

Ibrutinib suppresses CLL cell CTLA4 expression in vitro and in vivo.

CTLA4 expression on CLL is regulated by non-BTKs that differ from T-cell CTLA4 regulation.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a major immune checkpoint and target for cancer immunotherapy. Although originally discovered and primarily studied on T cells, its role on other cell types has also been recognized in recent years. Here we describe an unexpected interaction between ibrutinib (a targeted inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase [BTK]) and CTLA4 expression on malignant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. Although BTK itself does play a role in CTLA4 expression in CLL, we demonstrate that ibrutinib’s main suppressive effect on CTLA4 protein expression and trafficking occurs through non-BTK targets influenced by this drug. This suppression is not seen in T cells, indicating a different mechanism of CTLA4 regulation in CLL vs T cells. Appreciating this distinct mechanism and the beneficial non-BTK effects of ibrutinib may contribute to understanding the immune benefits of ibrutinib treatment and lead to therapeutic approaches to improve immune function in patients with CLL by suppressing CTLA4 expression.

Primary Myelofibrosis Occurring during Targeted Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Report of Two Cases

The disease course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is frequently characterized by the occurrence of various complications, such as second primary cancer, which can impact patients’ prognoses. While therapies for CLL have evolved tremendously in the past decades, overlooking the possibility of rare neoplasms that arise along with CLL may hinder the benefit that these therapies grant to patients. Moreover, the ability of newer therapies to alter the landscape of these complications is still largely unknown. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is not commonly associated with CLL, with only a few cases reported in the literature, with little information regarding the clinico-biological features and the optimal management for these associated conditions. Here, we report two unusual cases of PMF that occurred a few months after the start of therapy for CLL with targeted agents (ibrutinib and venetoclax). Both cases represented a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, underscoring the need for clinicians to remain vigilant about the possible co-occurrence of these two hematological malignancies, especially in the era of targeted therapy for CLL.

Synchronous oral squamous cell carcinoma and a lymphoproliferative disorder in an adult: a challenge in diagnosis and management

Synchronous primary malignancies present challenges in diagnosis, treatment sequencing and management. We present a rare case of a synchronous oral cavity and lymphoproliferative malignancy in a middle-age man. Our patient presented with a primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and was subsequently found to have a secondary lymphoproliferative malignancy (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma). The challenge of staging and sequencing of treatment is discussed. In addition, this case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary consultation, designing a personalised treatment plan that is coincident with the standard of care for each malignancy, and close follow-up.

Skin cancer in immunosuppressed patients

ABSTRACT

The number of people living with chronic immunosuppression is increasing in the United States. Patients with HIV, those who have had bone marrow or solid organ transplants, and patients taking biologics for autoimmune diseases are at increased risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer in these patients is more aggressive and more likely to metastasize and cause death. Medications and individual risk factors such as sex, age, and ethnicity are independent risk factors for the development of skin cancer. Routine screening and aggressive treatment of actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancers can reduce patients' skin cancer burden and improve patient outcomes.

The Role of Neutrophils in the Pathogenesis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Tumor-associated neutrophils appear to be a crucial element of the tumor microenvironment that actively participates in the development and progression of cancerous diseases. The increased lifespan, plasticity in changing of phenotype, and functions of neutrophils influence the course of the disease and may significantly affect survival. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), disturbances in neutrophils functions impede the effective immune defense against pathogens. Therefore, understanding the mechanism underlying such a phenomenon in CLL seems to be of great importance. Here we discuss the recent reports analyzing the phenotype and functions of neutrophils in CLL, the most common leukemia in adults. We summarize the data concerning both the phenotype and the mechanisms by which neutrophils directly support the proliferation and survival of malignant B cells.

Biology and Treatment Advances in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common skin cancer diagnosed worldwide. CSCC is generally localized and managed with local therapies such as excision and/or radiotherapy. For patients with unresectable or metastatic disease, recent improvements in our understanding of the underlying biology have led to significant advancements in treatment approaches-including the use of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI)-which have resulted in substantial gains in response and survival compared to traditional cytotoxic approaches. However, there is a lack of understanding of the biology underpinning CSCC in immunocompromised patients, in whom the risk of developing CSCC is hundreds of times higher compared to immunocompetent patients. Furthermore, current ICI approaches are associated with significant risk of graft rejection in organ transplant recipients who make up a significant proportion of immunocompromised patients. Ongoing scientific and clinical research efforts are needed in order to maintain momentum to increase our understanding and refine our therapeutic approaches for patients with CSCC.

