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.

Obinutuzumab versus Rituximab in transplant-eligible Mantle cell lymphoma patients

Obinutuzumab (O) and Rituximab (R) are two CD antibodies that have never been compared in a prospective randomised trial in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Herein, we report the long-term outcome of the LYMA-101 (NCT02896582) trial, in which newly diagnosed MCL patients were treated with chemotherapy plus O before transplantation followed by O maintenance (O group). We then compared these patients to those treated with the same treatment design with Rituximab instead of O (R group) (NCT00921414). A propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the two populations (O vs R groups) in terms of MRD at the end of induction (EOI), PFS and OS. In LYMA-101, the estimated five-year PFS and OS since inclusion (n=85) were 83.4% (95%CI: 73.5-89.8%) and 86.9% (95%CI: 77.6-92.5%), respectively. At EOI, patients treated in the O group had more frequent bone marrow MRD negativity than those treated in the R group (83.1% vs 63.4% Chi2 p=0.007). The PSM resulted in 2 sets of 82 patients with comparable characteristics at inclusion. From treatment initiation, the O group had a longer estimated five-year PFS (p=0.029; 82.8% versus 66.6%, HR 1.99, IC95 1.05-3.76) and OS (p=0.039; 86.4% versus 71.4% (HR 2.08, IC95 1.01-4.16) compared to the R group. Causes of death were comparable in the 2 groups, the most common cause being lymphoma. Obinutuzumab prior to transplantation and in maintenance provides better disease control and enhances PFS and OS, as compared to Rituximab in transplant-eligible MCL patients.

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

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

Hodgkin lymphoma and female fertility: a multicenter study in women treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine

Preservation of fertility has become a growing concern in young females with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). However, the rate of pregnancy after the current most frequently prescribed ABVD (doxorubicin [Adriamycin], bleomycin, vinblastine, and darcarbazine) chemotherapy for HL has rarely been studied. In this study, we aim to determine the impact of ABVD on the fertility of women treated for HL. We conducted a noninterventional, multicenter study of female patients of childbearing age who were treated for HL. Two healthy apparied women nonexposed to chemotherapy (our controls) were assigned for each patient. Fertility was assessed by the number of pregnancies and births after HL treatment. Sixty-seven patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 24.4 years (range, 16-43). HL was a localized disease for 68.7%. Of all the patients, 53.7% started at least 1 pregnancy after treatment vs 54.5% of the controls (P = .92). Of all the patients who desired children, 81% had at least 1 pregnancy. Patients treated with ABVD did not have a longer median time to pregnancy (4.8 years in the group of patients and 6.8 years for controls). Across patients, there were 58 pregnancies and 48 births (ratio, 1:2) and 136 pregnancies and 104 births (ratio, 1:3) for the control cohort. No increase in obstetric or neonatal complications has been reported in HL in our study. The number of pregnancies, births, and the time to start a pregnancy in young women treated with ABVD for HL is not different from that of controls. Therefore, females with HL treated with ABVD should be reassured regarding fertility.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Findings

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

Interpretation

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

Funding

Incyte Corporation.

Hairy cell leukemia with isolated bone lesions

Key Clinical Message

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT has clinical relevance in HCL at diagnosis and for the follow-up of patients treated, especially in case of atypical presentations such as bone involvements (which are probably underestimated) and poor bone marrow infiltration.

Abstract

Bone lesions are rarely reported in Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL). We report two BRAF^V600E mutated HCL patients presented bone lesions at foreground, poor bone marrow involvement, and the important role ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT played in their management. We discuss the crucial role that ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT could play in HCL routine practice.

The negative influence of baseline cell-free DNA on long-term survival in DLBCL depends on frontline treatment intensity

PURPOSE

In this study, we address the question of the effect of first-line treatment intensity in de novo DLBCL on the impact of baseline cfDNA on long-term survival.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The GOELAMS 075 randomized clinical trial compared R-CHOP with high-dose R-chemotherapy plus autologous stem cell transplantation (R-HDT) for patients aged ≤60. An interim PET assessment was used to refer patients for salvage therapy. With a median follow-up of more than 5.8 years, we analyzed the effects of the treatment arm, salvage therapy, and cfDNA level at diagnosis on overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

In a representative group of 123 patients, a high cfDNA concentration (>55ng/ml) at diagnosis was associated with poor clinical prognostic factors and constituted a prognostic marker, independently of the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index. A cfDNA level above a threshold value of 55 ng/ml at diagnosis was associated with significantly worse OS. In an intention-to-treat analysis, high-cfDNA R-CHOP patients (but not high-cfDNA R-HDT patients) had worse OS (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.99 [1.98-10.74], P=0.006). In patients with high cfDNA levels, salvage therapy and transplantation were associated with a significantly higher OS rate. Among 50 patients with complete response 6 months after the end of treatment, for 11 out of 24 R-CHOP patients, the cfDNA did not fall back to normal values.

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized clinical trial, intensive regimens mitigated the negative influence of high cfDNA levels in de novo DLBCL, relative to R-CHOP.

Isolated intraocular relapses of primary cerebral lymphomas: An LOC network study

Most relapses of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) occur in the brain and are associated with a poor prognosis. Isolated intraocular relapses (IIORs) are rare and poorly described. We retrospectively selected from the French Lymphome Oculo-Cérébral database PCNSL patients who initially presented with cerebral localization and who experienced IIOR during the course of the disease. Of the 1472 patients included in the database, 55 patients presented an IIOR. Their median age was 68 years, and median Karnofsky Performance Status 80. IL-10 levels in the aqueous humor and/or in the vitreous were increased in 42/46 patients. 45/55 patients received systemic chemotherapy, and 11/55 received high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) as consolidation treatment. After a median follow-up of 69 months, 42/55 patients had relapsed, including 90% of the patients who did not receive HCT-ASCT at IIOR and 40% of the patients who received HCT-ASCT at IIOR (p < 0.001). The first relapse after the initial IIOR was exclusively in the eye in 23/42 patients, and 29/42 patients had a subsequent brain relapse during the course of the disease. The median progression-free survival, brain-free survival and overall survival from IIOR were 12.2, 48.6 and 57.1 months, respectively. Isolated intraocular relapse is not exceptional in the course of PCNSL and deserves systematic ophthalmological follow-up. Its prognosis is much better than the prognosis of brain relapse, with an evolution close to that of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma. With the exception of patients who received HCT-ASCT at IIOR, almost all patients subsequently relapsed, often with other IIORs.

