Distinguishing ASH Clinical Practice Guidelines from Other Forms of ASH Clinical Advice

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) develops a variety of resources that provide guidance to clinicians on the diagnosis and management of blood diseases. These resources include clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and other forms of clinical advice. While both ASH CPGs and other forms of clinical advice provide recommendations, they differ with respect to the methods underpinning their development, the principal type of recommendations they offer, their transparency and concordance with published evidence, and the time and resources required for their development. It is crucial that end users be aware of the differences between CPGs and other forms of clinical advice and that producers and publishers of these resources use clear and unambiguous terminology to facilitate their distinction. The objective of this article is to highlight similarities and differences between ASH CPGs and other forms of ASH clinical advice and to discuss the implications of these differences for end users.

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide is associated with increased bacterial infections

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is increasingly used to reduce graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT); however, it might be associated with more infections. All patients who were ≥2 years old, receiving haploidentical or matched sibling donor (Sib) HCT for acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome, and either calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)- or PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis [Haploidentical HCT with PTCy (HaploCy), 757; Sibling with PTCy (SibCy), 403; Sibling with CNI-based (SibCNI), 1605] were included. Most bacterial infections occurred within the first 100 days; 953 patients (34.5%) had at least 1 infection and 352 patients (13%) had ≥2 infections. Patients receiving PTCy had a greater incidence of bacterial infections by day 180 [HaploCy 46%; SibCy 48%; SibCNI 35%; p < 0.001]. Compared with the SibCNI without infection cohort, 1.99-fold, 3.33-fold, 2.78-fold, and 2.53-fold increased TRM was seen for the HaploCy cohort without infection and HaploCy, SibCy, and SibCNI cohorts with infection, respectively. Bacterial infections increased mortality [HaploCy (HR1.84, 99% CI: 1.45-2.33, p < 0.0001), SibCy cohort (HR,1.68, 99% CI: 1.30-2.19, p < 0.0001), and SibCNI cohort (HR,1.76, 99% CI: 1.43-2.16, p < 0.0001). PTCy was associated with increased bacterial infections regardless of donor, and bacterial infections were associated with increased mortality irrespective of GVHD prophylaxis. Patients receiving PTCy should be monitored carefully for bacterial infections following PTCy.

Incidence and Impact of Fungal Infections in Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis and Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Analysis

Fungal infection (FI) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Neutropenia, HLA mismatch, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and viral infections are risk factors for FI. The objectives of this Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research registry study were to compare the incidence and density of FI occurring within 180 days after HCT in matched sibling (Sib) transplants with either calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based or post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based GVHD prophylaxis and related haploidentical transplants receiving PTCy, and to examine the impact of FI by day 180 on transplantation outcomes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent their first HCT between 2012 and 2017 for acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome and received a related haploidentical transplant with PTCy (HaploCy; n = 757) or a Sib transplant with PTCy (SibCy; n = 403) or CNI (SibCNI; n = 1605) were analyzed. The incidence of FI by day 180 post-HCT was calculated as cumulative incidence with death as the competing risk. The associations of FI with overall survival, transplant-related mortality, chronic GVHD, and relapse at 2 years post-HCT were examined in Cox proportional hazards regression models. Factors significantly associated with the outcome variable at a 1% level were kept in the final model.

RESULTS

By day 180 post-HCT, 56 (7%) HaploCy, 24 (6%), SibCy, and 59 (4%) SibCNI recipients developed ≥1 FI (P < .001). The cumulative incidence of yeast FI was 5.2% (99% confidence interval [CI], 3.3% to 7.3%) for HaploCy, 2.2% (99% CI, .7% to 4.5%) for SibCy, and 1.9% (99% CI, 1.1% to 2.9%) for SibCNI (P = .001), and that of mold FI was 2.9% (99% CI, 1.5% to 4.7%), 3.7% (99% CI, 91.7% to 6.6%), and 1.7% (99% CI, 1.0% to 2.6%), respectively (P = .040). FI was associated with an increased risk of death, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 4.06 (99% CI, 2.2 to 7.6) for HaploCy, 4.7 (99% CI, 2.0 to 11.0) for SibCy, and 3.4 (99% CI, 1.8 to 6.4) for SibCNI compared with SibCNI without FI (P < .0001 for all). Similar associations were noted for transplantation-related mortality. FI did not impact rates of relapse or chronic GVHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of FI by day 180 ranged between 1.9% and 5.2% for yeast FI and from 1.7% to 3.7% for mold FI across the 3 cohorts. The use of PTCy was associated with higher rates of yeast FI only in HaploHCT and with mold FI in both HaploHCT and SibHCT. The presence of FI by day 180 was associated with increased risk for overall mortality and transplant-related mortality at 2 years regardless of donor type or PTCy use. Although rates of FI were low with PTCy, FI is associated with an increased risk of death, underscoring the need for improved management strategies.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Trends and Outcomes in Canada: A Registry-Based Cohort Study

Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established therapy for hematologic malignancies and serious non-malignant blood disorders. Despite its curative potential, HCT is associated with substantial toxicity and health resource utilization. Effective delivery of HCT requires complex hospital-based care, which limits the number of HCT centres in Canada. In Canada, the quantity, indications, temporal trends, and outcomes of patients receiving HCT are not known. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of first transplants reported to the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC) registry between 2000 and 2019. We determined overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM), categorizing the cohort into early (2000-2009) and later (2010-2019) eras to investigate temporal changes. Results: Of 18,046 transplants, 7571 were allogeneic and 10,475 were autologous. Comparing the two eras, allogeneic transplants increased in number by 22.3%, with greater use of matched unrelated donors in the later era. Autologous transplants increased by 10.9%. Temporal improvements in NRM were observed in children and adults. OS improved in pediatric patients and in adults receiving autologous HCT. In adults receiving allogeneic HCT, OS was stable despite the substantially older age of patients in the later era. Interpretation: HCT is an increasingly frequent procedure in Canada which has expanded to serve older adults. Noted improvements in NRM and OS reflect progress in patient and donor selection, preparation for transplant, and post-transplant supportive care. In allogeneic HCT, unrelated donors have become the most frequent donor source, highlighting the importance of the continued growth of volunteer donor registries. These results serve as a baseline measure for quality improvement and health services planning in Canada.

HLA-haplotype redundancy and rareness in Canadian Blood Services' Stem Cell Registry and Cord Blood Bank: Novel metrics for optimizing utility

BACKGROUND

The utility of unrelated donor registries that support allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation could be optimized through greater understanding of redundancy and rareness of HLA phenotypes.

METHODS

HLA phenotype rareness was determined using known HLA haplotype frequencies. Donor redundancy was determined through pairwise comparison of donor HLA profiles within an inventory.

RESULTS

Among 61,730 registrants in the Canadian Blood Services (CBS) Stem Cell Registry (SCR) with high resolution HLA typing at 5 loci, 6.6% of HLA phenotypes were redundant with variation across ethnic groups (8.3% of Caucasian phenotypes; 8% of Native American/First Nations, 4.4% of Asia-Pacific Islanders (API), 2.1% of Hispanic, 0.7% of African-American (AFA), and 4.5% of other ethnicities). A total of 18.5% of registrants had redundant HLA phenotypes with variation across ethnic groups. All 3716 cord blood units in the CBS's cord blood bank (CBB) had high resolution HLA typing at 5 loci and 202 units were redundant (5.4%) comprising 78 HLA phenotypes, with varying rareness. Repeated HLA phenotypes were from Caucasian donors (77%), multiple ethnicity (13%), API (9%), and AFA (1%). Registrants and CBUs with AFA ethnicity had the rarest phenotypes while Caucasian ethnicity was associated with the most common HLA phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

Redundancy was greater in the SCR compared to the CBB and was most common with CAU ethnicity. Recruiting non-Caucasian registrants and continued cord blood banking should reduce redundancy. A sub-inventory of redundant donors and cord blood units could support new uses for donor-supported cellular therapies that do not require HLA matching.

Modeling unrelated blood stem cell donor recruitment using simulated registrant cohorts: Assessment of human leukocyte antigen matching across ethnicity groups

BACKGROUND

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donors are not available for some patients considered for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, particularly among certain ethnic groups. Simulated recruitment modeling can inform efforts to find new matches for more patients.

METHODS

Simulated recruits were generated by assigning a pair of donor HLA haplotypes from historical data files and matched against HLA data of patient searches in the Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry. Recruitment cohorts reflected the proportion of five specific ethnic groups in the 2016 Canadian census data.

RESULTS

Novel 8/8 HLA matches between simulated recruits and patients increased linearly with larger recruitment cohorts. The proportion of novel 8/8 HLA matches from Caucasian, Hispanic, and Native American/First Nations recruits was equal to or greater than their relative proportion in the recruited cohort (match to: recruit ratio (MRR) ≥ 1). In contrast, African American and Asian & Pacific Islander recruits represented a smaller proportion of novel matches relative to their percentage of the recruited cohort (MRR <1). The proportion of novel 7/8 HLA-matches from each ethnic group was approximately the same as their proportion in the recruited cohort (MRR ~ 1) and high rates of 7/8 HLA-matching already exist within the Canadian Blood Services registry for all ethnic groups.

CONCLUSION

Continued large recruitment cohorts are needed to add new 8/8 HLA matches to registry inventories. Likelihoods of novel HLA matches varied across ethnic groups, reflecting varied HLA haplotype frequencies across groups. Simulated cohort modeling can inform recruitment strategies that will generate new donor options for patients.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Unrelated Allogeneic Hematopoietic Donor Collections and Safety

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly influenced unrelated donor (UD) allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collections. Changes included efforts to minimize COVID-19 exposure to donors and cryopreservation of products. The extent to which the efficacy and safety of PBSC donations were affected by the pandemic is unknown.

METHODS

Prospective cohort analysis of PBSC collections comparing pre-pandemic (01 April 2019-14 March 2020) and pandemic (15 March 2020-31 March 2022) eras.

