Early transfusion patterns improve the Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) prediction in myelodysplastic syndromes

BACKGROUND

The Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) is the new gold standard for diagnostic outcome prediction in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This study was designed to assess the additive prognostic impact of dynamic transfusion parameters during early follow-up.

METHODS

We retrieved complete transfusion data from 677 adult Swedish MDS patients included in the IPSS-M cohort. Time-dependent erythrocyte transfusion dependency (E-TD) was added to IPSS-M features and analyzed regarding overall survival and leukemic transformation (acute myeloid leukemia). A multistate Markov model was applied to assess the prognostic value of early changes in transfusion patterns.

RESULTS

Specific clinical and genetic features were predicted for diagnostic and time-dependent transfusion patterns. Importantly, transfusion state both at diagnosis and within the first year strongly predicts outcomes in both lower (LR) and higher-risk (HR) MDSs. In multivariable analysis, 8-month landmark E-TD predicted shorter survival independently of IPSS-M (p < 0.001). A predictive model based on IPSS-M and 8-month landmark E-TD performed significantly better than a model including only IPSS-M. Similar trends were observed in an independent validation cohort (n = 218). Early transfusion patterns impacted both future transfusion requirements and outcomes in a multistate Markov model.

CONCLUSION

The transfusion requirement is a robust and available clinical parameter incorporating the effects of first-line management. In MDS, it provides dynamic risk information independently of diagnostic IPSS-M and, in particular, clinical guidance to LR MDS patients eligible for potentially curative therapeutic intervention.

MDS-Comorbidity Index using register data has prognostic impact in Swedish MDS patients

Comorbidities influence the mortality in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and a growing body of evidence suggest that comorbidity history should be used in addition to established prognostic indices. A comorbidity index specific for MDS, the MDS-CI, was introduced a decade ago. In this study we aim to construct an MDS-CI version based on diagnoses from register data only, to expand its use beyond the clinical setting to retrospective and register based studies. We further test this version on a Swedish population-based MDS cohort of 2947 patients, and compare its prognostic accuracy to that of Charlson Comorbidity Index. Our register based MDS-CI divided patients into three risk groups of similar proportions as have been published for the original MDS-CI. Compared to low risk patients, intermediate and high risk patients had 50 % and 70 % higher mortality, respectively. The prognostic value of MDS-CI was equal to that of Charlson comorbidity index. Adding MDS-CI to the established prognostic factors IPSS-R and age increased the prognostic accuracy. In summary, we demonstrate that MDS-CI can be adequately estimated from diagnoses recorded in registers only, and that it is a useful tool in any future study on myelodysplastic syndromes with a need to adjust for comorbidities.

Therapy-related MDS dissected based on primary disease and treatment-a nationwide perspective

In this population-based study, we aimed to characterize and compare subgroups of therapy-related Myelodysplastic syndromes (t-MDS) and define the implications of type of previous treatment and primary disease. We combined data from MDS patients, diagnosed between 2009 and 2017 (n = 2705), in the nationwide Swedish MDS register, with several health registers. Furthermore, using matched population controls, we investigated the prevalence of antecedent malignancies in MDS patients in comparison with the general population. This first ever nationwide study on t-MDS confirms a shorter median survival for t-MDS compared to de novo MDS (15.8 months vs 31.1 months, p < 0.001). T-MDS patients previously treated with radiation only had disease characteristics with a striking resemblance to de novo-MDS, in sharp contrast to patients treated with chemotherapy who had a significantly higher risk profile. IPSS-R and the WHO classification differentiated t-MDS into different risk groups. As compared with controls, MDS patients had a six-fold increased prevalence of a previous hematological malignancy but only a 34% increased prevalence of a previous solid tumor. T-MDS patients with a previous hematological malignancy had a dismal prognosis, due both to mortality related to their primary disease and to high-risk MDS.

