The addition of bortezomib to rituximab, high-dose cytarabine and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma-a randomized, open-label phase III trial of the European mantle cell lymphoma network

The therapy of relapsed or refractory (r/r) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients remains a major clinical challenge to date. We conducted a randomized, open-label, parallel-group phase-III trial hypothesizing superior efficacy of rituximab, high-dose cytarabine and dexamethasone with bortezomib (R-HAD + B) versus without (R-HAD) in r/r MCL ineligible for or relapsed after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Primary endpoint was time to treatment failure (TTF), secondary endpoints included response rates, progression free survival, overall survival, and safety. In total, 128 of 175 planned patients were randomized to R-HAD + B (n = 64) or R-HAD (n = 64). Median TTF was 12 vs. 2.6 months (p = 0.045, MIPI-adjusted HR 0.69; 95%CI 0.47-1.02). Overall and complete response rates were 63 vs. 45% (p = 0.049) and 42 vs. 19% (p = 0.0062). A significant treatment effect was seen in the subgroup of patients >65 years (aHR 0.48, 0.29-0.79) and without previous ASCT (aHR 0.52, 0.28-0.96). Toxicity was mostly hematological and attributable to the chemotherapeutic backbone. Grade ≥3 leukocytopenia and lymphocytopenia were more common in R-HAD + B without differences in severe infections between both arms. Bortezomib in combination with chemotherapy can be effective in r/r MCL and should be evaluated further as a therapeutic option, especially if therapy with BTK inhibitors is not an option. Trial registration: NCT01449344.

International validation of a health-related quality-of-life questionnaire for Hodgkin lymphoma: the EORTC QLQ-HL27

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) has become 1 of the most curable cancers. Therefore, rigorous assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptom burden of these patients is essential to support informed clinical decisions. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group previously developed the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) Hodgkin Lymphoma 27. This paper reports the final results of an international study by the EORTC group to develop a HRQoL disease-specific measure for these patients: the EORTC QLQ-HL27. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of HL (N = 381) were enrolled from 12 countries and completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HL27, and a debriefing questionnaire at baseline (any time after diagnosis). A subset completed a retest (n = 126) or responsiveness-to-change analyses (RCA) second measurement (n = 98). Psychometrics were evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit of the 27 items of the QLQ-HL27 on its 4 scales (symptom burden, physical condition/fatigue, emotional impact, and worries about health/functioning). Test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-group comparisons, and RCA find satisfactory results. Symptom burden and fatigue was higher among patients on treatment (with 36%-83% reporting at least a few problems) compared with those who had completed treatment (19%-61% reporting at least a few problems). Prevalence of worries about health and functioning (reporting at least some worry) was similar for patients on treatment (51%-81%) vs those who had completed treatment (52%-78%). Implementation of the EORTC QLQ-HL27 in research and clinical applications will increase sensitivity of HRQoL assessment in patients with HL. High quality data generated through use of this questionnaire are expected to facilitate clinical decision making in the HL setting.

Mobilization and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Collection in Poor Mobilizing Patients with Lymphoma: Final Results of the German OPTIMOB Study

Introduction

Successful mobilization and collection of peripheral hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are necessary for lymphoma patients eligible for myeloablative chemotherapy with subsequent autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Albeit G-CSF alone or combined with chemotherapy is well-established methods for HSC mobilization, up to 40% of the patients fail to mobilize (poor mobilizer, PM). Plerixafor (PLX) is commonly used in PM patients resulting in increased migration of HSCs into peripheral blood and thus improves the collection outcome.

Methods

The prospective, multicenter, open-label, non-interventional OPTIMOB study assessed mobilization and collection parameter of patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma to get deep insights in the treatment of those patients in clinical routine focusing on PM patients. PM was defined as follows: (1) no achievement of ≥20 CD34+ progenitor cells/µL before first apheresis, (2) PLX administration at any time point during the observational period, (3) reduction of the initially planned CD34+ progenitor cell yield as necessity due to failed mobilization or HSC collection, and (4) no performance of apheresis due to low CD34+ progenitor level. Primary objective of the study was to assess mobilization success by the proportion of PM patients achieving >2 × 106 CD34+ progenitor cells/kg body weight on the first day of apheresis. Here, the data of the lymphoma cohort are presented.