RESULTS

Of a total of 291 PBSC collections, cryopreservation was undertaken in 71.4% of pandemic donations compared to 1.1% pre-pandemic. The mean requested CD34⁺ cell dose/kg increased from 4.9 ± 0.2 × 10⁶ pre-pandemic to 5.4 ± 0.1 × 10⁶ during the pandemic. Despite this increased demand, the proportion of collections that met or exceeded the requested cell dose did not change, and the mean CD34⁺ cell doses collected (8.9 ± 0.5 × 10⁶ pre-pandemic vs. 9.7 ± 0.4 × 10⁶ during the pandemic) remained above requested targets. Central-line placements were more frequent, and severe adverse events in donors increased during the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Cryopreservation of UD PBSC products increased during the pandemic. In association with this, requested cell doses for PBSC collections increased. Collection targets were met or exceeded at the same frequency, signaling high donor and collection center commitment. This was at the expense of increased donor or product-related severe adverse events. We highlight the need for heightened vigilance about donor safety as demands on donors have increased since the pandemic.

A Portrait of Cord Blood Units Distributed for Transplantation from Canadian Blood Services' Cord Blood Bank: First Analysis

BACKGROUND

The Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood Bank (CBS CBB) was created to improve access to stem cell products for transplantation for patients across ethnic groups. An analysis of distributed units is needed to assess the effectiveness of the bank to meet the needs of patients from different ethnic groups.

METHODS

A descriptive analysis was performed on all cord blood units distributed from the CBS' CBB as of 30 June 2022.

RESULTS

Distribution of the first 60 units based on CBS' CBB inventory has been linear over time. A similar proportion of cord blood unit (CBU) recipients were pediatric or adult. More than half of the cord blood units (56.7%) were distributed to recipients outside of Canada, and CBUs were used to treat a broad range of hematologic and immune disorders. 43.3% of distributed CBUs were of non-Caucasian ethnicity and 18% were from donors self-reporting as multi-ethnic. The mean total nucleated cell counts and total CD34⁺ cell counts were 1.9 ± 0.1 × 10⁹ cells and 5.3 ± 0.5 × 10⁶ CD34⁺ cells, respectively. CD34⁺ cells per kg (recipient weight) varied significantly between pediatric (age 0-4), adolescent (age 5-17) and adult recipients (age 18 and older) (3.1 ± 0.5, 1.4 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.07 × 10⁵ CD34⁺ cells/kg, respectively). HLA matching was 6/6 (15%), 5/6 (47%) or 4/6 (38%).

CONCLUSIONS

The CBS' CBB has facilitated the utilization of banked units for patients across a broad range of ages, geographic distribution, ethnicity, and diseases. Distributed units were well matched for HLA alleles and contained robust cell counts, reflecting a high-quality inventory with significant utility.

Cost-Effectiveness of Brexucabtagene Autoleucel versus Best Supportive Care for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma following Treatment with a Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Canada

For patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), there is no recognized standard of care for relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease after treatment with a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi). Brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel) represents a promising new treatment modality in MCL. We explored whether brexu-cel was cost-effective for the treatment of R/R MCL. We developed a partitioned survival mixture cure approach to model the costs and outcomes over a lifetime horizon. The clinical data were derived from the ZUMA-2 clinical trial. The costs were estimated from the publicly available Canadian databases, published oncology literature, and pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review economic guidance reports. The health state utilities were sourced from the ibrutinib submission to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for R/R MCL and supplemented with values from the published oncology literature. In the base case over a lifetime horizon, brexu-cel generated an incremental 9.56 life-years and an additional 7.03 quality-adjusted life-years compared to BSC, while associated with CAD 621,933 in additional costs. The resultant incremental cost-utility ratio was CAD 88,503 per QALY gained compared with BSC. Based on this analysis, we found brexu-cel to be a cost-effective use of healthcare resources relative to BSC for treatment of adult patients with R/R MCL previously treated with a BTKi in Canada, though additional research is needed to confirm these results using longer follow-up data.

Serious Adverse Events in Related Donors: A Report from the Related Donor Safe Study

The incidence and risk factors for severe adverse events (SAEs) in related donors (RD) of hematopoietic cell transplants is unknown. The Related Donor Safe study is a prospective observational cohort of 1680 RDs and represents an opportunity to examine characteristics of SAEs in RDs. In this cohort, we found that SAEs were reported in a total 12 (0.71%) RDs. Of these, 5 SAEs occurred in bone marrow donors (5/404, 1.24%), and 7 (7/1276, 0.55%) were in donors of peripheral blood stem cells. All of the SAEs were considered to be related (definite, probable, or possible) to the donation process. There were no donor fatalities. Of the 12 RDs who experienced an SAE, 10 were either overweight or obese. Five of the 12 RDs had predonation medical conditions that would have resulted in either possible or definite ineligibility for donation were they being assessed as unrelated donors. These SAE data will be useful in the counseling of prospective RDs before planned donation and may be helpful in identifying donors who should be considered medically unsuitable for donation.

Outcomes for Patients With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in South Africa

BACKGROUND

The characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) from sub-Saharan Africa have not been published.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We report retrospectively on consecutively diagnosed APL patients treated in Cape Town, South Africa, during 1998-2019. A total of 69 patients were treated, of whom 27 (39%) were classified as having high risk APL.

