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Tarantini F, Cumbo C, Anelli L, Zagaria A, Coccaro N, Tota G, Minervini A, Minervini CF, Parciante E, Conserva MR, Redavid I, Specchia G, Musto P, Albano F. Venetoclax-based treatment in acute myeloid leukemia: an unexpected bonus on the path to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant? Leuk Lymphoma 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39042428 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2024.2381649] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Despite the approval of new drugs, the inclusion of -omics-derived data and the integration of machine learning in both the diagnostic and therapeutic process, the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains dismal. The curative path is still aimed at achieving a successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in most patients. Nevertheless, access to this procedure is limited to eligible patients. Moreover, post-HSCT outcomes are influenced by AML heterogeneity and patient-related factors. The rise of venetoclax (VEN)-based combinations as standard of care in the treatment of older or unfit AML patients, together with their peculiar management profile, has led researchers to evaluate the feasibility of this approach in patients proceeding toward HSCT. We reviewed the available evidence to weigh up the advantages and pitfalls of this new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tarantini
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Cosimo Cumbo
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Anelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Zagaria
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Coccaro
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Tota
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Minervini
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Crescenzio Francesco Minervini
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Elisa Parciante
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Conserva
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Immacolata Redavid
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | | | - Pellegrino Musto
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Albano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J) - Hematology and Stem Cell, Transplantation Unit - University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
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Marvin-Peek J, Gilbert JS, Pollyea DA, DiNardo CD. Frontline therapy of acute myeloid leukemia with lower intensity regimens: Where are we now and where can we go? Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 39016070 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
The advent of molecularly targeted therapeutics has transformed the management of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Particularly for individuals unfit for intensive chemotherapy, lower intensity therapies (LIT) incorporating small molecules have significantly improved patient outcomes. With BCL2, IDH1, IDH2, and FLT3 inhibitors widely used for relapsed AML, combination regimens are now utilized in the frontline. Expansion of these targeted LIT combinations, along with development of novel agents including menin inhibitors, exemplifies the promise of precision medicine. Further understanding of molecular drivers of leukemic transformation and mechanisms of relapse will continue to advance frontline treatment options for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Marvin-Peek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason S Gilbert
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel A Pollyea
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Courtney D DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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3
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Tiong IS, Hiwase DK, Abro E, Bajel A, Palfreyman E, Beligaswatte A, Reynolds J, Anstee N, Nguyen T, Loo S, Chua CC, Ashby M, Wiltshire KM, Fleming S, Fong CY, Teh TC, Blombery P, Dillon R, Ivey A, Wei AH. Targeting Molecular Measurable Residual Disease and Low-Blast Relapse in AML With Venetoclax and Low-Dose Cytarabine: A Prospective Phase II Study (VALDAC). J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:2161-2173. [PMID: 38427924 PMCID: PMC11191043 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01599] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A prospective phase II study examined the safety and efficacy of venetoclax combined with low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) in AML at first measurable residual disease (MRD) or oligoblastic relapse. METHODS Patients with either MRD (≥1 log10 rise) or oligoblastic relapse (blasts 5%-15%) received venetoclax 600 mg once daily D1-28 plus LDAC once daily D1-10 in 28-day cycles. The primary objective was MRD response in the MRD relapse cohort or complete remission (CR/CRh/CRi) in the oligoblastic relapse cohort. RESULTS Forty-eight adults with either MRD (n = 26) or oligoblastic (n = 22) relapse were enrolled. Median age was 67 years (range, 18-80) and 94% had received previous intensive chemotherapy. Patients received a median of four cycles of therapy; 17% completed ≥12 cycles. Patients with oligoblastic relapse had more grade ≥3 anemia (32% v 4%; P = .02) and infections (36% v 8%; P = .03), whereas grade 4 neutropenia (32 v 23%) or thrombocytopenia (27 v 15%) were comparable with the MRD relapse cohort. Markers of molecular MRD relapse included mutant NPM1 (77%), CBFB::MYH11 (4%), RUNX1::RUNX1T1 (4%), or KMT2A::MLLT3 (4%). Three patients with a log10 rise in IDH1/2 (12%) were included. By cycle 2 in the MRD relapse cohort, a log10 reduction in MRD was observed in 69%; 46% achieved MRD negative remission. In the oligoblastic relapse cohort, 73% achieved CR/CRh/CRi. Overall, 21 (44%) underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation. Median overall survival (OS) was not reached in either cohort. Estimated 2-year OS rate was 67% (95% CI, 50 to 89) in the MRD and 53% (95% CI, 34 to 84) in the oligoblastic relapse cohorts. CONCLUSION For AML in first remission and either MRD or oligoblastic relapse, venetoclax plus LDAC is well tolerated and highly effective.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Aged
- Middle Aged
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Neoplasm, Residual
- Cytarabine/administration & dosage
- Sulfonamides/administration & dosage
- Sulfonamides/adverse effects
- Adult
- Female
- Male
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects
- Aged, 80 and over
- Prospective Studies
- Nucleophosmin
- Young Adult
- Adolescent
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing Soo Tiong
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Devendra K. Hiwase
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emad Abro
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ashish Bajel
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Ashanka Beligaswatte
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
| | - John Reynolds
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Natasha Anstee
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tamia Nguyen
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sun Loo
