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Stilgenbauer S, Tausch E, Roberts AW, Davids MS, Eichhorst B, Hallek M, Hillmen P, Schneider C, Schetelig J, Böttcher S, Kater AP, Jiang Y, Boyer M, Popovic R, Ghanim MT, Moran M, Sinai WJ, Wang X, Mukherjee N, Chyla B, Wierda WG, Seymour JF. Six-year follow-up and subgroup analyses of a phase 2 trial of venetoclax for del(17p) chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1992-2004. [PMID: 38290108 PMCID: PMC11024923 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Chromosome 17p deletion (del[17p]) is associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Venetoclax is approved for treatment of previously untreated and relapsed/refractory (R/R) CLL, including patients with del(17p), based on the open-label, multicenter, phase 2 M13-982 trial (NCT01889186). Here, we detail the 6-year follow-up analysis for M13-982. A total of 158 patients with previously untreated (n = 5) or R/R (n = 153) del(17p) CLL received 400 mg venetoclax daily after initial ramp-up until progressive disease. After a median follow-up of 70 months, the best objective response rate (ORR) was 77% (21% complete remission [CR] and 49% partial remission [PR]), with a median duration of response (DOR) of 39.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.1-50.5). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 28.2 months (95% CI, 23.4-37.6), and median overall survival (OS) was 62.5 months (95% CI, 51.7-not reached), with 16% of patients remaining on treatment after 6 years. Multivariable analysis did not identify statistically significant correlation between patient subgroups defined by clinical or laboratory variables and ORR or PFS. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (42%), infections (33%), anemia (16%), and thrombocytopenia (16%). Post hoc comparative analyses of PFS and OS from treatment initiation, from a 24-month landmark, and by minimal residual disease status were performed between patients with del(17p) in the M13-982 and MURANO studies in the interest of understanding these data in another context. These long-term data show the continued benefits of venetoclax in patients with del(17p) CLL. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01889186.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Division of CLL, Internal Medicine III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew W. Roberts
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Barbara Eichhorst
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center of Integrated Oncology Köln Bonn, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Hillmen
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Johannes Schetelig
- Medical Clinic I, Department of Hematology, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sebastian Böttcher
- Division of Internal Medicine, Medical Clinic III-Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Arnon P. Kater
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William G. Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - John F. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Pham N, Coombs CC, O'Brien S. Are we closer to a standard of care for Richter's syndrome? Novel treatments on the horizon. Expert Rev Hematol 2024; 17:117-126. [PMID: 38693662 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2024.2350528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The therapeutic landscape for chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) has significantly evolved over the past decade with dramatically improved outcomes with the introduction of targeted therapies. This unfortunately has not been the case for Richter transformation (RT), the histologic transformation to a more aggressive lymphoma, most typically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). As such, RT continues to be one of the most challenging complications of CLL/SLL. Historically, RT has a poor response to treatment, with a minority reaching complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS) being less than a year. AREAS COVERED The focus of this review is to discuss the effectiveness of commonly used regimens, and review existing data for emerging regimens being examined in ongoing clinical trials to improve prognosis and outcomes in patients with RT. Despite extensive efforts to optimize therapies for RT, there is still no generalized consensus on either first-line treatment regimens or regimens in the relapsed/refractory setting. RT continues to carry a high mortality rate without durable response to current therapeutic agents. EXPERT OPINION Ongoing and future research may identify novel treatment approaches that will eventually improve outcomes for patients with RT. The optimal care for RT patients is a clinical trial, when feasible.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/mortality
- Standard of Care
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Treatment Outcome
- Disease Management
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia Pham
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Catherine C Coombs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Susan O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at University of California, Irvine, USA
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Zygmunciak P, Robak T, Puła B. Treatment of Double-Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-An Unmet Clinical Need. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1589. [PMID: 38338868 PMCID: PMC10855898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031589] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant improvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management. Targeting B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2) and Bruton's kinase (BTK) have become the main strategies to restrain CLL activity. These agents are generally well tolerated, but the discontinuation of these therapies happens due to resistance, adverse effects, and Richter's transformation. A growing population of patients who have previously used both BTK inhibitors and BCL2 suffer from the constriction of the following regimens. This review explores the resistance mechanisms for both ibrutinib and venetoclax. Moreover, we present innovative approaches evaluated for treating double-refractory CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zygmunciak
