Graft-Versus-Leukemia Effect after Haplo-Identical Stem Cell Transplantation with Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide in Patients with AML- No Association with Graft-Versus-Host Disease: A Study on Behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of EBMT

Abstract Introduction . Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) is a curative approach in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by providing dose-intensive chemo-radiotherapy and enhancing a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. The GVL effect is provided by alloimmune T- cells and is usually closely associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Patients with GVHD have a lower incidence of relapse, but at high grades a higher incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM). However, GVL can also occur independently of GVHD. The use of haplo-identical SCT is rapidly increasing over the last decade due to the introduction of non-T depleted methods, in particular with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), with expected outcomes that are similar to other donor sources. The GVL effect after T- depleted haplo-identical SCT is mostly related to natural-killer cell alloreactivity and is not necessarily associated with GVHD. However, there is no definite data whether GVL after SCT in the non-T depleted setting is similarly associated with GVHD as in the matched donor setting. Methods . We assessed the impact of acute and chronic GVHD on SCT outcomes in patients with AML following non-T depleted haplo-identical SCT with PTCy, by using a series of landmark analyses. Results . The study included 605 patients with AML in CR1 (73%) or CR2 (27%) after non-T depleted haplo-identical SCT with PTCy, given during the years 2009-2016. The median age was 53 years (range, 18-76). 71% had myeloablative conditioning and 29% had reduced-intensity conditioning . The overall rate of acute GVHD grade II-IV and III-IV was 28.4% and 8.0%, respectively. The rates of chronic GVHD all grades and extensive were 32.7% and 12.3%, respectively. The rate of relapse and NRM were 21.8% and 18.2% and the rates of leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival, 2 years after SCT were 59.9% and 64.1%, respectively. 509 patients were alive and leukemia-free 100 days after transplant. 366 had no prior acute GVHD at this landmark, 107 had acute GVHD grade II and 36 had grade III-IV. The overall rate of subsequent relapse was 20.3%, 18.3% and 11.9%, respectively (P=0.60). The overall rates of subsequent NRM were 10.3%, 19.0% and 35.7%, respectively (P<0.001). The rates of LFS were 69.4%, 62.6% and 52.4%, respectively (P=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that acute GVHD grade II before day 100 was not associated with subsequent relapse (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.02, P=0.93), had borderline association with NRM (HR 1.79, P=0.09) and no association with LFS (HR 1.28, P=0.27). Acute GVHD grade III-IV before day 100 was not associated with subsequent relapse (HR 0.92, P=0.87), while it was associated with higher NRM (HR 5.23, P<0.001) and inferior LFS (HR 2.35, P=0.003). Both acute GVHD grade II and grade III-IV were associated with subsequent extensive chronic GVHD, HR 2.02 (P=0.04) and 6.93 (P<0.001), respectively. 393 patients were alive and leukemia-free 6 months after transplant. Out of them 316 had no prior chronic GVHD at this landmark, 55 had limited and 22 extensive chronic GVHD. The overall rate of subsequent relapse was 14.3%, 9.2% and 23.9%, respectively (P=0.60). The overall rates of subsequent NRM were 7.3%, 10.4% and 31.7%, respectively (P=0.003). The rates of LFS were 78.4%, 80.4% and 44.4%, respectively (P=0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that limited grade chronic GVHD occurring before 6 months was not associated with subsequent relapse (HR 0.69, P=0.44), NRM (HR 1.43, P=0.55) or LFS (HR 0.88, P=0.74). Extensive chronic GVHD was not associated with subsequent relapse (HR 1.44, P=0.56) but was associated with higher NRM (HR 5.77, P=0.004) and inferior LFS (HR 2.75, P=0.01). Similar results were seen for prior chronic GVHD at the 1 year landmark. Conclusions. By a series of landmark analyses at 100 days, 6 months and 1 year after SCT, we did not find any association of acute GVHD grade II or III-IV or chronic GVHD (limited or extensive) with subsequent relapse. Acute GVHD grade III-IV was associated with a higher NRM and lower LFS rates after day100. All grades of acute GVHD were associated with a higher incidence of chronic GVHD. Previous extensive chronic GVHD was also associated with a higher NRM and a lower LFS. GVL is thus not associated with GVHD after non T-deleted haplo-identical SCT with PTCy. Future novel strategies for prevention of significant GVHD are warranted. Disclosures Angelucci: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (MA) and CRISPR CAS9 Therapeutics AG (CH): Other: Chair DMC; Roche Italy: Other: Local (national) advisory board; Novartis: Honoraria, Other: Chair Steering Comiittee TELESTO Protocol; Celgene: Honoraria, Other: Chair DMC; Jazz Pharmaceuticals Italy: Other: Local ( national) advisory board. Mohty:MaaT Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria.

