1
|
McCarthy N, Gui G, Dumezy F, Roumier C, Andrew G, Green S, Jenkins M, Adams A, Khan N, Craddock C, Hourigan CS, Plesa A, Freeman S. Pre-emptive detection and evolution of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia by flow cytometric measurable residual disease surveillance. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02300-z. [PMID: 38890448 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02300-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) surveillance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may identify patients destined for relapse and thus provide the option of pre-emptive therapy to improve their outcome. Whilst flow cytometric MRD (Flow-MRD) can be applied to high-risk AML/ myelodysplasia patients, its diagnostic performance for detecting impending relapse is unknown. We evaluated this in a cohort comprising 136 true positives (bone marrows preceding relapse by a median of 2.45 months) and 155 true negatives (bone marrows during sustained remission). At an optimal Flow-MRD threshold of 0.040%, clinical sensitivity and specificity for relapse was 74% and 87% respectively (51% and 98% for Flow-MRD ≥ 0.1%) by 'different-from-normal' analysis. Median relapse kinetics were 0.78 log10/month but significantly higher at 0.92 log10/month for FLT3-mutated AML. Computational (unsupervised) Flow-MRD (C-Flow-MRD) generated optimal MRD thresholds of 0.036% and 0.082% with equivalent clinical sensitivity to standard analysis. C-Flow-MRD-identified aberrancies in HLADRlow or CD34+CD38low (LSC-type) subpopulations contributed the greatest clinical accuracy (56% sensitivity, 90% specificity) and notably, by longitudinal profiling expanded rapidly within blasts in > 40% of 86 paired MRD and relapse samples. In conclusion, flow MRD surveillance can detect MRD relapse in high risk AML and its evaluation may be enhanced by computational analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas McCarthy
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gege Gui
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Florent Dumezy
- Laboratory of Hematology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | | | - Georgia Andrew
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sarah Green
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Naeem Khan
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adriana Plesa
- Lyon University Hospital, CHU-HCL, Lyon Sud, Pierre Benite, France
| | - Sylvie Freeman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Gale RP, Hu Y, Yan W, Wang T, Zhang W. Measurable residual disease (MRD)-testing in haematological and solid cancers. Leukemia 2024; 38:1202-1212. [PMID: 38637690 PMCID: PMC11147778 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02252-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Junren Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China.
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tedjaseputra A, Russell N, Dillon R. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Pre-emptive Therapy at Molecular Measurable Residual Disease Failure in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2024:S2152-2650(24)00133-2. [PMID: 38734498 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Molecular measurable residual disease (MRD, eg, by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, RT-qPCR), is an integral part of response assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with established prognostic and evolving therapeutic significance. MRD failure can occur through several pathways (namely MRD persistence at the end of treatment at a high level, MRD progression from a low level or MRD re-emergence during follow up; the latter two constitute MRD relapse as defined by the European Leukemia Net) and is clinically actionable, with survival benefit reported in AML subgroups. Selection of pre-emptive therapy at MRD failure relies upon an integrated clinico-molecular assessment and is subset-specific. In acute promyelocytic leukemia, arsenic trioxide-based regimen for MRD failure following frontline treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid plus chemotherapy represents standard of care, while hypomethylating agents (eg, azacitidine), salvage chemotherapy (eg, FLAG-IDA) and venetoclax-based regimens are effective in NPM1-mutated AML. Specific inhibitors of FLT3 have emerging use in FLT3-mutated AML and are associated with minimal toxicity. Furthermore, immunotherapeutic approaches such as donor lymphocyte infusions and interferon-⍺ are efficacious options in the post-allogeneic-HSCT settings. Enrollment into clinical trials with genomic-guided assignment of pre-emptive therapy at MRD failure should be prioritized. Finally, with the emergence of novel agents (eg, menin inhibitors) and approaches (eg, adoptive cellular and immunological therapy), an exciting future lies ahead where a broad array of highly active pre-emptive therapeutic options will likely be clinically applicable to a wide range of AML subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Tedjaseputra
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK; Monash Haematology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nigel Russell
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang J, Chen M, Ye J, Ma H. Targeting PRAME for acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378277. [PMID: 38596687 PMCID: PMC11002138 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), clinical outcomes are disappointing for elderly patients, patients with less fit disease characteristics, and patients with adverse disease risk characteristics. Over the past 10 years, adaptive T-cell immunotherapy has been recognized as a strategy for treating various malignant tumors. However, it has faced significant challenges in AML, primarily because myeloid blasts do not contain unique surface antigens. The preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), a cancer-testis antigen, is abnormally expressed in AML and does not exist in normal hematopoietic cells. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that PRAME is a useful target for treating AML. This paper reviews the structure and function of PRAME, its effects on normal cells and AML blasts, its implications in prognosis and follow-up, and its use in antigen-specific immunotherapy for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinjun Yang
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengran Chen
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbing Ma
- Department of Hematology and Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hokland P, Fernández II, Freeman SD, Gjertsen BT, Jin J, Murthy V, Yanada M, Ganser A. AML in the elderly-A global view. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:760-773. [PMID: 37822071 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hokland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Isolda I Fernández
- Fundación para Combatir la Leucemia, Department of Hematology, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sylvie D Freeman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bjørn T Gjertsen
- Department of Clinical Science, Haukeland Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), University of Bergen, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Section, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Vidhya Murthy
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Masamitsu Yanada
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University East Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Arnold Ganser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Othman J, Potter N, Mokretar K, Taussig D, Khan A, Krishnamurthy P, Latif AL, Cahalin P, Aries J, Amer M, Belsham E, Conneally E, Craddock C, Culligan D, Dennis M, Duncan C, Freeman SD, Furness C, Gilkes A, Gkreka P, Hodgson K, Ingram W, Jain M, King A, Knapper S, Kottaridis P, McMullin MF, Mohite U, Ngu L, O'Nions J, Patrick K, Rider T, Roberts W, Severinsen MT, Storrar N, Taylor T, Russell NH, Dillon R. FLT3 inhibitors as MRD-guided salvage treatment for molecular failure in FLT3 mutated AML. Leukemia 2023; 37:2066-2072. [PMID: 37558736 PMCID: PMC10539160 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01994-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Patients with FLT3-mutated AML have a high relapse rate and suboptimal outcomes. Many have co-mutations suitable for measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring by RT-qPCR and those destined to relapse can be identified by high or rising levels of MRD, called molecular failure. This provides a window for pre-emptive intervention, but there is little evidence to guide treatment. The use of FLT3 inhibitors (FLT3i) appears attractive but their use has not yet been evaluated. We identified 56 patients treated with FLT3i at molecular failure. The FLT3 mutation was an ITD in 52, TKD in 7 and both in 3. Over half of patients had previously received midostaurin. Molecular failure occurred at a median 9.2 months from diagnosis and was treated with gilteritinib (n = 38), quizartinib (n = 7) or sorafenib (n = 11). 60% achieved a molecular response, with 45% reaching MRD negativity. Haematological toxicity was low, and 22 patients were bridged directly to allogeneic transplant with another 6 to donor lymphocyte infusion. 2-year overall survival was 80% (95%CI 69-93) and molecular event-free survival 56% (95%CI 44-72). High-sensitivity next-generation sequencing for FLT3-ITD at molecular failure identified patients more likely to benefit. FLT3i monotherapy for molecular failure is a promising strategy which merits evaluation in prospective studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jad Othman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, England, UK
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola Potter
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | | | - David Taussig
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Anjum Khan
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, England, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Cahalin
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, England, UK
| | - James Aries
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, England, UK
| | - Mariam Amer
- University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, England, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Mike Dennis
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England, UK
| | | | - Sylvie D Freeman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Amanda Gilkes
- Department of Haematology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | | | | | - Manish Jain
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, England, UK
| | - Andrew King
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, England, UK
| | - Steven Knapper
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | | | | | | | - Loretta Ngu
- Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, England, UK
| | - Jenny O'Nions
- University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | | | - Tom Rider
- The Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton and Hove, England, UK
| | - Wing Roberts
- Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK
| | - Marianne Tang Severinsen
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | | | - Tom Taylor
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, England, UK
| | - Nigel H Russell
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, England, UK.