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
- Department of General Hematology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bartosz Puła
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
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4
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There have been significant advances in the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) over the past two decades. However, the intention of treatment remains control of the disease and delay of progression rather than a cure which remains largely elusive. Considering that CLL is mostly seen in older patients, there are multiple factors that play a role in the selection of CLL beyond the frontline treatment. Here, we review the concept of relapsed CLL, factors that predispose to relapse, and therapeutic options available to this patient population. We also review investigational therapies and provide a framework for selection of therapies in this setting. RECENT FINDINGS Targeted therapies with continuous BTK inhibitors (BTKi) or fixed duration venetoclax plus anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy have established superiority over chemoimmunotherapy in relapsed CLL and have become the preferred standard of care treatment. The second-generation more selective BTK inhibitors (acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib) have shown improved safety profile compared to ibrutinib. However, resistance to the covalent BTK inhibitors may emerge and is commonly associated with mutations in BTK or other downstream enzymes. The novel non-covalent BTK inhibitors such as pirtobrutinib (Loxo-305) and nemtabrutinib (ARQ 531) are showing promising activities for relapsed CLL refractory to prior covalent BTKi. Other novel therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy have also shown significant activities for relapsed and refractory CLL. Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment has a growing importance in venetoclax-based limited-duration therapy and there is mounting evidence that MRD negativity improves outcomes. However, it remains to be seen if this will become an established clinically significant endpoint. Further, the optimal sequence of various treatment options remains to be determined. Patients with relapsed CLL now have more options for the treatment of the disease. The choice of therapy is best individualized especially in the absence of direct comparisons of targeted therapies, and the coming years will bring more data on the best sequence of use of the therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatobi Odetola
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Shuo Ma
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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5
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Simon F, Bohn JP. Next-Generation Sequencing-Optimal Sequencing of Therapies in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1181-1189. [PMID: 37682487 PMCID: PMC10556156 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01454-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This research paper aims to provide an overview of evidence-based sequencing of therapies in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the era of targeted drugs. RECENT FINDINGS In the absence of data from randomized clinical trials comparing novel agents head-to-head, growing evidence suggests that patients with late relapse (> 2 years) after fixed-duration therapies benefit from identical retreatment, whereas a class switch is favorable in those with short-lived remissions or progressive disease on continuous drug intake. Treatment of patients previously exposed to both covalent inhibitors of BTK and BCL2 remains an unmet medical need. Novel drugs, in particular noncovalent BTKI, show promising efficacy in this difficult-to-treat subgroup in early clinical trials. The optimal sequencing of therapies in CLL requires consideration of individual patient factors and disease characteristics. Double-refractory disease continuous to pose a clinical challenge with a focus on participation in clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Simon
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Bohn
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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6
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Tournilhac O, van Gelder M, Eikema DJ, Zinger N, Dreger P, Bornhäuser M, Vucinic V, Scheid C, Cornelissen JJ, Schroeder T, Jindra P, Sengeloev H, Nguyen Quoc S, Stelljes M, Blau IW, Mayer J, Paneesha S, Chevallier P, Forcade E, Kröger N, Blaise D, Gribben J, Nielsen B, Johansson JE, Kyriakou C, Beguin Y, Pioltelli P, Sampol A, McLornan DP, Schetelig J, Hayden PJ, Yakoub-Agha I. The European landscape on allogeneic haematopoeietic cell transplantation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia between 2009 and 2019: a perspective from the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT. Bone Marrow Transplant 2023:10.1038/s41409-023-01955-z. [PMID: 36977926 PMCID: PMC10044103 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-023-01955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic transplantation (allo-HCT) is a curative treatment in CLL whose efficacy including the most severe forms had led to the 2006 EBMT recommendations. The advent after 2014 of targeted therapies has revolutionized CLL management, allowing prolonged control to patients who have failed immunochemotherapy and/or have TP53 alterations. We analysed the pre COVID pandemic 2009-2019 EBMT registry. The yearly number of allo-HCT raised to 458 in 2011 yet dropped from 2013 onwards to an apparent plateau above 100. Within the 10 countries who were under the EMA for drug approval and performed 83.5% of those procedures, large initial differences were found but the annual number converged to 2-3 per 10 million inhabitants during the 3 most recent years suggesting that allo-HCT remains applied in selected patients. Long-term follow-up on targeted therapies shows that most patients relapse, some early, with risk factors and resistance mechanisms being described. The treatment of patients exposed to both BCL2 and BTK inhibitors and especially those with double refractory disease will become a challenge in which allo-HCT remains a solid option in competition with emerging therapies that have yet to demonstrate their long-term effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Tournilhac
