1
|
Lübbert M, Wijermans PW, Kicinski M, Chantepie S, Van der Velden WJFM, Noppeney R, Griškevičius L, Neubauer A, Crysandt M, Vrhovac R, Luppi M, Fuhrmann S, Audisio E, Candoni A, Legrand O, Foà R, Gaidano G, van Lammeren-Venema D, Posthuma EFM, Hoogendoorn M, Giraut A, Stevens-Kroef M, Jansen JH, de Graaf AO, Efficace F, Ammatuna E, Vilque JP, Wäsch R, Becker H, Blijlevens N, Dührsen U, Baron F, Suciu S, Amadori S, Venditti A, Huls G. 10-day decitabine versus 3 + 7 chemotherapy followed by allografting in older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia: an open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet Haematol 2023; 10:e879-e889. [PMID: 37914482 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(23)00273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia die or cannot undergo allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) due to toxicity caused by intensive chemotherapy. We hypothesised that replacing intensive chemotherapy with decitabine monotherapy could improve outcomes. METHODS This open-label, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial was conducted at 54 hospitals in nine European countries. Patients aged 60 years and older who were newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and had not yet been treated were enrolled if they had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or less and were eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive decitabine or standard chemotherapy (known as 3 + 7). For the decitabine group, decitabine (20 mg/m2) was administered for the first 10 days in the first 28-day cycle, followed by 28-day cycles consisting of 5 days or 10 days of decitabine. For the 3 + 7 group, daunorubicin (60 mg/m2) was administered over the first 3 days and cytarabine (200 mg/m2) over the first 7 days, followed by 1-3 additional chemotherapy cycles. Allogeneic HSCT was strongly encouraged. Overall survival in the intention-to-treat population was the primary endpoint. Safety was assessed in all patients who received the allocated treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02172872, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS Between Dec 1, 2014, and Aug 20, 2019, 606 patients were randomly assigned to the decitabine (n=303) or 3 + 7 (n=303) group. Following an interim analysis which showed futility, the IDMC recommended on May 22, 2019, that the study continued as planned considering the risks and benefits for the patients participating in the study. The cutoff date for the final analysis presented here was June 30, 2021. At a median follow-up of 4·0 years (IQR 2·9-4·8), 4-year overall survival was 26% (95% CI 21-32) in the decitabine group versus 30% (24-35) in the 3 + 7 group (hazard ratio for death 1·04 [95% CI 0·86-1·26]; p=0·68). Rates of on-protocol allogeneic HSCT were similar between groups (122 [40%] of 303 patients for decitabine and 118 [39%] of 303 patients for 3+7). Rates of grade 3-5 adverse events were 254 (84%) of 302 patients in the decitabine group and 279 (94%) of 298 patients in the 3 + 7 group. The rates of grade 3-5 infections (41% [125 of 302] vs 53% [158 of 298]), oral mucositis (2% [seven of 302] vs 10% [31 of 298]) and diarrhoea (1% [three of 302] vs 8% [24 of 298]) were lower in the decitabine group than in the 3 + 7 group. Treatment-related deaths were reported for 12% (35 of 302) of patients in the decitabine group and 14% (41 of 298) in the 3 + 7 group. INTERPRETATION 10-day decitabine did not improve overall survival but showed a better safety profile compared with 3 + 7 chemotherapy in older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia eligible for intensive chemotherapy. Decitabine could be considered a better-tolerated and sufficiently efficacious alternative to 3 + 7 induction in fit older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia without favourable genetics. FUNDING Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Pierre W Wijermans
- Department of Hematology, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Michal Kicinski
- The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Chantepie
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Caen, Caen, France
| | | | - Richard Noppeney
- Klinik für Hämatologie und Stammzelltransplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Laimonas Griškevičius
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Transfusion Medicine Center, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Andreas Neubauer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg and University Hospital Gießen and Marburg, Campus Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Martina Crysandt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostasiology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Clinic IV, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Radovan Vrhovac
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Luppi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche Materno-Infantili e dell'Adulto, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Stephan Fuhrmann
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Helios Hospital Berlin-Buch, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ernesta Audisio
- Department of Haematology, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino-Ospedale Molinette, Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Candoni
- Clinica Ematologica Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Olivier Legrand
