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Battaglia MR, Cannova J, Madero-Marroquin R, Patel AA. Treatment of Anemia in Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2024; 25:752-768. [PMID: 38814537 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-024-01217-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT A majority of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) will present with or develop anemia. Anemia in MDS is associated with decreased quality of life and may correlate with decreased progression-free survival and overall survival. In this state of the art review we summarize current risk stratification approaches to identify lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS), the natural history of the disease, and meaningful clinical endpoints. The treatment landscape of LR-MDS with anemia is also rapidly evolving; we review the role of supportive care, erythropoietin stimulating agents, lenalidomide, luspatercept, hypomethylating agents (HMAs), and immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in the management of LR-MDS with anemia. In patients with deletion 5q (del5q) syndrome lenalidomide has both efficacy and durability of response. For patients without del5q who need treatment, the management approach is impacted by serum erythropoietin (EPO) level, SF3B1 mutation status, and ring sideroblast status. Given the data from the Phase III COMMANDS trial, we utilize luspatercept in those with SF3B1 mutation or ring sideroblasts that have an EPO level < 500 U/L; in patients without an SF3B1 mutation or ring sideroblasts there is equipoise between luspatercept and use of an erythropoietin stimulating agent (ESA). For patients who have an EPO level ≥ 500 U/L or have been previously treated there is not a clear standard of care. For those without previous luspatercept exposure it can be considered particularly if there is an SF3B1 mutation or the presence of ring sideroblasts. Other options include HMAs or IST; the Phase III IMERGE trial supports the efficacy of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat in this setting and this may become a standard option in the future as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Cannova
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Avenue MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Rafael Madero-Marroquin
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Avenue MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anand A Patel
- Section of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 S Maryland Avenue MC 2115, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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2
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Rodriguez-Sevilla JJ, Colla S. T-cell dysfunctions in myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood 2024; 143:1329-1343. [PMID: 38237139 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Escape from immune surveillance is a hallmark of cancer. Immune deregulation caused by intrinsic and extrinsic cellular factors, such as altered T-cell functions, leads to immune exhaustion, loss of immune surveillance, and clonal proliferation of tumoral cells. The T-cell immune system contributes to the pathogenesis, maintenance, and progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we comprehensively reviewed our current biological knowledge of the T-cell compartment in MDS and recent advances in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and T-cell- and antibody-based adoptive therapies that hold promise to improve the outcome of patients with MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simona Colla
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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3
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Hellström-Lindberg ES, Kröger N. Clinical decision-making and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood 2023; 142:2268-2281. [PMID: 37874917 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020079] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) constitute a profoundly heterogeneous myeloid malignancy with a common origin in the hemopoietic stem cell compartment. Consequently, patient management and treatment are as heterogeneous. Decision-making includes identifying risk, symptoms, and options for an individual and conducting a risk-benefit analysis. The only potential cure is allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and albeit the fraction of patients with MDS who undergo transplant increase over time because of better management and increased donor availability, a majority are not eligible for this intervention. Current challenges encompass to decrease the relapse risk, the main cause of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation failure. Hypomethylating agents (HMAs) constitute firstline treatment for higher-risk MDSs. Combinations with other drugs as firstline treatment has, to date, not proven more efficacious than monotherapy, although combinations approved for acute myeloid leukemia, including venetoclax, are under evaluation and often used as rescue treatment. The treatment goal for lower-risk MDS is to improve cytopenia, mainly anemia, quality of life, and, possibly, overall survival. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) constitute firstline treatment for anemia and have better and more durable responses if initiated before the onset of a permanent transfusion need. Treatment in case of ESA failure or ineligibility should be tailored to the main disease mechanism: immunosuppression for hypoplastic MDS without high-risk genetics, lenalidomide for low-risk del(5q) MDS, and luspatercept for MDS with ring sideroblasts. Approved therapeutic options are still scarcer for MDS than for most other hematologic malignancies. Better tools to match disease biology with treatment, that is, applied precision medicines are needed to improve patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva S Hellström-Lindberg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicolaus Kröger
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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4
