Evaluation of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis protocol in hematopoietic cell transplant patients

Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients are at risk for thromboembolic and bleeding complications. There is limited evidence regarding the optimal approach to managing venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in hospitalized patients undergoing HCT. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the incidence of bleeding and VTE events in hospitalized HCT patients who received VTE prophylaxis per our institution's VTE Prophylaxis Protocol (VPP), with either enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily or heparin 5 000 units subcutaneously twice daily, compared to historical controls who did not receive VTE prophylaxis. The primary outcome was a composite of major bleeding events, clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB), and minor bleeding. The secondary outcome was a composite of VTE events. A total of 614 patients were evaluated, including 278 prior to and 336 after implementation of VPP. VTE prophylaxis resulted in no difference in bleeding events (15.1% in the pre-VPP group vs. 14.6% in the post-VPP group, p = 0.86) or composite of major and CRNMB events (0.72% vs. 0.30%, p = 0.59). There was a trend toward lower incidence of VTE events in the post-VPP group which did not reach statistical significance (8.6% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.20). We conclude that VTE prophylaxis does not pose additional bleeding risk in HCT patients.

Ofatumumab, Etoposide, and Cytarabine Intensive Mobilization Regimen in Patients with High-risk Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

More than one-half of high-risk patients with relapsed/refractory (rr) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) relapse after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT). In this phase II study, we investigate the long-term outcomes of high-risk patients with rrDLBCL receiving intensive consolidation therapy (ICT) with OVA (ofatumumab, etoposide, and high-dose cytarabine) prior to auto-HCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The primary endpoints were the ability of OVA to mobilize peripheral stem cells and the 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate following OVA. Secondary endpoints included safety, 2-year overall survival (OS), impact of cell of origin (COO), and the prognostic utility of next-generation sequencing minimal residual disease (MRD) testing. We simultaneously retrospectively assessed the outcomes of DLBCL patients who underwent ICT with a similar regimen at our institution.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients received salvage chemotherapy, with a response rate of 25% in patients with germinal center B-cell (GCB)-DLBCL versus 92% in patients with non-GCB-DLBCL (P = .003). Nineteen responding patients underwent ICT with OVA (100% successful stem cell mobilization). The 2-year PFS and OS rate was 47% and 59%, respectively, with no difference based on COO. Similar findings were observed when the study and retrospective cohorts were combined. Neutropenia was the most common toxicity (47%). MRD-negative patients at the completion of salvage had a median OS of not reached versus 3.5 months in MRD-positive patients (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

OVA followed by auto-HCT is effective and safe for high-risk rrDLBCL. Patients with GCB-DLBCL had a lower response to salvage chemotherapy, but no difference in outcomes based on COO was seen after auto-HCT. MRD testing in the relapsed setting was predictive of long-term survival.

Rapid Improvement in Gemcitabine-associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy After a Single Dose of Eculizumab: Case Report and Review of the Literature

We present here the case of a 39-year-old man with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma receiving chemotherapy with the combination of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel as part of a clinical trial. Despite an impressive response to therapy, he ultimately developed profound anasarca, renal insufficiency, progressive cytopenias, and malignant hypertension 6 months into his treatment course. The diagnosis of gemcitabine-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (G-TMA) was made based on renal biopsy, and receipt of the anti-C5 monoclonal antibody eculizumab proved successful at reversing his deteriorating clinical course and improving his laboratory parameters. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing this rare but serious complication, and highlights one potential therapeutic option that can be used in the appropriate clinical context.

Multigene Measurable Residual Disease Assessment Improves Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse Risk Stratification in Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

We report here the largest study to date of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tested for measurable residual disease (MRD) at the time of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT). Seventy-two adult patients who underwent transplantation between 2004 and 2013 at a single academic medical center (University of California San Francisco) were eligible for this retrospective study based on availability of cryopreserved granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF)-mobilized autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) leukapheresis specimens ("autografts"). Autograft MRD was assessed by molecular methods (real-time quantitative PCR [RQ-PCR] for Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) alone or a multigene panel) and by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC). WT1 RQ-PCR testing of the autograft had low sensitivity for relapse prediction (14%) and a negative predictive value of 51%. MPFC failed to identify MRD in any of 34 autografts tested. Combinations of molecular MRD assays, however, improved prediction of post-auto-HCT relapse. In multivariate analysis of clinical variables, including age, gender, race, cytogenetic risk category, and CD34⁺ cell dose, only autograft multigene MRD as assessed by RQ-PCR was statistically significantly associated with relapse. One year after transplantation, only 28% patients with detectable autograft MRD were relapse free, compared with 67% in the MRD-negative cohort. Multigene MRD, while an improvement on other methods tested, was however suboptimal for relapse prediction in unselected patients, with specificity of 83% and sensitivity of 46%. In patients with known chromosomal abnormalities or mutations, however, better predictive value was observed with no relapses observed in MRD-negative patients in the first year after auto-HCT compared with 83% incidence of relapse in the MRD-positive patients (hazard ratio, 12.45; P = .0016). In summary, increased personalization of MRD monitoring by use of a multigene panel improved the ability to risk stratify patients for post-auto-HCT relapse. WT1 RQ-PCR and flow cytometric assessment for AML MRD in autograft samples had limited value for predicting relapse after auto-HCT. We demonstrate that cryopreserved autograft material presents unique challenges for AML MRD testing because of the masking effects of previous GCSF exposure on gene expression and flow cytometry signatures. In the absence of information regarding diagnostic characteristics, sources other than GCSF-stimulated PBSC leukapheresis specimens should be considered as alternatives for MRD testing in AML patients undergoing auto-HCT.

Vosaroxin plus cytarabine versus placebo plus cytarabine in patients with first relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (VALOR): a randomised, controlled, double-blind, multinational, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

Safe and effective treatments are urgently needed for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigated the efficacy and safety of vosaroxin, a first-in-class anticancer quinolone derivative, plus cytarabine in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia.

