Prognostic impact of genetic abnormalities in 536 first-line chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients without 17p deletion treated with chemoimmunotherapy in two prospective trials: Focus on IGHV-mutated subgroups (a FILO study)

The potential prognostic influence of genetic aberrations on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) can vary based on various factors, such as the immunoglobulin heavy variable (IGHV) status. We conducted an integrative analysis on genetic abnormalities identified through cytogenetics and targeted next-generation sequencing in 536 CLL patients receiving first-line chemo(immuno)therapies (CIT) as part of two prospective trials. We evaluated the prognostic implications of the main abnormalities, with specific attention to their relative impact according to IGHV status. In the entire cohort, unmutated (UM)-IGHV, complex karyotype, del(11q) and ATM mutations correlated significantly with shorter progression-free survival (PFS). Focusing on the subset of mutated IGHV (M-IGHV) patients, univariate analysis showed that complex karyotype, del(11q), SF3B1 and SAMHD1 mutations were associated with significant lower PFS. The prognostic influence varied based on the patient's IGHV status, as these abnormalities did not affect outcomes in the UM-IGHV subgroup. TP53 mutations had no significant impact on outcomes in the M-IGHV subgroup. Our findings highlight the diverse prognostic influence of genetic aberrations depending on the IGHV status in symptomatic CLL patients receiving first-line CIT. The prognosis of gene mutations and cytogenetic abnormalities needs to be investigated with a compartmentalized methodology, taking into account the IGVH status of patients receiving first-line BTK and/or BCL2 inhibitors.

Final results on effectiveness and safety of Ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia from the non-interventional FIRE study

We conducted an observational study (FIRE) to understand the effectiveness and safety outcomes of ibrutinib in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in France, after a maximum follow-up of five years. Patients were included according to the French marketing authorization in 2016 (i.e. patients with relapsed or refractory CLL or to previously untreated CLL patients with deletion 17p and/or tumor protein p53 mutations unsuitable for chemoimmunotherapy) and could have initiated ibrutinib more than 30 days prior their enrolment in the study (i.e. retrospective patients) or between 30 days before and 14 days after their enrolment (i.e. prospective patients). The results showed that in the effectiveness population (N = 388), the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 53.1 (95% CI: 44.5-60.5) months for retrospective patients and 52.9 (95% CI: 40.3-60.6) months for prospective patients and no difference was shown between the PFS of patients who had at least one dose reduction versus the PFS of patients without dose reduction (p = 0.7971 for retrospective and p = 0.3163 for prospective patients). For both retrospective and prospective patients, the median overall survival was not reached. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse event of interest was infections (57.6% retrospective; 71.4% prospective). A total of 14.6% of the retrospective patients and 22.4% of the prospective patients had an adverse event leading to death. Our findings on effectiveness were consistent with other studies and the fact that patients with dose reductions had similar PFS than patients without dose reduction is reassuring. No additional safety concerns than those already mentioned in previous studies could be noticed.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03425591. Registered 1 February 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Long-term analysis of the RiBVD phase II trial reveals the unfavorable impact of TP53 mutations and hypoalbuminemia in older adults with mantle cell lymphoma; for the LYSA group

Between 2011 and 2012, a phase II trial evaluated the use of the RiBVD (Rituximab, Bendamustine, Velcade and Dexamethasone) combination as first-line treatment for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients aged over 65. We have now re-examined the classic prognostic factors, adding an assessment of the mutation status of TP53. Patients (n=74; median age 73 years) were treated with the RiBVD combination. Median Progression Free Survival (mPFS) was 79 months, and median Overall Survival (mOS) was 111 months. TP53 mutation status was available for 54/74 (73%) patients. TP53 mutations (TP53mt) were found in 12 patients (22.2%). In multivariate analysis, among the prognostic factors (PF) evaluated, only TP53mt and an albumin level below 3.6 g/dL (Alb<3.6 g/dL) were independently associated with a shorter mPFS. A hazard ratio (HR) of 3.16 (1.3-9.9, p=0.014) was obtained for TP53mt versus TP53wt, and 3.6 (1.39-9.5, p=0.009) for Alb<3.6 g/dL vs Alb≥3.6 g/dL. In terms of mOS, multivariate analysis identified three PFs: TP53mt (HR: 5.9 (1.77-19.5, p=0.004)), Alb<3.6 g/dL (HR: 5.2 (1.46-18.5, p=0.011)), and ECOG=2 (HR: 3.7 (1.31-10.6, p=0.014)). Finally, a score combining TP53 status and albumin level distinguished three populations based on the presence of 0, 1, or 2 PF. For these populations, mPFS was 7.8 years, 28 months and 2.5 months, respectively. Our prolonged follow-up confirmed the efficacy of the RiBVD regimen, comparing it favorably to other regimens. TP53mt and hypoalbuminemia emerge as strong PF that can be easily integrated into prognostic scores for older adult patients with MCL.

