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Hallek M, Al‐Sawaf O. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2022 update on diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:1679-1705. [PMID: 34625994 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent types of leukemia. It typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that interfere with the regulation of proliferation and of apoptosis in clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as typical B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS AND STAGING The clinical staging systems provide prognostic information by using the results of physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers provide additional prognostic information. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del[17p]) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict resistance to chemoimmunotherapy and a shorter time to progression with most targeted therapies. The CLL international prognostic index integrates genetic, biological, and clinical variables to identify distinct risk groups of patients with CLL. THERAPY Only patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several therapeutic options exist: a combination of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab, monotherapy with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) such as ibrutinib and acalabrutinib, or chemoimmunotherapy. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using an alternative regimen. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation are usually resistant to chemotherapy and should, therefore, be treated with targeted agents. FUTURE CHALLENGES Combinations of targeted agents are now being investigated to create efficient, potentially curative therapies of CLL with fixed duration. One of the most relevant questions currently addressed in clinical trials is the comparison of monotherapies with BTK inhibitors with fixed duration combination therapies. Moreover, the optimal sequencing of targeted therapies remains to be determined. Alternative therapies are needed for patients with BTK and BCL2 inhibitor double-refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases” University of Cologne Köln Germany
| | - Othman Al‐Sawaf
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases” University of Cologne Köln Germany
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Hallek M. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2020 update on diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment. Am J Hematol 2019; 94:1266-1287. [PMID: 31364186 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in western countries. The disease typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that impair apoptosis of clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen, as well as typical B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS The two similar clinical staging systems, Rai and Binet, create prognostic information by using results of physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers also have prognostic value. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del [17p]) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene, predict resistance to chemoimmunotherapy and a shorter time to progression, with most targeted therapies. A comprehensive, international prognostic score (CLL-IPI) integrates genetic, biological and clinical variables to identify distinct risk groups of CLL patients. THERAPY Only patients with active or symptomatic disease, or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several options exist for most CLL patients: a combination of venetoclax with obinutuzumab, ibrutinib monotherapy, or chemoimmunotherapy. For physically fit patients younger than 65 (in particular when presenting with a mutated IGVH gene), chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab remains a standard therapy, since it may have curative potential. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using an alternative regimen. Patients with a del (17p) or TP53 mutation are a different, high-risk category and should be treated with targeted agents. An allogeneic SCT may be considered in relapsing patients with TP53 mutations or del (17p), or patients that are refractory to inhibitor therapy. FUTURE CHALLENGES Targeted agents (ibrutinib, idelalisib, venetoclax, obinutuzumab) will be increasingly used in combination to allow for short, but potentially definitive therapies of CLL. It remains to be proven that they generate a superior outcome when compared to monotherapies with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase, which can also yield long-lasting remissions. Moreover, the optimal sequencing of drug combinations is unknown. Therefore, CLL patients should be treated in clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal MedicineUniversity of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases” Köln Germany
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Egle A, Pleyer L, Melchardt T, Hartmann TN, Greil R. Remission maintenance treatment options in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 70:56-66. [PMID: 30121491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has come a long way in the last two decades, producing increases in tumor control to the point of generating sizeable numbers of patients with undetectable minimal residual disease and creating overall survival benefits in randomized comparisons. Most of this has been achieved by limited-term treatment approaches including chemotherapeutic and immune-therapeutic drugs. More recently, novel therapies targeting signaling pathways essential for the survival of the neoplastic clones have opened avenues that provide disease control in long-term treatment designs, mostly without producing deep remissions. In this disease, where current treatments are largely unable to effect a cure, prolonged therapy designs using maintenance approaches are explored and 5 randomized studies of maintenance have recently been published. This review shall summarize available results from a systematic literature review in a clinical context and outline basic biology principles that should be heeded in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Egle
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lisa Pleyer
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tanja Nicole Hartmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Hematology, Medical Oncology, Hemostaseology, Infectious Disease, Rheumatology, Oncologic Center, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria.
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Hallek M. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2017 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:946-965. [PMID: 28782884 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in western countries. The disease typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that impair apoptosis of clonal B cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen and B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS Two prognostic staging systems exist, the Rai and Binet staging systems, which are established by physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers also have prognostic value. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)) and/or mutations of the TP53 gene predict resistance to available chemotherapies. A comprehensive prognostic score (CLL-IPI) using genetic, biological, and clinical variables has recently been developed allowing to classify CLL into very distinct risk groups. THERAPY Patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. For physically fit patients, chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab remains the current standard therapy. For unfit patients, currently available evidence supports two options for a first-line therapy: chlorambucil combined with an anti-CD20 antibody (obinutuzumab or rituximab or ofatumumab) or a continuous therapy with ibrutinib. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds 3 years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using alternative agents such as bendamustine (plus rituximab), alemtuzumab, lenalidomide, ofatumumab, ibrutinib, idelalisib, or venetoclax. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation can be treated with ibrutinib, venetoclax, or a combination of idelalisib and rituximab. An allogeneic SCT may be considered in relapsing patients with TP53 mutations or del(17p) or patients that are refractory to chemoimmunotherapy and the novel inhibitors. FUTURE CHALLENGES The new agents (ibrutinib, idelalisib, venetoclax, and obinutuzumab) hold the potential to significantly improve the outcome of CLL patients. However, their optimal use (in terms of combination, sequence, and duration) remains unknown. Therefore, CLL patients should be treated in clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine; Center for Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases,” University of Cologne; Kerpener Strasse 62 Köln 50937 Germany
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Results of the randomized phase IIB ADMIRE trial of FCR with or without mitoxantrone in previously untreated CLL. Leukemia 2017; 31:2085-2093. [PMID: 28216660 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
ADMIRE was a multicenter, randomized-controlled, open, phase IIB superiority trial in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Conventional front-line therapy in fit patients is fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR). Initial evidence from non-randomized phase II trials suggested that the addition of mitoxantrone to FCR (FCM-R) improved remission rates. Two hundred and fifteen patients were recruited to assess the primary end point of complete remission (CR) rates according to International Workshop on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia criteria. Secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate, minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity and safety. At final analysis, CR rates were 69.8 FCR vs 69.3% FCM-R (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.53-1.79), P=0.932). MRD-negativity rates were 59.3 FCR vs 50.5% FCM-R (adjusted OR: 0.70; 95% CI: (0.39-1.26), P=0.231). During treatment, 60.0% (n=129) of participants received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as secondary prophylaxis for neutropenia, a lower proportion on FCR compared with FCM-R (56.1 vs 63.9%). The toxicity of both regimens was acceptable. There are no significant differences between the treatment groups for PFS and OS. The trial demonstrated that the addition of mitoxantrone to FCR did not increase the depth of response. Oral FCR was well tolerated and resulted in impressive responses in terms of CR rates and MRD negativity compared with historical series with intravenous chemotherapy.
