1
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Blackmon AL, Hourigan CS. Test Then Erase? Current Status and Future Opportunities for Measurable Residual Disease Testing in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acta Haematol 2023; 147:133-146. [PMID: 38035547 PMCID: PMC10963159 DOI: 10.1159/000535463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurable residual disease (MRD) test positivity during and after treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been associated with higher rates of relapse and worse overall survival. Current approaches for MRD testing are not standardized leading to inconsistent results and poor prognostication of disease. Pertinent studies evaluating AML MRD testing at specific times points, with various therapeutics and testing methods are presented. SUMMARY AML is a set of diseases with different molecular and cytogenetic characteristics and is often polyclonal with evolution over time. This genetic diversity poses a great challenge for a single AML MRD testing approach. The current ELN 2021 MRD guidelines recommend MRD testing by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in those with a validated molecular target or multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) in all other cases. The benefit of MFC is the ability to use this method across disease subsets, at the relative expense of suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. AML MRD detection may be improved with molecular methods. Genetic characterization at AML diagnosis and relapse is now standard of care for appropriate therapeutic assignment, and future initiatives will provide the evidence to support testing in remission to direct clinical interventions. KEY MESSAGES The treatment options for patients with AML have expanded for specific molecular subsets such as FLT3 and IDH1/2 mutated AML, with development of novel agents for NPM1 mutated or KMT2A rearranged AML ongoing, but also due to effective venetoclax-combinations. Evidence regarding highly sensitive molecular MRD detection methods for specific molecular subgroups, in the context of these new treatment approaches, will likely shape the future of AML care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Blackmon
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Christopher S. Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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2
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Medina-Herrera A, Sarasquete ME, Jiménez C, Puig N, García-Sanz R. Minimal Residual Disease in Multiple Myeloma: Past, Present, and Future. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3687. [PMID: 37509348 PMCID: PMC10377959 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Responses to treatment have improved over the last decades for patients with multiple myeloma. This is a consequence of the introduction of new drugs that have been successfully combined in different clinical contexts: newly diagnosed, transplant-eligible or ineligible patients, as well as in the relapsed/refractory setting. However, a great proportion of patients continue to relapse, even those achieving complete response, which underlines the need for updated response criteria. In 2014, the international myeloma working group established new levels of response, prompting the evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) for those patients already in complete or stringent complete response as defined by conventional serological assessments: the absence of tumor plasma cells in 100,000 total cells or more define molecular and immunophenotypic responses by next-generation sequencing and flow cytometry, respectively. In this review, we describe all the potential methods that may be used for MRD detection based on the evidence found in the literature, paying special attention to their advantages and pitfalls from a critical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Medina-Herrera
- Departament of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUSA/IBSAL), CIBERONC, CIC-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - María Eugenia Sarasquete
- Departament of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUSA/IBSAL), CIBERONC, CIC-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Jiménez
- Departament of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUSA/IBSAL), CIBERONC, CIC-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Noemí Puig
- Departament of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUSA/IBSAL), CIBERONC, CIC-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ramón García-Sanz
- Departament of Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca (HUSA/IBSAL), CIBERONC, CIC-IBMCC (USAL-CSIC), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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3
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Waterhouse M, Pennisi S, Pfeifer D, Scherer F, Zeiser R, Duyster J, Bertz H, Finke J, Duque-Afonso J. Monitoring of Measurable Residual Disease Using Circulating DNA after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143307. [PMID: 35884368 PMCID: PMC9323743 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The major cause of treatment failure after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is due to relapse of the underlying disease. Novel methods and strategies are needed to detect early relapse after allo-HSCT. The present study reports the clinical utility of monitoring measurable residual disease (MRD) and mixed chimerism (MC) by droplet-digital PCR in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in 62 patients with myeloid malignancies undergoing allo-HSCT. MC in circulating cfDNA at an optimal threshold of 18% discriminated patients with hematological relapse from patients in complete remission after allo-HSCT. Most of the mutations identified using a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel were detected in cfDNA at relapse and were suitable for the monitoring of MRD. In several cases, mutations were detected earlier in cfDNA than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, longitudinal analysis of cfDNA for MRD and MC can be used as a complementary tool for early detection of relapse in patients after allo-HSCT and could be used to guide clinical interventions. Abstract Relapse of the underlying disease is a frequent complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In this study, we describe the clinical utility of measurable residual disease (MRD) and mixed chimerism (MC) assessment in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis to detect earlier relapse in patients with hematological malignancies after allo-HSCT. A total of 326 plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) samples obtained from 62 patients with myeloid malignancies were analyzed by droplet-digital PCR (median follow-up: 827 days). Comparison of MC in patients at relapse and in complete remission identified an optimal discriminating threshold of 18% of recipient-derived cfDNA. After performing a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel, 136 mutations in 58 patients were detected. In a total of 119 paired samples, the putative mutations were detected in both cfDNA and PBMCs in 73 samples (61.3%). In 45 samples (37.8%) they were detected only in cfDNA, and in only one patient (0.9%) were they detected solely in DNA from PBMCs. Hence, in 6 out of 23 patients (26%) with relapse after allo-HSCT, MRD positivity was detected earlier in cfDNA (mean 397 days) than in DNA derived from PBMCs (mean 451 days). In summary, monitoring of MRD and MC in cfDNA might be useful for earlier relapse detection in patients with myeloid malignancies after allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Waterhouse
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.W.); (J.D.-A.); Tel.: +49-761-270-36000 (M.W. & J.D.-A.)