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chong Chyn Chua
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- The Northern Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Ashby
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Shaun Fleming
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Chun Y. Fong
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tse-Chieh Teh
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Piers Blombery
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College, London, United Kingdom
- Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Ivey
- The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew H. Wei
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
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Winters AC, Minhajuddin M, Stevens BM, Major A, Bosma G, Abbott D, Miltgen N, Yuan J, Treece AL, Siegele BJ, Ewalt MD, Gutman JA, Jordan CT, Pollyea DA. Multi-gene measurable residual disease assessed by digital polymerase chain reaction has clinical and biological utility in acute myeloid leukemia patients receiving venetoclax/azacitidine. Haematologica 2024; 109:1766-1778. [PMID: 38105738 PMCID: PMC11141685 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.283790] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax with azacitidine (ven/aza) is a lower-intensity therapeutic regimen that has been shown to improve outcomes in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Measurable residual disease (MRD) using flow cytometry is a valuable tool for the prediction of relapse in AML using conventional therapies and ven/aza; however, the prognostic value for broadscale molecular MRD after ven/aza treatment is less clear. We aimed to determine the utility of retrospective assessment using multi-gene molecular MRD by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR). We found this approach correlates with outcomes in a cohort of patients receiving frontline ven/aza for AML. The predictive value of ddPCR MRD persisted when NPM1 mutations were removed from analysis, as well as after adjustment for the impact of stem cell transplant on outcomes. Late achievement of MRD negativity, including after SCT, was still associated with superior outcomes compared to persistently detectable MRD. We further explored the impact of ven/aza on the burden of different classes of mutations, and identified the persistence of splicing factor mutations, commonly associated with MDS, as a consistent finding after ven/aza treatment. These data add to our understanding of the effects of ven/aza on AML disease biology and provide details on molecular depth of remission that can guide prospective trials in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Neoplasm, Residual/diagnosis
- Nucleophosmin
- Sulfonamides/therapeutic use
- Sulfonamides/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Aged
- Male
- Female
- Azacitidine/therapeutic use
- Azacitidine/administration & dosage
- Middle Aged
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Mutation
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Prognosis
- Aged, 80 and over
- Retrospective Studies
- Adult
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Winters
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora.
| | - Mohd Minhajuddin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Brett M Stevens
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Ajay Major
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Grace Bosma
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Diana Abbott
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | | | - Ji Yuan
- Molecular Diagnostics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora
| | - Amy L Treece
- Pediatric Pathology, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham
| | | | - Mark D Ewalt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York
| | - Jonathan A Gutman
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Craig T Jordan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
| | - Daniel A Pollyea
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora
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5
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Niscola P, Gianfelici V, Giovannini M, Piccioni D, Mazzone C, Fabritiis PD. Very long-term efficacy of venetoclax combined with hypomethylating agents in two AML elderly: is it the time for treatment discontinuation strategies? Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1787-1788. [PMID: 38459155 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Niscola
- Hematology Unit, Sant 'Eugenio Hospital of Rome, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Marco Giovannini
- Hematology Unit, Sant 'Eugenio Hospital of Rome, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Piccioni
- Hematology Unit, Sant 'Eugenio Hospital of Rome, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Mazzone
- Hematology Unit, Sant 'Eugenio Hospital of Rome, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo de Fabritiis
- Hematology Unit, Sant 'Eugenio Hospital of Rome, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
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6
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Sackstein P, Williams A, Zemel R, Marks JA, Renteria AS, Rivero G. Transplant Eligible and Ineligible Elderly Patients with AML-A Genomic Approach and Next Generation Questions. Biomedicines 2024; 12:975. [PMID: 38790937 PMCID: PMC11117792 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12050975] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of elderly patients diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is complicated by high relapse risk and comorbidities that often preclude access to allogeneic hematopoietic cellular transplantation (allo-HCT). In recent years, fast-paced FDA drug approval has reshaped the therapeutic landscape, with modest, albeit promising improvement in survival. Still, AML outcomes in elderly patients remain unacceptably unfavorable highlighting the need for better understanding of disease biology and tailored strategies. In this review, we discuss recent modifications suggested by European Leukemia Network 2022 (ELN-2022) risk stratification and review recent aging cell biology advances with the discussion of four AML cases. While an older age, >60 years, does not constitute an absolute contraindication for allo-HCT, the careful patient selection based on a detailed and multidisciplinary risk stratification cannot be overemphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sackstein
- Lombardi Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (P.S.); (R.Z.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Alexis Williams
- Department of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Rachel Zemel
- Lombardi Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (P.S.); (R.Z.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Jennifer A. Marks
- Lombardi Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (P.S.); (R.Z.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Anne S. Renteria
- Lombardi Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (P.S.); (R.Z.); (J.A.M.)
| | - Gustavo Rivero
- Lombardi Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (P.S.); (R.Z.); (J.A.M.)