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Cramer P, Isfort S, Bahlo J, Stilgenbauer S, Döhner H, Bergmann M, Stauch M, Kneba M, Lange E, Langerbeins P, Pflug N, Kovacs G, Goede V, Fink AM, Elter T, Fischer K, Wendtner CM, Hallek M, Eichhorst B. Outcome of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia following different first-line and relapse therapies: a meta-analysis of five prospective trials by the German CLL Study Group (GCLLSG). Haematologica 2015; 100:1451-9. [PMID: 26315931 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2015.124693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the effect of first-line and subsequent therapies, the outcome of 1,558 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia from five prospective phase II/III trials conducted between 1999 and 2010 was analyzed. The 3-year overall survival rate was higher after first-line treatment with chemoimmunotherapies such as fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab (87.9%) or bendamustine/rituximab (90.7%) compared to chemotherapies without an antibody (fludarabine/cyclophosphamide: 84.6%; fludarabine: 77.5%; chlorambucil: 77.4%). Furthermore, the median overall survival was longer in patients receiving at least one antibody-containing regimen in any treatment line (94.4 months) compared to the survival in patients who never received an antibody (84.3 months, P<0.0001). Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that patients who did receive antibody treatment had a 1.42-fold higher risk of death (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.185-1.694). Therapies administered at relapse were very heterogeneous. Only 55 of 368 patients (14.9%) who started second-line treatment >24 months after first-line therapy repeated the first-line regimen. Among 315 patients requiring treatment ≤24 months after first-line therapy, cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone with or without rituximab as well as alemtuzumab were the most commonly used therapies. In these early relapsing patients, the median overall survival was shorter following therapies containing an anthracycline and/or three or more cytotoxic agents (e.g. cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/vincristine/prednisone or fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/mitoxantrone, 30.0 months) compared to single agent chemotherapy (e.g. fludarabine; 39.6 months) and standard chemoimmunotherapy (e.g. fludarabine/cyclophosphamide/rituximab: 61.6 months). In conclusion, the analysis confirms the superior efficacy of chemoimmunotherapies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Moreover, the use of aggressive chemo(immuno)therapy combinations in patients with an early relapse does not offer any benefit when compared to less intensive therapies. Trial identifier: NCT00281918, ISRCTN75653261, ISRCTN36294212, NCT00274989 and NCT00147901.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cramer
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Isfort
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany Department for Oncology, Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Aachen, Munich, Germany
| | - Jasmin Bahlo
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Hartmut Döhner
- Department III of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Munich, Germany
| | - Manuela Bergmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Palliative Care, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Stauch
- Specialized Practice for Hematology and Oncology and Day Hospital, Kronach, Germany
| | - Michael Kneba
- Department II of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Lange
- Protestant Hospital Hamm, Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Hamm, Germany
| | - Petra Langerbeins
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Natali Pflug
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Valentin Goede
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Fink
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Elter
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Fischer
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Clemens-Martin Wendtner
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany Department of Hematology, Oncology, Immunology, Palliative Care, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Eichhorst
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, University of Cologne, Munich, Germany
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Hallek M. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2015 Update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. Am J Hematol 2015; 90:446-60. [PMID: 25908509 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in western countries. The disease typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that impair apoptosis of clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS Two prognostic staging systems exist, the Rai and Binet staging systems, which are established by physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers also have prognostic value. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)) predict resistance to available chemotherapies. Comprehensive prognostic scores are currently being developed. THERAPY Patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. For physical fit patients, chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab remains the current standard therapy. For unfit patients, treatment with an anti-CD20 antibody (obinutuzumab or rituximab or ofatumumab) plus a milder chemotherapy (Chlorambucil) may be applied. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds two to three years. If the disease relapses earlier, therapy should be changed using alternative agents such as bendamustine (plus rituximab), alemtuzumab, lenalidomide, ofatumumab, ibrutinib, or idelalisib. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 mutation can be treated with ibrutinib or a combination of idelalisib and rituximab. An allogeneic SCT may be considered in relapsing patients with TP53 mutations or del(17p) or patients that are refractory to repeated chemoimmunotherapies. Future challenges: Several new agents (e.g., ibrutinib, idelalisib, obinutuzumab) hold the potential to improve the outcome of patients with CLL. However, their optimal use (in terms of combination, sequence, and duration) is unknown. Therefore, CLL patients should be treated in clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine; Center for Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases”, University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
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Maroofi F, Amini S, Roshani D, Ghaderi B, Abdi M. Different frequencies and effects of ABCB1 T3435C polymorphism on clinical and laboratory features of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Kurdish patients. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:2863-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2914-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Ringelstein-Harlev S, Fineman R. Minimal residual disease surveillance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2014; 5:e0027. [PMID: 25386343 PMCID: PMC4222416 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Achievement of complete response (CR) to therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has become a feasible goal, directly correlating with prolonged survival. It has been established that the classic definition of CR actually encompasses a variety of disease loads, and more sensitive multiparameter flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction methods can detect the disease burden with a much higher sensitivity. Detection of malignant cells with a sensitivity of 1 tumor cell in 10,000 cells (10(-4)), using the abovementioned sophisticated techniques, is the current cutoff for minimal residual disease (MRD). Tumor burdens lower than 10(-4) are defined as MRD-negative. Several studies in CLL have determined the achievement of MRD negativity as an independent favorable prognostic factor, leading to prolonged disease-free and overall survival, regardless of the treatment protocol or the presence of other pre-existing prognostic indicators. Minimal residual disease evaluation using flow cytometry is a sensitive and applicable approach which is expected to become an integral part of future prospective trials in CLL designed to assess the role of MRD surveillance in treatment tailoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimrit Ringelstein-Harlev
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel ; Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Riva Fineman
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Santacruz R, Villamor N, Aymerich M, Martínez-Trillos A, López C, Navarro A, Rozman M, Beà S, Royo C, Cazorla M, Colomer D, Giné E, Pinyol M, Puente XS, López-Otín C, Campo E, López-Guillermo A, Delgado J. The prognostic impact of minimal residual disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia requiring first-line therapy. Haematologica 2014; 99:873-80. [PMID: 24700492 PMCID: PMC4008107 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2013.099796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A proportion of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia achieve a minimal residual disease negative status after therapy. We retrospectively evaluated the impact of minimal residual disease on the outcome of 255 consecutive patients receiving any front-line therapy in the context of a detailed prognostic evaluation, including assessment of IGHV, TP53, NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations. The median follow-up was 73 months (range, 2-202) from disease evaluation. The median treatment-free survival durations for patients achieving a complete response without or with minimal residual disease, a partial response and no response were 76, 40, 11 and 11 months, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that three variables had a significant impact on treatment-free survival: minimal residual disease (P<0.001), IGHV status (P<0.001) and β2-microglobulin levels (P=0.012). With regards to overall survival, factors predictive of an unfavorable outcome were minimal residual disease positivity (P=0.014), together with advanced age (P<0.001), unmutated IGHV status (P=0.001), TP53 mutations (P<0.001) and elevated levels of β2-microglobulin (P=0.003). In conclusion, for patients requiring front-line therapy, achievement of minimal residual disease negativity is associated with significantly prolonged treatment-free and overall survival irrespective of other prognostic markers or treatment administered.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Induction Chemotherapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Neoplasm Staging
- Neoplasm, Residual/genetics
- Neoplasm, Residual/pathology
- Prognosis
- Treatment Outcome
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Delgado J, Ghita G, Baumann T, Santacruz R, Dlouhy I, Aymerich M, Rozman M, Creus N, Pereira A, Montserrat E. Rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy prolongs survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia independently of the time of administration. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2013; 14:73-9. [PMID: 24126217 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of purine analogues (PA) and rituximab (chemoimmunotherapy) is considered the treatment of choice for CLL. The aim of this study was to determine whether chemoimmunotherapy prolonged the overall survival in patients with CLL from a single center. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1980 to 2010, 273 patients with CLL received: (1) PA (n = 159); and (2) PA plus rituximab (PA+R) (n = 114). All treated patients were included in the analysis, regardless of time at which treatment was administered, duration of therapy, and response. RESULTS Patients from the PA and PA+R groups were well balanced for demographic, clinical, and biologic features. At 8 years, the survival from diagnosis of the PA+R group was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82-94%) compared with 68% (95% CI, 60-76%) for the PA group (P < .001). When survival of patients treated with PA+R was analyzed according to the time of treatment administration (first- [n = 55] vs. second or more lines [n = 59]), no significant differences were observed (8-year overall survival 89% vs. 87%, respectively; P = .8). CONCLUSION Chemoimmunotherapy prolonged the survival of patients with CLL and this effect was independent of the phase of the disease at which treatment was given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Delgado
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Ghita
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tycho Baumann
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Santacruz
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivan Dlouhy
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Aymerich
- Hematopathology Unit, Department of Pathology, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Rozman
- Hematopathology Unit, Department of Pathology, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natalia Creus
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arturo Pereira
- Department of Hemotherapy and Hemostasis, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emili Montserrat
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.
