Infectious Complications in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Experience at One Single Center

A novel and highly effective mitochondrial uncoupling drug in T-cell leukemia

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy. Despite recent advances in treatments with intensified chemotherapy regimens, relapse rates and associated morbidities remain high. In this context, metabolic dependencies have emerged as a druggable opportunity for the treatment of leukemia. Here, we tested the antileukemic effects of MB1-47, a newly developed mitochondrial uncoupling compound. MB1-47 treatment in T-ALL cells robustly inhibited cell proliferation via both cytostatic and cytotoxic effects as a result of compromised mitochondrial energy and metabolite depletion, which severely impaired nucleotide biosynthesis. Mechanistically, acute treatment with MB1-47 in primary leukemias promoted AMPK activation and downregulation of mTOR signaling, stalling anabolic pathways that support leukemic cell survival. Indeed, MB1-47 treatment in mice harboring either murine NOTCH1-induced primary leukemias or human T-ALL PDXs led to potent antileukemic effects with a significant extension in survival without overlapping toxicities. Overall, our findings demonstrate a critical role for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in T-ALL and uncover MB1-47-driven mitochondrial uncoupling as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this disease.

Management of adverse effects of new monoclonal antibody treatments in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Therapeutic options for relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia have evolved in the past few years. The FDA has approved three novel therapies for this disease: inotuzumab ozogamicin (an anti-CD22 antibody–drug conjugate), blinatumomab (a bispecific T-cell engager), and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Although these novel immunotherapies have revolutionized the therapeutic landscape, it is important to understand the crucial aspects of administration, especially toxicity. In this article, we review the unique toxicities and adverse effects of blinatumomab and inotuzumab ozogamicin and provide recommendations for prevention of adverse effects as well as the management options for each medication.

Exposure-adjusted adverse events comparing blinatumomab with chemotherapy in advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia

In the phase 3 TOWER study, blinatumomab demonstrated an overall survival benefit over standard-of-care chemotherapy (SOC) in adults with relapsed or refractory (r/r) Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph^-) B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Nearly all patients in both treatment arms experienced an adverse event (AE), and the incidence rate of serious AEs was higher for blinatumomab. However, as treatment exposure differed between the 2 arms, we conducted an exploratory safety analysis comparing exposure-adjusted event rates (EAERs) of blinatumomab vs SOC. Analyses were conducted for all patients who received therapy (safety population). Patients received a median (range) of 2 cycles (1-9) of blinatumomab (N = 267) vs 1 cycle (1-4) of SOC (N = 109). Grade ≥3 AE rates were generally higher in cycle 1 of blinatumomab than in cycle 2 (76% vs 37%). After adjusting for time on treatment, EAERs of grade ≥3 were significantly lower for blinatumomab vs SOC overall (10.73 vs 45.27 events per patient-year; P < .001) and for events of clinical interest, including infections (1.63 vs 6.49 events per patient-year; P < .001), cytopenias (3.64 vs 20.07 events per patient-year; P < .001), and neurologic events (0.38 vs 0.95 events per patient-year; P = .008). The EAER of grade ≥3 cytokine-release syndrome was higher for blinatumomab than for SOC (0.16 vs 0 events per patient-year; P = .038). These data further support the role of blinatumomab as an efficacious and well-tolerated treatment option for patients with r/r Ph^- ALL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02013167.

Febrile events in acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective observational multicentric SEIFEM study (SEIFEM-2012/B ALL)

The purpose of the present study is to estimate the current incidence of febrile events (FEs) and infectious episodes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and evaluate the outcome. We analyzed data on all FEs in a cohort of patients affected by ALL admitted to 20 Italian hematologic centers during 21 months of observation from April 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. Data about treatment phase, steroids, neutropenia, type and site of infection, and outcome of infection were collected. The population comprehended 271 ALL adult patients. Median age was 46 years old (range 19-75), M/F 1.1:1. We collected 179 FEs occurring during 395 different phases of treatment in 127 patients (45.3% incidence): remission induction treatment 53.1%, consolidation/maintenance 35.7%, treatment for a first or second relapse 44.3%, and refractory disease 85.7%. The incidence of FUO (fever of unknown origin) was 55/395 (13.9%). In the remaining cases, bacteria caused 92 FEs (23.2%), fungi 17 (4.3%), viruses 5 (1%). Mixed infections occurred in 10 cases mainly fungal+bacterial (9/10 cases). Neutropenia was mostly present at onset of FE (89.9% of FEs). Mortality rate was 11.7% (21/179) while 16 deaths occurred with evidence of infection (8.9%). Age > 60 years, neutropenia, poor performance status, steroids, refractory disease, and mixed infections significantly correlated with infection-related mortality. A statistically significant association with mortality was observed also for pulmonary localization and bacteremia. Our study describes the real-life epidemiological scenario of infections in ALL and identifies a subset of patients who are at higher risk for infection-related mortality.