Detailing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in Portugal-Results from a population-based cancer registry cohort study

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia among adults in western countries. Considering the increasing incidence and prevalence of this condition, it is highly relevant to better characterise these patients in Portugal, where data is still scarce.

METHODS

To determine incidence, clinical presentation, survival and second malignancies, a population-based historical cohort study was conducted. Cases of interest were identified through the South Region Cancer Registry database and additional data sources. Patients aged ≥18 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma between January 1st, 2013 and December 31st, 2014 were included. Patients were followed-up until death or cut-off date (December 31st, 2019).

RESULTS

A total of 496 patients were included and median follow-up time was 5.46 years. Crude incidence rates were 5.03 and 5.22 per 100,000 inhabitants for 2013 and 2014, respectively, and age-adjusted incidence rates were 3.18:100,000 European population for 2013 and 3.35:100,000 European population for 2014. Median age at diagnosis was 71 years and the male/female ratio was 1.40. The majority of patients had leukemic presentation of the disease (86.09%), was diagnosed in Binet stage A (75.58%) and did not present B symptoms (84.01%), anaemia (haemoglobin ≤10g/dL; 90.63%) nor thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤100 000/μL; 91.73%). Five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 70.53% (95%CI 66.31-74.34) and age, lactate dehydrogenase, Binet stage and a ≥5 Charlson comorbidity index score were independently associated with OS. Standardised-incidence ratios for any second malignancy and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma were 1.59 (95%CI 1.19-2.08) and 10.15 (95%CI 6.28-15.51), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Incidence, clinical presentation and survival of CLL Portuguese patients are similar to those reported for other western countries. The increased risk of second malignancies raises concerns and needs adequate clinical watchfulness.

Zanubrutinib monotherapy for patients with treatment naïve chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 17p deletion

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma whose tumors carry deletion of chromosome 17p13.1 [del(17p)] have an unfavorable prognosis and respond poorly to standard chemoimmunotherapy. Zanubrutinib is a selective next-generation Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of zanubrutinib 160 mg twice daily in treatment-naïve patients with del(17p) disease enrolled in a dedicated, nonrandomized cohort (Arm C) of the phase 3 SEQUOIA trial. A total of 109 patients (median age, 70 years; range, 42 - 86) with centrally confirmed del(17p) were enrolled and treated. After a median of 18.2 months (range, 5.0 - 26.3), seven patients had discontinued study treatment due to progressive disease, four due to an adverse event, and one due to withdrawal of consent. The overall response rate was 94.5% with 3.7% of patients achieving complete response with or without incomplete hematologic recovery. The estimated 18-month progression-free survival rate was 88.6% (95% CI, 79.0 - 94.0) and the estimated 18-month overall survival rate was 95.1% (95% CI, 88.4 - 98.0). Most common all-grade adverse events included contusion (20.2%), upper respiratory tract infection (19.3%), neutropenia/neutrophil count decreased (17.4%), and diarrhea (16.5%). Grade ≥ 3 adverse events were reported in 53 patients (48.6%), most commonly neutropenia (12.9%) and pneumonia (3.7%). An adverse event of atrial fibrillation was reported in three patients (2.8%). Zanubrutinib was active and well tolerated in this large, prospectively enrolled treatment cohort of previously untreated patients with del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT03336333.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a systematic review of the literature

The continuous improvement of life expectancy of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has resulted in increased risk of second primary malignancy that potentially may affect survival and quality of life of CLL patients. We performed a systematic review to assess the risk and the clinical‐pathological features and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in patients with CLL. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials databases for articles published from database inception to December 31, 2019. English‐language studies reporting original data on patients with a specific diagnosis of CLL and cSCC were included. Data were extracted using a standardized extraction form, and any discordance was resolved by consensus. Descriptive data were generated by pooling patients from eligible studies. Of the 4588 non‐duplicate records identified, 55 articles met our inclusion criteria. These studies reported that CLL patients have a 3.2% prevalence of cSCC, with an 11.5% cSCC‐related lethality and an overall risk of metastasis of 5.7% (7.3% for regional lymph node involvement and 3.8% for distant metastasis). The quality of evidence was limited by the high heterogeneity in the design, populations, and objectives of the included studies. This systematic review suggests that cSCC in CLL patients tends to behave less aggressively compared with the solid organ transplant recipients but has a higher morbidity and mortality than in the general population. Future prospective studies are needed to increase the quality of evidence and to determine the best treatment modalities and screening intervals for these patients.