METHODS

This phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken at 101 international sites. Eligible patients with acute myeloid leukaemia were aged 18 years of age or older and had refractory disease or were in first relapse after one or two cycles of previous induction chemotherapy, including at least one cycle of anthracycline (or anthracenedione) plus cytarabine. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to vosaroxin (90 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1 and 4 in a first cycle; 70 mg/m(2) in subsequent cycles) plus cytarabine (1 g/m(2) intravenously on days 1-5) or placebo plus cytarabine through a central interactive voice system with a permuted block procedure stratified by disease status, age, and geographical location. All participants were masked to treatment assignment. The primary efficacy endpoint was overall survival and the primary safety endpoint was 30-day and 60-day all-cause mortality. Efficacy analyses were done by intention to treat; safety analyses included all treated patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01191801.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 17, 2010, and Sept 25, 2013, 711 patients were randomly assigned to vosaroxin plus cytarabine (n=356) or placebo plus cytarabine (n=355). At the final analysis, median overall survival was 7·5 months (95% CI 6·4-8·5) in the vosaroxin plus cytarabine group and 6·1 months (5·2-7·1) in the placebo plus cytarabine group (hazard ratio 0·87, 95% CI 0·73-1·02; unstratified log-rank p=0·061; stratified p=0·024). A higher proportion of patients achieved complete remission in the vosaroxin plus cytarabine group than in the placebo plus cytarabine group (107 [30%] of 356 patients vs 58 [16%] of 355 patients, p<0·0001). Early mortality was similar between treatment groups (30-day: 28 [8%] of 355 patients in the vosaroxin plus cytarabine group vs 23 [7%] of 350 in the placebo plus cytarabine group; 60-day: 70 [20%] vs 68 [19%]). Treatment-related deaths occurred at any time in 20 (6%) of 355 patients given vosaroxin plus cytarabine and in eight (2%) of 350 patients given placebo plus cytarabine. Treatment-related serious adverse events occurred in 116 (33%) and 58 (17%) patients in each group, respectively. Grade 3 or worse adverse events that were more frequent in the vosaroxin plus cytarabine group than in the placebo plus cytarabine group included febrile neutropenia (167 [47%] vs 117 [33%]), neutropenia (66 [19%] vs 49 [14%]), stomatitis (54 [15%] vs 10 [3%]), hypokalaemia (52 [15%] vs 21 [6%]), bacteraemia (43 [12%] vs 16 [5%]), sepsis (42 [12%] vs 18 [5%]), and pneumonia (39 [11%] vs 26 [7%]).

INTERPRETATION

Although there was no significant difference in the primary endpoint between groups, the prespecified secondary analysis stratified by randomisation factors suggests that the addition of vosaroxin to cytarabine might be of clinical benefit to some patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia.

FUNDING

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals.

Phase III Open-Label Randomized Study of Cytarabine in Combination With Amonafide L-Malate or Daunorubicin As Induction Therapy for Patients With Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Purpose

Secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML), defined as AML arising after a prior myelodysplastic syndrome or after antineoplastic therapy, responds poorly to current therapies. It is often associated with adverse karyotypic abnormalities and overexpression of proteins that mediate drug resistance. We performed a phase III trial to determine whether induction therapy with cytarabine and amonafide L-malate, a DNA intercalator and non–ATP-dependent topoisomerase II inhibitor that evades drug resistance mechanisms, yielded a superior complete remission rate than standard therapy with cytarabine and daunorubicin in sAML.

Patients and Methods

Patients with previously untreated sAML were randomly assigned at a one-to-one ratio to cytarabine 200 mg/m2 continuous intravenous (IV) infusion once per day on days 1 to 7 plus either amonafide 600 mg/m2 IV over 4 hours on days 1 to 5 (A + C arm) or daunorubicin 45 mg/m2 IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3 (D + C arm).

Results

The complete remission (CR) rate was 46% (99 of 216 patients) in A + C arm and 45% (97 of 217 patients) in D + C arm (P = .81). The 30- and 60-day mortality rates were 19% and 28% in A + C arm and 13% and 21% in D + C arm, respectively.

Conclusion

Induction treatment with A + C did not improve the CR rate compared with D + C in patients with sAML.

KIR and HLA genotypes predictive of low-affinity interactions are associated with lower relapse in autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia

Killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) bind cognate HLA class I ligands with distinct affinities, affecting NK cell licensing and inhibition. We hypothesized that differences in KIR and HLA class I genotypes predictive of varying degrees of receptor-ligand binding affinities influence clinical outcomes in autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using genomic DNA from a homogeneous cohort of 125 AML patients treated with AHCT, we performed KIR and HLA class I genotyping and found that patients with a compound KIR3DL1(+) and HLA-Bw4-80Thr(+), HLA-Bw4-80Ile(-) genotype, predictive of low-affinity interactions, had a low incidence of relapse, compared with patients with a KIR3DL1(+) and HLA-Bw4-80Ile(+) genotype, predictive of high-affinity interactions (hazard ratio [HR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.78; p = 0.02). This effect was influenced by HLA-Bw4 copy number, such that relapse progressively increased with one copy of HLA-Bw4-80Ile (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.84-3.1; p = 0.15) to two to three copies (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.4-6.5; p = 0.005) and progressively decreased with one to two copies of HLA-Bw4-80Thr (p = 0.13). Among KIR3DL1(+) and HLA-Bw4-80Ile(+) patients, a predicted low-affinity KIR2DL2/3(+) and HLA-C1/C1 genotype was associated with lower relapse than a predicted high-affinity KIR2DL1(+) and HLA-C2/C2 genotype (HR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.73; p = 0.01). Similarly, a KIR3DL1(+) and HLA-Bw4-80Thr(+), HLA-Bw4-80Ile(-) genotype, or lack of KIR3DL1(+) and HLA-Bw4-80Ile(+) genotype, rescued KIR2DL1(+) and HLA-C2/C2 patients from high relapse (p = 0.007). These findings support a role for NK cell graft-versus-leukemia activity modulated by NK cell receptor-ligand affinities in AHCT for AML.

