1
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Moore ME, Aguilera NS, Obiorah I, Williams E, Courville E. Assessment for acceleration and transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma using histologic and immunohistochemical features: a case series. J Hematop 2024:10.1007/s12308-024-00598-3. [PMID: 39042242 DOI: 10.1007/s12308-024-00598-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Morphologic features of aggressive/ "accelerated" chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (aCLL/SLL) have been described. Richter transformation (RT) also occurs in a subset of CLL/SLL cases. This case series examined inter-observer variability when assessing for aCLL/SLL and RT, with attention to how immunohistochemical (IHC) markers may assist in this evaluation. Twelve cases of CLL/SLL with available FFPE tissue were identified. H&E staining and IHC (CD3, CD20, CD5, CD23, LEF1, LAG3, C-MYC, PD-1, MUM1, Cyclin D1, BCL-6, p53, and Ki-67) were performed. Three hematopathologists reviewed each case. The pathologists provided a final interpretation of (1) CLL/SLL, (2) CLL/SLL with expanded and/or confluent proliferation centers or increased Ki-67 (aCLL/SLL), or (3) large cell transformation/DLBCL. The pathologists lacked consensus in the diagnosis in 6/12 cases (50%). The reviewers disagreed on the presence of expanded/confluent proliferation centers in 8/12 cases (67%). With the exception of Ki-67, no IHC marker showed a difference in the staining profile in aCLL/SLL or RT compared to low-grade cases. This series showed inter-observer variability in the evaluation for aCLL/SLL and RT. A study that serially examines genetic alterations in FFPE tissue and correlates the features with histology and IHC, at diagnosis and throughout the disease course, may help refine indicators of aggressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Moore
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, 3rdFloor Hospital Expansion, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Nadine S Aguilera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, 3rdFloor Hospital Expansion, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Ifeyinwa Obiorah
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, 3rdFloor Hospital Expansion, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Eli Williams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, 3rdFloor Hospital Expansion, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Elizabeth Courville
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Virginia, 1215 Lee Street, 3rdFloor Hospital Expansion, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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2
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Ferry JA, Hill B, Hsi ED. Mature B, T and NK-cell, plasma cell and histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms: classification according to the World Health Organization and International Consensus Classification. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:51. [PMID: 38978094 PMCID: PMC11232355 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, two updated classification systems for lymphoid neoplasms were published by the World Health Organization (WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours, 5th edition, referred to hereafter as WHO-HAEM5) and the International Consensus Conference (ICC) (Alaggio et al. in Leukemia 36(7):1720-1748, 2022; Campo et al. in Blood 140(11):1229-1253, 2022). Both classifications were conceived by both pathologists and clinicians with expertise in the field. The reasons for this have been reviewed previously (Arber et al. in Virchows Arch 482(1):1-9, 2023; Cree in Leukemia 36(7):1701-1702, 2022, Leukemia 36(11):2750, 2022). Given that both groups were using data-driven processes and consensus and used the revised 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours (WHO-HAEM4R) as a starting point, it is not entirely surprising that the resulting classifications are quite similar. However, they are not identical and reflect preferences or approaches for certain unsettled areas as well as preferred terminology. In this review, we will compare nomenclature of the WHO-HAEM5 and ICC classifications, focusing on lymphoid neoplasms and lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Ferry
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Brian Hill
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Eric D Hsi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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3
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Guièze R, Eikema DJ, Koster L, Schetelig J, Sengeloev H, Passweg J, Finke J, Arat M, Broers AEC, Stölzel F, Byrne J, Castilla-Llorente C, Dreger P, Eder M, Gedde-Dahl T, Kröger N, Ribera Santasusana JM, Richardson D, Rambaldi A, Yañez L, Van Gelder M, Drozd-Sokolowska J, Raj K, Yakoub-Agha I, Tournilhac O, McLornan DP. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for patients with Richter transformation: a retrospective study on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT. Bone Marrow Transplant 2024; 59:950-956. [PMID: 38503942 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-024-02256-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Management of Richter transformation (RT) is particularly challenging, with survival estimates <1 year. We report on outcomes of 66 RT patients undergoing allogeneic-HCT (allo-HCT) between 2008 and 2018 registered with the EBMT. Median age at allo-HCT was 56.2 years (interquartile range (IQR), 51.3-63.1). Median time from RT to allo-HCT was 6.9 months (IQR, 4.9-11) and 28 (42.4%) were in complete remission (CR). The majority underwent reduced intensity conditioning (66.2%) using peripheral blood derived stem cells. Eighteen (27.3%) patients had a matched sibling donor, 24 (36.4%) a matched unrelated donor and the remaining were mismatched. Median follow-up was 6.6 years; 1- and 3- year overall and progression free survival (PFS) (95% CI) was 65% (54-77) and 39% (27-51) and 53% (41-65) and 29% (18-40), respectively. Patients in CR at time of allo-HCT had significantly better 3-year PFS (39% vs. 21%, p = 0.032). Cumulative incidences of grade II-IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) at day +100 was 41% (95% CI 29-53) and chronic GVHD at 3 years was 53% (95% CI 41-65). High rates of non-relapse mortality (NRM) were observed; 38% (95% CI, 26-50) at 3 years. Although potentially curative, approaches to reduce considerable NRM and chronic GVHD rates are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Guièze
- CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mutlu Arat
- Demiroglu Bilim University Istanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Friedrich Stölzel
- Department of Medicine II, Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Kiel, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kavita Raj
- University College London Hospitals NHS Trust London, London, UK
| | | | - Olivier Tournilhac
- CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Donal P McLornan
- University College London Hospitals NHS Trust London, London, UK
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4
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Turk A, Čeh E, Calin GA, Kunej T. Multiple omics levels of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:293. [PMID: 38906881 PMCID: PMC11192936 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoproliferative malignancy characterized by the proliferation of functionally mature but incompetent B cells. It is the most prevalent type of leukemia in Western populations, accounting for approximately 25% of new leukemia cases. While recent advances, such as ibrutinib and venetoclax treatment have improved patient outlook, aggressive forms of CLL such as Richter transformation still pose a significant challenge. This discrepancy may be due to the heterogeneity of factors contributing to CLL development at multiple -omics levels. However, information on the omics of CLL is fragmented, hindering multi-omics-based research into potential treatment options. To address this, we aggregated and presented a selection of important aspects of various omics levels of the disease in this review. The purpose of the present literature analysis is to portray examples of CLL studies from different omics levels, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, epitranscriptomics, proteomics, epiproteomics, metabolomics, glycomics and lipidomics, as well as those identified by multi-omics approaches. The review includes the list of 102 CLL-associated genes with relevant genomics information. While single-omics studies yield substantial and useful data, they omit a significant level of complex biological interplay present in the disease. As multi-omics studies integrate several different layers of data, they may be better suited for complex diseases such as CLL and have thus far yielded promising results. Future multi-omics studies may assist clinicians in improved treatment choices based on CLL subtypes as well as allow the identification of novel biomarkers and targets for treatments.
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Grants
- P4-0220 Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS (Slovenian Research Agency)
- Dr. Calin is the Felix L. Haas Endowed Professor in Basic Science. Work in G.A.C.’s laboratory is supported by NCI grants 1R01 CA182905-01 and 1R01CA222007-01A1, NIGMS grant 1R01GM122775-01, DoD Idea Award W81XWH-21-1-0030, a Team DOD grant in Gastric Cancer W81XWH-21-1-0715, a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Moonshot Flagship project, a CLL Global Research Foundation 2019 grant, a CLL Global Research Foundation 2020 grant, a CLL Global Research Foundation 2022 grant, The G. Harold & Leila Y. Mathers Foundation, two grants from Torrey Coast Foundation, an Institutional Research Grant and Development Grant associated with the Brain SPORE 2P50CA127001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Turk
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine, University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Čeh
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - George A Calin
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Tanja Kunej
- Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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5
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Wang W, Chen H, Ju W, Yang W, Ding G, Wang L. A rare case of Richter transformation with breast involvement: A case report and literature review. Open Life Sci 2024; 19:20220889. [PMID: 38911930 PMCID: PMC11193393 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) represents the development of intrusive lymphoma in individuals previously or concurrently diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is characterized by lymph node enlargement. However, cases involving extra-nodal organ involvement as the first symptom are rare. There are no reports of RT with breast lesions as the first symptom. Nonspecific and atypical clinical manifestations represent key challenges in the accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of RT. This case report describes an elderly female patient who presented with breast lesions as the first RT symptom. The patient was admitted with a painless mass in the left breast. Examination revealed multiple lymphadenopathies and abnormally high white blood cell levels. The patient was diagnosed with CLL after hematological tests, assessments of bone marrow morphology, and tissue biopsy. Mammography and B-ultrasonography showed solid space-occupying lesions (BI-RADS category 5) in the left breast. Initially, the patient declined a breast biopsy and was therefore prescribed ibrupotinib treatment, which showed limited efficacy. A needle biopsy of the affected breast indicated the presence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Based on auxiliary and pathological examinations and medical history, the final diagnosis was RT with breast involvement. Zanubrutinib with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone treatment provided initial control; however, the treatment strategy required adjustment because of the patient's fluctuating condition. The current status of the patient is marked as stable, showing an overall achievement of partial alleviation. The patient is in the process of receiving follow-up treatment. We also performed a comprehensive literature review on RT, with particular emphasis on its biological paradigm, prognosis implications, existing therapeutic approaches, and emerging directions in treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pathology, Hangzhou Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wendong Ju
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Zhongshan Boai Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan528403, Guangdong, China
| | - Weihong Yang
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Boai Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan,
Guangdong, China
| | - Gaoming Ding
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Zhongshan Boai Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Zhongshan528403, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Zhongshan Boai Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, 6 Chenggui Road, East District, Zhongshan, 528403, Guangdong, China
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6
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Negara I, Tomuleasa C, Buruiana S, Efremov DG. Molecular Subtypes and the Role of TP53 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Richter Syndrome. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2170. [PMID: 38927876 PMCID: PMC11201917 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoid malignancy and a heterogeneous entity comprised of several biologically distinct subtypes. Recently, novel genetic classifications of DLBCL have been resolved based on common mutational patterns indicative of distinct pathways of transformation. However, the complicated and costly nature of the novel classifiers has precluded their inclusion into routine practice. In view of this, the status of the TP53 gene, which is mutated or deleted in 20-30% of the cases, has emerged as an important prognostic factor for DLBCL patients, setting itself apart from other predictors. TP53 genetic lesions are particularly enriched in a genetic subtype of DLBCL that shares genomic features with Richter Syndrome, highlighting the possibility of a subset of DLBCL arising from the transformation of an occult chronic lymphocytic leukemia-like malignancy, such as monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis. Patients with TP53-mutated DLBCL, including those with Richter Syndrome, have a particularly poor prognosis and display inferior responses to standard chemoimmunotherapy regimens. The data presented in this manuscript argue for the need for improved and more practical risk-stratification models for patients with DLBCL and show the potential for the use of TP53 mutational status for prognostication and, in prospect, treatment stratification in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Negara
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, “Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova;
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Sanda Buruiana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, “Nicolae Testemitanu” State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2004 Chisinau, Moldova;
| | - Dimitar G. Efremov
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
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7
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Bayraktar R, Fontana B, Calin GA, Nemeth K. miRNA Biology in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:181-193. [PMID: 38724414 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that play a crucial regulatory role in fundamental biological processes and have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. The first evidence of the cancer-related function of miRNAs was discovered in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the early 2000s. Alterations in miRNA expression have since been shown to strongly influence the clinical course, prognosis, and response to treatment in patients with CLL. Therefore, the identification of specific miRNA alterations not only enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying CLL but also holds promise for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge and recent insights into miRNA dysregulation in CLL, emphasizing its pivotal roles in disease progression, including the development of the lethal Richter syndrome, and to provide an update on the latest translational research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Recep Bayraktar