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Plasma Citrulline Level As a Biochemical Marker to Predict and Diagnose Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3931.3931 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 3931-3931

Author(s):

Benjamin Carpentier ◽

Remy Dulery ◽

David Seguy ◽

David Beauvais ◽

Arthur Simonnet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Progressive Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Plasma Citrulline ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Background: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), more especially manifestations involving the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Biochemical tools are needed both to predict and prevent acute GVHD development. In addition, deciphering infectious or toxic diarrhea from early manifestations of GI GVHD can be challenging. Citrulline is an amino acid produced by enterocytes of the small bowel. Plasma citrulline level (PCL) has been reported as a reliable quantitative marker of enterocyte mass and function. In an attempt to assess the impact of intestinal damage on the development of GVHD and further outcomes after allo-SCT, we prospectively monitored PCL in 146 consecutive patients admitted in our unit between January 2013 and May 2014. Patients and methods: The study included 93 males and 53 females with a median age of 52 years (range, 18-69), who received an allo-SCT for a hematological malignancy (acute leukemia: n=78; lymphoma: n=20; myelodysplastic syndrome: n=17; myeloproliferative neoplasm: n=12; multiple myeloma: n=10; and others: n=9). Fifty-one patients had a progressive disease. Donors were HLA-identical sibling (n=50) and unrelated (n=96). Source of stem cells was bone marrow (BM; n=76), peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC; n=63) and cord blood (CB; n=7). Conditioning was myeloablative in 88 (60%) patients. Enteral nutrition (EN) was systematically offered and started shortly after conditioning, although parenteral nutrition was provided when EN had been refused or was poorly tolerated. PCL were measured before conditioning (BC), monitored until day 30 after transplantation (d30), and assessed the first day of admission in case of hospitalization for diarrhea. Results: After a median follow-up of 220 days (6-564), grade II-IV acute GVHD was observed 31% patients (n=45) (GI-GVHD: n=17; grade III-IV: n=15; corticoresistant GVHD: n=10) and chronic GVHD in 27% patients (n=39) (extensive forms: n=13). The incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 18% and 21%, respectively. Mean PCL BC was 28 µmol/l (10-59). After a significant fall at d1, PCL increased slowly until a median of 16 µmol/l (0-52) at d15 and 17 µmol/l (1-66) at d30. PCL <15 µmol/l BC was associated with a higher risk of grade III-IV (p=0.008), GI (p=0.013), corticoresistant (p<0.001) acute GVHD and even chronic GVHD (p=0.003). Although recipient age seemed protective of PCL (p=0.014), progressive disease BC was the only factor predictive of low citrulline BC in multivariate analysis [HR: 1.14; 95%CI 1.06-1.22] (p=0.001). Patients with PCL <15 µmol/l at d15 had more often grade II-IV than the others (49% vs 10%, p=0.002). Similar results were observed at d30 (p<0.001). It is noteworthy that in patients with PCL >15 µmol/l at d15 and/or d30, no grade III-IV, GI or corticoresistant acute GVHD were observed. In addition, the incidence of NRM in these patients was only 2% at d15 (vs 24%, p=0.002) and 3% at d30 (vs 25%, p=0.024). In multivariate analysis, only 2 factors influenced low d15 citrulline: EN refused or poorly tolerated [HR: 1.50; 95%CI 1.20-1.88] (p=0.001) and antithymocyte globulin incorporated in conditioning [HR: 0.65; 95%CI 0.47-0.88] (p=0.001). D15 PCL <15 µmol/l was the only factor associated with grade II-IV acute GVHD [HR: 0.21; 95%CI 0.07-0.62] (p=0.005). Three factors were associated with a better overall survival: d30 PCL >15 µmol/l [HR: 0.20; 95%CI 0.05-0.74] (p=0.016), BM graft vs PBSC/CB [HR: 0.19; 95%CI 0.05-0.79] (p=0.023) and good tolerance of EN [HR: 1.07; 95%CI 1.01-1.14] (p=0.026). Finally, 30 of the 146 patients were re-admitted for diarrhea post-transplant. The final diagnoses were GI-GVHD (n=20), infection (n=9) or functional diarrhea (n=1). In case of confirmed GI-GVHD, mean PCL at admission were lower (5, range 1-9) than for other diagnoses (22, range 8-47). PCL <15 µmol/l was significantly associated with GI-GVHD (p<0.001). Conclusion: Monitoring PCL until day 30 post-transplant seems simple and useful in order to identify patients at higher risk of acute GVHD and NRM. Since d15 PCL are correlated to EN tolerance and duration, low PCL could be an indication for starting/prolonging EN in patients who receive allo-SCT. In addition, PCL could be an interesting diagnostic and decision-making tool in case of post-transplant diarrhea. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Comparable 3-Year Disease-Free Survival Regardless of Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Inclusion in Pediatric Myeloablative Cord Blood Transplantation for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1259.1259 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 1259-1259