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique et de Thérapie cellulaire, Hôpital Saint Antoine, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Robin Foà
- Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | - Mels Hoogendoorn
- Department of Hematology, Medical Center Leeuwarden, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
| | - Anne Giraut
- The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marian Stevens-Kroef
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joop H Jansen
- Laboratory Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Aniek O de Graaf
- Laboratory Hematology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Fabio Efficace
- Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases (GIMEMA), Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Vilque
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Caen, Caen, France
| | - Ralph Wäsch
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Dührsen
- Klinik für Hämatologie und Stammzelltransplantation, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frédéric Baron
- GIGA-I3 and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stefan Suciu
- The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sergio Amadori
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerwin Huls
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McCurdy SR, Luger SM. Dose intensity for induction in acute myeloid leukemia: what, when, and for whom? Haematologica 2021; 106:2544-2554. [PMID: 34320781 PMCID: PMC8485660 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.269134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intensive chemotherapy has been the backbone of the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for decades. However, an increase in novel targeted agents, which has been brought about in part by a deeper understanding of the genetic makeup of AML, has led to remission-inducing regimens that do not require traditional cytotoxic agents. Combinations of a hypomethylating agent (HMA) and venetoclax have doubled the chance of remission for patients considered unfit for induction chemotherapy who would have traditionally been offered singleagent HMA. In fact, this regimen may rival the complete remission rate achieved with induction chemotherapy for certain populations such as the very elderly and those with secondary AML, but equivalency has yet to be established. Further advances include the addition of gemtuzumab ozogamicin and FLT3 inhibitors to induction chemotherapy, which improves survival for patients with core-binding factor and FLT3-mutated AML, respectively. Still, much work is needed to improve the outcomes of the highest-risk subgroups: frail patients and those with high-risk cytogenetics and/or TP53 mutations. Promisingly, the landscape of AML therapy is shifting dramatically and no longer is intensity, when feasible, always the best answer for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon R McCurdy
- Division of Hematology-Oncology/Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Selina M Luger
- Division of Hematology-Oncology/Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Flotho C, Sommer S, Lübbert M. DNA-hypomethylating agents as epigenetic therapy before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myelodysplastic syndromes and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 51:68-79. [PMID: 29129488 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal bone marrow disorder, typically of older adults, which is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral blood cytopenias and risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive myeloproliferative neoplasm occurring in young children. The common denominator of these malignant myeloid disorders is the limited benefit of conventional chemotherapy and a particular responsiveness to epigenetic therapy with the DNA-hypomethylating agents 5-azacytidine (azacitidine) or decitabine. However, hypomethylating therapy does not eradicate the malignant clone in MDS or JMML and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment option. An emerging concept with intriguing potential is the combination of hypomethylating therapy and HSCT. Possible advantages include disease control with good tolerability during donor search and HSCT preparation, improved antitumoral alloimmunity, and reduced risk of relapse even with non-myeloablative regimens. Herein we review the current role of pre- and post-transplant therapy with hypomethylating agents in MDS and JMML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Flotho
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Sommer
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cruijsen M, Hobo W, van der Velden WJFM, Bremmers MEJ, Woestenenk R, Bär B, Falkenburg JHF, Kester M, Schaap NPM, Jansen J, Blijlevens NNM, Dolstra H, Huls G. Addition of 10-Day Decitabine to Fludarabine/Total Body Irradiation Conditioning is Feasible and Induces Tumor-Associated Antigen-Specific T Cell Responses. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2016; 22:1000-1008. [PMID: 26860635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers the possibility of curative therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). However, post-HCT relapse remains a major problem, particularly in patients with high-risk cytogenetics and in patients who cannot tolerate consolidation chemotherapy (eg, due to previous toxicity). We assessed the toxicity and efficacy of 10-day decitabine (Dec), fludarabine (Flu), and 2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) as a new conditioning regimen for allogeneic HCT in patients with MDS, CMML, or AML. Thirty patients were enrolled, including 11 with MDS, 2 with CMML, and 17 with AML. Patients received 20 mg/m(2)/day Dec on days -11 to -2, 30 mg/m(2)/day Flu on days -4 to -2, and 2 Gy TBI on day -1, followed by infusion of a donor stem cell graft on day 0. Postgrafting immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporin A and mycophenolate mofetil. At a median follow-up of 443 days, the overall survival was 53%, relapse incidence was 27%, and nonrelapse mortality was 27%. The incidence of severe acute (grade III/IV) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 27%, and that of (predominantly mild) chronic GVHD was 60%. Immunomonitoring studies revealed that specific CD8(+) T cell responses against epigenetically silenced tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), including cancer-testis antigens (MAGE-A1/A2/A3 and PRAME) and RHAMM, occurred more frequently in patients who had received Dec/Flu/TBI conditioning (8 of 11 patients) compared with a control group of patients who had received only Flu/TBI conditioning (2 of 9 patients). In summary, Dec/Flu/TBI conditioning proved feasible and effective and enhanced the induction of TAA-reactive CD8(+) T cell responses in vivo, which may contribute to disease control post-transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Cruijsen
- Department of Hematology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Willemijn Hobo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rob Woestenenk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Brigitte Bär
- Department of Hematology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Michel Kester
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joop Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerwin Huls
- Department of Hematology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboudumc, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Finke J, Schmoor C, Bertz H, Marks R, Wäsch R, Zeiser R, Hackanson B. Long-term follow-up of therapy-related myelodysplasia and AML patients treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2016; 51:771-7. [PMID: 26752137 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2015.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of patients with therapy-related myelodysplasia (t-MDS) or t-AML is very poor. The only curative treatment option implements allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (aHCT); however, long-term follow-up data beyond 5 years are scarce. Here we report on a cohort of 79 consecutive patients with a median age of 58 years (range (r): 20-76) at transplantation and a median follow-up of 7.5 years (r: 0.07-19.0). Only 19 (24.1%) patients were in CR before aHCT. Non-relapse mortality and relapse rates were 23% (95% confidence interval, 15-35%) and 42% (32-55%) at 5 years, and 32% (22-46%) and 44% (34-57%) at 10 years, respectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 35% (24-46%) and 38% (27-49%) at 5 years, and 24% (14-36%) and 24% (13-36%) at 10 years, respectively. Although cytogenetic aberrations were associated with shorter DFS and higher relapse risk, persistent disease at the time of transplantation, an unrelated donor and patient age were not associated with shorter OS. In conclusion, long-term survival beyond 10 years of t-MDS/t-AML patients after aHCT is possible, even for refractory patients. Therefore, early donor search and rapid transplantation are warranted, also to decrease the risk of disease-related deterioration of patients' performance status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Finke
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Schmoor
- Center for Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - H Bertz
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - R Marks
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - R Wäsch
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - R Zeiser
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - B Hackanson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sohn SK, Moon JH. Survey of expert opinions and related recommendations regarding bridging therapy using hypomethylating agents followed by allogeneic transplantation for high-risk MDS. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 95:243-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
7
|
Clinical Results of Hypomethylating Agents in AML Treatment. J Clin Med 2014; 4:1-17. [PMID: 26237015 PMCID: PMC4470235 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes play an important role in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unlike gene mutations, epigenetic changes are potentially reversible, which makes them attractive for therapeutic intervention. Agents that affect epigenetics are the DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, azacitidine and decitabine. Because of their relatively mild side effects, azacitidine and decitabine are particularly feasible for the treatment of older patients and patients with co-morbidities. Both drugs have remarkable activity against AML blasts with unfavorable cytogenetic characteristics. Recent phase 3 trials have shown the superiority of azacitidine and decitabine compared with conventional care for older AML patients (not eligible for intensive treatment). Results of treatment with modifications of the standard azacitidine (seven days 75 mg/m(2) SC; every four weeks) and decitabine (five days 20 mg/m(2) IV; every four weeks) schedules have been reported. Particularly, the results of the 10-day decitabine schedule are promising, revealing complete remission (CR) rates around 45% (CR + CRi (i.e., CR with incomplete blood count recovery) around 64%) almost comparable with intensive chemotherapy. Application of hypomethylating agents to control AML at the cost of minimal toxicity is a very promising strategy to "bridge" older patients with co-morbidities to the potential curative treatment of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. In this article, we discuss the role of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in AML.