A fixed-duration immunochemotherapy approach in CLL: 5.5-year results from the phase 2 ICLL-07 FILO trial

In previously untreated, medically fit patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), research is focused on developing fixed-duration strategies to improve long-term outcomes while sparing patients from serious toxicities. The ICLL-07 trial evaluated a fixed-duration (15-month) immunochemotherapy approach in which after obinutuzumab-ibrutinib induction for 9 months, patients (n = 10) in complete remission (CR) with bone marrow (BM) measurable residual disease (MRD) <0.01% continued only ibrutinib 420 mg/day for 6 additional months (I arm), whereas the majority (n = 115) received up to 4 cycles of fludarabine/cyclophosphamide-obinutuzumab 1000 mg alongside the ibrutinib (I-FCG arm). Primary analysis at month 16 showed that 84 of 135 (62.2%) patients enrolled achieved CR with a BM MRD <0.01%. Here, we report follow-up at median 63 months. Peripheral blood (PB) MRD was assessed 6 monthly beyond the end of treatment using a highly sensitive (10-6) flow cytometry technique. In the I-FCG arm, the PB MRD <0.01% rate (low-level positive <0.01% or undetectable with limit of detection ≤10-4) in evaluable patients was still 92.5% (74/80) at month 40 and 80.6% (50/62) at month 64. No differences in the PB MRD status were apparent per to the IGHV mutational status. In the overall population, 4-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 95.5% and 96.2%, respectively. Twelve deaths occurred overall. Fourteen serious adverse events occurred beyond the end of treatment. Thus, our fixed-duration immunochemotherapy approach produced deep and sustained PB MRD responses, high survival rates, and low long-term toxicity. A randomized trial is needed to compare our immunochemotherapy approach with a chemotherapy-free strategy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02666898.

Parsaclisib, a PI3Kδ inhibitor, in relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma (CITADEL-205): a phase 2 study

Background

Parsaclisib is a potent and highly selective PI3Kδ inhibitor that has shown clinical benefit in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell malignancies. In this phase 2 study (CITADEL-205; NCT03235544, EudraCT 2017-003148-19), the efficacy and safety of parsaclisib was evaluated in patients with R/R mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Methods

Patients ≥18 years old with pathologically confirmed R/R MCL and prior treatment with 1-3 systemic therapies, with (cohort 1) or without (cohort 2) previous Bruton kinase inhibitor (BTKi) treatment, received oral parsaclisib 20 mg once-daily (QD) for 8 weeks, then either parsaclisib 20 mg once-weekly (weekly dosing group [WG]) or parsaclisib 2.5 mg QD (daily dosing group [DG]). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR).

Findings

At the primary analysis data cutoff on January 15, 2021, 53 patients in cohort 1 (BTKi-experienced) (WG, n = 12; DG: n = 41) and 108 patients in cohort 2 (BTKi-naive) (WG, n = 31; DG: n = 77) had received parsaclisib monotherapy. The BTKi-experienced cohort was closed after an interim analysis demonstrated limited clinical benefit. In the BTKi-naive cohort, the ORR (95% CI) for DG (dosing selected for further study) was 70.1% (58.6%-80.0%), with a complete response rate (95% CI) of 15.6% (8.3%-25.6%) and a median duration of response (95% CI) of 12.1 (9.0-not evaluable) months. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred among 90.7% (98/108) of all treated patients in the BTKi-naive cohort. Grade ≥3 TEAEs occurred among 62.0% (67/108) of patients, including diarrhoea (13.9%, 15/108) and neutropenia (8.3%, 9/108). Parsaclisib interruption, reduction, or discontinuation due to TEAEs occurred among 47.2% (51/108), 8.3% (9/108), and 25.0% (27/108) of patients, respectively. Fatal TEAEs were experienced by six patients and determined to be treatment-related in one patient.

Interpretation

Parsaclisib, a potent, highly selective, PI3Kδ inhibitor demonstrated meaningful clinical benefits and a manageable safety profile (25.0% discontinuation rate, low incidences of individually reported grade ≥3 or serious adverse events) in R/R MCL patients with no prior BTKi therapy. Limited clinical benefit was observed with parsaclisib monotherapy in patients who had previously received BTKi treatment. Future development of PI3K inhibitors for NHL will require further investigation of dose optimisation to improve safety and long-term survival.

Funding

Incyte Corporation.

[Waldenström disease: News and perspectives in 2022]

Waldenström's disease is a B-cell neoplasm characterized by the accumulation of lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPCs) in the bone marrow, and more rarely in the lymph nodes and the spleen, which produce a monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) protein. The diagnosis requires the identification of LPCs in the bone marrow, using specific markers in flow cytometry. The MYD88L265P mutation is found in 95% of cases and the CXCR4 mutation in 30-40% of cases. These markers must be sought because they have a diagnostic and prognostic role, and they might become predictive in the future. The clinical presentation is very variable, and includes anomalies related to the bone marrow infiltration of the LPCs (such as anemia), but also anomalies of the physico-chemical and/or immunological activity of the overproduced IgM (hyperviscosity, AL amyloidosis, cryoglobulinemia, anti-MAG neuropathies, etc.). Prognostic scores (IPSSWM) now make it possible to understand the prognosis of symptomatic WM requiring appropriate treatment. The therapeutic management depends on many parameters, such as the specific clinical presentation, the speed of evolution and of course the age and comorbidities. Immuno-chemotherapy is often the 1st line treatment (rituximab-cyclophosphamide-dexamethasone (RCD) or bendamustine-rituximab (BR)) but the role of targeted therapies is becoming preponderant. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) are used today in first relapse. Other therapeutic perspectives will certainly allow us tomorrow to better understand this incurable chronic disease, such as new generations of BTKi, BCL2 inhibitors, anti-CXCR4, bi-specific antibodies, and CAR-T cells.

FIRE Study: Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Ibrutinib in Clinical Practice in Patients with CLL and MCL

The FIRE study investigated the real-world effectiveness and safety of ibrutinib in prospectively observed patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in France. Patients were mostly relapsed/refractory with high-risk features. First-line CLL/SLL patients had del17p and/or TP53 mutations. In this interim analysis, the median follow-up time for patients with CLL/SLL and MCL was 17.7 and 15.1 months, respectively. In the effectiveness populations for CLL/SLL (n = 200) and MCL (n = 59), the median progression-free survival was not estimable and 12.4 months, respectively; the 12-month overall survival rates were 88.5% and 65.8%, respectively. Treatment-emergent adverse events of interest for patients with CLL/SLL (n = 202) and MCL (n = 59) included: infections and infestations (53.5% and 32.2%), major bleeding (5.0% and 5.1%), and atrial fibrillation (5.9% and 8.5%); 135 (66.8%) and 20 (33.9%) patients were continuing treatment at the time of data cutoff. Future analyses will report on longer-term follow-up (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03425591. Registered 1 February 2018—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03425591).

