1
|
Mahdi D, Spiers J, Rampotas A, Polverelli N, McLornan DP. Updates on accelerated and blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms: Are we making progress? Br J Haematol 2023; 203:169-181. [PMID: 37527977 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Management approaches for accelerated and blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms remain challenging for clinicians and patients alike. Despite many therapeutic advances, outcomes for those patients who are not allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant eligible remain, in general, very poor. Estimated survival rates for such blast phase patients is frequently reported as less than 6 months. No specific immunological, genomic or clinicopathological signature currently exists that accurately predicts the risk and timing of transformation, which frequently induces a high degree of anxiety among patients and clinicians alike. Within this review article, we provide an up-to-date summary of current understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of accelerated and blast phase disease and discuss current therapeutic approaches and realistic outcomes. Finally, we discuss how the horizon may look with the introduction of more novel agents into the clinical arena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Mahdi
- Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jessica Spiers
- Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Nicola Polverelli
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Donal P McLornan
- Department of Haematology, University College Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tefferi A, Alkhateeb H, Gangat N. Blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasm: contemporary review and 2024 treatment algorithm. Blood Cancer J 2023; 13:108. [PMID: 37460550 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-023-00878-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemic transformation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), also referred to as "blast-phase MPN", is the most feared disease complication, with incidence estimates of 1-4% for essential thrombocythemia, 3-7% for polycythemia vera, and 9-13% for primary myelofibrosis. Diagnosis of MPN-BP requires the presence of ≥20% circulating or bone marrow blasts; a lower level of excess blasts (10-19%) constitutes "accelerated phase" disease (MPN-AP). Neither "intensive" nor "less intensive" chemotherapy, by itself, secures long-term survival in MPN-BP. Large-scale retrospective series have consistently shown a dismal prognosis in MPN-BP, with 1- and 3-year survival estimates of <20% and <5%, respectively. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) offers the possibility of a >30% 3-year survival rate and should be pursued, ideally, while the patient is still in chronic phase disease. The value of pre-transplant bridging chemotherapy is uncertain in MPN-AP while it is advised in MPN-BP; in this regard, we currently favor combination chemotherapy with venetoclax (Ven) and hypomethylating agent (HMA); response is more likely in the absence of complex/monosomal karyotype and presence of TET2 mutation. Furthermore, in the presence of an IDH mutation, the use of IDH inhibitors, either alone or in combination with Ven-HMA, can be considered. Pre-transplant clearance of excess blasts is desired but not mandated; in this regard, additional salvage chemotherapy is more likely to compromise transplant eligibility rather than improve post-transplant survival. Controlled studies are needed to determine the optimal pre- and post-transplant measures that target transplant-associated morbidity and post-transplant relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayalew Tefferi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
| | - Hassan Alkhateeb
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Naseema Gangat
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ajufo HO, Waksal JA, Mascarenhas JO, Rampal RK. Treating accelerated and blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms: progress and challenges. Ther Adv Hematol 2023; 14:20406207231177282. [PMID: 37564898 PMCID: PMC10410182 DOI: 10.1177/20406207231177282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of clonal hematologic malignancies that include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF). MPNs are characterized by activating mutations in the JAK/STAT pathway and an increased risk of transformation to an aggressive form of acute leukemia, termed MPN-blast phase (MPN-BP). MPN-BP is characterized by the presence of ⩾20% blasts in the blood or bone marrow and is almost always preceded by an accelerated phase (MPN-AP) defined as ⩾10-19% blasts in the blood or bone marrow. These advanced forms of disease are associated with poor prognosis with a median overall survival (mOS) of 3-5 months in MPN-BP and 13 months in MPN-AP. MPN-AP/BP has a unique molecular landscape characterized by increased intratumoral complexity. Standard therapies used in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have not demonstrated improvement in OS. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the only curative therapy but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and infrequently utilized in clinical practice. Therefore, an urgent unmet need persists for effective therapies in this advanced phase patient population. Here, we review the current management and future directions of therapy in MPN-AP/BP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen O. Ajufo
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julian A. Waksal
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John O. Mascarenhas
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1079, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Polverelli N, Hernández-Boluda JC, Czerw T, Barbui T, D'Adda M, Deeg HJ, Ditschkowski M, Harrison C, Kröger NM, Mesa R, Passamonti F, Palandri F, Pemmaraju N, Popat U, Rondelli D, Vannucchi AM, Verstovsek S, Robin M, Colecchia A, Grazioli L, Damiani E, Russo D, Brady J, Patch D, Blamek S, Damaj GL, Hayden P, McLornan DP, Yakoub-Agha I. Splenomegaly in patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis who are candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a Position Paper on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e59-e70. [PMID: 36493799 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(22)00330-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Splenomegaly is a hallmark of myelofibrosis, a debilitating haematological malignancy for which the only curative option is allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Considerable splenic enlargement