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Donia HM, Elsweify NM, Farahat NM, Nadwan EA. Wilms tumor 1 gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia: prognostic significance and usefulness in minimal residual disease monitoring—a case–control study. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00291-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Minimal residual disease (MRD), which is characterized as leukemic cells at a level below morphologic detection, has been connected to the risk of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia. In 80–90% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, the Wilms tumor (WT1) gene is overexpressed at the mRNA level. In our prospective study, a total of 55 patients were enrolled in the study. Group I involved 40 AML patients and group II involved 15 patients healthy controls. WT1 gene expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR on bone marrow samples from AML patients at initial diagnosis and at day 28 after induction chemotherapy, and compared to 15 healthy controls in group II. Follow up of patients for prognosis evaluation was assessed. IBM SPSS software was used to capture and analyses the data.
Results
At diagnosis, the mean WT1 transcript value in AML patients was substantially higher than the expression observed in control patient’s Bone marrow. There was no statistically relevant relationship between the onset of relapse and WT1 expression. Patients with WT1 overexpression at diagnosis had a shorter overall survival than patients with negative WT1 expression.
Conclusions
Wilms tumor 1 gene expression was found to be significantly higher in AML patients than control cases, overall, our results confirmed the prognostic significance of WT1 overexpression in AML patients. Our findings support the application of MRD in AML patients based on WT1 overexpression.
Collapse
|
8
|
Blachly JS, Walter RB, Hourigan CS. The present and future of measurable residual disease testing in acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2022; 107:2810-2822. [PMID: 36453518 PMCID: PMC9713561 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in the past several years in the scientific understanding of, and available treatments for, acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Achievement of a conventional remission, evaluated cytomorphologically via small bone marrow samples, is a necessary but not sufficient step toward cure. It is increasingly appreciated that molecular or immunophenotypic methods to identify and quantify measurable residual disease (MRD) - populations of leukemia cells below the cytomorphological detection limit - provide refined information on the quality of response to treatment and prediction of the risk of AML recurrence and leukemia-related deaths. The principles and practices surrounding MRD remain incompletely determined however and the genetic and immunophenotypic heterogeneity of AML may prevent a one-sizefits- all approach. Here, we review the current approaches to MRD testing in AML, discuss strengths and limitations, highlight recent technological advances that may improve such testing, and summarize ongoing initiatives to generate the clinical evidence needed to advance the use of MRD testing in patients with AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James S. Blachly
- Division of Hematology/Department of Medicine, The Ohio State University - The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH,Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,J.S. Blachly
| | - Roland B. Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA,Division of Hematology/Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Christopher S. Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guolo F, Cerchione C, Vernarecci C, Isidori A. Editorial: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Is it time for MRD-driven treatment? Front Oncol 2022; 12:1020185. [PMID: 36158678 PMCID: PMC9502001 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Guolo
- Clinic Of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Ematologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Fabio Guolo,
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST), Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Vernarecci
- Clinic Of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Isidori
- Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedali Riuniti Marche Nord (AORMN), Pesaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Caspase-2 is a mediator of apoptotic signaling in response to gemtuzumab ozogamicin in acute myeloid leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:284. [PMID: 35690610 PMCID: PMC9188552 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01071-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The antibody conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO; Mylotarg®) provides targeted therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with recent approvals for patients with CD33-positive disease at diagnosis or relapse, as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapeutics. While its clinical efficacy is well documented, the molecular routes by which GO induces AML cell death warrant further analyses. We have earlier reported that this process is initiated via mitochondria-mediated caspase activation. Here we provide additional data, focusing on the involvement of caspase-2 in this mechanism. We show that this enzyme plays an important role in triggering apoptotic death of human AML cells after exposure to GO or its active moiety calicheamicin. Accordingly, the caspase-2 inhibitor z-VDVAD-fmk reduced GO-induced caspase-3 activation. This finding was validated with shRNA and siRNA targeting caspase-2, resulting in reduced caspase-3 activation and cleavage of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1). We previously demonstrated that GO-induced apoptosis included a conformational change of Bax into a pro-apoptotic state. Present data reveal that GO-treatment also induced Bid cleavage, which was partially reduced by caspase-2 specific inhibition while the effect on GO-induced Bax conformational change remained unaltered. In mononuclear cells isolated from AML patients that responded to GO treatment in vitro, processing of caspase-2 was evident, whereas in cells from an AML patient refractory to treatment no such processing was seen. When assessing diagnostic samples from 22 AML patients, who all entered complete remission (CR) following anthracycline-based induction therapy, and comparing patients with long versus those with short CR duration no significant differences in baseline caspase-2 or caspase-3 full-length protein expression levels were found. In summary, we demonstrate that GO triggers caspase-2 cleavage in human AML cells and that the subsequent apoptosis of these cells in part relies on caspase-2. These findings may have future clinical implications.
Collapse
|
11
|
Technical Aspects of Flow Cytometry-based Measurable Residual Disease Quantification in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Experience of the European LeukemiaNet MRD Working Party. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e676. [PMID: 34964040 PMCID: PMC8701786 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) quantified by multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) is a strong and independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, several technical factors may affect the final read-out of the assay. Experts from the MRD Working Party of the European LeukemiaNet evaluated which aspects are crucial for accurate MFC-MRD measurement. Here, we report on the agreement, obtained via a combination of a cross-sectional questionnaire, live discussions, and a Delphi poll. The recommendations consist of several key issues from bone marrow sampling to final laboratory reporting to ensure quality and reproducibility of results. Furthermore, the experiences were tested by comparing two 8-color MRD panels in multiple laboratories. The results presented here underscore the feasibility and the utility of a harmonized theoretical and practical MFC-MRD assessment and are a next step toward further harmonization.
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang S, Kay NE, Shi M, Ossenkoppele G, Walter RB, Gale RP. Measurable residual disease testing in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: hype, hope neither or both? Leukemia 2021; 35:3364-3370. [PMID: 34580401 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shenmiao Yang
- Peking University Peoples Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Neil E Kay
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Min Shi
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gert Ossenkoppele
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roland B Walter
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Skou AS, Juul-Dam KL, Hansen M, Lausen B, Stratmann S, Holmfeldt L, Aggerholm A, Nyvold CG, Ommen HB, Hasle H. Measurable Residual Disease Monitoring of SPAG6, ST18, PRAME, and XAGE1A Expression in Peripheral Blood May Detect Imminent Relapse in Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Mol Diagn 2021; 23:1787-1799. [PMID: 34600138 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpressed genes may be useful for monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without a leukemia-specific target. The normal expression of five leukemia-associated genes (SPAG6, ST18, MSLN, PRAME, XAGE1A) was defined in children without hematologic disease (n = 53) and children with suspected infection (n = 90). Gene expression at AML diagnosis (n=50) and during follow-up (n = 21) was compared with child-specific reference values. At diagnosis, 34/50 children (68%) had high expression of at least one of the five genes, and so did 16/31 children (52%) without a leukemia-specific target. Gene expression was quantified in 110 peripheral blood (PB) samples (median, five samples/patient; range, 1 to 10) during follow-up in 21 patients with high expression at diagnosis. All nine patients with PB sampling performed within 100 days of disease recurrence displayed overexpression of SPAG6, ST18, PRAME, or XAGE1A at a median of 2 months (range, 0.6 to 9.6 months) before hematologic relapse, whereas MSLN did not reach expression above normal prior to hematologic relapse. Only 1 of 130 (0.8%) follow-up analyses performed in 10 patients in continuous complete remission had transient expression above normal. SPAG6, ST18, PRAME, and XAGE1A expression in PB may predict relapse in childhood AML patients and facilitate MRD monitoring in most patients without a leukemia-specific target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie Skou
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Kristian L Juul-Dam
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maria Hansen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Lausen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Svea Stratmann
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda Holmfeldt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics, and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anni Aggerholm
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte G Nyvold
- Hematology-Pathology Research Laboratory, Research Unit for Hematology and Research Unit for Pathology, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Hans B Ommen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Talami A, Bettelli F, Pioli V, Giusti D, Gilioli A, Colasante C, Galassi L, Giubbolini R, Catellani H, Donatelli F, Maffei R, Martinelli S, Barozzi P, Potenza L, Marasca R, Trenti T, Tagliafico E, Comoli P, Luppi M, Forghieri F. How to Improve Prognostication in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with CBFB-MYH11 Fusion Transcript: Focus on the Role of Molecular Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) Monitoring. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080953. [PMID: 34440157 PMCID: PMC8391269 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carrying inv(16)/t(16;16), resulting in fusion transcript CBFB-MYH11, belongs to the favorable-risk category. However, even if most patients obtain morphological complete remission after induction, approximately 30% of cases eventually relapse. While well-established clinical features and concomitant cytogenetic/molecular lesions have been recognized to be relevant to predict prognosis at disease onset, the independent prognostic impact of measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), mainly in predicting relapse, actually supersedes other prognostic factors. Although the ELN Working Party recently indicated that patients affected with CBFB-MYH11 AML should have MRD assessment at informative clinical timepoints, at least after two cycles of intensive chemotherapy and after the end of treatment, several controversies could be raised, especially on the frequency of subsequent serial monitoring, the most significant MRD thresholds (most commonly 0.1%) and on the best source to be analyzed, namely, bone marrow or peripheral blood samples. Moreover, persisting low-level MRD positivity at the end of treatment is relatively common and not predictive of relapse, provided that transcript levels remain stably below specific thresholds. Rising MRD levels suggestive of molecular relapse/progression should thus be confirmed in subsequent samples. Further prospective studies would be required to optimize post-remission monitoring and to define effective MRD-based therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Talami
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Francesca Bettelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Valeria Pioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Davide Giusti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Andrea Gilioli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Corrado Colasante
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Laura Galassi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Rachele Giubbolini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Hillary Catellani
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Francesca Donatelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Rossana Maffei
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Patrizia Barozzi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Unità Sanitaria Locale, 41126 Modena, Italy;
| | - Enrico Tagliafico
- Center for Genome Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Mario Luppi
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (F.F.); Tel.: +39-059-4222447 (F.F.); Fax: +39-059-4222386 (F.F.)