Humoral immune-depression following autologous stem cell transplantation is a marker of prolonged response duration in patients with mantle cell lymphoma

Rituximab maintenance (RM) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard-of-care for young patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). RM may enhance post-transplantation immune depression and risk of infections. We compared infection incidence and immune consequences of RM versus observation in transplanted MCL patients. All randomized patients included in the LyMa trial were eligible. The following parameters were collected prospectively: occurrence of fever, infection, hospitalization, neutropenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, CD4 lymphopenia and γ globulin (Ig) substitution. The post-ASCT period was divided into four periods in order to assess the possible effects of RM or ASCT on immune status. Each arm included 120 patients. Concerning infection incidence and all biological parameters, there was no difference between the two arms during the first year post ASCT. After this period, RM patients were more exposed to fever (P=0.03), infections (P=0.001), hypogammaglobulinemia (P=0.0001) and Ig substitution (P<0.0001). Incidences of hospitalization, neutropenia and CD4 lymphopenia were not different between the two arms. The number of rituximab injections was correlated with infections and hypogammaglobulinemia, P<0.0001 and P=0.001; but was not correlated with neutropenia and CD4 lymphopenia. Ig substitution did not modify infection incidence. Patients who presented hypogammaglobulinemia <6 g/L or <4 g/L had longer 3-years progression-free survival (PFS), this applies to RM patients (P=0.012 and P=0.03) and to the global cohort (P=0.008 and P=0.003). Hypogammaglobulinemia did not influence overall survival. Occurrence of infectious event, neutropenia and CD4 lymphopenia did neither influence PFS nor overall survival. Post-ASCT RM in MCL patients causes sustained hypogammaglobulinemia, which is independently correlated with improved PFS.

Bendamustine-EAM versus R-BEAM after high-dose cytarabine-based induction in newly diagnosed patients with mantle cell lymphoma, a LYSA retrospective study

Cytarabine-based immuno-chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) consolidation is standard of care for fit patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL). BEAM (Carmustine, Etoposide, Aracytine, Melphalan) is among the most frequently used conditioning regimen. Studies comparing BEAM with Bendamustine-EAM (BeEAM) have suggested that patients treated with BeEAM have a better progression-free survival (PFS). We performed a cross-study analysis to better evaluate BeEAM. Thirty-five patients from a retrospective study who received R-DHAP/BeEAM were compared to 245 patients from the LyMa trial (NCT00921414) who all received R-DHAP followed by R-BEAM. PFS and Overall Survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. At 2 years there was no difference between R-BEAM and BeEAM in either PFS (84.9% versus 87.9%; p = 0.95) or OS (91.8% versus 94.2%; p = 0.30). Analyses were repeated on a propensity score to reduce biases. Each patient from the BeEAM cohort (n = 30) was matched to three patients from the R-BEAM cohort (n = 90) for age, sex, MIPI score, pre-transplant status disease and rituximab maintenance (RM). PFS and OS at 2 years remained similar between R-BEAM and BeEAM with more renal toxicity in BeEAM group. MCL patients who received R-DHAP induction before ASCT have similar outcome after R-BEAM or BeEAM conditioning regimen.

Antibody Responses after a Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients and Patients Treated for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The impact of a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine on antibody responses is unclear in immunocompromised patients. The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize antibody responses induced by a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in 160 kidney transplant recipients and 20 patients treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Prevalence of anti-spike IgG ≥ 7.1 and ≥ 30 BAU/mL after the third dose were 47% (75/160) and 39% (63/160) in kidney transplant recipients, and 57% (29/51) and 50% (10/20) in patients treated for CLL. Longitudinal follow-up identified a moderate increase in SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG levels after a third dose of vaccine in kidney transplant recipients (0.19 vs. 5.28 BAU/mL, p = 0.03) and in patients treated for CLL (0.63 vs. 10.7 BAU/mL, p = 0.0002). This increase in IgG levels had a limited impact on prevalence of anti-spike IgG ≥ 30 BAU/mL in kidney transplant recipients (17%, 2/12 vs. 33%, 4/12, p = 0.64) and in patients treated for CLL (5%, 1/20 vs. 45%, 9/20, p = 0.008). These results highlight the need for vaccination of the general population and the importance of non-medical preventive measures to protect immunocompromised patients.

Dasatinib dose optimisation based on therapeutic drug monitoring reduces pleural effusion rates in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients

Dasatinib is a second-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). Dasatinib 100 mg per day is associated with an increased risk of pleural effusion (PlEff). We randomly evaluated whether therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) may reduce dasatinib-associated significant adverse events (AEs) by 12 months (primary endpoint). Eligible patients started dasatinib at 100 mg per day followed by dasatinib (C)min assessment. Patients considered overdosed [(C)min ≥ 3 nmol/l) were randomised between a dose-reduction strategy (TDM arm) and standard of care (control arm). Out of 287 evaluable patients, 80 patients were randomised. The primary endpoint was not met due to early haematological AEs occurring before effective dose reduction. However, a major reduction in the cumulative incidence of PlEff was observed in the TDM arm compared to the control arm (4% vs. 15%; 11% vs. 35% and 12% vs. 39% at one, two and three years, respectively (P = 0·0094)). Molecular responses were superimposable in all arms. Dasatinib TDM during treatment initiation was feasible and resulted in a significant reduction of the incidence of PlEff in the long run, without impairing molecular responses. (NCT01916785; https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Real-world outcomes following venetoclax therapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or Richter syndrome: a FILO study of the French compassionate use cohort

