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Wang D, Zhang Y, Li Q, Li Y, Li W, Zhang A, Xu J, Meng J, Tang L, Lyu S. Epigenetics: Mechanisms, potential roles, and therapeutic strategies in cancer progression. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101020. [PMID: 38988323 PMCID: PMC11233905 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.040] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations or abnormal expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are known to cause cancer. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic modifications are key drivers of cancer development and progression. Nevertheless, the mechanistic role of epigenetic dysregulation in the tumor microenvironment is not fully understood. Here, we reviewed the role of epigenetic modifications of cancer cells and non-cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment and recent research advances in cancer epigenetic drugs. In addition, we discussed the great potential of epigenetic combination therapies in the clinical treatment of cancer. However, there are still some challenges in the field of cancer epigenetics, such as epigenetic tumor heterogeneity, epigenetic drug heterogeneity, and crosstalk between epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics, which may be the focus and difficulty of cancer treatment in the future. In conclusion, epigenetic modifications in the tumor microenvironment are essential for future epigenetic drug development and the comprehensive treatment of cancer. Epigenetic combination therapy may be a novel strategy for the future clinical treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Qingbo Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jingyan Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shuhua Lyu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin 300121, China
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Alati C, Pitea M, Mico MC, Marafioti V, Greve B, Pratico G, Loteta B, Cogliandro F, Porto G, Policastro G, Utano G, Sgarlata A, Imbalzano L, Delfino IM, Montechiarello E, Germano J, Filippelli G, Martino M. Optimizing maintenance therapy in acute myeloid leukemia: where do we stand in the year 2024? Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:515-525. [PMID: 39017205 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2382300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the prognosis of patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) improved in the last decade, most patients relapse. Maintenance therapy after a chemotherapy approach with or without allogeneic stem cell transplantation could be a way to control the undetectable residual burden of leukemic cells. Several studies are being carried out as maintenance therapy in AML. Some critical points need to be defined, how the physician can choose among the various drugs available. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the advances and controversies surrounding maintenance therapy for AML patients. EXPERT OPINION Patients withFLT3-positive AML should receive midostaurin or quizartinib in the first-linesetting. For a patient initially receiving midostaurin, consider switching to sorafenib in the post-transplant setting. Because of the improved safety profile and potency, many experts will lean toward using a second-generation FLT3 inhibitor such as quizartinib or gilteritinib. Finally, no data indicate whether maintenance therapy should be prolonged until progression or for a defined period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Alati
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Martina Pitea
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Mico
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Violetta Marafioti
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Bruna Greve
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giulia Pratico
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Barbara Loteta
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Francesca Cogliandro
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porto
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giorgia Policastro
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giovanna Utano
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Annalisa Sgarlata
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Imbalzano
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Ilaria Maria Delfino
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Elisa Montechiarello
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Jessyca Germano
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Martino
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Radiotherapy, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Unit (CTMO), Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Stem Cell Transplant Program CIC587, Reggio Calabria, Italy
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Ravandi F, Döhner H, Wei AH, Montesinos P, Pfeilstöcker M, Papayannidis C, Lai Y, Wang K, See WL, de Menezes DL, Petrlik E, Prebet T, Roboz GJ. Survival outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia who received subsequent therapy for relapse in QUAZAR AML-001. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:877-886. [PMID: 37952982 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19202] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
In the phase 3 QUAZAR AML-001 trial (NCT01757535) of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in remission following intensive chemotherapy (IC) and ineligible for haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), oral azacitidine (Oral-AZA) maintenance significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) versus placebo. The impact of subsequent treatment following maintenance has not been evaluated. In this post hoc analysis, OS was estimated for patients who received subsequent AML therapy, and by regimen received (IC or lower-intensity therapy). First subsequent therapy (FST) was administered after treatment discontinuation in 134/238 Oral-AZA and 173/234 placebo patients. OS from randomization in patients who received FST after Oral-AZA versus placebo was 17.8 versus 12.9 months (HR: 0.82 [95% CI: 0.64-1.04], median follow-up: 56.7 months); OS from FST was similar between arms. Among patients who received injectable hypomethylating agents as FST, median OS was 8.2 versus 4.9 months in the Oral-AZA versus placebo groups (HR: 0.66 [95% CI: 0.41-1.06]). Forty-eight patients (16/238 Oral-AZA, 32/234 placebo) received HSCT following treatment discontinuation, including six Oral-AZA patients still in first remission; Oral-AZA OS benefit persisted when censoring these patients. Oral-AZA maintenance can prolong AML remission duration without negatively impacting survival outcomes after salvage therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Andrew H Wei
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pau Montesinos
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic, La Fe, València, Spain
- CIBERONC, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael Pfeilstöcker
- Third Medical Department for Hematology and Oncology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cristina Papayannidis
- IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "L. e A. Seràgnoli", Bologna, Italy
| | - Yinzhi Lai
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kefeng Wang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Wendy L See
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
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Verma A, Chi YY, Malvar J, Lamble A, Chaudhury S, Agarwal A, Li HT, Liang G, Leong R, Brown PA, Kaplan J, Schafer ES, Slone T, Pauly M, Chang BH, Stieglitz E, Wayne AS, Hijiya N, Bhojwani D. Nivolumab Plus 5-Azacitidine in Pediatric Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Phase I/II Trial Results from the Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma (TACL) Consortium. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:496. [PMID: 38339248 PMCID: PMC10854518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030496] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Improvements in survival have been made over the past two decades for childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the approximately 40% of patients who relapse continue to have poor outcomes. A combination of checkpoint-inhibitor nivolumab and azacitidine has demonstrated improvements in median survival in adults with AML. This phase I/II study with nivolumab and azacitidine in children with relapsed/refractory AML (NCT03825367) was conducted through the Therapeutic Advances in Childhood Leukemia & Lymphoma consortium. Thirteen patients, median age 13.7 years, were enrolled. Patients had refractory disease with multiple reinduction attempts. Twelve evaluable patients were treated at the recommended phase II dose (established at dose level 1, 3 mg/kg/dose). Four patients (33%) maintained stable disease. This combination was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. Grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs) were primarily hematological. Febrile neutropenia was the most common AE ≥ grade 3. A trend to improved quality of life was noted. Increases in CD8+ T cells and reductions in CD4+/CD8+ T cells and demethylation were observed. The combination was well tolerated and had an acceptable safety profile in pediatric patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Future studies might explore this combination for the maintenance of remission in children with AML at high risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Verma
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Branch, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Yueh-Yun Chi
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.-Y.C.); (A.S.W.); (D.B.)