| | - Sandra Pennisi
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
- Faculty of Biology, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Florian Scherer
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Hartmut Bertz
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Jürgen Finke
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- Department of Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (S.P.); (D.P.); (F.S.); (R.Z.); (J.D.); (H.B.); (J.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.W.); (J.D.-A.); Tel.: +49-761-270-36000 (M.W. & J.D.-A.)
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Jaramillo S, Schlenk RF. Post-Induction Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Something Change? Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:109. [PMID: 34272619 PMCID: PMC8285306 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Until recently, improvement in terms of survival for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was achieved mostly in younger patients with dose intensification of conventional chemotherapy and a broadening use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) whereas the results remained dismal and very stable in patients older than 60 years. The current review highlights the recent developments in standard intensive post-remission chemotherapy, evidence for the use of recently approved agents, and discusses the relevance of measurable residual disease (MRD) measurement in treatment adaptation. RECENT FINDINGS Current approvals of midostaurin, venetoclax, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, VYXEOS, ivosidenib, enasidenib, glasdegib, and CC-486 have changed the structure, aim, and schedule of consolidation therapy, and new, well-tolerated agents are being evaluated as maintenance therapies. Furthermore, MRD assessment has been implemented to guide the duration and type of consolidation and maintenance therapy as well as indicate the optimal timing of allo-HCT. Novel therapies have changed the structure and perspective of post-remission therapy in AML for both young and elderly patients. In addition, MRD assessment could guide the type, duration, and intensity of consolidation and maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Jaramillo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology at Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard F. Schlenk
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology at Heidelberg University Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- NCT-Trial Center, NCT Heidelberg, DKFZ and Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Abstract
Minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD) after therapy is the most important independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia. MRD measured by multiparametric flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction has been integrated into risk stratification and used to guide future treatment strategies. Recent technological advances have allowed the application of the novel molecular method, high-throughput sequencing, in MRD detection in clinical practice to improve sensitivity and specificity. Randomized studies are needed to address outstanding issues, including the optimal methods and timing of MRD testing and interlaboratory standardization to facilitate comparisons, to further improve MRD-directed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Chen
- Hematopathology, SCCA G7800, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sindhu Cherian
- Hematopathology, SCCA G7800, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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6
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Dillon R, Hills R, Freeman S, Potter N, Jovanovic J, Ivey A, Kanda AS, Runglall M, Foot N, Valganon M, Khwaja A, Cavenagh J, Smith M, Ommen HB, Overgaard UM, Dennis M, Knapper S, Kaur H, Taussig D, Mehta P, Raj K, Novitzky-Basso I, Nikolousis E, Danby R, Krishnamurthy P, Hill K, Finnegan D, Alimam S, Hurst E, Johnson P, Khan A, Salim R, Craddock C, Spearing R, Gilkes A, Gale R, Burnett A, Russell NH, Grimwade D. Molecular MRD status and outcome after transplantation in NPM1-mutated AML. Blood 2020; 135:680-688. [PMID: 31932839 PMCID: PMC7059484 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019002959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse remains the most common cause of treatment failure for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who undergo allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT), and carries a grave prognosis. Multiple studies have identified the presence of measurable residual disease (MRD) assessed by flow cytometry before alloSCT as a strong predictor of relapse, but it is not clear how these findings apply to patients who test positive in molecular MRD assays, which have far greater sensitivity. We analyzed pretransplant blood and bone marrow samples by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in 107 patients with NPM1-mutant AML enrolled in the UK National Cancer Research Institute AML17 study. After a median follow-up of 4.9 years, patients with negative, low (<200 copies per 105ABL in the peripheral blood and <1000 copies in the bone marrow aspirate), and high levels of MRD had an estimated 2-year overall survival (2y-OS) of 83%, 63%, and 13%, respectively (P < .0001). Focusing on patients with low-level MRD before alloSCT, those with FLT3 internal tandem duplications(ITDs) had significantly poorer outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 6.14; P = .01). Combining these variables was highly prognostic, dividing patients into 2 groups with 2y-OS of 17% and 82% (HR, 13.2; P < .0001). T-depletion was associated with significantly reduced survival both in the entire cohort (2y-OS, 56% vs 96%; HR, 3.24; P = .0005) and in MRD-positive patients (2y-OS, 34% vs 100%; HR, 3.78; P = .003), but there was no significant effect of either conditioning regimen or donor source on outcome. Registered at ISRCTN (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN55675535).