| | - Fabio Forghieri
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.T.); (F.B.); (V.P.); (D.G.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (L.G.); (R.G.); (H.C.); (F.D.); (R.M.); (S.M.); (P.B.); (L.P.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.); (F.F.); Tel.: +39-059-4222447 (F.F.); Fax: +39-059-4222386 (F.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Minimal or measurable residual disease (MRD) after therapy is the most important independent prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia. MRD measured by multiparametric flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction has been integrated into risk stratification and used to guide future treatment strategies. Recent technological advances have allowed the application of the novel molecular method, high-throughput sequencing, in MRD detection in clinical practice to improve sensitivity and specificity. Randomized studies are needed to address outstanding issues, including the optimal methods and timing of MRD testing and interlaboratory standardization to facilitate comparisons, to further improve MRD-directed interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Chen
- Hematopathology, SCCA G7800, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sindhu Cherian
- Hematopathology, SCCA G7800, 825 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Metabolic determinants of B-cell selection. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1467-1478. [PMID: 34196360 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
B-cells are antibody-producing cells of the adaptive immune system. Approximately 75% of all newly generated B-cells in the bone marrow are autoreactive and express potentially harmful autoantibodies. To prevent autoimmune disease, the immune system has evolved a powerful mechanism to eliminate autoreactive B-cells, termed negative B-cell selection. While designed to remove autoreactive clones during early B-cell development, our laboratory recently discovered that transformed B-cells in leukemia and lymphoma are also subject to negative selection. Indeed, besides the risk of developing autoimmune disease, B-cells are inherently prone to malignant transformation: to produce high-affinity antibodies, B-cells undergo multiple rounds of somatic immunoglobulin gene recombination and hypermutation. Reflecting high frequencies of DNA-breaks, adaptive immune protection by B-cells comes with a dramatically increased risk of development of leukemia and lymphoma. Of note, B-cells exist under conditions of chronic restriction of energy metabolism. Here we discuss how these metabolic gatekeeper functions during B-cell development provide a common mechanism for the removal of autoreactive and premalignant B-cells to safeguard against both autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies.
Collapse
|
17
|
Nucleophosmin1 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 as measurable residual disease markers in acute myeloid leukemia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253386. [PMID: 34153064 PMCID: PMC8216517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) plays an important role in predicting relapse and outcome. The applicability of the leukemia-initiating nucleophosmin1 (NPM1) gene mutations in MRD detection is well-established, while that of isocitrate dehydrogenase1/2 (IDH1/2) mutations are matter of debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of NPM1 and IDH1/2 mutations at diagnosis and relapse retrospectively in 916 adult AML patients. The prognostic value of MRD was evaluated by droplet digital PCR on the DNA level in a selected subgroup of patients in remission. NPM1 re-emerged at relapse in 91% (72/79), while IDH1/2 in 87% (20/23) of mutation-positive cases at diagnosis. NPM1 mutation did not develop at relapse, on the contrary novel IDH1/2 mutations occurred in 3% (3/93) of previously mutation-negative cases. NPM1 MRD-positivity after induction (n = 116) proved to be an independent, adverse risk factor (MRDpos 24-month OS: 39.3±6.2% versus MRDneg: 58.5±7.5%, p = 0.029; HR: 2.16; 95%CI: 1.25–3.74, p = 0.006). In the favorable subgroup of mutated NPM1 without fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) or with low allelic ratio, NPM1 MRD provides a valuable prognostic biomarker (NPM1 MRDpos versus MRDneg 24-month OS: 42.9±6.7% versus 66.7±8.6%; p = 0.01). IDH1/2 MRD-positivity after induction (n = 62) was also associated with poor survival (MRDpos 24-month OS: 41.3±9.2% versus MRDneg: 62.5±9.0%, p = 0.003; HR 2.81 95%CI 1.09–7.23, p = 0.032). While NPM1 variant allele frequency decreased below 2.5% in remission in all patients, IDH1/2 mutations (typically IDH2 R140Q) persisted in 24% of cases. Our results support that NPM1 MRD even at DNA level is a reliable prognostic factor, while IDH1/2 mutations may represent pre-leukemic, founder or subclonal drivers.
Collapse
|
18
|
Pettersson L, Johansson Alm S, Almstedt A, Chen Y, Orrsjö G, Shah-Barkhordar G, Zhou L, Kotarsky H, Vidovic K, Asp J, Lazarevic V, Saal LH, Fogelstrand L, Ehinger M. Comparison of RNA- and DNA-based methods for measurable residual disease analysis in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43:664-674. [PMID: 34053184 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered the method of choice for measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MRD can also be determined with DNA-based methods offering certain advantages. We here compared the DNA-based methods quantitative PCR (qPCR), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), and targeted deep sequencing (deep seq) with RT-qPCR. METHODS Of 110 follow-up samples from 30 patients with NPM1-mutated AML were analyzed by qPCR, ddPCR, deep seq, and RT-qPCR. To select DNA MRD cutoffs for bone marrow, we performed receiver operating characteristic analyses for each DNA method using prognostically relevant RT-qPCR cutoffs. RESULTS The DNA-based methods showed strong intermethod correlation, but were less sensitive than RT-qPCR. A bone marrow cutoff at 0.1% leukemic DNA for qPCR or 0.05% variant allele frequency for ddPCR and deep seq offered optimal sensitivity and specificity with respect to 3 log10 reduction of NPM1 transcripts and/or 2% mutant NPM1/ABL. With these cutoffs, MRD results agreed in 95% (191/201) of the analyses. Although more sensitive, RT-qPCR failed to detect leukemic signals in 10% of samples with detectable leukemic DNA. CONCLUSION DNA-based MRD techniques may complement RT-qPCR for assessment of residual leukemia. DNA-based methods offer high positive and negative predictive values with respect to residual leukemic NPM1 transcripts at levels of importance for response to treatment. However, moving to DNA-based MRD methods will miss a proportion of patients with residual leukemic RNA, but on the other hand some MRD samples with detectable leukemic DNA can be devoid of measurable leukemic RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Sofie Johansson Alm
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alvar Almstedt
- SciLife Clinical Genomics Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yilun Chen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gustav Orrsjö
- Section for Hematology and Coagulation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giti Shah-Barkhordar
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Li Zhou
- Klinisk Patologi, Region Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Heike Kotarsky
- Klinisk Patologi, Region Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karina Vidovic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Julia Asp
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Lazarevic
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lao H Saal
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Lund University Cancer Center, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
| | - Linda Fogelstrand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Ehinger
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Pathology, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Klinisk Patologi, Region Laboratories, Region Skåne, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
How I diagnose and treat NPM1-mutated AML. Blood 2021; 137:589-599. [PMID: 33171486 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene, encoding for a nucleolar multifunctional protein, occur in approximately one-third of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). NPM1-mutated AML exhibits unique molecular, pathological, and clinical features, which led to its recognition as distinct entity in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms. Although WHO criteria for the diagnosis of NPM1-mutated AML are well established, its distinction from other AML entities may be difficult. Moreover, the percentage of blasts required to diagnose NPM1-mutated AML remains controversial. According to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN), determining the mutational status of NPM1 (together with FLT3) is mandatory for accurate relapse-risk assessment. NPM1 mutations are ideal targets for measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring, since they are AML specific, frequent, very stable at relapse, and do not drive clonal hematopoiesis of undetermined significance. MRD monitoring by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of NPM1-mutant transcripts, possibly combined with ELN genetic-based risk stratification, can guide therapeutic decisions after remission. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry can be very useful in selected situations, such as diagnosis of NPM1-mutated myeloid sarcoma. Herein, we present 4 illustrative cases of NPM1-mutated AML that address important issues surrounding the biology, diagnosis, and therapy of this common form of leukemia.