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Badar T, Madanat YF, Zeidan AM. Updates on risk stratification and management of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms. Future Oncol 2023; 19:1877-1889. [PMID: 37750305 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms patients present with anemia. Historically, these patients were treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), with modest responses. A subset of these patients with del(5q) may do better with lenalidomide. Recently, in randomized trials, luspatercept has shown better responses compared with ESAs in treatment-naive patients and imetelstat in patients refractory to ESAs. Other evaluated novel compounds (fostamatinib, H3B-880, roxadustat, pyruvate kinase receptor activator) have not yet shown meaningful efficacy. More needs to be done to improve outcomes; in pursuance of this, participation in clinical trials evaluating novel therapies should be encouraged. While lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms tend to have an indolent course, a subset of them has a dismal prognosis. Improving prognostication and serial monitoring will help in identifying high-risk patients for appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talha Badar
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Yazan F Madanat
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Leukemia Program, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine & Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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5
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Fattizzo B, Serpenti F, Versino F, Cassanello G, Cro LM, Barbieri M, Croci GA, Revelli N, Della Porta MG, Barcellini W. Use of steroids in the management of low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with autoimmune features. BLOOD TRANSFUSION = TRASFUSIONE DEL SANGUE 2023; 21:452-460. [PMID: 36580026 PMCID: PMC10497380 DOI: 10.2450/2022.0184-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The boundaries between myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and immune-mediated cytopenias are often difficult to establish and both conditions may benefit from immunosuppressive therapy. The optimal timing and doses of immunosuppressants are largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically evaluated a retrospective cohort of 79 patients with low-risk MDS tested for anti-erythrocyte or anti-platelet autoantibodies to assess their frequency and the efficacy of immunosuppression, particularly with steroids. RESULTS We found autoantibody positivity in 43% of cases and overt autoimmune diseases in 18%, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thromboctyopenia, and Evans syndrome. Steroid treatment improved cytopenia in about half of patients, with 26% achieving a complete recovery lasting for a median of 12 months. Better responses were observed in anemic patients with anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies than in those with anti-platelet autoantibodies, and the combination with recombinant erythropoietin (7/10) had a possible synergistic effect. Steroid doses were heterogeneous depending on the clinical intent (i.e., anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anabolizing). Patients treated with a dose of 1 mg/kg day of prednisone for overt autoimmune cytopenia showed high rates of complete responses (60%). DISCUSSION This observation suggests a trial with a short course (2-3 weeks) of standard steroid doses to ascertain efficacy and properly silence the autoimmune pathogenic mechanism. Steroid-related adverse events (16% of cases) should be monitored carefully in this elderly, frail population. In conclusion, features of autoimmunity are present in more than two-thirds of low-risk MDS patients and a trial with prednisone 0.5-1 mg/kg day for 2-3 weeks, with proper monitoring of adverse events, may be useful to improve cytopenias in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Serpenti
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Versino
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Cassanello
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Oncohematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lilla M. Cro
- Cytometry Service, Central Laboratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Barbieri
- Cytometry Service, Central Laboratory Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio A. Croci
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Revelli
- Immune-hematology Service, Tranfusion Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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6
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Bewersdorf JP, Xie Z, Bejar R, Borate U, Boultwood J, Brunner AM, Buckstein R, Carraway HE, Churpek JE, Daver NG, Porta MGD, DeZern AE, Fenaux P, Figueroa ME, Gore SD, Griffiths EA, Halene S, Hasserjian RP, Hourigan CS, Kim TK, Komrokji R, Kuchroo VK, List AF, Loghavi S, Majeti R, Odenike O, Patnaik MM, Platzbecker U, Roboz GJ, Sallman DA, Santini V, Sanz G, Sekeres MA, Stahl M, Starczynowski DT, Steensma DP, Taylor J, Abdel-Wahab O, Xu ML, Savona MR, Wei AH, Zeidan AM. Current landscape of translational and clinical research in myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS): Proceedings from the 1 st International Workshop on MDS (iwMDS) Of the International Consortium for MDS (icMDS). Blood Rev 2023; 60:101072. [PMID: 36934059 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Biological events that contribute to the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) are becoming increasingly characterized and are being translated into rationally designed therapeutic strategies. Herein, we provide updates from the first International Workshop on MDS (iwMDS) of the International Consortium for MDS (icMDS) detailing recent advances in understanding the genetic landscape of MDS, including germline predisposition, epigenetic and immune dysregulation, the complexities of clonal hematopoiesis progression to MDS, as well as novel animal models of the disease. Connected to this progress is the development of novel therapies targeting specific molecular alterations, the innate immune system, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. While some of these agents have entered clinical trials (e.g., splicing modulators, IRAK1/4 inhibitors, anti-CD47 and anti-TIM3 antibodies, and cellular therapies), none have been approved for MDS. Additional preclinical and clinical work is needed to develop a truly individualized approach to the care of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhuoer Xie
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Rafael Bejar
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Uma Borate
- Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer/ James Cancer Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jacqueline Boultwood
- Blood Cancer UK Molecular Haematology Unit, Nuffield Division of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew M Brunner
- Leukemia Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rena Buckstein
- Department of Medical Oncology/Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hetty E Carraway
- Leukemia Program, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane E Churpek