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/mortality
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality
- Neoplasm, Residual/diagnosis
- Neoplasm, Residual/genetics
- Nuclear Proteins/genetics
- Nucleophosmin
- Recurrence
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Dillon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genetics Service, Viapath, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Hills
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvie Freeman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Potter
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
- Cancer Genetics Service, Viapath, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jelena Jovanovic
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Ivey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anju Shankar Kanda
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manohursingh Runglall
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Foot
- Cancer Genetics Service, Viapath, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mikel Valganon
- Cancer Genetics Service, Viapath, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Asim Khwaja
- Department of Haematology, University College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Mike Dennis
- Christie Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Knapper
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Priyanka Mehta
- Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kavita Raj
- Department of Haematology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Kate Hill
- University Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Samah Alimam
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erin Hurst
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anjum Khan
- St James' Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Rahuman Salim
- Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Amanda Gilkes
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Gale
- Department of Haematology, University College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Burnett
- Blackwaterfoot, Isle of Arran, United Kingdom; and
| | - Nigel H Russell
- Department of Haematology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - David Grimwade
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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7
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Barrett AJ. Acute myeloid leukaemia and the immune system: implications for immunotherapy. Br J Haematol 2019; 188:147-158. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. John Barrett
- GW Cancer Center George Washington University Hospital Washington DC USA
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8
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WT1 Measurable Residual Disease Assay in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia Who Underwent Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Optimal Time Points, Thresholds, and Candidates. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 25:1925-1932. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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9
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Wong HY, Sung AD, Lindblad KE, Sheela S, Roloff GW, Rizzieri D, Goswami M, Mulé MP, Ramos NR, Tang J, Thompson J, DeStefano CB, Romero K, Dillon LW, Kim DY, Lai C, Hourigan CS. Molecular Measurable Residual Disease Testing of Blood During AML Cytotoxic Therapy for Early Prediction of Clinical Response. Front Oncol 2019; 8:669. [PMID: 30697529 PMCID: PMC6341003 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) testing after initial chemotherapy treatment can predict relapse and survival in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, it has not been established if repeat molecular or genetic testing during chemotherapy can offer information regarding the chemotherapy sensitivity of the leukemic clone. Blood from 45 adult AML patients at day 1 and 4 of induction (n = 35) or salvage (n = 10) cytotoxic chemotherapy was collected for both quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assessment (WT1) and next generation sequencing (>500 × depth) of 49 gene regions recurrently mutated in MDS/AML. The median age of subjects was 62 (23–78); 42% achieved a complete response. WT1 was overexpressed in most patients tested but was uninformative for very early MRD assessment. A median of 4 non-synonymous variants (range 0–7) were detected by DNA sequencing of blood on day 1 of therapy [median variant allele frequency (VAF): 29%]. Only two patients had no variants detectable. All mutations remained detectable in blood on day 4 of intensive chemotherapy and remarkably the ratio of mutated to wild-type sequence was often maintained. This phenomenon was not limited to variants in DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1. The kinetics of NPM1 and TP53 variant burden early during chemotherapy appeared to be exceptions and exhibited consistent trends in this cohort. In summary, molecular testing of blood on day 4 of chemotherapy is not predictive of clinical response to cytotoxic induction therapy in AML. The observed stability in variant allele frequency suggests that cytotoxic therapy may have a limited therapeutic index for clones circulating in blood containing these mutations. Further validation is required to confirm the utility of monitoring NPM1 and TP53 kinetics in blood during cytotoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yuen Wong
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anthony D Sung
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Katherine E Lindblad
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sheenu Sheela
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gregory W Roloff
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David Rizzieri
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Meghali Goswami
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Matthew P Mulé
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nestor R Ramos
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jingrong Tang
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julie Thompson
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christin B DeStefano
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kristi Romero
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Laura W Dillon
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dong-Yun Kim
- Office of Biostatistics Research, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Catherine Lai
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
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10