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Rituximab maintenance after first-line therapy with rituximab, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone (R-FCM) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 2013; 122:3951-9. [PMID: 24124086 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-05-502773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of rituximab maintenance therapy in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been investigated in a phase 2 clinical trial that included an initial treatment with rituximab 500 mg/m2 on day 1 (375 mg/m2 the first cycle), fludarabine 25 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3, cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3, and mitoxantrone 6 mg/m2 on day 1 (R-FCM), for 6 cycles, followed by a maintenance phase with rituximab 375 mg/m2 every 3 months for 2 years. Sixty-seven patients having achieved complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) with R-FCM were given maintenance therapy. At the end of maintenance, 40.6% of patients were in CR with negative minimal residual disease (MRD), 40.6% were in CR MRD-positive, 4.8% remained in PR, and 14% were considered failures. Six of 29 patients (21%) who were in CR MRD-positive or in PR after R-FCM improved their response upon rituximab maintenance. The 4-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were 74.8% and 93.7%, respectively. MRD status after R-FCM induction was the strongest predictor of PFS. Maintenance with rituximab after R-FCM improved the quality of the response, particularly in patients MRD-positive after initial treatment, and obtained a prolonged PFS. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu as identifier #2005-001569-33.
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Hallek M. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: 2013 update on diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment. Am J Hematol 2013; 88:803-16. [PMID: 23720127 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest leukemia in western countries. The disease typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Leukemic transformation is initiated by specific genomic alterations that impair apoptosis of clonal B-cells. DIAGNOSIS The diagnosis is established by blood counts, blood smears, and immunophenotyping of circulating B-lymphocytes, which identify a clonal B-cell population carrying the CD5 antigen as well as B-cell markers. PROGNOSIS Two prognostic staging systems exist, the Rai and Binet staging systems, which are established by physical examination and blood counts. Various biological and genetic markers also have prognostic value. Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)) predict resistance to most available therapies. THERAPY Patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. For physical fit patients, chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab represents the current standard therapy. For unfit patients, treatment with an anti-CD20 antibody plus a milder chemotherapy (chlorambucil) is currently established as standard treatment. At relapse, the initial treatment may be repeated, if the treatment-free interval exceeds two years. If the disease relapses earlier, alternative therapies such as bendamustine alone or with rituximab, alemtuzumab, lenalidomide, or ofatumumab should be used. Patients with a del(17p) or TP53 should be considered for an allogeneic SCT. FUTURE CHALLENGES Several new agents (e.g., ibrutinib, obinutuzumab) hold the potential to change standard of CLL treatment in the next 6-12 months. Therefore, CLL patients should be included into current clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine; University of Cologne, Center for Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, Center of Excellence on “Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases,”; Germany
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Visco C, Finotto S, Pomponi F, Sartori R, Laveder F, Trentin L, Paolini R, Di Bona E, Ruggeri M, Rodeghiero F. The combination of rituximab, bendamustine, and cytarabine for heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory cytogenetically high-risk patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Hematol 2013; 88:289-93. [PMID: 23450436 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) relapsed/refractory (R/R) to conventional treatments is particularly challenging. The combination of bendamustine and cytarabine has demonstrated distinct and synergistic mechanisms of action in preclinical studies on cell lines and primary tumor cells of several B-cell lymphomas, including 17p deleted or TP53 mutated CLL. The efficacy of rituximab (375 mg/m(2) , Day 1), plus bendamustine (70 mg/m(2) , days 1-2), and cytarabine (800 mg/m(2) , Day 1-3; R-BAC), every 28 days for up to four courses, was evaluated in a pilot trial enrolling 13 patients with very selected high-risk R/R CLL. All patients (median age 60 years, range 53-74) had symptomatic Binet stage B or C active disease requiring treatment, were characterized by adverse cytogenetics (17p deletion, 11q deletion, or both), unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region, and were heavily pretreated (1-5, median three previous lines). Overall, R-BAC was well tolerated with limited non-hematological toxicity. Major toxicities were transient Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia in 84% and 85% of patients, respectively. Overall response rate (OR) was 84%, including complete and partial response in 38% and 46% of patients, respectively. Patients with 17p deletion had an OR of 78%. After a median follow-up of 17 months, median progression-free survival was 16 months while median overall survival (OS) was not reached (1-year OS: 75 ± 13%). R-BAC is an active regimen in R/R heavily pretreated high-risk patients with CLL, representing an option for the treatment of patients that are usually refractory to standard therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Visco
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology; San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza Italy
| | - Silvia Finotto
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology; San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza Italy
| | - Fabrizio Pomponi
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology; San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza Italy
| | - Roberto Sartori
- Department of Immunohematology; San Giacomo Hospital; Castelfranco Veneto Italy
| | | | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch; Padua University School of Medicine; Padova Italy
| | - Rossella Paolini
- Department of Oncohaematology; S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital; Rovigo Italy
| | - Eros Di Bona
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology; San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza Italy
| | - Marco Ruggeri
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology; San Bortolo Hospital; Vicenza Italy
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15
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Hopfinger G, Busch R, Pflug N, Weit N, Westermann A, Fink AM, Cramer P, Reinart N, Winkler D, Fingerle-Rowson G, Stilgenbauer S, Döhner H, Kandler G, Eichhorst B, Hallek M, Herling M. Sequential chemoimmunotherapy of fludarabine, mitoxantrone, and cyclophosphamide induction followed by alemtuzumab consolidation is effective in T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia. Cancer 2013; 119:2258-67. [PMID: 23512246 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.27972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scarce systematic trial data have prevented uniform therapeutic guidelines for T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL). A central need in this historically refractory tumor is the controlled evaluation of multiagent chemotherapy and its combination with the currently most active single agent, alemtuzumab. METHODS This prospective multicenter phase 2 trial assessed response, survival, and toxicity of a novel regimen in previously treated (n = 9) and treatment-naive (n = 16) patients with T-PLL. Induction by fludarabine, mitoxantrone, and cyclophosphamide (FMC), for up to 4 cycles, was followed by alemtuzumab (A) consolidation, up to 12 weeks. RESULTS Of the 25 patients treated with FMC, 21 subsequently received alemtuzumab. Overall response rate to FMC was 68%, comprising 6 complete remissions (all bone-marrow confirmed) and 11 partial remissions. Alemtuzumab consolidation increased the intent-to-treat overall response rate to 92% (12 complete remissions; 11 partial remissions). Median overall survival after FMC-A was 17.1 months and median progression-free survival was 11.9 months. Progression-free survival tended to be shorter for patients with high-level T-cell leukemia 1 oncoprotein expression. Hematologic toxicities were the most frequent grade 3/4 side effects under FMC-A. Exclusively in the 21 alemtuzumab-consolidated patients, 13 cytomegalovirus reactivations were observed; 9 of these 13 represented a clinically relevant infection. CONCLUSIONS FMC-A is a safe and efficient protocol in T-PLL, which compares favorably to published data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Hopfinger
- Third Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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16
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Plander M, Skrapits J, Bozsó T, Szendrei T, Iványi JL. [Detection and impact of minimal residual disease on outcome of chronic lymphocytic leukemia]. Orv Hetil 2012; 153:1622-8. [PMID: 23045312 DOI: 10.1556/oh.2012.29458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal residual disease is associated with longer overall survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. AIM The aim of the authors was to determine the clinical significance of remission and minimal residual disease on the survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. METHODS Data from 42 first-line treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were analyzed. Minimal residual disease was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS Overall response and complete remission was achieved in 91%, 86%, 100% and 87%, 0%, 60% of patients with fludarabine-based combinations, single-agent fludarabine and cyclophosphamide + vincristin + prednisolone regimen, respectively. Minimal residual disease eradication was feasible only with fludarabine-based combinations in 60% of these cases. The ratio of minimal residual disease was 0.5% on average. During a median follow-up period lasting 30 months, the overall survival of patients with fludarabine-resistant disease proved to be significantly shorter (p = 0.04), while complete remission without minimal residual disease was associated with significantly longer progression free survival (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Only fludarabine-based combinations were able to eradicate minimal residual disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Complete remission without minimal residual disease may predict longer progression free survival in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márk Plander
- Vas Megyei Markusovszky Kórház, Egyetemi Oktatókórház Nonprofit Zrt. Haematologiai és Haemostaseologiai Osztály, Szombathely.