Impact of Immune Parameters and Immune Dysfunctions on the Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Simple Summary

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), immune alterations—affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity—are very common. As a clinical consequence, patients with CLL frequently present with autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. The aim of this review article is to present available data on CLL-associated alterations of immune parameters that correlate with known prognostic markers and with clinical outcome. Also, data on the impact of immune-related clinical manifestations on the prognosis of patients with CLL will be discussed.

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a wide spectrum of immune alterations, affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity. These immune dysfunctions strongly impact the immune surveillance, facilitate tumor progression and eventually affect the disease course. Quantitative and functional alterations involving conventional T cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T cells, NK and NKT cells, and myeloid cells, together with hypogammaglobulinemia, aberrations in the complement pathways and altered cytokine signature have been reported in patients with CLL. Some of these immune parameters have been shown to associate with other CLL-related characteristics with a known prognostic relevance or to correlate with disease prognosis. Also, in CLL, the complex immune response dysfunctions eventually translate in clinical manifestations, including autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. These clinical issues are overall the most common complications that affect the course and management of CLL, and they also may impact overall disease prognosis.

Zanubrutinib for the treatment of relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma

Zanubrutinib, a highly selective Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was evaluated in a phase 1/2 study in patients with various B-cell malignancies. In the subgroup of patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), zanubrutinib was administered as 160 mg twice daily (n = 14), 320 mg once daily (n = 18), or ≤160 mg total dose (n = 5). Herein, we report results for patients receiving a total daily dose of 320 mg (N = 32). Median study follow-up was 18.8 months. Eighteen patients discontinued treatment, 10 because of progressive disease and 8 because of adverse events (AEs); 1 AE (peripheral edema) was considered to be related to zanubrutinib treatment. The most common AEs were diarrhea (43.8%), contusion (37.5%), constipation (31.3%), and upper respiratory tract infection (31.3%). Infection was the most commonly reported AE of interest (18.8% of patients experienced grade ≥3 infection). At least 1 AE of grade ≥3 was reported in 59.4% of patients; grade ≥3 AEs that were reported in >2 patients were anemia (12.5%), pneumonia (9.4%), and myalgia (9.4%). Overall response rate was 84%, with 25% achieving a complete response. Median duration of response was 18.5 months. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.1 months. Zanubrutinib was well tolerated and demonstrated activity in patients with R/R MCL. The trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02343120.

Can Immunocompetence Be Restored in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?

Reversing or preventing immunodeficiency in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is of the highest priority. The past decade of research has met the challenge of treating CLL for most patients. Patients continue to struggle, however, with infections and second primary malignancies related to immunodeficiency. Strategies addressing this need currently are limited to vaccinations, with suboptimal efficacy, and immunoglobulin replacement. Correlative studies have provided insights into immunologic alterations on treatment. Understanding vulnerabilities in the immune system may help identify potential interventions to boost immunity. An emphasis on systematically testing such interventions is required to restore immunocompetence in patients with CLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and second primary nonlymphoid malignancies: cytopathologic study of 17 cases

INTRODUCTION

Second primary nonlymphoid malignancies (SPNLM) have long been recognized as a complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was made of our cytopathology database for cases of CLL that also contained a SPNLM.

RESULTS

Seventeen cases from 13 known CLL patients [M:F = 2.3:1; age range: 47-77 years, x = 67 years] met criteria for this study. SPNLMs consisted of different forms of metastatic carcinoma (10 patients) and malignant melanoma (3). Of 16 FNA biopsies and 1 pleural fluid, 82% had ancillary testing; 35% had the specimen subdivided for both flow cytometry (FCM) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Lymph node was the most common site for FNA biopsy (12), followed by face (2), and soft tissue (2). Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common SPNLM (6), followed by melanoma (3), and there were single cases of adenocarcinoma, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and papillary thyroid carcinoma. A correct specific cytologic diagnosis was made in 15 (88%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytopathology is highly proficient in recognizing SPNLM in CLL patients. Utilization of cytologic material for FCM and IHC is feasible, and extremely helpful in achieving diagnostic accuracy.