Radiotherapy or Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Primary CNS Lymphoma in Patients Age 60 Years and Younger: Long-Term Results of the Randomized Phase II PRECIS Study

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.We previously reported the results of a randomized phase II study in patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma (age 18-60 years). Patients were treated with high-dose methotrexate-based induction chemotherapy followed by whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or high-dose chemotherapy (thiotepa-busulfan-cyclophosphamide) with autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). The median follow-up was 33 months. In this report, we provide long-term data (median follow-up, 8 years) regarding the outcomes and toxicities. Fifty-three and 44 patients received induction chemotherapy followed by WBRT or ASCT, respectively. Their 8-year event-free survival from random assignment was 67% and 39% in the ASCT and WBRT arms, respectively (P = .03), with a significantly lower risk of relapse after ASCT (hazard ratio = 0.13, P < .001). One third of patients who relapsed after WBRT were alive after salvage treatment. Five and four patients died of ASCT and WBRT-related toxicities, respectively. The 8-year overall survival was 69% and 65% in the ASCT and WBRT arms, respectively (not significant). Balance (52% v 10%, P ≤ 0.001) and neurocognition (64% v 13%, P < .001) significantly deteriorated after WBRT compared with ASCT during the follow-up. This study shows that 40 Gy WBRT should be avoided in first-line treatment because of its neurotoxicity and suboptimal efficacy in reducing relapses while ASCT appears to be highly efficient in preventing relapses.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia and relationship to immune deficiency

Primary or secondary immune deficiency (ID) is a risk factor, although rare, to develop Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). We aimed to better understand the incidence of this occurrence in the real-life and the outcome of either entity. We conducted a review of 194 WM in the Poitou-Charentes registry and identified 7 (3.6%) with a prior history of ID. Across the 7 WM with ID, 4 progressed to active WM disease and required treatment for WM with a median time between WM diagnosis and the first treatment of 1.5 years (range 0-3). The median time from ID to WM occurrence was 8 years (1-18). WM could develop from ID, although a rare event. Our first action was to systematically decrease immunosuppression with long-term control of ID. Half of indolent WM remained indolent despite ID and for remaining WM none appeared of poor risk WM.

Efficacy and Safety of ABP 798: Results from the JASMINE Trial in Patients with Follicular Lymphoma in Comparison with Rituximab Reference Product

Introduction

ABP 798 is being developed as a biosimilar to rituximab reference product (RP), a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody that is approved in the US and EU for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, comparative clinical study (JASMINE) evaluated the efficacy and safety of ABP 798 compared with rituximab RP. Adult, anti-CD20 treatment naïve patients diagnosed with grade 1, 2, or 3a follicular B-cell NHL expressing CD20 were randomized 1:1 to receive a 375 mg/m² infusion of either ABP 798 or rituximab RP once weekly for 4 weeks and at weeks 12 and 20. Tumor assessments were performed at baseline and weeks 12 and 28. Primary endpoint was the risk difference (RD) of overall response rate (ORR) of complete response, unconfirmed complete response, or partial response by week 28 based on data from central, independent, and blinded assessments of disease.

Results

Of the 256 randomized patients, 254 were treated with ABP 798 (n = 128; 100%) or rituximab RP (n = 126; 98.4%); 96 (78.0%) patients in the ABP 798 group and 87 (70.2%) in the rituximab RP group had a best ORR by week 28. The point estimate of RD in ORR between ABP 798 and rituximab RP from the adjusted generalized linear model for stratification factors was 7.7%. Clinical equivalence was based on sequential testing of the one-sided 95% lower confidence limits and one-sided 95% upper confidence limits of RD in ORR (− 1.4% and 16.8%, respectively) which was within the prespecified non-inferiority margin (− 15%) and non-superiority margin (35.5%), respectively. Results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary efficacy analysis. ABP 798 was also comparable to rituximab RP across additional secondary endpoints, further supporting the conclusion of similarity, and including: RD of ORR at week 12; trough serum concentrations; percent of patients with complete depletion of CD19+ cell count at day 8; safety; and immunogenicity.

Conclusions

These results support a conclusion of similar clinical efficacy between ABP 798 and rituximab RP in patients with follicular lymphoma.

NCT Number

NCT02747043; first posted April 21, 2016.

EudraCT Number

2013-005,542-11; submitted 14 October, 2014.

Patterns of use and safety of ibrutinib in real-life practice

AIMS

To provide real-life data on patterns of use and safety of ibrutinib.

METHODS

A cohort study including all patients initiating ibrutinib between 21 November 2014 and 21 November 2018, and followed for 1 year was conducted. Patient characteristics, ibrutinib use and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were collected from medical records. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the probability of developing ibrutinib-associated serious ADRs (SADRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate factors associated with SADR occurrence.

RESULTS

In total, 102 patients were included in the study. The median age was 70.3 years (interquartile range 64.7-75.6), the male/female gender ratio was 2.9. Almost half the patients (47.1%) were prescribed ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Forty-three patients (42.1%) permanently discontinued ibrutinib in the first year, mostly for progression (51.2%) or ADRs (32.6%). Forty-eight patients (47.1%) experienced at least one ibrutinib-associated SADR. Haematological, infectious and vascular disorders were the most frequent SADRs. The probability of developing ibrutinib-associated SADR was 35.1% (95% CI 26.3-45.7%) at 3 months, 44.8% (35.2%; 55.8%) at 6 months and 54.3% (44.0%; 65.2%) at 12 months. Age ≥80 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03; 95% CI 1.02-4.05) and CLL (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.01-3.25) were significantly associated with a higher risk of SADR occurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high cumulative incidence of ibrutinib-associated SADRs within the first year of treatment. In view of the risk of SADR, patients aged ≥80 years or treated for CLL deserve special attention.