RESULTS

Early death rates at 7 and 30 days were 7% and 13%, respectively, including 4 patients who died before any treatment could be administered. Overall survival at 3 years was 76.5% (95% confidence interval, 63.9-85.2) for the entire cohort, and 82.5% (95% confidence interval, 69.7-90.2) if patients who died within 7 days of diagnosis were excluded. For 13 patients (18.8%), there was a delay of 5 or more days from time of initial presentation at a peripheral hospital until arrival at the leukemia center and administration of all-trans retinoic acid; only 1 of these patients died within 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Despite the challenges faced in the public healthcare system of a developing country, outcomes of APL patients treated at our center are similar to outcomes from developed countries.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Updated 2019 Evidence-Based Review from the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is reviewed and critically evaluated in this systematic evidence-based review. Specific criteria were used for searching the published literature and for grading the quality and strength of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations. A panel of ALL experts developed consensus on the treatment recommendations based on the evidence. Allogeneic HCT offers a survival benefit in selected patients with ALL, and this review summarizes the standard indications as well as the areas of controversy. There is now greater experience with pediatric-inspired chemotherapy regimens that has transformed upfront therapy for adult ALL, resulting in higher remission rates and overall survival. This in turn has increased the equipoise around decision making for ALL in first complete remission (CR1) when there is no measurable residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction and/or consolidation. Randomized studies are needed for adults with ALL to compare allogeneic HCT in CR1 with pediatric-inspired chemotherapy alone. Indications for transplantation in the evolving landscape of MRD assessments and novel targeted and immune therapeutics remain important areas of investigation.

Risks and Benefits of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Promising efficacy results of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have been tempered by safety considerations. Our objective was to comprehensively summarize the efficacy and safety of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic or solid malignancies. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (inception - November 21, 2017). Interventional studies investigating CAR-T cell therapy in patients with malignancies were included. Our primary outcome of interest was complete response (defined as the absence of detectable cancer). Two independent reviewers extracted relevant data, assessed risk of bias, and graded the quality of evidence using established methods. A total of 42 hematological malignancy studies and 18 solid tumor studies met were included (913 participants). Of 486 evaluable hematologic patients, 54.4% [95% CI, 42.5%-65.9%] experienced complete response in 27 CD19 CAR-T cell therapy studies. Of 65 evaluable hematologic patients, 24.4% [95% CI, 9.4%-50.3%] experienced complete response in seven non-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy studies. Cytokine release syndrome was experienced by 55.3% [95% CI, 40.3%-69.4%] of patients and neurotoxicity 37.2% [95% CI, 28.6%-46.8%] of patients with hematologic malignancies. Of 86 evaluable solid tumor patients, 4.1% [95% CI, 1.6%-10.6%] experienced complete response in eight CAR-T cell therapy studies. Limitations include heterogeneity of study populations, as well as high risk of bias of included studies. There was a strong signal for efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with CD19+ hematologic malignancies and no overall signal in solid tumor trials published to date. These results will help inform patients, physicians, and other stakeholders of the benefits and risks associated with CAR-T cell therapy.

The use of prophylactic anticoagulation during induction and consolidation chemotherapy in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults confers a high risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. We describe the implementation and results of prophylactic anticoagulation guidelines in adults (18-50 years) treated on a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL pediatric inspired consortium protocol from 2007 to 2013. A high rate of asparaginase related toxicity events, including thrombosis, resulted in a protocol amendment adding guidelines for prophylactic anticoagulation and a modified asparaginase dose and schedule. After excluding patients with Philadelphia positive ALL, a cohort of 36 patients were treated after the protocol amendment with prophylactic anticoagulation and compared to 49 patients who received no prophylactic anticoagulation. Bleeding complications were not significantly different in those treated with prophylactic anticoagulation compared with those enrolled prior to the amendment (p = 0.26). No patients on prophylactic anticoagulation had grade ≥ 3 bleeding. Prior to the amendment, the 2 year cumulative incidence of VTE post-induction was 41% compared to 28% while on prophylactic anticoagulation (p = 0.32). The 2 year cumulative incidence pulmonary embolus pre-amendment was 16% compared with 8% post-amendment (p = 0.34). Prophylactic anticoagulation can be safely administered to adults with ALL without increasing the number or severity of bleeding events and, in addition to modifications in the asparaginase regimen, resulted in a reduction in the cumulative incidence of VTE.

Intravenous Busulfan Compared with Total Body Irradiation Pretransplant Conditioning for Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Total body irradiation (TBI) has been included in standard conditioning for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) before hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Non-TBI regimens have incorporated busulfan (Bu) to decrease toxicity. This retrospective study analyzed TBI and Bu on outcomes of ALL patients 18-60 years old, in first or second complete remission (CR), undergoing HLA-compatible sibling, related, or unrelated donor HCT, who reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research from 2005 to 2014. TBI plus etoposide (25%) or cyclophosphamide (75%) was used in 819 patients, and intravenous Bu plus fludarabine (41%), clofarabine (30%), cyclophosphamide (15%), or melphalan (13%) was used in 299 patients. Bu-containing regimens were analyzed together, since no significant differences for patient outcomes were noted between them. Bu patients were older, with better performance status; took longer to achieve first CR and receive HCT; were treated more recently; and were more likely to receive peripheral blood grafts, antithymocyte globulin, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors. With median follow-up of 3.6 years for Bu and 5.3 years for TBI, adjusted 3-year outcomes showed treatment-related mortality Bu 19% versus TBI 25% (P = .04); relapse Bu 37% versus TBI 28% (P = .007); disease-free survival (DFS) Bu 45% versus TBI 48% (P = .35); and overall survival (OS) Bu 57% versus TBI 53% (P = .35). In multivariate analysis, Bu patients had higher risk of relapse (relative risk, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.85; P = .002) compared with TBI patients. Despite the higher relapse, Bu-containing conditioning led to similar OS and DFS following HCT for ALL.