Common genetic polymorphisms contribute to the association between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non-melanoma skin cancer

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive association between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We hypothesized that shared genetic risk factors between CLL and NMSC could contribute to the association observed between these diseases.

METHODS

We examined the association between (i) established NMSC susceptibility loci and CLL risk in a meta-analysis including 3100 CLL cases and 7667 controls and (ii) established CLL loci and NMSC risk in a study of 4242 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases, 825 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases and 12802 controls. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for CLL, BCC and SCC were constructed using established loci. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Higher CLL-PRS was associated with increased BCC risk (OR4th-quartile-vs-1st-quartile = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24, Ptrend = 0.009), even after removing the shared 6p25.3 locus. No association was observed with BCC-PRS and CLL risk (Ptrend = 0.68). These findings support a contributory role for CLL in BCC risk, but not for BCC in CLL risk. Increased CLL risk was observed with higher SCC-PRS (OR4th-quartile-vs-1st-quartile = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.38, Ptrend = 1.36 × 10-5), which was driven by shared genetic susceptibility at the 6p25.3 locus.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the role of pleiotropy regarding the pathogenesis of CLL and NMSC and shows that a single pleiotropic locus, 6p25.3, drives the observed association between genetic susceptibility to SCC and increased CLL risk. The study also provides evidence that genetic susceptibility for CLL increases BCC risk.

Survival outcomes in locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma presenting with clinical perineural invasion alone

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC) involving the head and neck are common, but initial presentation or recurrence limited to the cranial nerves is rare.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 21 patients with clinical perineural invasion (PNI) from CSCC and no measurable disease by RECIST 1.1. Patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were included.

RESULTS

The median time from symptom onset until diagnosis was 13.0 months (2.6-83.1). All patients received radiotherapy. Fourteen received concurrent systemic therapy. The median follow-up time was 30.5 months (1.1-106.0). Ten patients recurred, with the majority being locoregional. The 2-year overall survival rate was 85%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.5 months with an estimated 2-year PFS of 44.5% (95%CI: 22.3-66.8).

CONCLUSIONS

CSCCs with clinical PNI alone are difficult to diagnose and can have a long interval between appearance of symptoms and diagnosis. They can successfully be treated with chemoradiotherapy. However, many patients still suffer from locoregional recurrences.

Myeloid neoplasms in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/chronic lymphocytic leukaemia-like disease: a clinicopathological study of 66 cases comparing cases with prior history of treatment to those without

AIMS

Myeloid neoplasms occur in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/CLL-like disease. The underlying pathogenesis has not been elucidated.

METHODS

Retrospectively analysed 66 cases of myeloid neoplasms in patients with CLL/CLL-like disease.

RESULTS

Of these, 33 patients (group 1) had received treatment for CLL/CLL-like disease, while the other 33 patients (group 2) had either concurrent diagnoses or untreated CLL/CLL-like disease before identifying myeloid neoplasms. The two categories had distinct features in clinical presentation, spectrum of myeloid neoplasm, morphology, cytogenetic profile and clinical outcome. Compared with group 2, group 1 demonstrated a younger age at the diagnosis of myeloid neoplasm (median, 65 vs 71 years), a higher fraction of myelodysplastic syndrome (64% vs 36%; OR: 3.1; p<0.05), a higher rate of adverse unbalanced cytogenetic abnormalities, including complex changes, -5/5q- and/or -7/7q- (83% vs 28%; OR: 13.1; p<0.001) and a shorter overall survival (median, 12 vs 44 months; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Myeloid neoplasm in the setting of CLL/CLL-like disease can be divided into two categories, one with prior treatment for CLL/CLL-like disease and the other without. CLL-type treatment may accelerate myeloid leukaemogenesis. The risk is estimated to be 13-fold higher in patients with treatment than those without. The causative agent could be attributed to fludarabine in combination with alkylators, based on the latency of myeloid leukaemogenesis and the cytogenetic profile.