The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax is transforming the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), given its high efficacy in relapsed/refractory CLL as observed in both early-phase and randomized clinical trials. The present study aimed to determine whether venetoclax is effective and well tolerated in patients with CLL or Richter's syndrome (RS) in a real-world setting and to highlight factors impacting survival. Data from a venetoclax French compassionate use program were collected for 67 patients (60 with CLL and 7 with RS). Most patients presented adverse genetic features, such as TP53 disruption (74%) or complex karyotype (58%). Tumor lysis syndrome was observed in 14 (22%) patients, and 16 (24%) patients were hospitalized for grade III/IV infection. In the CLL cohort, ORR was 75 %, 1-year PFS was 61% (95% CI = 47-72%) and 1-year OS 70% (95% CI = 56-80%). No impact of TP53 disruption was noted while complex karyotype was identified as a predictor of both inferior PFS (HR = 3.46; 95% CI = 1-12; log-rank p = 0.03) and OS (HR = 3.2; 95% CI = 0.9-11.4, log-rank p = 0.047). Among the seven patients with RS, two achieved an objective response to venetoclax; however, the median OS was only 1.1 month. The well-balanced safety/efficacy profile of venetoclax is confirmed in this real-world setting. Complex karyotype should be evaluated as a predictive factor of survival for patients treated by venetoclax.

Characteristics, combinations, treatments, and survival of second primary hematological neoplasm: a retrospective single-center cohort of 49 patients (Hemo2study)

The coexistence of dual hematological neoplasms is very rare. Sequential or synchronous neoplasms in hematology are an uncommon and complex clinical situation. The aim of the Hemo² study was to describe the clinical characteristics and analyze the outcome of these patients. We performed a retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with sequential or synchronous hematological malignancies in the university hospital of Tours, between 2007 and 2018. We identified 49 patients in our study, with a prevalence of 0.89%. Sequential and synchronous combinations were found in 36 (73%) and 13 (27%) patients, respectively. One patient presented three sequential neoplasms. The median cumulative incidence was 6 years (95% CI 3-7). Among all neoplasms diagnosed (n = 99), we found 79 lymphoid neoplasms (LNs) (80%) and 20 myeloid neoplasms (MNs) (20%). Sex ratio was 1.88 with 65% of males and 35% of females. The most common LNs were Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 16; 16%) and multiple myeloma (n = 11; 11%). The most frequent MN was essential thrombocythemia (n = 5; 5%). The most common combination was Hodgkin lymphoma and follicular lymphoma in five (10%) patients. The overall survival from the first diagnosis (OS1) at 5 years was 82.4% (95% CI 72.1-94.3). The median overall survival from the second diagnosis (OS2) was 98 months (95% CI 44-NR) and 5-year OS2 was 58.7% (95% CI 45.5-75.7). Median progression-free survival from the second diagnosis (PFS) was 47 months (95% CI 27-NR) with 5-year PFS of 49% (95% CI 35.9-67). OS and PFS did not statistically differ between synchronous and sequential dual neoplasms. In this cohort, that the death relative risk (RR) was significantly lower if the second neoplasm appeared after more than 4 years following the first diagnosis (OR 0.37 (95% CI 0.16-0.90)). The Hemo²study confirmed the rarity of dual hematological neoplasms. In this cohort, HL and FL were the most frequent combinations. Our results may support that synchronous and sequential dual neoplasms bear the same prognosis. Further studies are needed to better characterize these uncommon clinical situations.

Obinutuzumab and ibrutinib induction therapy followed by a minimal residual disease-driven strategy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (ICLL07 FILO): a single-arm, multicentre, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, achievement of a complete response with minimal residual disease of less than 0·01% (ie, <1 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cell per 10 000 leukocytes) in bone marrow has been associated with improved progression-free survival. We aimed to explore the activity of induction therapy for 9 months with obinutuzumab and ibrutinib, followed up with a minimal residual disease-driven therapeutic strategy for 6 additional months, in previously untreated patients.

METHODS

We did a single-arm, phase 2 trial in 27 university hospitals, general hospitals, and specialist cancer centres in France. Eligible patients were at least 18 years old and previously untreated, and had immunophenotypically confirmed B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia; an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status score of less than 2; a Binet stage C according to IWCLL 2008 criteria or Binet stage A and B with active disease; no 17p deletion or absence of p53 mutation; and were considered medically fit. In the first part of the study (induction phase), all participants received eight intravenous infusions of obinutuzumab 1000 mg over six 4-weekly cycles and oral ibrutinib 420 mg once per day for 9 months. In part 2, after assessment on day 1 of month 9, patients with a complete response and bone marrow minimal residual disease of less than 0·01% received only oral ibrutinib 420 mg once per day for 6 additional months. Patients with a partial response, or with a complete response and bone marrow minimal residual disease of 0·01% or more, received 6 months of four 4-weekly cycles of intravenous fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and obinutuzumab 1000 mg, alongside continuing ibrutinib 420 mg once per day. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a complete response with bone marrow minimal residual disease less than 0·01% on day 1 of month 16 assessed by intention to treat (ITT). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT02666898) and is still open for follow-up.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 27, 2015, and May 16, 2017, 135 patients were enrolled. After induction treatment (day 1 of month 9), 130 patients were evaluable, of which ten (8%) achieved a complete response with bone marrow minimal residual disease of less than 0·01% and were assigned to ibrutinib, and 120 (92%) were assigned to ibrutinib plus fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and obinutuzumab. After minimal residual disease-guided treatment (day 1 of month 16), 84 (62%, 90% CI 55-69) of 135 patients (ITT population) achieved a complete response with bone marrow minimal residual disease of less than 0·01%. The most common haematological adverse event was thrombocytopenia (in 45 [34%] of 133 patients at grade 1-2 in months 1-9 and in 43 [33%] of 130 patients at grade 1-2 in months 9-15). The most common non-haematological adverse events were infusion-related reactions (in 83 [62%] patients at grade 1-2 in months 1-9) and gastrointestinal disorders (in 62 [48%] patients at grades 1 and 2 in months 9-15). 49 serious adverse events occurred, most frequently infections (ten), cardiac events (eight), and haematological events (eight). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