| | - Jemily Malvar
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (J.M.)
| | - Adam Lamble
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105, USA;
| | - Sonali Chaudhury
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Ann and Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Archana Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah and ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
| | - Hong-Tao Li
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (H.-T.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; (H.-T.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Roy Leong
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (J.M.)
| | | | - Joel Kaplan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital, Wake Forrest University, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA;
| | - Eric S. Schafer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tamra Slone
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75235, USA;
| | - Melinda Pauly
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Bill H. Chang
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Elliot Stieglitz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University of California, San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospitals, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA;
| | - Alan S. Wayne
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.-Y.C.); (A.S.W.); (D.B.)
| | - Nobuko Hijiya
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Deepa Bhojwani
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; (Y.-Y.C.); (A.S.W.); (D.B.)
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5
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Walter RB. Perspective on measurable residual disease testing in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2024; 38:10-13. [PMID: 37973819 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Roland B Walter
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Schiller GJ, Kustanovich V. Considerations regarding maintenance therapy for acute myeloid leukemia in remission. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:15-20. [PMID: 38230741 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2306164] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For most adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, relapse is characteristic of the disease. When allotransplant in first complete remission is administered as consolidative therapy, relapse is still common, affecting 20-40% of recipients. Maintenance of remission with low-dose treatments may hold promise in preventing relapse. AREAS COVERED Improvements in the detection of clinical and biological variants of disease allow the practitioner to identify which patients, based on disease features, may benefit from therapy directed at residual clonal elements that might contribute to relapse. Along with improvements in methods of detecting residual disease, novel agents are under investigation as a platform in order to maintain remission and may contribute to prolonged survival. In this manuscript, we review literature available through PubMed regarding the use of maintenance therapy, described as post-remission or post-transplant treatment intended to delay or prevent relapse. EXPERT OPINION Although results of randomized studies are limited, a role for maintenance therapy, particularly directed at molecular targets, in distinct settings of post-remission management is recommended. We also advise that randomized studies of immune therapy along with opportunities for further evaluation of risk-agnostic interventions be a focus of cooperative groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary J Schiller
- Hematological Malignancy/Stem Cell Transplant Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vlad Kustanovich
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Jiménez-Vicente C, Martínez-Roca A, Pomares H, Castaño-Diez S, Guijarro F, López-Guerra M, Bataller A, Esteban D, Cortés-Bullich A, Pérez-Valencia AI, Guardia-Torrelles A, Zugasti I, Rovira M, Fernández-Avilés F, Colomer D, Arnan M, Díaz-Beyá M, Esteve J. Venetoclax with hypomethylating agents might lead to eradication of measurable residual disease (MRD) persisting after intensive chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with mutated NPM1 and rearranged CBF. Leuk Res 2023; 135:107403. [PMID: 37837718 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2023.107403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Jiménez-Vicente
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Martínez-Roca
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helena Pomares
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Duran i Reynals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Castaño-Diez
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Guijarro
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Hemopathology Unit, Pathology Department. Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica López-Guerra
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Hemopathology Unit, Pathology Department. Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alex Bataller
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Esteban
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Cortés-Bullich
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amanda Isabel Pérez-Valencia
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Inés Zugasti
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Rovira
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Fernández-Avilés
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Hemopathology Unit, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Arnan
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Hematology Department, Institut Català d'Oncologia - Hospital Duran i Reynals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Díaz-Beyá
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Esteve
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain.