Author(s):

Doris M. Ponce ◽

Rodney Sparapani ◽

Junfang Chen ◽

Vanderson Rocha ◽

Daniel H. Fowler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Lymphoblastic Leukemia ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

Disease Status ◽

Free Survival ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Disease Free ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Background: Cord blood (CB) is routinely used as an alternative stem cell source for the treatment of children with acute leukemia and has been associated with high rates of disease-free survival (DFS). However, one controversial issue in pediatric CB transplantation is the role of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) as immunoprophylaxis. While inclusion of ATG in the conditioning may decrease the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), it could potentially abrogate graft-versus-leukemia effects and increase the risk of opportunistic infections. Thus, we compared outcomes in a uniform group of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who underwent myeloablative CB transplantation with or without ATG. Methods: Patients with ALL in morphologic remission (CR1 n=106, CR2 n=146, CR3 n=45) aged ≤ 20 years transplanted between 01/2007-12/2011 with high-dose total body irradiation-based conditioning and single or double unit CB grafts were eligible for analysis. CB units were 4-6/6 HLA-A,-B at the antigen-level, -DRB1 allele matched to the recipient and had CB unit with cryopreserved total nucleated cell dose of ≥ 2.5 x107/kg/unit. Cox regression models were built to evaluate potential differences in outcome in ATG versus non-ATG CB transplant recipients. The primary endpoint was 3-year DFS. Results: Of 297 patients, 92 received ATG and 205 did not. Age and disease status were similar in each group whereas ATG recipients were less likely to be CMV seropositive and more likely to receive single unit CB grafts. While neutrophil engraftment was similar in each group, the risk of day 100 grade II-IV acute GVHD [30% (95%CI: 21-40) versus 54% (95%CI: 47-61), p = 0.0002] and 3-year chronic GVHD [22% (95% CI: 14-31) versus 43% (95% CI: 36-50), p = 0.0008] were decreased in ATG recipients. However, day 100 grade III-IV aGVHD was comparable: 11% (95%CI: 5-18) in ATG versus 17% (95%CI: 12-23) in non-ATG recipients, p = 0.15]. The 3-year TRM was similar in both groups: 16% (95%CI: 10-25) in ATG versus 17% (95%CI: 13-23) in non-ATG recipients (p = 0.98). Relapse was also similar in ATG and non-ATG recipients: 17% (95%CI: 10-23) versus 27% (95%CI: 21-34, p = 0.12), respectively. In multivariate analysis, negative CMV serostatus was associated with reduced TRM risk [HR 0.55 (95%CI: 0.30-0.98), p = 0.004] whereas remission status CR2 or CR3 significantly increased relapse risk [HR 2.18 (95%CI: 1.22-3.89), p = 0.008], but inclusion of ATG had no effect on either outcome. With a median follow-up of survivors of 36 months (range 5-72), the 3-year DFS was 66% (95%CI: 56-76) and 55% (95%CI: 48-62) in ATG and non-ATG recipients, respectively (p = 0.23, Figure 1). The distribution of causes of death was similar in each group. In multivariate analysis, treatment failure risk was increased in patients transplanted in CR2 or CR3, but the inclusion of ATG had no effect (p = 0.24) (Table 1). Conclusion: Inclusion of ATG in pediatric myeloablative CB transplant for ALL is associated with a decreased risk of grade II-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD but not severe grade III-IV acute GVHD. There was no difference in 3-year DFS in each group and multivariate analysis revealed ATG inclusion had no impact upon treatment failure risk. These results indicate that optimization of both ATG and non-ATG conditioning platforms are needed in order to further improve CB transplantation survival in children with ALL. Unanswered questions include the impact of the formulation, dose and timing of ATG administration. These findings cannot be extrapolated for other diagnoses, reduced intensity conditioning, or adults. Table 1 Hazard ratio(95% confidence interval) p-value ATG use Conditioning without ATG Conditioning with ATG 1.00 0.78 (0.52 – 1.18) 0.24 Disease status CR1 CR2, CR3 1.00 2.01 (1.31 – 3.08) 0.001 Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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The role of antigen-presenting cells in triggering graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2006-12-022038 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (1) ◽