Characterization of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: increasing incidence and prognostic implications

Studies of therapy-related AML (t-AML) are usually performed in selected cohorts and reliable incidence rates are lacking. In this study, we characterized, defined the incidence over time and studied prognostic implications in all t-AML patients diagnosed in Sweden between 1997 and 2015. Data were retrieved from nationwide population-based registries. In total, 6779 AML patients were included in the study, of which 686 (10%) had t-AML. The median age for t-AML was 71 years and 392 (57%) patients were females. During the study period, the incidence of t-AML almost doubled with a yearly increase in t-AML of 4.5% (CI 2.8% - 6.2%), which contributed significantly to the general increase in AML incidence over the study period. t-AML solidly constituted over 10% of all AML cases during the later study period. Primary diagnoses with the largest increase in incidence and decrease in mortality rate during the study period (i.e. breast and prostate cancer) contributed significantly to the increased incidence of t-AML. In multivariable analysis, t-AML was associated with poorer outcome in cytogenetically intermediate and adverse risk but t-AML had no significant impact on outcome in favorable risk AML, including core binding leukemias, APL and AML with mutated NPM1 without FLT3-ITD. We conclude that t-AML displays a strong increase in incidence over time and that t-AML constitutes a successively larger proportion of the AML patients. Furthermore, we conclude that t-AML confer a poor prognosis in cytogenetically intermediate and adverse risk, but not in favorable risk AML.

Income, education and their impact on treatments and survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether socioeconomic indices such as income and educational level can explain part of the variation in survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and further to assess whether these factors influence care and treatment decisions.

METHODS

Population-based cohort study on 2945 Swedish patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2018 and included in the Swedish MDS Register. Relative mortality was assessed by Cox regression, whereas treatment differences were assessed by Poisson regression. Regarding mortality, patients were also compared to a matched comparison group from the general population.

RESULTS

Mortality was 50% higher among patients in the lowest income category compared to the highest and 40% higher in patients with mandatory school education only compared to those with college or university education. Treatment with hypomethylating agents and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, as well as investigation with cytogenetic diagnostics were also linked to income and education. The findings were not explained by differences in risk class or comorbidity at the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Income and education are linked to survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Socioeconomic status also seems to influence treatment intensity as patients with less income and education to a lesser degree receive hypomethylating agents and transplants.

Prognostic scoring systems and comorbidities in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: a nationwide population-based study

Outcomes in chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) are highly variable and may be affected by comorbidity. Therefore, prognostic models and comorbidity indices are important tools to estimate survival and to guide clinicians in individualising treatment. In this nationwide population-based study, we assess comorbidities and for the first time validate comorbidity indices in CMML. We also compare the prognostic power of: the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), CMML-specific prognostic scoring system (CPSS), MD Anderson Prognostic Scoring System (MDAPS) and Mayo score. In this cohort of 337 patients with CMML, diagnosed between 2009 and 2015, the median overall survival was 21·3 months. Autoimmune conditions were present in 25% of the patients, with polymyalgia rheumatica and Hashimoto's thyroiditis being most common. Of the tested comorbidity indices: the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Haematopoietic cell transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome-Specific Comorbidity Index (MDS-CI), CCI had the highest C-index (0·62) and was the only comorbidity index independently associated with survival in multivariable analyses. When comparing the prognostic power of the scoring systems, the CPSS had the highest C-index (0·69). In conclusion, using 'real-world' data we found that the CCI and CPSS have the best prognostic power and that autoimmune conditions are overrepresented in CMML.

Development of a core outcome set for myelodysplastic syndromes - a Delphi study from the EUMDS Registry Group

Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) vary widely, depending on the natural disease course and patient‐related factors. Comparison of treatment effectiveness is challenging as different endpoints have been included in clinical trials and outcome reporting. Our goal was to develop the first MDS core outcome set (MDS‐COS) defining a minimum set of outcomes that should be reported in future clinical studies. We performed a comprehensive systematic literature review among MDS studies to extract patient‐ and/or clinically relevant outcomes. Clinical experts from the European LeukemiaNet MDS (EUMDS) identified 26 potential MDS core outcomes and participated in a three‐round Delphi survey. After the first survey (56 experts), 15 outcomes met the inclusion criteria and one additional outcome was included. The second round (38 experts) resulted in six included outcomes. In the third round, a final check on plausibility and practicality of the six included outcomes and their definitions was performed. The final MDS‐COS includes: health‐related quality of life, treatment‐related mortality, overall survival, performance status, safety, and haematological improvement. This newly developed MDS‐COS represents the first minimum set of outcomes aiming to enhance comparability across future MDS studies and facilitate a better understanding of treatment effectiveness.