The CDK inhibitor AT7519M in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma. A Phase II study of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group

AT7519M is a small molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9 with in vitro activity against lymphoid malignancies. In two concurrent Phase II trials, we evaluated AT7519M in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) using the recommended Phase II dosing of 27 mg/m² twice weekly for 2 of every 3 weeks. Primary objective was objective response rate (ORR). Nineteen patients were accrued (7 CLL, 12 MCL). Four CLL patients achieved stable disease (SD). Two MCL patients achieved partial response (PR), and 6 had SD. One additional MCL patient with SD subsequently achieved PR 9 months after completion of AT7519M. Tumor lysis syndrome was not reported. In conclusion, AT7519M was safely administered to patients with relapsed/refractory CLL and MCL. In CLL, some patients had tumor reductions, but the ORR was low. In MCL, activity was noted with ORR of 27%.

Pediatric-inspired therapy compared to allografting for Philadelphia chromosome-negative adult ALL in first complete remission

For adults with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first complete remission (CR1), allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative strategy. However, pediatric-inspired chemotherapy may also offer durable leukemia-free survival in the absence of HCT. We compared 422 HCT recipients aged 18-50 years with Ph-ALL in CR1 reported to the CIBMTR with an age-matched concurrent cohort of 108 Ph- ALL CR1 patients who received a Dana-Farber Consortium pediatric-inspired non-HCT regimen. At 4 years of follow-up, incidence of relapse after HCT was 24% (95% CI 19-28) versus 23% (95% CI 15-32) for the non-HCT (chemo) cohort (P=0.97). Treatment-related mortality (TRM) was higher in the HCT cohort [HCT 37% (95% CI 31-42) versus chemo 6% (95% CI 3-12), P<0.0001]. DFS in the HCT cohort was 40% (95% CI 35-45) versus 71% (95% CI 60-79) for chemo, P<0.0001. Similarly, OS favored chemo [HCT 45% (95% CI 40-50)] versus chemo 73% [(95% CI 63-81), P<0.0001]. In multivariable analysis, the sole factor predictive of shorter OS was the administration of HCT [hazard ratio 3.12 (1.99-4.90), P<0.0001]. For younger adults with Ph- ALL, pediatric-inspired chemotherapy had lower TRM, no increase in relapse, and superior overall survival compared to HCT. Am. J. Hematol. 91:322-329, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Extracorporeal photopheresis in solid organ transplant-associated acute graft-versus-host disease

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) culls pathogenic T lymphocytes, be these the clones of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, or mediators of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT-GVHD). Whether or not ECP may have an effect in the rarer instances of solid organ transplantation-associated GVHD (SOT-GVHD) is unclear. Mortality rates in SOT-GVHD rival those of transfusion-associated GVHD, with fatalities preceded by pancytopenia and peripheral blood chimerism (PBC) levels exceeding 20%. ECP has been described in two SOT-GVHD cases to date, with one surviving.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Clinicolaboratory features (including HLA relationships) in a case of multivisceral transplantation were reviewed from the time of surgery to the onset and progression of SOT-GVHD. ECP, which was introduced as a less immunosuppressive and more selective intervention, was assessed for its effect on serial PBC (as measured by short-tandem-repeat analysis) and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Multivisceral SOT-GVHD manifested with erythroderma, neutropenic sepsis, and PBC increasing from 6% on Posttransplant Day (PTD) 38 to 78% by PTD 60 (at a doubling time of 6 days despite corticosteroids). ECP was administered on PTDs 62 and 67 and was associated with the first evidence of PBC decay to 67% on PTD 69. Death nevertheless ensued on the last day of salvage antithymocyte globulin (PTDs 69-73) despite further PBC reduction to 41%.

CONCLUSION

Further study is needed to determine if the sooner or more frequent application of ECP might attenuate the high case fatality rates of SOT-GVHD.

The incidence, mortality and timing of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia after hematopoietic cell transplantation: a CIBMTR analysis

Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Little is known about PJP infections after HSCT because of the rarity of disease given routine prophylaxis. We report the results of a Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research study evaluating the incidence, timing, prophylaxis agents, risk factors and mortality of PJP after autologous (auto) and allogeneic (allo) HSCT. Between 1995 and 2005, 0.63% allo recipients and 0.28% auto recipients of first HSCT developed PJP. Cases occurred as early as 30 days to beyond a year after allo HSCT. A nested case cohort analysis with supplemental data (n=68 allo cases, n=111 allo controls) revealed that risk factors for PJP infection included lymphopenia and mismatch after HSCT. After allo or auto HSCT, overall survival was significantly poorer among cases vs controls (P=0.0004). After controlling for significant variables, the proportional hazards model revealed that PJP cases were 6.87 times more likely to die vs matched controls (P<0.0001). We conclude PJP infection is rare after HSCT but is associated with high mortality. Factors associated with GVHD and with poor immune reconstitution are among the risk factors for PJP and suggest that protracted prophylaxis for PJP in high-risk HSCT recipients may improve outcomes.