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nishihori T, Perkins J, Mishra A, Komrokji R, Kim J, Kharfan-Dabaja MA, Perez L, Lancet J, Fernandez H, List A, Anasetti C, Field T. Pretransplantation 5-azacitidine in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2014; 20:776-80. [PMID: 24534108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We prospectively evaluated the allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients who received pretransplantation 5-azacitidine. Twenty-five patients evaluated for allogeneic HCT consult and considered medically eligible for a donor search were enrolled. Azacitidine was administered at 75 mg/m(2) for 5 to 7 days every 4 weeks until a suitable donor was found. A median of 3 (range, 0 to 6) cycles of 5-azacitidine were administered. Preallogeneic HCT responses to 5-azacitidine, based on the International Working Group criteria, were 48% partial response, 33% stable disease, and 19% progressive disease. Four patients did not proceed to allogeneic HCT. Twenty-one patients, a median age of 55 (range, 25 to 67) years, received allogeneic HCT after myeloablative pharmacokinetically targeted i.v. busulfan and fludarabine conditioning regimen. Donors were either HLA-matched related or unrelated, except for 1 mismatch unrelated donor. With a median follow-up of 30 months, 1-year relapse-free and overall survivals were 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30% to 71%) and 62% (95% CI, 38% to 79%), respectively. Preallogeneic HCT 5-azacitidine administration was well tolerated and provided reasonable disease control before allogeneic HCT. (Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT00660400).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiga Nishihori
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Janelle Perkins
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Asmita Mishra
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Rami Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jongphil Kim
- Biostatistics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Mohamed A Kharfan-Dabaja
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Lia Perez
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jeffrey Lancet
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hugo Fernandez
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Alan List
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Claudio Anasetti
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Teresa Field
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are elderly and have a poor prognosis despite induction therapy. Decitabine, a DNA-hypomethylating agent that induces differentiation and apoptosis of leukemic cells, is a well-tolerated alternative to aggressive chemotherapy. It is currently FDA-approved for myelodysplastic syndrome, including patients with 20%–30% bone marrow blasts. Recent clinical attention has focused on evaluating decitabine as frontline therapy for untreated high-risk elderly AML patients. A large randomized international phase III study comparing decitabine to supportive care and cytarabine in elderly AML patients demonstrated significantly improved complete remission rates, but the survival difference did not reach significance. Due to this, decitabine did not achieve FDA approval for AML, but continues to be used off-label. Current research is focused on further defining subgroups of elderly AML patients who may derive greater benefit from decitabine therapy and combining it with other low-intensity active agents for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priya Malik
- Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Besides 5-azacytidine (azacitidine, Vidaza®), 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine, Dacogen®) is the most widely used inhibitor of DNA methylation, which triggers demethylation leading to consecutive reactivation of epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes in vitro and in vivo. Although antileukemic activity of decitabine is known for almost 40 years, its therapeutic potential in hematologic malignancies has only recently led to its approval in higher-risk MDS patients and as first-line treatment in AML patients>65 years who are not candidates for intensive chemotherapy. Several clinical trials showed promising activity of low-dose decitabine also in CML and hemoglobinopathies, whereas its efficacy in solid tumors is very limited. Clinical responses appear to be exerted both by epigenetic alterations and by induction of cell-cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Recent and ongoing clinical trials investigate new dosing schedules, routes of administration, and combination of decitabine with other agents, including histone deacetylase inhibitors.
Collapse
|