Pneumonia in the neutropenic cancer patient

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among neutropenic cancer patients, particularly those with acute leukaemia. Even with empiric therapy, case fatality rates of neutropenic pneumonias remain unacceptably high. However, recent advances in the management of neutropenic pneumonia offer hope for improved outcomes in the cancer setting. This review summarizes recent literature regarding the clinical presentation, microbiologic trends, diagnostic advances and therapeutic recommendations for cancer-related neutropenic pneumonia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although neutropenic patients acquire pathogens both in community and nosocomial settings, patients' obligate healthcare exposures result in the frequent identification of multidrug-resistant bacterial organisms on conventional culture-based assessment of respiratory secretions. Modern molecular techniques, including expanded use of galactomannan testing, have further facilitated identification of fungal pathogens, allowing for aggressive interventions that appear to improve patient outcomes. Multiple interested societies have issued updated guidelines for antibiotic therapy of suspected neutropenic pneumonia. The benefit of antibiotic medications may be further enhanced by agents that promote host responses to infection.

SUMMARY

Neutropenic cancer patients have numerous potential causes for pulmonary infiltrates and clinical deterioration, with lower respiratory tract infections among the most deadly. Early clinical suspicion, diagnosis and intervention for neutropenic pneumonia provide cancer patients' best hope for survival.

Risks for infection in patients with myelodysplasia and acute leukemia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of the present review is to analyze the main parameters that may influence the onset of bacterial, fungal and viral infections in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoid leukemia.

RECENT FINDINGS

The identification of factors influencing the onset of infections in high-risk patients is becoming one of the most important strategies to identify those patients who would really benefit from prophylactic and timely treatment. During the past few years several studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of risk factors that may influence both the onset and the outcome of infections. The role of some of them is well defined (i.e. neutropenia, central venous catheters), whereas other factors are now emerging as new possible causative factors (i.e. iron overload, hospitalization).

SUMMARY

Many factors have to be considered when evaluating the infectious risk in hematological patients. In current clinical practice the good knowledge of these factors may favor a better management of infectious risk, with a reduction of mortality rate.

Acinetobacter baumannii infection in patients with hematologic malignancies in intensive care unit: risk factors and impact on mortality

PURPOSE

We investigated the characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospectively collected data of patients with hematologic malignancies admitted to a medical intensive care unit of a university hospital from 2007 through 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-eight patients were included in the study, among whom 35 (27%) developed 39 A baumannii infections. Pneumonia was the most common infection site of A baumannii. Presence of neutropenia, underlying hematologic malignancy, and the disease status did not affect the acquisition of the infection. Advancing age, prior exposure to aminoglycosides, central venous catheterization, and presence of nasogastric tube were the independent risk factors for the development of A baumannii infections. The mortality rate was higher in patients with A baumannii infections compared with the ones without (P = .009). However, in multivariate analysis, low Glasgow coma scale, prior immunosuppressive treatment, neutropenia, invasive mechanical ventilation, and severe sepsis were independently associated with mortality, whereas presence of A baumannii infection was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the high mortality rate in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies, presence of A baumannii infection was not an independent risk factor for mortality.

Comparison of two regimens for the treatment of elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents a rare malignancy in the elderly and few authors have specifically focused on the treatment of ALL in this setting. We recently published the results of a prospective phase II study comprising an induction therapy with vincristine, Daunoxome and dexamethasone (VDXD) given to 15 patients aged 60 years. Here, we update the results after enrolling 17 patients, and we compare these with the results obtained in 17 elderly patients treated according to the GIMEMA ALL 0288 protocol. With the VDXD combination, elderly ALL had a higher CR rate (76.5%) than with the 0288 protocol (41%), and it was likely due to both lower induction mortality (17.5% vs. 35%) and a less resistant disease (6% vs. 24%). Infectious complications were more frequent with the VDXD combination whereas non-hematological side effects were comparable. Despite the similar DFS obtained with the two induction treatments, median EFS (3.9 months with 0288 vs. 12.8 with VDXD; p = 0.0486) and OS (4.5 vs. 21 months; p = 0.0239) were significantly higher with the VDXD regimen. In elderly ALL patients the administration of high-dose daunorubicin as a liposomal compound is feasible and seems able to improve CR rate, EFS and OS without increase in toxicity.