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8
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Blackmon AL, Hourigan CS. Test Then Erase? Current Status and Future Opportunities for Measurable Residual Disease Testing in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Acta Haematol 2023; 147:133-146. [PMID: 38035547 PMCID: PMC10963159 DOI: 10.1159/000535463] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurable residual disease (MRD) test positivity during and after treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been associated with higher rates of relapse and worse overall survival. Current approaches for MRD testing are not standardized leading to inconsistent results and poor prognostication of disease. Pertinent studies evaluating AML MRD testing at specific times points, with various therapeutics and testing methods are presented. SUMMARY AML is a set of diseases with different molecular and cytogenetic characteristics and is often polyclonal with evolution over time. This genetic diversity poses a great challenge for a single AML MRD testing approach. The current ELN 2021 MRD guidelines recommend MRD testing by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in those with a validated molecular target or multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) in all other cases. The benefit of MFC is the ability to use this method across disease subsets, at the relative expense of suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. AML MRD detection may be improved with molecular methods. Genetic characterization at AML diagnosis and relapse is now standard of care for appropriate therapeutic assignment, and future initiatives will provide the evidence to support testing in remission to direct clinical interventions. KEY MESSAGES The treatment options for patients with AML have expanded for specific molecular subsets such as FLT3 and IDH1/2 mutated AML, with development of novel agents for NPM1 mutated or KMT2A rearranged AML ongoing, but also due to effective venetoclax-combinations. Evidence regarding highly sensitive molecular MRD detection methods for specific molecular subgroups, in the context of these new treatment approaches, will likely shape the future of AML care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Blackmon
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Christopher S. Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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9
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Freeman SD, Thomas A, Thomas I, Hills RK, Vyas P, Gilkes A, Metzner M, Jakobsen NA, Kennedy A, Moore R, Almuina NM, Burns S, King S, Andrew G, Gallagher KME, Sellar RS, Cahalin P, Weber D, Dennis M, Mehta P, Knapper S, Russell NH. Fractionated vs single-dose gemtuzumab ozogamicin with determinants of benefit in older patients with AML: the UK NCRI AML18 trial. Blood 2023; 142:1697-1707. [PMID: 37595359 PMCID: PMC10667325 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Addition of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) to induction chemotherapy improves outcomes in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but it is uncertain whether a fractionated schedule provides additional benefit to a single dose. We randomized 852 older adults (median age, 68-years) with AML/high-risk myelodysplasia to GO on day 1 (GO1) or on days 1 and 4 (GO2) of course 1 induction. The median follow-up period was 50.2 months. Although complete remission (CR) rates after course 1 did not significantly differ between arms (GO2, 63%; GO1, 57%; odds ratio [OR], 0.78; P = .08), there were significantly more patients who achieved CR with a measurable residual disease (MRD)<0.1% (50% vs 41%; OR, 0.72; P = .027). This differential MRD reduction with GO2 varied across molecular subtypes, being greatest for IDH mutations. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 29% for patients in the GO2 arm and 24% for those in the GO1 arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.89; P = .14). In a sensitivity analysis excluding patients found to have adverse cytogenetics or TP53 mutations, the 5-year OS was 33% for GO2 and 26% for GO1 (HR, 0.83; P = .045). In total, 228 (27%) patients received an allogeneic transplantation in first remission. Posttransplant OS was superior in the GO2 arm (HR, 0.67; P = .033); furthermore, the survival advantage from GO2 in the sensitivity analysis was lost when data of patients were censored at transplantation. In conclusion, GO2 was associated with a greater reduction in MRD and improved survival in older adults with nonadverse risk genetics. This benefit from GO2 was dependent on allogeneic transplantation to translate the better leukemia clearance into improved survival. This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as #ISRCTN 31682779.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie D. Freeman
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abin Thomas
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Thomas
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Robert K. Hills
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paresh Vyas
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda Gilkes
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Marlen Metzner
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Niels Asger Jakobsen
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Kennedy
- Wellcome, Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Moore
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Burns
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie King
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Andrew
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kathleen M. E. Gallagher
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Rob S. Sellar
- UCL Cancer Institute and University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Cahalin
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Blackpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mike Dennis
- The Christie National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Priyanka Mehta
- The University of Bristol and Weston National Health Service Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Knapper
- Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel H. Russell
- Guy's and St Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Hernández-Sánchez A, Bullinger L. Recent advances in precision medicine for acute myeloid leukemia. Curr Opin Oncol 2023; 35:581-588. [PMID: 37621173 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease, in which treatment response and patient survival are highly conditioned by the leukemia biology. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances in AML classification, risk stratification models, measurable residual disease (MRD) and the increasing number of treatment options that are paving the way towards precision medicine in AML. RECENT FINDINGS AML classification and risk stratification were recently updated by incorporating novel molecular markers that are important for diagnosis and outcome prediction. In addition, the impact of co-mutational patterns is under investigation and novel approaches using machine learning algorithms are starting to be used for individualized risk estimation. Molecular markers are also becoming useful in predicting response to non-intensive treatments. MRD informs of treatment response with high sensitivity, allowing dynamic patient risk assessment and early intervention. Finally, important advances were made in AML therapy, with an increasing number of targeted therapies becoming available and many novel treatment approaches being under development with promising early results. SUMMARY A better understanding of AML biology is leading to improved risk stratification and important advances in treatments, which are allowing the development of precision medicine in AML at an unprecedented pace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Hernández-Sánchez
- University Hospital of Salamanca
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca, Spain
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11
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Wei AH, Roboz GJ, Dombret H, Dohner H, Schuh AC, Montesinos P, Selleslag D, Bondarenko SN, Prebet T, Lai Y, Skikne B, Beach CL, Ravandi F. Survival outcomes with oral azacitidine maintenance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia in remission by receipt of initial chemotherapy: subgroup analyses from the phase III QUAZAR AML-001 trial. Haematologica 2023; 108:2820-2825. [PMID: 36951156 PMCID: PMC10542842 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Wei
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne.
| | - Gail J Roboz
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Herve Dombret
- Hematology, Hopital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France; Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Universite Paris Cite, Paris
| | - Hartmut Dohner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Barry Skikne
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ, USA; University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS
| | | | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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12
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Li X, Tong X. Role of Measurable Residual Disease in Older Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:921-931. [PMID: 37313310 PMCID: PMC10258117 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s409308] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
There is overwhelming evidence indicating that the use of measurable residual disease (MRD) as a biomarker provides critical prognostic information and that MRD may have a role in directing postremission decisions. There are a variety of assays for MRD assessment, such as multiparameter flow cytometry and molecular assessment of MRD, which present different characteristics in patients older than 60 years of age. Due to multiple reasons related to age, the progress of older adult AML patients is rarely investigated, especially with respect to MRD. In this review, we will clarify the characteristics of different assays for assessing MRD, focusing on its role as a risk-stratification biomarker to predict prognostic information and its role in optimal postremission therapy among older adult AML patients. These characteristics also provide guidance regarding the potential to apply personalized medicine in older adult AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyao Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuzhen Tong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Srinivasan Rajsri K, Roy N, Chakraborty S. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells in Minimal/Measurable Residual Disease Detection. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2866. [PMID: 37345204 PMCID: PMC10216329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102866] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by an abundance of incompletely matured or immature clonally derived hematopoietic precursors called leukemic blasts. Rare leukemia stem cells (LSCs) that can self-renew as well as give rise to leukemic progenitors comprising the bulk of leukemic blasts are considered the cellular reservoir of disease initiation and maintenance. LSCs are widely thought to be relatively resistant as well as adaptive to chemotherapy and can cause disease relapse. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the molecular bases of LSC forms and functions during different stages of disease progression, so we can more accurately identify these cells and design therapies to target them. Irrespective of the morphological, cytogenetic, and cellular heterogeneity of AML, the uniform, singularly important and independently significant prognosticator of disease response to therapy and patient outcome is measurable or minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, defined by residual disease detection below the morphology-based 5% blast threshold. The importance of LSC identification and frequency estimation during MRD detection, in order to make MRD more effective in predicting disease relapse and modifying therapeutic regimen is becoming increasingly apparent. This review focuses on summarizing functional and cellular composition-based LSC identification and linking those studies to current techniques of MRD detection to suggest LSC-inclusive MRD detection as well as outline outstanding questions that need to be addressed to improve the future of AML clinical management and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Srinivasan Rajsri
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (K.S.R.); (N.R.)