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Dillon LW, Hayati S, Roloff GW, Tunc I, Pirooznia M, Mitrofanova A, Hourigan CS. Targeted RNA-sequencing for the quantification of measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2018; 104:297-304. [PMID: 30171026 PMCID: PMC6355494 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.203133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Great effort is spent on developing therapies to improve the dire outcomes of those diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The methods for quantifying response to therapeutic intervention have however lacked sensitivity. Patients achieving a complete remission as defined by conventional cytomorphological methods therefore remain at risk of subsequent relapse due to disease persistence. Improved risk stratification is possible based on tests designed to detect this residual leukemic burden (measurable residual disease). However, acute myeloid leukemia is a genetically diverse set of diseases, which has made it difficult to develop a single, highly reproducible, and sensitive assay for measurable residual disease. Here we present the development of a digital targeted RNA-sequencing-based approach designed to overcome these limitations by detecting all newly approved European LeukemiaNet molecular targets for measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia in a single standardized assay. Iterative modifications and novel bioinformatics approaches resulted in a greater than 100-fold increase in performance compared with commercially available targeted RNA-sequencing approaches and a limit of detection as low as one leukemic cell in 100,000 cells measured, which is comparable to quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, the current gold standard for the detection of measurable residual disease. This assay, which can be customized and expanded, is the first demonstrated use of high-sensitivity RNA-sequencing for measurable residual disease detection in acute myeloid leukemia and could serve as a broadly applicable standardized tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura W Dillon
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sheida Hayati
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.,Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Gregory W Roloff
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ilker Tunc
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Antonina Mitrofanova
- Department of Health Informatics, Rutgers School of Health Professions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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11
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Molecular Minimal Residual Disease Testing in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review for the Practicing Clinician. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2018; 18:636-647. [PMID: 30006258 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing in acute myeloid leukemia is increasingly being used to assess treatment response and stratify the risk of relapse for individual patients. Molecular methods for MRD testing began with PCR-based assays for individual recurrent mutations. To date, there is robust evidence for testing NPM1, CBFB-MYH11, and RUNX1/RUNXT1 mutations using this approach, though the best timing and threshold level for each mutation varies. More recent approaches have been with PCR-based multigene panels, occasionally combined with flow cytometric techniques, and next-generation sequencing techniques. This review outlines the various techniques used in molecular approaches to MRD, the evidence behind individual mutation testing, and the novel approaches for evaluating multigene MRD so that clinicians can understand and incorporate these evaluations into their practice.
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Buccisano F, Hourigan CS, Walter RB. The Prognostic Significance of Measurable ("Minimal") Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2018; 12:547-556. [PMID: 29027628 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-017-0420-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review was to evaluate recent literature on detection methodologies for, and prognostic significance of, measurable ("minimal") residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). RECENT FINDINGS There is no "one-fits-all" approach to MRD testing in AML. Most exploited to date are methods relying on immunophenotypic aberrancies (identified via multiparameter flow cytometry) or genetic abnormalities (identified via PCR-based assays). Current methods have important shortcomings, including the lack of assay platform standardization/harmonization across laboratories. In parallel to refinements of existing technologies and data analysis/interpretation, new methodologies (e.g., next-generation sequencing-based assays) are emerging that eventually may complement or replace existing ones. This dynamic evolution of MRD testing has complicated comparisons between individual studies. Nonetheless, an ever-growing body of data demonstrates that a positive MRD test at various time points throughout chemotherapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation identifies patients at particularly high risks of disease recurrence and short survival even after adjustment for other risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Hematology, University Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Should patients with acute myeloid leukemia and measurable residual disease be transplanted in first complete remission? Curr Opin Hematol 2017; 24:132-138. [PMID: 27930388 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Measurable ('minimal') residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia during first complete morphologic remission (MRD CR1) identifies patients with particularly high relapse risk and short survival. Here, we examine the evidence regarding optimal postremission treatment strategy for such patients. RECENT FINDINGS With chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy/autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), disease recurrence appears inevitable in patients with MRD CR1. Nonrandomized studies indicate that allogeneic HCT improves outcomes over chemotherapy and/or autologous HCT, although relapse risks remain substantial. Emerging data suggest that myeloablative cord blood HCT may overcome the negative impact of MRD to a greater degree than other transplants, but the relative contributions of intensified conditioning and stem cell source to this effect are unknown. SUMMARY Available evidence supports the recommendation to consider allogeneic HCT for all acute myeloid leukemia patients in MRD CR1. Whether cord blood transplants should be prioritized deserves further investigation. To what degree outcomes of MRD CR1 patients could be improved by treatment intensification during induction, postremission therapy and/or before transplantation to revert the patient into an MRD state is currently unknown, as is the value of post-transplant preemptive therapies. These remain areas worthy of investigation, preferably in the setting of controlled clinical trials.