Field cancerization: Definition, epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes

Field cancerization was first described in 1953 when pathologic atypia was identified in clinically normal tissue surrounding oropharyngeal carcinomas. The discovery of mutated fields surrounding primary tumors raised the question of whether the development of subsequent tumors within the field represented recurrences or additional primary tumors. Since this initial study, field cancerization has been applied to numerous other epithelial tissues, including the skin. Cutaneous field cancerization occurs in areas exposed to chronic ultraviolet radiation, which leads to clonal proliferations of p53-mutated fields and is characterized by multifocal actinic keratoses, squamous cell carcinomas in situ, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. In the first article in this continuing medical education series, we define field cancerization, review the available grading systems, and discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, and outcomes associated with this disease.

Second cancer incidence in CLL patients receiving BTK inhibitors

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with perturbed immune function and increased risk for second primary malignancies (SPM). Ibrutinib and acalabrutinib (BTKi) are effective therapies for CLL resulting in partial restoration of immune function. The incidence of and risk factors for SPM in CLL patients receiving BTKi are not yet characterized. We retrospectively determined the incidence of SPM in CLL patients treated with ibrutinib or acalabrutinib at our institution between 2009 and 2017, assessed for association between baseline characteristics and SPM incidence, and compared the observed to expected cancer incidence among age, sex, and year matched controls without CLL. After a median of 44 months follow-up, 64/691 patients (9%) were diagnosed with SPM (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC]). The three-year cumulative incidence rate was 16% for NMSC and 7% for other SPM. On multivariable analysis, smoking was associated with increased SPM risk (HR 2.8 [95% CI: 1.6–4.8]) and higher baseline CD8 count was associated with lower SPM risk (HR 0.9 for 2-fold increase [95% CI: 0.8–0.9]). The observed over expected rate of SPM was 2.2 [95% CI: 1.7–2.9]. CLL patients treated with BTKi remain at increased risk for SPM, and secondary cancer detection is an important consideration in this population.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and secondary hematological malignancies: A nation-wide cancer registry study

OBJECTIVE

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has changed dramatically, and landscape of second hematologic malignancies (SHM) evolves in the new era of targeted therapy. No data were available about the real-world burden of SHM.

METHODS

All 2631 patients with CLL in the Cancer registry of Norway registered 2003-2012 were included.

RESULTS

After median follow-up of 6.6 years, 103 patients (4%) developed SHM. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was most common (n = 65; 63%). Median survival was 9.3 years (95% CI; 8.9-9.8) in non-SHM patients and 1.7 years in DLBCL, 0.8 years in Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 12), and 2.8 years in myeloid neoplasia (n = 15; 95% CI: 0.3-2.6, 0.6-2.9, and 0.4-5.3, respectively; P < .001). Outcomes were poorest for SHM patients treated for CLL (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.4-5.5, P = 0.003). A higher proportion of men and younger age were found in SHM patients (median age 66 vs 72 years in non-SHM; P < .001; men 68% vs 57%, P = .03). Myeloid neoplasia was rare (incidence rate 1/1000 person-years; 95% CI: 0.6-1.5) and tended to occur later than DLBCL in patients treated for CLL (median time from CLL to SHM 62 vs 45 months; P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS

SHM and especially myeloid malignancies were rare in chemoimmunotherapy era.

Multiple B cell malignancies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: epidemiology, pathology, and clinical implications

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) is associated with increased risk for certain cancers, but relatively little is known about the risk for these patients to develop additional B cell malignancies. Here, we review the available epidemiological data on multiple B cell malignancies in CLL, discuss diagnostic methods and proper pathologic evaluation to distinguish CLL from other B cell malignancies, and address clinical challenges and unmet needs in caring for CLL patients with unrelated B cell malignancies and disease transformation. Considerations include CLL patients with unrelated monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis, biclonal CLL, secondary B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and Richter syndrome - both clonally related transformation and de novo large B cell lymphoma. We address the challenges that remain in order to better understand the underlying risk factors and biology that may put CLL patients at increased risk of developing multiple B cell neoplasia.

Risk of second primary papillary thyroid cancer among adult cancer survivors in the United States, 2000-2015

BACKGROUND

While radiotherapy is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer after childhood cancer, factors contributing to increased thyroid cancer risk after adulthood cancer remain unclear.

METHODS

We evaluated second primary papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) risk among 3,175,216 ≥ 1-year adult survivors of non-thyroid malignancies from US population-based cancer registries (2000-2015), using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Because heightened surveillance may increase detection of indolent thyroid tumors and earlier detection of advanced tumors, we examined SIRs by PTC stage and time since first cancer (latency).