Significant Improvements in the Practice Patterns of Adult Related Donor Care in US Transplantation Centers

Recent investigations have found a higher incidence of adverse events associated with hematopoietic cell donation in related donors (RDs) who have morbidities that if present in an unrelated donor (UD) would preclude donation. In the UD setting, regulatory standards ensure independent assessment of donors, one of several crucial measures to safeguard donor health and safety. A survey conducted by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) Donor Health and Safety Working Committee in 2007 reported a potential conflict of interest in >70% of US centers, where physicians had simultaneous responsibility for RDs and their recipients. Consequently, several international organizations have endeavored to improve practice through regulations and consensus recommendations. We hypothesized that the changes in the 2012 Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy and the Joint Accreditation Committee-International Society for Cellular Therapy and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation standards resulting from the CIBMTR study would have significantly impacted practice. Accordingly, we conducted a follow-up survey of US transplantation centers to assess practice changes since 2007, and to investigate additional areas where RD care was predicted to differ from UD care. A total of 73 centers (53%), performing 79% of RD transplantations in the United States, responded. Significant improvements were observed since the earlier survey; 62% centers now ensure separation of RD and recipient care (P < .0001). This study identifies several areas where RD management does not meet international donor care standards, however. Particular concerns include counseling and assessment of donors before HLA typing, with 61% centers first disclosing donor HLA results to an individual other than the donor, the use of unlicensed mobilization agents, and the absence of long-term donor follow-up. Recommendations for improvement are made.

Patient age, remission status and HCT-CI in a combined score are prognostic for patients with AML undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in CR1 and CR2

For AML, older age, advanced disease and increased hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) are associated with worse prognosis following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This single-center retrospective study investigated the influence of pre-transplant characteristics on outcomes of 387 patients undergoing allogeneic HCT for AML in CR1 and CR2. The multivariable analysis model for overall survival (OS) included age (hazard ratio (HR)=2.24 for ages 31-64 years and HR=3.23 for age ⩾65 years compared with age ⩽30 years, P=0.003), remission status (HR=1.49 for CR2 compared with CR1, P=0.005) and HCT-CI score (HR=1.47 for ⩾3 compared with <3, P=0.005). Transplant year was significantly associated with OS (P=0.001) but this did not influence the model. A weighted score was developed with age ⩽30, CR1 and HCT-CI score <3 receiving 0 points each, and CR2 and HCT-CI score ⩾3 receiving 1 point each. Ages 31-64 received 2 points, age ⩾65 received 3 points. Scores were grouped as follows: scores 0-1 (low risk, n=36), score 2 (intermediate-low risk, n=147), score 3 (intermediate-high risk, n=141) and scores 4-5 (high risk, n=63) with 3-year OS of 71%, 55%, 42% and 29% for scores 0-1, 2, 3 and 4-5, respectively (P<0.0001). The score predicted nonrelapse mortality (P=0.03) but not cumulative incidence of relapse (P=0.18). This model should be validated for the pre-HCT assessment of AML patients in CR1 and CR2.

A Canadian consensus on the management of newly diagnosed and relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia in adults

The use of all-trans-retinoic acid (atra) and anthracyclines (with or without cytarabine) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (apl) has dramatically changed the management and outcome of the disease over the past few decades. The addition of arsenic trioxide (ato) in the relapsed setting-and, more recently, in reduced-chemotherapy or chemotherapy-free approaches in the first-line setting-continues to improve treatment outcomes by reducing some of the toxicities associated with anthracycline-based approaches. Despite those successes, a high rate of early death from complications of coagulopathy remains the primary cause of treatment failure before treatment begins. In addition to that pressing issue, clarity is needed about the use of ato in the first-line setting and the role of hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (hsct) in the relapsed setting. The aim for the present consensus was to provide guidance to health care professionals about strategies to reduce the early death rate, information on the indications for hsct and on the use of ato in induction and consolidation in low-to-intermediate-risk and high-risk apl patients.

Outcomes of human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donor hematopoietic cell transplantation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: myeloablative versus reduced-intensity conditioning regimens

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure some chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) subjects. This study compared outcomes of myeloablative (MA) and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) transplants from HLA-matched sibling donors (MSD) for CLL. From 1995 to 2007, information regarding 297 CLL subjects was reported to the Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research; of these, 163 underwent MA and 134 underwent RIC MSD HCT. The MA subjects underwent transplantation less often after 2000 and less commonly received antithymocyte globulin (4% versus 13%, P = .004) or prior antibody therapy (14% versus 53%; P < .001). RIC was associated with a greater likelihood of platelet recovery and less grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease compared with MA conditioning. One- and 5-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) were 24% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 16% to 33%) versus 37% (95% CI, 30% to 45%; P = .023), and 40% (95% CI, 29% to 51%) versus 54% (95% CI, 46% to 62%; P = .036), respectively, and the relapse/progression rates at 1 and 5 years were 21% (95% CI, 14% to 29%) versus 10% (95% CI, 6% to 15%; P = .020), and 35% (95% CI, 26% to 46%) versus 17% (95% CI, 12% to 24%; P = .003), respectively. MA conditioning was associated with better progression-free (PFS) (relative risk, .60; 95% CI, .37 to .97; P = .038) and 3-year survival in transplantations before 2001, but for subsequent years, RIC was associated with better PFS and survival (relative risk, 1.49 [95% CI, .92 to 2.42]; P = .10; and relative risk, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.11 to 3.13]; P = .019). Pretransplantation disease status was the most important predictor of relapse (P = .003) and PFS (P = .0007) for both forms of transplantation conditioning. MA and RIC MSD transplantations are effective for CLL. Future strategies to decrease TRM and reduce relapses are warranted.