Evaluating the implementation and use of the regional cancer plan in Western Sweden through concept mapping

QUALITY PROBLEM OR ISSUE

Within healthcare, policy documents are often used to strategically standardize, streamline or change how general health issues are managed for a specific patient group or treatment. Despite significant effort in developing policy and strategic planning documents, these may not have the intended impact and their value has long been questioned by practitioners.

CHOICE OF SOLUTION

To identify barriers and affordances for the implementation and use of a strategic plan for cancer care in the Western Sweden Healthcare Region, we used Concept Mapping; a participatory mixed method approach to inquiry consisting of both qualitative and quantitative tasks intended to elicit and integrate the diverse perspectives of multiple stakeholders.

IMPLEMENTATION

The study was carried out between April and October 2017 and consisted of several sequential data collection steps: idea generation, sorting and rating ideas for importance and feasibility. Stakeholders from different levels and professions in cancercare participated, but the number varied in the separate steps of data collection: idea generation (n = 112), sorting (n = 16) and rating (n = 38).

EVALUATION

A concept map visualized seven areas that stakeholders throughout the cancer-care process considered necessary to address in order to enable the implementation of the plan. Skills provision was considered the most important cluster but also rated as least feasible. A consistent theme emerged that information, or lack thereof, might be a barrier for the plan being put into action to a greater extent in the cancer-care units. Nine actionable ideas rated highly on both importance and feasibility were presented as a go-zone.

LESSONS LEARNED

Our results suggest that efforts might be better spent on ensuring information about and accessibility to strategic documents throughout the organization, rather than frequently updating them or producing new ones. Having sufficient skills provision seems to be the prerequisite for successful implementation.

Survival in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL): A report from the Swedish ALL Registry

OBJECTIVES

As new, effective therapies emerge for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the results of clinical trials need to relate to standard of care.

METHODS

We used the population-based Swedish ALL Registry to evaluate characteristics, treatment and long-term outcome in 933 patients with diagnosis between 1997 and 2015.

RESULTS

The median age was 53 years. The frequency of Philadelphia (Ph)-positive leukaemia was 34% of examined B-ALL with a peak incidence at 50-59 years. Five-year overall survival (OS) improved between 1997-2006 and 2007-2015; in patients 18-45 years from 50% (95% CI 43-57) to 65% (95% CI 58-72), 46-65 years from 25% (95% CI 18-32) to 46% (95% CI 37-55) and >65 years from 7% (95% CI 2.6-11) to 11% (95% CI 5.9-16) (P < 0.05). Men with Ph-neg B-ALL 46-65 years had inferior OS compared with women (P < 0.01). Standardised mortality ratio was 5.7 (95% CI 5.0-6.3) for patients who survived 5 years from diagnosis. In multivariable analysis, Ph-positive disease was not associated with impaired prognosis but with lower risk of death in 2007-2015.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based cohort, OS has improved in adult ALL, especially for Ph-positive disease but for middle-aged men with Ph-negative B-ALL outcome was poor. Cure without late toxicity or relapse is still desired.

Prognostic scoring systems for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in a population-based setting: a report from the Swedish MDS register

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have highly variable outcomes and prognostic scoring systems are important tools for risk assessment and to guide therapeutic decisions. However, few population-based studies have compared the value of the different scoring systems. With data from the nationwide Swedish population-based MDS register we validated the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), revised IPSS (IPSS-R) and the World Health Organization (WHO) Classification-based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS). We also present population-based data on incidence, clinical characteristics including detailed cytogenetics and outcome from the register. The study encompassed 1329 patients reported to the register between 2009 and 2013, 14% of these had therapy-related MDS (t-MDS). Based on the MDS register, the yearly crude incidence of MDS in Sweden was 2·9 per 100 000 inhabitants. IPSS-R had a significantly better prognostic power than IPSS (P < 0·001). There was a trend for better prognostic power of IPSS-R compared to WPSS (P = 0·05) and for WPSS compared to IPSS (P = 0·07). IPSS-R was superior to both IPSS and WPSS for patients aged ≤70 years. Patients with t-MDS had a worse outcome compared to de novo MDS (d-MDS), however, the validity of the prognostic scoring systems was comparable for d-MDS and t-MDS. In conclusion, population-based studies are important to validate prognostic scores in a 'real-world' setting. In our nationwide cohort, the IPSS-R showed the best predictive power.