- Translational Molecular Pathology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Beatrice Fontana
- Translational Molecular Pathology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; The RNA Interference and Non-coding RNA Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kinga Nemeth
- Translational Molecular Pathology Department, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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Messana VG, Fascì A, Vitale N, Micillo M, Rovere M, Pesce NA, Martines C, Efremov DG, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S. A molecular circuit linking the BCR to the NAD biosynthetic enzyme NAMPT is an actionable target in Richter syndrome. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1920-1933. [PMID: 38359376 PMCID: PMC11021907 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This works defines, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time a molecular circuit connecting nicotinamide mononucleoside phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) activity to the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway. Using 4 distinct xenograft models derived from patients with Richter syndrome (RS-PDX), we show that BCR cross-linking results in transcriptional activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthetic enzyme NAMPT, with increased protein expression, in turn, positively affecting global cellular NAD levels and sirtuins activity. NAMPT blockade, by using the novel OT-82 inhibitor in combination with either BTK or PI3K inhibitors (BTKi or PI3Ki), induces rapid and potent apoptotic responses in all 4 models, independently of their mutational profile and the expression of the other NAD biosynthetic enzymes, including nicotinate phosphoribosyltransferase. The connecting link in the circuit is represented by AKT that is both tyrosine- and serine-phosphorylated by PI3K and deacetylated by sirtuin 1 and 2 to obtain full kinase activation. Acetylation (ie, inhibition) of AKT after OT-82 administration was shown by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition or silencing of sirtuin 1 and 2 impairs AKT activation and induces apoptosis of RS cells in combination with PI3Ki or BTKi. Lastly, treatment of RS-PDX mice with the combination of PI3Ki and OT-82 results in significant inhibition of tumor growth, with evidence of in vivo activation of apoptosis. Collectively, these data highlight a novel application for NAMPT inhibitors in combination with BTKi or PI3Ki in aggressive lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo G. Messana
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Amelia Fascì
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Department of Molecular Biotechnologies and Health Science, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matilde Micillo
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Rovere
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Noemi A. Pesce
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Martines
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Dimitar G. Efremov
- Molecular Hematology Unit, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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9
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Pham N, Coombs CC, O'Brien S. Are we closer to a standard of care for Richter's syndrome? Novel treatments on the horizon. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:117-126. [PMID: 38693662 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2350528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The therapeutic landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) has significantly evolved over the past decade with dramatically improved outcomes with the introduction of targeted therapies. This unfortunately has not been the case for Richter transformation (RT), the histologic transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma, most typically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As such, RT continues to be one of the most challenging complications of CLL/SLL. Historically, RT has a poor response to treatment, with a minority reaching complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS) being less than a year. AREAS COVERED The focus of this review is to discuss the effectiveness of commonly used regimens, and review existing data for emerging regimens being examined in ongoing clinical trials to improve prognosis and outcomes in patients with RT. Despite extensive efforts to optimize therapies for RT, there is still no generalized consensus on either first-line treatment regimens or regimens in the relapsed/refractory setting. RT continues to carry a high mortality rate without durable response to current therapeutic agents. EXPERT OPINION Ongoing and future research may identify novel treatment approaches that will eventually improve outcomes for patients with RT. The optimal care for RT patients is a clinical trial, when feasible.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/mortality
- Standard of Care
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Treatment Outcome
- Disease Management
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Catherine C Coombs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Susan O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
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10
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Moia R, Gaidano G. Prognostication in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:83-90. [PMID: 38523019 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in Western countries. CLL is a highly heterogeneous disease: some patients may never require therapy and others relapse several times after different therapeutic strategies. Therefore, in CLL, prognostic markers are essential to capture high-risk patients for different clinical endpoints including early treatment requirement, early progression after BTK or BCL2 inhibitors and Richter transformation. In early stage CLL, different biological and clinical biomarkers have been identified to predict time to treatment requirement that could be used to identify the most appropriate population for early intervention clinical trial. However, at the moment, the standard of care for early stage CLL remains watch & wait since no survival benefit has been identified in clinical trials with chemoimmunotherapy and with BTK inhibitors. In patients requiring treatment TP53 disruptions identify high-risk patients who benefit the most from long-term continuous therapy with BTKi. On the opposite side of the spectrum, IGHV mutated patients devoid of TP53 disruption benefit the most from fixed-duration therapy with venetoclax-obinutuzumab. In between, the highly heterogenous subgroup of patients with IGHV unmutated genes represents the group in which further efforts are needed to identify additional prognostic biomarkers aimed at selecting patients who can benefit from fixed-duration and patients who can benefit from long term BTKi therapy. In the context of the aggressive transformation of CLL, namely Richter syndrome, the clonal relationship to the CLL counterpart represents the strongest prognostic biomarker. Clonally related Richter syndrome still represents an unmet clinical need which requires further efforts to identify new therapeutic strategies.
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MESH Headings
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Humans
- Prognosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Mutation
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Moia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
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11
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Playa-Albinyana H, Arenas F, Royo R, Giró A, López-Oreja I, Aymerich M, López-Guerra M, Frigola G, Beà S, Delgado J, Garcia-Roves PM, Campo E, Nadeu F, Colomer D. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient-derived xenografts recapitulate clonal evolution to Richter transformation. Leukemia 2024; 38:557-569. [PMID: 38017105 PMCID: PMC10912031 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell neoplasm with a heterogeneous clinical behavior. In 5-10% of patients the disease transforms into a diffuse large-B cell lymphoma known as Richter transformation (RT), which is associated with dismal prognosis. Here, we aimed to establish patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to study the molecular features and evolution of CLL and RT. We generated two PDXs by injecting CLL (PDX12) and RT (PDX19) cells into immunocompromised NSG mice. Both PDXs were morphologically and phenotypically similar to RT. Whole-genome sequencing analysis at different time points of the PDX evolution revealed a genomic landscape similar to RT tumors from both patients and uncovered an unprecedented RT subclonal heterogeneity and clonal evolution during PDX generation. In PDX12, the transformed cells expanded from a very small subclone already present at the CLL stage. Transcriptomic analysis of PDXs showed a high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and low B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling similar to the RT in the patients. IACS-010759, an OXPHOS inhibitor, reduced proliferation, and circumvented resistance to venetoclax. In summary, we have generated new RT-PDX models, one of them from CLL cells that mimicked the evolution of CLL to RT uncovering intrinsic features of RT cells of therapeutical value.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Heterografts
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Clonal Evolution/genetics
- Prognosis
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Heribert Playa-Albinyana
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabian Arenas
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romina Royo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Giró
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene López-Oreja
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Aymerich
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica López-Guerra
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Frigola
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Beà
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Delgado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo M Garcia-Roves
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elías Campo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Nadeu
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Heyman B, Choi M, Kipps TJ. A + AVD for Treatment of Hodgkin Lymphoma Variant of Richter's Transformation. Case Rep Hematol 2024; 2024:7612622. [PMID: 38434151 PMCID: PMC10908572 DOI: 10.1155/2024/7612622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hodgkin lymphoma variant of Richter's transformation (HvRT) is a rare complication for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), with an overall poor prognosis. We present the first known case series of patients with HvRT treated with the combination of brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A + AVD). In our series of 4 patients, two patients treated with A + AVD for HvRT had durable remissions of 40 and 42 months, while two patients had disease progression and ultimately died. Continued investigation into the optimal management for patients with HvRT is still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Heyman
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Michael Choi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Thomas J. Kipps
- Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
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13
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Fend F, van den Brand M, Groenen PJ, Quintanilla-Martinez L, Bagg A. Diagnostic and prognostic molecular pathology of lymphoid malignancies. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:195-214. [PMID: 37747559 PMCID: PMC10948535 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03644-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
With the explosion in knowledge about the molecular landscape of lymphoid malignancies and the increasing availability of high throughput techniques, molecular diagnostics in hematopathology has moved from isolated marker studies to a more comprehensive approach, integrating results of multiple genes analyzed with a variety of techniques on the DNA and RNA level. Although diagnosis of lymphoma still relies on the careful integration of clinical, morphological, phenotypic, and, if necessary molecular features, and only few entities are defined strictly by genetic features, genetic profiling has contributed profoundly to our current understanding of lymphomas and shaped the two current lymphoma classifications, the International Consensus Classification and the fifth edition of the WHO classification of lymphoid malignancies. In this review, the current state of the art of molecular diagnostics in lymphoproliferations is summarized, including clonality analysis, mutational studies, and gene expression profiling, with a focus on practical applications for diagnosis and prognostication. With consideration for differences in accessibility of high throughput techniques and cost limitations, we tried to distinguish between diagnostically relevant and in part disease-defining molecular features and optional, more extensive genetic profiling, which is usually restricted to clinical studies, patients with relapsed or refractory disease or specific therapeutic decisions. Although molecular diagnostics in lymphomas currently is primarily done for diagnosis and subclassification, prognostic stratification and predictive markers will gain importance in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falko Fend
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Michiel van den Brand
- Pathology-DNA, Location Rijnstate Hospital, Arnhem, the Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Jta Groenen
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martinez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Adam Bagg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Al-Sawaf O, Ligtvoet R, Robrecht S, Stumpf J, Fink AM, Tausch E, Schneider C, Boettcher S, Mikusko M, Ritgen M, Schetelig J, von Tresckow J, Vehling-Kaiser U, Gaska T, Wendtner CM, Chapuy B, Fischer K, Kreuzer KA, Stilgenbauer S, Staber P, Niemann C, Hallek M, Eichhorst B. Tislelizumab plus zanubrutinib for Richter transformation: the phase 2 RT1 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:240-248. [PMID: 38071379 PMCID: PMC10803258 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Richter transformation (RT) reflects the development of an aggressive lymphoma that is associated with poor response to chemotherapy and short survival. We initiated an international, investigator-initiated, prospective, open-label phase 2 study in which patients with RT received a combination of the PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab plus the BTK inhibitor zanubrutinib for 12 cycles. Patients responding to treatment underwent maintenance treatment with both agents. The primary end point was overall response rate after six cycles. Of 59 enrolled patients, 48 patients received at least two cycles of treatment and comprised the analysis population according to the study protocol. The median observation time was 13.9 months, the median age was 67 (range 45-82) years. Ten patients (20.8%) had received previous RT-directed therapy. In total, 28 out of 48 patients responded to induction therapy with an overall response rate of 58.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 43.2-72.4), including 9 (18.8%) complete reponse and 19 (39.6%) partial response, meeting the study's primary end point by rejecting the predefined null hypothesis of 40% (P = 0.008). Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival and overall survival. The median duration of response was not reached, the median progression-free survival was 10.0 months (95% CI 3.8-16.3). Median overall survival was not reached with a 12-month overall survival rate of 74.7% (95% CI 58.4-91.0). The most common adverse events were infections (18.0%), gastrointestinal disorders (13.0%) and hematological toxicities (11.4%). These data suggest that combined checkpoint and BTK inhibition by tislelizumab plus zanubrutinib is an effective and well-tolerated treatment strategy for patients with RT. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04271956 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Othman Al-Sawaf
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- Francis Crick Institute London, London, UK.