High-dose vincristine sulfate liposome injection for advanced, relapsed, and refractory adult Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE

Relapsed adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with high reinduction mortality, chemotherapy resistance, and rapid progression leading to death. Vincristine sulfate liposome injection (VSLI), sphingomyelin and cholesterol nanoparticle vincristine (VCR), facilitates VCR dose-intensification and densification plus enhances target tissue delivery. We evaluated high-dose VSLI monotherapy in adults with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) -negative ALL that was multiply relapsed, relapsed and refractory to reinduction, and/or relapsed after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-five adults with Ph-negative ALL in second or greater relapse or whose disease had progressed following two or more leukemia therapies were treated in this pivotal phase II, multinational trial. Intravenous VSLI 2.25 mg/m(2), without dose capping, was administered once per week until response, progression, toxicity, or pursuit of HCT. The primary end point was achievement of complete response (CR) or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi).

RESULTS

The CR/CRi rate was 20% and overall response rate was 35%. VSLI monotherapy was effective as third-, fourth-, and fifth-line therapy and in patients refractory to other single- and multiagent reinduction therapies. Median CR/CRi duration was 23 weeks (range, 5 to 66 weeks); 12 patients bridged to a post-VSLI HCT, and five patients were long-term survivors. VSLI was generally well tolerated and associated with a low 30-day mortality rate (12%).

CONCLUSION

High-dose VSLI monotherapy resulted in meaningful clinical outcomes including durable responses and bridging to HCT in advanced ALL settings. The toxicity profile of VSLI was predictable, manageable, and comparable to standard VCR despite the delivery of large, normally unachievable, individual and cumulative doses of VCR.

A randomized controlled trial of romiplostim in patients with low- or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndrome receiving decitabine

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) receiving hypomethylating agents commonly develop thrombocytopenia. This double-blind study evaluated the efficacy and safety of romiplostim, a peptibody protein that increases platelets, in patients with MDS receiving decitabine. Patients received romiplostim 750 μg (n = 15) or placebo (n = 14) and decitabine. Median platelet counts at the beginning of each decitabine cycle trended lower in placebo-treated than in romiplostim-treated patients. Bleeding events occurred in 43% of placebo-treated and 27% of romiplostim-treated patients, and platelet transfusions were administered to 57% of placebo-treated and 47% of romiplostim-treated patients. Overall clinical therapeutic response was achieved by 21% of placebo-treated and 33% of romiplostim-treated patients. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) occurred in one patient per group. Adding romiplostim to decitabine treatment is well tolerated and may be beneficial, as indicated by trends toward higher platelet counts at the beginning of each treatment cycle and lower platelet transfusion rates and percentages of patients with bleeding events.

Proteinuria in metastatic pheochromocytoma is associated with an increased risk of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, spontaneously or after therapy with 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG)

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) has been reported rarely in pheochromocytoma, occurring spontaneously or after therapy with 131I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG). Our objective was to determine whether proteinuria is associated with an increased risk of ARDS. This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study of 64 patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma treated with 131I-MIBG on institutional protocols. Proteinuria was defined as at least one urinalysis positive for at least trace protein within 1 month prior to 131I-MIBG or within 1 month prior to spontaneous ARDS. Proportions were compared using Fisher's exact test. Urinalyses within the defined time period were available for 48 patients, 8 of whom had proteinuria. Of the 8 patients with proteinuria, 5 developed ARDS: 3 within 10 days following 131I-MIBG, two 6 months following 131I-MIBG. Both patients who developed ARDS 6 months after 131I-MIBG had proteinuria within 1 month before apparently spontaneous ARDS. None of the 40 patients whose urinalyses were all negative for protein developed ARDS. None of the 16 patients with missing urinalyses developed ARDS. Patients with antecedent proteinuria were more likely to develop ARDS than those without proteinuria (63% vs. 0%; p<0.0001). The following variables were not significantly associated with ARDS: 131I-MIBG activities administered, number of 131I-MIBG administrations, age, hypertension, or secretion of catecholamines or metanephrines. In patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, proteinuria is associated with ARDS and urine protein should be examined prior to administering 131I-MIBG.

20q- clonality in a case of oral sweet syndrome and myelodysplasia

We report the case of a patient with myelodysplasia who had Sweet syndrome of the oral cavity. An atypical myeloid immunophenotype was present in the gingival biopsy specimen and in a concurrent bone marrow specimen. Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed on the gingival biopsy specimen demonstrated the same del(20q) cytogenetic abnormality present in the bone marrow, confirming the presence of a clonally related myeloid proliferation in both tissues. This is the first reported case of Sweet syndrome and myelodysplasia in which the chromosomal abnormality was identified in the neutrophilic infiltrate, confirming the neutrophilic infiltrate to be clonally related to the underlying myeloid neoplasm.

Prevention and management of asparaginase/pegasparaginase-associated toxicities in adults and older adolescents: recommendations of an expert panel

The rapidly increasing use of pegasparaginase (pegASNase) in adults, after a half century of use of asparaginase (ASNase) in children, has prompted a need for guidelines in the management and prevention of toxicities of asparagine depletion in adults. Accordingly, an initial set of recommendations are provided herein. Major advantages of pegASNase are its 2-3-week duration of action, in contrast to less than 3 days with native ASNase, and the flexibility of intravenous or intramuscular administration of pegASNase and associated patient and physician convenience. The most frequent toxicities of both types of ASNase are hepatic and pancreatic, with pancreatitis being the most serious. Other toxicities are hypersensitivity reactions, thrombosis, nausea/vomiting, and fatigue. Whether or not the replacement of one dose of pegASNase for 6-9 doses of native ASNase can be achieved in adults with similar efficacy and acceptable toxicities to those achieved in children remains to be established.