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Roloff GW, Lai C, Hourigan CS, Dillon LW. Technical Advances in the Measurement of Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6090087. [PMID: 28925935 PMCID: PMC5615280 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6090087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Outcomes for those diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain poor. It has been widely established that persistent residual leukemic burden, often referred to as measurable or minimal residual disease (MRD), after induction therapy or at the time of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is highly predictive for adverse clinical outcomes and can be used to identify patients likely to experience clinically evident relapse. As a result of inherent genetic and molecular heterogeneity in AML, there is no uniform method or protocol for MRD measurement to encompass all cases. Several techniques focusing on identifying recurrent molecular and cytogenetic aberrations or leukemia-associated immunophenotypes have been described, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Modern technologies enabling the digital quantification and tracking of individual DNA or RNA molecules, next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms, and high-resolution imaging capabilities are among several new avenues under development to supplement or replace the current standard of flow cytometry. In this review, we outline emerging modalities positioned to enhance MRD detection and discuss factors surrounding their integration into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Roloff
- Myeloid Malignances Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Catherine Lai
- Myeloid Malignances Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignances Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Laura W Dillon
- Myeloid Malignances Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Norsworthy KJ, DeZern AE, Tsai HL, Hand WA, Varadhan R, Gore SD, Gojo I, Pratz K, Carraway HE, Showel M, McDevitt MA, Gladstone D, Ghiaur G, Prince G, Seung AH, Benani D, Levis MJ, Karp JE, Smith BD. Timed sequential therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: Results of a retrospective study of 301 patients and review of the literature. Leuk Res 2017; 61:25-32. [PMID: 28869816 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Timed sequential therapy (TST) aims to improve outcomes in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) by harnessing drug-induced cell cycle kinetics of AML, where a second drug is timed to coincide with peak leukemia proliferation induced by the first drugs. We analyzed outcomes in 301 newly diagnosed AML patients treated from 2004-2013 with cytarabine, anthracycline, and etoposide TST induction. Median age was 52 (range 20-74) and complete remission rate 68%. With median follow-up 5.8 years, 5-year DFS and overall survival (OS) were 37% (95% CI 31-45%) and 32% (95% CI 27-38%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, older age, unfavorable cytogenetics, and WBC≥50×109/L resulted in worse OS. Among patients not undergoing blood and marrow transplant, a propensity score analysis, which reduces imbalance in baseline characteristics, showed consolidation with TST compared with 1 or more cycles high-dose cytarabine trended toward lower DFS and post-remission survival with hazard ratio (HR) 1.9 (95% CI 0.9-4.0), and 1.6 (95% CI 0.7-3.6), respectively. Our results demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of TST induction for newly diagnosed patients with AML, with results comparable to that seen in clinical trials with other TST therapies and 7+3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Norsworthy
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amy E DeZern
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hua-Ling Tsai
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wesley A Hand
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ravi Varadhan
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Steven D Gore
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Keith Pratz
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hetty E Carraway
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Margaret Showel
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael A McDevitt
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Douglas Gladstone
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gabriel Ghiaur
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Gabrielle Prince
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Amy H Seung
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States; AssistRx, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Dina Benani
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark J Levis
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Judith E Karp
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - B Douglas Smith
- Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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Mosna F, Capelli D, Gottardi M. Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Still a Work in Progress? J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6060057. [PMID: 28587190 PMCID: PMC5483867 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6060057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease evaluation refers to a series of molecular and immunophenotypical techniques aimed at detecting submicroscopic disease after therapy. As such, its application in acute myeloid leukemia has greatly increased our ability to quantify treatment response, and to determine the chemosensitivity of the disease, as the final product of the drug schedule, dose intensity, biodistribution, and the pharmakogenetic profile of the patient. There is now consistent evidence for the prognostic power of minimal residual disease evaluation in acute myeloid leukemia, which is complementary to the baseline prognostic assessment of the disease. The focus for its use is therefore shifting to individualize treatment based on a deeper evaluation of chemosensitivity and residual tumor burden. In this review, we will summarize the results of the major clinical studies evaluating minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia in adults in recent years and address the technical and practical issues still hampering the spread of these techniques outside controlled clinical trials. We will also briefly speculate on future developments and offer our point of view, and a word of caution, on the present use of minimal residual disease measurements in “real-life” practice. Still, as final standardization and diffusion of the methods are sorted out, we believe that minimal residual disease will soon become the new standard for evaluating response in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Mosna
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Centrale "San Maurizio", Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, via L. Bohler 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Debora Capelli
- Hematology, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Michele Gottardi
- Hematology, Ospedale "Ca' Foncello", AULSS 2, 31100 Treviso, Italy.