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Rudy Ligtvoet
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Robrecht
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janina Stumpf
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Fink
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Department III of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christof Schneider
- Department III of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Boettcher
- Department III of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Mikusko
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Ritgen
- Department II of Internal Medicine, Campus Kiel, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Johannes Schetelig
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia von Tresckow
- Clinic for Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Gaska
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brüderkrankenhaus St. Josef, Paderborn, Germany
| | | | - Bjoern Chapuy
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Charité -University Medical Center Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Fischer
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karl-Anton Kreuzer
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Staber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carsten Niemann
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Barbara Eichhorst
- Department I of Internal Medicine and German CLL Study Group; Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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15
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Park HS, Son BR, Son SM, Kwon J. TP53 mutation is a high-risk factor for Richter's syndrome based on circulating tumor DNA. Blood Res 2023; 58:228-231. [PMID: 37926558 PMCID: PMC10758638 DOI: 10.5045/br.2023.2023189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hee Sue Park
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Bo Ra Son
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seung Myoung Son
- Departments of Pathology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jihyun Kwon
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
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16
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Miki K, Ogasawara R, Sugimura S, Sugita J, Nozu R, Kojima K, Hidaka D, Shimizu A, Okada K, Kobayashi N, Ogasawara M, Imamura M, Matsuno Y, Ota S. A case of Hodgkin lymphoma-type Richter syndrome presenting as small-intestinal perforation. Int J Hematol 2023; 118:766-771. [PMID: 37672179 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-023-03655-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Hodgkin lymphoma type of Richter syndrome (HL-type RS) is a rare disease that arises in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). HL-type RS lesions can manifest in various sites and are often accompanied by related symptoms. This is the first case report to describe diagnosis of HL-type RS after emergency surgery for gastrointestinal perforation caused by the development of a HL-type RS lesion. A 47-year-old man diagnosed with CLL three years prior began treatment with ibrutinib due to worsening anemia and splenomegaly two months prior to the emergency department presentation. Although splenomegaly improved, lymphocytopenia, anemia, and a newly arising mesenteric lymphadenopathy continued to worsen. He presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, and subsequent surgery revealed small intestinal perforation and mesenteric lymphadenopathy with HL-type RS confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected small intestine. He subsequently received brentuximab vedotin, doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (A + AVD), which effectively managed the HL-type RS. If CLL clinical presentation deviates from the typical course, an early tissue biopsy should be considered to evaluate for HL-type RS. Given the adoption of the A + AVD regimen as the standard treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, further research is needed to evaluate its efficacy in HL-type RS.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Anemia/complications
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
- Hodgkin Disease/complications
- Hodgkin Disease/diagnosis
- Hodgkin Disease/drug therapy
- Intestinal Perforation/etiology
- Intestinal Perforation/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/complications
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphadenopathy/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Splenomegaly/complications
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Miki
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Reiki Ogasawara
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Sugimura
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Junichi Sugita
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Rintaro Nozu
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kojima
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hidaka
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ai Shimizu
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kohei Okada
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Naoki Kobayashi
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ogasawara
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masahiro Imamura
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ota
- Department of Hematology, Sapporo Hokuyu Hospital, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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17
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Koo CW, Frota Lima LM, Kerper A, Lo YC. Anatomic Approach to Common and Uncommon Manifestations of Thoracic Leukemias with Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation. Radiol Cardiothorac Imaging 2023; 5:e230151. [PMID: 38166347 PMCID: PMC11163245 DOI: 10.1148/ryct.230151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Leukemias are hematopoietic malignancies characterized by the production of abnormal leukocytes in the bone marrow. Clinical manifestations arise from either bone marrow suppression or leukemic organ infiltration. Lymphadenopathy is the most common direct manifestation of intrathoracic leukemia. However, leukemic cells may also infiltrate the lungs, pleura, heart, bones, and soft tissues. Pulmonary complications in patients with leukemia typically include pneumonia, hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and sequelae of leukemia treatment. However, pulmonary abnormalities can also be related directly to leukemia, including leukemic pulmonary infiltration. The direct, non-treatment-related effects of leukemia on intrathoracic structures will be the focus of this imaging essay. Given the typical anatomic approach for image interpretation, an organ-based depiction of common and less common intrathoracic findings directly caused by leukemic involvement is presented, emphasizing imaging findings with pathologic correlations. Keywords: Leukemia, Pulmonary, Thorax, Soft Tissues/Skin, Hematologic, Bone Marrow © RSNA, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Wan Koo
- From the Department of Radiology (C.W.K., L.M.F.L.) and Department of
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (A.K., Y.C.L.), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW,
Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Livia Maria Frota Lima
- From the Department of Radiology (C.W.K., L.M.F.L.) and Department of
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (A.K., Y.C.L.), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW,
Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Allison Kerper
- From the Department of Radiology (C.W.K., L.M.F.L.) and Department of
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (A.K., Y.C.L.), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW,
Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Ying-Chun Lo
- From the Department of Radiology (C.W.K., L.M.F.L.) and Department of
Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (A.K., Y.C.L.), Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW,
Rochester, MN 55905
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18
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Sousa-Pimenta M, Martins Â, Mariz JM, Berraondo P. Response to therapy in Richter syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis of early clinical trials. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1295293. [PMID: 38077330 PMCID: PMC10702133 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295293] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and aims Richter syndrome (RS) represents the clonal evolution of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with histological transformation into a high-grade B cell lymphoma (diffuse large B cell lymphoma - DLBCL) or Hodgkin lymphoma. Considering that RS is an uncommon condition with poor prognosis, few high-quality evidence is available. To overcome this unmet need, this meta-analysis aimed to pool efficacy of early clinical trials in Richter syndrome (DLBCL subtype). Methods MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to May of 2023 to identify clinical trials decoying efficacy. The pooled complete response, objective response and intension-to-treat failure rates were calculated by pharmacological categories (classical chemotherapy, immunochemotherapy, immunotherapy, Bruton-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, targeted approaches, cell-based therapies and combinatorial regimens) using the Der-Simonian and Laird random-effects model. The Freeman-Tukey double arcsine method was used to estimate variance and confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 method. Results Overall, from 1242 studies identified, 30 were included, pooling data from 509 patients. The higher efficacy rates when, cell-based therapies were excluded, were achieved by immunochemotherapeutic regimens followed by combinatorial regimens, with complete response rates of 21.54% (IC95%14.93-28.87) and 23.77% (IC95% 8.70-42.19), respectively. Bispecific antibodies (alone or coupled with a chemotherapy debulking strategy) overtook Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors response rates. The latter, although achieving objective response rates above average, presented scarce complete response rates. Checkpoint inhibitors alone usually do not lead to complete responses, but their effectiveness may improve when combined with other agents, unveiling the importance of immune microenvironmental modulation. Conclusion This is the first meta-analysis of early clinical trials assessing the impact of different therapeutics in RS. By analyzing the pooled efficacy estimates, our work suggests the role of a tailor-made bridging therapy for young patients with RS eligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT), formally the only curative strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário Sousa-Pimenta
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângelo Martins
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - José Mário Mariz
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
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19
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Woroniecka R, Rymkiewicz G, Bystydzienski Z, Pienkowska-Grela B, Rygier J, Malawska N, Wojtkowska K, Goral N, Blachnio K, Chmielewski M, Bartnik-Glaska M, Grygalewicz B. Cytogenomic features of Richter transformation. Mol Cytogenet 2023; 16:31. [PMID: 37941034 PMCID: PMC10631075 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-023-00662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Richter transformation (RT) is the development of aggressive lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). This rare disease is characterised by dismal prognosis. In recent years, there has been a deeper understanding of RT molecular pathogenesis, and disruptions of apoptosis (TP53) and proliferation (CDKN2A, MYC, NOTCH1) has been described as typical aberrations in RT. RESULTS A single-institution cohort of 33 RT patients were investigated by karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization and single nucleotide polymorphism/copy number (CN) arrays. Most of RTs were typically manifested by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, among the remaining cases one was classified as high-grade B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberrations. The most frequent alterations (40-60% of cases) were represented by MYC rearrangement/gain, deletions of TP53 and CDKN2A, IGH rearrangement and 13q14 deletion. Several other frequent lesions included losses of 14q24.1-q32.33, 7q31.33-q36.3, and gain of 5q35.2. Analysis of 13 CLL/SLL-RT pairs showed that RT arised from the CLL/SLL by acquiring of 10 ~ 12 cytogenetic or CN lesions/case, but without acquisition of loss of heterozygosity regions. Our result affirmed the higher genetic complexity in RT than CLL/SLL and confirmed the linear features of RT clonal evolution as predominant. CONCLUSIONS Cytogenomic profile was concordant with the literature data, however the role of IGH rearrangement, 14q deletion and 5q35.2 gain need to be explored. We anticipate that further characterization of RT lesions will probably facilitate better understanding of the RT clonal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Woroniecka
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Rymkiewicz
- Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska - Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Bystydzienski
- Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska - Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Pienkowska-Grela
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Rygier
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Malawska
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wojtkowska
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nikolina Goral
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Blachnio
- Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska - Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Chmielewski
- Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska - Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Beata Grygalewicz
