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Stone M, Lilley CM, Tang G, Loghavi S, Mirza KM. Phenotypic clues that predict underlying cytogenetic/genetic abnormalities in myeloid malignancies: A contemporary review. Cytopathology 2023; 34:530-541. [PMID: 37522274 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Precise subclassification of myeloid malignancies per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system and the International Consensus Classification of Myeloid Neoplasms and Acute Leukaemias (ICC) requires investigation and documentation of the presence of cytogenetic and/or molecular genetic changes. These ancillary studies not only help in diagnosis, but also the prognosis of disease; however, they take time to be completed. In contrast, morphological evaluation of material from the blood and bone marrow specimens of cases where myeloid malignancies are suspected is usually completed quickly. Cytomorphological assessment may predict genetic changes and can be helpful in triaging acuity. This is especially true in haematological emergencies such as acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), where prompt APL-specific therapy can be life changing. Similarly, some morphological clues may help identify core binding factor leukaemias where a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) could be rendered without reaching the 20% blast cutoff with immediate treatment-decision implications, or even a subset of cases of AML with FLT3 ITD/NPM1 mutation(s) which show characteristic features. Even though FISH/cytogenetics and/or PCR are still required for establishing the final diagnosis, evaluation for the presence of specific cytomorphological features that help predict genetic changes can be a useful tool to help guide early therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Stone
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Cullen M Lilley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Guilin Tang
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kamran M Mirza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Roy PS, Munikoty V, Trehan A, Jain R, Bhatia P, Naseem S, Varma N, Bansal D. Early mortality continues to be a barrier to excellent survival in childhood acute promyelocytic leukemia: a retrospective study of 62 patients spanning 17 years. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 40:117-130. [PMID: 35849424 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2022.2082610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Data on childhood acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) from low-and middle-income countries is limited. Early mortality is a concern and often not highlighted in clinical trials. The retrospective study was conducted on patients (≤12 years) with APL from 2003 to 2021 at a single center in India. Patients were treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy. Induction and three courses of consolidation were followed by maintenance for 2 years. In 2015, the protocol was updated with following modifications: (a) obtaining diagnostic cerebrospinal fluid at end-of-induction rather than at diagnosis, (b) administering intrathecal cytarabine regardless of risk-category, (c) risk-stratified administration of chemotherapy, and (d) inclusion of ATRA in all the cycles of consolidation. Sixty-two patients were diagnosed over the 17 years. The median age was 8 years (range: 0.9-12). Half had high-risk disease. Differentiation syndrome was observed in 32%, none being fatal. Eighteen (29%) patients died due to hemorrhage (83%) or septicemia (17%). Thirteen (21%) had early mortality (≤15 days), all due to hemorrhage. A platelet count <20 × 109/L predicted early mortality (odds ratio: 4.5; 95% CI: 0.9-22, p = 0.06). Treatment abandonment reduced from 23.5% during 2003-2015 to nil during 2015-2021 (p = 0.006). Three (8%) patients relapsed. The 4-year OS of all patients and the patients who survived >15 days was 70.1% and 89.6%, respectively. The 4-year EFS, including abandonment and early mortality, before and following updated protocol, was 61.4% and 65.5%, respectively (p = 0.77). Early mortality continues to be a barrier to an otherwise excellent survival in childhood APL. A significant reduction in treatment abandonment in recent years is gratifying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Singha Roy
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vinay Munikoty
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
| | - Amita Trehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
| | - Richa Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
| | - Prateek Bhatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shano Naseem
- Department of Hematology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Neelam Varma
- Department of Hematology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Deepak Bansal
- Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Center, Hematology-Oncology Unit, Chandigarh, India
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3
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Nair R, Radhakrishnan VS. How I Treat Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia. Indian J Med Paediatr Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1732942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reena Nair
- Department of Clinical Haematology Oncology, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Vivek S. Radhakrishnan