pp. 9-17 ◽

Cited By ~ 108

Author(s):

Ronjon Chakraverty ◽

Megan Sykes

Keyword(s):

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Tissue Injury ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Host Disease ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Graft Versus Leukemia ◽

Donor T Cells ◽

Antigen Presenting

After allogeneic blood or bone marrow transplantation, donor T cells interact with a distorted antigen-presenting cell (APC) environment in which some, but not all, host APCs are replaced by APCs from the donor. Significantly, host APCs are required for the priming of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Donor APCs play a lesser role in the induction of acute GVHD despite their predicted capacity to cross-present host antigens. In contrast, donor APCs may play a role in perpetuating the tissue injury observed in chronic GVHD. Host APCs are also required for maximal graft-versus-leukemia responses. Recent studies have suggested potential strategies by which the continued presence of host APCs can be exploited to prime strong donor immunity to tumors without the induction of GVHD.

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Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and NOD2/CARD15 Polymorphisms Independently Influence Survival after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplanation.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2167.2167 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 2167-2167

Author(s):

Sebastian Giebel ◽

Aleksandra Holowecka-Goral ◽

Izabela Nowak ◽

Tomasz Czerw ◽

Jerzy Wojnar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Kir Genes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Card15 Gene ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Background: Activating and inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) regulate function of NK cells and a subset of T cells. KIR genotype, in particular the content of activating KIR genes is highly polymorphic. NOD2/CARD15 protein is broadly expressed in APCs and lymphocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene have been reported to impair the pathogen elimination and trigger pathologic immunologic reactions like GvHD. The goal of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of donor’s and recipient’s KIR and NOD2/CARD15 genotypes on outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Pateints and methods: One-hundred-two consecutive patients with hematological malignancies, aged 32(18–58)y, treated with alloHSCT from HLA-matched related (n=34) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) (n=68) were included. The conditioning regimen was myeloablative, GVHD prophylaxis consisted of CsA, Mtx, and, in case of MUD-HSCT, pre-transplant ATG. Donors and recipients were tested for 11 KIR genes as well as SNP8,12,13 of the NOD2/CARD15 gene. In addition, immune reconstitution including KIR expression on T cells, was analyzed on days +28, +56, +100, +180, and +360. Results: Overall survival (OS) rate at 2y was significantly lower in alloHSCT with at least one activating KIR mismatch compared to transplants with full compatibility (62% vs. 86%, p=0.01). In particular, the presence of at least one activating KIR in the donor with its absence in the recipient (D+R−) was associated with decreased probability of OS (60% vs. 78%, p=0.01) and DFS (58% vs. 82%, p=0.005), as well as increased incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (27% vs. 7%). KIR2DS1 and KIR3DS1 D+R− mismatches resulted in increased risk of grade II–IV acute GvHD, whereas KIR2DS3 and KIR2DS2 D+R− mismatches were associated with increased risk of chronic GvHD. The presence of at least one activating KIR D+R− mismatch was associated with increased CD8+/CD4+ T cell ratio up to day +100. In all cases of incompatibility regarding KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2 and KIR3DS1, T cells with expression of respective receptors could be detected up to 360 days after alloHSCT. The presence of SNP8 of the NOD2/CARD15 gene in the recipient was associated with decreased probability of OS (20% vs. 70%, p=0.005) and DFS (20% vs. 70%, p=0.01) as well as increased incidence of NRM (60% vs. 17%) and grade III–IV acute GvHD (67% vs. 8%). In a multivariate analysis including KIR and NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms together with other potential risk factors, increasing number of D+R− activating KIR mismatches as a linear variable appeared to independently influence OS (HR: 1.3, p=0.02), DFS (HR: 1.3, p=0.008), NRM (HR: 1.4, p=0.02), grade II–IV acute GvHD (HR: 1.4, p=0.001), and chronic GvHD (HR: 1.2; p=0.02). Recipient SNP8 of NOD2/CARD15 was predictive for OS (HR: 5.5, p=0.003), DFS (HR: 4.4, p=0.008), NRM (HR: 5.9, p=0.006), grade III–IV acute GvHD (HR: 6.1, p=0.02), and chronic GvHD (HR: 3.7; p=0.03). Conclusions: Both activating KIR D+R− mismatches and recipient SNP8 of NOD2/CARD15 appear to enhance alloreactivity and independently influence survival after alloHSCT. Evaluation of these polymorphisms may contribute to better donor selection and optimization of the alloHCT procedure.