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Hourigan CS, Gale RP, Gormley NJ, Ossenkoppele GJ, Walter RB. Measurable residual disease testing in acute myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia 2017; 31:1482-1490. [PMID: 28386105 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in developing techniques to detect and/or quantify remaining leukaemia cells termed measurable or, less precisely, minimal residual disease (MRD) in persons with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in complete remission defined by cytomorphological criteria. An important reason for AML MRD-testing is the possibility of estimating the likelihood (and timing) of leukaemia relapse. A perfect MRD-test would precisely quantify leukaemia cells biologically able and likely to cause leukaemia relapse within a defined interval. AML is genetically diverse and there is currently no uniform approach to detecting such cells. Several technologies focused on immune phenotype or cytogenetic and/or molecular abnormalities have been developed, each with advantages and disadvantages. Many studies report a positive MRD-test at diverse time points during AML therapy identifies persons with a higher risk of leukaemia relapse compared with those with a negative MRD-test even after adjusting for other prognostic and predictive variables. No MRD-test in AML has perfect sensitivity and specificity for relapse prediction at the cohort- or subject levels and there are substantial rates of false-positive and -negative tests. Despite these limitations, correlations between MRD-test results and relapse risk have generated interest in MRD-test result-directed therapy interventions. However, convincing proof that a specific intervention will reduce relapse risk in persons with a positive MRD-test is lacking and needs testing in randomized trials. Routine clinical use of MRD-testing requires further refinements and standardization/harmonization of assay platforms and results reporting. Such data are needed to determine whether results of MRD-testing can be used as a surrogate end point in AML therapy trials. This could make drug-testing more efficient and accelerate regulatory approvals. Although MRD-testing in AML has advanced substantially, much remains to be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R P Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - N J Gormley
- Division of Hematology Products, Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - G J Ossenkoppele
- Division of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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18
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Barrett AJ. Antibody darts on target for acute myelogenous leukemia. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2017; 5:80. [PMID: 28275625 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2017.01.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A John Barrett
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Percival ME, Lai C, Estey E, Hourigan CS. Bone marrow evaluation for diagnosis and monitoring of acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Rev 2017; 31:185-192. [PMID: 28190619 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be made based on peripheral blood or bone marrow blasts. In this review, we will discuss the role of bone marrow evaluation and peripheral blood monitoring in the diagnosis, management, and follow up of AML patients. For patients with circulating blasts, it is reasonable to perform the necessary studies needed for diagnosis and risk stratification, including multiparametric flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular analysis, on a peripheral blood specimen. The day 14 marrow is used to document hypocellularity in response to induction chemotherapy, but it is unclear if that assessment is necessary as it often does not affect immediate management. Currently, response assessments performed at count recovery for evaluation of remission and measurable residual disease rely on bone marrow sampling. For monitoring of relapse, peripheral blood evaluation may be adequate, but the sensitivity of bone marrow testing is in some cases superior. While bone marrow evaluation can certainly be avoided in particular situations, this cumbersome and uncomfortable procedure currently remains the de facto standard for response assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Elizabeth Percival
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Catherine Lai
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elihu Estey
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Buckley SA, Wood BL, Othus M, Hourigan CS, Ustun C, Linden MA, DeFor TE, Malagola M, Anthias C, Valkova V, Kanakry CG, Gruhn B, Buccisano F, Devine B, Walter RB. Minimal residual disease prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia: a meta-analysis. Haematologica 2017; 102:865-873. [PMID: 28126965 PMCID: PMC5477605 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.159343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation has been associated with increased risk of relapse and death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, but detection methodologies and results vary widely. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the prognostic role of minimal residual disease detected by polymerase chain reaction or multiparametric flow cytometry before transplant. We identified 19 articles published between January 2005 and June 2016 and extracted hazard ratios for leukemia-free survival, overall survival, and cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality. Pre-transplant minimal residual disease was associated with worse leukemia-free survival (hazard ratio=2.76 [1.90-4.00]), overall survival (hazard ratio=2.36 [1.73-3.22]), and cumulative incidence of relapse (hazard ratio=3.65 [2.53-5.27]), but not non-relapse mortality (hazard ratio=1.12 [0.81-1.55]). These associations held regardless of detection method, conditioning intensity, and patient age. Adverse cytogenetics was not an independent risk factor for death or relapse. There was more heterogeneity among studies using flow cytometry-based than WT1 polymerase chain reaction-based detection (I2=75.1% vs. <0.1% for leukemia-free survival, 67.8% vs. <0.1% for overall survival, and 22.1% vs. <0.1% for cumulative incidence of relapse). These results demonstrate a strong relationship between pre-transplant minimal residual disease and post-transplant relapse and survival. Outcome heterogeneity among studies using flow-based methods may underscore site-specific methodological differences or differences in test performance and interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Buckley
- Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brent L Wood
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Megan Othus
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Celalettin Ustun
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael A Linden
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Todd E DeFor
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michele Malagola