Phase II study of high-dose [131I]metaiodobenzylguanidine therapy for patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of high-dose [(131)I]metaiodobenzylguanidine ([(131)I]MIBG) in the treatment of malignant pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and paraganglioma (PGL).

METHODS

Fifty patients with metastatic PHEO or PGL, age 10 to 64 years, were treated with [(131)I]MIBG doses ranging from 492 to 1,160 mCi (median, 12 mCi/kg). Cumulative [(131)I]MIBG administered ranged from 492 to 3,191 mCi. Autologous hematopoietic stem cells were collected and cryopreserved before treatment with [(131)I]MIBG greater than 12 mCi/kg or with a total dose greater than 500 mCi. Sixty-nine [(131)I]MIBG infusions were given, which included infusions to 35 patients treated once and infusions to 15 patients who received two or three treatments. Response was evaluated by [(123)I]MIBG scans, computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, urinary catecholamines/metanephrines, and chromogranin A.

RESULTS

The overall complete response (CR) plus partial response (PR) rate in 49 evaluable patients was 22%. Additionally, 35% of patients achieved a CR or PR in at least one measure of response without progressive disease, and 8% of patients maintained stable disease for greater than 12 months. Thirty-five percent of patients experienced progressive disease within 1 year after therapy. The estimated 5-year overall survival rate was 64%. Toxicities included grades 3 to 4 neutropenia (87%) and thrombocytopenia (83%). Grades 3 to 4 nonhematologic toxicity included acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 2), bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (n = 2), pulmonary embolism (n = 1), fever with neutropenia (n = 7), acute hypertension (n = 10), infection (n = 2), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 2), and hypogonadism (n = 4).

CONCLUSION

Although serious toxicity may occur, the survival and response rates achieved with high-dose [(131)I]MIBG suggest its utility in the management of selected patients with metastatic PHEO and PGL.

Protein biomarker identification in the CSF of patients with CNS lymphoma

PURPOSE

Elucidation of the CSF proteome may yield insights into the pathogenesis of CNS disease. We tested the hypothesis that individual CSF proteins distinguish CNS lymphoma from benign focal brain lesions.

METHODS

We used a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based method to differentially quantify and identify several hundred CSF proteins in CNS lymphoma and control patients. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm one of these markers in an additional validation set of 101 cases.

RESULTS

Approximately 80 CSF proteins were identified and found to be present at significantly different concentrations, both higher and lower, in training and test studies, which were highly concordant. To further validate these observations, we defined in detail the expression of one of these candidate biomarkers, antithrombin III (ATIII). ATIII RNA transcripts were identified within CNS lymphomas, and ATIII protein was localized selectively to tumor neovasculature. Determination of ATIII concentration by ELISA was significantly more accurate (> 75% sensitivity; > 98% specificity) than cytology in the identification of cancer. Measurement of CSF ATIII levels was found to potentially enhance the ability to diagnose and predict outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate for the first time that proteomic analysis of CSF yields individual biomarkers with greater sensitivity in the identification of cancer than does CSF cytology. We propose that the discovery of CSF protein biomarkers will facilitate early and noninvasive diagnosis in patients with lesions not amenable to brain biopsy, as well as provide improved surrogates of prognosis and treatment response in CNS lymphoma and brain metastasis.

Impact of intensive stem cell mobilization therapy on outcomes following autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)

8119

Background: We retrospectively evaluated the impact of intense [I] stem cell mobilization therapy on event-free survival [EFS] and overall survival [OS] following ASCT for NHL. Methods: 80 patients (pt) were studied (2 Burkitt, 3 primary CNS, 3 follicular, 2 intravascular, 43 large cell, 12 mantle cell, 9 transformed, and 6 peripheral T-cell). Patients with very-high risk features (LDH > 500 IU/L, first remissions < 1 year, 2 or more extra-nodal sites, and/or primary CNS/intravascular/mantle cell/peripheral T-cell histology) were prospectively allocated to I stem cell mobilization (requiring hospitalization) with either cyclophosphamide [C] (6 g/m2) + etoposide [E] (2g/m2) + filgrastim [G-CSF] (±rituximab [R]) (n=5) or with cytarabine [A] (2 g/m2 bid for 8 doses) + E (40 mg/kg) + G- CSF (±R) (n=45). 30 pt were mobilized (outpatient) with C 4g/m2 + G-CSF ±R (non-intense [NI] mobilization). 76 pt received ASCT conditioning with carmustine [B] + E and C (CBV) and 2 with B + E + A and melphalan (BEAM); 2 pt did not undergo ASCT. Results: The median age was 54 (21–69 years [yr]) and 57% had an elevated LDH at presentation. 39 pt (49%) were primary induction failures (PIF). At NHL presentation, 38% were IPI high-intermediate or high risk. There were 3 non-relapse mortalities (4%): (2) B pneumonitis and (1) multi-organ failure (all following ASCT). With a median follow-up of 1.8 yr (0.1–6.4), the overall median EFS is 3 yr (48% [34–62] at 4 yr) and the median OS is 4.7 yr (59% [43–72] at 4 yr). Patients receiving I mobilization were similar to those receiving NI mobilization in terms of the # of prior therapies (median 2, each), the presenting IPI risk score, and the percent PIF (57% vs 41%; p=0.17). There were trends favoring I mobilization for both 4 yr EFS (58% [41–75] vs 35% [13–57]) and OS (66% [48–84] vs 52% [32–72]), neither statistically significant. In the sub-group of large B-cell NHL, 4 yr EFS was the same in pt receiving I mobilization (81% [63–98] vs 73% [50–96]; p=0.33) but OS was better (91% [79–100] vs 58% [35–82]; p=0.02). Conclusions: I stem cell mobilization therapy, compared to NI mobilization therapy, may improve outcomes for NHL pt with very-high risk features and may overcome the anticipated poor prognosis of these pt.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I study of intraventricular administration of rituximab in patients with recurrent CNS and intraocular lymphoma

PURPOSE

We previously determined that intravenous administration of rituximab results in limited penetration of this agent into the leptomeningeal space. Systemic rituximab does not reduce the risk of CNS relapse or dissemination in patients with large cell lymphoma. We therefore conducted a phase I dose-escalation study of intrathecal rituximab monotherapy in patients with recurrent CNS non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The protocol planned nine injections of rituximab (10 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg dose levels) through an Ommaya reservoir over 5 weeks. The safety profile of intraventricular rituximab was defined in 10 patients.