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Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Cyclosporine (CSP) and Tacrolimus (TAC) for Methotrexate (MTX)-Free Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Prophylaxis after Allogeneic Transplantation from a Matched Related Donor (MRD) with a Reduced-Intensity Regimen Containing Cladribine and Busulfan

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1170.1170 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1170-1170 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sung-Won Kim ◽

Takahiro Fukuda ◽

Shotaro Hagiwara ◽

Tsunehiko Komatsu ◽

Tetsuya Goto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whole Blood ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Trough Level ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Starting Dose ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Reduced Intensity ◽

Grade Iii ◽

Neutrophil Engraftment

Abstract Background: Although GVHD prophylaxis without MTX might enhance a graft-versus-leukemia effect, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of GVHD prophylaxis has investigated this possibility in a reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) setting. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare CSP and TAC without MTX as GVHD prophylaxis in RIST from a MRD. Methods: Patients with hematological malignancies in complete remission or with a chemosensitive status were eligible for this study if they were either older than 50 years or had significant medical contraindications for conventional transplantation. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD on day 100. Regimen-related toxicities (RRT) between day −8 and day 28 were assessed by NCI-CTC ver 2.0. The conditioning regimen consisted of cladribine (0.11 mg/kg × 6 days) and oral busulfan (4 mg/kg × 2 days). All patients received unmanipulated G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from a MRD. CSP (starting dose 3 mg/kg/day, target whole blood conc. 250–350 ng/mL, target trough level 150–250 ng/mL) or TAC (starting dose 0.03 mg/kg/day, target whole blood conc. 10–20 ng/mL, target trough level 5–10 ng/mL) was given as GVHD prophylaxis from day −1. G-CSF was administered from day +6 until neutrophil engraftment. Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled between 2/2003 and 2/2008, but 3 were removed before transplant because of disease progression or infection. The diagnoses included lymphoma (n=27; 10 FL, 6 DLBCL, 6 PTCL and 5 HL), AML (n=14), MDS (n=12), MM (n=5), MPD (n=4) and ALL (n=3). The median age of the patients (56 y vs. 55 y) and the median number of CD34+ cells infused (3.7 ×106/kg vs. 3.1 ×106/kg) were similar in the CSP and TAC arms. The median day of neutrophil engraftment in both arms was day 11. The proportion of patients in the CSP or TAC arm who achieved complete chimerism in CD3+ cell fraction on days 28, 56 and 90 was, respectively, 61% vs. 48%, 80% vs. 76% and 80% vs. 97%. Grade 4 RRT was hepatic disease (n=1, CSP arm), and grade 3 RRT included cardiac (n=1, CSP), renal (n=1, CSP), hepatic (n=2, CSP), oral mucosal (n=1, TAC) and gastrointestinal disease (n=4, CSP vs. n=3, TAC). The incidence of grade II–IV acute GVHD in the TAC arm was significantly lower than that in the CSP arm (Table & Figure). The incidences of grade III–IV acute GVHD and extensive chronic GVHD were not significantly different between the two arms. The non-relapse mortality (NRM) in the TAC arm was significantly lower than that in the CSP arm. The causes of death that contributed to NRM were infection in 6 (CSP arm), GVHD in one (CSP), ARDS in one (TAC) and lung cancer in one (CSP). The relapse rate and relapse-related mortality were not significantly different between the two arms. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 1295 days (169–1954). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates in the TAC arm tended to be higher than those in the CSP arm. Figure Figure Conclusions: A regimen with TAC alone without MTX as GVHD prophylaxis was associated with significantly lower rates of grade II–IV acute GVHD and NRM compared to a regimen with CSP alone after RIST from a MRD. OS and PFS with TAC alone tended to be higher than those with CSP alone. Nevertheless, these results must be considered with care due to the small number of patients, and the optimal use of both drugs is still under investigation. A large-scale RCT to identify suitable GVHD prophylaxis in the RIST setting is warranted. Table: Study Outcomes CSP arm (n=33) TAC arm (n=32) P P value was evaluated with logrank test or Wilcoxon test*. Grade II–IV acute GVHD 64% 39% 0.040 Grade III–IV acute GVHD 30% 23% N.S Extensive chronic GVHD 63% 61% N.S 1-year/3-year NRM 26%/38% 0%/5% 0.008 1-year/3-year relapse 35%/43% 25%/49% N.S 1-year/3-year relapse mortality 27%/33% 10%/42% N.S 1-year/3-year OS 57%/45% 90%/56% 0.135 (0.039*) 1-year/3-year PFS 48%/35% 75%/48% 0.120 (0.047*)