Results

Out of 238 patients with lymphoma documented in the study, 32% were classified as PM. 87% of them received PLX. Demographic data revealed no obvious differences between PM and good mobilizing (GM) patients. All patients were treated highly individualized prior to mobilization. Majority of all PM patients were able to undergo apheresis (95%) and reached their individual requested CD34+ progenitor cell target (72%). 57% of the PM patients achieved >2.0 × 106 CD34+ progenitor cells/kg body weight on day 1 of apheresis and nearby 70% of them underwent ASCT. Median time to engraftment was similar in PM and GM patients of the lymphoma cohort.

Conclusions

Majority of PM patients with lymphoma were successfully mobilized and underwent ASCT. Most of them received PLX during the study.

International validation of two EORTC questionnaires for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-HG29) and low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-LG20)

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a critical aspect to consider when making treatment decisions for patients with non-Hodgkin-lymphoma (NHL). This international study by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of two newly developed measures for patients with high-grade (HG)- and low-grade (LG)-NHL: the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and the EORTC QLQ-NHL-LG20 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).

METHODS

Overall, 768 patients with HG-NHL (N = 423) and LG-NHL (N = 345) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-NHL-HG29/QLQ-NHL-LG20 and a debriefing questionnaire at baseline, and a subset at follow-up for either retest (N = 125/124) or responsiveness to change (RCA; N = 98/49).

RESULTS

Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 29 items of the QLQ-NHL-HG29 on its five scales (symptom burden [SB], neuropathy, physical condition/fatigue [PF], emotional impact [EI], and worries about health/functioning [WH]), and of the 20 items of the QLQ-NHL-LG20 on its four scales (SB, PF, EI, and WH). Completion took on average 10 minutes. Test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-group comparisons, and RCA find satisfactory results of both measures. A total of 31%-78% of patients with HG-NHL and 22%-73% of patients with LG-NHL reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g., tingling in hands/feet, lack of energy, and worries about recurrence). Patients reporting symptoms/worries had substantially lower HRQOL compared to those without.

DISCUSSION

The use of the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20 questionnaires in clinical research and practice will provide clinically relevant data to better inform treatment decision-making.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group developed two questionnaires. These questionnaires measure health-related quality of life. The questionnaires are for patients with high-grade or low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are called the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20. The questionnaires are now internationally validated. This study demonstrates that the questionnaires are reliably and valid, which are important aspects of a questionnaire. The questionnaires can now be used in clinical trials and practice. With the information gathered from the questionnaires, patients and clinicians can better evaluate treatments and discuss the best choice for a patient.

Controlled non-randomised before-after study evaluating the impact of a focused recommendation card on vaccination rates of oncological patients-The Easy Vaccination in Oncology (EVO) strategy

OBJECTIVE

By implementing a focused must-have vaccination strategy (Easy Vaccination in Oncology [EVO]), we aimed to increase rates for high-impact vaccinations (Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza, herpes zoster and hepatitis B) in the at-risk population of oncological patients.

METHODS

In this German multicentre interventional non-randomised controlled two-arm open trial with repeated cross-sectional data collection, we evaluated the EVO strategy as an easy to implement approach. Vaccination rates were assessed in the outpatient setting and re-assessed after 3 months. A generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to assess the primary endpoint (Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination rates according to recommendations), taking clustering within clinics into account.

RESULTS

Vaccination rates substantially increased in the intervention group; Streptococcus pneumoniae +21.5% (+16.7% according to recommendations), influenza +12.2%, herpes zoster +13.3% (+13.6% age group 50+), and hepatitis B +11%. Vaccination rates in the control group tended to decrease or increase only moderately (-5.8% [-3.8%], +7.4%, +2.1% [1.4%], and -1.7%, respectively). GLMM showed significant effect of the intervention (OR 7.50, 95% CI 2.18-25.80, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This easy-to-implement and resource-saving approach has the potential to increase vaccination rates in oncological patients and to have a considerable impact protecting oncological patients from preventable infectious diseases.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at the German Resister for Clinical Studies (DRKS) under DRKS00020118.