- Cytogenetic Laboratory, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgen Street, Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Abrisqueta P, Nadeu F, Bosch-Schips J, Iacoboni G, Serna A, Cabirta A, Yáñez L, Quintanilla-Martínez L, Bosch F. From genetics to therapy: Unraveling the complexities of Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102619. [PMID: 37660626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) refers to the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the most prevalent leukemia among adults, into a highly aggressive lymphoproliferative disorder, primarily a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This is a severe complication that continues to be a therapeutic challenge and remains an unmet medical need. Over the last five years, significant advances have occurred in uncovering the biological processes leading to the RT, refining criteria for properly diagnose RT from other entities, and exploring new therapeutic options beyond the ineffective chemotherapy. This review summarizes current knowledge in RT, including recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of RT, in the classification of RT, and in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this grave complication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Abrisqueta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ferran Nadeu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jan Bosch-Schips
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Iacoboni
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Angel Serna
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Alba Cabirta
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Lucrecia Yáñez
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - Leticia Quintanilla-Martínez
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tübingen University Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center Tübingen-Stuttgart, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francesc Bosch
- Department of Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Experimental Hematology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
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21
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Romano I, Condoluci A, Rossi D. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Treatment of Richter's Transformation. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:786-799. [PMID: 37586917 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Richter's transformation (RT) is a rare condition, represented by the development of an aggressive lymphoma arising from underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. The management of RT remains challenging, necessitating combined therapeutic strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. Traditional treatment options for RT have involved intensive chemotherapy regimens, often with limited success due to the high-risk nature of the disease. However, recent advances in the understanding of RT pathogenesis have led to the emergence of novel targeted therapies that show promising results. Noncovalent Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, and conjugated monoclonal antibodies may hold promise for improved outcomes in RT, especially when combined in a multitargeted fashion. Further prospective randomized trials and collaborative efforts are warranted to optimize treatment algorithm and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this dismal condition. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current treatment options for RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Romano
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Division of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Adalgisa Condoluci
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Division of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Davide Rossi
- Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland; Division of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland..
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22
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Alshemmari SH, Siddiqui MA, Pandita R, Osman HY, Cherif H, O'Brien S, Marashi M, Al Farsi K. Evidence-Based Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Consensus Statements from the Gulf Region. Acta Haematol 2023; 147:260-279. [PMID: 37751733 DOI: 10.1159/000531675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite recent advances in diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment options, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is still a largely incurable disease. New concepts on diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up on CLL have been incorporated throughout recent years. The lack of regional consensus guidelines has led to varying practices in the management of patients with CLL in the region. This manuscript aims to reach a consensus among expert hematologists regarding the definitions, classifications, and related practices of CLL. The experts developed a set of statements utilizing their personal experience together with the current literature on CLL management. This consensus aims to provide guidance for healthcare professionals involved in the management of CLL and serves as a step in developing regional guidelines. METHODS Eight experts responded to 50 statements regarding the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and prognosis of CLL with three potential answering alternatives ranging between agree, disagree, and abstain. This consensus adopted a modified Delphi consensus methodology. A consensus was reached when at least 75% of the agreement to the answer was reached. This manuscript presents the scientific insights of the participating attendees, panel discussions, and the supporting literature review. RESULTS Of the 50 statements, a consensus was reached on almost all statements. Statements covered CLL-related topics, including diagnostic evaluation, staging, risk assessment, different patient profiles, prognostic evaluation, treatment decisions, therapy sequences, response evaluation, complications, and CLL during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION In recent years, CLL management has progressed significantly, with many diagnostic tests and several novel treatments becoming available. This consensus gathers decades of consolidated principles, novel research, and promising prospects for the management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salem H Alshemmari
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Department of Hematology, Kuwait Cancer Control Centre, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Mustaqeem A Siddiqui
- Hematology and Oncology Division, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Mayo Clinic Division of Hematology, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ramesh Pandita
- Department of Hematology, Kuwait Cancer Control Centre, Shuwaikh, Kuwait
| | - Hani Y Osman
- Oncology Department, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Honar Cherif
- Departmant of Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Susan O'Brien
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mahmoud Marashi
- Department of Hematology, Dubai Healthcare Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Khalil Al Farsi
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Muscat, Seeb, Oman
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23
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Ohmoto A, Fuji S. Prospects of early therapeutic interventions for indolent adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma based on the chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression model. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101057. [PMID: 36828681 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) has aggressive clinical behaviors, and improving its prognosis is a great challenge. A disease progression model from asymptomatic human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 carrier to aggressive-type ATLL has been proposed, and indolent ATLL comprising a smoldering or favorable chronic type is located at the midpoint. Even the most favorable smoldering type has a 4-year overall survival rate of <60%. Although watchful waiting is pervasive in patients with indolent ATLL, early therapeutic intervention is discussed among hematologists. Indolent ATLL was once termed T-cell-derived chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Unlike indolent ATLL, several molecular-targeted agents at the initial treatment have dramatically improved CLL prognosis. Recent studies on CLL have revealed a similar progression model involving premalignant monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). In particular, individuals with high-count MBL have an increased lymphoma risk. Considering the unsatisfactory long-term prognosis of indolent ATLL, further treatment strategies, including precision medicine, are warranted.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Humans
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Prognosis
- Antineoplastic Agents
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Ohmoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 1358550, Japan; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Shigeo Fuji
- Department of Hematology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, 5418567, Japan.
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24
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Czader M, Amador C, Cook JR, Thakkar D, Parker C, Dave SS, Dogan A, Duffield AS, Nejati R, Ott G, Xiao W, Wasik M, Goodlad JR. Progression and transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia: Report from the 2021 SH/EAHP Workshop. Am J Clin Pathol 2023; 159:554-571. [PMID: 37052539 PMCID: PMC10233402 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Session 3 of the 2021 Workshop of the Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology examined progression and transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL). METHODS Thirty-one cases were reviewed by the panel. Additional studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular genetic testing, including whole-exome sequencing and expression profiling, were performed in select cases. RESULTS Session 3 included 27 CLL/SLL cases and miscellaneous associated proliferations, 3 cases of B-PLL, and 1 case of small B-cell lymphoma. The criteria for -accelerated CLL/SLL are established for lymph nodes, but extranodal disease can be diagnostically challenging. Richter transformation (RT) is a broad term and includes true transformation from original CLL/SLL clone(s) and clonally unrelated neoplasms. The morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic spectrum is diverse with classical and highly unusual examples. T-cell proliferations can also be encountered in CLL/SLL. B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia is a rare, diagnostically challenging disease due to its overlaps with other lymphoid neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS The workshop highlighted complexity of progression and transformation in CLL/SLL and B-PLL, as well as diagnostic caveats accompanying heterogeneous presentations of RT and other manifestations of disease progression. Molecular genetic studies are pivotal for diagnosis and determination of clonal relationship, and to predict response to treatment and identify resistance to targeted therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Prolymphocytic, B-Cell
- Lymphoma, B-Cell
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Czader
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, US
| | - Catalina Amador
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - James R Cook
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, US
| | - Devang Thakkar
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, US
| | | | - Sandeep S Dave
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, US
| | - Ahmet Dogan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Amy S Duffield
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, US
| | - Reza Nejati
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, US
| | - German Ott
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch-Krankenhaus, and Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Wenbin Xiao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Mariusz Wasik
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, US
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25
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Jain N, Senapati J, Thakral B, Ferrajoli A, Thompson P, Burger J, Basu S, Kadia T, Daver N, Borthakur G, Konopleva M, Pemmaraju N, Parry E, Wu CJ, Khoury J, Bueso-Ramos C, Garg N, Wang X, Lopez W, Ayala A, O’Brien S, Kantarjian H, Keating M, Allison J, Sharma P, Wierda W. A phase 2 study of nivolumab combined with ibrutinib in patients with diffuse large B-cell Richter transformation of CLL. Blood Adv 2023; 7:1958-1966. [PMID: 36287248 PMCID: PMC10189379 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Richter transformation (RT) is a rare complication of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that has dismal outcomes. Upregulation of PD-1/PD-L1 drives immunological evasion in patients with RT. We hypothesized that combining nivolumab, a PD-1 blocking antibody, with the BTK inhibitor (BTKi) ibrutinib could potentiate tumor-cell killing. We conducted an investigator-initiated phase 2 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of combined nivolumab and ibrutinib in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) RT and CLL. Patients included were ≥18 years of age with adequate hepatic and renal function. Patients received nivolumab every 2 weeks of a 4-week cycle for a maximum of 24 cycles. A standard dose ibrutinib was initiated from cycle 2 onward and continued daily until progression. For patients who were already on ibrutinib at the time of study entry, the same was continued while nivolumab was initiated. A total of 24 patients with RT with a median age of 64.5 years (range, 47-88) were enrolled. Ten patients (42%) had received prior treatment for RT and 13 patients (54%) had received a prior BTKi. A total of 10 patients (42%) responded with a median duration of response of 15 months. The median overall survival was 13 months. Four of 24 (17%) patients had checkpoint inhibition-related immunological toxicities. In the CLL cohort, 10 patients were enrolled, of whom 3 patients converted from partial to complete remission; 1 patient had a grade 2 immunological toxicity. Combined nivolumab and ibrutinib is an active regimen for patients with DLBCL RT with an overall response rate of 42%. Given the limited treatment options for patients with RT, checkpoint inhibition provides a potential therapeutic option. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02420912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Jain
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jayastu Senapati
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Beenu Thakral