Collapse
|
20
|
The Impact of DNMT3A Status on NPM1 MRD Predictive Value and Survival in Elderly AML Patients Treated Intensively. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092156. [PMID: 33947035 PMCID: PMC8124973 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNMT3A mutation has been associated with adverse outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of DNMT3A status on NPM1 MRD predictive value for survival in a retrospective cohort of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients aged over 60 years old treated intensively. A total of 138 patients treated for NPM1-mutated AML in two French institutions were analyzed retrospectively. A 4log reduction of NPM1 MRD was associated with a better outcome. DNMT3A negative patients who achieved a 4log reduction had a superior outcome to those who did not. However, postinduction NPM1 MRD1 reduction was not predictive of OS and LFS in DNMT3Amut patients. These results confirm that post-induction NPM1 MRD1 is a reliable tool to assess disease outcome in elderly AML patients. However, the presence of DNMT3A also identify a subgroup of patients at high risk of relapse. Abstract Minimal residual disease (MRD) is now a powerful surrogate marker to assess the response to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). DNMT3A mutation has been associated with adverse outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of DNMT3A status on NPM1 MRD predictive value for survival in a retrospective cohort of AML patients aged over 60 years old treated intensively. A total of 138 patients treated for NPM1-mutated AML in two French institutions were analyzed retrospectively. DNMT3A status did not influence the probability of having a ≥ 4log MRD1 reduction after induction. Only 20.4% of FLT3-ITD patients reached ≥ 4log MRD1 reduction compared to 47.5% in FLT3wt cases. A 4log reduction of NPM1 MRD was associated with a better outcome, even in FLT3-ITD mutated patients, independent of the allelic ratio. DNMT3A negative patients who reached a 4log reduction had a superior outcome to those who did not (HR = 0.23; p < 0.001). However, postinduction NPM1 MRD1 reduction was not predictive of OS and LFS in DNMT3Amut patients. These results confirm that post-induction NPM1 MRD1 is a reliable tool to assess disease outcome in elderly AML patients. However, the presence of DNMT3A also identifies a subgroup of patients at high risk of relapse.
Collapse
|
21
|
Skou AS, Juul-Dam KL, Ommen HB, Hasle H. Peripheral blood molecular measurable residual disease is sufficient to identify patients with acute myeloid leukaemia with imminent clinical relapse. Br J Haematol 2021; 195:310-327. [PMID: 33851435 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal molecular measurable residual disease (MRD) sampling after completion of therapy serves as a refined tool for identification of imminent relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) among patients in long-term haematological complete remission. Tracking of increasing quantitative polymerase chain reaction MRD before cytomorphological reappearance of blasts may instigate individual management decisions and has paved the way for development of pre-emptive treatment strategies to substantially delay or perhaps even revert leukaemic regrowth. Traditionally, MRD monitoring is performed using repeated bone marrow aspirations, albeit the current European LeukemiaNet MRD recommendations acknowledge the use of peripheral blood as an alternative source for MRD assessment. Persistent MRD positivity in the bone marrow despite continuous morphological remission is frequent in both core binding factor leukaemias and nucleophosmin 1-mutated AML. In contrast, monthly assessment of MRD in peripheral blood superiorly separates patients with imminent haematological relapse from long-term remitters and may allow pre-emptive therapy of AML relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie Skou
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Hans B Ommen
- Department of Haematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Walter RB, Ofran Y, Wierzbowska A, Ravandi F, Hourigan CS, Ngai LL, Venditti A, Buccisano F, Ossenkoppele GJ, Roboz GJ. Measurable residual disease as a biomarker in acute myeloid leukemia: theoretical and practical considerations. Leukemia 2021; 35:1529-1538. [PMID: 33758317 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several methodologies that rely on the detection of immunophenotypic or molecular abnormalities of the neoplastic cells are now available to quantify measurable ("minimal") residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although the perfect MRD test does not (yet) exist, the strong association between MRD and adverse patient outcomes has provided the impetus to use measures of MRD as biomarker in the routine care of AML patients and during clinical trials. MRD test results may inform the selection of postremission therapy in some patients but evidence supporting the use of MRD as predictive biomarker is still limited. Several retrospective studies have shown that conversion from undetectable to detectable MRD or increasing MRD over time is associated with overt disease recurrence, and MRD testing may therefore be valuable as a monitoring biomarker for early detection of relapse. Interpreting serial MRD data is complex, with open questions regarding the optimal timing and frequency of testing, as well as the identification of test-specific thresholds to define relapse. Importantly, it is unknown whether intervening at the time of MRD detection, rather than at overt disease recurrence, improves outcomes. Finally, using MRD as a surrogate efficacy-response biomarker to accelerate drug development/approval has already been accepted by regulatory authorities in other diseases and is of great interest as a potential strategy in AML. While the prognostic value of MRD in AML is well established, data from prospective clinical trials confirming that treatment effects on MRD directly relate to clinical outcomes are needed to further establish the role of MRD as a surrogate endpoint in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roland B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Yishai Ofran
- Department of Hematology, Sharee Zedeq Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lok Lam Ngai
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Hematology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Hematology, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gert J Ossenkoppele
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gail J Roboz
- Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Shallis RM, Pollyea DA, Zeidan AM. The complete story of less than complete responses: The evolution and application of acute myeloid leukemia clinical responses. Blood Rev 2021; 48:100806. [PMID: 33531169 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Complete remission (CR) has long been the critical therapeutic response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, "less than CR" responses have been and continue to be proposed to define clinically meaningful post-therapy outcomes. These responses include CR with incomplete recovery (CRi), CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp) and, most recently, CR with partial hematologic recovery (CRh), which has been introduced and subsequently used for regulatory approval. However, the clinical benefits associated with "less than CR" responses have primarily been evaluated in the context of intensive therapies. In an era with sophisticated measurable residual disease (MRD) assessments, including flow-based, cytogenetic and molecular techniques, and an increase in "targeted", non-intensive therapies, the clinical value of responses that are "less than CR" must be reevaluated. Improvements in the rate of CR has not always led to improvements in OS among older patients. As such, MRD techniques might help define a more stringent response criterion (MRD-negative CR) that might better correlate with OS and should be incorporated in future clinical trials. Here we discuss the evolution of CR and "less than CR" responses, data regarding their clinical benefits, and considerations relevant to response assessments with newer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel A Pollyea
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Puckrin R, Atenafu EG, Claudio JO, Chan S, Gupta V, Maze D, McNamara C, Murphy T, Shuh AC, Yee K, Sibai H, Minden MD, Wei C, Stockley T, Kamel-Reid S, Schimmer AD. Measurable residual disease monitoring provides insufficient lead-time to prevent morphologic relapse in the majority of patients with core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2021; 106:56-63. [PMID: 31896684 PMCID: PMC7776265 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.235721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia is characterized by t(8;21) or inv(16) and the fusion proteins RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and CBFB-MYH11. International guidelines recommend monitoring for measurable residual disease every 3 months for 2 years after treatment. However, it is not known whether serial molecular monitoring can predict and prevent morphological relapse. We conducted a retrospective singlecenter study of 114 patients in complete remission who underwent molecular monitoring with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of RUNX1-RUNX1T1 or CBFB-MYH11 transcripts every 3 months. Morphological relapse was defined as re-emergence of >5% blasts and molecular relapse as ≥1 log increase in transcript level between two samples. Over a median follow-up time of 3.7 years (range, 0.2-14.3), remission persisted in 71 (62.3%) patients but 43 (37.7%) developed molecular or morphological relapse. Patients who achieved <3 log reduction in RUNX1- RUNX1T1 or CBFB-MYH11 transcripts at the end of chemotherapy had a significantly higher risk of relapse compared to patients who achieved ≥3 log reduction (61.1% vs. 33.7%, P=0.004). The majority of relapses (74.4%, n=32) were not predicted by molecular monitoring and occurred rapidly with <100 days from molecular to morphological relapse. Molecular monitoring enabled the detection of impending relapse and permitted pre-emptive intervention prior to morphological relapse in only 11 (25.6%) patients. The current practice of molecular monitoring every 3 months provided insufficient lead-time to identify molecular relapses and prevent morphological relapse in the majority of patients with core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia treated at our institution. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal monitoring strategies for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Puckrin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eshetu G Atenafu
- Deo. of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto
| | - Jaime O Claudio
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto
| | - Steven Chan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto
| | - Vikas Gupta
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dawn Maze
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Caroline McNamara
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tracy Murphy
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto
| | - Andre C Shuh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Karen Yee
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hassan Sibai
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cuihong Wei
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tracy Stockley
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Suzanne Kamel-Reid
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron D Schimmer