- Service d'Hematologie et de Therapie Cellulaire, CHU Estaing, EA 7453, CIC, Universite Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pavel Jindra
- Charles University Hospital, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Igor Wolfgang Blau
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hämatologie, Onkologie und Tumorimmunologie, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jiri Mayer
- University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | - Didier Blaise
- Programme de Transplantation & Therapie Cellulaire, Marseille, France
| | - John Gribben
- St. Bartholomew's and The Royal London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Bendt Nielsen
- University Department of Hematology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Yves Beguin
- University of Liege and CHU of Liège, Liege, Belgium
| | | | - Antònia Sampol
- Fundació Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears-IdISBa, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | | | - Patrick J Hayden
- Department of Haematology, Trinity College Dublin, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Cellular Therapies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter’s Transformation: Recent Developments in Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells, Natural Killer Cells, and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061838. [PMID: 36980726 PMCID: PMC10046903 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular therapies can be viewed as both the newest and oldest techniques for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Richter’s transformation (RT). On one hand, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) has been available for decades, though its use is diminishing with the increasing availability of effective novel targeted agents, especially in CLL. Among newer techniques, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) have demonstrated astounding efficacy in several hematologic malignancies, leading to FDA approval and use in clinical practice. However, though CLL is the earliest disease type for which CAR-T were studied, development has been slower and has yet to lead to regulatory approval. Owing partially to its rarity but also due to the aggressive behavior of RT, CAR-T in RT have only been minimally explored. Here, we will focus on the applications of cellular therapies in CLL and RT, specifically reviewing more recent data related to alloHSCT in the novel-agent era and CAR-T cell development in CLL/RT, focusing on safety and efficacy successes and limitations. We will review strategies to improve upon CAR-T efficacy and discuss ongoing trials utilizing CAR-T in CLL/RT, as well as emerging technologies, such as allogeneic CAR-T and natural killer CAR (CAR NK) cells.
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8
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Puckrin R, Shafey M, Storek J. The role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: A review. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1105779. [PMID: 36741737 PMCID: PMC9889653 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1105779] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has declined with the development of novel targeted agents, it continues to play an important role for eligible patients with high-risk or heavily pretreated CLL who lack other treatment options. CLL is susceptible to a potent graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect which produces long-lasting remissions in 30-50% of transplanted patients. While allogeneic HCT is associated with significant risks of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), infection, and non-relapse mortality (NRM), improvements in patient and donor selection, reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), GVHD prophylaxis, and supportive care have rendered this an increasingly safe and effective procedure in the current era. In this review, we discuss recent advances in allogeneic HCT for CLL, with a focus on the optimal evidence-based strategies to maximize benefit and minimize toxicity of this potentially curative cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Storek
- Department of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Tom Baker Cancer Centre and University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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9
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Scarfò L. Novel therapies and combinations in CLL refractory to BTK inhibitors and venetoclax. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2022; 2022:316-322. [PMID: 36485153 PMCID: PMC9820511 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2022000344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) refractory to covalent BTK and BCL2 inhibitors have a new unmet clinical need. Standard treatment options are able to obtain only limited and short-lasting disease control associated with reduced overall survival, and thus these patients have become ideal candidates for enrollment in clinical trials. Favorable results have been obtained with the use of noncovalent BTK inhibitors (roughly 70% overall response rate regardless of the actual resistance or intolerance to previous covalent BTK inhibitors) and anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy (with complete responses in up to 45% of cases and an undetectable measurable residual disease rate of 65% in the bone marrow). These 2 approaches should be considered valid options in this setting, although not yet approved. For young fit patients achieving remissions with salvage treatments, the option of allogeneic stem cell transplantation should be discussed as the outcome appears to be unaffected by number and type of previous targeted agents. Novel treatment strategies interfering with different mechanisms of CLL cell survival and proliferation are warranted, including small molecules with novel targets (eg, CDK9, MCL1, ERK inhibitors), CAR T cells targeting different antigens, CAR natural killer cells, or bispecific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Scarfò