- Department of Clinical Haematology Oncology, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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Bussel J, Miltiadous O. Immune Thrombocytopenia: Are We Stuck in the Mud or Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel? Clin Hematol Int 2019; 1:173-179. [PMID: 34595428 PMCID: PMC8432374 DOI: 10.2991/chi.d.190805.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The differences in diagnosis and management between immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and leukemia are striking. Leukemia diagnosis and management have evolved substantially over the past 30 years and are now relatively precise. The tendency for leukemic cells to be the overwhelming majority of circulating and/or bone marrow cells certainly continues to facilitate developments, as does improved molecular assessment. Furthermore, randomized controlled clinical trials of competing regimens in well-defined populations have advanced treatment as well. Currently, ITP diagnosis and management depend very much on the experience and preferences of the hematologist. There are no unequivocally useful molecular tests, no agreement on which testing needs to be performed, and no consensus on treatment. Future studies using advanced techniques would ideally change this over time but, thus far, progress in ITP has been slow. However, the increasing ability to do single-cell DNA and RNA studies and flow cytometric dissection of small populations of cells could radically change the approach to ITP if critical distinctions were uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Bussel
- Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Oriana Miltiadous
- Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Horna P, Zhang L, Sotomayor EM, Lancet JE, Moscinski LC. Diagnostic immunophenotype of acute promyelocytic leukemia before and early during therapy with all-trans retinoic acid. Am J Clin Pathol 2014; 142:546-52. [PMID: 25239423 DOI: 10.1309/ajcppokehbp53zhv] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the immunophenotypic changes of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in patients who recently received all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and to assess the diagnostic utility of flow cytometry in this setting. METHODS Flow cytometry was performed on 29 newly diagnosed APLs and 93 other acute myeloid leukemias, including 25 HLA-DR- or CD34- cases. Clinical notes from referring institutions were reviewed to assess for recent ATRA administration. RESULTS Recent ATRA therapy was documented in 17 (59%) of 29 patients with APL. The main features of untreated APL were preserved with ATRA therapy, including CD34- (83% vs 82%), HLA-DR- (83% vs 100%), and CD117+ (100% vs 77%). CD11b and CD11c were negative in all untreated APLs but positive in 76% and 88% of ATRA-treated APLs, respectively. Optimal diagnostic criteria for untreated APL (CD34- or HLA-DR- and CD11b- and CD11c-) showed 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity but were not useful after ATRA administration. The best interpretative approach to ATRA-treated APL (CD34- or HLA-DR-) showed 100% sensitivity but limited specificity (73%). CONCLUSIONS Information about recent ATRA administration is critical for adequate interpretation of the flow cytometric findings in patients with suspected APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Horna
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Jeffrey E. Lancet
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Lynn C. Moscinski
- Department of Hematopathology and Laboratory Medicine, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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[Disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with pancytopenia]. Presse Med 2013; 42:1547-9. [PMID: 23688704 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2013.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Association of cup-like nuclei in blasts with FLT3 and NPM1 mutations in acute myeloid leukemia. Ann Hematol 2012; 92:451-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-012-1645-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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8
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Historical perspectives on myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Res 2012; 36:1441-52. [PMID: 22921019 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia is the first malignant disease highly curable with targeted therapy directed at a unique molecular abnormality. The characteristic bleeding diathesis is the most notorious manifestation of the disease, which historically has accounted for a high mortality rate during induction. Acute promyelocytic leukemia is one of the few hematologic diseases that must be recognized under the microscope by the practicing hematologist because early institution of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) at the first suspicion of the disease before confirmation of the diagnosis and aggressive blood product support are critical to reduce early mortality. ATRA plus anthracycline-based chemotherapy for induction and consolidation followed by maintenance ATRA with low-dose chemotherapy is currently the standard of care. However, the combination of ATRA and arsenic trioxide, with minimal chemotherapy to control leukocytosis, is very effective therapy for newly diagnosed patients. This combination may replace conventional approaches for most, if not all, patients in the very near future. Acute promyelocytic leukemia should be considered in any patient with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia because the treatment is urgent and different from all other subtypes.