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Carbone Cancer Center, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Naval G Daver
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matteo Giovanni Della Porta
- IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center & Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano - Milan, Italy
| | - Amy E DeZern
- Division of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Pierre Fenaux
- Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris and Paris Cité University, Paris, France
| | - Maria E Figueroa
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven D Gore
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Halene
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and Myeloid Malignancies Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tae Kon Kim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Rami Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan F List
- Precision BioSciences, Inc., Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sanam Loghavi
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olatoyosi Odenike
- Leukemia Program, University of Chicago Medicine and University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mrinal M Patnaik
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Gail J Roboz
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - David A Sallman
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Guillermo Sanz
- Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain; CIBERONC, IS Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mikkael A Sekeres
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel T Starczynowski
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Justin Taylor
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mina L Xu
- Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael R Savona
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andrew H Wei
- Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Volpe VO, Garcia-Manero G, Komrokji RS. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Treatment of Lower Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:168-177. [PMID: 36682988 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
MDS is a clonal stem cell neoplasm with a spectrum from lower risk disease to short term life threatening higher risk disease. The disease risk is dictated by clinical and molecular features. Majority of MDS patients including lower risk disease unfortunately succumb from disease related complications namely cytopenia. While cytopenias may be mild early upon diagnosis and can be surveilled, ultimately treatment is required. Anemia is the hall mark of disease and most common indication to treat in lower risk MDS. Erythroid stimulating agents are used in the first line setting. Treatment can be a personalized approach as in select patient such as patients with del(5q) and those with ringed sideroblasts, lenalidomide, and luspatercept can be extremely effective respectively at improving cytopenias. Younger patients and hypoplastic MDS have also shown and improved response to immunosuppressive therapy. Hypomethylating agents can be option for patients with higher risk features or thrombocytopenia/neutropenia. Refractory cytopenias still poses frustration as options are limited and there is need to add more treatments to our armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia O Volpe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Rami S Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
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8
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Peng X, Zhu X, Di T, Tang F, Guo X, Liu Y, Bai J, Li Y, Li L, Zhang L. The yin-yang of immunity: Immune dysregulation in myelodysplastic syndrome with different risk stratification. Front Immunol 2022; 13:994053. [PMID: 36211357 PMCID: PMC9537682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.994053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of myeloid clonal diseases with diverse clinical courses, and immune dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MDS. However, immune dysregulation is complex and heterogeneous in the development of MDS. Lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) is mainly characterized by immune hyperfunction and increased apoptosis, and the immunosuppressive therapy shows a good response. Instead, higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS) is characterized by immune suppression and immune escape, and the immune activation therapy may improve the survival of HR-MDS. Furthermore, the immune dysregulation of some MDS changes dynamically which is characterized by the coexistence and mutual transformation of immune hyperfunction and immune suppression. Taken together, the authors think that the immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can be summarized by an advanced philosophical thought “Yin-Yang theory” in ancient China, meaning that the opposing forces may actually be interdependent and interconvertible. Clarifying the mechanism of immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can provide the new basis for diagnosis and clinical treatment. This review focuses on the manifestations and roles of immune dysregulation in the different risk MDS, and summarizes the latest progress of immunotherapy in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohuan Peng
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianning Di
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaojia Guo
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Bai
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Li, ; Liansheng Zhang,
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Hematology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lijuan Li, ; Liansheng Zhang,
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9
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Toprak SK. Past, present and future in low-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:967900. [PMID: 35911422 PMCID: PMC9334722 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.967900] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia transformation and cytopenia. The prognosis of MDS patients can be evaluated with various scoring systems, the most commonly used are IPSS (International Prognostic Scoring System), revised-IPSS, and WPSS (WHO classification-based prognostic scoring system). MDS treatment is decided according to the risk classification. The goal of treatment in low-risk MDS is to improve cytopenia, reduce transfusion needs, improve quality of life, prolong overall survival, and maybe reduce the risk of progression to leukemia. In the near future, combining both genomics-based, ex vivo functional based and molecular stratification analysis will lead the way to a personalized and targeted approach.