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17
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Dlouhy I, Ghita G, Baumann T, Gine E, Villamor N, Rozman M, Martinez-Trillos A, Lopez-Guillermo A, Delgado J. Retreatment with purine analogs in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Res 2012; 36:1521-5. [PMID: 22938831 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of retreatment with purine analogs (PA) in 62 patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Median OS and PFS after retreatment were 60 and 26 months, respectively. By multivariate analysis, minimal residual disease status, ZAP-70 expression and age had independent predictive power in terms of OS. Toxicity was mainly neutropenia (21%) and infections (39%). Second malignancies were observed in 10 (16%) patients. Our results outline that retreatment with PA is remarkably effective in patients with relapsed CLL, but with a significant toxicity.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Analysis of Variance
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Bacterial Infections/complications
- Bacterial Infections/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Neoplasm, Residual
- Neutropenia/complications
- Neutropenia/pathology
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- Purines/administration & dosage
- Purines/adverse effects
- Recurrence
- Retreatment
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Analysis
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/genetics
- ZAP-70 Protein-Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Dlouhy
- Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Veliz M, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Treatment of relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Control 2012; 19:37-53. [PMID: 22143061 DOI: 10.1177/107327481201900105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have moved beyond the traditional use of alkylating agents and purine analogs into regimens combining these two chemotherapy classes with monoclonal antibodies. METHODS This article reviews treatments options for patients with relapsed or refractory CLL. RESULTS Several studies have investigated novel agents in treating patients with 17p deletion, TP53 mutation, and fludarabine-refractory CLL, as well as patients with suboptimal response to intense treatment. These investigational agents include rituximab, alemtuzumab, ofatumumab, bendamustine, high-dose methylprednisolone, lenalidomide, lumiliximab, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, small modular immunopharmaceuticals, Bcl-2 inhibitors, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. While these newer drugs and combination therapies have shown promise as treatment options for CLL, additional studies are needed to determine the immunosuppression, toxicities, and infections associated with their use. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvement in initial overall response rates, most patients relapse and require further treatment. CLL remains incurable with standard therapies due to development of disease refractoriness. As such, novel approaches such as those noted above warrant continued research to improve outcomes for patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marays Veliz
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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19
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Kharfan-Dabaja MA, Pidala J, Kumar A, Terasawa T, Djulbegovic B. Comparing efficacy of reduced-toxicity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with conventional chemo-(immuno) therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory CLL: a Markov decision analysis. Bone Marrow Transplant 2012; 47:1164-70. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2012.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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20
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Böttcher S, Ritgen M, Fischer K, Stilgenbauer S, Busch RM, Fingerle-Rowson G, Fink AM, Bühler A, Zenz T, Wenger MK, Mendila M, Wendtner CM, Eichhorst BF, Döhner H, Hallek MJ, Kneba M. Minimal Residual Disease Quantification Is an Independent Predictor of Progression-Free and Overall Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Multivariate Analysis From the Randomized GCLLSG CLL8 Trial. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:980-8. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.36.9348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 351] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine the clinical significance of flow cytometric minimal residual disease (MRD) quantification in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in addition to pretherapeutic risk factors and to compare the prognostic impact of MRD between the arms of the German CLL Study Group CLL8 trial. Patients and Methods MRD levels were prospectively quantified in 1,775 blood and bone marrow samples from 493 patients randomly assigned to receive fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) or FC plus rituximab (FCR). Patients were categorized by MRD into low- (< 10−4), intermediate- (≥ 10−4 to <10−2), and high-level (≥ 10−2) groups. Results Low MRD levels during and after therapy were associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS; P < .0001). Median PFS is estimated at 68.7, 40.5, and 15.4 months for low, intermediate, and high MRD levels, respectively, when assessed 2 months after therapy. Compared with patients with low MRD, greater risks of disease progression were associated with intermediate and high MRD levels (hazard ratios, 2.49 and 14.7, respectively; both P < .0001). Median OS was 48.4 months in patients with high MRD and was not reached for lower MRD levels. MRD remained predictive for OS and PFS in multivariate analyses that included the most important pretherapeutic risk markers in CLL. PFS and OS did not differ between treatment arms within each MRD category. However, FCR induced low MRD levels more frequently than FC. Conclusion MRD levels independently predict OS and PFS in CLL. Therefore, MRD quantification might serve as a surrogate marker to assess treatment efficacy in randomized trials before clinical end points can be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Böttcher
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Matthias Ritgen
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Kirsten Fischer
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Raymonde M. Busch
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Günter Fingerle-Rowson
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Anna Maria Fink
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Andreas Bühler
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Michael Karl Wenger
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Myriam Mendila
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Clemens-Martin Wendtner
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Barbara F. Eichhorst
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Hartmut Döhner
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Michael J. Hallek
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
| | - Michael Kneba
- Sebastian Böttcher, Matthias Ritgen, and Michael Kneba, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel; Kirsten Fischer, Günter Fingerle-Rowson, Anna Maria Fink, Clemens-Martin Wendtner, Barbara F. Eichhorst, and Michael J. Hallek, University of Cologne, Cologne; Stephan Stilgenbauer, Andreas Bühler, Thorsten Zenz, and Hartmut Döhner, University of Ulm, Ulm; Raymonde M. Busch, Technical University, Munich, Germany; and Michael Karl Wenger and Myriam Mendila, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel,
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Abstract
The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is currently undergoing a profound change. First, several new drugs have been approved (fludarabine, bendamustine and two monoclonal antibodies, alemtuzumab and rituximab). In addition, novel monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20, CD23, CD37 or CD40, as well as drugs designed to interfere with central pathways regulating the cell cycle, the apoptotic machinery, or the leukemic microenvironment (flavopiridol, oblimersen, ABT-263 or lenalidomide) are being tested in clinical trials. Furthermore, improved protocols using reduced-intensity allogeneic progenitor cell transplantation makes it possible to offer this procedure to more patients with CLL. Finally, new prognostic markers that may influence therapeutic decisions have been identified. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge in this rapidly moving field.