CELESTIMO: A phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of mosunetuzumab plus lenalidomide versus rituximab plus lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma who have received ≥ 1 line of systemic therapy

TPS7588

Background: Despite significant progress with first-line immunochemotherapy, most patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) will eventually relapse with increasing refractoriness and decreasing duration of response to subsequent therapy lines (Rivas-Delgado et al. 2019). Mosunetuzumab (M) is a CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody that engages and redirects T-cells to eliminate malignant B cells (Sun et al. 2015). In an ongoing, pivotal Phase I/II trial of M monotherapy, patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) FL who have received ≥2 prior treatment lines achieve deep and durable responses (NCT02500407; Budde et al. ASH 2021). Preliminary data from a Phase Ib study have suggested favorable safety and promising activity of M in combination with lenalidomide (Len), a potent immunomodulatory agent that has shown additive/synergistic activity with an anti-CD20 antibody in R/R indolent lymphoma (Leonard et al. 2019), in patients with R/R FL who have received ≥1 prior therapy (NCT04246086; Morschhauser et al. ASH 2021). The chemotherapy-free M-Len combination may represent a promising outpatient therapy option for future management of patients with R/R FL. The randomized, multicenter Phase III study has been initiated. Methods: CELESTIMO (NCT04712097) is a randomized, multicenter, open-label Phase III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of M-Len versus rituximab plus Len (R-Len) in patients with previously treated R/R FL. Patients must have histologically documented CD20+ FL (Grades 1–3a) requiring systemic therapy and have received ≥1 prior line of systemic therapy. Patients are randomized (1:1) to receive M-Len (M intravenously [IV] on Days [D] 1, 8 and 15 of Cycle [C] 1 [21-day cycle] and D1 of C2–12 [28-day cycles], plus Len orally [PO] on D1–21 of C2–12) or R-Len (R IV on D1, 8, 15 and 22 of C1 then on D1 of C3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, plus Len PO on D1–21 of C1–12 [all 28-day cycles]), and stratified by disease progression within 24 months of initial treatment (yes/no), number of prior lines of therapy (1 versus ≥2), and refractoriness to anti-CD20 therapy (refractory/non-refractory). The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent review committee; secondary endpoints include investigator-assessed PFS, complete and objective response, overall survival, and safety. Biomarkers predictive of response to M-Len and R-Len will also be investigated as exploratory endpoints. The study started recruitment in 2021 and plans to enroll ̃400 patients from approximately 16 countries and 150 sites globally. Clinical trial information: NCT04712097.

inMIND: A phase 3 study of tafasitamab plus lenalidomide and rituximab versus placebo plus lenalidomide and rituximab for relapsed/refractory follicular or marginal zone lymphoma