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10
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Leone S, Rubino V, Palatucci AT, Giovazzino A, Carriero F, Cerciello G, Pane F, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Bone Marrow CD3 + CD56 + Regulatory T lymphocytes (T R3-56 cells) are inversely associated with activation and expansion of Bone Marrow cytotoxic T cells in IPSS-R very-low/low risk MDS patients. Eur J Haematol 2022; 109:398-405. [PMID: 35775392 PMCID: PMC9543123 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Emergence of dysplastic haematopoietic precursor/s, cytopenia and variable leukaemia risk characterise myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Impaired immune‐regulation, preferentially affecting cytotoxic T cells (CTL), has been largely observed in MDS. Recently, we described the TR3−56 T cell subset, characterised by the co‐expression of CD3 and CD56, as a novel immune‐regulatory population, able to modulate cytotoxic functions. Here, we address the involvement of TR3−56 cells in MDS pathogenesis/progression. Objectives To analyse the relationship between TR3−56 and CTL activation/expansion in bone marrow (BM) of very‐low/low‐risk MDS subjects. Methods Peripheral blood and BM specimens, obtained at disease onset in a cohort of 58 subjects, were analysed by immune‐fluorescence and flow cytometry, to preserve the complexity of the biological sample. Results We observed that a trend‐increase of BM TR3−56 in high/very‐high MDS stage, as compared with very‐low/low group, associates with a decreased activation of BM resident CTL; significant correlation of TR3−56 with BM blasts has been also revealed. In addition, in very‐low/low‐risk subjects the TR3−56 amount in BM inversely correlates with the presence of activated BM CTL showing a skewed Vβ T‐cell repertoire. Conclusions These data add TR3−56 to the immune‐regulatory network involved in MDS pathogenesis/progression. Better knowledge of the immune‐mediated processes associated with the disease might improve MDS clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Leone
- Divisione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Valentina Rubino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Angela Giovazzino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Flavia Carriero
- Ph.D course in Science, Università della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano, Potenza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cerciello
- Divisione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Fabrizio Pane
- Divisione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università di Napoli "Federico II"
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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11
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Hypocellular myelodysplastic syndromes (h-MDS): from clinical description to immunological characterization in the Italian multi-center experience. Leukemia 2022; 36:1947-1950. [PMID: 35597805 PMCID: PMC9252912 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01592-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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12
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Bewersdorf JP, Allen C, Mirza AS, Grimshaw AA, Giri S, Podoltsev NA, Gowda L, Cho C, Tallman MS, Zeidan AM, Stahl M. Hypomethylating Agents and FLT3 Inhibitors As Maintenance Treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:997.e1-997.e11. [PMID: 34551341 PMCID: PMC9533376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease relapse remains the major cause of death among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who receive an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT). Maintenance treatment with FLT3 inhibitors and hypomethylating agents (HMA) has been studied in various clinical trials with mixed results. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of FLT3 inhibitors and HMA for maintenance therapy after allo-HCT in AML and MDS. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched from inception to March 2021 for studies on maintenance therapies after allo-HCT in AML and MDS. Studies were excluded if they were reviews, commentaries, case series with <5 patients, or basic research articles, not published in English, not on post-allo-HCT maintenance with FLT3 inhibitors or HMA in AML or MDS, or if they were clinical trials without published results or duplicate publications from the same patient cohort. Studies with insufficient reporting of the primary endpoint (2-year overall survival [OS]) and studies using FLT3 inhibitors or HMA for pre-emptive treatment of imminent relapse based on positive measurable residual disease testing were excluded. Random-effects models were used to pool response rates for the primary outcome of 2-year OS. Hazard ratios (HR) for death and relapse were calculated for studies that included a control group. Rates of relapse-free survival (RFS), non-relapse mortality, and acute and chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) were studied as secondary endpoints. Downs and Black checklist and risk of bias assessments were used to gauge the quality of individual studies. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020187298). RESULTS Our search strategy identified 5559 studies. Twenty-one studies with a total of 809 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The 2-year OS rates were 81.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.8%-87.7%) and 65.7% (95% CI, 55.1%-74.9%) among patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors and HMA, respectively. In sensitivity analyses restricted to studies that included a control group, maintenance therapy with FLT3 inhibitors (HR for death = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.26-0.62) or HMA (HR = 0.45; 95% CI, 0.31-0.66) appeared superior to no maintenance therapy. The 2-year RFS rates were 79.8% (95% CI, 75.0%-83.9%) and 62.4% (95% CI, 50.6%-72.9%) among patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors and HMA, respectively. Rates of any grade acute and chronic GVHD were 33.1% (95% CI, 25.4%-41.8%; grade 3/4: 16.5%) and 42.5% (95% CI, 26.3%-60.4%) among FLT3 inhibitor and 42.7% (95% CI, 33.5%-52.4%; grade 3/4: 8.1%) and 41.5% (95% CI, 32.0%-51.6%) among HMA-treated patients, respectively. CONCLUSION Maintenance therapy with either FLT3 inhibitors or HMA after allo-HCT can lead to prolonged and improved OS and RFS with a favorable safety profile. Additional studies are needed to define the optimal duration of treatment, the role of measurable residual disease status, and transplant characteristics in patient selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cecily Allen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Abu-Sayeef Mirza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Alyssa A Grimshaw