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22
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García-Escobar I, Sepúlveda J, Castellano D, Cortés-Funes H. Therapeutic management of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2011; 80:100-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2010] [Revised: 09/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Andritsos LA, Grever MR. Salvage therapy for relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Hematol 2011; 4:199-212. [PMID: 21495929 DOI: 10.1586/ehm.11.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a common hematologic malignancy with a highly variable clinical course. While the median age at diagnosis is 72 years of age and fewer than 10% of patients are diagnosed before the age of 60 years, the majority of patients who require therapy will ultimately relapse. Advances in upfront therapy and supportive care have dramatically improved initial responses compared with traditional akylator-based chemotherapy. However, comparable results are not generally observed in the salvage setting. Careful planning that takes into account the duration of the initial response, patient age and/or comorbidities, and cytogenetic and molecular profiles are critical for the successful management of patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Brion A, Mahé B, Kolb B, Audhuy B, Colombat P, Maisonneuve H, Foussard C, Bureau A, Ferrand C, Lesesve JF, Béné MC, Feugier P. Autologous transplantation in CLL patients with B and C Binet stages: final results of the prospective randomized GOELAMS LLC 98 trial. Bone Marrow Transplant 2011; 47:542-8. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2011.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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25
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Hagenbeek A, Bischof Delaloye A. Editorial Perspective—Advances in B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 44 Suppl 4:S1-4. [PMID: 15154737 DOI: 10.1080/10428190310001616908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) represents an exciting new therapeutic option for the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), emerging at a time when significant advances have been made in NHL classification, molecular genetics and treatment. Despite recent treatment advances, including the use of fludarabine phosphate-based combination chemotherapies, able to eradicate minimal residual disease, there remains much room for improvement. The incorporation of RIT into treatment schedules is an attractive option to exploit the extreme sensitivity of lymphoma cells to irradiation. In this supplement, we examine the potential future roles for RIT in the light of past and present therapies, existing RIT clinical data and the unique attributes of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hagenbeek
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Hematology (G03.647), PO Box 85.500, 3508, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Dong HJ, Miao KR, Qiao C, Zhuang Y, Shen WY, Hong M, Fan L, Liu P, Xu W, Li JY. Polymorphisms and haplotypes in multidrug resistance 1 gene are not associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia susceptibility and prognostic parameters of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Chinese population. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 52:1003-9. [PMID: 21463115 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2011.557454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The human multidrug resistance (MDR1, ABCB1) gene encodes P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which affects the pharmacokinetics of many drugs. Here, we investigated whether common MDR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (C1236T, C3435T, and G2677T/A) affect predisposition to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Genotyping was performed in 150 patients with CLL and 117 controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays. Haplotypes were inferred using the PHASE algorithm. We found comparable allele and genotype frequencies among patients with CLL and controls. Moreover, patient and control groups did not differ regarding MDR1 haplotype distribution (p = 0.97). Furthermore, no correlation was shown between the MDR1 1236, 3435, or 2677 genotypes and Binet stage, unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region (IGHV) status, CD38 expression, ZAP-70 expression, and p53 deletion. In conclusion, our results do not support a major influence of MDR1 variants on the risk of CLL, and these genomic polymorphisms are not associated with clinical prognostic factors in Chinese patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Jie Dong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
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Seung AH. Standard of care and novel treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2011; 67:1813-24. [PMID: 20966144 DOI: 10.2146/ajhp090147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The standard of care and novel treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are reviewed. SUMMARY Recent advances in the treatment of CLL have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape for both patients and health care professionals. The majority of conventional first-line therapies are noncurative and are only used to treat disease that is symptomatic or progressive and include chlorambucil, monotherapy with purine analogues, and combination chemotherapy. Immunotherapeutic agents such as rituximab and alemtuzumab may be indicated in select patient populations. However, because clinical trials have found that overall survival does not depend on the initial therapy, selection of first-line therapy should be based on patient-specific factors and the patient's goals for therapy with respect to response, survival, and symptom palliation. Progression-free survival time and time to treatment are critical endpoints for CLL treatment. An increasingly important endpoint is minimal residual disease (MRD), as it is considered to be the major cause of relapse in CLL. Finally, comparison of toxicities between different therapies is critical in CLL, as it is in other disease states. Several new agents are currently being evaluated for use in CLL, including alvocidib, oblimersen, and lumiliximab. CONCLUSION Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients with CLL. The introduction of rituximab, alemtuzumab, and bendamustine has improved the current outlook for patients with CLL. As overall survival does not appear to depend on the initial therapy, treatment should be selected based on patient-specific factors and goals. Challenges in CLL include determining when to initiate therapy, eradicating MRD, and managing therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hatfield Seung
- Oncology Pharmacy Residency, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street/Carnegie 180, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab chemoimmunotherapy is highly effective treatment for relapsed patients with CLL. Blood 2011; 117:3016-24. [PMID: 21245487 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2010-08-304683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal management of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is dictated by patient characteristics, prior therapy, and response to prior therapy. We report the final analysis of combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) for previously treated patients with CLL and identify patients who benefit most from this therapy. We explore efficacy of FCR in patients beyond first relapse, patients with prior exposure to fludarabine and alkylating agent combinations, and patients with prior exposure to rituximab. The FCR regimen was administered to 284 previously treated patients with CLL. Patients were assessed for response and progression by 1996 National Cancer Institute-Working Group (NCI-WG) criteria for CLL and followed for survival. The overall response rate was 74%, with 30% complete remission. The estimated median overall survival was 47 months and median progression-free survival for all patients was 21 months. Subgroup analyses indicated that the following patients were most suitable for FCR treatment: patients with up to 3 prior treatments, fludarabine-sensitive patients irrespective of prior rituximab exposure, and patients without chromosome 17 abnormalities. FCR is an active and well-tolerated therapy for patients with relapsed CLL. The addition of rituximab to FC improved quality and durability of response in this patient population.