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7
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Liang P, Xie Y, Liu Z, Wang D, Li Q, Lu Y, Xue S, Wang Y, Chen S, Wu D, Fu J. Venetoclax and hypomethylating agents in critically ill patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia. Br J Haematol 2024; 204:1219-1226. [PMID: 38180132 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Venetoclax (VEN) in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) is considered the standard of treatment for individuals with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who are ineligible for intensive chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective analysis that encompassed 16 critically ill patients newly diagnosed with AML who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and received the VEN and HMA regimen. Among them, 13 were primary AML, and three were MDS-transformed AML. The mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score was 18.9, and the mean sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (SOFA) was 6.2. The average length of the ICU stay was 27.3 days. The median duration of VEN administration was 16 days. After the first course of VEN + HMA, 12 cases (75%) achieved complete remission (CR) or CR with incomplete haematological recovery (CRi). Among the five patients harbouring TP53 mutations, the overall response rate (ORR) was 90%. All patients experienced grade 3-4 haematological adverse events (AEs). With a median follow-up of 9.5 months (range: 0.5-23), the overall survival (OS) rate was 43.75%. TP53-wild patients and CR state after the first course of VEN-HMA indicated better survival. The combination of VEN and HMA has demonstrated a significantly elevated therapeutic response rate in newly diagnosed AML patients with critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqi Liang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Xie
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziyi Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yin Lu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengli Xue
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Suning Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Deipei Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhong Fu
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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8
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Abaza Y, McMahon C, Garcia JS. Advancements and Challenges in the Treatment of AML. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e438662. [PMID: 38662975 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_438662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The therapeutic arsenal for the management of AML has expanded significantly in recent years. Before 2017, newly diagnosed AML was treated with either standard cytarabine- and anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy (for all fit patients) or a single-agent hypomethylating agent (in unfit patients or those 75 years and older). While assessing patient fitness remains important, characterizing the disease biology has become critical to select the optimal initial therapy for each patient with more options available. FLT3 inhibitors, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, and CPX-351 have been shown to improve outcomes for specific subsets of patients. Venetoclax (VEN) with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) is the standard-of-care frontline regimen for most older patients, except perhaps for those with an IDH1 mutation where ivosidenib with azacitidine may also be considered. On the basis of the success seen with HMA/VEN in older patients, there is now increasing interest in incorporating VEN into frontline regimens in younger patients, with promising data from multiple early phase studies. This article focuses on recent updates and ongoing challenges in the management of AML, with a particular focus on the ongoing challenge of secondary AML and considerations regarding the selection of initial therapy in younger patients. An overview of common side effects and toxicities associated with targeted therapies is also presented here, along with recommended strategies to mitigate these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Abaza
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Christine McMahon
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
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9
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Sahasrabudhe KD, Mims AS. MRD in AML: who, what, when, where, and how? Blood 2024; 143:296-298. [PMID: 38270942 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023022226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alice S Mims
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
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10
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Othman J, Tiong IS, O'Nions J, Dennis M, Mokretar K, Ivey A, Austin M, Latif AL, Amer M, Chan WY, Crawley C, Crolla F, Cross J, Dang R, Elliot J, Fong CY, Galli S, Gallipoli P, Hogan F, Kalkur P, Khan A, Krishnamurthy P, Laurie J, Loo S, Marshall S, Mehta P, Murthy V, Nagumantry S, Pillai S, Potter N, Sellar R, Taylor T, Zhao R, Russell NH, Wei AH, Dillon R. Molecular MRD is strongly prognostic in patients with NPM1-mutated AML receiving venetoclax-based nonintensive therapy. Blood 2024; 143:336-341. [PMID: 37647641 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023021579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is strongly prognostic in patients with NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with intensive chemotherapy; however, there are no data regarding its utility in venetoclax-based nonintensive therapy, despite high efficacy in this genotype. We analyzed the prognostic impact of NPM1 MRD in an international real-world cohort of 76 previously untreated patients with NPM1-mutated AML who achieved complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematological recovery following treatment with venetoclax and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC). A total of 44 patients (58%) achieved bone marrow (BM) MRD negativity, and a further 14 (18%) achieved a reduction of ≥4 log10 from baseline as their best response, with no difference between HMAs and LDAC. The cumulative rates of BM MRD negativity by the end of cycles 2, 4, and 6 were 25%, 47%, and 50%, respectively. Patients achieving BM MRD negativity by the end of cycle 4 had 2-year overall of 84% compared with 46% if MRD was positive. On multivariable analyses, MRD negativity was the strongest prognostic factor. A total of 22 patients electively stopped therapy in BM MRD-negative remission after a median of 8 cycles, with 2-year treatment-free remission of 88%. In patients with NPM1-mutated AML attaining remission with venetoclax combination therapies, NPM1 MRD provides valuable prognostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Othman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ing S Tiong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenny O'Nions
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Dennis
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adam Ivey
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Austin
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anne-Louise Latif