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Smith Giri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nikolai A Podoltsev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lohith Gowda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Christina Cho
- Bone Marrow Transplant Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Martin S Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Department of Medical Oncology, Adult Leukemia Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
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13
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Kapoor S, Champion G, Basu A, Mariampillai A, Olnes MJ. Immune Therapies for Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5026. [PMID: 34638510 PMCID: PMC8507987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are hematologic malignancies arising from the bone marrow. Despite recent advances in treating these diseases, patients with higher-risk MDS and AML continue to have a poor prognosis with limited survival. It has long been recognized that there is an immune component to the pathogenesis of MDS and AML, but until recently, immune therapies have played a limited role in treating these diseases. Immune suppressive therapy exhibits durable clinical responses in selected patients with MDS, but the question of which patients are most suitable for this treatment remains unclear. Over the past decade, there has been remarkable progress in identifying genomic features of MDS and AML, which has led to an improved discernment of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. An improved understanding of immune and inflammatory molecular mechanisms of MDS and AML have also recently revealed novel therapeutic targets. Emerging treatments for MDS and AML include monoclonal antibodies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific T-cell-engaging antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, vaccine therapies, and cellular therapeutics including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells and NK cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of immune dysregulation in MDS and AML and an update on novel immune therapies for these bone marrow malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargam Kapoor
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Grace Champion
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Aparna Basu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Anu Mariampillai
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Matthew J. Olnes
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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14
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Shallis RM, Zeidan AM. Management of the Older Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Drugs Aging 2021; 38:751-767. [PMID: 34342860 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-021-00881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
No two diagnoses of myelodysplastic syndrome are genuinely alike, owing to differing and dynamic mutational topography and epigenetic aberrancy. Consequently, no two patients with myelodysplastic syndrome are identical and disease-specific and patient-specific factors are considered in formulating the optimal treatment, which includes few that are disease modifying. Age itself should not be an absolute contraindication to therapy, including intensive therapy such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which is the only curative therapy. However, age associates with an increased prevalence of frailty and comorbidities that must be considered and may preclude a path to cure. Palliative therapies are the mainstay for many patients with myelodysplastic syndrome, which is a disease of older adults with the majority of patients diagnosed at age ≥ 75 years. The older patient requires heightened attention to end organ function/reserve and drug-drug interactions as well as insurance, income, cost, and socioeconomic and psychosocial issues that influence management. Many prior studies have included relatively younger populations or have not specifically performed high-quality subgroup analyses of older patients. In this review, we discuss the available standard-of-care therapies for myelodysplastic syndrome as they specifically relate to the older population and assess the emerging therapeutics that may further the pursuit for personalized treatment and improve both the outcomes and quality of life of the older patient with myelodysplastic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory M Shallis
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208028, New Haven, CT, 06520-8028, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, PO Box 208028, New Haven, CT, 06520-8028, USA.
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15
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Volpe VO, Garcia-Manero G, Komrokji RS. Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A New Decade. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2021; 22:1-16. [PMID: 34544674 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2021.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders. The 2020 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data demonstrates the incidence rate of MDS increases with age especially in those greater than 70 years of age. Risk stratification that impact prognosis, survival, and rate of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation in MDS is largely dependent on revised International Prognostic Scoring System along with molecular genetic testing as a supplement. Low risk MDS typically have a more indolent disease course in which treatment is only initiated to ameliorate symptoms of cytopenias. In many, anemia is the most common cytopenia requiring treatment and erythroid stimulating agents, are considered first line. In contrast, high risk MDS tend to behave more aggressively for which treatment should be initiated rapidly with Hypomethylating Agents (HMA) being in the frontline. In those with high risk MDS and eligible, evaluation for allogeneic stem cell transplant should be considered as this is the only potential curative option for MDS. With the use of molecular genetic testing, a personalized approach to therapy in MDS has ensued. As the treatment landscape in MDS continues to flourish with novel targeted agents, we ambitiously seek to improve survival rates especially among the relapsed/refractory and transplant ineligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia O Volpe