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Hillmen P, Cohen DR, Cocks K, Pettitt A, Sayala HA, Rawstron AC, Kennedy DB, Fegan C, Milligan DW, Radford J, Mercieca J, Dearden C, Ezekwisili R, Smith AF, Brown J, Booth GA, Varghese AM, Pocock C. A randomized phase II trial of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone (FCM) with or without rituximab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2011; 152:570-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2010.08317.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Moreno C, Ritgen M, Rawstron A. Is MRD eradication a desirable goal in CLL? Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2011; 23:97-107. [PMID: 20620974 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Among chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients who require therapy, their response to therapy is the most important prognostic factor, with a better response predicting longer progression-free and overall survival. In this context, patients who achieve minimal residual disease (MRD)-negative status have better prognosis than those with inferior response to therapy, including those with MRD-positive complete response (CR). MRD can be assessed by either allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or four-colour cytofluorometry. Importantly, methods to determine MRD in CLL have been standardised. Nevertheless, MRD status should not be used as a goal of therapy outside clinical studies. This is because the issue of the benefits of achieving MRD-negative status in patients with CLL requires further investigation in large controlled trials, in which patients should be stratified according to not only clinical variables but also biological parameters such as cytogenetics, IGHV mutations or ZAP-70 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Moreno
- Haematology Department, Institute of Haematology and Oncology, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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Gassner FJ, Weiss L, Geisberger R, Hofbauer JP, Egle A, Hartmann TN, Greil R, Tinhofer I. Fludarabine modulates composition and function of the T cell pool in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2011; 60:75-85. [PMID: 20857100 PMCID: PMC3029666 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-010-0920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2009] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The combination of cytotoxic treatment with strategies for immune activation represents an attractive strategy for tumour therapy. Following reduction of high tumour burden by effective cytotoxic agents, two major immune-stimulating approaches are being pursued. First, innate immunity can be activated by monoclonal antibodies triggering antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Second, tumour-specific T cell responses can be generated by immunization of patients with peptides derived from tumour antigens and infused in soluble form or loaded onto dendritic cells. The choice of cytotoxic agents for such combinatory regimens is crucial since most substances such as fludarabine are considered immunosuppressive while others such as cyclophosphamide can have immunostimulatory activity. We tested in this study whether fludarabine and/or cyclophosphamide, which represent a very effective treatment regimen for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, would interfere with a therapeutic strategy of T cell activation. Analysis of peripheral blood samples from patients prior and during fludarabine/cyclophosphamide therapy revealed rapid and sustained reduction of tumour cells but also of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. This correlated with a significant cytotoxic activity of fludarabine/cyclophosphamide on T cells in vitro. Unexpectedly, T cells surviving fludarabine/cyclophosphamide treatment in vitro had a more mature phenotype, while fludarabine-treated T cells were significantly more responsive to mitogenic stimulation than their untreated counterparts and showed a shift towards T(H)1 cytokine secretion. In conclusion, fludarabine/cyclophosphamide therapy though inducing significant and relevant T cell depletion seems to generate a micromilieu suitable for subsequent T cell activation.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Cyclophosphamide/pharmacology
- Female
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Myeloablative Agonists/pharmacology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/drug effects
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Vidarabine/analogs & derivatives
- Vidarabine/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Josef Gassner
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Lukas Weiss
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josefina Piñón Hofbauer
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander Egle
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tanja Nicole Hartmann
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Inge Tinhofer
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (LIMCR), 3rd Medical Department with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Rheumatology and Infectiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Translational Radiobiology and Radiooncology Research Laboratory, Clinical Department for Radiotherapy (CCM/CVK), Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Bryan J, Borthakur G. Role of rituximab in first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2010; 7:1-11. [PMID: 21339937 PMCID: PMC3039008 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s5855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a biologically heterogeneous illness that primarily afflicts the elderly. For many decades, the initial therapy for most patients requiring treatment was limited to single-agent alkylator therapy. Within the last two decades, we have seen remarkable progress in understanding the biology of CLL and the development of more effective treatment strategies that have employed monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab (anti-CD20). Furthermore, recognition of the synergy between fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) prompted investigators to explore the clinical activity of FCR in Phase II and III trials in patients with relapsed/refractory or previously untreated CLL. On the basis of these findings, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved rituximab in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory or previously untreated CD20-postive CLL. Recent data from a randomized Phase III trial has confirmed improved overall survival with FCR in patients with previously untreated CLL. However, FCR is not for everyone. More tolerable regimens using rituximab for the elderly and less fit patients are being pursued in clinical trials. Recent Phase II trials have explored potentially less myelosuppressive approaches by using lower doses of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide, replacing fludarabine with pentostatin, and combining rituximab with chlorambucil. Furthermore new biomarkers predictive of early disease progression have prompted investigators to explore the benefits of early treatment with rituximab combined with other agents. In addition to the proven utility of rituximab as a frontline agent for CLL, rituximab has a favorable toxicity profile both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapy. The majority of adverse events are Grade 1 and 2 infusion-related reactions (fevers, chills, and rigors) and occur with the first dose of rituximab. The improved tolerability observed with second and subsequent infusions allows for shorter infusion times. Rituximab's proven activity and favorable toxicity profile has made it an ideal agent for expanding treatment options for patients with CLL, the majority of whom are elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Bryan
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Tedeschi A, Vismara E, Ricci F, Morra E, Montillo M. The spectrum of use of rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Onco Targets Ther 2010; 3:227-46. [PMID: 21289858 PMCID: PMC3024887 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s8151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The monoclonal chimeric anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab, has considerably improved therapeutic outcome in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Rituximab has limited clinical activity when used as a single agent. The combination of the monoclonal antibody with fludarabine-based regimens clearly demonstrated, in Phase II and randomized trials, an increase in clinical efficacy in previously untreated and pretreated patients. Furthermore the addition of rituximab enabled the eradication of minimal residual disease, which is correlated with the prognosis in a high proportion of patients. Although the combination of rituximab with fludarabine-based regimens increased myelosuppression and immunosuppression, incidence of infections did not increase. The benefit of adding rituximab to other purine analogs or other chemotherapeutic combination regimens has also been explored. Moreover there could be a role for achieving better quality of responses with the combination of different monoclonal antibodies, considering that they target different antigens and exert different mechanism of action. Although the role of rituximab as maintenance therapy in low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas has been determined, the benefit and optimal schedule in chronic lymphocytic leukemia are still under investigation. This review brings together knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action and clinical use of rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Vismara
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrica Morra
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Montillo
- Department of Hematology, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy
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Köppler H, Heymanns J, Pandorf A, Weide R. Bendamustine Plus Mitoxantrone—A New Effective Treatment for Advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia: Results of a Phase I/II Study. Leuk Lymphoma 2010; 45:911-3. [PMID: 15291348 DOI: 10.1080/1042819031000123546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The toxicity arid efficacy of the combination bendamustine plus mitoxantrone (BM) was evaluated in 22 patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Twenty out of twenty-two patients had received at least one prior regimen. Median age was 71 years (range 53-86). Six out of twenty-two patients were Binet stage B and 16/22 Binet stage C. Bendamustine was given in escalating doses from 80 up to 240 mg/m2 divided in two to three doses per course, mitoxantrone was given as short infusion with 8 up to 10 mg/m2 per course. The number of courses was limited to six and chemotherapy stopped when a complete remission (CR) or partial remission (PR) according to NCI-Criteria was achieved. Haematotoxicity and infection were dose limiting with 4/6 patients suffering from grade 3 infectious complication in the bendamustine level with 240 mg/m2. Six out of twenty-two patients achieved a CR and 13/22 patients a PR resulting in an overall response rate of 86% (19/22 patients). Median time to progression was 10 months (range 4-22) and median survival 39 months (range 6-50). For further studies we recommend a bendamustine dose of 150 mg/m2 combined with 10 mg/m2 mitoxantrone.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/toxicity
- Bendamustine Hydrochloride
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Hematologic Diseases/chemically induced
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mitoxantrone/administration & dosage
- Nitrogen Mustard Compounds/administration & dosage
- Opportunistic Infections/chemically induced
- Remission Induction
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Köppler
- Haematology/Oncology Group Practice, Nevers Strable 5, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
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Kater AP, Tonino SH. Standards for the treatment of relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a case-based study. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2010; 10 Suppl 1:S34-41. [PMID: 20529806 DOI: 10.3816/clml.2010.s.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, considerable advances have been made in first-line treatment strategies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Combination of conventional chemotherapy with immunotherapeutic agents is currently considered the most active strategy, with improved progression-free survival and overall survival. However, patients are not cured and invariably experience relapsing disease requiring treatment. In contrast to the advances made in first-line treatment strategies, much less progress has been made for patients with relapsed and especially refractory CLL. The activity of most chemotherapeutic drugs used in CLL rely on intact p53 function, and repeated cycles of therapy might eventually result in drug resistance because of acquired cytogenetic alterations, mainly affecting genes involved in the p53 response. As a consequence, most commonly used treatment regimens are ineffective in patients with refractory disease. A number of promising alternative treatment approaches are currently under investigation. In this review, the approach to patients with relapsed and refractory CLL and current promising experimental treatment options for these distinct clinical patient categories are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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36
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Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has long been regarded as an incurable disease of the elderly, worthy only of symptom palliation. Past generations of chemotherapy resulted in improved response rates, but did not change the natural history of the disease. Prolonged remissions and improvements in survival are, however, now possible owing to therapeutic advances including the use of purine analogs as frontline treatment and the emergence of monoclonal antibody-containing chemoimmunotherapy combinations. Moreover, consolidation strategies using non-cross resistant agents have improved the success rates of patients with residual disease at the end of induction treatment. Together, these new developments promise to deliver the tools necessary to render a state of minimal residual disease negativity in the majority of patients commencing treatment for CLL. This Review will outline the history and results of chemoimmunotherapy regimens that contain purine analogs and rituximab-the most successful combinations developed to date. We will also discuss how new developments in induction and consolidation strategies are leading the path towards cure.