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Amer
- Haematology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Yee Chan
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Crawley
- Department of Haematology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joe Cross
- Haematology Department, University Hospital Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Dang
- James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chun Y Fong
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sofia Galli
- Frimley Park Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Gallipoli
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anjum Khan
- Department of Haematology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sun Loo
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Marshall
- City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Priyanka Mehta
- Haematology Department, University Hospital Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Vidhya Murthy
- Centre for Clinical Haematology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Srinivas Pillai
- Royal Stoke University Hospital, University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Potter
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Sellar
- Department of Haematology, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Taylor
- Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rui Zhao
- Torbay Hospital, Torquay, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel H Russell
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Jimenez-Chillon C, Othman J, Taussig D, Jimenez-Vicente C, Martinez-Roca A, Tiong IS, Jain M, Aries J, Cakmak S, Knapper S, Kristensen DT, Murthy V, Galani JZ, Kallmeyer C, Ngu L, Veale D, Bolam S, Orfali N, Parker A, Manson C, Parker J, Erblich T, Richardson D, Mokretar K, Potter N, Overgaard UM, Roug AS, Wei AH, Esteve J, Jädersten M, Russell N, Dillon R. Venetoclax-based low intensity therapy in molecular failure of NPM1-mutated AML. Blood Adv 2024; 8:343-352. [PMID: 38039513 PMCID: PMC10788851 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011106] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Molecular failure in NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) inevitably progresses to frank relapse if untreated. Recently published small case series show that venetoclax combined with low-dose cytarabine or azacitidine can reduce or eliminate measurable residual disease (MRD). Here, we report on an international multicenter cohort of 79 patients treated for molecular failure with venetoclax combinations and report an overall molecular response (≥1-log reduction in MRD) in 66 patients (84%) and MRD negativity in 56 (71%). Eighteen of 79 patients (23%) required hospitalization, and no deaths were reported during treatment. Forty-one patients were bridged to allogeneic transplant with no further therapy, and 25 of 41 were MRD negative assessed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction before transplant. Overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort at 2 years was 67%, event-free survival (EFS) was 45%, and in responding patients, there was no difference in survival in those who received a transplant using time-dependent analysis. Presence of FLT3-ITD mutation was associated with a lower response rate (64 vs 91%; P < .01), worse OS (hazard ratio [HR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.86; P = .036), and EFS (HR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.06-3.28; P = .03). Eighteen of 35 patients who did not undergo transplant became MRD negative and stopped treatment after a median of 10 months, with 2-year molecular relapse free survival of 62% from the end of treatment. Venetoclax-based low intensive chemotherapy is a potentially effective treatment for molecular relapse in NPM1-mutated AML, either as a bridge to transplant or as definitive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Jimenez-Chillon
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jad Othman
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Taussig
- Department of Haematology, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alexandra Martinez-Roca
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ing Soo Tiong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Austin Health and Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Manish Jain
- Department of Haematology, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - James Aries
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Seda Cakmak
- Department of Haemato-Oncology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Knapper
- Department of Haematology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Tuyet Kristensen
- Department of Haematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Vidhya Murthy
- Department of Haematology, University Hospitals of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Loretta Ngu
- Department of Haematology, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David Veale
- Department of Haematology, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Bolam
- Department of Haematology, Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Taunton, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Orfali
- Department of Haematology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne Parker
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Manson
- Department of Haematology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Parker
- Department of Haematology, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Erblich
- Department of Haematology, The London Clinic, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Richardson
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Potter
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ulrik Malthe Overgaard
- Department of Haematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Haematology, National Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Stidsholt Roug
- Department of Haematology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrew H. Wei
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jordi Esteve
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martin Jädersten
- Department of Medicine, Center for Haematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Haematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nigel Russell
- Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Dillon
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Chan O, Walker AR. Novel therapies upon failure of HMA plus venetoclax. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2023; 2023:702-708. [PMID: 38066883 PMCID: PMC10727075 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2023000456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy and tolerability of the combination of hypomethylating agents with venetoclax (HMA-VEN) in patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia has been a practice-changing milestone in the field. However, treatment failure and relapse remain major barriers to prolonged survival. TP53 mutation is a predictor of primary induction failure and portends especially poor outcomes. Prelinical data suggest that VEN resistance stems from these genetic changes, which lead to increases in antiapoptotic proteins such as MCL-1 and BCLXL. For patients who discontinue HMA-VEN for reasons other than disease progression, such as post allotransplantation, infection, and personal preference, rechallenge with HMA-VEN at the time of relapse may be considered. For those who progress on HMA-VEN, clinical trials with novel agents or rational drug combinations are preferred if available. If no trial option is available, fit patients may benefit from intensive chemotherapy. Emerging therapies aim to overcome venetoclax resistance, target interactions that promote leukemogenesis, and harness the immune system to irradicate leukemic blasts and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyee Chan