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Molecular Monitoring in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Undergoing Matched Unrelated Donor - Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Single Center Experience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 41:5-12. [PMID: 33500364 DOI: 10.2478/prilozi-2020-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases is a complex, multi-modality process and, though much of its clinical implications at different points are extensively studied, it remains even now a challenging area. It is a disease the biology of which governs the modality of MRD assessment; in patients harboring specific molecular targets, high sensitivity techniques can be applied. On the other hand, relapse is considered as the leading cause of treatment failure in AML patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Since November 2018 until June 2020, 10 AML patients underwent matched unrelated donor (MUD) HSCT at the University Clinic of Hematology-Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. Molecular markers were identified in a total of 4 patients; 3 patients expressed chimeric fusion transcripts; two RUNX-RUNX1T1 and one for CBFB-MYH11. One patient harbored mutation in the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (CEBPA). Post-transplant MRD kinetics was evaluated by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or multiplex fluorescent-PCR every three months during the first two years after the transplantation. RESULTS MRD negativity was achieved in three pre-transplant MRD positive patients by the sixth month of HSCT. They sustained hematological and molecular remission for 19, 9 and 7 months, respectively. The fourth patient died due to transplant-related complications. CONCLUSION According to our experience, when molecularly-defined AML patients undergo HSCT, regular MRD monitoring helps predict impending relapse and direct future treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
26
|
Allogeneic transplant can abrogate the risk of relapse in the patients of first remission acute myeloid leukemia with detectable measurable residual disease by next-generation sequencing. Bone Marrow Transplant 2020; 56:1159-1170. [PMID: 33279940 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-020-01165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) consolidation treatment options are between allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) and chemotherapy, based on disease risk at the time of initial presentation and age. Measurable residual disease (MRD) following induction chemotherapy could be incorporated as a useful parameter for treatment decisions. The present study evaluated treatment outcomes according to the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based MRD status and the type of consolidation therapy in patients with normal karyotype (NK)-AML. By sequencing 278 paired samples collected at diagnosis and first remission (CR1), we identified 361 mutations in 124 patients at diagnosis and tracked these at CR1. After excluding mutations associated with age-related clonal hematopoiesis, 82 mutations in 50 of the 124 patients (40.3%) were detected at CR1. Survival benefit was observed in favor of allogeneic HCT over chemotherapy consolidation in the MRDpos subgroup with respect to overall survival (HR 0.294, p = 0.003), relapse-free survival (HR 0.376, p = 0.015) and cumulative incidence of relapse (HR 0.279, p = 0.004) in multivariate analysis, but not in the MRDneg subgroup. In summary, these data support allogeneic HCT in NK-AML patients with detectable MRD by NGS in CR1. Randomized clinical trials will be required to confirm this observation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Moffitt AB, Spector MS, Andrews P, Kendall J, Alexander J, Stepansky A, Ma B, Kolitz J, Chiorazzi N, Allen SL, Krasnitz A, Wigler M, Levy D, Wang Z. Multiplex accurate sensitive quantitation (MASQ) with application to minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:e40. [PMID: 32083660 PMCID: PMC7144909 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Measuring minimal residual disease in cancer has applications for prognosis, monitoring treatment and detection of recurrence. Simple sequence-based methods to detect nucleotide substitution variants have error rates (about 10−3) that limit sensitive detection. We developed and characterized the performance of MASQ (multiplex accurate sensitive quantitation), a method with an error rate below 10−6. MASQ counts variant templates accurately in the presence of millions of host genomes by using tags to identify each template and demanding consensus over multiple reads. Since the MASQ protocol multiplexes 50 target loci, we can both integrate signal from multiple variants and capture subclonal response to treatment. Compared to existing methods for variant detection, MASQ achieves an excellent combination of sensitivity, specificity and yield. We tested MASQ in a pilot study in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who entered complete remission. We detect leukemic variants in the blood and bone marrow samples of all five patients, after induction therapy, at levels ranging from 10−2 to nearly 10−6. We observe evidence of sub-clonal structure and find higher target variant frequencies in patients who go on to relapse, demonstrating the potential for MASQ to quantify residual disease in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea B Moffitt
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Mona S Spector
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Peter Andrews
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jude Kendall
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Joan Alexander
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Asya Stepansky
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - BeiCong Ma
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jonathan Kolitz
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Nicholas Chiorazzi
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Steven L Allen
- The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.,Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Alex Krasnitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Michael Wigler
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Dan Levy
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Zihua Wang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Juul-Dam KL, Ommen HB, Nyvold CG, Walter C, Vålerhaugen H, Kairisto V, Abrahamsson J, Alm SJ, Jahnukainen K, Lausen B, Reinhardt D, Zeller B, von Neuhoff N, Fogelstrand L, Hasle H. Measurable residual disease assessment by qPCR in peripheral blood is an informative tool for disease surveillance in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2020; 190:198-208. [PMID: 32175599 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Serial assessments of measurable (or minimal) residual disease (MRD) by qPCR may identify nascent relapse in children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and enable pre-emptive therapy. We investigated the kinetics and prognostic impact of recurrent fusion transcripts (RUNX1-RUNX1T1, CBFB-MYH11, KMT2A-MLLT3 or KMT2A-ELL) in 774 post-induction samples from bone marrow (BM, 347) and peripheral blood (PB, 427) from 75 children with AML. BM MRD persistence during consolidation did not increase the risk of relapse, and MRD at therapy completion did not correlate to outcome (HR = 0·64/MRD log reduction (CI: 0·32-1·26), P = 0·19). In contrast, 8/8 patients with detectable MRD in PB after first consolidation relapsed. Persistence (n = 4) and shifting from negative to positive (n = 10) in PB during follow-up predicted relapse in 14/14 patients. All 253 PB samples collected during follow-up from 36 patients in continuous complete remission were MRD negative. In core-binding factor AML, persistent low-level MRD positivity in BM during follow-up was frequent but an increment to above 5 × 10-4 heralded subsequent haematological relapse in 12/12 patients. We demonstrate that MRD monitoring in PB after induction therapy is highly informative and propose an MRD increment above 5 × 10-4 in PB and BM as a definition of molecular relapse since it always leads to haematological relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans B Ommen
- Department of Haematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Charlotte G Nyvold
- Department of Haematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Haematology-Pathology Research Laboratory, Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christiane Walter
- Department of Paediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Helen Vålerhaugen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Veli Kairisto
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematology and Pathology, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jonas Abrahamsson
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofie J Alm
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Birgitte Lausen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dirk Reinhardt
- Department of Paediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bernward Zeller
- Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils von Neuhoff
- Department of Paediatrics III, University Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Linda Fogelstrand
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yalniz FF, Patel KP, Bashir Q, Marin D, Ahmed S, Alousi AM, Chen J, Ciurea SO, Rezvani K, Popat UR, Shpall EJ, Champlin RE, Oran B. Significance of minimal residual disease monitoring by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia for transplantation outcomes. Cancer 2020; 126:2183-2192. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fevzi F. Yalniz
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Keyur P. Patel
- Department of Hematopathology The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Qaiser Bashir
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - David Marin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Sairah Ahmed
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Amin M. Alousi
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Julianne Chen
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Stefan O. Ciurea
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Katy Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Uday R. Popat
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Elizabeth J. Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Richard E. Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| | - Betül Oran
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Texas
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT The expanding availability of minimal or more precisely measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with its possible implications for therapeutic decisions is of high interest to clinicians treating AML patients. A variety of mostly retrospective studies have shown that AML patients with a positive MRD test, assessed by different techniques at defined cutoffs and time-points, are at significantly higher risk of relapse and experience shorter overall survival compared to MRD-negative patients. How this valuable information may be adapted in the daily routine of patients' treatment to distinguish individuals who need more aggressive therapy from the ones who can be spared additional therapy to avoid treatment-related toxicities is still being investigated. With the exception of MRD analyses in acute promyelocitic leukemia (APL), the clinical implications of MRD tests for the individual AML patient are still mostly unknown. We currently lack hard evidence that MRD-based therapy modulation during treatment or pre-emptive intervention in MRD-positive patients after therapy would improve outcomes in non-APL AML patients. These questions will be evaluated in prospective randomized clinical trials. Today, however, some conclusions with regard to MRD assessment in AML can be drawn from the published data and are reviewed in this article.