TPS7583

Background: Most patients with the indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes follicular (FL) or marginal zone (MZL) respond to first-line treatment but relapse is common, and there is no single standard treatment for patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) FL or MZL. Tafasitamab (TAFA) is an Fc-engineered humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD19 which is broadly expressed in FL and MZL, and regulates B-cell proliferation via B-cell receptor signaling. In preclinical studies, TAFA has shown activity against NHL cell lines in combination with rituximab (anti-CD20 mAb) and lenalidomide (LEN). Monotherapy with TAFA has shown promising clinical activity in a phase 2a study in pts with R/R NHL (NCT01685008), with an ORR of 29% (n/N = 10/34) in pts with FL and 33% (n/N = 3/9) in pts with MZL. In an ongoing phase 2, single-arm study (L-MIND, NCT02399085), TAFA + LEN followed by TAFA alone demonstrated an ORR of 57.5% (n/N = 46/80) in pts with R/R diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (FDA approved indication). These preclinical and clinical observations from phase 2 trials suggest a potential clinical benefit of TAFA + LEN and rituximab for pts with R/R FL or MZL. Methods: This phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is designed to investigate whether TAFA + LEN and rituximab provides improved clinical benefit compared with LEN and rituximab in pts with R/R FL or R/R MZL. Pts will be randomized 1:1 to receive TAFA (12 mg/kg IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day cycle [cycles 1–3], then days 1 and 15 [cycles 4–12]) + LEN (20 mg PO QD, days 1–21/cycle for 12 cycles) and rituximab (375 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of cycle 1, then day 1 of cycles 2–5), or placebo (0.9% saline solution IV) + LEN and rituximab. Stratified randomization will be performed separately for pts with R/R FL and R/R MZL. The primary study endpoint is PFS (investigator assessed [INV] by Lugano 2014 criteria) for pts with FL. Key secondary endpoints are PFS (INV) in overall population (FL and MZL), PET-CR rate (INV) at end of treatment (90 days after last treatment) and OS in pts with FL. Inclusion criteria include age ≥18 y, histologically confirmed FL (grade 1, 2, or 3a) or MZL (nodal, splenic, or extranodal), documented R/R disease, ≥1 prior systemic anti-CD20 therapy (including pts with anti-CD20 refractory disease), ECOG PS ≤2, adequate systemic organ function, and high tumor burden (per GELF criteria). Exclusion criteria include prior rituximab + LEN treatment, history of radiotherapy for other diseases (≥25% of bone marrow), nonhematologic malignancy, congestive heart failure (LVEF < 50%), active systemic infection, known CNS lymphoma, or severe immunocompromised state. inMIND (NCT04680052, EudraCT2020-004407-13) is currently enrolling pts; planned enrollment is 528 pts with R/R FL and 60–90 pts with R/R MZL across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Clinical trial information: NCT04680052 / EudraCT2020-004407-13.

International validation of the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 questionnaire for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Selecting the most appropriate chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment is challenging. Patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is therefore a critical aspect to consider. This international study by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure for CLL patients: the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Patients with CLL (n = 341) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-CLL17 and a debriefing questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded from medical records. A high percentage (30%-66%) reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g. aches/pains in muscles, lack of energy and worry/fears about health). Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 17 items on the three scales (i.e. symptom burden, physical condition/fatigue and worries/fears about health and functioning). Completion took on average 8 min. Test-retest and convergent validity was demonstrated. The QLQ-CLL17 differentiated between patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology group (ECOG) performance of 0 versus 1-3 (p's < 0.01 and clinically relevant). The newly developed EORTC QLQ-CLL17 will increase sensitivity of HRQoL assessment in patients with CLL. Implementation of this questionnaire both in clinical research and practice will help to generate unique clinically relevant data to better inform CLL treatment decision-making.

Anticoagulation Practice in Patients with Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Insights from GeCAT, a German Prospective Registry Study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-associated venous thrombosis (CAT) is a common and serious complication of active malignancies, increasing in frequency during systemic treatment and radiotherapy. Due to a high risk of recurrence and bleeding, the administration of anticoagulants for initial treatment and secondary prevention of CAT is challenging. We conducted a prospective registry study of patients with acute CAT to evaluate the way treatment is given to these patients in routine practice.

METHODS

From May 2015 to May 2017, all consecutive patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE) admitted to specialty or emergency departments of the participating hospitals in Berlin, Germany, were entered in the registry. Patients with cancer underwent extensive baseline evaluation including the type and location of thrombosis and use of anticoagulant therapy. Follow-up assessments were made at discharge and by telephone interviews at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 382 patients with acute CAT were enrolled in the study, representing 24.5% of all patients with thrombosis. 70.4% of CAT patients had deep vein thromboses (DVT), 48.2% had pulmonary embolism (PE), and 18.6% had concurrent PE and DVT. A significant proportion of VTE (27%) were asymptomatic and were diagnosed only incidentally. At baseline, 97.9% of the patients received anticoagulant therapy, predominantly with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (n=334, 87.4%). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were given to 5.8% of patients, and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) were rarely used (<2% of patients). Changes in the prescription of antithrombotic agents were seen at discharge from hospital and during follow-up. Overall, the use of LMWH declined during follow-up, while the proportion of patients treated with DOACs increased to 32.4% at 6 months. At baseline, the most frequently used LMWH were enoxaparin and nadroparin, but many patients were switched to once daily tinzaparin prior to discharge. Initially and after discharge the majority of patients were treated by oncologists. Overall, 263 (68.8%) and 222 (58,1%) patients were still alive and could be contacted at 3 and 6 months of follow-up, respectively. Of these, 84.0% and 71.6% were still on anticoagulant therapy (58.6% and 36.5% on LMWH).