INTERPRETATION

Obinutuzumab and ibrutinib induction therapy followed by a minimal residual disease driven strategy is safe and active in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. With longer follow-up, including assessing the evolution of minimal residual disease, if response is maintained, this strategy could be an option in the first-line setting in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, although randomised evidence is needed.

FUNDING

Roche, Janssen.

A phase 2 study of rituximab, bendamustine, bortezomib and dexamethasone for first-line treatment of older patients with mantle cell lymphoma

We present results of a prospective, multicenter, phase II study evaluating rituximab, bendamustine, bortezomib and dexamethasone as first-line treatment for patients with mantle cell lymphoma aged 65 years or older. A total of 74 patients were enrolled (median age, 73 years). Patients received a maximum of six cycles of treatment at 28-day intervals. The primary objective was to achieve an 18-month progression-free survival rate of 65% or higher. Secondary objectives were to evaluate toxicity and the prognostic impact of mantle cell lymphoma prognostic index, Ki67 expression, [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and molecular minimal residual disease, in peripheral blood or bone marrow. With a median follow-up of 52 months, the 24-month progression-free survival rate was 70%, hence the primary objective was reached. After six cycles of treatment, 91% (54/59) of responding patients were analyzed for peripheral blood residual disease and 87% of these (47/54) were negative. Four-year overall survival rates of the patients who did not have or had detectable molecular residual disease in the blood at completion of treatment were 86.6% and 28.6%, respectively (P<0.0001). Neither the mantle cell lymphoma index, nor fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography nor Ki67 positivity (cut off of ≥30%) showed a prognostic impact for survival. Hematologic grade 3-4 toxicities were mainly neutropenia (51%), thrombocytopenia (35%) and lymphopenia (65%). Grade 3-4 non-hematologic toxicities were mainly fatigue (18.5%), neuropathy (15%) and infections. In conclusion, the tested treatment regimen is active as frontline therapy in older patients with mantle cell lymphoma, with manageable toxicity. Minimal residual disease status after induction could serve as an early predictor of survival in mantle cell lymphoma. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 01457144.

Safety of obinutuzumab alone or combined with chemotherapy for previously untreated or relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the phase IIIb GREEN study

The safety of obinutuzumab, alone or with chemotherapy, was studied in a non-randomized, open-label, non-comparative, phase IIIb study (GREEN) in previously untreated or relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Patients received obinutuzumab 1000 mg alone or with chemotherapy (investigator’s choice of fludarabine-cyclophosphamide for fit patients, chlorambucil for unfit patients, or bendamustine for any patient) on days 1, 8 and 15 of cycle 1, and day 1 of cycles 2–6 (28-day cycles), with the cycle 1/day 1 dose administered over two days. The primary end point was safety/tolerability. Between October 2013 and March 2016, 972 patients were enrolled and 971 treated (126 with obinutuzumab monotherapy, 193 with obinutuzumab-fludarabine-cyclophosphamide, 114 with obinutuzumab-chlorambucil, and 538 with obinutuzumab-bendamustine). Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 80.3% of patients, and included neutropenia (49.9%), thrombocytopenia (16.4%), anemia (9.6%), and pneumonia (9.0%); rates were similar in first-line and relapsed/refractory patients, and in first-line fit and unfit patients. Using expanded definitions, infusion-related reactions were observed in 65.4% of patients (grade ≥3, 19.9%; mainly seen during the first obinutuzumab infusion), tumor lysis syndrome in 6.4% [clinical and laboratory; highest incidence with obinutuzumab-bendamustine (9.3%)], and infections in 53.7% (grade ≥3, 20.1%). Serious and fatal adverse events were seen in 53.1% and 7.3% of patients, respectively. In first-line patients, overall response rates at three months post treatment exceeded 80% for all obinutuzumab-chemotherapy combinations. In the largest trial of obinutuzumab to date, toxicities were generally manageable in this broad patient population. Safety data were consistent with previous reports, and response rates were high. (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01905943).

Rituximab maintenance versus observation following abbreviated induction with chemoimmunotherapy in elderly patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL 2007 SA): an open-label, randomised phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia relapse after initial therapy combining chemotherapy with rituximab. We assessed the efficacy and safety of rituximab maintenance treatment versus observation for elderly patients in remission after front-line abbreviated induction by fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR).