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Varghese AM, Rawstron AC, Hillmen P. Eradicating minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: should this be the goal of treatment? Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2010; 5:35-44. [PMID: 20425395 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-009-0041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Even though chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia of the Western world, the development of treatment approaches for CLL has lagged behind the development of approaches to various other hematologic malignancies for a variety of reasons. In recent years, the treatment approach to patients with CLL has evolved rapidly, with the addition of several new prognostic markers, highly effective immunochemotherapy combinations, and attainment of remission up to the point of the eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD). Highly sensitive methods now available to detect MRD can detect a single CLL cell in 10(4) leukocytes using either allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction or four-color or six-color flow cytometry. Over the past decade, several studies have examined the possible advantage of MRD eradication in CLL. This article reviews our current understanding of MRD eradication and analyzes whether it is a desirable goal in the routine clinical treatment of CLL, which will optimize the management of individual patients.
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Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukaemia in Europe and North America. The disease is characterized by proliferation and accumulation of small CD5+ B cells in blood, lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow. The natural clinical course of CLL is highly variable, and chemotherapy is usually not indicated in early and stable disease. However, patients with progressive and more advanced CLL require treatment. For many years, chlorambucil with or without corticosteroids was used in previously untreated patients with CLL. More recently, purine nucleoside analogues (PNAs) [fludarabine, cladribine and pentostatin] have been included in treatment approaches for this disease, and chlorambucil is no longer the leading standard everywhere. Currently, this drug is rather recommended for the treatment of older, unfit patients with co-morbidities, especially in European countries. Significantly higher overall response (OR) and complete response (CR) rates in patients treated initially with PNAs than in those treated with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide-based combination regimens have been confirmed in randomized, prospective, multicentre trials. Moreover, PNAs administered in combination with cyclophosphamide produce higher response rates, including CR and molecular CR, compared with PNA as monotherapy. Recent reports suggest that the administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can significantly improve the course of CLL. At present, two mAbs have the most important clinical value in patients with CLL. The first is rituximab, a human mouse antibody that targets CD20 antigens, and the second is alemtuzumab, a humanized form of a rat antibody active against CD52. Several recent reports suggest that in patients with CLL, rituximab combined with a PNA can increase the OR and CR rates compared with PNA or rituximab alone, with acceptable toxicity. In randomized trials, the combination of rituximab with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC-R regimen) demonstrated higher rates of OR, CR and progression-free survival in patients with previously untreated and relapsed or refractory CLL than fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC regimen). Several reports have confirmed significant activity with alemtuzumab in relapsed or refractory CLL, as well as in previously untreated patients. Recently, several new agents have been investigated and have shown promise in treating patients with CLL. These treatments include new mAbs, agents targeting the antiapoptotic bcl-2 family of proteins and receptors involved in mediating survival signals from the microenvironment, antisense oligonucleotides and other agents. The most promising are new mAbs directed against the CD20 molecule, lumiliximab and anti-CD40 mAbs. Oblimersen, alvocidib (flavopiridol) and lenalidomide are also being evaluated both in preclinical studies and in early clinical trials. In recent years, a significant improvement in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) procedures in patients with high-risk CLL has been observed. However, the exact role of HSCT, autologous or allogeneic, in the standard management of CLL patients is still undefined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lode, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland.
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Sissolak G, Juritz J, Sissolak D, Wood L, Jacobs P. Lymphoma – Emerging realities in sub-Saharan Africa. Transfus Apher Sci 2010; 42:141-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2010.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Faderl S, Wierda W, O'Brien S, Ferrajoli A, Lerner S, Keating MJ. Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone plus rituximab (FCM-R) in frontline CLL <70 Years. Leuk Res 2010; 34:284-8. [PMID: 19646755 PMCID: PMC4845644 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2009.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 07/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Randomized trials demonstrated the superiority of chemoimmunotherapy over chemotherapy in the frontline treatment of CLL. Based on favorable experience with the addition of mitoxantrone (M) to fludarabine (F) plus cyclophosphamide (C), we designed a pilot study testing the combination of FCM plus rituximab (R). Thirty patients with previously untreated, symptomatic CLL, <70 years, and beta-2-microglobulin
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Cell Separation
- Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage
- Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/blood
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Mitoxantrone/administration & dosage
- Mitoxantrone/adverse effects
- Pilot Projects
- Remission Induction
- Rituximab
- Treatment Outcome
- Vidarabine/administration & dosage
- Vidarabine/adverse effects
- Vidarabine/analogs & derivatives
- beta 2-Microglobulin/blood
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Faderl
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
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Hernández JA, González M, Hernández JM. [Chronic lymphocytic leukemia]. Med Clin (Barc) 2009; 135:172-8. [PMID: 20045138 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2009.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2009] [Revised: 10/11/2009] [Accepted: 10/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Foon KA, Hallek MJ. Changing paradigms in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2009; 24:500-11. [PMID: 20033051 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Progress in our understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its treatment has resulted in a more tailored approach to patient management, with different therapeutic regimens for different patient populations. The current standard of care has evolved from single-agent therapy with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide, through the introduction of purine analogs to the more recent introduction of chemoimmunotherapy. Selection of appropriate initial therapy should be based primarily on patient characteristics such as age, performance status and the expected clinical course of the leukemia based on established risk factors. Achieving a complete and durable response is the major goal for fit patients; chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab would be advantageous. Alternatively, in unfit patients, controlling symptoms is the essential treatment goal and a regimen with a more favorable toxicity profile should be applied. This manuscript reviews the data that has lead to current treatment choices, advises on tailored therapies and discusses emerging trends. Data for this review was identified by a search of electronic information including Medline and PubMed databases, conference proceedings and trial registers. Critical analysis of extracted data was undertaken with attention to trial phase, treatment schedules and end points, including response rates, follow-up times, progression-free survival and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Foon
- Department of Hematological Malignancies, Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV 89135, USA.