Collapse
|
31
|
Balagopal V, Hantel A, Kadri S, Steinhardt G, Zhen CJ, Kang W, Wanjari P, Ritterhouse LL, Stock W, Segal JP. Measurable residual disease monitoring for patients with acute myeloid leukemia following hematopoietic cell transplantation using error corrected hybrid capture next generation sequencing. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224097. [PMID: 31658273 PMCID: PMC6816574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved systems for detection of measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are urgently needed, however attempts to utilize broad-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels to perform multi-gene surveillance in AML post-induction have been stymied by persistent premalignant mutation-bearing clones. We hypothesized that this technology may be more suitable for evaluation of fully engrafted patients following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). To address this question, we developed a hybrid-capture NGS panel utilizing unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to detect variants at 0.1% VAF or below across 22 genes frequently mutated in myeloid disorders and applied it to a retrospective sample set of blood and bone marrow DNA samples previously evaluated as negative for disease via standard-of-care short tandem repeat (STR)-based engraftment testing and hematopathology analysis in our laboratory. Of 30 patients who demonstrated trackable mutations in the 22 genes at eventual relapse by standard NGS analysis, we were able to definitively detect relapse-associated mutations in 18/30 (60%) at previously disease-negative timepoints collected 20-100 days prior to relapse date. MRD was detected in both bone marrow (15/28, 53.6%) and peripheral blood samples (9/18, 50%), while showing excellent technical specificity in our sample set. We also confirmed the disappearance of all MRD signal with increasing time prior to relapse (>100 days), indicating true clinical specificity, even using genes commonly associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP). This study highlights the efficacy of a highly sensitive, NGS panel-based approach to early detection of relapse in AML and supports the clinical validity of extending MRD analysis across many genes in the post-transplant setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Balagopal
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Andrew Hantel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sabah Kadri
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - George Steinhardt
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Chao Jie Zhen
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wenjun Kang
- Center for Research Informatics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Pankhuri Wanjari
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Lauren L. Ritterhouse
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wendy Stock
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jeremy P. Segal
- Department of Pathology, Division of Genomic and Molecular Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jentzsch M, Schwind S, Bach E, Stasik S, Thiede C, Platzbecker U. Clinical Challenges and Consequences of Measurable Residual Disease in Non-APL Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1625. [PMID: 31652787 PMCID: PMC6893483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to detect residual levels of leukemic blasts (measurable residual disease, MRD) has already been integrated in the daily routine for treatment of patients with chronic myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a variety of mostly retrospective studies have shown that individuals in AML remission who tested positive for MRD at specific time-points or had increasing MRD levels are at significantly higher risk of relapse and death compared to MRD-negative patients. However, these studies differ with respect to the "MRD-target", time-point of MRD determination, material analyzed, and method applied. How this probably very valuable MRD information in individual patients may be adapted in the daily clinical routine, e.g., to separate patients who need more aggressive therapies from those who may be spared additional-potentially toxic-therapies is still a work-in-progress. With the exception of MRD assessment in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), the lack of randomized, prospective trials renders MRD-based decisions and clinical implications in AML a difficult task. As of today, we still do not have proof that early intervention in MRD-positive AML patients would improve outcomes, although this is very likely. In this article, we review the current knowledge on non-APL AML MRD assessment and possible clinical consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Jentzsch
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Schwind
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Enrica Bach
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Stasik
- Medical Department I, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Christian Thiede
- Medical Department I, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Leipzig University Hospital, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Halaburda K, Labopin M, Mailhol A, Socié G, Craddock C, Aljurf M, Beelen D, Cornelissen JJ, Bourhis JH, Labussière-Wallet H, Blaise D, Gedde-Dahl T, Gilleece M, Yakoub-Agha I, Mufti G, Esteve J, Mohty M, Nagler A. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in second complete remission for core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia: a study from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Haematologica 2019; 105:1723-1730. [PMID: 31439677 PMCID: PMC7271580 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.222810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises two subtypes with distinct cytogenetic abnormalities of either t(8;21)(q22;q22) or inv(16)(p13q22)/t(16;16)(p13;q22). Since long-term response to chemotherapy in these leukemias is relatively good, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is considered in patients who relapse and achieve second complete remission. To evaluate the outcomes of allogeneic transplantation in this indication, we studied 631 patients reported to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry between the years 2000 and 2014. Leukemia-free survival probabilities at two and five years were 59.1% and 54.1%, while overall survival probabilities were 65% and 58.2%, respectively. The incidence of relapse and risk of non-relapse mortality at the same time points were 19.8% and 22.5% for relapse and 20.9% and 23.3% for non-relapse mortality, respectively. The most important adverse factors influencing leukemia-free and overall survival were: leukemia with t(8;21), presence of three or more additional chromosomal abnormalities, and Karnofsky performance score <80. Relapse risk was increased in t(8;21) leukemia and associated with additional cytogenetic abnormalities as well as reduced intensity conditioning. Measurable residual disease in molecular evaluation before transplantation was associated with increased risk of relapse and inferior leukemia-free survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Myriam Labopin
- EBMT Paris Study Office, Paris, France.,Saint Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mohamad Mohty
- EBMT Paris Study Office, Paris, France.,Saint Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Arnon Nagler
- EBMT Paris Study Office, Paris, France.,Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Guolo F, Minetto P, Clavio M, Miglino M, Colombo N, Cagnetta A, Cea M, Marcolin R, Todiere A, Ballerini F, Gobbi M, Lemoli RM. Longitudinal minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluation in acute myeloid leukaemia with
NPM1
mutation: from definition of molecular relapse to MRD‐driven salvage approach. Br J Haematol 2019; 186:e223-e225. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Guolo
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Paola Minetto
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Marino Clavio
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Maurizio Miglino
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombo
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Antonia Cagnetta
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Michele Cea
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Riccardo Marcolin
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Andrea Todiere
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Filippo Ballerini
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Marco Gobbi
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| | - Roberto Massimo Lemoli
- Clinic of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI) University of Genoa Genoa Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Percival MM, Estey EH. Current treatment strategies for measurable residual disease in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer 2019; 125:3121-3130. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary‐Elizabeth M. Percival
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle Washington
| | - Elihu H. Estey
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine University of Washington Seattle Washington
- Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle Washington