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Nainita Roy
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (K.S.R.); (N.R.)
| | - Sohini Chakraborty
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA; (K.S.R.); (N.R.)
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14
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Oliva EN, Candoni A, Salutari P, Palumbo GA, Reda G, Iannì G, Tripepi G, Cuzzola M, Capelli D, Mammì C, Alati C, Cannatà MC, Niscola P, Serio B, Musto P, Vigna E, Volpe A, Melillo LMA, Arcadi MT, Mannina D, Zannier ME, Latagliata R. Azacitidine Post-Remission Therapy for Elderly Patients with AML: A Randomized Phase-3 Trial (QoLESS AZA-AMLE). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092441. [PMID: 37173908 PMCID: PMC10177242 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092441] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This phase-3 randomized multicenter trial evaluated the efficacy of subcutaneous azacitidine (AZA) post-remission therapy vs. best supportive care (BSC) in elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The primary endpoint was the difference in disease-free survival (DFS) from complete remission (CR) to relapse/death. Patients with newly diagnosed AML aged ≥61 years received two courses of induction chemotherapy ("3+7" daunorubicin and cytarabine) followed by consolidation (cytarabine). At CR, 54 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive BSC (N = 27) or AZA (N = 27) at a dose of 50 mg/m2 for 7 days every 28 days and the dose increased after the 1st cycle to 75 mg/m2 for a further 5 cycles, followed by cycles every 56 days for 4.5 years. At 2 years, median DFS was 6.0 (95% CI: 0.2-11.7) months for patients receiving BSC vs. 10.8 months (95% CI: 1.9-19.6, p = 0.20) months for AZA. At 5 years, DFS was 6.0 (95% CI: 0.2-11.7) months in the BSC arm vs. 10.8 (95% CI: 1.9-19.6, p = 0.23) months in the AZA arm. Significant benefit was afforded by AZA on DFS at 2 and 5 years in patients aged >68 years (HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.90, p = 0.030 and HR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15-0.93, p = 0.034, respectively). No deaths occurred prior to leukemic relapse. Neutropenia was the most frequent adverse event. There were no differences in patient-reported outcome measures between study arms. In conclusion, AZA post-remission therapy was found to provide benefit in AML patients aged >68 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Natalie Oliva
- U.O.C. Ematologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Anna Candoni
- Divisione Ematologia, P.O. Santa Maria della Misericordia, A.S.U.F.C di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Prassede Salutari
- Dipartimento Oncologico-Ematologico Ospedale Civile Spirito Santo Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Palumbo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reda
- UOC Ematologia Università degli Studi di Milano, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iannì
- Dielnet SRL, CRO Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tripepi
- IFC-CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Maria Cuzzola
- UOSD Tipizzazione Tissutale, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Debora Capelli
- Clinica di Ematologia Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Corrado Mammì
- UOSD Medical Genetics, Great Metropolitan Hospital, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Caterina Alati
- U.O.C. Ematologia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | | | | | - Bianca Serio
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia, AOU San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona, 84125 Salerno, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Musto
- Department of Precision and Translational Medicine with Ionian Area, "Aldo Moro" University School of Medicine, 70121 Bari, Italy
- Unit of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, AOUC Policlinico, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ernesto Vigna
- U.O. di Ematologia, Ospedale L'Annunziata, 87100 Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Volpe
- U.O. di Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giuseppe Moscato, 83100 Avellino, Italy
| | - Lorella Maria Antonia Melillo
- U.O.C. Ematologia e Trapianto di Cellule Staminali Emopoietiche, Policlinico Foggia Ospedaliero-Universitario, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Arcadi
- U.O. Farmacia, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Bianchi Melacrino Morelli, 89124 Reggio di Calabria, Italy
| | - Donato Mannina
- U.O.C. di Ematologia, Azienda Ospedaliera Papardo, 98158 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Zannier
- Divisione Ematologia, P.O. Santa Maria della Misericordia, A.S.U.F.C di Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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15
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Wei AH, Döhner H, Sayar H, Ravandi F, Montesinos P, Dombret H, Selleslag D, Porkka K, Jang JH, Skikne B, Beach CL, Prebet T, Zhang G, Risueño A, Ugidos M, See WL, Menezes D, Roboz GJ. Long-term survival with oral azacitidine for patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first remission after chemotherapy: Updated results from the randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 QUAZAR AML-001 trial. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:E84-E87. [PMID: 36655608 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Wei
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Hamid Sayar
- Indiana University Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pau Montesinos
- Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Hervé Dombret
- Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Kimmo Porkka
- HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematology Research Unit Helsinki and iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Center Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jun-Ho Jang
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Barry Skikne
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | - C L Beach
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Alberto Risueño
- BMS Center for Innovation and Translational Research Europe (CITRE, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Ugidos
- BMS Center for Innovation and Translational Research Europe (CITRE, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), Seville, Spain
| | - Wendy L See
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Gail J Roboz
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, USA
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16
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Neuendorff NR, Gagelmann N, Singhal S, Meckstroth S, Thibaud V, Zhao Y, Mir N, Shih YY, Amaro DMC, Roy M, Lombardo J, Gjærde LK, Loh KP. Hypomethylating agent-based therapies in older adults with acute myeloid leukemia - A joint review by the Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Trainee Committee. J Geriatr Oncol 2023; 14:101406. [PMID: 36435726 PMCID: PMC10106360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.11.005] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with poor outcomes in older adults. A major goal of treatment is to balance quality of life and functional independence with disease control. With the approval of new, more tolerable regimens, more older adults are able to receive AML-directed therapy. Among these options are hypomethylating agents (HMAs), specifically azacitidine and decitabine. HMAs have become an integral part of AML therapy over the last two decades. These agents are used either as monotherapy or nowadays more commonly in combination with other agents such as the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Biological AML characteristics, such as molecular and cytogenetic risk factors, play crucial roles in guiding treatment decisions. In patients with high-risk AML, HMAs are increasingly used rather than intensive chemotherapy, although further trials based on a risk-adapted approach using patient- and disease-related factors are needed. Here, we review trials and evidence for the use of HMA monotherapy and combination therapy in the management of older adults with AML. Furthermore, we discuss the use of HMAs and HMA combination therapies in AML, mechanisms of action, their incorporation into hematopoietic stem cell transplantation strategies, and their use in patients with comorbidities and reduced organ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rosa Neuendorff
- Clinic for Hematology and Stem-Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, D-45147 Essen, Germany.