METHODS

This randomised, open-label, multicentre phase 3 trial at 89 centres in France enrolled treatment-naive and fit patients aged 65 years or older with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia without del(17p). Eligible patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1 and adequate renal and hepatic function. Patients in response to complete induction treatment with four monthly courses of full-dose FCR with two interim rituximab doses on day 14 of cycles 1 and 2 (oral fludarabine [40 mg/m² per day] and oral cyclophosphamide [250 mg/m² per day] for the first 3 days of each cycle, rituximab at 375 mg/m² intravenously on day 0 of cycle 1 and subsequently at 500 mg/m² on day 14 of cycle 1, days 1 and 14 of cycle 2, and day 1 of cycles 3 and 4) were eligible for randomisation. Recovery from FCR toxicity and patient willingness to continue the trial were mandatory. We randomly assigned (1:1) patients to either receive intravenous rituximab (500 mg/m²) every 8 weeks for up to 2 years or undergo observation, with a central computer-generated randomisation list using randomly permuted blocks of variable sizes. Randomisation was stratified by IGHV mutational status, the presence or absence of del(11q), and response level to induction treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, with the objective to assess the superiority of rituximab maintenance relative to observation. The final analysis was done in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of study drug in the rituximab group and in all patients in the observation group. This trial is closed to accrual whilst continuing patient follow-up. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00645606.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 14, 2007, and Feb 18, 2014, 542 patients were enrolled, of whom 525 started FCR induction. Between June 10, 2008, and Aug 14, 2014, 409 (78%) patients were randomly assigned to rituximab maintenance (n=202) or observation (n=207). Four (2%) patients in the rituximab group did not receive the allocated treatment (progressive disease [n=1], adverse events [n=3]). After a median follow-up of 47·7 months (IQR 30·4-65·8), median progression-free survival in the rituximab group (59·3 months, 95% CI 49·6-not estimable) was improved compared with the observation group (49·0 months, 39·9-60·5; hazard ratio 0·55, 95% CI 0·40-0·75; p=0·0002). Neutropenia and grade 3-4 infections were more common with rituximab maintenance (105 [53%] of 198 patients vs 74 [36%] of 207 patients and 38 [19%] vs 21 [10%], respectively) during the study. The most common grade 3-4 infection was lower respiratory tract infection (24 [12%] vs eight [4%]). The incidence of second cancers, except basal cell carcinoma, was similar in both groups (29 [15%] vs 23 [11%]). Deaths were related to adverse events for 23 (11%) patients in the rituximab group and 16 (8%) in the observation group.

INTERPRETATION

2-year maintenance rituximab in selected elderly patients improves progression-free survival and shows an acceptable safety profile. Immunotherapy maintenance strategy is a relevant option in front-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, even in the age of targeted therapy.

FUNDING

French National Cancer Institute (INCa), Roche, Chugai.

Rituximab after Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation in Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Mantle-cell lymphoma is generally incurable. Despite high rates of complete response after initial immunochemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation, patients have relapses. We investigated whether rituximab maintenance therapy at a dose of 375 mg per square meter of body-surface area administered every 2 months for 3 years after transplantation would prolong the duration of response.

METHODS

In a phase 3 trial involving 299 patients who were younger than 66 years of age at diagnosis, we randomly assigned 240 patients to receive rituximab maintenance therapy or to undergo observation after autologous stem-cell transplantation (120 patients per group); 59 patients did not undergo randomization. The primary end point was event-free survival (with an event defined as disease progression, relapse, death, allergy to rituximab, or severe infection) after transplantation among patients who underwent randomization.

RESULTS

After four courses of immunochemotherapy induction (rituximab, dexamethasone, cytarabine, and a platinum derivative [R-DHAP]), the overall response rate was 89%, and the complete response rate 77%. Transplantation was performed in 257 patients. The median follow-up from randomization after transplantation was 50.2 months (range, 46.4 to 54.2). Starting from randomization, the rate of event-free survival at 4 years was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70 to 86) in the rituximab group versus 61% (95% CI, 51 to 70) in the observation group (P=0.001). The rate of progression-free survival at 4 years was 83% (95% CI, 73 to 88) in the rituximab group versus 64% (95% CI, 55 to 73) in the observation group (P<0.001). The rate of overall survival was 89% (95% CI, 81 to 94) in the rituximab group versus 80% (95% CI, 72 to 88) in the observation group (P=0.04). According to a Cox regression unadjusted analysis, the rate of overall survival at 4 years was higher in the rituximab group than in the observation group (hazard ratio for death, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.99; P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab maintenance therapy after transplantation prolonged event-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival among patients with mantle-cell lymphoma who were younger than 66 years of age at diagnosis. (Funded by Roche and Amgen; LyMa ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00921414 .).

A phase II Bayesian sequential clinical trial in advanced Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients treated with bortezomib: interest of addition of dexamethasone

In patients with advanced Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), overall response rate (ORR) and median progression-free survival (PFS) achieved with bortezomib alone and bortezomib rituximab combination were 27-85% and 7.9 months, and 81% and 16.4 months, respectively. We checked the role of dexamethasone in combination with bortezomib by enrolling in a phase II trial 34 patients with relapsed/refractory WM. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m² IV D1, 4, 8, and 11 every 21 days) was used for six cycles. In non-responding patients, dexamethasone (20 mg daily for two days) was added to each infusion after the second cycle. After two cycles, the Bayes estimated ORR was 43.2 (95% Credible Interval: 28.0-59.1%) using the informative prior. Two-year survival rate was 84.0% and the median PFS 15.3 months without difference between patients treated with or without dexamethasone. We conclude that dexamethasone must be associated to bortezomib-based regimen.

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients with interstitial pneumonia: a single-centre prospective study assessing PCR-based diagnosis

AIMS

Pulmonary toxoplasmosis has become a very rare parasitic infection since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapies. It is generally diagnosed by the direct microscopic observation of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The aim of this study was to assess possible improvements in diagnostic performance associated with the use of real-time PCR.

METHODS

This prospective study was carried out on BALFs obtained from immunocompromised patients over a 2-year period. We systematically compared the results of conventional staining with those of molecular detection.