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in adult ALL: clinical equipoise persists

Adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first complete remission (CR1) may be treated either with ongoing systemic chemotherapy or with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Despite the presence of phase III trials to support clinical decision-making, we hypothesized that physicians who treat adult ALL would demonstrate wide practice variation. Canadian hematologists who treat ALL were surveyed electronically. Overall, 69 of 173 physicians responded (40%). There was high agreement with offering alloHCT for ALL with high-risk cytogenetics or induction failure after a single chemotherapy cycle. However, only a minority of respondents felt that age >35 years was an indication for alloHCT in CR1. Almost all respondents (96%) felt that a well-matched unrelated donor was an acceptable alternative to a sibling donor. There was uncertainty about the role of cord blood (53% agree) and the utility of reduced intensity conditioning HCT (41% agree). In contrast to the results of the MRC/ECOG study, respondents considered alloHCT to be particularly helpful in high-risk patients. Consensus was lacking on the use of cord blood, RIC alloHCT, and the application of MRD. Equipoise exists on the role of alloHCT in CR1 in ALL, suggesting that further trials in this area are required.

Treatment of Lymphoid Malignancies with Non-myeloablative Stem Cell Transplantation

The traditional approach to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation involves the administration of myeloablative preparative regimens. This form of conditioning is associated with a relatively high incidence of regimen-related toxicity. As a result, candidates for allogeneic stem cell transplantation may be excluded owing to advanced age or co-morbid medical illness. Recently, so-called "non-myeloablative" regimens have been introduced, where less intense conditioning therapy is used in an attempt to reduce regimen-related toxicity. In addition, non-myeloablative transplantation takes advantage of the graft-versus-tumour effect that is characteristic of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We review the background, available clinical data, and future directions in non-myeloablative stem cell transplantation, and focus on its potential use in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies.

Increased risk of second malignancies in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients as compared with follicular lymphoma patients: a Canadian population-based study

Background:

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients have an increased risk of other malignancies. This may be due to surveillance bias, treatment or immunosuppression.

Methods:

Cohort study of 612 consecutively diagnosed CLL patients in a Canadian province, with comparisons to follicular lymphoma (FL) patients.

Results:

Treated CLL patients had a 1.7-fold increased risk of second cancers compared with untreated CLL patients. As compared with untreated FL patients, untreated CLL patients had a two-fold increased incidence of second malignancies.

Conclusion:

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia patients have an inherent predisposition to second cancers and the incidence is further increased by treatment.

ABVD (8 cycles) versus BEACOPP (4 escalated cycles => 4 baseline) in stage III-IV high-risk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): First results of EORTC 20012 Intergroup randomized phase III clinical trial

8002

Background: Escalated BEACOPP and derivatives achieved superior time to treatment failure (FFTF) over COPP/ABVD, resulting in higher overall survival (OS) for advanced HL. However, later clinical trials have failed to confirm OS superiority over ABVD. Methods: Eligibility criteria: clinical stage III/IV HL, International prognostic score (IPS) ≥ 3, age<60. We compared ABVD (8 cycles) vs. BEACOPP (escalated 4 cycles ≥ baseline 4), without irradiation. Randomization was stratified for institution and IPS. Primary endpoint was EFS, defined as treatment discontinuation, no complete response (CR) after 8 cycles, progression, relapse or death. Additional endpoints were CR, progression free survival (PFS), OS, quality of life and secondary malignancies. Outcomes were reviewed by study coordinators to ensure consistency across pts. Results: From 2002-2010, 549 pts were randomized (ABVD 275, BEACOPP 274): stage IV 74%, PS 0, 1, 2: 34, 48 and 17%, B-symptoms 81%, median age 35.2y, males 75%. IPS was 4 or higher for 59% of pts. Histology reviewed no HL in 4 cases. CR was 83% in both arms. With a median follow-up of 3.8 yrs, EFS at 4 yrs was 63.7% vs. 69.3% (HR = 0.86, 95%CI=0.64 to 1.15, p=0.312). PFS at 4 yrs was 72.8% vs. 83.4% (HR = 0.58, 95%CI=0.39 to 0.85, p=0.005). OS at 4 yrs was 86.7 vs. 90.3 (HR = 0.71, 95%CI=0.42 to 1.21, p=0.208). Toxic deaths occurred in 6 and 5 pts, with early discontinuation (prior to cycle 5) in 12 & 26 pts, respectively. There were 5 crossovers to BEACOPP and 10 to ABVD. Second malignancies occurred in 8 ABVD and 10 BEACOPP pts (myelodysplasia/leukemia 2 and 4, lung 2 and 1, NHL 3 and 2, other 1 and 3); cumulative incidence curves did not differ significantly. Conclusions: The primary endpoint (EFS) was similar between treatment arms. However, more progressions/relapses were observed with ABVD, while early discontinuations were more frequent with BEACOPP. Nevertheless, even in this high-risk group, OS was not improved with BEACOPP. Additional considerations (treatment burden and cost, fertility issues, long term relapses and immediate and late morbidity) may guide physician/patient decisions toward ABVD or BEACOPP.