RESULTS

The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 25 mg and rapid craniospinal axis distribution was demonstrated. Cytologic responses were detected in six patients; four patients exhibited complete response. Two patients experienced improvement in intraocular NHL and one exhibited resolution of parenchymal NHL. High RNA levels of Pim-2 and FoxP1 in meningeal lymphoma cells were associated with disease refractory to rituximab monotherapy.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that intrathecal rituximab (10 to 25 mg) is feasible and effective in NHL involving the CNS.

A randomized, controlled Phase III trial of therapeutic plasma exchange with fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) prepared with amotosalen and ultraviolet A light compared to untreated FFP in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND

Photochemical treatment of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) with amotosalen and ultraviolet (UV) A light (PCT FFP) results in inactivation of a broad spectrum of pathogens while retaining coagulation factor activity, antithrombotic proteins, and von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease (VWF-CP) activity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, controlled, double-blind Phase III trial was conducted with PCT FFP or control FFP for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Owing to the rarity of this diagnosis, the trial was not powered to demonstrate small differences between treatment groups. Patients were treated with study FFP for a maximum of 35 days until remission was achieved (for a maximum of 30 daily study TPEs with no remission) plus an additional 5 days after remission.

RESULTS

Among the 35 patients treated, the primary endpoint, remission within 30 days, was achieved by 14 of 17 (82%) PCT patients and 16 of 18 (89%) control patients (p = 0.658) The 90 percent confidence interval for treatment difference in remission rate for test - control was (-0.291 to 0.163). Time to remission, relapse rates, time to relapse, total volume and number of FFP units exchanged, and number of study TPEs were not significantly different between groups. Improvement in VWF-CP and inhibitors was similar for both groups. The overall safety profile of PCT FFP was similar to control FFP. No antibodies to amotosalen neoantigens were detected.

CONCLUSION

The comparable results between treatment groups observed from this small trial suggest that TPE with PCT FFP was safe and effective for treatment of TTP.

Malignant Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas: A Phase II Study of Therapy with High-Dose 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG)

Thirty patients with malignant pheochromocytoma (PHEO) or paraganglioma (PGL) were treated with high-dose 131I-MIBG. Patients were 11-62 (mean 39) years old: 19 patients males and 11 females. Nineteen patients had PGL, three of which were multifocal. Six PGLs were nonsecretory. Eleven patients had PHEO. All 30 patients had prior surgery. Fourteen patients were refractory to prior radiation or chemotherapy before 131I-MIBG. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) were collected and cryopreserved. 131I-MIBG was synthesized on-site, by exchange-labeling 131I with 127I-MIBG in a solid-phase Cu2+-catalyzed exchange reaction. 131I-MIBG was infused over 2 h via a peripheral IV. Doses ranged from 557 mCi to 1185 mCi (7.4 mCi/kg to 18.75 mCi/kg). Median dose was 833 mCi (12.55 mCi/kg). Marrow hypoplasia commenced 3 weeks after 131I-MIBG therapy. After the first 131I-MIBG therapy, 19 patients required platelet transfusions; 19 received GCSF; 12 received epoeitin or RBCs. Four patients received a PBSC infusion. High-dose 131I-MIBG resulted in the following overall tumor responses in 30 patients: 4 sustained complete remissions (CRs); 15 sustained partial remissions (PRs); 1 sustained stable disease (SD); 5 progressive disease (PD); 5 initial PRs or SD but relapsed to PD. Twenty-three of the 30 patients remain alive; deaths were from PD (5), myelodysplasia (1), and unrelated cause (1). Overall predicted survival at 5 years is 75% (Kaplan Meier estimate). For patients with metastatic PHEO or PGL, who have good *I-MIBG uptake on diagnostic scanning, high-dose 131I-MIBG therapy was effective in producing a sustained CR, PR, or SD in 67% of patients, with tolerable toxicity.

Cytoreduction of lymphoid malignancies and mobilization of blood hematopoietic progenitor cells with high doses of cyclophosphamide and etoposide plus filgrastim

We evaluated the efficiency of high doses of cyclophosphamide (6 g/m2) and etoposide (2 g/m2) plus filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; G-CSF) to mobilize autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. We also evaluated the safety of this regimen and the engraftment kinetics after myeloablative chemotherapy. Seventy-nine patients with high-risk or relapsed/primary refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or Waldenström macroglobulinemia were treated. The mobilizing regimen was as follows: cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 twice daily for 10 doses, etoposide 200 mg/m2 twice daily for 10 doses (continuous; n=57) or 2 g/m2 over 10 hours on day 5 of etoposide (bolus; n=22), and G-CSF 5 microg/kg/d beginning day 14. Fifty-nine percent of patients achieved the primary end point (a CD34 cell dose of 5 million per kilogram with a single leukapheresis). More bolus etoposide patients achieved the primary end point (86%) compared with continuous etoposide patients (47%; P<.0001). The CD34 cell dose collected was greater in bolus etoposide patients (44 million per kilogram) than in continuous etoposide patients (10.9 million per kilogram; P<.0001). Patients took 3 weeks to recover >500/microL neutrophils and >20000/microL platelets after cyclophosphamide and etoposide. The overall response rate was 69% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients and 71% for multiple myeloma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients. The treatment-related mortality was 2.5%. Sixteen percent of surviving patients experienced grade>or=3 nonhematologic toxicity. Patients receiving bolus etoposide had significantly less grade>or=2 oral mucositis, less use of total parenteral nutrition, and less need for red blood cell and platelet transfusions. Sixty-four patients (81%) underwent autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation, with prompt engraftment. Four patients (5%) did not undergo autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation because of toxicity from high-dose cyclophosphamide and etoposide. We conclude that high doses of cyclophosphamide and etoposide combined with G-CSF are an efficient and safe mobilizing regimen for the collection of hematopoietic progenitor cells during aggressive cytoreduction of tumor burden in patients with lymphoid malignancies.