RESULTS

SIRs for second primary PTC (N = 4333) were statistically-significantly 1.2-3.5-fold elevated overall and after 23/27 first cancer types evaluated, with generally similar risks for localized and regional/distant PTC. SIRs for regional/distant PTC (N = 1501) were highest after pancreatic (SIR = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.9-6.5) and soft tissue (SIR = 4.2; 95%CI = 2.8-6.2) cancers, followed by melanoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and larynx, kidney, and brain/central nervous system (SIRs = 2.0-2.9) cancers. SIRs typically decreased with increasing latency but remained statistically-significantly elevated for regional/distant-PTC ≥5 years after diagnosis of cancers of the rectum, pancreas, lung/bronchus, soft tissue, female breast, uterine corpus, prostate, and kidney, and after melanoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, CLL/SLL, and follicular lymphoma. Neither total nor regional/distant PTC were clearly associated with initial course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

PTC risk was elevated after a range of first primary adult cancers but was not clearly related to treatment. Although surveillance may contribute to elevated short-term risks of PTC, longer-term elevations in regional/distant PTC may be attributable to shared risk factors.

Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in Patients With Prior Hematologic Malignant Tumors

Importance

More than 1.3 million people in the United States have a hematologic malignant tumor currently or in remission. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of secondary neoplasms in patients with hematologic malignant tumors, but research specifically on the risk of head and neck solid tumors in patients with prior hematologic malignant tumors is limited.

Objectives

To examine a possible association between prior hematologic malignant tumors and risk of head and neck cancer and to assess the overall survival (OS) among these patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective analysis used the Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) to identify patients with diagnoses of hematologic malignant tumors and head and neck cancers. All patients in the VA CDW with a birthdate between January 1, 1910, and December 31, 1969, were included, for a cohort of 30 939 656 veterans. Data analysis was performed from August 15, 2018, to January 31, 2019.

Exposures

Outpatient problem lists were queried for diagnoses of hematologic malignant tumor and associated malignant tumors using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes to categorize patients by history of hematologic malignant tumors.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Presence of head and neck cancer was determined from ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes of outpatient problem lists, and cancers were grouped by subsite. The OS was determined from date of death or last outpatient visit date.

Results

Of 30 939 656 patients (27 636 683 [89.3%] male; 13 971 259 [45.2%] white), 207 322 patients had a hematologic malignant tumor, of whom 1353 were later diagnosed with head and neck cancer. A history of hematologic malignant tumors was significantly associated with overall aerodigestive tract cancer, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5-1.7), as well as oral cavity (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9), oropharynx (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9), larynx (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.5), nasopharynx (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.1-3.9), sinonasal (RR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-4.1), salivary gland (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.4-3.3), and thyroid (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9-2.4) tumors on subsite analysis. A prior hematologic malignant tumor was also negatively associated with 2-year and 5-year OS for multiple subsites.

Conclusions and Relevance

A prior diagnosis of hematologic or associated malignant tumors was associated with an increased risk of solid head and neck cancers in a range of subsites. In addition, for several head and neck cancer subsites, patients with prior hematologic malignant tumors had worse 2-year and 5-year OS. These results indicate that a prior hematologic malignant tumor may be an adverse risk factor in the development and progression of head and neck cancer.

Trends in the risk of second primary malignancies among survivors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

With improving survivorship in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs) has not been systematically addressed. Differences in risk for SPMs among CLL survivors from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973–2015) were compared to risk of individual malignancies expected in the general population. In ~270,000 person-year follow-up, 6487 new SPMs were diagnosed with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.2 (95% CI:1.17–1.23). The higher risk was for both solid (SIR 1.15; 95% CI:1.12–1.18) and hematological malignancies (SIR 1.61; 95% CI:1.5–1.73). The highest risk for SPMs was noted between 2 and 5 months after CLL diagnosis (SIR 1.57; 95% CI:1.41–1.74) and for CLL patients between 50- and 79-years-old. There was a significant increase in SPMs in years 2003–2015 (SIR 1.36; 95% CI:1.3–1.42) as compared to 1973–1982 (SIR 1.19; 95% CI:1.12–1.26). The risk of SPMs was higher in CLL patients who had received prior chemotherapy (SIR 1.38 95% CI:1.31–1.44) as compared to those untreated/treatment status unknown (SIR 1.16, 95% CI:1.13–1.19, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the hazard of developing SPMs was higher among men, post-chemotherapy, recent years of diagnosis, advanced age, and non-Whites. Active survivorship plans and long-term surveillance for SPMs is crucial for improved outcomes of patients with a history of CLL.

