Long-term outcomes in adult patients below the age of 55 years with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with chemotherapy or allogeneic BM transplant in first CR

A multicenter study of posttransplantation low-dose inotuzumab ozogamicin to prevent relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

ABSTRACT

The curative potential of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HCT) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is hampered by relapse. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (INO) is an anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody bound to calicheamicin, which has significant activity against ALL. We hypothesized that low-dose INO would be safe and feasible after allo-HCT. Therefore, we conducted a phase 1 study to determine the dose and safety in this setting. Patients were eligible if they were aged 16 to 75 years, had undergone allo-HCT for CD22+ ALL, were in complete remission (CR) after allo-HCT, had high risk of recurrence, were between day 40 and 100 after allo-HCT with adequate graft function, and did not have a history of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). The objectives of this trial were to define INO maximum tolerated dose (MTD), to determine post-allo-HCT INO safety, and to measure 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). The trial design followed a "3+3" model. The treatment consisted of INO given on day 1 of 28-day cycles. Dose levels were 0.3 mg/m2, 0.4 mg/m2, 0.5 mg/m2, and 0.6 mg/m2. Median age was 44 years (range, 17-66 years; n = 18). Disease status at transplantation was first CR (n = 14) or second CR or beyond (n = 4). Preparative regimen was of reduced intensity in 72% of patients who received transplantation. Most common toxicity was thrombocytopenia. There were no instances of SOS; the MTD was 0.6 mg/m2. One-year nonrelapse mortality was 5.6%. With a median follow-up of 18.1 months (range, 8.6-59 months) 1-year post-allo-HCT PFS and overall survival is 89% and 94%, respectively. Low-dose INO has a favorable safety profile and was associated with high rates of 1-year PFS. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03104491.

Quality of life following completion of treatment for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a pediatric-based protocol

Using multiple validated self-report instruments, we evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 29 adult ALL patients a median of 28 months after completing a pediatric-based treatment regimen. Global health was similar to normative data, but leukemia survivors had lower cognitive and social function, and reported more financial difficulty. Fatigue and pain affected 83% and 53% of patients, respectively, and both showed significant inverse correlation with overall health and all functional scales. Vincristine-related peripheral neuropathy was reported by 43%. Although therapy-related symptoms were persistent, long-term ALL survivors have a global HRQoL similar to the general population.

Acute leukaemia: making sense of a complex blood cancer

Acute leukaemia represents a diverse group of blood cancers that affect both children and adults. Treatment schedules for these haematology cancers are often prolonged, with many associated side effects and complications. Nurses caring for patients with acute leukaemia require an anticipatory approach, where care is aimed at minimizing the side effects of treatment and being constantly vigilant for any impending adverse effects. Moreover, patients require support for the psychosocial issues that can arise for patients during their illness. This article provides an overview of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. Nursing considerations in the care of patients being treated for acute leukaemia are also explored.

The role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains a challenging disease in adults. With modern multi-drug induction chemotherapy regimens, complete remission can be achieved in most patients. However, without additional therapy at the time of the first remission, most patients will eventually relapse. Regardless of the treatment option chosen at the time of relapse, outcomes after relapse are poor, with only around 10% of all patients surviving after relapse. Thus, decision-making at the time of achieving the first complete remission is critical. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is highly effective at preventing relapse, but with significant treatment related toxicity. Ongoing chemotherapy in the form of consolidation and maintenance may be less effective at preventing relapse, but with lower toxicities. Thus, the superiority of allogeneic stem cell transplantation must be balanced against the lower toxicity of consolidation chemotherapy. This decision is further complicated by rapid changes in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, such as the use of reduced intensity conditioning regimens and alternative stem cell sources such as cord blood transplants. The available evidence suggests that allogeneic transplantation is a viable treatment option for patients in first complete remission, with overall survival superior to traditional consolidation and maintenance chemotherapy. However, whether transplantation based post-remission therapy is superior to modern, pediatric-based non-transplant chemotherapy regimens remains unclear.