Treatment of primary CNS lymphoma with induction high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, rituximab followed by consolidation cytarabine/etoposide: A pilot study with biomarker analysis

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Background: There is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients diagnosed with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). Between 2001–2004, UCSF PCNSL patients were treated with combination high-dose methotrexate, temozolomide, rituximab (MTR) as induction therapy. Patients in CR with this regimen were treated with high-dose cytarabine plus etoposide as consolidation. The purposes of this study were: (1) Pilot analysis to determine the safety and efficacy of intensive methotrexate-based induction therapy followed by high-dose consolidation with elimination of whole brain irradiation; (2) Analysis of molecular markers in PCNSL which predict sensitivity to chemotherapy and outcome. Methods: 21 untreated, CD20 +, immunocompetent PCNSL patients were treated with combination methotrexate (8 gm/m²), temozolomide (150 mg/m²/day)and rituximab (375 mg/m²). Patients in CR received consolidation cytarabine (2 g/ m² x 8 doses) plus etoposide (40 mg/kg over 96 hours). IHC analysis of potential biomarkers predictive of outcome was performed on paraffin sections from these patients. Candidate markers for validation were selected by gene expression analysis of an independent, multicenter dataset of 20 cases. Results: Mean age was 58.6 y (range 40–81). Median KPS was 60. MTR and cytarabine/etoposide consolidation was well-tolerated with no treatment-related mortality or evidence for neurotoxicity. One case of post-remission cytopenia occurred after consolidation and resolved spontaneously. Eleven patients (52.4%) attained CR with induction; eight received consolidation; three patients in CR deferred consolidation. Median PFS was 11.5 months. Median OS for all 21 patients has not yet been reached with median follow-up of 27.5 months. Expression of the apoptotic regulator DAP-1 by lymphoma cells as determined by IHC was associated with improved PFS (p<0.028) and OS (p<0.021). Conclusions: Combination MTR followed by intensive consolidation appears to be well tolerated in PCNSL. PFS appears at least similar to regimens that contain whole brain irradiation. A larger phase II study has been initiated to evaluate this regimen in a multicenter setting.

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Baboon bone-marrow xenotransplant in a patient with advanced HIV disease: case report and 8-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Xenotransplantation offers a solution to the shortage of organ donors and may offer resistance to human-specific pathogens. Baboons are resistant to productive infection with HIV-1. A baboon bone-marrow transplant (BMT) was performed in an attempt to reconstitute the immune system of a patient with advanced AIDS. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate the safety of the procedure and develop an approach to prevent and monitor for xenozoonoses.

METHODS

A source animal was selected on the basis of infectious disease surveillance protocols. Baboon bone marrow, engineered to remove graft-versus-host-disease-producing mature lineages, but to retain hematopoietic stem cells and facilitating cells, was infused into the patient after nonmyeloablative conditioning. Serial clinical, virologic, immunologic, and hematologic evaluations were performed.

RESULTS

A 38-year-old male with advanced AIDS, who had failed to respond to triple-drug antiretroviral therapy, underwent baboon BMT in 1995. The patient tolerated the procedure without complication. Baboon cells were detected in the peripheral blood on days 5 and 13 after transplantation. Baboon endogenous virus (BaEV) was detected on day 5 but not subsequently. Antibody to BaEV was not detected. HIV-1 viral load declined 1.5 log and remained low until 11 months. The patient improved clinically, and no adverse events occurred. The patient is alive 8 years after the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Baboon BMT to treat AIDS was attempted using nonmyeloablative conditioning and resulted in transient microchimerism and clinical and virologic improvements. Long-term improvement was not achieved; however, no adverse events occurred, and no evidence of transmission of xenogeneic infections was found.

Thrombosis associated with L-asparaginase therapy and low fibrinogen levels in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

L-asparaginase is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in the treatment of both adult and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A major complication is thrombosis, resulting from reduced synthesis of proteins such as antithrombin III. Hypofibrinogenemia, also a side effect, may be a marker of thrombosis and decreased protein synthesis. A retrospective chart review of identically treated patients revealed 9 thrombotic events among 93 patients (10%), 6 (7%) occurring during treatment cycles including L-asparaginase. Twelve (13%) patients had fibrinogen levels <50 mg/dL. Of these, 3 (25%) suffered a thrombotic event. This results in a specificity of 90% and a relative risk of 10 (P = 0.014). Therefore, a fibrinogen <50 mg/dL may serve as a marker for a hypercoagulable state in ALL patients receiving L-asparaginase.