Labile plasma iron levels predict survival in patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes

Red blood cell transfusions remain one of the cornerstones in supportive care of lower-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. We hypothesized that patients develop oxidant-mediated tissue injury through the formation of toxic iron species, caused either by red blood cell transfusions or by ineffective erythropoiesis. We analyzed serum samples from 100 lower-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndromes at six-month intervals for transferrin saturation, hepcidin-25, growth differentiation factor 15, soluble transferrin receptor, non-transferrin bound iron and labile plasma iron in order to evaluate temporal changes in iron metabolism and the presence of potentially toxic iron species and their impact on survival. Hepcidin levels were low in 34 patients with ringed sideroblasts compared to 66 patients without. Increases of hepcidin and non-transferrin bound iron levels were visible early in follow-up of all transfusion-dependent patient groups. Hepcidin levels significantly decreased over time in transfusion-independent patients with ringed sideroblasts. Increased soluble transferrin receptor levels in transfusion-independent patients with ringed sideroblasts confirmed the presence of ineffective erythropoiesis and suppression of hepcidin production in these patients. Detectable labile plasma iron levels in combination with high transferrin saturation levels occurred almost exclusively in patients with ringed sideroblasts and all transfusion-dependent patient groups. Detectable labile plasma iron levels in transfusion-dependent patients without ringed sideroblasts were associated with decreased survival. In conclusion, toxic iron species occurred in all transfusion-dependent patients and in transfusion-independent patients with ringed sideroblasts. Labile plasma iron appeared to be a clinically relevant measure for potential iron toxicity and a prognostic factor for survival in transfusion-dependent patients. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: 00600860.

Characterization and prognostic features of secondary acute myeloid leukemia in a population-based setting: a report from the Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry

Patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) often escape inclusion in clinical trials and thus, population-based studies are crucial for its accurate characterization. In this first large population-based study on secondary AML, we studied AML with an antecedent hematological disease (AHD-AML) or therapy-related AML (t-AML) in the population-based Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry. The study included 3,363 adult patients of which 2,474 (73.6%) had de novo AML, 630 (18.7%) AHD-AML, and 259 (7.7%) t-AML. Secondary AML differed significantly compared to de novo AML with respect to age, gender, and cytogenetic risk. Complete remission (CR) rates were significantly lower but early death rates similar in secondary AML. In a multivariable analysis, AHD-AML (HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.26-1.79) and t-AML (1.72; 1.38-2.15) were independent risk factors for poor survival. The negative impact of AHD-AML and t-AML on survival was highly age dependent with a considerable impact in younger patients, but without independent prognostic value in the elderly. Although patients with secondary leukemia did poorly with intensive treatment, early death rates and survival were significantly worse with palliative treatment. We conclude that secondary AML in a population-based setting has a striking impact on survival in younger AML patients, whereas it lacks prognostic value among the elderly patients.

Induction with azacytidine followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a Jehovah's Witness with acute monocytic leukemia

We have used a hypomethylating agent instead of conventional chemotherapy to induce remission in a young Jehovah's Witness with acute monocytic leukemia to avoid severe myelosuppression and blood product support. The treatment was consolidated with reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation. This could be an alternative when transfusions must be avoided.