R-CHOP appears to be the best first-line treatment for second primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma: a cancer registry study

Second primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (spDLBCL) is defined as a metachronous tumor occurring after a first primary cancer. To date, while R-CHOP is the standard first-line treatment for de novo DLBCL, no available data show that R-CHOP is the optimal treatment for spDLBCL. This exploratory study aimed to investigate treatment of spDLBCL. From 2008 to 2015, the Poitou-Charentes general cancer registry recorded 68 cases of spDLBCL ≤ 80 years old, having received a first-line treatment with either R-CHOP (78%) or other regimens (22%). Patients without R-CHOP have worse overall survival in univariate (HR 2.89 [1.33-6.24], P = 0.007) and multivariate (HR 2.98 [1.34-6.67], P = 0.008) analyses. Patients without R-CHOP more frequently had PS > 1 (67% vs. 28%, P = 0.007) and prior chemotherapy (60% vs. 26%, P = 0.02), which suggests that both of these factors influence a clinician's decision to not use R-CHOP. Prior chemotherapy had no prognostic impact in univariate and multivariate analyses; this result could call into question the risk-benefit balance of not using R-CHOP to prevent toxicity. In our study, one DLBCL out of ten occurred after a first primary cancer, and as regards de novo DLBCL, R-CHOP appeared to be the best first-line treatment. Larger series are needed to confirm these results.

Efficacy and safety of ABP 798 compared with rituximab: Results from the comparative clinical study in patients with non-Hodgkin’s

8044

Background: ABP 798* is being developed as a biosimilar to rituximab, a CD20-directed cytolytic antibody. A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study compared the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of ABP 798 with rituximab reference product (RP) in subjects with CD20-positive NHL; results of the final analysis are presented here. Methods: Adult subjects with grade 1, 2, or 3a follicular B-cell NHL and low tumor burden were randomized to receive intravenous ABP 798 or RP (375 mg/m2) once weekly for 4 weeks, then at weeks 12 and 20. The primary endpoint was risk difference (RD) of overall response rate (ORR) by week 28. Secondary endpoints included RD of ORR at week 12, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and immunogenicity. Results: 254/256 randomized subjects were treated with at least one infusion of ABP 798 (n = 128) or RP (n = 126); ORR by week 28, based on independent central blinded assessment of the modified full analysis set, was comparable between the ABP 798 and RP groups (78% vs. 70%, respectively). The 2-sided 90% confidence interval of RD of ORR (-1.4%; 16.8%) was within the pre-specified margin (-15%; 35.5%) thereby establishing clinical equivalence between ABP 798 and RP. This result was supported by analyses of the secondary efficacy endpoint of RD of ORR at week 12. In the two groups, the geometric least squares means for serum concentrations over time (e.g., week 12, pre-dose: ABP 798, 21.89 vs. RP, 20.57; week 12 post-dose: ABP 798, 201.30 vs. RP, 203.52) and the extent of B-cell depletion from day 1 to day 8 (ABP 798, 98.3% vs. RP, 98.3%) were similar. Frequency, type, and severity of adverse events (AEs) were comparable between ABP 798 and RP groups; grade ≥3 AEs were reported in 10.9% and 10.3% of subjects and serious AEs in 3.9% and 4.0%, respectively. Most common AEs were headache, fatigue, and nausea; the most common AE of interest was infusion reactions. No new or unexpected safety signals were observed. Binding and neutralizing anti-drug antibodies were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Results of this study demonstrated clinical similarity between ABP 798 and rituximab RP in subjects with CD20-positive NHL. *At the time of this submission, ABP 798 had not been approved by the FDA or any relevant regulatory agency and the indications are yet undetermined. Please consult ABP 798’s later approved label in the relevant country for information regarding the approved uses for ABP 798.

Management and outcome of primary CNS lymphoma in the modern era: An LOC network study

OBJECTIVE

Real-life studies on patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) are scarce. Our objective was to analyze, in a nationwide population-based study, the current medical practice in the management of PCNSL.

METHODS

The French oculo-cerebral lymphoma network (LOC) database prospectively records all newly diagnosed PCNSL cases from 32 French centers. Data of patients diagnosed between 2011 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 1,002 immunocompetent patients (43% aged >70 years, median Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS] 60). First-line treatment was high-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy in 92% of cases, with an increasing use of rituximab over time (66%). Patients <60 years of age received consolidation treatment in 77% of cases, consisting of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) (54%) or high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) (23%). Among patients >60 years of age, WBRT and HCT-ASCT consolidation were administered in only 9% and 2%, respectively. The complete response rate to initial chemotherapy was 50%. Median progression-free survival was 10.5 months. For relapse, second-line chemotherapy, HCT-ASCT, WBRT, and palliative care were offered to 55%, 17%, 10%, and 18% of patients, respectively. The median, 2-year, and 5-year overall survival was 25.3 months, 51%, and 38%, respectively (<60 years: not reached [NR], 70%, and 61%; >60 years: 15.4 months, 44%, and 28%). Age, KPS, sex, and response to induction CT were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms the increasing proportion of elderly within the PCNSL population and shows comparable outcome in this population-based study with those reported by clinical trials, reflecting a notable application of recent PCNSL advances in treatment.