| | - Nico Gagelmann
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Surbhi Singhal
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shelby Meckstroth
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Vincent Thibaud
- Department of Hematology, Hôpital Saint-Vincent, Université Catholique de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nabiel Mir
- Section of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Yung-Yu Shih
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Clinic Favoriten Vienna, Austria
| | - Danielle M C Amaro
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mukul Roy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Joseph Lombardo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lars Klingen Gjærde
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kah Poh Loh
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James P. Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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17
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Menezes DL, See WL, Risueño A, Tsai KT, Lee JK, Ma J, Khan R, Prebet T, Skikne B, Beach CL, Thakurta A, Gandhi A. Oral azacitidine modulates the bone marrow microenvironment in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in remission: A subanalysis from the QUAZAR AML-001 trial. Br J Haematol 2023. [PMID: 36990798 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18783] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Oral azacitidine (Oral-AZA) maintenance therapy improved relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) significantly versus placebo for AML patients in remission after intensive chemotherapy (IC) in the phase 3 QUAZAR AML-001 study. Immune profiling was performed on the bone marrow (BM) at remission and on-treatment in a subset of patients with the aim of identifying prognostic immune features and evaluating associations of on-treatment immune effects by Oral-AZA with clinical outcomes. Post-IC, increased levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells and CD34 + CD117+ BM cells were prognostically favourable for RFS. CD3+ T-cell counts were significantly prognostic for RFS in both treatment arms. At baseline, high expression of the PD-L1 checkpoint marker was identified on a subset of CD34 + CD117+ BM cells; many of which were PD-L2+. High co-expression of T-cell exhaustion markers PD-1 and TIM-3 was associated with inferior outcomes. Oral-AZA augmented T-cell numbers during early treatment, increased CD4+:CD8+ ratios and reversed T-cell exhaustion. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified two patient subsets defined by T-cell content and expression of T-cell exhaustion markers that were enriched for MRD negativity. These results indicate that Oral-AZA modulates T-cell activity in the maintenance setting of AML, and these immune-mediated responses are associated with clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy L See
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jae K Lee
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Johnny Ma
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rida Khan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Barry Skikne
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - C L Beach
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
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18
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Ai H, Chao NJ, Rizzieri DA, Huang X, Spitzer TR, Wang J, Guo M, Keating A, Krakow EF, Blaise D, Ma J, Wu D, Reagan J, Gergis U, Duarte RF, Chaudhary PM, Hu K, Yu C, Sun Q, Fuchs E, Cai B, Huang Y, Qiao J, Gottlieb D, Schultz KR, Liu M, Chen X, Chen W, Wang J, Zhang X, Li J, Huang H, Sun Z, Li F, Yang L, Zhang L, Li L, Liu K, Jin J, Liu Q, Liu D, Gao C, Fan C, Wei L, Zhang X, Hu L, Zhang W, Tian Y, Han W, Zhu J, Xiao Z, Zhou D, Zhang B, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Wu X, Shen X, Lu X, Zhan X, Sun X, Xiao Y, Wang J, Shi X, Zheng B, Chen J, Ding B, Wang Z, Zhou F, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Sun J, Xia B, Chen B, Ma L. Expert consensus on microtransplant for acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients -report from the international microtransplant interest group. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14924. [PMID: 37089296 PMCID: PMC10119710 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that microtransplant (MST) could improve outcome of patients with elderly acute myeloid leukemia (EAML). To further standardize the MST therapy and improve outcomes in EAML patients, based on analysis of the literature on MST, especially MST with EAML from January 1st, 2011 to November 30th, 2022, the International Microtransplant Interest Group provides recommendations and considerations for MST in the treatment of EAML. Four major issues related to MST for treating EAML were addressed: therapeutic principle of MST (1), candidates for MST (2), induction chemotherapy regimens (3), and post-remission therapy based on MST (4). Others included donor screening, infusion of donor cells, laboratory examinations, and complications of treatment.