CONCLUSION

In accordance with the guidelines, the majority of CAT patients received anticoagulation therapy for the recommended minimum duration of 3-6 months. LMWH remained the preferred option throughout the study, demonstrating good patient adherence. In deviation from guideline recommendations and available study results during the study period, more than a quarter of CAT patients were treated with DOACs. Only recently, DOACs have been established as another option for anticoagulation in CAT patients.

A phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tafasitamab plus lenalidomide and rituximab versus placebo plus lenalidomide and rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) follicular lymphoma (FL) or marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)

TPS7568

Background: Most patients with the indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes FL or MZL respond to first-line treatment but relapse is common, and there is no single standard treatment for patients with R/R FL or MZL. Tafasitamab is an Fc-engineered humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD19 which is broadly expressed in FL and MZL, and regulates B-cell proliferation via B-cell receptor signaling. In preclinical studies, tafasitamab has shown activity against NHL cell lines in combination with rituximab (anti-CD20 mAb) and lenalidomide (LEN). Tafasitamab monotherapy has shown promising clinical activity in a phase 2a study in patients with R/R NHL (NCT01685008), with an ORR of 29% (n/N = 10/34) in patients with FL and 33% (n/N = 3/9) in patients with MZL. In an ongoing phase 2, single-arm study (L-MIND, NCT02399085), tafasitamab plus LEN followed by tafasitamab alone demonstrated an ORR of 57.5% (n/N = 46/80) in patients with R/R diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (FDA approved indication). These preclinical and clinical observations from phase 2 trials suggest a potential clinical benefit of tafasitamab plus LEN and rituximab for patients with R/R FL or MZL. Methods: This phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study is designed to investigate whether tafasitamab plus LEN and rituximab provides improved clinical benefit compared with LEN and rituximab in patients with R/R FL or R/R MZL. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive tafasitamab (12 mg/kg IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of a 28-day cycle [cycles 1–3], then days 1 and 15 [cycles 4–12]) plus LEN (20 mg PO QD, days 1–21/ cycle for 12 cycles) and rituximab (375 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of cycle 1, then day 1 of cycles 2–5), or placebo (0.9% saline solution IV) plus LEN and rituximab. The primary study endpoint is PFS (investigator assessed [INV] by Lugano 2014 criteria) for patients with FL. Key secondary endpoints are PFS (INV) in overall population (FL and MZL), PET-CR rate (INV) at end of treatment (4–8 weeks after last treatment) and OS in patients with FL. Inclusion criteria include age ≥18 y, histologically confirmed FL (grade 1, 2, or 3a) or MZL (nodal, splenic, or extranodal), documented R/R disease, ≥1 prior systemic anti-CD20 therapy (including anti-CD20 refractory disease), ECOG PS ≤2, adequate systemic organ function, and high tumor burden (per GELF criteria). Exclusion criteria include prior rituximab plus LEN treatment, history of radiotherapy for other diseases (≥25% of bone marrow), nonhematologic malignancy, congestive heart failure (LVEF < 50%), active systemic infection, known CNS lymphoma, or severe immunocompromised state. inMIND (NCT04680052, EudraCT2020-004407-13) is currently enrolling patients; planned enrollment is 528 patients with R/R FL and 60–90 patients with R/R MZL. Clinical trial information: NCT04680052.