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Løvvik Juul-Dam K, Guldborg Nyvold C, Vålerhaugen H, Zeller B, Lausen B, Hasle H, Beier Ommen H. Measurable residual disease monitoring using Wilms tumor gene 1 expression in childhood acute myeloid leukemia based on child-specific reference values. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2019; 66:e27671. [PMID: 30900388 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurable/minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring can predict imminent hematological relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The majority of childhood AML patients do not harbor fusion genes or mutations applicable as MRD markers and overexpression of Wilms tumor gene 1 (WT1) may constitute a useful monitoring target. However, age-specific reference values in healthy hematopoiesis and standardization of WT1 assessment are prerequisites for clinical utility. PROCEDURE We investigated WT1 expression across age in hematologically healthy controls (n = 109), during suspected infection (n = 90) and bone marrow (BM) regeneration (n = 13). WT1 expression in AML at diagnosis (n = 91) and during follow-up (n = 30) was compared with age-specific reference values. RESULTS WT1 expression correlated with age and showed higher levels in both BM and peripheral blood (PB) in children compared with adults (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01). WT1 expression from healthy hematopoiesis was lower in PB compared with BM (WT1BM /WT1PB = 8.6, 95% CI: 5.3-13.7) and not influenced by infection nor BM regeneration. At AML diagnosis, 66% had more than 20-fold WT1 overexpression in PB or BM (PB 74%; BM 45%). WT1 was quantified in 279 PB samples during follow-up. All 11 patients with PB sampling within 4 months of disease recurrence displayed WT1 overexpression by a median of 1.9 months (range, 0.7-9.7) before hematological relapse. CONCLUSIONS This study defines child-specific reference values for WT1 expression in healthy hematopoiesis and demonstrates that WT1 expression in PB is a useful post-treatment monitoring tool in childhood AML. Based on these observations, we propose definitions for childhood AML molecular relapse using WT1 overexpression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charlotte Guldborg Nyvold
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Hematology-Pathology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helen Vålerhaugen
- Department of Pathology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bernward Zeller
- Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Birgitte Lausen
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hans Beier Ommen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ehinger M, Pettersson L. Measurable residual disease testing for personalized treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. APMIS 2019; 127:337-351. [PMID: 30919505 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes - with the practicing hematologist in mind - the methods used to determine measurable residual disease (MRD) in everyday practice with some future perspectives, and the current knowledge about the prognostic impact of MRD on outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. Possible implications for choice of MRD method, timing of MRD monitoring, and guidance of therapy are discussed in general and in some detail for certain types of leukemia with specific molecular markers to monitor, including core binding factor (CBF)-leukemias and NPM1-mutated leukemias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mats Ehinger
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Pathology, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Louise Pettersson
- Department of Pathology, Halland Hospital Halmstad, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden.,Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Roug AS, Ommen HB. Clinical Use of Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2019; 20:28. [PMID: 30874904 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-019-0627-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a high-risk venture for the patient suffering from the disease. There is a real risk of succumbing to the treatment rather than the disease, and even so, cure is much less than certain. Since the establishment of complete remission as a prerequisite for cure in the 1960s, a number of years passed before advanced techniques for detecting minute amounts of disease matured sufficiently for clinical implementation. The two main techniques for detection of measurable residual disease (MRD) remain qPCR and multicolor flow cytometry. When performed in expert laboratories, both these modalities offer treating physicians excellent opportunity to follow the amount of residual disease upon treatment and offer unparalleled prognostication. In some AML and age group subsets, evidence now exist to support the choice of both proceeding to allogeneic transplant and not doing so. In other AML subgroups, MRD has sufficient discriminative power to identify patients likely to benefit from allogeneic transplant and patients likely not to. After treatment or transplantation, follow-up by molecular techniques can, with high certainty, predict relapse months before bone marrow function deterioration. On the other hand, options upon so-called molecular relapse are less well tested but recent evidence supports the use of azacitidine both in transplanted patients and patients consolidated with chemotherapy. In conclusion, MRD testing during treatment is a superb prognosticator and a major tool when choosing whether a patient should be transplanted or not. The exact use of MRD testing after treatment is less well defined but evidence is mounting for the instigation of treatment upon rising MRD levels (pre-emptive treatment) before morphologically detectable relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Stidsholt Roug
- Department of Hematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Mølleparkvej 4, DK-9000, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hans Beier Ommen
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle-Juul Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Prognostic Impact of Blood MN1 Copy Numbers Before Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hemasphere 2019; 3:e167. [PMID: 31723806 PMCID: PMC6745933 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High expression of the leukemia-associated gene meningioma-1 (MN1) is frequently found at diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and associates with adverse outcomes. The presence of measurable residual disease (MRD) in complete remission (CR) indicates high risk of relapse and worse outcome in AML patients. However, the prognostic impact of MN1 expression levels as MRD marker has not been evaluated. Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a novel technique allowing sensitive and specific absolute gene expression quantification. We retrospectively analyzed 124 AML patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in CR or CR with incomplete peripheral recovery. Absolute MN1 copy numbers in peripheral blood were assessed prior to HSCT (median 7; range 0-29 days) using ddPCR. High pre-HSCT MN1/Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog 1 gene (ABL1) copy numbers associated with a higher cumulative incidence of relapse after HSCT and-in relapsing patients-shorter time to relapse. In multivariable analysis, high pre-HSCT MN1/ABL1 copy numbers remained an independent prognosticator for relapse after HSCT. Patients with the highest pre-HSCT MN1/ABL1 copy numbers also had the highest risk of relapse. MN1 copy number assessment also added prognostic information to nucleophosmin 1 gene (NPM1) mutation- and brain and acute leukemia, cytoplasmic (BAALC) and Wilm's tumor gene 1 (WT1) expression-based MRD evaluation. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of the novel ddPCR technique for MN1/ABL1 copy number assessment as a marker for MRD. Evaluation of MN1/ABL1 copy numbers allows the identification of patients at high risk of relapse, independently of other diagnostic risk factors and MRD markers.
Collapse
|
40
|
Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease Monitoring in NPM1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Clinical Viewpoint and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113492. [PMID: 30404199 PMCID: PMC6274702 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with NPM1 gene mutations is currently recognized as a distinct entity, due to its unique biological and clinical features. We summarize here the results of published studies investigating the clinical application of minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with NPM1-mutated AML, receiving either intensive chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Several clinical trials have so far demonstrated a significant independent prognostic impact of molecular MRD monitoring in NPM1-mutated AML and, accordingly, the Consensus Document from the European Leukemia Net MRD Working Party has recently recommended that NPM1-mutated AML patients have MRD assessment at informative clinical timepoints during treatment and follow-up. However, several controversies remain, mainly with regard to the most clinically significant timepoints and the MRD thresholds to be considered, but also with respect to the optimal source to be analyzed, namely bone marrow or peripheral blood samples, and the correlation of MRD with other known prognostic indicators. Moreover, we discuss potential advantages, as well as drawbacks, of newer molecular technologies such as digital droplet PCR and next-generation sequencing in comparison to conventional RQ-PCR to quantify NPM1-mutated MRD. In conclusion, further prospective clinical trials are warranted to standardize MRD monitoring strategies and to optimize MRD-guided therapeutic interventions in NPM1-mutated AML patients.
Collapse
|
41
|
Evaluating measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2018; 2:1356-1366. [PMID: 29895626 PMCID: PMC5998930 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018016378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the presence of measurable ("minimal") residual disease (MRD), defined as posttherapy persistence of leukemic cells at levels below morphologic detection, is a strong, independent prognostic marker of increased risk of relapse and shorter survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and can be used to refine risk-stratification and treatment response assessment. Because of the association between MRD and relapse risk, it has been postulated that testing for MRD posttreatment may help guide postremission treatment strategies by identifying high-risk patients who might benefit from preemptive treatment. This strategy, which remains to be formally tested, may be particularly attractive with availability of agents that could be used to specifically eradicate MRD. This review examines current methods of MRD detection, challenges to adopting MRD testing in routine clinical practice, and recent recommendations for MRD testing in AML issued by the European LeukemiaNet MRD Working Party. Inclusion of MRD as an end point in future randomized clinical trials will provide the data needed to move toward standardizing MRD assays and may provide a more accurate assessment of therapeutic efficacy than current morphologic measures.