Secondary acute leukemia following mitoxantrone-based high-dose chemotherapy for primary breast cancer patients

The incidence of secondary myelodysplasia/acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was retrospectively assessed in an international joint study in 305 node-positive breast cancer patients, who received mitoxantrone-based high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem cell support as adjuvant therapy. The median age of the patients was 57 years (range 22-67). In all, 268 patients received peripheral blood stem cells, and 47 patients received autologous bone marrow. After a median follow-up of 57 months (range 10-125), three cases of secondary AML (sAML) were observed, resulting in a cumulative incidence of 0.94%. One case of sAML developed 18 months after HDCT (FAB M3) The karyotype was translocation 15;17 and, after induction therapy, the patient underwent autologous stem cell transplantation, and is in complete remission (CR) of both breast cancer and AML. The second patient developed AML (FAB M4eo with inversion 16) 5 months after HDCT. This patient achieved CR after induction therapy, but died of infectious complication. A third patient developed AML (FAB M4) 6 months after HDCT. She achieved CR after induction therapy, but relapsed and expired 28 months after diagnosis of AML. sAML after mitoxantrone-based HDCT is a possible, but rare complication in breast cancer patients.

High CD34+ cell dose promotes faster platelet recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia

We studied platelet engraftment in 58 patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first remission treated with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) to determine whether CD34+ cell doses >10 x 10(6)/kg were associated with faster platelet engraftment. We compared engraftment rates in patients receiving CD34+ doses between 5 and 10 x 10(6)/kg (standard-dose ASCT) with those receiving doses > or =10 x 10(6)/kg (high-dose [HD] ASCT). We also studied neutrophil engraftment rates and platelet and red blood cell transfusion requirements. In multivariate adjusted models, the rate of platelet recovery to > or =20,000/microL was 4-fold greater among subjects who received HD-ASCT (hazard ratio [HR], 4.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.8-9.2; P =.001), with median recovery times of 14 versus 28 days. The rate of platelet recovery to > or =50,000/microL was 2-fold greater (HR, 2.1; CI, 1.3-5.9; P =.01), with median recovery times of 19 versus 46 days. Faster platelet recovery resulted in the need for fewer platelet transfusions among the subjects who received HD-ASCT (mean transfusions, 3.7 versus 9.8; P =.005). Although not statistically significant, neutrophil recovery data in the adjusted model suggested a similar effect in the HD-ASCT group, with faster engraftment times at absolute neutrophil counts >500/microL (median, 9.2 versus 12 days; HR, 1.6; CI, 0.69-3.5; P =.29) and absolute neutrophil counts >1000/microL (median, 9.5 versus 12 days; HR, 1.3; CI, 0.56-2.8; P =.58). Subjects who received HD-ASCT required fewer red blood cell transfusions (4.0 versus 9.8 units; P =.01). Our findings suggest that CD34+ cell doses >10 x 10(6)/kg CD34+ result in faster engraftment and fewer red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

Prognostic indicators and survival in patients with stage IIIB inflammatory breast carcinoma after dose-intense chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To improve treatment outcome for patients presenting with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), we have sequentially developed and tested single and tandem dose-intense chemotherapy regimens (DICT). Tumor- and treatment-related factors were analyzed to generate a prognostic model.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 1989 and April 2002, 120 patients received conventional-dose chemotherapy, surgery, and sequentially developed single- or tandem-cycle DICT. Disease- and treatment-specific features were subjected to univariate and multivariate analysis to correlate with outcome.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 61 months (range, 21 to 161 months), estimated 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were 44% (95% CI, 34% to 53%) and 64% (95% CI, 55% to 73%), respectively. In an age-adjusted multivariate analysis, RFS was better in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)-positive tumors (P =.002), for patients with fewer than four involved axillary nodes before DICT (P =.01), and in patients treated with radiation therapy (P =.001) and tandem DICT (P =.049). OS was improved in patients with ER/PR-positive tumors (P =.002), in those with fewer than four involved axillary nodes before DICT (P =.03), and in patients treated with radiation therapy (P =.002).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis suggests that either single or tandem DICT can be administered safely and may benefit selected patients with stage IIIB IBC. Those with receptor-negative IBC and with four or more involved axillary nodes before DICT need improved neoadjuvant and postadjuvant intensification therapy. A prospective randomized trial of single versus tandem DICT would be required to confirm the potential benefit of tandem DICT in the setting of IBC.

Rituximab therapy for CNS lymphomas: targeting the leptomeningeal compartment

Most lymphomas that involve the central nervous system are B-cell neoplasms that express the cell surface molecule CD20. After intravenous administration, rituximab can be reproducibly measured in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma; however, the CSF levels of rituximab are approximately 0.1% of serum levels associated with therapeutic activity in patients with systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Because lymphomatous meningitis is a frequent complication of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, we have conducted an analysis of the safety and pharmacokinetics of direct intrathecal administration of rituximab using cynomolgus monkeys. No significant acute or delayed toxicity, neurologic or otherwise, was detected. Pharmacokinetic analysis suggests that drug clearance from the CSF is biphasic, with a terminal half-life of 4.96 hours. A phase 1 study to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics of intrathecal rituximab in patients with recurrent lymphomatous meningitis will be implemented based on these findings.

Intensified and shortened cyclical chemotherapy for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and toxicity of a new treatment program of intensified and shortened cyclical chemotherapy (protocol 8707) in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Previously untreated adults < or = 60 years old with ALL were treated with a four-agent induction chemotherapy regimen. This was followed by cyclical postremission therapy with high-dose cytarabine/etoposide; high-dose methotrexate/6-mercaptopurine; and daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and asparaginase. Maintenance chemotherapy with oral methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine was continued for 30 months. CNS prophylaxis was given with intrathecal methotrexate in addition to the systemic chemotherapy indicated above.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight of 84 patients (93%) achieved complete remission. With a median follow-up of 5.6 years, 5-year event-free survival (EFS) of all remission patients is 52%. Patients with high-risk features including adverse cytogenetics, failure to achieve remission with the first cycle of chemotherapy, and B-precursor disease with WBC counts more than 100,000/microL all relapsed unless taken off study for transplantation. For patients without these high-risk features, 5-year EFS was 60%. Compared with our previous treatment regimen, results appear to be improved for patients with standard-risk B-precursor disease (5-year EFS, 66% v 34%; P =.01).

