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Galitzia A, Maccaferri M, Mauro FR, Murru R, Marasca R. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Management of Adverse Events in the Era of Targeted Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1996. [PMID: 38893115 PMCID: PMC11171383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment landscape for CLL has undergone a profound transformation with the advent of targeted agents (TAs) like Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKis) and BCL-2 inhibitors (BCL-2is). These agents target crucial cellular pathways in CLL, offering superior efficacy over traditional chemo-immunotherapy, which has led to improved progression-free and overall survival rates. This advancement promises enhanced disease control and potentially normal life expectancy for many patients. However, the journey is not without challenges, as these TAs are associated with a range of adverse events (AEs) that can impact treatment efficacy and patient quality of life. This review focuses on detailing the various AEs related to TA management in CLL, evaluating their frequency and clinical impact. The aim is to present a comprehensive guide to the effective management of these AEs, ensuring optimal tolerability and efficacy of TAs. By reviewing the existing literature and consolidating findings, we provide insights into AE management, which is crucial for maximizing patient outcomes in CLL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galitzia
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale San Francesco, 08100 Nuoro, Italy;
| | - Monica Maccaferri
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U of Modena, Policlinico, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
| | - Francesca Romana Mauro
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberta Murru
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Oncologico A. Businco, ARNAS G. Brotzu, 09134 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Hematology Unit, Department of Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U of Modena, Policlinico, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.M.); (R.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Hematology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
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Murru R, Galitzia A, Barabino L, Presicci R, La Nasa G, Caocci G. Prediction of severe infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a simple risk score to stratify patients at diagnosis. Ann Hematol 2024; 103:1655-1664. [PMID: 38236391 PMCID: PMC11009768 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is well-known for increasing susceptibility to infections. Factors such as immune dysregulation, IGHV status, hypogammaglobulinemia, and patient comorbidity and treatment, contribute to higher infection rates and mortality. However, the impact of hypogammaglobulinemia on infection rates is controversial. We aimed to identify clinical and biological parameters linked to the risk of severe infectious events. Additionally, we set up a straightforward risk infection score to stratify CLL patients at diagnosis, thereby enabling the development of suitable infection prevention strategies. We retrospectively evaluated 210 unselected CLL patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2018. This evaluation encompassed demographics, Binet stage, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, treatment history, comorbidities, and IGHV mutational status at diagnosis. The frequency and severity of infectious events were recorded. Analysis revealed that age, IGHV mutational status, Binet stage, and hypogammaglobulinemia were statistically associated with the Time to First Infection (TTFI) in univariate and multivariate analyses. Using hazard ratios from the multivariate analysis, we finally devised a risk scoring system that integrated age, IGHV mutational status, immunoglobulin levels, and Binet stage to stratify patients at diagnosis based on their specific infection risk. In our cohort, disease progression and infections were the leading cause of death. These findings pointed out the clinical need for a screening process strategic for defining infectious risk at the time of CLL diagnosis, with a significant enhancement in the clinical management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Murru
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Oncologico A. Businco, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Galitzia
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luca Barabino
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberta Presicci
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgio La Nasa
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Oncologico A. Businco, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caocci
- Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Ospedale Oncologico A. Businco, ARNAS G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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Kättström M, Uggla B, Tina E, Kimby E, Norén T, Athlin S. Improved plasmablast response after repeated pneumococcal revaccinations following primary immunization with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Vaccine 2023; 41:3128-3136. [PMID: 37061372 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) show an immune dysfunction with increased risk of infections and poor response to vaccination. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in CLL patients. In a previous randomized clinical trial, we found a superior immune response in CLL patients receiving conjugated pneumococcal vaccine compared to non-conjugated vaccine. The response to revaccination in CLL patients is scarcely studied. In this study, early humoral response to repeated revaccinations with pneumococcal vaccines was evaluated, by determination of B cell subsets and plasmablast dynamics in peripheral blood. METHOD CLL patients (n = 14) and immunocompetent controls (n = 31) were revaccinated with a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) after previous primary immunization (3-6 years ago) with PCV13 or a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Eight weeks after the first revaccination, all CLL patients received a second revaccination with PCV13 or PPSV23. B cell subsets including plasmablasts were analyzed in peripheral blood by flow cytometry, before and after the first and the second revaccination. RESULTS None of the CLL patients, but all controls, had detectable plasmablasts at baseline (p < 0.001). After the first revaccination with PCV13, the plasmablast proportions did not increase in CLL patients (p = 0.13), while increases were seen in controls (p < 0.001). However, after a second revaccination with PCV13 or PPSV23, plasmablasts increased compared to baseline also in CLL patients (p < 0.01). If no response was evident after first revaccination, only a second revaccination with PCV13 increased plasmablasts in contrast to PPSV23 revaccination. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and ongoing/previous CLL specific treatment responded poorly, also to a second revaccination. CONCLUSION In CLL patients, pneumococcal revaccination induced minor early plasmablast response compared to controls, but the response improved using a strategy of repeated doses with of conjugated T cell dependent pneumococcal vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kättström
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70185 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Bertil Uggla
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70185 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Tina
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Eva Kimby
- Unit of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Norén
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Simon Athlin
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, SE 70185 Örebro, Sweden
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Systematic Evaluation of Antigenic Stimulation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Humoral Immunity as Biomarkers for Disease Evolution. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030891. [PMID: 36765855 PMCID: PMC9913429 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Studies of CLL antibody reactivity have shown differential targets to autoantigens and antimicrobial molecular motifs that support the current hypothesis of CLL pathogenesis. METHODS In this study, we conducted a quantitative serum analysis of 7 immunoglobulins in CLL and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) patients (bead-suspension protein arrays) and a serological profile (IgG and IgM) study of autoantibodies and antimicrobial antigens (protein microarrays). RESULTS Significant differences in the IgA levels were observed according to disease progression and evolution as well as significant alterations in IgG1 according to IGHV mutational status. More representative IgG autoantibodies in the cohort were against nonmutagenic proteins and IgM autoantibodies were against vesicle proteins. Antimicrobial IgG and IgM were detected against microbes associated with respiratory tract infections. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative differences in immunoglobulin serum levels could be potential biomarkers for disease progression. In the top 5 tumoral antigens, we detected autoantibodies (IgM and IgG) against proteins related to cell homeostasis and metabolism in the studied cohort. The top 5 microbial antigens were associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal infections; moreover, the subsets with better prognostics were characterized by a reactivation of Cytomegalovirus. The viral humoral response could be a potential prognosis biomarker for disease progression.
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COVID-19 Infection in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Receiving Acalabrutinib in the Phase 3B ASSURE Study. Hemasphere 2022; 6:e780. [PMID: 36168519 PMCID: PMC9509175 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Effects of B-Cell Lymphoma on the Immune System and Immune Recovery after Treatment: The Paradigm of Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063368. [PMID: 35328789 PMCID: PMC8952275 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma and lymphoproliferative diseases represent a heterogeneous and complex group of neoplasms that are accompanied by a broad range of immune regulatory disorder phenotypes. Clinical features of autoimmunity, hyperinflammation, immunodeficiency and infection can variously dominate, depending on the immune pathway most involved. Immunological imbalance can play a role in lymphomagenesis, also supporting the progression of the disease, while on the other hand, lymphoma acts on the immune system to weaken immunosurveillance and facilitate immunoevasion. Therefore, the modulation of immunity can have a profound effect on disease progression or resolution, which makes the immune system a critical target for new therapies. In the current therapeutic scenario enriched by chemo-free regimens, it is important to establish the effect of various drugs on the disease, as well as on the restoration of immune functions. In fact, treatment of B-cell lymphoma with passive immunotherapy that targets tumor cells or targets the tumor microenvironment, together with adoptive immunotherapy, is becoming more frequent. The aim of this review is to report relevant data on the evolution of the immune system during and after treatment with targeted therapy of B-cell lymphomas.