RESULTS

Two cases of pulmonary toxoplasmosis were diagnosed for a total of 336 samples. PCR did not detect any additional cases and was more time-consuming than conventional staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Conventional staining is a reliable technique and is probably the most appropriate method for experienced microbiology laboratories, whereas T. gondii-specific PCR may be useful for laboratories with less experience in parasitology.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

2015_030, May 27th 2015.

Evaluating abbreviated induction with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and dose-dense rituximab in elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are underrepresented in trials evaluating fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR). We assessed four cycles of FCR with two additional rituximab doses on day 14 of cycles 1 and 2 in 194 untreated CLL patients > 65 years (median age 71.2) without del17p. Four FCR cycles were administered to 90.7% (176/194), with (n = 74) or without (n = 102) dose-delay and/or dose-reduction. A total of 50% grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred after each cycle. Only 6.2% cycles were associated with severe infection. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 19.7%, and partial remission (PR) in 73.9% of patients. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was negative in 36.7%. Overall survival at 36 months was estimated at 87.4%. Oral FC and dose-dense rituximab is feasible and active in fit elderly CLL patients. However, myelosuppression is significant and frequent dose adaptations are required implying that these results cannot be generalized to unfit or frail elderly CLL.

Systematic review of the recent evidence for the efficacy and safety of chlorambucil in the treatment of B-cell malignancies

Emergence of new agents has deeply modified treatment options and the role of chlorambucil (CLB) in B-cell malignancies. We conducted a systematic review of prospective, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the benefits and harms of CLB used alone or in combination with other treatment in patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). For CLL, review of the nine RCTs showed that the main advantage of CLB is its low toxicity in comparison with purine nucleoside analogs like fludarabine in either CLL or NHL. In CLL, the major disadvantage is the very low rate of complete response, except when combining an anti-CD20 antibody. For B-cell lymphoma and WM, six RCTs were summarized. Results according to the usual criteria are presented and the role of CLB, used mostly in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody, is discussed for each indication, in particular for unfit patients.

Azacitidine in untreated acute myeloid leukemia: a report on 149 patients

Limited data are available on azacitidine (AZA) treatment and its prognostic factors in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). One hundred and forty-nine previously untreated AML patients considered ineligible for intensive chemotherapy received AZA in a compassionate patient-named program. AML diagnosis was de novo, post-myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), post-MPN, and therapy-related AML in 51, 55, 13, and 30 patients, respectively. Median age was 74 years, median white blood cell count (WBC) was 3.2 × 10⁹ /L and 58% of the patients had ≥ 30% marrow blasts. Cytogenetics was adverse in 60 patients. Patients received AZA for a median of five cycles (range 1-31). Response rate (including complete remission/CR with incomplete recovery/partial remission) was 27.5% after a median of three cycles (initial response), and 33% at any time (best response). Only adverse cytogenetics predicted poorer response. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.4 months. Two-year OS was 51% in responders and 10% in non-responders (P<0.0001). Adverse cytogenetics, WBC >15 × 10⁹ /L and ECOG-PS ≥ 2 predicted poorer OS, while age and marrow blast percentage had no impact. Using MDS IWG 2006 response criteria, among patients with stable disease, those with hematological improvement had no significant survival benefit in a 7 months landmark analysis. Outcomes observed in this high-risk AML population treated with AZA deserve comparison with those of patients treated intensively in prospective studies.

Interferon alpha with or without rituximab achieves a high response rate and durable responses in relapsed FL: 17 years' experience in a single centre

Maintenance interferon alpha (IFN-α) immunotherapy after induction chemotherapy prolongs progression-free survival (PFS) in untreated follicular lymphoma (FL). Little information is available about IFN-α use in relapsed FL. This study aims to evaluate the benefit of IFN-α as a treatment of low-burden FL relapse. This single-centre retrospective study identified 20 patients treated in 27 cases with IFN-α. We analysed all cases of IFN-α treatment in patients with low-burden FL in clinical relapse (11), partial response (5) or only with molecular minimal residual disease (MRD; 5). The treatment schedule was 3MIU IFN-α three times a week alone (16) or combined with four weekly rituximab (R; 11), according to the institution's policy. Except for the molecular relapses, responses were evaluated according to the IWG 1999 criteria. MRD was defined as a repeatedly detectable BCL2-IgH rearrangement in peripheral blood or bone marrow. In 22 cases of clinical relapses or partial responders, overall response rate was 68 %, with 55 % complete responses. Median PFS was 20.9 months (95 % confidence interval (95 % CI), 0-64.9) with 20.9 and 48.7 months in the IFN and R-IFN groups, respectively (p = 0.4). The median PFS of the five MRD cases was 133 months (95 % CI, 103-165). The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score calculated at initiation of IFN-α treatment was predictive of time to relapse (p = 0.036). These results compare favourably with previous reports of the efficacy of R alone, and of R with IFN-α in relapse. Further research is required to explore the role of IFN-α in the management of FL.

Results of a Randomized Trial of Chlorambucil Versus Fludarabine for Patients With Untreated Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Marginal Zone Lymphoma, or Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma

Purpose

Treatment options for patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) and closely related disorders include alkylating agents, purine analogs, and monoclonal antibodies. No large randomized studies have yet been reported comparing any of these approaches.

Patients and Methods

The randomized WM1 study (Trial Comparing Chlorambucil to Fludarabine in Patients With Advanced Waldenström Macroglobulinemia) was undertaken in 101 centers in five countries enrolling 414 eligible patients (339 with WM, 37 with non–mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue marginal zone lymphoma, and 38 with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma) who were randomly assigned to receive chlorambucil or fludarabine. The primary end point was the overall response rate (ORR).