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Philip Thompson
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Jan Burger
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Sreyashi Basu
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Naveen Pemmaraju
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Erin Parry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph Khoury
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Carlos Bueso-Ramos
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Naveen Garg
- Department of Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Wanda Lopez
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ana Ayala
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Susan O’Brien
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Michael Keating
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - James Allison
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - William Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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26
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Briski R, Taylor J. Treatment of Richter Transformation of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Modern Era. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061857. [PMID: 36980742 PMCID: PMC10047346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Richter Transformation (RT) refers to the development of an aggressive lymphoma in the setting of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While many variants of RT are recognized, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (RT-DLBCL) is the most common (80%), followed by Hodgkin’s lymphoma (RT-HL, 19%). Diagnosis is based upon histologic evaluation of clinically suspicious lymph nodes. Positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to select the node of interest for biopsy. Although clonality testing is not a prerequisite of RT diagnosis, it has significant implications for survival. Clonally related DLBCL carries the worst prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) of less than one year in the era of combination chemotherapies with or without anti-CD20 antibodies. Prognosis has improved with the use of stem cell transplant and newer agents such as targeted therapy and newer forms of immunotherapy. Consideration of a clinical trial is encouraged. This review describes our current understanding of RT and focuses on treatment of RT-DLBCL, including clinical trials in progress and new therapies in development. We also report an illustrative example of a patient with clonally related DLBCL who survived two years after diagnosis without the use of combination chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Briski
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Justin Taylor
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Correspondence:
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27
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Immune evasion phenotype is common in Richter transformation diffuse large B-cell lymphoma variant. Virchows Arch 2023. [PMID: 36864257 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 inhibitors) have shown clinical activity in Richter transformation-diffuse large B-cell lymphoma variant (RT-DLBCL), thus providing for a novel therapeutic approach. The study group consists of 64 patients with RT-DLBCL. Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CD30, and microsatellite instability (MSI) status (hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6, PMS1) was assessed using immunohistochemistry. EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) was evaluated using colorimetric in situ hybridization. PD-1 and PD-L1 expression levels were categorized on the basis of tumor cell expression as follows: negative (< 5%), positive to low-positive (5-50%), or high-positive (> 50%). An "immune evasion phenotype" (IEP) was defined as RT-DLBCL cases having high-positive expression of PD-1 and/or PD-L1 on tumor cells. The level of PD1-positive tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was estimated as a fraction of total lymphocytes and categorized as negative/low vs. brisk (> 20%). 28/64 (43.7%) patients were characterized as IEP+ RT-DLBCL. A brisk level of PD1+ TILs was significantly more common in IEP1+ compared with IEP- tumors (17/28, 60.7% vs. 5/34, 14.7%; p = 0.001). In addition, CD30 expression was significantly more common in IEP+ compared with IEP- RT-DLBCL (6/20, 30% vs. 1/27, 3.7%; p = 0.0320). Two (2/36; 5.5%) cases were positive for EBER, both IEP+. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, sex, or time to transformation. Assessment of mismatch repair proteins demonstrated absence of microsatellite instability (MSI) in all cases (18/18; 100%). Notably, patients with brisk PD1+ TILs had a significantly better OS compared to those with a negative/low infiltrate (p = 0.0285).
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El Hussein S, Medeiros LJ, Lyapichev KA, Fang H, Jelloul FZ, Fiskus W, Chen J, Wei P, Schlette E, Xu J, Li S, Kanagal-Shamanna R, Yang H, Tang Z, Thakral B, Loghavi S, Jain N, Thompson PA, Ferrajoli A, Wierda WG, Jabbour E, Patel KP, Dabaja BS, Bhalla KN, Khoury JD. Immunophenotypic and genomic landscape of Richter transformation diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Pathology 2023; 55:514-524. [PMID: 36933995 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2022.12.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
Integrated clinicopathological and molecular analyses of Richter transformation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtype (RT-DLBCL) cases remain limited. This study group included 142 patients with RT-DLBCL. Morphological evaluation and immunophenotyping, using immunohistochemistry and/or multicolour flow cytometry, were performed. The results of conventional karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridisation analysis and mutation profiling performed using next generation sequencing were reviewed. Patients included 91 (64.1%) men and 51 (35.9%) women with a median age of 65.4 years (range 25.4-84.9 years) at the time of RT-DLBCL diagnosis. Patients had CLL for a median of 49.5 months (range 0-330 months) before onset of RT-DLBCL. Most cases (97.2%) of RT-DLBCL had immunoblastic (IB) morphology, the remainder had a high grade morphology. The most commonly expressed markers included: CD19 (100%), PAX5 (100%), BCL2 (97.5%), LEF1 (94.7%), CD22 (90.2%), CD5 (88.6%), CD20 (85.7%), CD38 (83.5%), MUM1 (83.3%), CD23 (77%) and MYC (46.3%). Most (51/65, 78.4%) cases had a non-germinal centre B-cell immunophenotype. MYC rearrangement was detected in 9/47 (19.1%) cases, BCL2 rearrangement was detected in 5/22 (22.7%) cases, and BCL6 rearrangement was detected in 2/15 (13.3%) cases. In comparison to CLL, RT-DLBCL had higher numbers of alterations involving chromosomes 6, 17, 21, and 22. The most common mutations detected in RT-DLBCL involved TP53 (9/14, 64.3%), NOTCH1 (4/14, 28.6%) and ATM (3/14, 21.4%). Among RT-DLBCL cases with mutant TP53, 5/8 (62.5%) had TP53 copy number loss, and among those, such loss was detected in the CLL phase of the disease in 4/8 (50%) cases. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with germinal centre B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB RT-DLBCL. Only CD5 expression correlated significantly with OS (HR=2.732; 95% CI 1.397-5.345; p=0.0374). RT-DLBCL has distinctive morphological and immunophenotypic features, characterised by IB morphology and common expression of CD5, MUM1 and LEF1. Cell-of-origin does not seem to have prognostic implications in RT-DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siba El Hussein
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - L Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kirill A Lyapichev
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Fang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fatima Zahra Jelloul
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Warren Fiskus
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiansong Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ellen Schlette
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaoying Li
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhenya Tang
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Beenu Thakral
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nitin Jain
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip A Thompson
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keyur P Patel
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bouthaina S Dabaja
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kapil N Bhalla
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph D Khoury
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Iyer P, Zhang B, Liu T, Jin M, Hart K, Zhang J, Song J, Chan WC, Siddiqi T, Rosen ST, Danilov A, Wang L. MGA deletion leads to Richter's transformation via modulation of mitochondrial OXPHOS. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.07.527502. [PMID: 36798339 PMCID: PMC9934534 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.07.527502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Richter's transformation (RT) is a progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) to aggressive lymphoma. MGA ( Max gene associated ), a functional MYC suppressor, is mutated at 3% in CLL and 36% in RT. However, genetic models and molecular mechanisms of MGA deletion driving CLL to RT remain elusive. We established a novel RT mouse model by knockout of Mga in the Sf3b1 / Mdr CLL model via CRISPR-Cas9 to determine the role of Mga in RT. Murine RT cells exhibit mitochondrial aberrations with elevated oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). We identified Nme1 (Nucleoside diphosphate kinase) as a Mga target through RNA sequencing and functional characterization, which drives RT by modulating OXPHOS. As NME1 is also a known MYC target without targetable compounds, we found that concurrent inhibition of MYC and ETC complex II significantly prolongs the survival of RT mice in vivo . Our results suggest that Mga-Nme1 axis drives murine CLL-to-RT transition via modulating OXPHOS, highlighting a novel therapeutic avenue for RT. Statement of Significance We established a murine RT model through knockout of Mga in an existing CLL model based on co-expression of Sf3b1 -K700E and del ( 13q ). We determined that the MGA/NME1 regulatory axis is essential to the CLL-to-RT transition via modulation of mitochondrial OXPHOS, highlighting this pathway as a novel target for RT treatment.
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Zhao Y, Siddiqi I, Wildes TJ, McCracken J, Deak K, Rehder C, Wang E. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia With Two B-Cell Populations of Discordant Light Chain Restrictions in Individual Patients. Am J Clin Pathol 2023; 159:337-351. [PMID: 36749322 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqac165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate clinicopathologic characteristics of biclonal chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). METHODS Retrospectively analyze clinical data and pathologic features. RESULTS Ten cases were identified in which flow cytometry demonstrated an abnormal B-cell population with a CLL-like immunophenotype but showed no definitive light chain restriction. All had cytogenetic abnormalities detected, including seven with two CLL-related abnormalities. Four of these showed features suggestive of clonal evolution, all having del(13q) as a "stem-line" abnormality and three showing del(11q) as a "side-line" abnormality. Five (50%) cases demonstrated deleterious NOTCH1 mutations, in contrast to 11.8% in a control group of monoclonal CLL (P < .05). Of the 10 patients, 5 received treatment, with good/partial response in three cases and therapeutic resistance in one case. The median treatment-free survival was estimated at 68 months. CONCLUSIONS Despite a polytypic pattern of light chain expression, the neoplastic nature of biclonal CLL is suggested by a characteristic CLL phenotype and can be confirmed by cytogenetic and genomic analyses. The two clones with discordant light chain isotypes may share a "stem-line" cytogenetic abnormality, suggesting possible clonal evolution. Biclonal CLL is associated with NOTCH1 mutations, which may occur in a small subclone and gradually evolve in clonal size. Genomic analysis on light chain-sorted and/or chronologically collected samples may provide insight into clonal evolution in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Imran Siddiqi
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tyler J Wildes
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jenna McCracken
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kristen Deak
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Rehder
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Endi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Immunological Aspects of Richter Syndrome: From Immune Dysfunction to Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041015. [PMID: 36831361 PMCID: PMC9954516 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Richter Syndrome (RS) is defined as the development of an aggressive lymphoma in patients with a previous or simultaneous diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Two pathological variants of RS are recognized: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)-type and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL)-type RS. Different molecular mechanisms may explain the pathogenesis of DLBCL-type RS, including genetic lesions, modifications of immune regulators, and B cell receptor (BCR) pathway hyperactivation. Limited data are available for HL-type RS, and its development has been reported to be similar to de novo HL. In this review, we focus on the immune-related pathogenesis and immune system dysfunction of RS, which are linked to BCR over-reactivity, altered function of the immune system due to the underlying CLL, and specific features of the RS tumor microenvironment. The standard of care of this disease consists in chemoimmunotherapy, eventually followed by stem cell transplantation, but limited possibilities are offered to chemo-resistant patients, who represent the majority of RS cases. In order to address this unmet clinical need, several immunotherapeutic approaches have been developed, namely T cell engagement obtained with bispecific antibodies, PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade by the use of monoclonal antibodies, selective drug delivery with antibody-drug conjugates, and targeting malignant cells with anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-T cells.