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Alison R Walker
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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13
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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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14
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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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15
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Briski R, Garcia-Manero G, Kantarjian H, Ravandi F. The history of oral decitabine/cedazuridine and its potential role in acute myeloid leukemia. Ther Adv Hematol 2023; 14:20406207231205429. [PMID: 37854355 PMCID: PMC10580721 DOI: 10.1177/20406207231205429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Decitabine, a member of the 5-azanucleosides, has a dose-dependent mechanism of action in vitro: termination of DNA replication at high doses, and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase at low doses. The alteration of DNA methylation patterns by low-dose decitabine is hypothesized to upregulate genes, which promote myeloblast differentiation. In a phase III clinical trial, low-dose decitabine achieved a superior overall response rate (ORR) when compared with 'treatment choice' [consisting of low-dose cytarabine (80%) and supportive care (20%)] as a frontline treatment for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite an improved ORR, the median overall survival (OS) for elderly patients with AML was poor, <1 year. In turn, venetoclax was added to low-dose decitabine, the combination of which significantly improved the ORR and median OS in elderly patients with AML. Currently, hypomethylating agents are being combined with other novel therapies as investigational strategies for elderly and unfit patients with AML. They are also being evaluated as components of maintenance therapy in patients achieving remission. An oral formulation of decitabine has been developed which relies on the concomitant use of oral cedazuridine to protect against first pass metabolism. This oral formulation, which has been approved in myelodysplastic syndrome, is intended to increase convenience of use and therefore compliance in patients. This review characterizes the evolution of decitabine, its oral formulation, and its future in the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Briski
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Hagop Kantarjian
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 428, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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16
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Gutman JA, Winters A, Kent A, Amaya M, McMahon C, Smith C, Jordan CT, Stevens B, Minhajuddin M, Pei S, Schowinsky J, Tobin J, O'Brien K, Falco A, Taylor E, Brecl C, Zhou K, Ho P, Sohalski C, Dell-Martin J, Ondracek O, Abbott D, Pollyea DA. Higher-dose venetoclax with measurable residual disease-guided azacitidine discontinuation in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2023; 108:2616-2625. [PMID: 37051756 PMCID: PMC10542846 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282681] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Venetoclax+azacitidine is the standard of care for newly-diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for whom intensive chemotherapy is inappropriate. Efforts to optimize this regimen are necessary. We designed a clinical trial to investigate two hypotheses: i) higher doses of venetoclax are tolerable and more effective, and ii) azacitidine can be discontinued after deep remissions. Forty-two newly diagnosed AML patients were enrolled in the investigator-initiated High Dose Discontinuation Azacitidine+Venetoclax (HiDDAV) Study (clinicaltrials gov. Identifier: NCT03466294). Patients received one to three "induction" cycles of venetoclax 600 mg daily with azacitidine. Responders received MRD-positive or MRDnegative "maintenance" arms: azacitidine with 400 mg venetoclax or 400 mg venetoclax alone, respectively. The toxicity profile of HiDDAV was similar to 400 mg venetoclax. The overall response rate was 66.7%; the duration of response (DOR), event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival were 12.9, 7.8 and 9.8 months, respectively. The MRD negativity rate was 64.3% by flow cytometry and 25.0% when also measured by droplet digital polymerase chain recation. MRD-negative patients by flow cytometry had improved DOR and EFS; more stringent measures of MRD negativity were not associated with improved OS, DOR or EFS. Using MRD to guide azacitidine discontinuation did not lead to improved DOR, EFS or OS compared to patients who discontinued azacitidine without MRD guidance. Within the context of this study design, venetoclax doses >400 mg with azacitidine were well tolerated but not associated with discernible clinical improvement, and MRD may not assist in recommendations to discontinue azacitidine. Other strategies to optimize, and for some patients, de-intensify, venetoclax+azacitidine regimens are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Gutman
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Amanda Winters
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Andrew Kent
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Maria Amaya
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Christine McMahon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Clayton Smith
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Craig T Jordan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Brett Stevens
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Mohammad Minhajuddin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Shanshan Pei
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | | | - Jennifer Tobin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Kelly O'Brien
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Angela Falco
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Elizabeth Taylor
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Constance Brecl
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Katie Zhou
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Phuong Ho
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Connor Sohalski
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Jessica Dell-Martin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Olivia Ondracek
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Diana Abbott
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, University of Colorado, Aurora CO
| | - Daniel A Pollyea
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora CO.