Radiotherapy or Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Primary CNS Lymphoma in Patients 60 Years of Age and Younger: Results of the Intergroup ANOCEF-GOELAMS Randomized Phase II PRECIS Study

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy and toxicity of chemoimmunotherapy followed by either whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) as a first-line treatment of primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Immunocompetent patients (18 to 60 years of age) with untreated PCNSL were randomly assigned to receive WBRT or ASCT as consolidation treatment after induction chemotherapy consisting of two cycles of R-MBVP (rituximab 375 mg/m2 day (D) 1, methotrexate 3 g/m2 D1; D15, VP16 100 mg/m2 D2, BCNU 100 mg/m2 D3, prednisone 60 mg/kg/d D1-D5) followed by two cycles of R-AraC (rituximab 375 mg/m2 D1, cytarabine 3 g/m2 D1 to D2). Intensive chemotherapy consisted of thiotepa (250 mg/m2/d D9; D8; D7), busulfan (8 mg/kg D6 through D4), and cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg/d D3; D2). WBRT delivered 40 Gy (2 Gy/fraction). The primary end point was 2-year progression-free survival. Cognitive outcome was the main secondary end point. Analysis was intention to treat in a noncomparative phase II trial.

RESULTS

Between October 2008 and February 2014, 140 patients were recruited from 23 French centers. Both WBRT and ASCT met the predetermined threshold (among the first 38 patients in each group, at least 24 patients were alive and disease free at 2 years). The 2-year progression-free survival rates were 63% (95% CI, 49% to 81%) and 87% (95% CI, 77% to 98%) in the WBRT and ASCT arms, respectively. Toxicity deaths were recorded in one and five patients after WBRT and ASCT, respectively. Cognitive impairment was observed after WBRT, whereas cognitive functions were preserved or improved after ASCT.

CONCLUSION

WBRT and ASCT are effective consolidation treatments for patients with PCNSL who are 60 years of age and younger. The efficacy end points tended to favor the ASCT arm. The specific risk of each procedure should be considered.

Clinicopathological spectrum of renal parenchymal involvement in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

The clinicopathological characteristics of kidney infiltration in B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders remain poorly described. We retrospectively studied 52 adults with biopsy-proven malignant B-cell kidney infiltration, including Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (n=21), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n=11), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n=8), other lymphoma (n=11), and multiple myeloma (n=1). Kidney disease varied according to the underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. In DLBCL, malignant kidney infiltration was prominent, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI, 75%) and kidney enlargement (88%). In the other types, associated immunoglobulin-related nephropathy (most commonly AL amyloidosis) was more common (45%), and chronic kidney disease with proteinuria was the primary presentation. All patients received chemotherapy. Over a median follow-up of 31 months, 20 patients died and 21 reached end-stage kidney disease. Renal response, achieved in 25 patients (48%), was associated with higher overall survival (97 vs. 37 months in non-renal responders). In univariate analysis, percentage of sclerotic glomeruli, kidney enlargement, and complete hematological response at 6 months were predictive of renal response. In multivariate analysis, concomitant immunoglobulin-related nephropathy was the sole independent predictor of poor renal outcome. In conclusion, clinical presentation of renal lymphomatous infiltration depends on the nature of the underlying lymphoproliferative disorder. In DLBCL, massive renal infiltration manifests with enlarged kidneys and AKI, and the diagnosis primarily relies on lymph node biopsy. In other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, the clinicopathological spectrum is more heterogeneous, with a high frequency of immunoglobulin-related nephropathy that may affect renal outcome; thus kidney biopsy is required for early diagnosis and prognostic assessment.

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

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

Added Value of Spectroscopy to Perfusion MRI in the Differential Diagnostic Performance of Common Malignant Brain Tumors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Perfusion and spectroscopic MR imaging provide noninvasive physiologic and metabolic characterization of tissues, which can help in differentiating brain tumors. We investigated the diagnostic role of perfusion and spectroscopic MR imaging using individual and combined classifiers of these modalities and assessed the added performance value that spectroscopy can provide to perfusion using optimal combined classifiers that have the highest differential diagnostic performance to discriminate lymphomas, glioblastomas, and metastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2013 to January 2016, fifty-five consecutive patients with histopathologically proved lymphomas, glioblastomas, and metastases were included after undergoing MR imaging. The perfusion parameters (maximum relative CBV, maximum percentage of signal intensity recovery) and spectroscopic concentration ratios (lactate/Cr, Cho/NAA, Cho/Cr, and lipids/Cr) were analyzed individually and in optimal combinations. Differences among tumor groups, differential diagnostic performance, and differences in discriminatory performance of models with quantification of the added performance value of spectroscopy to perfusion were tested using 1-way ANOVA models, receiver operating characteristic analysis, and comparisons between receiver operating characteristic analysis curves using a bivariate χ², respectively.

RESULTS

The highest differential diagnostic performance was obtained with the following combined classifiers: maximum percentage of signal intensity recovery-Cho/NAA to discriminate lymphomas from glioblastomas and metastases, significantly increasing the sensitivity from 82.1% to 95.7%; relative CBV-Cho/NAA to discriminate glioblastomas from lymphomas and metastases, significantly increasing the specificity from 92.7% to 100%; and maximum percentage of signal intensity recovery-lactate/Cr and maximum percentage of signal intensity recovery-Cho/Cr to discriminate metastases from lymphomas and glioblastomas, significantly increasing the specificity from 83.3% to 97.0% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Spectroscopy yielded an added performance value to perfusion using optimal combined classifiers of these modalities, significantly increasing the differential diagnostic performances for these common brain tumors.