Radioimmunotherapy for mantle cell lymphoma: 5-year follow-up of 90 patients from the international RIT registry

To assess the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with ⁹⁰yttrium-ibrutinib-tiuxetan (90Y-IT) in mantle cell lymphoma, data from 90 patients registered in the RIT Network with a median follow-up (FU) of 5.5 years after RIT were evaluated. 90Y-IT was given as first-line therapy in 45 (50%) and for relapse in 45 (50%) patients. Most patients received 90Y-IT as consolidation after chemoimmunotherapy in first line (98%) and in relapse (53%). As a first-line treatment, 30 patients (pts.) (67%) achieved CR, 10 pts. (22%) PR%. and 1 pt. (2%) PD, and for 4 pts. (9%), no response data was available. At relapse, CR was achieved in 17 pts. (38%), PR in 6 pts. (13%), SD in 2 pts. (4%), and 6 pts. (13%) had PD, while the response was not documented for 14 pts. (31%). After a median FU of 5.5 years, median PFS for all patients was 2.11 (95% CI, 1.03–2.32) years, and median OS was 4.05 (95% CI, 2.79–7.21) years. Eleven pts. (12.2%) developed second malignancy. In conclusion, this is the largest report of MCL pts. treated with 90Y-IT to date. 90Y-IT was most often used as consolidation after first- and second-line chemotherapy and may improve the results achieved using chemoimmunotherapy alone. However, the results are less encouraging compared to treatment with small molecules such as ibrutinib.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) for Follicular Lymphoma achieves long term lymphoma control in first line and at relapse: 8-year follow-up data of 281 patients from the international RIT-registry

To assess efficacy of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) in follicular lymphoma, data from 281 patients collected in the RIT Network, with a median follow-up of 8·2 years after RIT were analysed. RIT was given at first line in 18·5% and at relapse in 81·5%. Following first line therapy, 76·9% achieved complete remission (CR), 9·6% partial remission (PR), 1·9% stable disease (SD) and 1·9% had progressive disease (PD); response was not documented in 9·7%. At relapse, the rate of CR was 48·5% and that of PR was 16·6%, SD 2·6% and PD 10·5%; response was not documented in 21·8%. After median follow-up of 8·2 years, median progression-free survival (PFS) for all was 2·54 years, median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Median PFS and OS (both not reached) were significantly better in first line, compared to RIT at relapse (PFS, 2·11 years; OS, 10·8 years; P = 0·0037 and P = 0·0021, respectively). Overall 8-year PFS was 33·9%, 53·6% for first line and 29·6% for relapsed individuals. Overall 8-year OS was 58·8%, 78·1% for first line and 54·5% for relapsed patients. Thirty-five patients (12·5%) developed secondary malignancy and 16 patients (5·7%) experienced transformation into aggressive lymphoma. RIT is a safe and effective treatment option for follicular lymphoma, both at front line and relapse with an 8-year PFS of 53·6% and 29·6%, respectively.

Impact of prior treatment on outcome of transformed follicular lymphoma and relapsed de novo diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a retrospective multicentre analysis

Transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) into aggressive disease and relapse of de novo diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are considered highly unfavourable events. However, most published data were acquired when rituximab was not routinely used. We retrospectively analysed 50 patients with transformed FL (tFL) in a multicenter study and compared them to 50 individuals with relapsed DLBCL (rDLBCL) who all obtained rituximab for the treatment of their disease. Our goal was to identify factors that predict a more favourable prognosis. After a median follow-up of 5.4 years from diagnosis, there was no significant difference in median overall survival (OS) from the date of transformation (tFL) or date of the first relapse (rDLBCL) (1.9 versus 3.9 years, P = .542). Of note, 5-year OS of patients with tFL was 46 %. Follicular lymphoma patients, treatment naïve prior to transformation, fared significantly better than pretreated patients (median not reached versus 1.4 years, P = .014). Regarding rDLBCL, female gender (13.9 versus 1.8 years, P = .019) and absence of rituximab prior to the first relapse (14.0 versus 1.8 years, P = .035) were favourable prognostic factors in a uni- and multivariate analysis. Only a proportion of patients received high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT), i.e. 38 and 52 % of patients with tFL and rDLBCL, respectively. Our data indicate that a favourable prognosis is conferred by treatment naivety in tFL and by rituximab naivety in rDLBCL. In contrast, we did not find a prognostic impact of HDT-ASCT in our series.