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17
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Rausch J, Dzama MM, Dolgikh N, Stiller HL, Bohl SR, Lahrmann C, Kunz K, Kessler L, Echchannaoui H, Chen CW, Kindler T, Döhner K, Burrows F, Theobald M, Sasca D, Kühn MWM. Menin inhibitor ziftomenib (KO-539) synergizes with drugs targeting chromatin regulation or apoptosis and sensitizes acute myeloid leukemia with MLL rearrangement or NPM1 mutation to venetoclax. Haematologica 2023; 108:2837-2843. [PMID: 37102614 PMCID: PMC10543165 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2022.282160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Rausch
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Margarita M Dzama
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz
| | - Nadezda Dolgikh
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Hanna L Stiller
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Stephan R Bohl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana- Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Catharina Lahrmann
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Kerstin Kunz
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | | | - Hakim Echchannaoui
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Chun-Wei Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Thomas Kindler
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Konstanze Döhner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm
| | | | - Matthias Theobald
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Daniel Sasca
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz
| | - Michael W M Kühn
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany; University Cancer Center Mainz, Mainz.
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18
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Testa U, Pelosi E, Castelli G. Genetic, Phenotypic, and Clinical Heterogeneity of NPM1-Mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemias. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1805. [PMID: 37509445 PMCID: PMC10376179 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071805] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The current classification of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relies largely on genomic alterations. AML with mutated nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1-mut) is the largest of the genetically defined groups, involving about 30% of adult AMLs and is currently recognized as a distinct entity in the actual AML classifications. NPM1-mut AML usually occurs in de novo AML and is associated predominantly with a normal karyotype and relatively favorable prognosis. However, NPM1-mut AMLs are genetically, transcriptionally, and phenotypically heterogeneous. Furthermore, NPM1-mut is a clinically heterogenous group. Recent studies have in part clarified the consistent heterogeneities of these AMLs and have strongly supported the need for an additional stratification aiming to improve the therapeutic response of the different subgroups of NPM1-mut AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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19
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Wei AH, Roberts AW. BCL2 Inhibition: A New Paradigm for the Treatment of AML and Beyond. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e912. [PMID: 37304937 PMCID: PMC10256369 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Altering the natural history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in unfit and older patients has proved a highly challenging hurdle, despite several decades of concerted clinical trial effort. The arrival of venetoclax (VEN) to the clinical stage represents the most important therapeutic advance to date for older patients with AML. In this review, we will explain how and why VEN works, summarize its remarkable pathway to regulatory approval, and highlight the key milestones that have been important for its successful development in AML. We also provide perspectives on some of the challenges associated with using VEN in the clinic, emerging knowledge regarding mechanisms of treatment failure, and current clinical research directions likely to shape how this drug and others in this new class of anticancer agents are used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Wei
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Hematology, 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
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew W Roberts
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Hematology, 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
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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20
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Bhansali RS, Pratz KW, Lai C. Recent advances in targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:29. [PMID: 36966300 PMCID: PMC10039574 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. While survival for younger patients over the last several decades has improved nearly sixfold with the optimization of intensive induction chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), this effect has been largely mitigated in older and less fit patients as well as those with adverse-risk disease characteristics. However, the last 10 years has been marked by major advances in the molecular profiling of AML characterized by a deeper understanding of disease pathobiology and therapeutic vulnerabilities. In this regard, the classification of AML subtypes has recently evolved from a morphologic to a molecular and genetic basis, reflected by recent updates from the World Health Organization and the new International Consensus Classification system. After years of stagnation in new drug approvals for AML, there has been a rapid expansion of the armamentarium against this disease since 2017. Low-intensity induction therapy with hypomethylating agents and venetoclax has substantially improved outcomes, including in those previously considered to have a poor prognosis. Furthermore, targeted oral therapies against driver mutations in AML have been added to the repertoire. But with an accelerated increase in treatment options, several questions arise such as how to best sequence therapy, how to combine therapies, and if there is a role for maintenance therapy in those who achieve remission and cannot undergo alloHSCT. Moreover, certain subtypes of AML, such as those with TP53 mutations, still have dismal outcomes despite these recent advances, underscoring an ongoing unmet need and opportunity for translational advances. In this review, we will discuss recent updates in the classification and risk stratification of AML, explore the literature regarding low-intensity and novel oral combination therapies, and briefly highlight investigative agents currently in early clinical development for high-risk disease subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S Bhansali
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Keith W Pratz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Catherine Lai
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, South Pavilion, 12th Floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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21
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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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22
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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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23