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19
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Tiong IS, Loo S. Targeting Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Moving beyond Prognostication. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4790. [PMID: 36902217 PMCID: PMC10003715 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054790] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has an established role in disease prognostication, particularly in guiding decisions for hematopoietic cell transplantation in first remission. Serial MRD assessment is now routinely recommended in the evaluation of treatment response and monitoring in AML by the European LeukemiaNet. The key question remains, however, if MRD in AML is clinically actionable or "does MRD merely portend fate"? With a series of new drug approvals since 2017, we now have more targeted and less toxic therapeutic options for the potential application of MRD-directed therapy. Recent approval of NPM1 MRD as a regulatory endpoint is also foreseen to drastically transform the clinical trial landscape such as biomarker-driven adaptive design. In this article, we will review (1) the emerging molecular MRD markers (such as non-DTA mutations, IDH1/2, and FLT3-ITD); (2) the impact of novel therapeutics on MRD endpoints; and (3) how MRD might be used as a predictive biomarker to guide therapy in AML beyond its prognostic role, which is the focus of two large collaborative trials: AMLM26 INTERCEPT (ACTRN12621000439842) and MyeloMATCH (NCT05564390).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing S. Tiong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sun Loo
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- The Northern Hospital, Epping, VIC 3076, Australia
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20
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Feld J, Tremblay D, Navada SC, Silverman LR. Ascertaining QUAZARs: slow-motion and light-speed development of oral azacitidine and decitabine. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:525-539. [PMID: 36370098 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2142051] [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: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are devastating diseases that frequently rely on the use of parenteral hypomethylating agents (HMAs), either as monotherapy or in combination, as first-line treatment for many patients. Two new oral HMAs, decitabine/cedazuridine (DC) for use in place of azacitidine or decitabine in MDS, and azacitidine (CC-486) for use as maintenance treatment in AML, were recently approved by the FDA. We will discuss the development of these oral HMAs, including the advantages/disadvantages in transitioning to oral HMAs and an in depth look at the pivotal phase III trials that led to their FDA approval - ASCERTAIN for DC and QUAZAR-AML-001 for CC-486. We also review how these agents have been and are being studied in other malignancies, and examine the future role that these exciting novel agents will play in both MDS and AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feld
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Douglas Tremblay
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shyamala C Navada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lewis R Silverman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Shimony S, Stahl M, Stone RM. Acute myeloid leukemia: 2023 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol 2023; 98:502-526. [PMID: 36594187 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
DISEASE OVERVIEW Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a frequently fatal bone marrow stem cell cancer characterized by unbridled proliferation of malignant marrow stem cells with associated infection, anemia, and bleeding. An improved understanding of pathophysiology, improvements in measurement technology and at least 10 recently approved therapies have led to revamping the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic landscape of AML. DIAGNOSIS One updated and one new classification system were published in 2022, both emphasizing the integration of molecular analysis into daily practice. Differences between the International Consensus Classification and major revisions from the previous 2016 WHO system provide both challenges and opportunities for care and clinical research. RISK ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING The European Leukemia Net 2022 risk classification integrates knowledge from novel molecular findings and recent trial results, as well as emphasizing dynamic risk based on serial measurable residual disease assessment. However, how to leverage our burgeoning ability to measure a small number of potentially malignant myeloid cells into therapeutic decision making is controversial. RISK ADAPTED THERAPY The diagnostic and therapeutic complexity plus the availability of newly approved agents requires a nuanced therapeutic algorithm which should integrate patient goals of care, comorbidities, and disease characteristics including the specific mutational profile of the patient's AML. The framework we suggest only represents the beginning of the discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Shimony
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Rabin Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard M Stone
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Meddi E, Savi A, Moretti F, Mallegni F, Palmieri R, Paterno G, Buzzatti E, Del Principe MI, Buccisano F, Venditti A, Maurillo L. Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) as a Surrogate Efficacy-Response Biomarker in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043062. [PMID: 36834477 PMCID: PMC9967250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043062] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) many patients experience relapse, despite the achievement of morphological complete remission; therefore, conventional morphologic criteria are currently considered inadequate for assessing the quality of the response after treatment. Quantification of measurable residual disease (MRD) has been established as a strong prognostic marker in AML and patients that test MRD negative have lower relapse rates and better survival than those who test positive. Different techniques, varying in their sensitivity and applicability to patients, are available for the measurement of MRD and their use as a guide for selecting the most optimal post-remission therapy is an area of active investigation. Although still controversial, MRD prognostic value promises to support drug development serving as a surrogate biomarker, potentially useful for accelerating the regulatory approval of new agents. In this review, we will critically examine the methods used to detect MRD and its potential role as a study endpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Meddi
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Savi
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Moretti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Mallegni
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmieri
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Buzzatti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Buccisano
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Hematology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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23
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Jaramillo S, Schlenk RF. Update on current treatments for adult acute myeloid leukemia: to treat acute myeloid leukemia intensively or non-intensively? That is the question. Haematologica 2023; 108:342-352. [PMID: 36722404 PMCID: PMC9890037 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.280802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
For several decades, the treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has been a dichotomous choice between intensive chemotherapy strategies with curative intent and non-intensive options including supportive care. Patients' age and fitness, as well as comorbidities, primarily influenced this choice. However, the therapeutic armamentarium is evolving, so that there are highly effective and increasingly specific drugs, fitting the mutational profile of a patient's leukemia. There is now a spectrum of treatment options that are less intense and can be administered in an outpatient setting and to a substantial extent are equally or even more effective than standard intensive therapy. We are, therefore, witnessing a radical change in the treatment landscape of AML. In this review, we examine the current treatment options for patients with AML, considering the molecular spectrum of the disease on the background of patient-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Jaramillo
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital
| | - Richard F. Schlenk
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Heidelberg University Hospital,NCT-Trial Center, National Center of Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany,F. Schlenk_Richard
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24
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Cooperrider JH, Shukla N, Nawas MT, Patel AA. The Cup Runneth Over: Treatment Strategies for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:74-85. [PMID: 36223559 PMCID: PMC10476749 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2017, the number of agents for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has rapidly expanded. Given the increased therapeutic options, better identification of high-risk subsets of AML and more refined approaches to patient fitness assessment, the decisions surrounding selection of intensive chemotherapy versus lower-intensity treatment have grown increasingly more nuanced. In this review, we present available data for both standard and investigational approaches in the initial treatment of AML using an intensive chemotherapy backbone or a lower-intensity approach. We summarize management strategies in newly diagnosed secondary AML, considerations around allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, and the role of maintenance therapy. Finally, we highlight important areas of future investigation and novel agents that may hold promise in combination with standard therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Navika Shukla
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Mariam T. Nawas
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Anand Ashwin Patel
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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25
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Babakhanlou R, Ravandi-Kashani F. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions |The Role of Maintenance Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:1-7. [PMID: 36456394 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive disease predominantly affecting the elderly population. Although, up to 65% of patients with AML achieve a complete remission with standard induction chemotherapy, the majority of patients will relapse and succumb to the disease. Although maintenance therapy is a component of standard management for various hematological malignancies, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) or multiple myeloma, past studies investigating the role of maintenance therapy in AML were unable to demonstrate an advantage in overall survival, and therefore, it has not been an established practice in the treatment of AML. For patients, who are not candidates for stem cell transplant, effective AML maintenance therapies are needed in order to reduce the risk of relapse. Over the past decades, many investigators have examined the role of various maintenance strategies in AML; with the intention to prolong remission and overall survival. This review will provide an overview of prior and ongoing approaches and strategies to maintenance therapy for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrick Babakhanlou
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.