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The Use of Bone Marrow Graft for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation From Matched Unrelated Donors After Reduced Intensity Conditioning Regimen Improves Survival : Analysis of the Societe Française De Greffe De Moelle Et De Therapie Cellulaire.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.873.873 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 873-873

Author(s):

Andrea Toma ◽

Marie-Lorraine Balère-Appert ◽

Jean-Michel Boiron ◽

Pierre Bordigoni ◽

Gerard Socie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Conditioning Regimen ◽

Reduced Intensity Conditioning ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Reduced Intensity Conditioning Regimen ◽

Unrelated Donors ◽

Grade Ii

Abstract Abstract 873 The use of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with a higher risk of chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD) but its impact on survival is not clear since it may favor a greater graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect. However, in the context of HSCT from unrelated donors (UD), the balance between GvH and GvL may differ from the context of sibling donors and thus the use of PBSC may be deleterious. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 103 patients from the french registry who received a graft from an UD after a reduced intensity conditioning regimen (RIC) to evaluate the role of various parameters including the source of stem cells on the outcome. Seventy-one D/R pairs (69%) were 10/10 HLA match at the allelic level. Mismatches concerned 5, 6, 15, 2 and 7 D/R pairs for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1, respectively. The median age was 46 years (18-67). All patients had hematologic malignancies: AL (n=35), MM (n=18), CLL (n=5), NHL (n=11), HD (n=9), CML (n=12), MDS (n=9), and MPS (n=4). 39% of the patients were in an advanced phase of the disease at time of HSCT. The conditioning regimen was Fluda/TBI 2Gys for 26 patients, Bu/Fluda/ATG for 24 patients, Fluda/Melph for 16 patients and others for 37 patients. Overall, anti-thymocytes globulins (ATG) were part of the conditioning regimen for 77% of patients. The source of stem cells was PBSC for 65 patients and bone marrow (BM) for 38 patients. The median follow up of the cohort is 61,3 months (1,2-113,7). The results showed that 95% of patients engrafted. Five patients did not engraft (4 in the BM group and 1 in the PBSC group). Acute GvHD grade II to IV and grade III/IV occurred in 47% and 19% of patients, respectively. The risk of developing chronic GvHD was 49% at 2 years. Overall survival (OS) was 36% at five years. The median disease free survival (DFS) was 55 months among the 36 patients alive. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis of factors susceptible to impact on GvHD and survival. The multivariate analysis included the impact of HLA mismatch, disease status, diagnosis, source of stem cells, patient's and donor's ages. This multivariate analysis performed on the global population shows a trend towards an improved OS with the use of BM instead of PBSC. However, when focusing the multivariate analysis on the 71 patients transplanted with a 10/10 match donor, the most potent factor influencing the outcome is the use of BM which is associated with an improved OS (p=0.03) and DFS (p=0.02), less acute GvHD grade II-IV (p=0.05), or grade III/IV (p=0.05) and less chronic GvHD (p=0.05). These results suggest that the use of BM as the source of stem cells should be reconsidered in the context of matched UD after RIC transplantation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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The Genotype of the Donor for the (GT)n Polymorphism in the Promoter/Enhancer of the FOXP3 Gene Influences Graft Versus Host Disease without Affecting Graft Versus Leukemia Effect After Myeloablative HLA-Identical Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3051.3051 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 3051-3051