might be associated with a higher risk of delayed engraftment and graft failure, increased non-relapse mortality, and worse overall survival after HCT as compared with patients without significantly enlarged splenomegaly. Currently, there are no standardised guidelines to assist transplantation physicians in deciding optimal management of splenomegaly before HCT. Therefore, the aim of this Position Paper is to offer a shared position statement on this issue. An international group of haematologists, transplantation physicians, gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, and radiologists with experience in the treatment of myelofibrosis contributed to this Position Paper. The key issues addressed by this group included the assessment, prevalence, and clinical significance of splenomegaly, and the need for a therapeutic intervention before HCT for the control of splenomegaly. Specific scenarios, including splanchnic vein thrombosis and COVID-19, are also discussed. All patients with myelofibrosis must have their spleen size assessed before allogeneic HCT. Myelofibrosis patients with splenomegaly measuring 5 cm and larger, particularly when exceeding 15 cm below the left costal margin, or with splenomegaly-related symptoms, could benefit from treatment with the aim of reducing the spleen size before HCT. In the absence of, or loss of, response, patients with increasing spleen size should be evaluated for second-line options, depending on availability, patient fitness, and centre experience. Splanchnic vein thrombosis is not an absolute contraindication for HCT, but a multidisciplinary approach is warranted. Finally, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 should adhere to standard recommendations for immunocompromised patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Polverelli
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cell Therapies and Hematology Research Program, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | - Tomasz Czerw
- Department of Hematology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tiziano Barbui
- FROM Research Foundation, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Mariella D'Adda
- Hematology Division, Department of Oncology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Hans Joachim Deeg
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Markus Ditschkowski
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Claire Harrison
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Ruben Mesa
- Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Francesco Passamonti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Francesca Palandri
- Institute of Hematology L and A Seràgnoli, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Uday Popat
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Damiano Rondelli
- Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, and Center for Global Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alessandro Maria Vannucchi
- Center for Innovation and Research in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Hematology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marie Robin
- Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Luigi Grazioli
- Department of Radiology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Damiani
- 2nd Division of General Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Russo
- Unit of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Cell Therapies and Hematology Research Program, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jessica Brady
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - David Patch
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Slawomir Blamek
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Gandhi Laurent Damaj
- Unit of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, University of Caen-Normandie, Caen, France
| | - Patrick Hayden
- Department of Haematology, Trinity College Dublin, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Donal P McLornan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Haematology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pasca S, Chifotides HT, Verstovsek S, Bose P. Mutational landscape of blast phase myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN-BP) and antecedent MPN. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 366:83-124. [PMID: 35153007 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) have an inherent tendency to evolve to the blast phase (BP), characterized by ≥20% myeloblasts in the blood or bone marrow. MPN-BP portends a dismal prognosis and currently, effective treatment modalities are scarce, except for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in selected patients, particularly those who achieve complete/partial remission. The mutational landscape of MPN-BP differs from de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in several key aspects, such as significantly lower frequencies of FLT3 and DNMT3A mutations, and higher incidence of IDH1/2 and TP53 in MPN-BP. Herein, we comprehensively review the impact of the three signaling driver mutations (JAK2 V617F, CALR exon 9 indels, MPL W515K/L) that constitutively activate the JAK/STAT pathway, and of the other somatic non-driver mutations (epigenetic, mRNA splicing, transcriptional regulators, and mutations in signal transduction genes) that cooperatively or independently promote MPN progression and leukemic transformation. The MPN subtype, harboring two or more high-molecular risk (HMR) mutations (epigenetic regulators and mRNA splicing factors) and "triple-negative" PMF are among the critical factors that increase risk of leukemic transformation and shorten survival. Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is the most aggressive MPN; and polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are relatively indolent subtypes. In PV and ET, mutations in splicing factor genes are associated with progression to myelofibrosis (MF), and in ET, TP53 mutations predict risk for leukemic transformation. The advent of targeted next-generation sequencing and improved prognostic scoring systems for PMF inform decisions regarding allo-HSCT. The emergence of treatments targeting mutant enzymes (e.g., IDH1/2 inhibitors) or epigenetic pathways (BET and LSD1 inhibitors) along with new insights into the mechanisms of leukemogenesis will hopefully lead the way to superior management strategies and outcomes of MPN-BP patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu Pasca
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Helen T Chifotides
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Leukemia Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
| |
Collapse
|