Abstract 5505: Risk of second malignancies in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A population based Canadian study

A previous population based study on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) in Manitoba, Canada, demonstrated that in elderly patients the relative survival is reduced, with the difference being greater in males (Seftel et al. 2009). In this study we evaluated the risk of 2nd cancers in an unselected Canadian CLL population to determine whether 2nd cancers might explain the poor relative survival seen in older men with CLL. All CLL diagnoses in Manitoba (Jan 98-Dec 03) were obtained from the Manitoba provincial cancer registry and a centralized flow cytometry database. All cases were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of CLL. For each patient, the time at risk was considered from the index cancer diagnosis (CLL diagnosis where CLL is the first primary cancer) to the second primary cancer, date of death or censoring date (Dec 09). The Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) was calculated to compare the observed number of second cancers in CLL patients with an expected number derived from age, gender and calendar year specific standardized rates of second malignancies for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Of 612 patients, 148 (24%) had a history of a previous cancer and were eliminated from the study. Of the remaining 464 (median age 69 y, F:M ratio 1:1.4) 104 (22.88%) patients eventually developed a second malignancy (median follow up 6.4 y, median time to develop 2nd cancer 3.3 y). CLL patients had a 1.8-fold higher relative risk of a 2nd cancer (95% CI 1.29-2.41) compared to FL patients. SIR was 1.9 when non-melanoma skin cancers were excluded. Patients with FL had a similar incidence of second malignancies, as did patients with other invasive cancers. The most common second cancer among CLL patients was non-melanoma skin cancer, followed by cancers of the digestive organs, prostate, breast and lung. Malignancy was the leading cause of death in CLL patients. In patients with a 2nd cancer, cancers of the digestive organs, lung and brain were the most common causes of death. However, in patients without a 2nd cancer, CLL was the primary cause of death. After cancer, cardiovascular complications and infections were the most common causes of death in CLL patients. This study is unique in that (a) it is a population-based study of CLL patients with a confirmed diagnosis (b) the risk of 2nd cancers was compared with another cancer cohort. FL is an indolent B cell neoplasm that is treated and followed in similar ways to CLL. We demonstrated that CLL patients have a significantly increased risk of developing a 2nd cancer compared to FL patients, and this increase was similar in both genders and in all age groups. Thus, the poor relative survival of older men with CLL cannot be explained by an increased incidence of 2nd cancers. The increased incidence of malignancy in CLL may be related to the immune suppression in this disease or to an inherited predisposition to cancer. Further investigations are underway to better explain our observations.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5505. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5505

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia caused by arsenic trioxide therapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Arsenic trioxide has become the treatment of choice for patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia. Cardiovascular toxicity is known to occur with this therapy, in particular heart rhythm disorders due to QT interval prolongation. We present a case of ventricular arrhythmia with no QT prolongation in a patient receiving arsenic trioxide therapy.

The role of allogeneic stem cell transplantation for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia remains a challenging disease in adults. With modern multi-drug induction chemotherapy regimens, complete remission can be achieved in most patients. However, without additional therapy at the time of the first remission, most patients will eventually relapse. Regardless of the treatment option chosen at the time of relapse, outcomes after relapse are poor, with only around 10% of all patients surviving after relapse. Thus, decision-making at the time of achieving the first complete remission is critical. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is highly effective at preventing relapse, but with significant treatment related toxicity. Ongoing chemotherapy in the form of consolidation and maintenance may be less effective at preventing relapse, but with lower toxicities. Thus, the superiority of allogeneic stem cell transplantation must be balanced against the lower toxicity of consolidation chemotherapy. This decision is further complicated by rapid changes in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, such as the use of reduced intensity conditioning regimens and alternative stem cell sources such as cord blood transplants. The available evidence suggests that allogeneic transplantation is a viable treatment option for patients in first complete remission, with overall survival superior to traditional consolidation and maintenance chemotherapy. However, whether transplantation based post-remission therapy is superior to modern, pediatric-based non-transplant chemotherapy regimens remains unclear.

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing auto-SCT for advanced germ cell tumour: a multicentre cohort study

Failure of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in advanced germ cell tumour (GCT) is associated with a poor outcome. High-dose chemotherapy and auto-SCT is one therapeutic option, although the long-term outcome after this procedure is unclear. We conducted a multicentre cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing a single auto-SCT for GCT between January 1986 and December 2004. Of 71 subjects, median follow-up is 10.1 years. OS at 5 years is 44.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 32.9-56.5%) and EFS is 43.5% (95% CI 31.4-55.1%). There were seven (10%) treatment-related deaths within 100 days of auto-SCT. Three (4.2%) patients developed secondary malignancies. Of 33 relapses, 31 occurred within 2 years of auto-SCT. Two very late relapses were noted 13 and 11 years after auto-SCT. In multivariate analysis, favourable outcome was associated with IGCCC (International Germ Cell Consensus Classification) good prognosis disease at diagnosis, primary gonadal disease and response to salvage chemotherapy. We conclude that auto-SCT results in successful outcome for a relatively large subgroup of patients with high-risk GCT. Late relapses may occur, a finding not previously reported.