Results

On the basis of intent-to-treat analysis, the ORR was 47.8% (95% CI, 40.9% to 54.8%) in the fludarabine arm versus 38.6% (95% CI, 32.0% to 45.7%) in the chlorambucil arm (P = .07). With a median follow-up of 36 months (interquartile range, 18 to 58 months), median progression-free survival (PFS), and duration of response (DR) were significantly improved in the fludarabine arm compared with the chlorambucil arm: PFS, 36.3 versus 27.1 months (P = .012) and DR, 38.3 versus 19.9 months (P < .001). In patients with WM, median overall survival (OS) was not reached in the fludarabine arm versus 69.8 months in the chlorambucil arm (95% CI, 61.6 to 79.8 months; P = .014). Grade 3 to 4 neutropenia was significantly higher among patients treated with fludarabine (36%) compared with patients treated with chlorambucil (17.8%; P < .001). Second malignancies were significantly more frequent in the chlorambucil arm with 6-year cumulative incidence rate of 20.6% versus 3.7% in the fludarabine arm (P = .001).

Conclusion

In the complete intent-to-treat study population, fludarabine significantly improved PFS compared with chlorambucil, and in patients with WM, it improved OS.

Specific treatment modalities for elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

To date, the majority of trials on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have focused on patients considerably younger than the median age of onset for CLL. As a result, no definitive treatment exists for elderly patients, especially less medically fit patients. Even today, most physicians consider chlorambucil to be an appropriate option for elderly CLL patients. Practices, however, have subsequently changed following the results of several Phase III trials. Given the potential of these new immunotherapy regimens, selecting the right treatment for elderly CLL patients is still challenging.

Two cases of opportunistic parasite infections in patients receiving alemtuzumab

Two cases are reported of rare digestive opportunistic parasites in patients being treated with alemtuzumab for lymphoid haematological malignancies. In both patients, classical biological examinations were insufficient to reach the diagnosis. Only specific parasitological techniques enabled diagnoses of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, respectively. In both cases, cellular immune reconstitution was sufficient to eradicate these opportunistic infections. In this context, parasitological diagnosis is often underestimated by medical practitioners, so immunologists and oncohaematologists need to be aware of this kind of opportunistic pathogen.

Post-remission intervention with alemtuzumab or rituximab to eradicate minimal residual disease in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: where do we stand?

The introduction of purine nucleoside analogs, later in combination with alkylating moieties and anti-CD20 immunotherapy, has profoundly improved the response rate and response duration in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The quality of clinical response following treatment may be improved to a level where residual leukemic cells become undetectable. As patients with this type of response appear to have extended survival rates, minimal residual disease (MRD) eradication is considered a new objective in CLL treatment with the aim of improving progression-free survival (PFS) and potentially overall survival (OS). This review therefore aims to overview the prognostic value of MRD eradication in CLL, the role of post-remission intervention with "passive" immunotherapy (alemtuzumab or rituximab) so as to eliminate persistent MRD or prevent MRD relapse, the impact of these strategies on disease-free survival and their possible adverse consequences. The data indicate a potential for post-remission alemtuzumab or rituximab to prolong PFS in CLL, although more investigations and longer follow-up are required before MRD-guided strategies can be recommended outside of clinical trials.

Rituximab plus fludarabine and cyclophosphamide prolongs progression-free survival compared with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide alone in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia

PURPOSE

Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 cell surface antigen, has clinical activity in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and other B-lymphocyte disorders when administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Promising results have previously been reported in nonrandomized studies in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This trial was designed to compare chemoimmunotherapy with chemotherapy alone in patients with previously treated CLL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This international, multicenter, randomized trial compared six cycles of rituximab plus fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (R-FC) with six cycles of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide alone (FC) in patients with previously treated CLL. A total of 552 patients with Binet stage A (1%), B (59%), or C (31%) disease entered the study and were randomly assigned to receive R-FC (n = 276) or FC (n = 276).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up time of 25 months, rituximab significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with previously treated CLL (hazard ratio = 0.65; P < .001; median, 30.6 months for R-FC v 20.6 months for FC). Event-free survival, response rate, complete response rate, duration of response, and time to new CLL treatment or death were also significantly improved. Although the rates of adverse events, grade 3 or 4 events, and serious adverse events were slightly higher in the R-FC arm, R-FC was generally well tolerated, with no new safety findings and no detrimental effect on quality of life.

CONCLUSION

R-FC significantly improved the outcome of patients with previously treated CLL.

Differential sensitization of cancer cells to doxorubicin by DHA: a role for lipoperoxidation

Polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to enhance the cytotoxic activity of several anticancer drugs. In the present study, we observed that doxorubicin chemosensitization of breast cancer cell lines by docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid) was cell-line selective, affecting MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 dox (a doxorubicin-resistant cell line) but not the parental MCF-7 cell line. DHA supplementation led to an increase in membrane phospholipid DHA level, but did not induce changes in intracellular [(14)C]doxorubicin accumulation. In MDA-MB-231, doxorubicin efficacy enhancement by DHA was linked to an increase in malondialdehyde level, a final product of lipid peroxidation. DHA elicited by itself a 3.7-fold malondialdehyde level increase, additive to that induced by doxorubicin. Addition of doxorubicin to DHA further increased the glutathione level, indicative of the generation of an oxidative stress. In contrast to MDA-MB-231, doxorubicin did not increase the malondialdehyde level in MCF-7, although DHA induced lipid peroxidation. Therefore in MCF-7, lipid peroxidation induced by DHA itself was not sufficient to trigger an oxidative stress and to subsequently increase sensitivity to doxorubicin. These data indicate that the differential effect of DHA among cells on drug toxicity results from a differential oxidative response to doxorubicin. Chemosensitization through fatty acids appears as a new promising adjuvant therapeutic paradigm, since omega-3 fatty acids are physiological molecules found in food and are nontoxic in vivo.