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
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10
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Burke JM. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Management of Most Difficult Cases of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Relapse After Both BTK and BCL2 Inhibition and Richter Transformation. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2022; 22:427-435. [PMID: 35577753 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of targeted therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has ushered in a new era in which patients achieve better control of their disease, survive longer, and experience fewer toxicities than before. Despite this progress, a subgroup of patients with CLL will develop resistance to both Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitors. In addition, a subgroup of CLL cases will transform into aggressive lymphoma - called Richter transformation - either before or during targeted therapy. These two subgroups of patients have a poor prognosis, and available therapies lead to long-term remission in only a minority of patients. In this paper, two cases are presented that are reflective of these difficult scenarios. In the first case, a patient with CLL, complex karyotype, del 17p, and a mutation in TP53 experiences progression after ibrutinib, venetoclax, bendamustine, rituximab, and idelalisib. In the second case, a patient with CLL and del 17p develops a Richter transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after treatment with obinutuzumab, chlorambucil, ibrutinib, venetoclax, and idelalisib. The aggressive lymphoma is refractory to chemoimmunotherapy, and she expires. The literature pertaining to these two scenarios is reviewed, including the role of available targeted therapies, chemoimmunotherapy, and hematopoietic cell transplantation. Emerging novel therapies, including reversible BTK inhibitors and CAR T cell therapy, are discussed.
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11
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Barbanti MC, Appleby N, Kesavan M, Eyre TA. Cellular Therapy in High-Risk Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter Syndrome. Front Oncol 2022; 12:888109. [PMID: 35574335 PMCID: PMC9095984 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.888109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of highly effective, targeted inhibitors of B-cell proliferation and anti-apoptotic pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), these treatments are not curative, and many patients will develop either intolerance or resistance to these treatments. Transformation of CLL to high-grade lymphoma—the so-called Richter syndrome (RS)—remains a highly chemoimmunotherapy-resistant disease, with the transformation occurring following targeted inhibitors for CLL treatment being particularly adverse. In light of this, cellular therapy in the form of allogenic stem cell transplantation and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy continues to be explored in these entities. We reviewed the current literature assessing these treatment modalities in both high-risk CLL and RS. We also discussed their current limitations and place in treatment algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Barbanti
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Appleby
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Murali Kesavan
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Toby Andrew Eyre
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Oxford Cancer and Haematology Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Wiedmeier-Nutor J, Leis J. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Chemotherapy Free and Other Novel Therapies Including CAR T. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:904-919. [PMID: 35435617 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00953-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. Most individuals diagnosed with CLL will not need treatment immediately but over time the clonal B cells infiltrate the bone marrow, lymph nodes, liver, and spleen, causing anemia, thrombocytopenia, systemic symptoms, and increased risk for infections. When clonal B cells begin adversely affecting other organs, treatment is warranted. Therapy for CLL has undergone a paradigm shift away from chemotherapy-based regimens to targeted therapy with small-molecule inhibitors. B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling plays a key role in CLL. BCR signaling occurs via many factors including Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate phosphodiesterase gamma-2 (PLCγ2), and CD19. CLL cells also express high levels of B-cell lymphoma or leukemia 2 (BCL2). Drugs that interfere with these pathways, such as ibrutinib, venetoclax, and idelalisib, have improved clinical outcomes. For any CLL patient that meets criteria for treatment, after evaluating for prognostic cytogenetic abnormalities, oral BTK inhibitors or venetoclax in combination with anti-CD20 therapy are considered first-line therapy. It is important to note that these novel therapies are particularly preferred for patients with TP53 mutations or deletion of the small arm of chromosome 17 (del(17p)), as those patients usually are chemotherapy refractory or display short remissions to chemotherapy. Nevertheless, patients without high-risk features such as TP53 abnormalities also benefit from novel agents. Following relapse, depending on the primary oral agent used, BTK inhibitors, venetoclax in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies, or PI3K inhibitors are preferred.