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Wu Y, Liu S, Wang D, Yao X. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Secondary to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia After Prolonged Chlorambucil Therapy: A Case Report. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2023; 16:401-405. [PMID: 37138655 PMCID: PMC10150764 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s407940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to improve the understanding of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) secondary to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and to explore the sequence of occurrence and clonal origin of the two diseases. Case Report We reported a case of a 71-year-old man with a history of CLL. The patient was administrated with chlorambucil for 19 years and was admitted to our hospital due to fever. Then he was subjected with routine blood tests, bone marrow smear examination, flow cytometric immunophenotyping and cytogenetic analysis. A final diagnosis of AML-M2 secondary to CLL with -Y,del(4q),del(5q),-7,add(12p),der(17),der(18),-22,+mar was made. After rejecting the therapy with Azacitidine combined with B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) inhibitor, the patient died of pulmonary infection. Conclusion This case highlights the rare occurrence of AML secondary to CLL after prolonged chlorambucil therapy and the poor prognosis of such cases, underscoring the importance of enhanced assessment of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Hematology, The Harison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Hengshui, Hebei, 053000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Harison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Hengshui, Hebei, 053000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Harison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Hengshui, Hebei, 053000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Dongmei Wang, Department of Hematology, The Harison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, No. 180 Renmin East Road, Hengshui, Hebei, 053000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-318-2187163, Email
| | - Xinjie Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Harison International Peace Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Hengshui, Hebei, 053000, People’s Republic of China
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Sander B, Campo E, Hsi ED. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma: from early lesions to transformation. Virchows Arch 2023; 482:131-145. [PMID: 36454275 PMCID: PMC9852142 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03460-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The International Clinical Advisory Committee reviewed advances in our understanding of the clinicopathologic and biologic features of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, B-cell prolymphocytic leukaemia, and mantle cell lymphoma since the revised 4th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. Discussions amongst pathologists, clinicians, and molecular geneticists around these diseases focussed on incorporating new knowledge into the next classification system. In this manuscript, we review these disease entities and incorporate results of these deliberations, including advances in our understanding of early lesions and transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitta Sander
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elias Campo
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Laboratory of Pathology Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.10403.360000000091771775Institute of Biomedical Research August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eric D. Hsi
- grid.241167.70000 0001 2185 3318Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC USA
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Huang HY, Wang Y, Herold T, Gale RP, Wang JZ, Li L, Lin HX, Liang Y. A survival prediction model and nomogram based on immune-related gene expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1026812. [PMID: 36600891 PMCID: PMC9806429 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1026812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are many different chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) survival prediction models and scores. But none provide information on expression of immune-related genes in the CLL cells. Methods We interrogated data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO, GSE22762; Number = 151; training) and International Cancer Genome Consortium database (ICGC, CLLE-ES; Number = 491; validation) to develop an immune risk score (IRS) using Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses based on expression of immune-related genes in CLL cells. The accuracy of the predicted nomogram we developed using the IRS, Binet stage, and del(17p) cytogenetic data was subsequently assessed using calibration curves. Results A survival model based on expression of 5 immune-related genes was constructed. Areas under the curve (AUC) for 1-year survivals were 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.78, 0.99) and 0.75 (0.54, 0.87) in the training and validation datasets, respectively. 5-year survivals of low- and high-risk subjects were 89% (83, 95%) vs. 6% (0, 17%; p < 0.001) and 98% (95, 100%) vs. 92% (88, 96%; p < 0.001) in two datasets. The IRS was an independent survival predictor of both datasets. A calibration curve showed good performance of the nomogram. In vitro, the high expression of CDKN2A and SREBF2 in the bone marrow of patients with CLL was verified by immunohistochemistry analysis (IHC), which were associated with poor prognosis and may play an important role in the complex bone marrow immune environment. Conclusion The IRS is an accurate independent survival predictor with a high C-statistic. A combined nomogram had good survival prediction accuracy in calibration curves. These data demonstrate the potential impact of immune related genes on survival in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tobias Herold
- Laboratory for Leukemia Diagnostics, Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Haematology Research Centre, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jing-zi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan-xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Huan-xin Lin,
| | - Yang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yang Liang,
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Treatment of Richter's syndrome. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:329-336. [PMID: 36485138 PMCID: PMC9820569 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Richter's syndrome (RS) is an aggressive histologic transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), most commonly to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Outcomes are generally poor, with complete remission (CR) rates of only about 20% and less than 20% long-term survival with chemoimmunotherapy (CIT). RS is biologically heterogeneous, and in 80% of patients with CLL who develop DLBCL, the disease is clonally related to the CLL. Clonally unrelated cases are genetically and immunologically distinct from clonally related DLBCL-RS, have more favorable responses to CIT, and are best treated as de novo DLBCL. Relatively favorable outcomes with CIT are also seen in patients who have never previously received treatment for CLL and who lack TP53 mutation or deletion. For the remaining patients, treatment on a clinical trial is optimal. Fortunately, numerous agents are now in clinical development that show encouraging results. Here we review clinical data for some of the most promising approaches. DLBCL-RS tumor cells frequently express programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1), and several studies have demonstrated activity for PD-1 inhibitors, especially in combination with ibrutinib. The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax in combination with R-EPOCH CIT achieved CR in 50% of patients, and a study of venetoclax-R-CHOP is ongoing. The noncovalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor pirtobrutinib has achieved responses in approximately two-thirds of heavily pretreated patients and, given its favorable toxicity profile, appears ideally suited to combining with other active agents. Finally, we review available data for bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, which, after revolutionizing the treatment of DLBCL, are now being evaluated in RS.
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Old and New Facts and Speculations on the Role of the B Cell Receptor in the Origin of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214249. [PMID: 36430731 PMCID: PMC9693457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The engagement of the B cell receptor (BcR) on the surface of leukemic cells represents a key event in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) since it can lead to the maintenance and expansion of the neoplastic clone. This notion was initially suggested by observations of the CLL BcR repertoire and of correlations existing between certain BcR features and the clinical outcomes of single patients. Based on these observations, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which block BcR signaling, have been introduced in therapy with the aim of inhibiting CLL cell clonal expansion and of controlling the disease. Indeed, the impressive results obtained with these compounds provided further proof of the role of BcR in CLL. In this article, the key steps that led to the determination of the role of BcR are reviewed, including the features of the CLL cell repertoire and the fine mechanisms causing BcR engagement and cell signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the biological effects of the engagement, which can lead to cell survival/proliferation or apoptosis depending on certain intrinsic cell characteristics and on signals that the micro-environment can deliver to the leukemic cells. In addition, consideration is given to alternative mechanisms promoting cell proliferation in the absence of BcR signaling, which can explain in part the incomplete effectiveness of TKI therapies. The role of the BcR in determining clonal evolution and disease progression is also described. Finally, we discuss possible models to explain the selection of a special BcR set during leukemogenesis. The BcR may deliver activation signals to the cells, which lead to their uncontrolled growth, with the possible collaboration of other still-undefined events which are capable of deregulating the normal physiological response of B cells to BcR-delivered stimuli.
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Rukavitsyn OA, Pop VP, Drozd MV, Ryabukhina YE. A clinical case of the effective combined use of BCL-2 and PI3K inhibitors in the treatment of a patient with an unfavorable chronic lymphocytic leukemia with transformation into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (Richter’s syndrome). ONCOHEMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.17650/1818-8346-2022-17-4-38-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular biological basis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis and stratification of patients into risk groups has now led to significant advances in treatment. New targeted drugs with different mechanisms of action (bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, bCL-2 inhibitors, pI3K inhibitors) have significantly improved the prognosis of high-risk CLL patients. In some CLL cases the nodular tumor component can change to a more aggressive subtype of lymphoma (often diffuse large b-cell) with preservation of the small-cell leukemic component with the CLL phenotype (Richter’s syndrome), usually characterized by rapid progression and poor prognosis. The issue of treatment efficacy in patients with Richter’s syndrome still remains unresolved. The results of new drugs clinical trials are often contradictory and cannot yet be recommended for routine use in clinical practice. The low incidence of Richter’s syndrome, the lack of a unified view of the pathogenesis and therapy approaches make the search for effective drugs an urgent task, so each clinical observation is of undoubted interest.A clinical case of CLL patient with unfavorable molecular cytogenetic risk and transformation into diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (Richter’s syndrome) is presented. The combined use of bCL-2 inhibitors (venetoclax) and pI3K (duvelisib) led to the achievement of partial remission followed by a gradual increase in the positive antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. A. Rukavitsyn
- Main Military Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko, Ministry of Defense of Russia
| | - V. P. Pop
- Main Military Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko, Ministry of Defense of Russia
| | - M. V. Drozd
- Main Military Clinical Hospital named after N.N. Burdenko, Ministry of Defense of Russia
| | - Yu. E. Ryabukhina
- Clinical Hospital “Lapino” of the “Mother and Child” Group of companies
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38
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Yu Q, Zhao Z, Wang H, Wang L. ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1245-1253. [PMID: 36267610 PMCID: PMC9578959 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s383779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can experience histological transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma called “Richter’s transformation”. This transformation usually leads to diffuse large B cell lymphoma, though cases of T cell lymphoma have been identified. Here we report an extremely rare case of ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. We performed detailed examination for this patient and reviewed related literatures to understand the transformation. Despite our best effort, this patient passed away shortly. Literature review shows no consensus on treatment and poor prognosis of this condition. We intend to report this case and explore novel treatment possibilities for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinchuan Yu
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - He Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lieyang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Lieyang Wang, Department of Hematology, Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital/Shanxi Hospital Affiliated to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, No. 3 Zhigongxin Street, Taiyuan, Shanxi, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15235123213, Email
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39
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Richter Syndrome: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Druggable Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194644. [PMID: 36230566 PMCID: PMC9563287 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Richter syndrome (RS) represents the occurrence of an aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Most cases of RS originate from the direct transformation of CLL, whereas 20% are de novo DLBCL arising as secondary malignancies. Multiple molecular mechanisms contribute to RS pathogenesis. B-cell receptor (BCR) overreactivity to multiple autoantigens is due to frequent stereotyped BCR configuration. Genetic lesions of TP53, CDKN2A, NOTCH1 and c-MYC deregulate DNA damage response, tumor suppression, apoptosis, cell cycle and proliferation. Hyperactivation of Akt and NOTCH1 signaling also plays a role. Altered expression of PD-1/PD-L1 and of other immune checkpoints leads to RS resistance to cytotoxicity exerted by T-cells. The molecular features of RS provide vulnerabilities for therapy. Targeting BCR signaling with noncovalent BTK inhibitors shows encouraging results, as does the combination of BCL2 inhibitors with chemoimmunotherapy. The association of immune checkpoint inhibitors with BCL2 inhibitors and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is explored in early phase clinical trials with promising results. The development of patient-derived xenograft mice models reveals new molecular targets for RS, exemplified by ROR1. Although RS still represents an unmet medical need, understanding its biology is opening new avenues for precision medicine therapy.