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Brescia, A.O. Spedali Civili, Italy
| | - Chloe Anthias
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK.,Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Veronika Valkova
- Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christopher G Kanakry
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bernd Gruhn
- Department of Pediatrics, Jena University Hospital, Germany
| | | | - Beth Devine
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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22
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Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia of Adults: Determination, Prognostic Impact and Clinical Applications. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2016; 8:e2016052. [PMID: 27872732 PMCID: PMC5111512 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2016.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pretreatment assessment of cytogenetic/genetic signature of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been consistently shown to play a major prognostic role but also to fail at predicting outcome on individual basis, even in low-risk AML. Therefore, we are in need of further accurate methods to refine the patients’ risk allocation process, distinguishing more adequately those who are likely to recur from those who are not. In this view, there is now evidence that the submicroscopic amounts of leukemic cells (called minimal residual disease, MRD), measured during the course of treatment, indicate the quality of response to therapy. Therefore, MRD might serve as an independent, additional biomarker to help to identify patients at higher risk of relapse. Detection of MRD requires the use of highly sensitive ancillary techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multiparametric flow cytometry(MPFC). In the present manuscript, we will review the current approaches to investigate MRD and its clinical applications in AML management.
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Mulé MP, Mannis GN, Wood BL, Radich JP, Hwang J, Ramos NR, Andreadis C, Damon L, Logan AC, Martin TG, Hourigan CS. Multigene Measurable Residual Disease Assessment Improves Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse Risk Stratification in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2016; 22:1974-1982. [PMID: 27544285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We report here the largest study to date of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tested for measurable residual disease (MRD) at the time of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT). Seventy-two adult patients who underwent transplantation between 2004 and 2013 at a single academic medical center (University of California San Francisco) were eligible for this retrospective study based on availability of cryopreserved granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF)-mobilized autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) leukapheresis specimens ("autografts"). Autograft MRD was assessed by molecular methods (real-time quantitative PCR [RQ-PCR] for Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) alone or a multigene panel) and by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC). WT1 RQ-PCR testing of the autograft had low sensitivity for relapse prediction (14%) and a negative predictive value of 51%. MPFC failed to identify MRD in any of 34 autografts tested. Combinations of molecular MRD assays, however, improved prediction of post-auto-HCT relapse. In multivariate analysis of clinical variables, including age, gender, race, cytogenetic risk category, and CD34+ cell dose, only autograft multigene MRD as assessed by RQ-PCR was statistically significantly associated with relapse. One year after transplantation, only 28% patients with detectable autograft MRD were relapse free, compared with 67% in the MRD-negative cohort. Multigene MRD, while an improvement on other methods tested, was however suboptimal for relapse prediction in unselected patients, with specificity of 83% and sensitivity of 46%. In patients with known chromosomal abnormalities or mutations, however, better predictive value was observed with no relapses observed in MRD-negative patients in the first year after auto-HCT compared with 83% incidence of relapse in the MRD-positive patients (hazard ratio, 12.45; P = .0016). In summary, increased personalization of MRD monitoring by use of a multigene panel improved the ability to risk stratify patients for post-auto-HCT relapse. WT1 RQ-PCR and flow cytometric assessment for AML MRD in autograft samples had limited value for predicting relapse after auto-HCT. We demonstrate that cryopreserved autograft material presents unique challenges for AML MRD testing because of the masking effects of previous GCSF exposure on gene expression and flow cytometry signatures. In the absence of information regarding diagnostic characteristics, sources other than GCSF-stimulated PBSC leukapheresis specimens should be considered as alternatives for MRD testing in AML patients undergoing auto-HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Mulé
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gabriel N Mannis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Brent L Wood
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Jimmy Hwang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Nestor R Ramos
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Charalambos Andreadis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lloyd Damon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Aaron C Logan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas G Martin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Araki D, Walter RB. Reply to C.S. Hourigan et al. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:2558-9. [PMID: 27185840 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.67.6692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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Pettit K, Stock W, Walter RB. Incorporating measurable ('minimal') residual disease-directed treatment strategies to optimize outcomes in adults with acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 57:1527-33. [PMID: 27269126 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2016.1160085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Curative-intent therapy leads to complete remissions in many adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but relapse remains common. Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated that the persistence of measurable ('minimal') residual disease (MRD) at the submicroscopic level during morphologic remission identifies patients at high risk of disease recurrence and short survival. This association has provided the impetus to customize anti-leukemia therapy based on MRD data, a strategy that is now routinely pursued in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). While it is currently uncertain whether this approach will improve outcomes in AML other than APL, randomized studies have validated MRD-based risk-stratified treatment algorithms in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Here, we review the available studies examining MRD-directed therapy in AML, appraise their strengths and limitations, and discuss avenues for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Pettit