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Rami S Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
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16
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Bewersdorf JP, Giri S, Wang R, Podoltsev N, Williams RT, Tallman MS, Rampal RK, Zeidan AM, Stahl M. Interferon alpha therapy in essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Leukemia 2021; 35:1643-1660. [PMID: 32868875 PMCID: PMC7917159 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Data on the efficacy and safety of interferon (IFN)-α for the treatment of essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) are inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, Scopus, COCHRANE registry of clinical trials, and Web of Science from inception through 03/2019 for studies of pegylated IFN (peg-IFN) and non-pegylated IFN (non-peg-IFN) in PV and ET patients. Random-effects models were used to pool response rates for the primary outcome of overall response rate (ORR) defined as a composite of complete response, partial response, complete hematologic response (CHR) and partial hematologic response. Peg-IFN and non-peg-IFN were compared by meta-regression analyses. In total, 44 studies with 1359 patients (730 ET, 629 PV) were included. ORR were 80.6% (95% confidence interval: 76.6-84.1%, CHR: 59.0% [51.5%-66.1%]) and 76.7% (67.4-84.0%; CHR: 48.5% [37.8-59.4%]) for ET and PV patients, respectively. In meta-regression analyses results did not differ significantly for non-peg-IFN vs. peg-IFN. Annualized rates of thromboembolic complications and treatment discontinuation due to adverse events were low at 1.2% and 8.8% for ET and 0.5% and 6.5% for PV patients, respectively. Both peg-IFN and non-peg-IFN can be effective and safe long-term treatments for ET and PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Smith Giri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nikolai Podoltsev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Martin S Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raajit K Rampal
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Palacios-Berraquero ML, Alfonso-Piérola A. Current Therapy of the Patients with MDS: Walking towards Personalized Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102107. [PMID: 34068316 PMCID: PMC8153316 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplasia and peripheral cytopenias. Nowadays, MDS therapy is selected based on risk. The goals of therapy are different in low-risk and high-risk patients. In low-risk MDS, the goal is to decrease transfusion needs and to increase the quality of life. Currently, available drugs for newly diagnosed low-risk MDS include growth factor support, lenalidomide and immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, luspatercept has recently been added to treat patients with MDS with ring sideroblasts, who are not candidates or have lost the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Treatment of high-risk patients is aimed to improve survival. To date, the only currently approved treatments are hypomethylating agents and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, the future for MDS patients is promising. In recent years, we are witnessing the emergence of multiple treatment combinations based on hypomethylating agents (pevonedistat, magrolimab, eprenetapopt, venetoclax) that have proven to be effective in MDS, even those with high-risk factors. Furthermore, the approval in the US of an oral hypomethylating agent opens the door to exclusively oral combinations for these patients and their consequent impact on the quality of life of these patients. Relapsed and refractory patients remain an unmet clinical need. We need more drugs and clinical trials for this profile of patients who have a dismal prognosis.
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gower
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gena Foster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anastasia N Tikhonova
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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19
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Bewersdorf JP, Zeidan AM. Risk-Adapted, Individualized Treatment Strategies of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) and Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1610. [PMID: 33807279 PMCID: PMC8036734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) are two distinct blood cancers with a variable clinical symptom burden and risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Management decisions should be guided by individual patient and disease characteristics and based on validated risk stratification tools. While supportive care with red blood cell transfusions, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and iron chelation remains the mainstay of therapy for lower-risk (LR)-MDS patients, luspatercept has recently been approved for transfusion-dependent anemic LR-MDS patients ending a decade without any new drug approvals for MDS. For higher-risk patients, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) remains the only curative therapy for both MDS and CMML but most patients are not eligible for allo-HCT. For those patients, the hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine remain standard of care with azacitidine being the only agent that has shown an overall survival benefit in randomized trials. Although early results from novel molecularly driven agents such as IDH1/2 inhibitors, venetoclax, magrolimab, and APR-246 for MDS as well as tagraxofusp, tipifarnib, and lenzilumab for CMML appear encouraging, confirmatory randomized trials must be completed to fully assess their safety and efficacy prior to routine clinical use. Herein, we review the current management of MDS and CMML and conclude with a critical appraisal of novel therapies and general trends in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, P.O. Box 208028, New Haven, CT 06520-8028, USA;
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20