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Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Zanubrutinib Effectively Modulates Cancer Resistance by Inhibiting Anthracycline Metabolism and Efflux. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14101994. [PMID: 36297430 PMCID: PMC9611657 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14101994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zanubrutinib (ZAN) is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently approved for the treatment of some non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In clinical trials, ZAN is often combined with standard anthracycline (ANT) chemotherapy. Although ANTs are generally effective, drug resistance is a crucial obstacle that leads to treatment discontinuation. This study showed that ZAN counteracts ANT resistance by targeting aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. AKR1C3 catalyses the transformation of ANTs to less potent hydroxy-metabolites, whereas transporters decrease the ANT-effective concentrations by pumping them out of the cancer cells. In our experiments, ZAN inhibited the AKR1C3-mediated inactivation of daunorubicin (DAUN) at both the recombinant and cellular levels. In the drug combination experiments, ZAN synergistically sensitised AKR1C3-expressing HCT116 and A549 cells to DAUN treatment. Gene induction studies further confirmed that ZAN did not increase the intracellular level of AKR1C3 mRNA; thus, the drug combination effect is not abolished by enzyme induction. Finally, in accumulation assays, ZAN was found to interfere with the DAUN efflux mediated by the ABCB1, ABCG2, and ABCC1 transporters, which might further contribute to the reversal of ANT resistance. In summary, our data provide the rationale for ZAN inclusion in ANT-based therapy and suggest its potential for the treatment of tumours expressing AKR1C3 and/or the above-mentioned ABC transporters.
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41
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Thompson PA, Jiang X, Banerjee P, Basar R, Garg N, Chen K, Kaplan M, Nandivada V, Cortes AKN, Ferrajoli A, Keating MJ, Peterson CB, Andreeff M, Rezvani K, Wierda WG. A phase two study of high dose blinatumomab in Richter's syndrome. Leukemia 2022; 36:2228-2232. [PMID: 35941212 PMCID: PMC9467861 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01649-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Richter's Syndrome (RS) is an aggressive transformation of CLL, usually clonally-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), characterized by frequent TP53 mutations, intrinsic chemoresistance and poor survival. TP53-independent treatments are needed. We conducted a single center, phase 2, investigator-initiated study of high dose blinatumomab (maximum 112 mcg/d after initial, weekly dose escalation), NCT03121534, given for an 8-week induction and 4-week consolidation cycle. Responses were assessed by Lugano 2014 criteria. Serial multi-parameter flow cytometry from blood was performed to identify patient-specific biomarkers for response. Nine patients were treated. Patients had received a median of 4 and 2 prior therapies for CLL and RS, respectively. Five of 9 had del(17p) and 100% had complex karyotype. Four patients had reduction in nodal disease, including one durable complete response lasting >1 y. Treatment was well tolerated, with no grade >3 cytokine release syndrome and 1 case of grade 3, reversible neurotoxicity. Immunophenotyping demonstrated the majority of patients expressed multiple immune checkpoints, especially PD1, TIM3 and TIGIT. The patient who achieved CR had the lowest levels of immune checkpoint expression. Simultaneous targeting with immune checkpoint blockade, especially PD1 inhibition, which has already demonstrated single-agent efficacy in RS, could achieve synergistic killing and enhance outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xianli Jiang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
| | - Pinaki Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
| | | | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
| | - Mecit Kaplan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation Research
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42
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Hussein SE, Chen P, Medeiros LJ, Hazle JD, Wu J, Khoury JD. Artificial intelligence-assisted mapping of proliferation centers allows the distinction of accelerated phase from large cell transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Mod Pathol 2022; 35:1121-1125. [PMID: 35132162 PMCID: PMC9329234 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) is characterized morphologically by numerous small lymphocytes and pale nodules composed of prolymphocytes and paraimmunoblasts known as proliferation centers (PCs). Patients with CLL can undergo transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma, most often diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), known as Richter transformation (RT). An accelerated phase of CLL (aCLL) also may be observed which correlates with subsequent transformation to DLBCL, and may represent an early stage of transformation. Distinguishing PCs in CLL from aCLL or RT can be diagnostically challenging, particularly in small needle biopsy specimens. Available guidelines pertaining to distinguishing CLL from its' progressive forms are limited, subject to the morphologist's experience and are often not completely helpful in the assessment of scant biopsy specimens. To objectively assess the extent of PCs in aCLL and RT, and enhance diagnostic accuracy, we sought to design an artificial intelligence (AI)-based tool to identify and delineate PCs based on feature analysis of the combined individual nuclear size and intensity, designated here as the heat value. Using the mean heat value from the generated heat value image of all cases, we were able to reliably separate CLL, aCLL and RT with sensitive diagnostic predictive values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siba El Hussein
- Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.,Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Siba El Hussein, Pingjun Chen
| | - Pingjun Chen
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Siba El Hussein, Pingjun Chen
| | - L. Jeffrey Medeiros
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John D. Hazle
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Wu
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Joseph D. Khoury
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,These authors jointly supervised this work: Jia Wu, Joseph D. Khoury,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to Jia Wu or Joseph D. Khoury. ;
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43
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Favini C, Talotta D, Almasri M, Andorno A, Rasi S, Adhinaveni R, Kogila S, Awikeh B, Schipani M, Boggione P, Mouhssine S, Ghanej J, Al Essa W, Mahmoud AM, Dondolin R, Alessa N, Margiotta Casaluci G, Boldorini R, Gattei V, Gaidano G, Moia R. Clonally unrelated Richter syndrome are truly de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with a mutational profile reminiscent of clonally related Richter syndrome. Br J Haematol 2022; 198:1016-1022. [PMID: 35829664 PMCID: PMC9543999 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Richter syndrome (RS) is mostly due to the direct transformation of the chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) clone, as documented by the same immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable region (IGHV) rearrangement in both CLL and RS cells. In rare cases characterized by a better outcome, the RS clone harbours a different IGHV rearrangement compared to the CLL phase. We investigated the CLL phase of clonally unrelated RS to test whether the RS clone was already identifiable prior to clinicopathologic transformation, albeit undetectable by conventional approaches. CLL cells of eight patients with unrelated RS were subjected to an ultra‐deep next‐generation sequencing (NGS) approach with a sensitivity of 10−6. In 7/8 cases, the RS rearrangement was not identified in the CLL phase. In one case, the RS clone was identified at a very low frequency in the CLL phase, conceivably due to the concomitance of CLL sampling and RS diagnosis. Targeted resequencing revealed that clonally unrelated RS carries genetic lesions primarily affecting the TP53, MYC, ATM and NOTCH1 genes. Conversely, mutations frequently involved in de novo diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) without a history of CLL were absent. These results suggest that clonally unrelated RS is a truly de novo lymphoma with a mutational profile reminiscent, at least in part, of clonally related RS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Favini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Donatella Talotta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mohammad Almasri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Annalisa Andorno
- Division of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Rasi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ramesh Adhinaveni
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Sreekar Kogila
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Bassel Awikeh
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Schipani
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Paola Boggione
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Samir Mouhssine
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Joseph Ghanej
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Wael Al Essa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Abdurraouf Mokhtar Mahmoud
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Dondolin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nariman Alessa
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gloria Margiotta Casaluci
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Division of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Riccardo Moia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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44
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Jensen JL, Mato AR, Pena C, Roeker LE, Coombs CC. The potential of pirtobrutinib in multiple B-cell malignancies. Ther Adv Hematol 2022; 13:20406207221101697. [PMID: 35747462 PMCID: PMC9210100 DOI: 10.1177/20406207221101697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a critical downstream signaling element from the B-cell receptor (BCR) that has been effectively inhibited in B-cell cancers by irreversible, covalent inhibitors including ibrutinib and acalabrutinib. All FDA-approved covalent BTK inhibitors rely on binding to the cysteine 481 (C481) amino acid within the active site of BTK, thus rendering it inert. While covalent BTK inhibitors have been very successful in multiple B-cell malignancies, improving both overall survival and progression-free survival relative to chemoimmunotherapy in phase 3 trials, they can be limited by intolerance and disease progression. Pirtobrutinib is a novel, highly selective, and non-covalent BTK inhibitor that binds independently of C481, and in a recent, first-in-human phase 1/2 clinical trial was shown to be extremely well tolerated and lead to remissions in relapsed/refractory patients with multiple B-cell malignancies. Here, we review the pharmacologic rationale for pursuing non-covalent BTK inhibitors, the clinical need for such inhibitors, existing safety, and resistance mechanism data for pirtobrutinib, and the forthcoming clinical trials that seek to define the clinical utility of pirtobrutinib, which has the potential to fulfill multiple areas of unmet clinical need for patients with B-cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Jensen
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anthony R Mato
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila Pena
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Catherine C Coombs
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 170 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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45
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Salvetti C, Vitale C, Griggio V, Drandi D, Jones R, Bonello L, Bomben R, Bragoni A, Bagnara D, Fais F, Gattei V, Cavallo F, Zamò A, Coscia M. Case Report: Sequential Development of Three Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms in a Single Patient: Clonal Relationship and Molecular Insights. Front Oncol 2022; 12:917115. [PMID: 35734588 PMCID: PMC9207196 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.917115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two main variants of Richter syndrome (RS) are recognized, namely, the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and the Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) variant. Clonal relationship, defined as an identity of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) region sequence between chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and RS clones, characterizes patients with a poor prognosis. Due to method sensitivity, this categorization is performed without considering the possibility of small-size ancillary clones, sharing the same phenotype with the preexisting predominant CLL clone, but with different IGHV rearrangements. Here we describe and molecularly profile the peculiar case of a patient with a CLL-like monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), who sequentially developed a DLBCL, which occurred concomitantly to progression of MBL to CLL, and a subsequent HL. Based on standard IGHV clonality analysis, DLBCL was considered clonally unrelated to the concomitantly expanded CLL clone and treated as a de novo lymphoma, achieving a persistent response. Three years later, the patient further developed a clonally unrelated HL, refractory to bendamustine, which was successfully treated with brentuximab vedotin and radiotherapy, and later with pembrolizumab. We retrospectively performed additional molecular testing, by applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) of immunoglobulin repertoire (Ig-rep) techniques and a more sensitive allele-specific oligonucleotide-droplet digital PCR (ASO-ddPCR) strategy, in order to quantitatively investigate the presence of the rearranged IGHV genes in tumor specimens collected during the disease course. In this highly complex case, the application of modern and sensitive molecular technologies uncovered that DLBCL, initially considered as a de novo lymphoma, was instead the result of the transformation of a preexisting ancillary B-cell clone, which was already present at the time of first MBL diagnosis. A similar approach was also applied on the HL sample, showing its clonal unrelatedness to the previous MBL and DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Salvetti