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MESH Headings
- Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wiedmeier-Nutor
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | - Jose Leis
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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13
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Kay NE, Hampel PJ, Van Dyke DL, Parikh SA. CLL update 2022: A continuing evolution in care. Blood Rev 2022; 54:100930. [DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Obinutuzumab in Allogeneic Transplantation for CLL and Richter's Transformation in the Age of Targeted Therapies. Hemasphere 2021; 5:e664. [PMID: 34881358 PMCID: PMC8647889 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
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15
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Yang S, Huang X, Gale RP. Cell therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: Transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Blood Rev 2021; 51:100884. [PMID: 34489116 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100884] [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: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial progress in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), much of it the result of new drug development. As such the definition of high-risk CLL is changing. Nevertheless, few persons with CLL are cured with current therapy. Two types of cell therapies of CLL are currently being evaluated or re-evaluated in the context of these advances: haematopoietic cell transplants and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cells. We discuss the potential role of these cell therapies in the context of the evolving therapy topography of CLL including how these therapies work and who, if anyone, is an appropriate candidate for cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenmiao Yang
- Peking University Peoples Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University Peoples Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.
| | - Robert Peter Gale
- Centre for Haematology Research, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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16
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite multiple advances in the treatment landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) during recent years, cellular therapies, such as allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and chimeric antigen-engineered T cells, represent valuable therapeutic options for patients with multiply relapsed or poor-risk disease. This brief overview will summarize current results of cellular therapies in CLL including Richter transformation, suggest an indication algorithm and strategies for performing cellular therapies in these conditions, and discuss the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and chimeric antigen-engineered T cells in CLL.
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17
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Reduced-intensity conditioning hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Richter's transformation. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2879-2889. [PMID: 34297048 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may potentially cure patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Richter's transformation (CLL-RT) or CLL without RT, but the impact of novel agents on HSCT is unclear. CLL-RT patients have a grave prognosis, and their outcomes after HSCT are uncertain. We conducted a retrospective analysis of all 58 CLL patients, including 23 CLL-RT patients, who underwent reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) HSCT at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY) between September 2006 and April 2017. With a median follow-up of 68 months (range, 24-147 months), 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28%-56%), and overall survival (OS) was 58% (95% CI, 48%-74%). The 1-year graft-versus-host disease/relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 38% (95% CI, 25%-50%). Patients with CLL-RT and CLL patients without RT had comparable outcomes. In both cohorts, treatment-sensitive response and ≤3 previous lines of therapy produced superior PFS and OS. Outcomes were agnostic to adverse cytogenetic and molecular features. Novel agents did not have a negative impact on HSCT outcomes. Total body irradiation (TBI)-containing RIC yielded inferior PFS, OS, and GRFS. CLL-RT patients older than age 55 years who had an HSCT Comorbidity Index score of ≥2 demonstrated inferior OS. This study, which is the largest series of RIC-HSCT for patients with CLL-RT, provides evidence supporting RIC-HSCT in early remission courses for patients with CLL-RT and poor-risk CLL patients. TBI-containing RIC should be considered with caution.