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Morawska M. Reasons and consequences of COVID-19 vaccine failure in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2021; 108:91-98. [PMID: 34717004 PMCID: PMC8652891 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
People with hematologic malignancies are at a high risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. The response to vaccination is highly limited in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Less than half of the patients develop antibody response, suggesting that they remain at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection even after the vaccination. Reasons for inadequate response to COVID-19 vaccination in chronic lymphocytic leukemia are multifactorial and attributed to disease-related immune dysregulation and patient- and therapy-related factors. The negative predictors of response to vaccination include hypogammaglobulinemia, advanced age, current active treatment, and past treatment anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Despite using booster doses and heterologous immunization to improve humoral and cellular immunity, some patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia will fail to respond. Active treatment at the time of vaccination and a recent history of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies use are the strongest predictors of the non-response. Current data support informing patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other hematologic malignancies about the risk of infection regardless of vaccination. These individuals and members of their households should continue extreme preventive actions despite relaxed local regulations. Other emerging non-vaccine preventive strategies include passive and post-exposure prevention with monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Morawska
- Experimental Hematooncology Department, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Allegra A, Tonacci A, Musolino C, Pioggia G, Gangemi S. Secondary Immunodeficiency in Hematological Malignancies: Focus on Multiple Myeloma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:738915. [PMID: 34759921 PMCID: PMC8573331 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.738915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary immunodeficiency is reported in most patients with hematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. The aim of our review was to evaluate the existing literature data on patients with hematological malignancies, with regard to the effect of immunodeficiency on the outcome, the clinical and therapeutic approach, and on the onset of noninfectious complications, including thrombosis, pleural effusion, and orofacial complications. Immunodeficiency in these patients has an intense impact on their risk of infection, in turn increasing morbidity and mortality even years after treatment completion. However, these patients with increased risk of severe infectious diseases could be treated with adequate vaccination coverage, but the vaccines' administration can be associated with a decreased immune response and an augmented risk of adverse reactions. Probably, immunogenicity of the inactivated is analogous to that of healthy subjects at the moment of vaccination, but it undertakes a gradual weakening over time. However, the dispensation of live attenuated viral vaccines is controversial because of the risk of the activation of vaccine viruses. A particular immunization schedule should be employed according to the clinical and immunological condition of each of these patients to guarantee a constant immune response without any risks to the patients' health.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Humans
- Immunocompromised Host
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/epidemiology
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/immunology
- Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/therapy
- Incidence
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/epidemiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/epidemiology
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- Multiple Myeloma/therapy
- Opportunistic Infections/epidemiology
- Opportunistic Infections/immunology
- Opportunistic Infections/prevention & control
- Risk Factors
- Vaccination
- Vaccine Efficacy
- Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Vaccines/adverse effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tonacci
- Clinical Physiology Institute, National Research Council of Italy (IFC-CNR), Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Division of Hematology, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Wiedemann GM, Schneider J, Verbeek M, Konukiewitz B, Spinner CD, Einwächter H, Schmid RM, Rothe K. An Eschar-like souvenir from a journey to Colombia: Ecthyma gangrenosum as a differential diagnosis of tropical diseases in immunocompromised patients - a case report. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:344. [PMID: 33845789 PMCID: PMC8042936 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05998-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a cutaneous infectious disease characterized by eschar-like skin ulcers typically caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here, we report a case of relapsing EG in a patient who had returned from a trip to Colombia, thus establishing EG as an important differential diagnosis of tropical diseases, and demonstrating that even long-term antibiotic treatment can result in only partial remission of EG. Case presentation A 77-year-old man with underlying chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) on ibrutinib treatment was admitted because of a superinfected mosquito bite on the left ear and multiple partially necrotic skin lesions disseminated all over the entire body five days after returning from a trip to Colombia. The initial clinical suspicion of a tropical disease (leishmaniosis, systemic mycosis, or others) could not be confirmed. During the diagnostic workup, microbiological cultures of the skin biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to a diagnosis of EG. Initial antibiotic treatment resulted in partial remission. However, the patient had to be re-admitted due to a relapse 3–4 weeks after the first episode. Finally, the patient was successfully treated with a combined approach consisting of antibiotics, recurrent surgical incisions, and administration of immunoglobulins. Conclusions In conclusion, EG should be considered as a differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients presenting with eschar-like skin ulcers. A combined treatment approach seems to be the best choice to achieve clinical cure and avoid relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela M Wiedemann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.
| | - Jochen Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mareike Verbeek
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Björn Konukiewitz
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph D Spinner
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Einwächter
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland M Schmid
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University hospital rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Rothe
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
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