Overall Survival Benefit in Patients With Rituximab-Refractory Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Who Received Obinutuzumab Plus Bendamustine Induction and Obinutuzumab Maintenance in the GADOLIN Study

Purpose To perform an updated analysis of the randomized phase III GADOLIN trial in patients with rituximab-refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma treated with obinutuzumab (GA101; G) and bendamustine (B). Patients and Methods Patients with histologically documented, rituximab-refractory CD20⁺ indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma received G 1,000 mg (days 1, 8, and 15, cycle 1; day 1, cycles 2 to 6) plus B 90 mg/m²/d (days 1 and 2, all cycles) or B 120 mg/m²/d monotherapy. Patients who did not experience disease progression with G-B received G maintenance (1,000 mg every 2 months) for up to 2 years. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results Of 413 randomly assigned patients (intention-to-treat [ITT]: G-B, n = 204; B monotherapy, n = 209), 335 had follicular lymphoma (FL; G-B, n = 164; B monotherapy, n = 171). After a median follow-up of 31.8 months, median PFS in ITT patients was 25.8 months (G-B) and 14.1 months (B monotherapy; hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.73; P < .001). Overall survival (OS) also was prolonged (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.96; P = .027). PFS and OS benefits were similar in patients with FL. Grade 3 to 5 adverse events (AEs) were reported by 148 (72.5%) and 133 (65.5%) patients in the G-B and B monotherapy arms, respectively, most commonly neutropenia (G-B, 34.8%; B monotherapy, 27.1%), thrombocytopenia (10.8% and 15.8%), anemia (7.4% and 10.8%), and infusion-related reactions (9.3% and 3.4%). Serious AEs occurred in 89 G-B patients (43.6%) and 75 B monotherapy patients (36.9%); fatal AEs occurred in 16 (7.8%) and 13 (6.4%), respectively. Conclusion This updated analysis confirms the PFS benefit for G-B shown in the primary analysis. A substantial OS benefit also was demonstrated in the ITT population and in patients with FL. Toxicity was similar for both treatments.

Central nervous system relapse in patients over 80 years with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: an analysis of two LYSA studies

CNS relapse is reported in 2–5% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, dramatically decreasing overall survival (OS). Very few studies address incidence and risk factors of CNS relapse in very elderly patients, a challenging population to treat given their commonly associated comorbidities. A retrospective analysis was performed of 270 DLBCL patients >80 years treated between 2004 and 2013 in two multicentre phase II LYSA trials (LNH03‐7B, LNH09‐7B) evaluating the addition of rituximab or ofatumumab to mini‐CHOP as front‐line therapy. No patients received CNS prophylaxis. CNS relapse was evaluated according to cumulative incidence, patient characteristics, risk factors, and survival. Median age was 83 years (range: 79–95). After a median follow‐up of 28.7 months, eight patients had CNS relapse (3.0%). Median time between inclusion and CNS relapse was 19.2 months (range: 3.2–32.6). Patients survived a median of 1.5 months after CNS relapse (range: 0.4–4.1). Median OS from relapse was significantly lower in CNS relapse patients (1.5 months, 95% CI: 0.4–3.5) compared to patients with non‐CNS relapse (6.6 months; 95% CI: 4.6–11.9). No baseline characteristics were associated with CNS relapse. The proportion of patients with CNS disease did not differ significantly between patients with low‐intermediate risk according to CNS‐IPI and patients with high risk (3% vs. 2.8%, P = 1.00). CNS relapse cumulative incidence in very elderly treatment‐naive patients is 1.8% at 2 years and is associated with poor survival. This population had a long median time to CNS relapse. Absence of prophylaxis did not strongly impact CNS relapse incidence.

Ibrutinib Is Effective in the Treatment of Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare but life-threatening complication. To date, there are no relevant data for treatment of AIHA in MCL. Ibrutinib, which has been approved for relapse/refractory MCL, is an immunomodulatory drug inhibiting Th2 activation and consequently the production of autoantibodies. We report a case of MCL with AIHA in which this form of anaemia was not controlled with the usual chemotherapy. Ibrutinib was used when MCL with AIHA relapsed, and it allowed rapid remission of AIHA and rapid discontinuation of steroid therapy.

Obinutuzumab plus bendamustine versus bendamustine monotherapy in patients with rituximab-refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (GADOLIN): a randomised, controlled, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma who fail to achieve adequate disease control with rituximab-based treatment have few treatment options and a poor prognosis. We aimed to assess a combination of obinutuzumab (GA101), a novel glyco-engineered type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, and bendamustine in this patient population.

METHODS

In this open-label, randomised, phase 3 study (GADOLIN), patients aged 18 years or older with histologically documented, CD20-positive indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma refractory to rituximab were enrolled at 83 hospital and community sites in 14 countries in Europe, Asia, and North and Central America. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using a hierarchical dynamic randomisation scheme stratified by indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, rituximab-refractory type, number of previous therapies, and geographical region, to receive induction treatment (six 28-day cycles) with obinutuzumab plus bendamustine or bendamustine monotherapy, both given intravenously. Obinutuzumab plus bendamustine dosing was obinutuzumab 1000 mg (days 1, 8, and 15, cycle 1; day 1, cycles 2-6) plus bendamustine 90 mg/m(2) per day (days 1 and 2, cycles 1-6), and bendamustine monotherapy dosing was 120 mg/m(2) per day (days 1 and 2, all cycles). Non-progressing patients in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group received obinutuzumab maintenance (1000 mg every 2 months) for up to 2 years. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival in all randomised patients, as assessed by an independent review committee. Safety was assessed in all patients who received any amount of obinutuzumab or bendamustine. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01059630, and has stopped recruiting patients.

FINDINGS

Between April 15, 2010, and Sept 1, 2014, when the study was stopped after a pre-planned interim analysis, 396 patients were randomly assigned (194 to obinutuzumab plus bendamustine and 202 to bendamustine monotherapy). After a median follow-up time of 21·9 months (IQR 12·1-31·0) in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group and 20·3 months (9·5-29·7) in the bendamustine monotherapy group, progression-free survival was significantly longer with obinutuzumab plus bendamustine (median not reached [95% CI 22·5 months-not estimable]) than with bendamustine monotherapy (14·9 months [12·8-16·6]; hazard ratio 0·55 [95% CI 0·40-0·74]; p=0·0001). Grade 3-5 adverse events occurred in 132 (68%) of 194 patients in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group and in 123 (62%) of 198 patients in the bendamustine monotherapy group. The most frequent grade 3 or worse adverse events were neutropenia (64 [33%] in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group vs 52 [26%] in the bendamustine monotherapy group), thrombocytopenia (21 [11%] vs 32 [16%]), anaemia (15 [8%] vs 20 [10%]) and infusion-related reactions (21 [11%] vs 11 [6%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 74 patients (38%) in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group and in 65 patients (33%) in the bendamustine monotherapy group, and deaths due to adverse events occurred in 12 patients (6%) and 12 patients (6%), respectively. Three (25%) of 12 adverse event-related deaths in the obinutuzumab plus bendamustine group and five (42%) of 12 in the bendamustine monotherapy group were treatment related.