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Chan O, Komrokji RS. Luspatercept in the treatment of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1473-1481. [PMID: 33511859 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is key to hematopoiesis regulation. Increased activation of this pathway contributes to ineffective terminal erythroid differentiation in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Luspatercept is a novel fusion protein that traps TGF-β ligands preventing them from binding to Type II TGF-β receptors, thereby decreasing phosphorylated SMAD2/3 resulting in the downstream effect of promoting erythropoiesis. Seminal clinical trials using luspatercept, PACE-MD and MEDALIST, demonstrated impressive efficacy in the treatment of transfusion-dependent anemia in intermediate risk or lower MDS had led to the US FDA approval for this indication. This review summarizes luspatercept mechanisms of action, efficacy/safety data supporting its use and ongoing clinical trials in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyee Chan
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Rami S Komrokji
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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21
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Olnes MJ. Immune Therapies for Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:295. [PMID: 33467389 PMCID: PMC7829785 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The era of immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies began with the first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) study published by E [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Olnes
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; ; Tel.: +1-907-729-1180; Fax: +1-907-729-1189
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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22
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Volpe VO, Komrokji RS. Treatment options for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Where are we now? Ther Adv Hematol 2021; 12:2040620720986641. [PMID: 33505645 PMCID: PMC7812395 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720986641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a spectrum of clonal stem-cell disorders characterized clinically by bone-marrow failure. Resultant cytopenias are responsible for significant mortality and decreased quality of life in patients with MDS. In patients with low-risk MDS (LR-MDS), anemia is the most common cytopenia and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are usually used as first-line therapy. Those patients who become refractory to ESA have a poor survival. Available treatment options such as lenalidomide, hypomethylating agents, and immunosuppressive therapy can provide some hematologic response among selected subsets of patients, however durable responses are limited, and these agents can carry significant adverse effects. Chronic transfusions help to alleviate symptoms of anemia but still carry risks associated with transfusion and iron overload. Luspatercept, recently approved for those LR-MDS with ring sideroblasts refractory to ESA, was found to have an improvement in transfusion independence with a well-tolerated safety profile. While anemia is the most common cytopenia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia management is challenging and the co-occurrence of these cytopenias with anemia may dictate the choice of therapy. In this article, we review LR-MDS and discuss the optimal use of current treatment options and explore new therapeutic options on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia O Volpe
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Rami S Komrokji
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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23
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Hus I, Salomon-Perzyński A, Tomasiewicz K, Robak T. The management of hematologic malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 22:565-582. [PMID: 33342308 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1849143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with hematological malignancies have experienced a more severe clinical course of COVID-19 and higher mortality than those with solid tumors and those without cancer. The ongoing pandemic poses many challenges in assuring the correct and timely diagnosis of hemato-oncology patients as well as the optimal treatment.Areas covered: The present paper reviews current data on the incidence and clinical course of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies. A literature review of the MEDLINE database for articles was conducted via PubMed. Publications from December 2019 through September 2020 were scrutinized. The search terms used were SARS-Cov-2 OR COVID-19 in conjunction with hematological malignancies OR leukemia OR lymphoma OR multiple myeloma OR cancer. Recommendations and expert opinions either published or presented on ASH, ASCO, ESMO, NCCN websites were also reviewed.Expert opinion: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a pressing need to improve the management of patients with hematological malignancies, including establishing prompt diagnoses and providing effective treatment while also minimalizing the risk of SARS-Cov2 infection. The recommendations developed by many organizations based on expert opinions are helpful in making proper decisions. All cancer patients should be advised to get vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Hus
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Clinical Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | | | | | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz and Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Lodz, Poland
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24
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Bewersdorf JP, Carraway H, Prebet T. Emerging treatment options for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Ther Adv Hematol 2020; 11:2040620720955006. [PMID: 33240476 PMCID: PMC7675905 DOI: 10.1177/2040620720955006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders
characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with peripheral blood cytopenias,
dysplastic cell morphology, and a variable risk of progression to acute myeloid
leukemia (AML). The hypomethylating agents (HMA) azacitidine and decitabine have
been used for over a decade in MDS treatment and lead to a modest survival
benefit. However, response rates are only around 40% and responses are mostly
transient. For HMA-refractory patients the prognosis is poor and there are no
therapies approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Combinations of HMAs, especially along with immune checkpoint inhibitors, have
shown promising signals in both the frontline and HMA-refractory setting.