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Lin TS, Blum KA, Fischer DB, Mitchell SM, Ruppert AS, Porcu P, Kraut EH, Baiocchi RA, Moran ME, Johnson AJ, Schaaf LJ, Grever MR, Byrd JC. Flavopiridol, fludarabine, and rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma and indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. J Clin Oncol 2009; 28:418-23. [PMID: 20008633 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.24.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Flavopiridol downmodulates antiapoptotic proteins associated with resistance to fludarabine and rituximab and is effective against p53-mutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We conducted a phase I study of flavopiridol, fludarabine, and rituximab (FFR) in patients with mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL), and CLL to determine the activity of FFR. PATIENTS AND METHODS Therapy included fludarabine 25 mg/m(2) intravenously (IV) days 1 to 5 and rituximab 375 mg/m(2) day 1 every 28 days for 6 cycles. We administered flavopiridol 50 mg/m(2) by 1-hour IV bolus (IVB) day 1 (n = 15); day 1 to 2 (n = 6); 20 mg/m(2) 30-minute IVB + 20 mg/m(2) 4-hour IV infusion (n = 3); or 30 mg/m(2) + 30 mg/m(2) (n = 14). RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (median age, 62 years) with MCL (n = 10); indolent B-NHL including follicular (n = 9), marginal zone (n = 4), lymphoplasmacytic (n = 1), or small lymphocytic lymphoma (n = 3); and CLL (n = 11), were enrolled. Twenty-two patients were previously untreated; 16 had received one to two prior therapies. Two patients in cohort 2 developed grade 3 dose-limiting toxicity (seizures, renal insufficiency). The median number of treatment cycles was 4, with cytopenias (n = 10) and fatigue (n = 3) the most common reasons for early discontinuation. Overall response rate was 82% (complete response, 50%; unconfirmed complete response, 5%; partial response, 26%), including 80% of patients with MCL (median age, 68; seven complete responses, one partial response). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.6 months. Median PFS of patients with nonblastoid variant MCL (n = 8) was 35.9 months. CONCLUSION FFR was active in MCL, indolent B-NHL, and CLL and should be studied for older patients with MCL who are not candidates for aggressive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Lin
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Ohio State University, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Motta M, Wierda WG, Ferrajoli A. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia: treatment options for patients with refractory disease. Cancer 2009; 115:3830-41. [PMID: 19536902 PMCID: PMC4394601 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Patients with purine analogue-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have short survival and limited treatment options. Defining the best salvage strategies for this population is challenging, because limited data are available from clinical trials, and because studies have enrolled mixed populations (patients with recurrent and refractory disease or patients with refractory disease and Richter transformation). Moreover, patients with refractory CLL have a high incidence of unfavorable molecular and clinical features, such as high-risk genomic profiles, unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain genes, expression of zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70, and bulky lymphadenopathies. These patients are also severely immunosuppressed because of the underlying disease and the treatments received, and experience a high rate of infectious complications that pose an additional difficulty in selecting treatment. Despite these challenges, in parallel with better characterizations of the biologic features of refractory CLL, the number of available treatment modalities for this population has increased. Several chemoimmunotherapy combinations have been developed, and novel agents with a different mechanism of action are being investigated in clinical trials. Furthermore, allogeneic stem cell transplantation with nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens is a therapeutic strategy that is increasingly offered to patients with refractory CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Motta
- Department of Hematology, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - William G. Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Bosch F, Abrisqueta P, Villamor N, Terol MJ, González-Barca E, Ferra C, González Diaz M, Abella E, Delgado J, Carbonell F, García Marco JA, Escoda L, Ferrer S, Monzó E, González Y, Estany C, Jarque I, Salamero O, Muntañola A, Montserrat E. Rituximab, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone: a new, highly active chemoimmunotherapy regimen for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:4578-84. [PMID: 19704063 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.22.0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The addition of monoclonal antibodies to chemotherapy has significantly improved treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Based on excellent results with the chemotherapy-only regimen fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone (FCM), we built a new chemoimmunotherapy combination--rituximab plus FCM (R-FCM). We report a phase II clinical trial consisting of an initial treatment with R-FCM followed by rituximab maintenance. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventy-two untreated CLL patients age 70 years or younger received rituximab 500 mg/m(2) on day 1 (375 mg/m(2) the first cycle), fludarabine 25 mg/m(2) IV on days 1 to 3, cyclophosphamide 200 mg/m(2) on days 1 to 3, and mitoxantrone 6 mg/m(2) IV on day 1, given at 4-week intervals with up to six cycles supported with colony-stimulating factor. Patients achieving response received maintenance with rituximab 375 mg/m(2) every 3 months for 2 years. RESULTS The overall response, minimal residual disease (MRD) -negative complete response (CR), MRD-positive CR, and partial response rates were 93%, 46%, 36%, and 11%, respectively. Severe neutropenia developed in 13% of patients. Major and minor infections were reported in 8% and 5% of cycles, respectively. Advanced clinical stage, del(17p), or increased serum beta2-microglobulin levels correlated with a lower CR rate. CONCLUSION R-FCM is highly effective in previously untreated CLL, with an 82% CR rate and a high proportion of MRD-negative CRs (46%). Treatment toxicity is acceptable. Parameters correlating with a lower response rate were advanced clinical stage, high serum beta2-microglobulin levels, and del(17p). Based on these results, R-FCM warrants further investigation in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Bosch
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Villarroel 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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Rituximab in combination with high-dose methylprednisolone for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2009; 23:1779-89. [PMID: 19693094 PMCID: PMC2761991 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2009.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We observed that high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) and rituximab (R) was well tolerated and had promising activity when used in combination to treat patients with fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This prompted us to evaluate the use of these agents in frontline therapy. Twenty-eight patients with a median age of 65 enrolled in this study. Patients received HDMP at 1 g/m2 each day for three days during each of the three four-week cycles together with rituximab and prophylactic anti-microbial therapy. The treatment was well tolerated with few adverse events of grade III or higher. The overall response rate was 96% (N=27). Nine patients (32%) achieved a complete remission (CR), two of which were without detectable minimal residual disease (MRD). Six patients with MRD received consolidation with alemtuzumab; five of these patients achieved an MRD-negative CR. With over three years of follow-up median progression free survival was 30.3 months with only 39% of patients requiring additional therapy, and an overall survival was 96%. This study demonstrates that HDMP and rituximab is an effective non-myelosuppressive treatment combination for patients with CLL that warrants consideration particularly for patients with limited myeloid reserve that might not tolerate standard treatment regimens.
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Tsimberidou AM, Keating MJ. Treatment of fludarabine-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer 2009; 115:2824-36. [PMID: 19402170 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of resistance to purine analogs defines a poor-risk subset of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Although in recent years chemoimmunotherapeutic combinations such as fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab have induced response rates of 95% in previously untreated patients and increased the rates of failure-free survival, CLL remains incurable for many patients because of a lack of disease response or the development of refractoriness to fludarabine. Fludarabine-refractory disease is defined as CLL that does not respond to fludarabine or that recurs within 6 months of treatment with a fludarabine-containing regimen. The natural course of the disease is associated with poor survival. Salvage therapeutic strategies include alemtuzumab-containing regimens, targeted agents, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Single-agent alemtuzumab induces response in up to 40% of patients with fludarabine-refractory CLL, but responses are not durable, and the median survival is approximately 1 to 2 years. Alemtuzumab is also combined with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and/or rituximab, and other agents such as lenalidomide and flavopiridol, as well as targeted agents, and used in fludarabine-refractory CLL. Cumulative evidence suggests that allogeneic stem cell transplantation is an efficacious therapeutic strategy for patients who do not respond to fludarabine or who develop disease recurrence within 12 months after purine analog treatment. In conclusion, chemoimmunotherapy regimens that include alemtuzumab and/or rituximab and allogeneic stem cell transplantation improve the prognosis of this disease, but there is a continued need for novel, more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolia-Maria Tsimberidou
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Castejón R, Yebra M, Citores MJ, Villarreal M, García-Marco JA, Vargas JA. Drug induction apoptosis assay as predictive value of chemotherapy response in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2009; 50:593-603. [PMID: 19373658 DOI: 10.1080/10428190902780669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A large number of prognostic factors are available to help predict the course of the disease for patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). However, it is not clear the involvement of these well established prognostic factors in the clinical response of the patients with B-CLL to the chemotherapy. The possible association of the patient clinical-biological characteristics and the in vitro response to chemotherapic agents may serve to provide powerful predictive information to identify optimum treatment for patients. An apoptosis induction assay displays the patient in vitro responses to chemotherapy and the possible association with their clinical-biological characteristics. In this study, patients showed a significant better in vitro response to drugs when they were in the initial stages of the disease or with low beta(2) microglobulin serum level. Response to purine analogues was significantly higher in patients with long lymphocyte doubling time (LDT), few cells expressing CD38, normal karyotype or no p53 deletion, whereas there was no correspondence with ZAP-70 expression. Furthermore, a good correlation was shown between in vitro apoptosis induction assay and the patient clinical response to purine analogues. In conclusion, association between in vitro drug sensitivity and some of the markers considered as prognostic factors could help to develop personalised therapeutic regimens for patients with B-CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Chlorambucil/pharmacology
- Cladribine/pharmacology
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/blood
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Prognosis
- Time Factors
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Vidarabine/analogs & derivatives
- Vidarabine/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Castejón
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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