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Haferlach T, Kohlmann A, Schnittger S, Dugas M, Hiddemann W, Kern W, Schoch C. AML M3 and AML M3 variant each have a distinct gene expression signature but also share patterns different from other genetically defined AML subtypes. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2005; 43:113-27. [PMID: 15751046 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) with t(15;17) appears in two phenotypes: AML M3, with abnormal promyelocytes showing heavy granulation and bundles of Auer rods, and AML M3 variant (M3v), with non- or hypogranular cytoplasm and a bilobed nucleus. We investigated the global gene expression profiles of 35 APL patients (19 AML M3, 16 AML M3v) by using high-density DNA-oligonucleotide microarrays. First, an unsupervised approach clearly separated APL samples from other AMLs characterized genetically as t(8;21) (n = 35), inv(16) (n = 35), or t(11q23)/MLL (n = 35) or as having a normal karyotype (n = 50). Second, we found genes with functional relevance for blood coagulation that were differentially expressed between APL and other AMLs. Furthermore, a supervised pairwise comparison between M3 and M3v revealed differential expression of genes that encode for biological functions and pathways such as granulation and maturation of hematologic cells, explaining morphologic and clinical differences. Discrimination between M3 and M3v based on gene signatures showed a median classification accuracy of 90% by use of 10-fold CV and support vector machines. Additional molecular mutations such as FLT3-LM, which were significantly more frequent in M3v than in M3 (P < 0.0001), may partly contribute to the different phenotypes. However, linear regression analysis demonstrated that genes differentially expressed between M3 and M3v did not correlate with FLT3-LM.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Blood Coagulation/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/classification
- Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Phenotype
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Haferlach
- Laboratory for Leukemia Diagnostics, University Hospital Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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Schnittger S, Schoch C, Kern W, Hiddemann W, Haferlach T. FLT3 length mutations as marker for follow-up studies in acute myeloid leukaemia. Acta Haematol 2004; 112:68-78. [PMID: 15179006 DOI: 10.1159/000077561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Length mutations within the FLT3 gene (FLT3-LM) can be found in 23% of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and thus are the most frequent mutations in AML. FLT3-LM are highly correlated with AML with normal karyotype and other cytogenetic aberrations of the prognostically intermediate group. This group is supposed to be a mixed group of AML with differences in the underlying pathogenesis. For more individualized treatment options it would be helpful to better characterize this large AML group not only by molecular mutations but also use these markers for the definition of minimal residual disease (MRD). However, so far the cytogenetically intermediate AML has been lacking suitable markers for PCR-based MRD detection like the fusion genes in the prognostically favourable subgroups. The suitability of the FLT3-LM as a target for PCR-based MRD was discussed controversially as it seemed to be a rather unstable marker. Thus, we aimed at the evaluation of FLT3-LM as a marker for residual disease in a large cohort of AML. Paired samples of 97 patients with AML at diagnosis and at relapse were analyzed. It could be shown that in only four cases a loss of the length mutation was detected. This is in the range of other well-characterized AML relapsing with a different geno- and/or phenotype. In contrast, a change in the ratio of the mutated allele in comparison to the wild-type allele was frequently observed. In detail, the FLT3-LM showed a tendency to accumulate during disease progression and was found more frequently at relapse than at diagnosis. In addition, 45 patients were analyzed at different time points during and after therapy. Using conventional PCR it clearly could be shown that for most of the patients positive at presentation FLT3-LM is a reliable PCR marker for monitoring treatment response. Even an early detection of relapse was possible in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schnittger
- Laboratory for Leukaemia Diagnostics, Department of Internal Medicine III, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany.
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Liso V, Bennett J. Morphological and cytochemical characteristics of leukaemic promyelocytes. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2003; 16:349-55. [PMID: 12935955 DOI: 10.1016/s1521-6926(03)00061-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of cell morphology is usually sufficient to diagnose acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). In this chapter we discuss the features of classical hypergranular APL, the APL variant, hyperbasophilic promyelocytic leukaemia, APL with basophil-like granules, acute eosinophilic leukaemia with PML/RARalpha positivity and the morphology of APL cells lacking t(15;17). In addition to morphological examination, cytochemical investigations (peroxidase chloroacetate-esterase, etc.) may help further in defining the cytology of leukaemic cells in APL.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Liso
- Department of Haematology, University of Bari-Medical School, Policlinico, Piazza G. Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy
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Petti MC, Fazi F, Gentile M, Diverio D, De Fabritiis P, De Propris MS, Fiorini R, Spiriti MAA, Padula F, Pelicci PG, Nervi C, Lo Coco F. Complete remission through blast cell differentiation in PLZF/RARalpha-positive acute promyelocytic leukemia: in vitro and in vivo studies. Blood 2002; 100:1065-7. [PMID: 12130525 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2001-12-0368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute leukemia with the t(11;17) expressing the PLZF-RARalpha gene fusion is a rare variant of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) that has been associated with poor clinical response to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment. However, some recent reports have put into question the absolute refractoriness of this leukemia to ATRA. We describe here a patient with PLZF/RARalpha APL who was treated at relapse with ATRA and low-dose hydroxyurea. Complete hematologic remission was obtained through differentiation of leukemic blasts, as proven by morphologic, immunophenophenotypic, and genetic studies carried out in sequential bone marrow samples. Moreover, in vitro studies indicated that blast differentiation was potentiated by the addition of the histone deacetylase inhibitor tricostatin A, but not of hydroxyurea, to ATRA. Our findings indicate that the maturation block may be overcome and terminal differentiation obtained in this leukemia subset and support the view that sensitivity/refractoriness of this form to ATRA should be revisited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Petti
- Hematology section, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Department of Cellular Biotechnology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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