INTERPRETATION

Obinutuzumab plus bendamustine followed by obinutuzumab maintenance has improved efficacy over bendamustine monotherapy in rituximab-refractory patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with manageable toxicity, and is a new treatment option for patients who have relapsed after or are no longer responding to rituximab-based therapy.

FUNDING

F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

GADOLIN: Primary results from a phase III study of obinutuzumab plus bendamustine compared with bendamustine alone in patients with rituximab-refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma

LBA8502

Background: Treatments are limited and outcomes poor in rituximab-refractory (Rit-Ref) iNHL. Bendamustine (B) has a 9 mo median PFS and 10 mo response duration in ph II trials. Obinutuzumab (GA101/Gazyva [G]) is a glycoengineered type II aCD20 mAb with activity and acceptable safety in Rit-Ref NHL. Methods: GADOLIN (NCT01059630) is a ph III open label study in pts with CD20+ Rit-Ref iNHL. In the B arm, pts received B 120 mg/m2 (d1+2, c1–6) alone; GB arm pts received B 90 mg/m2 (d1+2, c1–6) with G 1000 mg (d1, 8, 15 c1, d1 c2–6) for up to six 28d cycles. Non-PD GB pts then received G monotherapy every 2 mo for up to 2 yrs. Primary endpoint was PFS assessed by an independent radiology facility (IRF), with 80% power to detect 43% improvement in median PFS. Results: In the protocol specified interim analysis, 396 pts were randomized to receive B (n = 202 [198 treated]) or GB (n = 194). The IDMC recommended to unblind the study as the primary endpoint had been reached (4 Feb 2015). Baseline characteristics were balanced between arms. Median age was 63 yrs and pts had a median of 2 prior therapies. Median observation time was 20 mo (B) and 22 mo (GB). IRF-assessed median PFS was 14.9 mo (B) and not reached (NR) for GB (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.4–0.74; p = 0.00011). Median investigator-assessed PFS was 14 mo for B and 29 mo for GB (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.70; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in IRF-assessed ORR (63.0% B vs 69.1% GB) or CR (12.2% B vs 11.2% GB) at end of induction, in IRF-assessed best overall response up to 12 mo from start of treatment (76.6% B vs 78.6% GB), or in preliminary OS (median OS NR in either arm). In the treatment period, there were fewer Grade ≥ 3 adverse events with B than GB (62.1% B vs 68% GB), notably neutropenia (26.3% B vs 33.0% GB) and infusion-related reactions (3.5% B vs 8.8% GB), but more Grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia (16.2% B vs 10.8% GB), anemia (10.1% B vs 7.7% GB) and pneumonia (5.6% B vs 2.6% GB). Conclusions: G combined with B (90 mg/m2) followed by G maintenance significantly improved PFS vs B alone (120 mg/m2) in Rit-Ref iNHL. The clinically meaningful PFS improvement with GB is the first randomized evidence of benefit for a novel aCD20 mAb in Rit-Ref iNHL. Clinical trial information: NCT01059630.

A phase 1 dose escalation study of idarubicin combined with methotrexate, vindesine, and prednisolone for untreated elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. The GOELAMS LCP 99 trial

Treatment of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in elderly patients remains unsatisfactory. To develop a new high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based regimen including idarubicin, a phase 1 multicenter dose escalation study was conducted to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of idarubicin. Thirty-five immunocompetent patients with PCNSL were enrolled. The median age was 65 years (range, 60-70 years). MTX and vindesine (VDS) were given at the fixed dose of 3 g/m(2) (6-hr intravenous [IV]) and 3 mg/m(2) IV on day 1, respectively. Prednisolone (PRED) was given at the fixed dose of 60 mg/m(2) (IV or orally) on days 1-5. Idarubicin was escalated in increments of 2 mg/m(2) with doses ranging from 12-18 mg/m(2) IV on day 1. Treatment was repeated three times every 3 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 neutropenia for more than 7 days, thrombocytopenia grade 4 or nonhaematological toxicity more than grade 2. The MTD of idarubicin was reached at 16 mg/m(2) . At this level, the main haematological toxicities were thrombocytopenia grade 4: 5% and neutropenia grade 3 or 4 (52%); the main nonhaematological toxicities were grade 3 or 4 infectious disease (5%) and grade 2 renal failure (9%). For the study population, median overall and progression-free survival were 19 and 13 months, respectively. Our study suggests that the MTD of idarubicin in combination with HD-MTX, VDS, and PRED, should be 16 mg/m(2) . Further studies will be necessary to challenge a standard treatment in elderly patients with PCNSL.