Analysis of Overall Survival in Patients With Multiple Primary Malignancies: A Single-center Experience

Introduction Multiple primary malignancies (MPMs) are seen in ~5% of all tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the quantitative impact on overall survival (OS) and treatment choices in patients with MPMs. Methods A retrospective analysis to determine patients with MPMs was conducted over a six-year period. Patients were defined as simultaneous MPMs if the second malignancy was discovered within 60 days of the first, and as sequential MPMs if discovered after 60 days of the first. Results Fifty-six patients with MPMs as defined above were identified, 38 (68%) simultaneous and 18 (32%) sequential. Development of second malignancy did not affect treatment in 47 (84%) of patients. Median OS after diagnosis of first malignancy was 13.0 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.3-15.8 months), compared to 10.6 months (95% CI 7.1-13.9 months) after the diagnosis of second malignancy. Median OS for the simultaneous MPM group was 13.5 months (95% CI 7.1-19.9 months), compared to 3.2 months (95% CI 0.0-9.8 months) for the sequential MPM group. Conclusions The development of a second malignancy impacts OS and treatment decisions. Patients who developed sequential MPM performed poorer than those who developed simultaneous MPM. This was likely in part due to effects of existing treatment on performance status as well as treatment preferences when second MPM is diagnosed (as many patients opted for supportive care after second MPM). Further analysis with larger patient cohorts is necessary to ascertain the aforementioned effects of OS and treatment options with respect to tumor pathology, stage, and performance status.

Cost-utility analysis comparing hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin with home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin in patients with secondary immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT) is often used to support patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) and secondary immunodeficiency disease (SID). Home-based subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) is reported to be a cheaper and more efficient option compared to hospital-based intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for PID. In contrast, there is little information on the cost-effectiveness of IRT in SID. However, patients who develop hypogammaglobulinaemia secondary to other conditions (SID) have different clinical aetiology compared to PID. This study assesses whether SCIg provides a good value-for-money treatment option in patients with secondary immunodeficiency disease (SID).

METHODS

A Markov cohort simulation model with six health states was used to compare cost-effectiveness of IVIg with SCIg from a healthcare system perspective. The costs of treatment, infection and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for IVIg and SCIg treatment options were modelled with a time horizon of 10 years and weekly cycles. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed around key parameters.

RESULTS

The cumulative cost for IVIg was A$151 511 and for SCIg A$144 296. The QALYs with IVIg were 3·07 and with SCIg 3·51. Based on the means, SCIg is the dominant strategy with better outcomes and at lower cost. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that 88·3% of the 50 000 iterations fall below the nominated willingness to pay threshold of A$50 000 per QALY. Therefore, SCIg is a cost-effective treatment option.

CONCLUSION

For SID patients in Queensland (Australia), the home-based SCIg treatment option provides better health outcomes and cost savings.

Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and prostate cancer: incidence and effects of radiotherapy

Monoclonal B-cells lymphocytosis (MBL) is a benign condition that may precede chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), not rarely present in peripheral blood of healthy elderly people, among which there is also a male prevalence. Though CLL has been associated with various types of solid tumors, including prostate cancer (PC), no data exist about the relationship between PC and MBL. We studied the frequency of CLL-like MBL clones in a group of 48 patients affected by PC and followed them during and after whole-pelvis radiotherapy (WPRT) treatment. We found four MBL clones (8.3%), two of which (4.2%) had a B-cell clonal count >1000 cells/µL (‘clinical MBL’). A single case (1.8%) of ‘low-count’ MBL occurred in a control group of 54 healthy males. Notably, normal B-lymphocytes were consistently affected by WPRT, while MBL clones were less radiosensitive. Our results suggest a possible association between ‘clinical’ MBL and PC and show a different impact of the radiation on monoclonal respect to normal B-cells, which could also imply a greater risk of clonal transformation.

Mutual Risks of Cutaneous Melanoma and Specific Lymphoid Neoplasms: Second Cancer Occurrence and Survival

Background

It is unclear whether the established association between cutaneous melanoma (CM) and lymphoid neoplasms (LNs) differs across LN subtypes. This study quantifies risk for developing CM after specific LNs and, conversely, for developing specific LNs after CM, as well as assessing clinical impact.