Several other novel agents including orally available and longer acting HMAs,
the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, oral agents targeting driver mutations
(IDH1/2, FLT3), immunotherapies, and new options for
intensive chemotherapy have been studied with variable success and will be
reviewed herein. Except for the minority of patients with targetable driver
mutations, HMAs – likely as part of combination therapies – will remain the
backbone of frontline MDS treatment. However, the wider use of genetic testing
may enable a more targeted and individualized therapy of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hetty Carraway
- Leukemia Program, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Prebet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, 37 College Street, Room 101, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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25
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Bewersdorf JP, Giri S, Tallman MS, Zeidan AM, Stahl M. Leukapheresis for the management of hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia—A systematic review and meta‐analysis. Transfusion 2020; 60:2360-2369. [DOI: 10.1111/trf.15994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jan P. Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Smith Giri
- Division of Hematology and Oncology University of Alabama School of Medicine Birmingham Alabama USA
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Leukemia Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York New York USA
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut USA
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Leukemia Service Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York New York USA
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26
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Hellström-Lindberg E, Tobiasson M, Greenberg P. Myelodysplastic syndromes: moving towards personalized management. Haematologica 2020; 105:1765-1779. [PMID: 32439724 PMCID: PMC7327628 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.248955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) share their origin in the hematopoietic stem cell but have otherwise very heterogeneous biological and genetic characteristics. Clinical features are dominated by cytopenia and a substantial risk for progression to acute myeloid leukemia. According to the World Health Organization, MDS is defined by cytopenia, bone marrow dysplasia and certain karyotypic abnormalities. The understanding of disease pathogenesis has undergone major development with the implementation of next-generation sequencing and a closer integration of morphology, cytogenetics and molecular genetics is currently paving the way for improved classification and prognostication. True precision medicine is still in the future for MDS and the development of novel therapeutic compounds with a propensity to markedly change patients' outcome lags behind that for many other blood cancers. Treatment of higher-risk MDS is dominated by monotherapy with hypomethylating agents but novel combinations are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Agents that stimulate erythropoiesis continue to be first-line treatment for the anemia of lower-risk MDS but luspatercept has shown promise as second-line therapy for sideroblastic MDS and lenalidomide is an established second-line treatment for del(5q) lower-risk MDS. The only potentially curative option for MDS is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, until recently associated with a relatively high risk of transplant-related mortality and relapse. However, recent studies show increased cure rates due to better tools to target the malignant clone with less toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of the clinical evaluation, biology and therapeutic interventions for this spectrum of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hellström-Lindberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Tobiasson
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Greenberg
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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27
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Evolving therapies for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Ann Hematol 2020; 99:677-692. [PMID: 32078008 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-020-03963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The development in the therapeutic landscape of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has substantially lagged behind other hematologic malignancies with no new drug approvals for MDS for 13 years since the approval of decitabine in the United States in 2006. While therapeutic concepts for MDS patients continue to be primarily defined by clinical-pathologic risk stratification tools such as the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and its revised version IPSS-R, our understanding of the genetic landscape and the molecular pathogenesis of MDS has greatly evolved over the last decade. It is expected that the therapeutic approach to MDS patients will become increasingly individualized based on prognostic and predictive genetic features and other biomarkers. Herein, we review the current treatment of lower-risk MDS patients and discuss promising agents in advanced clinical testing for the treatment of symptomatic anemia in lower-risk MDS patients such as luspatercept and imetelstat. Lastly, we review the clinical development of new agents and the implications of the wider availability of mutational analysis for the management of individual MDS patients.
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28
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Dou A, Fang J. Cyclosporine Broadens the Therapeutic Potential of Lenalidomide in Myeloid Malignancies. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 2:237-244. [PMID: 32984863 PMCID: PMC7518522 DOI: 10.33696/immunology.2.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide is used for the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Lenalidomide interacts with cereblon (CRBN), a component of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of substrates, such as transcription factor Ikaros (Ikaros family zinc finger 1, IKZF1). With a genome loss of function screen, we recently identified two novel pathways mediated by lenalidomide in MDS. In this review, we summarized the major findings of these two pathways and their clinical implications. Depletion of G protein-coupled receptor 68 (GPR68) or an endogenous calcineurin (CaN) inhibitor, regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1), reversed the inhibitory effect of lenalidomide on MDSL cells, an MDS cell line. Intriguingly, both GPR68 and RCAN1 expression levels were upregulated in MDSL cells after treatment with lenalidomide that was dependent on diminishment of IKZF1, indicating that IKZF1 functioned as a transcription repressor for GPR68 and RCAN1. Mechanistic studies revealed that upregulation or activation of GPR68 induced a Ca2+/calpain pro-apoptotic pathway, while upregulation of RCAN1 inhibited the CaN pro-survival pathway in MDSL cells. Notably, the pharmacological CaN inhibitor, cyclosporine, enhanced the sensitivity to lenalidomide in MDS as well as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Surprisingly, pretreatment with lenalidomide reversed the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine on T lymphocytes. Our studies suggest that lenalidomide mediates degradation of IKZF1, leading to derepression of GPR68 and RCAN1 that activates the Ca2+/calpain pro- apoptotic pathway and inhibits the CaN pro-survival pathway, respectively. Our studies implicate that cyclosporine extends the therapeutic potential of lenalidomide to myeloid malignancies without compromising immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixia Dou
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jing Fang
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
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