Collapse
|
42
|
Kunchala P, Kuravi S, Jensen R, McGuirk J, Balusu R. When the good go bad: Mutant NPM1 in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Rev 2018; 32:167-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
43
|
Klein K, de Haas V, Kaspers GJL. Clinical challenges in de novo pediatric acute myeloid leukemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2018; 18:277-293. [DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2018.1428091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Klein
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Valérie de Haas
- Dutch Childhood Oncology Group, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gertjan J. L. Kaspers
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Dutch Childhood Oncology Group, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jentzsch M, Bill M, Grimm J, Schulz J, Goldmann K, Beinicke S, Häntschel J, Pönisch W, Franke GN, Vucinic V, Behre G, Lange T, Niederwieser D, Schwind S. High BAALC copy numbers in peripheral blood prior to allogeneic transplantation predict early relapse in acute myeloid leukemia patients. Oncotarget 2017; 8:87944-87954. [PMID: 29152132 PMCID: PMC5675684 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High BAALC expression levels at acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis have been linked to adverse outcomes. Recent data indicate that high BAALC expression levels may also be used as marker for residual disease following acute myeloid leukemia treatment. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a curative treatment for acute myeloid leukemia patients. However, disease recurrence remains a major clinical challenge and identification of high-risk patients prior to HSCT is crucial to improve outcomes. We performed absolute quantification of BAALC copy numbers in peripheral blood prior (median 7 days) to HSCT in complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete peripheral recovery in 82 acute myeloid leukemia patients using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) technology. An optimal cut-off of 0.14 BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers was determined and applied to define patients with high or low BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers. High pre-HSCT BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers significantly associated with higher cumulative incidence of relapse and shorter overall survival in univariable and multivariable models. Patients with high pre-HSCT BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers were more likely to experience relapse within 100 days after HSCT. Evaluation of pre-HSCT BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers in peripheral blood by ddPCR represents a feasible and rapid way to identify acute myeloid leukemia patients at high risk of early relapse after HSCT. The prognostic impact was also observed independently of other known clinical, genetic, and molecular prognosticators. In the future, prospective studies should evaluate whether acute myeloid leukemia patients with high pre-HSCT BAALC/ABL1 copy numbers benefit from additional treatment before or early intervention after HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Jentzsch
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marius Bill
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juliane Grimm
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Schulz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karoline Goldmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Beinicke
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Janine Häntschel
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wolfram Pönisch
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Vladan Vucinic
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerhard Behre
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thoralf Lange
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Schwind
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Luskin MR, Stone RM. Can Minimal Residual Disease Determination in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Be Used in Clinical Practice? J Oncol Pract 2017; 13:471-480. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.2017.021675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that is in complete remission, minimal residual disease (MRD) is presumed to be present, though not morphologically evident. Advances in diagnostics now permit the detection and quantification of MRD in AML by several techniques. The level of MRD after induction and consolidation therapy correlates with disease sensitivity to chemotherapy and has greater power to predict long-term survival than patient and disease characteristics that are available at diagnosis, including genetic information. A unique advantage of MRD is that it is an integrated measure of the impact and interaction of genetics, epigenetics, host immune milieu, bone marrow environment, and drug sensitivity on disease response to treatment. Here, we review the main techniques for MRD assessment in AML, including polymerase chain reaction, multiparameter flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing, with a focus on method-specific and general limitations to the optimal employment of MRD techniques for the determination of AML prognosis. We also review the data that establish the prognostic and predictive value of MRD assessment in AML. Finally, we provide recommendations for the use of MRD in the care of patients with AML in clinical practice today, including whether it should influence treatment decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlise R. Luskin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Richard M. Stone
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chan LN, Müschen M. B-cell identity as a metabolic barrier against malignant transformation. Exp Hematol 2017; 53:1-6. [PMID: 28655536 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
B-lineage and myeloid leukemia cells are often transformed by the same oncogenes, but have different biological and clinical characteristics. Although B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cells are characterized by a state of chronic energy deficit, myeloid leukemia cells show abundant energy reserve. Interestingly, fasting has been demonstrated to inhibit selectively the development of B-ALL but not myeloid leukemia, further suggesting that lineage identity may be linked to divergent metabolic states in hematopoietic malignancies. The B-lymphoid transcription factors IKZF1, EBF1, and PAX5 are essential for early B-cell development and commitment to B-cell identity. However, in >80% of human pre-B-ALL cases, the leukemic clones harbor genetic lesions of these transcription factors. The significance of these defects has only recently been investigated. Here, we discuss the unexpected function of a B-lymphoid transcriptional program as a metabolic barrier against malignant transformation of B-cell precursor cells. The metabolic gatekeeper function of B-lymphoid transcription factors may force silent preleukemic clones carrying potentially oncogenic lesions to remain in a latent state. In addition, this program sets the threshold for responses to glucocorticoids in pre-B-ALL. Finally, the link between the tumor-suppressor and metabolic functions of B-lymphoid transcription factors is matched by observations in clinical trials: obesity and hyperglycemia are associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with pre-B-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lai N Chan
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pasadena, CA.
| | - Markus Müschen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pasadena, CA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Mosna F, Capelli D, Gottardi M. Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Still a Work in Progress? J Clin Med 2017; 6:jcm6060057. [PMID: 28587190 PMCID: PMC5483867 DOI: 10.3390/jcm6060057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Minimal residual disease evaluation refers to a series of molecular and immunophenotypical techniques aimed at detecting submicroscopic disease after therapy. As such, its application in acute myeloid leukemia has greatly increased our ability to quantify treatment response, and to determine the chemosensitivity of the disease, as the final product of the drug schedule, dose intensity, biodistribution, and the pharmakogenetic profile of the patient. There is now consistent evidence for the prognostic power of minimal residual disease evaluation in acute myeloid leukemia, which is complementary to the baseline prognostic assessment of the disease. The focus for its use is therefore shifting to individualize treatment based on a deeper evaluation of chemosensitivity and residual tumor burden. In this review, we will summarize the results of the major clinical studies evaluating minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia in adults in recent years and address the technical and practical issues still hampering the spread of these techniques outside controlled clinical trials. We will also briefly speculate on future developments and offer our point of view, and a word of caution, on the present use of minimal residual disease measurements in “real-life” practice. Still, as final standardization and diffusion of the methods are sorted out, we believe that minimal residual disease will soon become the new standard for evaluating response in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Mosna
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Centrale "San Maurizio", Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige, via L. Bohler 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy.
| | - Debora Capelli
- Hematology, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, 60121 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Michele Gottardi
- Hematology, Ospedale "Ca' Foncello", AULSS 2, 31100 Treviso, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tomlinson B, Lazarus HM. Enhancing acute myeloid leukemia therapy - monitoring response using residual disease testing as a guide to therapeutic decision-making. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 10:563-574. [PMID: 28475434 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1326811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Current standards for monitoring the response of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are based on morphologic assessments of the bone marrow and recovery of peripheral blood counts. A growing experience is being developed to enhance the detection of small amounts of AML, or minimal residual disease (MRD). Areas covered: Available techniques include multi-color flow cytometry (MFC) of leukemia associated immunophenotypes (LAIP), quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) for detecting fusion and mutated genes (RUNX1-RUNX1T1, CBFB-MYH11, and NPM1), overexpression of genes such as WT1, and next generation sequencing (NGS) for MRD. Expert commentary: While MRD monitoring is standard of care in some leukemia subsets such as acute promyelocytic leukemia, this approach for the broader AML population does not universally predict outcomes as some patients may experience relapse in the setting of undetectable leukemia while others show no obvious disease progression despite MRD positivity. However, there are instances where MRD can identify patients at increased risk for relapse that may change recommended therapy. Currently, prospective investigations to define clinically relevant MRD thresholds are ongoing. Risk-adapted trials are needed to best define the use of MRD in the follow up of AML patients after initial induction therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Tomlinson
- a Department of Medicine , University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | - Hillard M Lazarus
- a Department of Medicine , University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center , Cleveland , OH , USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Hourigan CS, Gale RP, Gormley NJ, Ossenkoppele GJ, Walter RB. Measurable residual disease testing in acute myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia 2017; 31:1482-1490. [PMID: 28386105 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in developing techniques to detect and/or quantify remaining leukaemia cells termed measurable or, less precisely, minimal residual disease (MRD) in persons with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in complete remission defined by cytomorphological criteria. An important reason for AML MRD-testing is the possibility of estimating the likelihood (and timing) of leukaemia relapse. A perfect MRD-test would precisely quantify leukaemia cells biologically able and likely to cause leukaemia relapse within a defined interval. AML is genetically diverse and there is currently no uniform approach to detecting such cells. Several technologies focused on immune phenotype or cytogenetic and/or molecular abnormalities have been developed, each with advantages and disadvantages. Many studies report a positive MRD-test at diverse time points during AML therapy identifies persons with a higher risk of leukaemia relapse compared with those with a negative MRD-test even after adjusting for other prognostic and predictive variables. No MRD-test in AML has perfect sensitivity and specificity for relapse prediction at the cohort- or subject levels and there are substantial rates of false-positive and -negative tests. Despite these limitations, correlations between MRD-test results and relapse risk have generated interest in MRD-test result-directed therapy interventions. However, convincing proof that a specific intervention will reduce relapse risk in persons with a positive MRD-test is lacking and needs testing in randomized trials. Routine clinical use of MRD-testing requires further refinements and standardization/harmonization of assay platforms and results reporting. Such data are needed to determine whether results of MRD-testing can be used as a surrogate end point in AML therapy trials. This could make drug-testing more efficient and accelerate regulatory approvals. Although MRD-testing in AML has advanced substantially, much remains to be done.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C S Hourigan
- Myeloid Malignancies Section, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - R P Gale
- Haematology Research Centre, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - N J Gormley
- Division of Hematology Products, Office of Hematology and Oncology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - G J Ossenkoppele
- Division of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R B Walter
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Chen X, Wood BL. Monitoring minimal residual disease in acute leukemia: Technical challenges and interpretive complexities. Blood Rev 2017; 31:63-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|