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Saultz JN, Tyner JW. Chasing leukemia differentiation through induction therapy, relapse and transplantation. Blood Rev 2023; 57:101000. [PMID: 36041918 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in our understanding of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the disease remains challenging to treat with 5-year survival for adult patients 20 years or older estimated to be 26% (Cancer 2021). The use of new targeted therapies including BCL2, IDH1/IDH2, and FLT3 inhibitors has revolutionized treatment approaches but also changed the disease trajectory with unique modes of resistance. Recent studies have shown that stem cell maturation state drives expression level and/or dependence on various pathways, critical to determining drug response. Instead of anticipating these changes, we remain behind the curve chasing the next expanded clone. This review will focus on current approaches to treatment in AML, including defining the significance of blast differentiation state on chemotherapeutic response, signaling pathway dependence, metabolism, immune response, and phenotypic changes. We conclude that multimodal treatment approaches are necessary to target both the immature and mature clones, thereby, sustaining drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Saultz
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
| | - Jeffrey W Tyner
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
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24
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Dhakal P, Bates M, Tomasson MH, Sutamtewagul G, Dupuy A, Bhatt VR. Acute myeloid leukemia resistant to venetoclax-based therapy: What does the future hold? Blood Rev 2022; 59:101036. [PMID: 36549969 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Venetoclax is a highly selective B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, which, combined with a DNA hypomethylating agent or low dose cytarabine, results in high rates of initial responses in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the disease relapses in most patients. Mechanisms of resistance to venetoclax-based therapy include TP53 gene mutations or inactivation of p53 protein, activating kinase mutations such as FLT3 and RAS, and upregulation of other BCL-2 family apoptotic proteins. Current clinical trials are exploring strategies such as doublet or triplet regimens incorporating a p53 activator, an anti-CD47 antibody, or other novel agents that target genes and proteins responsible for resistance to venetoclax. Further studies should focus on identifying predictive biomarkers of response to venetoclax-based therapy and incorporating immunotherapeutic approaches such as checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and CAR T-cell therapy to improve outcomes for patients with AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal Dhakal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Melissa Bates
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Michael H Tomasson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Grerk Sutamtewagul
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr. C 21GH, Iowa City, IA 52245, United States of America.
| | - Adam Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Iowa, 375 Newton Road, 3202 MERF, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America.
| | - Vijaya Raj Bhatt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States of America; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986840 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States of America.
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25
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Pelosi E, Castelli G, Testa U. The Growing Role of the BH3 Mimetic Drug Venetoclax in the Therapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2022; 14:e2022080. [PMID: 36425147 PMCID: PMC9652018 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2022.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent progress, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a disease associated with poor prognosis, particularly in older AML patients unfit to tolerate intensive chemotherapy treatment. The development and introduction in the therapy of Venetoclax (VEN), a potent BH3 mimetic targeting the antiapoptotic protein BCL-2, inducing apoptosis of leukemic cells, has shown to be a promising treatment for newly diagnosed, relapsed, and refractory AML patients ineligible for induction chemotherapy. Combination treatments using Ventoclax and a hypomethylating agent (azacitidine or decitabine) or low-intensity chemotherapy have shown in newly diagnosed patients variable response rates, with highly responsive patients with NPM1, IDH1-IDH2, TET2, and RUNX1 mutations and with scarcely responsive patients with FLT3, TP53 and ASXL1 mutations, complex karyotypes, and secondary AMLs. Patients with refractory/relapsing disease are less responsive to Venetoclax-based regimens. However, in the majority of patients, the responses have only a limited duration, and the development of resistance is frequently observed. Therefore, understanding the resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new strategies and identifying rational drug combination regimens. In this context, two strategies seem to be promising: (i) triplet therapies based on the combined administration of Venetoclax, a hypomethylating agent (or low-dose chemotherapy), and an agent targeting a specific genetic alteration of leukemic cells (i.e., FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-mutated AMLs) or an altered signaling pathway; (ii) combination therapies based on the administration of two BH3 mimetics (i.e., BCL-2 +MCL-1 mimetics) and a hypomethylating agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
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26
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Current status and future perspectives in targeted therapy of NPM1-mutated AML. Leukemia 2022; 36:2351-2367. [PMID: 36008542 PMCID: PMC9522592 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) is a nucleus-cytoplasmic shuttling protein which is predominantly located in the nucleolus and exerts multiple functions, including regulation of centrosome duplication, ribosome biogenesis and export, histone assembly, maintenance of genomic stability and response to nucleolar stress. NPM1 mutations are the most common genetic alteration in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), detected in about 30–35% of adult AML and more than 50% of AML with normal karyotype. Because of its peculiar molecular and clinico-pathological features, including aberrant cytoplasmic dislocation of the NPM1 mutant and wild-type proteins, lack of involvement in driving clonal hematopoiesis, mutual exclusion with recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities, association with unique gene expression and micro-RNA profiles and high stability at relapse, NPM1-mutated AML is regarded as a distinct genetic entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic malignancies. Starting from the structure and functions of NPM1, we provide an overview of the potential targeted therapies against NPM1-mutated AML and discuss strategies aimed at interfering with the oligomerization (compound NSC348884) and the abnormal traffic of NPM1 (avrainvillamide, XPO1 inhibitors) as well as at inducing selective NPM1-mutant protein degradation (ATRA/ATO, deguelin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, imidazoquinoxaline derivatives) and at targeting the integrity of nucleolar structure (actinomycin D). We also discuss the current therapeutic results obtained in NPM1-mutated AML with the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax and the preliminary clinical results using menin inhibitors targeting HOX/MEIS1 expression. Finally, we review various immunotherapeutic approaches in NPM1-mutated AML, including immune check-point inhibitors, CAR and TCR T-cell-based therapies against neoantigens created by the NPM1 mutations.