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18
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Lew TE, Tam CS, Seymour JF. How I treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia after venetoclax. Blood 2021; 138:361-369. [PMID: 33876212 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020008502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax-based regimens have expanded the therapeutic options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), frequently achieving remissions with undetectable measurable residual disease and facilitating time-limited treatment without chemotherapy. Although response rates are high and durable disease control is common, longer-term follow-up of patients with relapsed and refractory disease, especially in the presence of TP53 aberrations, demonstrates frequent disease resistance and progression. Although the understanding of venetoclax resistance remains incomplete, progressive disease is typified by oligoclonal leukemic populations with distinct resistance mechanisms, including BCL2 mutations, upregulation of alternative BCL2 family proteins, and genomic instability. Although most commonly observed in heavily pretreated patients with disease refractory to fludarabine and harboring complex karyotype, Richter transformation presents a distinct and challenging manifestation of venetoclax resistance. For patients with progressive CLL after venetoclax, treatment options include B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and venetoclax retreatment for those with disease relapsing after time-limited therapy. However, data to inform clinical decisions for these patients are limited. We review the biology of venetoclax resistance and outline an approach to the common clinical scenarios encountered after venetoclax-based therapy that will increasingly confront practicing clinicians.
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MESH Headings
- Allografts
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Lew
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; and
| | - Constantine S Tam
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John F Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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19
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Ahn IE, Brown JR. Targeting Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase in CLL. Front Immunol 2021; 12:687458. [PMID: 34248972 PMCID: PMC8261291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.687458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the B-cell receptor signaling pathway through BTK inhibition proved to be effective for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B-cell lymphomas. Covalent BTK inhibitors (BTKis) led to an unprecedented improvement in outcome in CLL, in particular for high-risk subgroups with TP53 aberration and unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable-region gene (IGHV). Ibrutinib and acalabrutinib are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of CLL and other B-cell lymphomas, and zanubrutinib, for patients with mantle cell lymphoma. Distinct target selectivity of individual BTKis confer differences in target-mediated as well as off-target adverse effects. Disease progression on covalent BTKis, driven by histologic transformation or selective expansion of BTK and PLCG2 mutated CLL clones, remains a major challenge in the field. Fixed duration combination regimens and reversible BTKis with non-covalent binding chemistry hold promise for the prevention and treatment of BTKi-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inhye E Ahn
- Lymphoid Malignancies Section, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Center, Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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20
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Will New Drugs Replace Transplants for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia? J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112516. [PMID: 34200119 PMCID: PMC8201027 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112516] [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: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplants have been used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) for more than 35 years. Use has been restricted to <1 percent of highly selected persons typically failing concurrent conventional therapies. As therapies of CLL have evolved, so have indications for transplantation and transplant techniques. The data that we review indicate that transplants can result in long-term leukemia-free survival in some persons but are associated with substantial transplant-related morbidity and mortality. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the anti-leukemia effects of transplants including drugs, ionizing radiations, immune-mediated mechanisms and/or a combination. We discuss prognostic and predicative covariates for transplant outcomes. Importantly, we consider whether there is presently a role of transplants in CLL and who, if anyone, is an appropriate candidate in the context of new drugs.
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21
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Immune Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Allogeneic Transplant, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy, and Beyond. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2021; 35:847-862. [PMID: 34174989 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant improvement in clinical outcomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), patients who experience failure of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors or venetoclax benefit from immune therapy approaches. Allogeneic transplant is a potentially curative treatment of CLL but is associated with risk of morbidity and mortality. Although still experimental, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy provides durable remissions in patients with deep molecular responses. This review summarizes the relevant literature and discusses an approach to treatment sequencing and timing of referral for immune therapy. Novel immunotherapy approaches are being investigated and potentially can be utilized in sequence or combination with targeted agents.
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22
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Ding W. The Ongoing Unmet Needs in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: TP53 Disruption, Richter, and Beyond. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2021; 35:739-759. [PMID: 34174984 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent success in regard to targeted therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), patients with TP53 disruption (including deletion and/or mutation) continue to have poor outcomes compared with other patients with CLL. In this article, a review of common TP53 mutations in CLL, and recent trials using novel targeted agents in CLL patients with TP53 disruption, is provided with the goal of emphasizing the need to continuously focus on this area of research. In addition, limited but available data on double refractory CLL to BTK inhibitor and BCL-2 inhibitor, and on Richter syndrome, are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ding
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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