Transformation and additional malignancies are leading risk factors for an adverse course of disease in marginal zone lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that occurs as extra nodal, nodal, or splenic. While MZL is generally considered an indolent disease, a substantial percentage of patients follow an unfavorable course. The objective of this retrospective analysis was to identify predictors for a reduced overall survival (OS), or conversely an increased OS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety-seven MZL patients were analyzed. Apart from assessing previously published risk factors, concomitant morbidity at diagnosis, transformation into aggressive lymphoma, and occurrence of additional malignancies were evaluated.

RESULTS

Next to the known risk factors, i.e. above 60 years of age and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), we demonstrate that transformation into aggressive lymphoma, as well as additional malignancies, are important independent risk factors for a shortened OS in a multivariate analysis, irrespective of the MZL localization. Impressively, in the group of patients lacking LDH elevation, transformation, and/or additional malignancies, only 1 of 63 patients died during follow-up compared with 37 of 87 patients in the high-risk group (HR = 22.8; 95% confidence interval 3.1-167.0; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis proposes novel risk factors and warrants for a continuous follow-up to detect the occurrence of transformation and additional malignancies early on.

Radioimmunotherapy for first-line and relapse treatment of aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: an analysis of 215 patients registered in the international RIT-Network

PURPOSE

Very few reliable clinical data about the use of radioimmunotherapy in aggressive B-cell lymphoma exist.

METHODS

Patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma registered in the international RIT-Network were analysed with regard to prior treatment, response and side effects. The RIT-Network is a web-based registry that collects observational data from radioimmunotherapy-treated patients with malignant lymphoma across 13 countries.

RESULTS

This analysis included 215 with aggressive B-cell lymphoma out of 232 patients registered in the RIT-Network. Histological subtypes were as follows: 190 diffuse large B-cell, 15 primary mediastinal, 9 anaplastic large cell, and 1 intravascular lymphoma. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range 17 - 88), with 27% above the age of 70 years. Radioimmunotherapy was mainly used as consolidation after first-line or second-line chemotherapy (56.1%), as part of third-line to eighth-line therapy for relapse (16.4%), and in refractory disease (12.2%). Grade IV neutropenia and thrombopenia and grade III anaemia were observed. The median time to recovery of blood count was 81 days (range 0 - 600 days). The overall response rate was 63.3%. The complete response rate was 76.4 % in patients treated as part of first-line therapy, and 44.3% in patients with relapse. Mean overall survival in first-line therapy patients was 32.7 months and 14.0 months in patients with relapse or refractory disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma in the RIT-Network received radioimmunotherapy as consolidation after first-line therapy with excellent complete remission and overall survival rates compared to published data. In relapsed aggressive B-cell lymphoma, radioimmunotherapy is a safe and feasible treatment leading to satisfactory response rates with acceptable toxicity.

90Yttrium-Ibritumomab-Tiuxetan as First-Line Treatment for Follicular Lymphoma: 30 Months of Follow-Up Data From an International Multicenter Phase II Clinical Trial

Purpose

We report on a multicenter phase II trial of 90yttrium-ibritumomab-tiuxetan (90YIT) as first-line stand-alone therapy for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL).

Patients and Methods

Fifty-nine patients with CD20+ FL grade 1 to 3a in stages II, III, or IV, age 50 years old or older requiring therapy were enrolled. They received 90YIT according to standard procedure. If complete response (CR) or unconfirmed complete response (CRu) without evidence for minimal residual disease (MRD) 6 months after application of 90YIT was achieved, patients were observed without further intervention. The same applied to patients with partial response (PR) or with stable disease (SD). Patients with CR but with persisting MRD were to receive a consolidation treatment with rituximab. Primary end point was the clinical and molecular response rate. Secondary end points were time to progression, safety, and tolerability.