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26
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Achieving MRD negativity in AML: how important is this and how do we get there? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:9-14. [PMID: 36485093 PMCID: PMC9820122 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have demonstrated that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have measurable residual disease (MRD) detected during or after treatment have higher relapse rates and worse survival than similar patients testing negative. Updated response criteria for AML reflect the understanding that achievement of complete remission (CR) with no detectable MRD using high-sensitivity tests represents a superior response over conventional cytomorphological CR alone. Potential use cases for AML MRD testing are diverse and include patient selection for clinical trials and therapeutic assignment, early relapse detection and intervention during sequential monitoring, and drug development, including deep quantification for antileukemia efficacy and as a surrogate endpoint for overall survival in regulatory approvals. Testing for AML MRD has not, however, been harmonized, and many technical and clinical questions remain. The implications of MRD test results for specific therapeutic combinations, molecular subsets, test types, treatment time points, sample types, and patient characteristics remain incompletely defined. No perfect AML MRD test or testing strategy currently exists, and the evidence basis for clinical recommendations in this rare disease is sparse but growing. It is unproven whether conversion of an MRD test result from positive to negative by additional therapeutic intervention improves relapse risk and survival. Several national- and international-level consortia have recently been initiated to advance the generation and collection of evidence to support the use of AML MRD testing in clinical practice, drug development, and regulatory approvals.
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27
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review how understanding the fitness and comorbidity burden of patients, and molecular landscape of underlying acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at the time of diagnosis is now integral to treatment. RECENT FINDINGS The upfront identification of patients' fitness and molecular profile facilitates selection of targeted and novel agents, enables risk stratification, allows consideration of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in high-risk patients, and provides treatment selection for older (age ≥ 75) or otherwise unfit patients who may not tolerate conventional treatment. The use of measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment improves outcome prediction and can also guide therapeutic strategies such as chemotherapy maintenance and transplant. In recent years, several novel drugs have received FDA approval for treating patients with AML with or without specific mutations. A doublet and triplet combination of molecular targeted and other novel treatments have resulted in high response rates in early trials. Following the initial success in AML, novel drugs are undergoing clinical trials in MDS. Unprecedented advances have been made in precision medicine approaches in AML and MDS. However, lack of durable responses and long-term disease control in many patients still present significant challenges, which can only be met, to some extent, with innovative combination strategies throughout the course of treatment from induction to consolidation and maintenance.
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28
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Döhner H, Wei AH, Roboz GJ, Montesinos P, Thol FR, Ravandi F, Dombret H, Porkka K, Sandhu I, Skikne B, See WL, Ugidos M, Risueño A, Chan ET, Thakurta A, Beach CL, Lopes de Menezes D. Prognostic impact of NPM1 and FLT3 mutations in patients with AML in first remission treated with oral azacitidine. Blood 2022; 140:1674-1685. [PMID: 35960871 PMCID: PMC10653004 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 QUAZAR AML-001 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01757535) evaluated oral azacitidine (Oral-AZA) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first remission after intensive chemotherapy (IC) who were not candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 to Oral-AZA 300 mg or placebo for 14 days per 28-day cycle. We evaluated relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patient subgroups defined by NPM1 and FLT3 mutational status at AML diagnosis and whether survival outcomes in these subgroups were influenced by presence of post-IC measurable residual disease (MRD). Gene mutations at diagnosis were collected from patient case report forms; MRD was determined centrally by multiparameter flow cytometry. Overall, 469 of 472 randomized patients (99.4%) had available mutational data; 137 patients (29.2%) had NPM1 mutations (NPM1mut), 66 patients (14.1%) had FLT3 mutations (FLT3mut; with internal tandem duplications [ITD], tyrosine kinase domain mutations [TKDmut], or both), and 30 patients (6.4%) had NPM1mut and FLT3-ITD at diagnosis. Among patients with NPM1mut, OS and RFS were improved with Oral-AZA by 37% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.98) and 45% (HR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35-0.84), respectively, vs placebo. Median OS was improved numerically with Oral-AZA among patients with NPM1mut whether without MRD (48.6 months vs 31.4 months with placebo) or with MRD (46.1 months vs 10.0 months with placebo) post-IC. Among patients with FLT3mut, Oral-AZA improved OS and RFS by 37% (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.35-1.12) and 49% (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95), respectively, vs placebo. Median OS with Oral-AZA vs placebo was 28.2 months vs 16.2 months, respectively, for patients with FLT3mut and without MRD and 24.0 months vs 8.0 months for patients with FLT3mut and MRD. In multivariate analyses, Oral-AZA significantly improved survival independent of NPM1 or FLT3 mutational status, cytogenetic risk, or post-IC MRD status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gail J Roboz
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Pau Montesinos
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felicitas R Thol
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Hervé Dombret
- Leukemia Unit, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Kimmo Porkka
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, HUS Comprehensive Cancer Center, and iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Center Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irwindeep Sandhu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Barry Skikne
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Wendy L See
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ
| | - Manuel Ugidos
- BMS Center for Innovation and Translational Research Europe (CITRE), a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | - Alberto Risueño
- BMS Center for Innovation and Translational Research Europe (CITRE), a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Anjan Thakurta
- Translational Medicine, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ
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29