Methods

We identified a cohort of Caucasian adults (age 20-83 years) initially diagnosed with CM or LN, as reported to 17 US population-based cancer registries, 2000-2014. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) quantified second cancer risk. We assessed impact of second cancer development on risk of all-cause mortality using Cox regression.

Results

Among 151 949 one-or-more-year survivors of first primary LN, second primary CM risk was statistically significantly elevated after chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SIR = 1.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.74 to 2.21), follicular lymphoma (SIR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.09 to 1.58), and plasma cell neoplasms (SIR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.07 to 1.63). Risks for these same subtypes were statistically significantly elevated among 148 336 survivors of first primary CM (SIR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.25 to 1.66; SIR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.77; SIR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.47; respectively). Risk for CM was statistically significantly elevated after diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (SIR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.45) and Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.33 to 2.26), but the reciprocal relationship was not observed. There were no statistically significant associations between marginal zone lymphoma and CM. Among survivors of most LN subtypes, CM statistically significantly increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] range = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.25 to 1.85, to 2.46, 95% CI = 1.45 to 4.16). Among survivors of CM, LN statistically significantly increased risk of death (HR range = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.15 to 2.65, to 6.28, 95% CI = 5.00 to 7.88), with the highest risks observed for the most aggressive LN subtypes.

Conclusions

Heterogeneous associations between CM and specific LN subtypes provide novel insights into the etiology of these malignancies, with the mutual association between CM and certain LN suggesting shared etiology. Development of second primary CM or LN substantially reduces overall survival.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-Derived IL-10 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients progressively develop an immunosuppressive state. CLL patients have more plasma IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, than healthy controls. In vitro human CLL cells produce IL-10 in response to BCR cross-linking. We used the transgenic Eμ-T cell leukemia oncogene-1 (TCL1) mouse CLL model to study the role of IL-10 in CLL associated immunosuppression. Eμ-TCL mice spontaneously develop CLL because of a B cell-specific expression of the oncogene, TCL1. Eμ-TCL1 mouse CLL cells constitutively produce IL-10, which is further enhanced by BCR cross-linking, CLL-derived IL-10 did not directly affect survival of murine or human CLL cells in vitro. We tested the hypothesis that the CLL-derived IL-10 has a critical role in CLL disease in part by suppressing the host immune response to the CLL cells. In IL-10R^-/- mice, wherein the host immune cells are unresponsive to IL-10-mediated suppressive effects, there was a significant reduction in CLL cell growth compared with wild type mice. IL-10 reduced the generation of effector CD4 and CD8 T cells. We also found that activation of BCR signaling regulated the production of IL-10 by both murine and human CLL cells. We identified the transcription factor, Sp1, as a novel regulator of IL-10 production by CLL cells and that it is regulated by BCR signaling via the Syk/MAPK pathway. Our results suggest that incorporation of IL-10 blocking agents may enhance current therapeutic regimens for CLL by potentiating host antitumor immune response.

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia following treatment of lymphoid malignancies

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is a heterogeneous entity most frequently related to breast cancer or lymphoproliferative diseases (LD). Population-based studies have reported an increased risk of t-AML after treatment of lymphomas. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcome of 80 consecutive cases of t-AML following treatment of LD. t-AML accounted for 2.3% of all AML cases, occurred 60 months after LD diagnosis, and were characterized by a high frequency of FAB M6 AML and poor-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. Time to t-AML diagnosis was influenced by patient age, type of LD, and treatment. Among the 48 t-AML patients treated with intensive chemotherapy, median overall survival (OS) was 7.7 months compared to 26.1 months in de novo, 4.2 months in post-myeloproliferative neoplasm, 9.4 months in post-myelodysplastic syndrome, 8.6 months in post-chronic myelomonocytic leukemia AML, 13.4 months in t-AML secondary to the treatment of solid cancer, and 14.7 months in breast cancer only. OS of post-LD t-AML patients was significantly influenced by age, performance status, myelodysplastic syndrome prior to LD/t-AML, and treatment regimen for LD. Thus, t-AML following lymphoid malignancies treatment should be considered as very high-risk secondary AML. New treatment strategies in patients with LD/t-AML are needed urgently.