Results

Six months after treatment with 90YIT, 56% of the patients showed a CR or CRu and 31% achieved a PR. After a median follow-up of 30.6 months, the progression-free survival (PFS) was 26 months. There was a trend for shorter PFS in patients with increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Of the 26 patients who had CR 12 months after 90YIT, only three had relapsed. Median time to next treatment has not been reached. The most common toxicities were transient thrombocytopenia and leukocytopenia. Nonhematologic toxicities never exceeded grade 2 according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v2.0).

Conclusion

90YIT is well tolerated and achieves high response rates. Patients with increased LDH tend to relapse earlier, and individuals in remission 1 year after 90YIT appear to have long- lasting responses.

The mTOR inhibitor everolimus in combination with carboplatin in metastatic breast cancer--a phase I trial

AIM

Despite advances in the the first- and second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer, there remains a large unmet need for additional treatment options. As preclinical studies have suggested that combining everolimus with carboplatin may produce higher activity than each drug by itself, we initiated a phase I study of this combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with pre-treated metastatic breast cancer received weekly carboplatin at AUC2 and daily oral everolimus at different dose-levels (level I: 2.5 mg; II: 5 mg; III: 7.5 mg; IV: 10 mg). Three patients were assigned to dose-levels I to III, and six to dose-level IV. The primary end-point was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were recruited to the study. The median number of previous chemotherapies was four (range: 1-11). No dose-limiting toxicity occurred at levels I-III during the first cycle. Based on the pre-determined definition, the maximum planned dose-level IV was selected as the MTD. Patients received a median of four cycles of treatment (range 1-13). Most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicities included leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and infection. Response rates were as follows: 21% partial response, 43% stable disease, and 36% progressive disease.

CONCLUSION

Carboplatin and everolimus is a well-tolerated combination for heavily pre-treated metastatic breast cancer. Everolimus (10 mg/d) and carboplatin (AUC2 weekly) were defined as the MTD. This dose is currently being employed in an ongoing phase II trial.

Breast Cancer-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is defined as thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Cancer-associated TMA, a rare but fatal condition, seems an entity distinct from classical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with breast cancer-associated TMA treated at our institution between 2003 and 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. To elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms, we measured the serum activity of the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. RESULTS: 8 patients were identified. All showed bone marrow infiltration of breast cancer as well as thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and hemolytic anemia. ADAMTS13 activity was mildly decreased in 4/6 patients (20-108%, normal range 30-120%), but none showed severely low levels as is characteristic of classical TTP. 6 patients were treated with anthracycline-containing fractionated chemotherapy, 5/6 patients experienced partial response. Overall survival was 13 months. Fractionated chemotherapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-associated TMA has an underlying mechanism different from classical TTP. While bone marrow infiltration might be of major relevance, ADAMTS13 deficiency seems to be an epiphenomenon. Fractionated chemotherapy resulted in higher remission rates and comparatively long survival.

Primary tumor excision in stage IV breast cancer at diagnosis without influence on survival: a retrospective analysis and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Patients with synchronous metastastic breast cancer and intact primary tumor traditionally undergo systemic treatment. Surgical intervention at the primary site is typically reserved for palliation and often replaceable by radiation. Nevertheless, local surgery in metastatic breast cancer has become an issue of great controversy since retrospective studies published during the recent years suggested a slight benefit from an operative procedure. We evaluated the effect of surgery on long-term survival and progression-free survival in synchronous stage IV breast cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all breast cancer patients treated at our institution between 1986 and 2007. Information recorded for each patient included age, tumor characteristics, metastasis characteristics, therapy, progression-free survival, and overall survival. Survival data were compared between surgical and nonsurgical patients.

RESULTS

61 patients with synchronous metastastic breast cancer and intact primary tumor were analyzed. 26 patients (43%) received no primary site surgery and 35 (57%) patients had surgery. Overall survival and progression-free survival determined via the Kaplan-Meier method showed no significant difference between the surgery and the non-surgery group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, the operation of the primary tumor did not influence overall survival or progression-free survival.