Multicenter randomized phase II trial of methotrexate (MTX) and temozolomide (TMZ) versus MTX, procarbazine, vincristine, and cytarabine for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) in the elderly: An Anocef and Goelams Intergroup study

2032

Background: There is no standard chemotherapy defined in PCNSL. Elderly patients (pts) are not candidates for whole brain radiotherapy and therefore establishing an optimal MTX-based regimen is crucial. This prospective multicenter study conducted in 13 French institutions tested two promising MTX-based chemotherapy regimens in elderly pts with newly diagnosed PCNSL. Methods: Pts with histologically confirmed newly diagnosed PCNSL with age ≥60 and KPS ≥40 were stratified by institution and KPS, then randomized to receive three 28-day cycles of MTX (3.5 g/m2 D1 and D15) and TMZ (100-150mg/m2 D1-5 and 15-19) [MT arm] or 3 cycles of MTX (3.5 g/m2 D1 and D15), procarbazine 100mg/m2 (D1-7), vincristine (1.4mg/m2 D1 and 15), followed by cytarabine consolidation (3g/m2/d X2d) [MPV-A arm]. Neither arm included radiotherapy; prophylactic G-CSF and standardized corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 60mg/d D1-5) were given to both arms. The primary endpoint was PFS (one-stage Fleming design; α= 5%; β=10%). Evaluations included neuropsychological testing and quality of life. Results: Accrual has been completed (7/2007- 3/2010), with 98 pts randomized and 95 analyzed (MT: 48 pts; MPV-A: 47). Pre-treatment characteristics were well balanced between the two arms (all pts: median age=72- range 60-85; median KPS= 70; range 40-100). In the MPV-A arm, the CR rate = 62% (vs 45% in MT arm [p=0.11]), objective response rate= 82% (vs 71%; p=0.23), median PFS= 9.5m (vs 6.1m; HR= 1.14- 95% CI [0.72 ; 1.81]; p=0.6) and median OS= 31m (vs 13.8m; HR= 1.4 - 95% CI [0.84 ; 2.34]; p=0.2). The incidence of grades 3-4 toxicities was 72% in the MPV-A vs 71% in the MT arm. Abnormal liver function test was the most common toxicity (MPV-A: 18 pts; MT: 21). Baseline cognitive impairment (MMSE >24 vs ≤24) predicted OS (p=0.04). Conclusions: This is the first randomized PCNSL study testing two different MTX-based combination regimens. In this elderly population, toxicities were frequent but similar in both arms, and all efficacy endpoints tended to favor the MPV-A arm. The MPV-A regimen is recommended for further development in PCNSL. Clinical trial information: NCT00503594.

Long-term follow up of the FL2000 study comparing CHVP-interferon to CHVP-interferon plus rituximab in follicular lymphoma

Anti-CD20-containing chemotherapy regimens have become the standard of care for patients with follicular lymphoma needing cytotoxic therapy. Four randomized trials demonstrated a clinical benefit for patients treated with rituximab. However, no long-term follow up (i.e. > 5 years) of these trials is yet available. Between May 2000 and May 2002, 358 newly diagnosed patients with high tumor burden follicular lymphoma were randomized to receive cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, etoposide and prednisolone plus interferon-α2a or a similar chemotherapy-based regimen plus rituximab, and outcome was up-dated. With a median follow up of 8.3 years, addition of rituximab remained significantly associated with prolonged event-free survival (primary end point) (P=0.0004) with a trend towards a benefit for overall survival (P=0.076). The Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score was strongly associated with outcome for both event-free and overall survival in univariate analysis and its prognostic value remained highly significant after adjusting for other significant covariates in multivariate models (P<0.0001 and P=0.001, respectively). Considering long-term toxicity, the addition of rituximab in the first-line setting was confirmed as safe with regards to development of secondary malignancies. Long-term follow up of patients with follicular lymphoma treated in the FL2000 study confirms the sustained clinical benefit of rituximab without long-term toxicity.

Rituximab induction immunotherapy for first-line low-tumor-burden follicular lymphoma: survival analyses with 7-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of rituximab induction monotherapy in patients with low-tumor-burden follicular lymphoma (LTBFL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 49 first-line LTBFL patients who received weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m(2)), 46 have been followed with a long-term analysis of clinical and molecular responses.

RESULTS

Best clinical response (at any staging within a year following treatment) was 80%, 24 (52%) patients had complete or unconfirmed complete response, 13 (28%) had partial response and 9 (20%) had stable or progressive disease. Of 31 patients having a positive bcl2-JH rearrangement, 15 (48%) became negative following treatment. After 83.9 months of follow-up (95% confidence interval 6.4-92.8 months), the median progression-free survival is 23.5 months and overall survival (OS) is 91.7%. Five patients died (one progression, one myelodysplasia, one diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and two solid tumors). Seven patients (15%) are progression-free including five who are bcl2 informative. No unexpected long-term adverse event has been observed.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of patients remain progression-free 7 years after a single 4-dose rituximab treatment in first-line LTBFL. The 7-year overall survivalOS is very high in this selected population of patients.

Recurrent genetic alterations in primary central nervous system lymphoma of immunocompetent patients

2023

Background: Little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) in immunocompetent patients. Our objective was to identify the genetic changes involved in PCNSL oncogenesis and evaluate their clinical relevance. Methods: Twenty nine and four newly diagnosed, HIV-negative PCNSL patients were investigated using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPa) arrays (Infinium Illumina Human 610-Quad SNP array-Illumina; validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and whole-exome sequencing respectively. Molecular results were correlated with prognosis. Results: All PCNSLs were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and the patients received high-dose methotrexate-based polychemotherapy without radiotherapy as an initial treatment.SNPa analysis revealed recurrent large and focal chromosome imbalances that target candidate genes in PCNSL oncogenesis. The most frequent genomic changes were (i) 6p21.32 loss (79%), corresponding to the HLA locus; (ii) 6q loss (27-37%); (iii) CDKN2A homozygous deletions (45%); (iv) 12q12-q22 (27%); (v) chromosome 7q21 and 7q31 gains (20%). Sequencing of matched tumor and blood DNA samples identified novel somatic mutations in MYD88 (L265P hot spot mutation) and TBL1XR1 in 38% and 14% of the cases, respectively. The correlation of genetic abnormalities with clinical outcomes using multivariate analysis showed that 6q22 loss (p=0.006 and p=0.01), and CDKN2A homozygous deletion (p=0.02 and p=0.01) were significantly associated with shorter progression free survival and overall survival. Conclusions: Our study identified novel genetic alterations in PCNSL, such as MYD88 and TBL1XR1 somatic mutations, which would both contribute to the constitutive activation of the NFkB signaling pathway and represent potential promising targets for future therapeutic strategies.