CONCLUSION

Intensified and shortened chemotherapy may improve the outcome for patients with ALL with B-precursor disease lacking high-risk features. Further trials of this regimen are warranted.

A case of factitious aplastic anemia

OBJECTIVE

We report the case of factitiously induced aplastic anemia by the ingestion of busulfan, a bifunctional alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The medical consequences and financial costs of this illness are reported. The reader will gain an understanding of the relevant clues to the diagnosis of a factitious hematologic illness, the psychodynamic issues present in this case and the legal, ethical and countertransferential issues raised by the case.

METHOD

A single case review including medical and billing records, patient and staff interviews and literature review.

RESULTS

The covert ingestion of busulfan by this patient resulted in life-threatening bone marrow suppression, bilateral aseptic hip necrosis, transfusion-dependent thrombocytopenia and a chronic pain syndrome. Her treatment was complicated by noncompliance with prescribed treatments and polymicrobial sepsis possibly secondary to the self-injection of feces into her central line. To date, the total cost of care for the treatment of this patient's medical complications secondary to her ingestion of busulfan exceeds $1,100,000.00.

CONCLUSIONS

This case underscores the importance of the early recognition by the primary care physician of the possibility of a factitious etiology of hematologic abnormalities such as aplastic anemia due to the ingestion of bone marrow ablative medications. The index of suspicion is increased when the patient is a young health care provider, usually female, with atypical pancytopenia and an unusual disease course and response to treatment.

The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC): reliability and association with abuse exposure in a multi-site study

OBJECTIVE

The Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC) is a 90-item caretaker-report measure of children's trauma- and abuse-related symptomatology. It contains two reporter validity scales and eight clinical scales [Post-traumatic Stress-Intrusion (PTS-I), Post-traumatic Stress-Avoidance (PTS-AV), Post-traumatic Stress-Arousal (PTS-AR), Post-traumatic Stress-Total (PTS-TOT), Sexual Concerns (SC), Dissociation (DIS), Anxiety (ANX), Depression (DEP), and Anger/Aggression (ANG)], as well as an item assessing hours per week of caretaker contact with the child. This paper introduces the TSCYC and describes its psychometric properties in a multisite validity study.

METHOD

A total of 219 TSCYCs administered by six clinician/researchers across the United States were analyzed for scale reliability and association with several types of childhood maltreatment.

RESULTS

The TSCYC clinical scales have good reliability and are associated with exposure to childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, and witnessing domestic violence. The PTS-I, PTS-AV, PTS-AR, and PTS-TOT scales were most predictive, followed by SC in the case of sexual abuse and DIS in the case of physical abuse. There were a small number of age, sex, and race effects on TSCYC scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The TSCYC appears to have reasonable psychometric characteristics, and correlates as expected with various types of trauma exposure. Subject to continued validation and the development of general population norms, its use as a clinical measure is supported.

Child Sexual Behavior Inventory: normative, psychiatric, and sexual abuse comparisons

A normative sample of 1,114 children was contrasted with a sample of 620 sexually abused children and 577 psychiatric outpatients on the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory (CSBI), a 38-item behavior checklist assessing sexual behavior in children 2 to 12 years old. The CSBI total score and each individual item differed significantly between the three groups after controlling for age, sex, maternal education, and family income. Sexually abused children exhibited a greater frequency of sexual behaviors than either the normative or psychiatric outpatient samples. Test-retest reliability and interitem correlation were satisfactory. Sexual behavior problems were related to other generic behavior problems. This contributed to the reduced discrimination between psychiatric outpatients and sexually abused children when compared to the normative/sexually abused discrimination.

A randomized trial of high- vs standard-dose mitoxantrone with cytarabine in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a high-dose mitoxantrone-based induction regimen without consolidation therapy in patients over age 60 with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 54 patients aged 60-83 were randomized to receive mitoxantrone, either 80 mg/m2 on day 2, or 12 mg/m2 on days 1-3 in addition to cytarabine, 3 g/m2 on days 1-5. Significant toxicity included mucositis, diarrhea, transient hyperbilirubinemia and cardiac events. No difference in toxicity was observed between the two dosage regimens. Overall, 27 patients achieved a complete remission (CR), 16/28 CR in the high-dose and 11/25 in the lower-dose group. Induction death occurred in 11 patients, three in the high-dose and eight in the low-dose arm. Actuarial median survival was 6 months for the low-dose and 9 months for the high-dose group, and the respective relapse-free survival is 3 and 5 months. The observed differences in outcome were not statistically significant. patients in both arms of this trial, who received no consolidation, appear to have response and survival rates equivalent to those of standard-dose induction with repetitive consolidation. This approach might offer elderly patients equivalent outcome with fewer days of treatment, presumably enhancing quality of life.

Unreliability of the abdominal fat pad biopsy in the evaluation of nephrosis: report of 3 consecutive cases

In the workup of unexplained nephrotic syndrome in the elderly patient, renal biopsy has shown amyloidosis to be the cause in 15-30% of the cases. Most of the cases of amyloidosis are primary and are, therefore, treatable with alkylating agents, albeit at a high level of toxicity. Abdominal fad pad biopsy has been suggested as a minimally invasive, low-cost method for diagnosing amyloidosis that is 100% specific. We report our experience with 3 consecutive cases of fat pad biopsy in the workup of unexplained nephrosis in the elderly patient: including the first false positive reported with respect to nephrotic renal disease, a false negative, and a true positive. We feel that in an elderly patient with unexplained nephrosis though the abdominal fat pad biopsy may be helpful, the patient should not be committed to a regimen with potentially very high toxicity on the basis of a positive fat pad biopsy alone. We recommend that the more invasive renal biopsy be performed should therapy with alkylating agents be contemplated.