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27
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Real-World Experience of Measurable Residual Disease Response and Prognosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treated with Venetoclax and Azacitidine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153576. [PMID: 35892834 PMCID: PMC9332730 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognostic value of measurable residual disease (MRD) by flow cytometry in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients treated with non-intensive therapy is relatively unexplored. The clinical value of MRD threshold below 0.1% is also unknown after non-intensive therapy. In this study, MRD to a sensitivity of 0.01% was analyzed in sixty-three patients in remission after azacitidine/venetoclax treatment. Multivariable cox regression analysis identified prognostic factors associated with cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients who achieved MRD < 0.1% had a lower relapse rate than those who were MRD ≥ 0.1% at 18 months (13% versus 57%, p = 0.006). Patients who achieved an MRD-negative CR had longer median PFS and OS (not reached and 26.5 months) than those who were MRD-positive (12.6 and 10.3 months, respectively). MRD < 0.1% was an independent predictor for CIR, PFS, and OS, after adjusting for European Leukemia Net (ELN) risk, complex karyotype, and transplant (HR 5.92, 95% CI 1.34−26.09, p = 0.019 for PFS; HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.02−6.63, p = 0.046 for OS). Only an MRD threshold of 0.1%, and not 0.01%, was predictive for OS. Our results validate the recommended ELN MRD cut-off of 0.1% to discriminate between patients with improved CIR, PFS, and OS after azacitidine/venetoclax therapy.
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28
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Bernardi M, Ferrara F, Carrabba MG, Mastaglio S, Lorentino F, Vago L, Ciceri F. MRD in Venetoclax-Based Treatment for AML: Does it Really Matter? Front Oncol 2022; 12:890871. [PMID: 35924144 PMCID: PMC9339596 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.890871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of newly diagnosed patients with acute myeloid leukemia is still unfavorable in the majority of cases within the intermediate and mainly adverse genetic risk group but also in a considerable fraction of favorable-risk patients, mainly due to recurrence of disease after complete remission achievement or, less frequently, primary refractoriness. Besides genetic classification at diagnosis, post-treatment prognostic factors include measurable residual disease evaluation in patients in complete remission and in most cases measurable residual disease (MRD) positivity predicts hematologic relapse potentially allowing early therapeutic intervention. Currently, the most commonly used methods for detection of minimal residual disease are multiparameter flow cytometry and quantitative PCR, applicable to around 90% and 50% of patients, respectively. In addition, in > 90% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, molecular aberrations can be identified by next-generation sequencing, a technology that is widely used in clinical practice for the initial mutational screening at the time of diagnosis but more often, for MRD detection because its flexibility allows almost every mutated gene to be used as an MRD marker. Threshold levels of residual disease and correlation with outcome have been thoroughly studied and established in younger patients treated with intensive induction and consolidation chemotherapy as well as after allogeneic transplantation. Yet, experience on MRD monitoring and interpretation in patients treated with low-intensity regimens, including new agents, is still limited. The updated armamentarium of anti-leukemic agents includes the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, which demonstrated good tolerability, high response rates, and prolonged overall survival when combined with hypomethylating agents or low dose cytarabine in patients considered elderly/”unfit” to tolerate intensive regimens. Although remissions with negative minimal residual disease clearly translated into improved outcomes after intensive treatments, data supporting the same evidence in patients receiving low-intensity venetoclax-based treatments are not still consolidated. We here review and discuss more recent data on the minimal residual disease interpretation and role in AML patients treated with venetoclax-based combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bernardi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Massimo Bernardi,
| | | | - Matteo Giovanni Carrabba
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mastaglio
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Lorentino
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Ciceri
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Department of Onco-Hematology, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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