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Yang G, Wang X, Huang S, Huang R, Wei J, Wang X, Zhang X. Generalist in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MDS or AML: Epigenetic therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1034438. [PMID: 36268012 PMCID: PMC9577610 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1034438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only curative treatment for patients with myeloid malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) still affect the survival of patients who receive allo-HSCT, and more appropriate therapeutic strategies should be applied at all stages of transplantation to prevent these adverse events. The use of epigenetics agents, such as hypomethylating agents (HMAs), has been explored to decrease the risk of relapse by epigenetic modulation, which is especially effective among AML patients with poor mutations in epigenetic regulators. Furthermore, epigenetic agents have also been regarded as prophylactic methods for GvHD management without abrogating graft versus leukemia (GvL) effects. Therefore, the combination of epigenetic therapy and HSCT may optimize the transplantation process and prevent treatment failure. Existing studies have investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of using HMAs in the pretransplant, transplant and posttransplant stages among MDS and AML patients. This review examines the application of HMAs as a bridge treatment to reduce the tumor burden and the determine appropriate dose during allo-HSCT. Within this review, we also examine the efficacy and safety of HMAs alone or HMA-based strategies in posttransplant settings for MDS and AML. Finally, we provide an overview of other epigenetic candidates, which have been discussed in the nontransplant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guancui Yang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Shiqin Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ruihao Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Wei
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Zhang, ; Xiaoqi Wang,
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- *Correspondence: Xi Zhang, ; Xiaoqi Wang,
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30
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Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2022 recommendations from an international expert panel on behalf of the ELN. Blood 2022; 140:1345-1377. [PMID: 35797463 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 902] [Impact Index Per Article: 451.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2010 and 2017 editions of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for diagnosis and management of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults are widely recognized among physicians and investigators. There have been major advances in our understanding of AML, including new knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis of AML, leading to an update of the disease classification, technological progress in genomic diagnostics and assessment of measurable residual disease, and the successful development of new therapeutic agents, such as FLT3, IDH1, IDH2, and BCL2 inhibitors. These advances have prompted this update that includes a revised ELN genetic risk classification, revised response criteria, and treatment recommendations.
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31
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Azenkot T, Jonas BA. Clinical Impact of Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153634. [PMID: 35892893 PMCID: PMC9330895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Advances in immunophenotyping and molecular techniques have allowed for the development of more sensitive diagnostic tests in acute leukemia. These techniques can identify low levels of leukemic cells (quantified as 10−4 to 10−6 ratio to white blood cells) in patient samples. The presence of such low levels of leukemic cells, termed “measurable/minimal residual disease” (MRD), has been shown to be a marker of disease burden and patient outcomes. In acute lymphoblastic leukemia, new agents are highly effective at eliminating MRD for patients whose leukemia progressed despite first line therapies. By comparison, the role of MRD in acute myeloid leukemia is less clear. This commentary reviews select data and remaining questions about the clinical application of MRD to the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Abstract Measurable residual disease (MRD) has emerged as a primary marker of risk severity and prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). There is, however, ongoing debate about MRD-based surveillance and treatment. A literature review was performed using the PubMed database with the keywords MRD or residual disease in recently published journals. Identified articles describe the prognostic value of pre-transplant MRD and suggest optimal timing and techniques to quantify MRD. Several studies address the implications of MRD on treatment selection and hematopoietic stem cell transplant, including patient candidacy, conditioning regimen, and transplant type. More prospective, randomized studies are needed to guide the application of MRD in the treatment of AML, particularly in transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Azenkot
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Brian A. Jonas
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Malignant Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-916-734-3772
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32
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Winters AC, Bosma G, Abbott D, Minhajuddin M, Jordan C, Pollyea DA, Gutman JA. Outcomes Are Similar After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Newly Diagnosed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients who Received Venetoclax + Azacitidine Versus Intensive Chemotherapy. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:694.e1-694.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Roloff GW, Odenike O, Bajel A, Wei AH, Foley N, Uy GL. Contemporary Approach to Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy in 2022. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35658497 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_349605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in acute myeloid leukemia biology and drug development have transformed the therapeutic landscape for patients diagnosed with this disease. By harnessing insights from the study of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, the acute myeloid leukemia treatment armamentarium now extends beyond conventional cytotoxic agents to include targeted therapies, and immunotherapeutics, with multiple novel modalities under investigation. During the past 5 years, recent drug approvals have also focused attention on disease scenarios and patient populations for whom newer therapies might be deployed. In this review, we highlight select acute myeloid leukemia therapies in the frontline setting through the lens of both disease and patient-related factors. Particular emphasis is placed on the assessment of patient fitness, as contemporary acute myeloid leukemia therapy decisions largely hinge on the determination of whether intensive chemotherapy is suitable for a patient. Additionally, we detail scenarios and areas of controversy wherein disease biology may inspire a reframing of traditional intensive treatment philosophies, regardless of patient fitness. Lastly, we provide an overview of emerging agents that are being investigated in the relapsed/refractory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W Roloff
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Olatoyosi Odenike
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Ashish Bajel
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicole Foley
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Geoffrey L Uy
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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