Impact of the use of autologous stem cell transplantation at first relapse both in naive and previously rituximab exposed follicular lymphoma patients treated in the GELA/GOELAMS FL2000 study

BACKGROUND

We analyzed detailed characteristics and salvage treatment in 175 follicular lymphoma patients from the FL2000 study who were in progression after first-line therapy with or without addition of rituximab to chemotherapy and interferon.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The impact of using autologous stem cell transplantation and/or rituximab administration at first progression was investigated, taking into account initial therapy. With a median follow up of 31 months, 3-year event free and overall survival rates after progression were 50% (95%CI 42-58%) and 72% (95%CI 64-78%), respectively.

RESULTS

The 3-year event free rate of rituximab re-treated patients (n=112) was 52% (95%CI 41-62%) versus 40% (95%CI 24-55%) for those not receiving rituximab second line (n=53) (P=0.075). There was a significant difference in 3-year overall survival between patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation and those not: 92% (95%CI 78-97%) versus 63% (95%CI 51-72%) (P=0.0003), respectively. In multivariate analysis, both autologous stem cell transplantation and period of progression/relapse affected event free and overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of front-line rituximab exposure, this study supports incorporating autologous stem cell transplantation in the therapeutic approach at first relapse for follicular lymphoma patients.

Long-term follow-up of tandem high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell support for adults with high-risk age-adjusted international prognostic index aggressive non-Hodgkin Lymphomas: a GOELAMS pilot study

Single high-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) support improves complete response and overall survival (OS) in untreated aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, patients with a high age-adjusted international prognostic index (aa-IPI equal to 3) still have poor clinical outcome despite high dose intensity regimen. To improve complete response in this subgroup, the French Groupe Ouest-Est des Leucémies et Autres Maladies du Sang (GOELAMS) conducted a pilot phase II trial (073) evaluating tandem HDT with PBSC support in a series of 45 patients with aa-IPI equal to 3 untreated aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. After induction with an anthracyclin-containing regimen, responders underwent tandem HDT conditioned by high-dose mitoxantrone plus cytarabine for the first HDT and total-body irradiation (TBI), carmustine, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide for the second HDT. Thirty-one patients out of 41 evaluable patients completed the program. There were 4 toxic deaths. The complete response rate was 49%. With a median follow-up of 114 months for surviving patients, the OS was 51%, and 19 out of the 22 patients (86%) who reached a complete response are alive and relapse-free. Recent prospective evaluation of quality of life and comorbidities of surviving patients does not reveal long-term toxicities of the procedure. In the era of monoclonal antibodies and response-adapted therapy, the role of tandem HDT still need to be determined.

Reduced versus full doses of irradiation after 3 cycles of combined doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine in early stage Hodgkin lymphomas: results of a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

The combination of 3 cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) and a tailored, extended irradiation schedule has been used to treat patients with early Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in the authors' group since 1981. The randomized H97-E trial (1997-2004) was designed to assess the impact of a slightly reduced irradiation dose on the freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) rate.

METHODS

Patients with supradiaphragmatic HL at clinical stages I and II who had </=2 affected lymph node areas and a mediastinal mass ratio <0.33 were randomized into an experimental arm (EA) and a control arm (CA). Patients in the EA received 3 cycles of ABVD followed by irradiation at 36 grays (Gy) to initially involved sites and 24 Gy to adjacent sites, the upper infradiaphragmatic area, and the spleen. Patients in the CA received the same chemotherapy regimen and the same irradiation given at doses of 40 Gy and 30 Gy, respectively. Two hundred two patients who had received the CA treatment in 2 previous trials served as a historic control group (HCG).

RESULTS

The 10-year FFTF and overall survival rates were similar for the 89 patients in the EA (88.6% and 97.8%, respectively), for the 99 patients in the CA (92.6% and 95%, respectively), and for the 202 patients in the HCG (91.9% and 92.9%, respectively). Surprisingly, the 10-year incidence of severe or fatal complications was nil in the EA but reached 15.5% in the CA (P < .003) and 11.1% in the HCG.

CONCLUSIONS

Slightly lowering the radiation dose did not have an impact on the excellent cure rate among patients with early HL but significantly reduced the rate of long-term, radiation-induced complications.

Upfront VIP-reinforced-ABVD (VIP-rABVD) is not superior to CHOP/21 in newly diagnosed peripheral T cell lymphoma. Results of the randomized phase III trial GOELAMS-LTP95

Peripheral T-Cell lymphomas (PTCL) are relatively rare diseases but appear to be highly aggressive and display worse remission and survival rates than B-cell lymphomas. Despite unsatisfactory results with the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (CHOP) regimen, it remains the reference front-line therapy in these diseases, but has not been challenged in phase III trials. The Groupe Ouest Est d'Etude des Leucémies et Autres Maladies du Sang (GOELAMS) devised an alternative therapeutic schedule including etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin alternating with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine (VIP-reinforced-ABVD; VIP-rABVD) and compared it to CHOP/21 as front-line treatment in non-cutaneous PTCL. All newly diagnosed patients were eligible. The primary objective was to improve the 2-year event-free survival (EFS) rate. Secondary objectives were to compare the response rate, overall survival, and toxicities as well as identify prognostic factors. Eighty-eight patients were identified between 1996 and 2002. Both arms were well balanced for patients' characteristics in terms of histological and clinical presentation. No significant difference was observed between the two arms in terms of 2-year EFS. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma type and Ann Arbor stage I-II were identified as two independent favourable prognostic factors influencing survival. VIP-rABVD was not superior to CHOP/21 in terms of EFS as first-line treatment of PTCL, confirming that CHOP/21 remains the reference regimen in these lymphomas.