- Division of Hematology, University of Torino, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Candida Vitale
- Division of Hematology, University of Torino, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Griggio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Drandi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Rebecca Jones
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lisa Bonello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Molecular Pathology Unit, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bomben
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alberto Bragoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Davide Bagnara
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Franco Fais
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy.,U.O. Molecular Pathology, I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Division of Hematology, University of Torino, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Zamò
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marta Coscia
- Division of Hematology, University of Torino, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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46
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Multiple Mechanisms of NOTCH1 Activation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: NOTCH1 Mutations and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122997. [PMID: 35740661 PMCID: PMC9221163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mutations of the NOTCH1 gene are a validated prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies. At present, the most frequent pathological alteration of the NOTCH1 gene is due to somatic genetic mutations, which have a multifaceted functional impact. However, beside NOTCH1 mutations, other factors may lead to activation of the NOTCH1 pathway, and these include mutations of FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1 as well as other B-cell pathways. Understanding the preferential strategies though which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL. Abstract The Notch signaling pathway plays a fundamental role for the terminal differentiation of multiple cell types, including B and T lymphocytes. The Notch receptors are transmembrane proteins that, upon ligand engagement, undergo multiple processing steps that ultimately release their intracytoplasmic portion. The activated protein ultimately operates as a nuclear transcriptional co-factor, whose stability is finely regulated. The Notch pathway has gained growing attention in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) because of the high rate of somatic mutations of the NOTCH1 gene. In CLL, NOTCH1 mutations represent a validated prognostic marker and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies, as pathological alterations of the Notch pathway can provide significant growth and survival advantage to neoplastic clone. However, beside NOTCH1 mutation, other events have been demonstrated to perturb the Notch pathway, namely somatic mutations of upstream, or even apparently unrelated, proteins such as FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1, as well as physiological signals from other pathways such as the B-cell receptor. Here we review these mechanisms of activation of the NOTCH1 pathway in the context of CLL; the resulting picture highlights how multiple different mechanisms, that might occur under specific genomic, phenotypic and microenvironmental contexts, ultimately result in the same search for proliferative and survival advantages (through activation of MYC), as well as immune escape and therapy evasion (from anti-CD20 biological therapies). Understanding the preferential strategies through which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL.
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47
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Smith AL, Eiken AP, Skupa SA, Moore DY, Umeta LT, Smith LM, Lyden ER, D’Angelo CR, Kallam A, Vose JM, Kutateladze TG, El-Gamal D. A Novel Triple-Action Inhibitor Targeting B-Cell Receptor Signaling and BRD4 Demonstrates Preclinical Activity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6712. [PMID: 35743155 PMCID: PMC9224275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) results from intrinsic genetic defects and complex microenvironment stimuli that fuel CLL cell growth through an array of survival signaling pathways. Novel small-molecule agents targeting the B-cell receptor pathway and anti-apoptotic proteins alone or in combination have revolutionized the management of CLL, yet combination therapy carries significant toxicity and CLL remains incurable due to residual disease and relapse. Single-molecule inhibitors that can target multiple disease-driving factors are thus an attractive approach to combat both drug resistance and combination-therapy-related toxicities. We demonstrate that SRX3305, a novel small-molecule BTK/PI3K/BRD4 inhibitor that targets three distinctive facets of CLL biology, attenuates CLL cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. SRX3305 also inhibits the activation-induced proliferation of primary CLL cells in vitro and effectively blocks microenvironment-mediated survival signals, including stromal cell contact. Furthermore, SRX3305 blocks CLL cell migration toward CXCL-12 and CXCL-13, which are major chemokines involved in CLL cell homing and retention in microenvironment niches. Importantly, SRX3305 maintains its anti-tumor effects in ibrutinib-resistant CLL cells. Collectively, this study establishes the preclinical efficacy of SRX3305 in CLL, providing significant rationale for its development as a therapeutic agent for CLL and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey L. Smith
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
| | - Alexandria P. Eiken
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
| | - Sydney A. Skupa
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
| | - Dalia Y. Moore
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
| | - Lelisse T. Umeta
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
| | - Lynette M. Smith
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (L.M.S.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Elizabeth R. Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (L.M.S.); (E.R.L.)
| | - Christopher R. D’Angelo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.K.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Avyakta Kallam
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.K.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Julie M. Vose
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.D.); (A.K.); (J.M.V.)
| | - Tatiana G. Kutateladze
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Dalia El-Gamal
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (A.L.S.); (A.P.E.); (S.A.S.); (D.Y.M.); (L.T.U.)
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48
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B-cell Receptor Signaling Induced Metabolic Alterations in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Can Be Partially Bypassed by TP53 Abnormalities. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e722. [PMID: 35747847 PMCID: PMC9208879 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000722] [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: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been unclear what role metabolism is playing in the pathophysiology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One reason is that the study of CLL metabolism is challenging due to the resting nature of circulating CLL cells. Also, it is not clear if any of the genomic aberrations observed in this disease have any impact on metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that CLL cells in proliferation centers exhibit upregulation of several molecules involved in glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism. Comparison of CXCR4/CD5 intraclonal cell subpopulations showed that these changes are paralleled by increases in the metabolic activity of the CXCR4lowCD5high fraction that have recently egressed from the lymph nodes. Notably, anti-IgM stimulation of CLL cells recapitulates many of these metabolic alterations, including increased glucose uptake, increased lactate production, induction of glycolytic enzymes, and increased respiratory reserve. Treatment of CLL cells with inhibitors of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling blocked these anti-IgM-induced changes in vitro, which was mirrored by decreases in hexokinase 2 expression in CLL cells from ibrutinib-treated patients in vivo. Interestingly, several samples from patients with 17p-deletion manifested increased spontaneous aerobic glycolysis in the unstimulated state suggestive of a BCR-independent metabolic phenotype. We conclude that the proliferative fraction of CLL cells found in lymphoid tissues or the peripheral blood of CLL patients exhibit increased metabolic activity when compared with the bulk CLL-cell population. Although this is due to microenvironmental stimulatory signals such as BCR-engagement in most cases, increases in resting metabolic activity can be observed in cases with 17p-deletion.
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49
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Piñeyroa JA, Magnano L, Rivero A, Rivas-Delgado A, Nadeu F, Correa JG, Giné E, Villamor N, Filella X, Colomer D, López M, López-Oreja I, Costa D, Aymerich M, Beà S, López-Guillermo A, Campo E, Delgado J, Mozas P. Serum soluble CD23 levels are an independent predictor of time to first treatment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hematol Oncol 2022; 40:588-595. [PMID: 35611996 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Serum soluble CD23 (sCD23) levels have been acknowledged as a prognostic factor in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but their potential relevance has not been analyzed in recent times. We retrospectively studied 338 CLL, small lymphocytic lymphoma, or CLL-type monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis patients from a single institution, with available sCD23 levels at diagnosis. Baseline features and outcomes were compared between patients with sCD23 ≤/>1000 UI/L. The 140 patients (41%) who had sCD23 > 1000 UI/L showed adverse-risk clinical and biological characteristics. High sCD23 levels were predictive of a shorter time to first treatment (5-year probability of requiring treatment: 60 vs. 20%, p < 0.0001; hazard ratio (HR) = 1.72, p = 0.003 in a multivariable model also including the CLL International Prognostic Index and the absolute lymphocyte count), and a poorer 5-year overall survival (70 vs. 82%, p = 0.0009). These data suggest the potential of sCD23 to predict treatment-free survival and to shed light on mechanisms of activity and resistance to CD23-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Magnano
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Rivero
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ferran Nadeu
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Eva Giné
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Neus Villamor
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Filella
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica López
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene López-Oreja
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Costa
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Aymerich
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Beà
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando López-Guillermo
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elías Campo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Delgado
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.,Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo Mozas
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Barbanti MC, Appleby N, Kesavan M, Eyre TA. Cellular Therapy in High-Risk Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter Syndrome. Front Oncol 2022; 12:888109. [PMID: 35574335 PMCID: PMC9095984 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.888109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of highly effective, targeted inhibitors of B-cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), these treatments are not curative, and many patients will develop either intolerance or resistance to these treatments. Transformation of CLL to high-grade lymphoma—the so-called Richter syndrome (RS)—remains a highly chemoimmunotherapy-resistant disease, with the transformation occurring following targeted inhibitors for CLL treatment being particularly adverse. In light of this, cellular therapy in the form of allogenic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy continues to be explored in these entities. We reviewed the current literature assessing these treatment modalities in both high-risk CLL and RS. We also discussed their current limitations and place in treatment algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Barbanti
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Appleby
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Murali Kesavan
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Andrew Eyre
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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