Limited clinical efficacy of azacitidine in transfusion-dependent, growth factor-resistant, low- and Int-1-risk MDS: Results from the nordic NMDSG08A phase II trial

This prospective phase II study evaluated the efficacy of azacitidine (Aza)+erythropoietin (Epo) in transfusion-dependent patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Patients ineligible for or refractory to full-dose Epo+granulocyte colony stimulation factors for >8 weeks and a transfusion need of 4 units over 8 weeks were included. Aza 75 mg m(-2) d(-1), 5/28 days, was given for six cycles; non-responding patients received another three cycles combined with Epo 60 000 units per week. Primary end point was transfusion independence (TI). All patients underwent targeted mutational screen for 42 candidate genes. Thirty enrolled patients received one cycle of Aza. Ten patients discontinued the study early, 7 due to adverse events including 2 deaths. Thirty-eight serious adverse events were reported, the most common being infection. Five patients achieved TI after six cycles and one after Aza+Epo, giving a total response rate of 20%. Mutational screening revealed a high frequency of recurrent mutations. Although no single mutation predicted for response, SF3A1 (n=3) and DNMT3A (n=4) were only observed in non-responders. We conclude that Aza can induce TI in severely anemic MDS patients, but efficacy is limited, toxicity substantial and most responses of short duration. This treatment cannot be generally recommended in lower-risk MDS. Mutational screening revealed a high frequency of mutations.

Clinical effect of increasing doses of lenalidomide in high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia with chromosome 5 abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Patients with chromosome 5 abnormalities and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes or acute myeloid leukemia have a poor outcome. We hypothesized that increasing doses of lenalidomide may benefit this group of patients by inhibiting the tumor clone, as assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization for del(5q31).

DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients at diagnosis or with relapsed disease and not eligible for standard therapy (16 with acute myeloid leukemia, 12 with intermediate-risk 2 or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome) were enrolled in this prospective phase II multicenter trial and treated with lenalidomide up to 30 mg daily for 16 weeks. Three patients had isolated del(5q), six had del(5q) plus one additional aberration, 14 had del(5q) and a complex karyotype, four had monosomy 5, and one had del(5q) identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization only.

RESULTS

Major and minor cytogenetic responses, assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization, were achieved in 5/26 (19%) and 2/26 (8%) patients, respectively, who received one or more dose of lenalidomide, while two patients achieved only a bone marrow response. Nine of all 26 patients (35%) and nine of the ten who completed the 16 weeks of trial responded to treatment. Using the International Working Group criteria for acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome the overall response rate in treated patients with acute myeloid leukemia was 20% (3/15), while that for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome was 36% (4/11). Seven patients stopped therapy due to progressive disease and nine because of complications, most of which were disease-related. Response rates were similar in patients with isolated del(5q) and in those with additional aberrations. Interestingly, patients with TP53 mutations responded less well than those without mutations (2/13 versus 5/9, respectively; P=0.047). No responses were observed among 11 cases with deleterious TP53 mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data support a role for higher doses of lenalidomide in poor prognosis patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia with deletion 5q. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00761449).

Quality of life, physical function and MRI T2* in elderly low-risk MDS patients treated to a haemoglobin level of ≥120 g/L with darbepoetin alfa ± filgrastim or erythrocyte transfusions

OBJECTIVE

Anaemia in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL). Response to treatment with erythropoietin ± granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is associated with improved QoL, but whether transfusion therapy with higher haemoglobin (Hb) target levels has similar effects is unknown. The objective for this prospective phase II Nordic multicentre trial was to assess QoL, response rate and physical function in elderly anaemic MDS patients treated to a target Hb level of >120 g/L.

METHODS

Thirty-six elderly patients with low- and intermediate-1 risk MDS received darbepoetin (DA) 300 μg/wk, with the addition of G-CSF if no response. If the Hb target was reached at 16 wk, treatment was maintained until week 26. Remaining patients were transfused to reach the target level for at least 8 wk.

RESULTS

  Twenty-seven patients completed the study. Response rate to DA ± G-CSF was 67% in evaluable patients and 56% according to intention to treat. Eighteen patients reached the target Hb level according to protocol. QoL scores for fatigue, dyspnoea, constipation, and physical, role and social functioning improved significantly during study, with similar results for transfused and untransfused patients. Maintaining Hb >120 g/L did not confer a higher transfusion rate, once the target was reached. In two of fourteen patients, magnetic resonance imaging T2* indicated cardiac iron overload, however, without association with ferritin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In elderly anaemic MDS patients, an increment in haemoglobin is associated with improved QoL, whether induced by growth factor treatment or transfusion therapy.