- a Section of Hematology/Oncology and University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Wendy Stock
- a Section of Hematology/Oncology and University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Roland B Walter
- b Clinical Research Division , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , WA , USA ;,c Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA ;,d Department of Epidemiology , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
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Hourigan CS, Goswami M, Battiwalla M, Barrett AJ, Sheela S, Karp JE, Lai C. When the Minimal Becomes Measurable. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:2557-8. [PMID: 27185839 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.67.6395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Meghali Goswami
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Minoo Battiwalla
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Austin J Barrett
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sheenu Sheela
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Judith E Karp
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Catherine Lai
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Ommen HB. Monitoring minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukaemia: a review of the current evolving strategies. Ther Adv Hematol 2016; 7:3-16. [PMID: 26834951 DOI: 10.1177/2040620715614529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Several disease-monitoring techniques are available for the physician treating acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Besides immunohistochemistry assisted light microscopy, the past 20 years have seen the development and preclinical perfection of a number of techniques, most notably quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multicolor flow cytometry. Late additions to the group of applicable assays include next generation sequencing and digital PCR. In this review the principles of use of these modalities at three different time points during the AML disease course are discussed, namely at the time of treatment evaluation, pretransplantation and postconsolidation. The drawbacks and pitfalls of each different technique are delineated. The evidence or lack of evidence for minimal residual disease guided treatment decisions is discussed. Lastly, future strategies in the MRD field are suggested and commented upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Beier Ommen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Tage-Hansens gade 2, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
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28
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WT1 Expression in Circulating RNA as a Minimal Residual Disease Marker for AML Patients After Stem-Cell Transplantation. Mol Diagn Ther 2015; 19:205-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-015-0147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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29
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Hokland P, Ommen HB, Mulé MP, Hourigan CS. Advancing the Minimal Residual Disease Concept in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Semin Hematol 2015; 52:184-92. [PMID: 26111465 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The criteria to evaluate response to treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have changed little in the past 60 years. It is now possible to use higher sensitivity tools to measure residual disease burden in AML. Such minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD) measurements provide a deeper understanding of current patient status and allow stratification for risk of subsequent clinical relapse. Despite these obvious advantages, and after over a decade of laboratory investigation and preclinical validation, MRD measurements are not currently routinely used for clinical decision-making or drug development in non-acute promyelocytic leukemia (non-APL) AML. We review here some potential constraints that may have delayed adoption, including a natural hesitancy of end users, economic impact concerns, misperceptions regarding the meaning of and need for assay sensitivity, the lack of one single MRD solution for all AML patients, and finally the need to involve patients in decision-making based on such correlates. It is our opinion that none of these issues represent insurmountable barriers and our hope is that by providing potential solutions we can help map a path forward to a future where our patients will be offered personalized treatment plans based on the amount of AML they have left remaining to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hokland
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Hans B Ommen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Matthew P Mulé
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
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Ramos NR, Mo CC, Karp JE, Hourigan CS. Current Approaches in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Clin Med 2015; 4:665-95. [PMID: 25932335 PMCID: PMC4412468 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4040665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The limited sensitivity of the historical treatment response criteria for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has resulted in a different paradigm for treatment compared with most other cancers presenting with widely disseminated disease. Initial cytotoxic induction chemotherapy is often able to reduce tumor burden to a level sufficient to meet the current criteria for "complete" remission. Nevertheless, most AML patients ultimately die from their disease, most commonly as clinically evident relapsed AML. Despite a variety of available salvage therapy options, prognosis in patients with relapsed or refractory AML is generally poor. In this review, we outline the commonly utilized salvage cytotoxic therapy interventions and then highlight novel investigational efforts currently in clinical trials using both pathway-targeted agents and immunotherapy based approaches. We conclude that there is no current standard of care for adult relapsed or refractory AML other than offering referral to an appropriate clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor R. Ramos
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1583, USA; E-Mail:
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Clifton C. Mo
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, John P. Murtha Cancer Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 20889, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Judith E. Karp
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; E-Mail:
| | - Christopher S. Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1583, USA; E-Mail:
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