Author(s):

Victor Noriega ◽

Carolina Martinez-Laperche ◽

Leyre Bento ◽

Noemi Sanchez-Hernandez ◽

Milagros Gonzalez-Rivera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Graft Versus Host Disease ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Foxp3 Gene ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Graft Versus Leukemia ◽

Graft Versus Leukemia Effect

Abstract Abstract 3051 INTRODUCTION The FOXP3 gene encodes for a protein (Foxp3) involved in the development and functional activity of regulatory T cells (CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+, Tregs) which exert regulatory and suppressive roles over the immune system. After allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT), Tregs are known to mitigate graft versus host disease (GVHD) while maintaining a graft versus leukemia effect (GVL). Allele (GT)15 for the functional (GT)n polymorphism in the promoter/enhancer of the FOXP3 gene is associated with a higher expression of FOXP3 and production of a greater amount of Tregs. However, its impact in the allo-SCT setting has not been analyzed. OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the (GT)n polymorphism in the promoter/enhancer of the FOXP3 gene on the development of complications and ultimately on the success of conventional HLA-identical allo-SCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study includes 33 patients with hematological malignancies, treated with myeloablative HLA-identical peripheral blood allo-SCT (Table 1). Diagnosis, classification and grading of GVHD were made by clinical criteria and confirmed when necessary by pathological examination of histological samples from gut, skin, liver or lung, according to international consensus criteria. Donor and recipient genomic DNA was purified from EDTA anticoagulated peripheral blood before allo-SCT and using QIAamp Blood DNA extraction kit (Qiagen). Genotyping of the (GT)n microsatellite polymorphism in the FOXP3 gene was performed by a fluorescence-based short tandem repeat-polymerase chain reaction (STR-PCR) method (GeneAmp 7900; Applied Biosystems) and sized by capillary electrophoresis (POP7 - ABI PRISM 3130 xL Genetic Analyzer; Applied Biosystems) followed by fragment analysis (GeneMapper 4.0 Software; Applied Biosystems) as previously described [Bassuny WM, et al. Immunogenetics. 2003;55 :149–56]. RESULTS The median follow-up time for the cohort was 34 months (range 9.5–110). Allelic frequencies observed were similar to those previously reported (50.5% (GT)15, 41% (GT)16 and 7% (GT)17; no (GT)14 or (GT)18 alleles were found). Patients transplanted from donors harboring allele (GT)15 showed a lower incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD (29% vs 67%; p =0.049). These patients also showed a trend to a lower incidence of severe (grades III-IV) GVHD (12% vs 33%; p =0.167) as well as chronic GVHD (75% vs 100%; p =0.143; Table 1, Figure 1). No statistically differences were found between patients transplanted from (GT)15 and non-(GT)15 donors in terms of relapse rate (38% vs 33%; p =0.825; Table 1) or cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR at 2 years 35.3% vs 37.5%, Figure 2). Finally, survival analysis did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of median event (relapse) free survival (EFS, 15.6 months vs 4.5 months, p =0.686) or overall survival (OS, 29 months vs not reached, p =0.610). CONCLUSIONS Tregs are known to modulate the allotolerance-alloreactivity balance between donor and recipient in the allo-SCT setting, mitigating GVHD while preserving the anti-tumor effect (GVL) of the donor graft. In the present study, the presence of allele (GT)15 in the donor, which promotes a higher expression of FOXP3 and greater amount of Tregs, affected allo-SCT outcome by decreasing grades II-IV acute GVHD and chronic GVHD, without affecting GVL (no differences in CIR and OS). Analysis of this polymorphism can help in appropriate donor selection and, more importantly, drive a tailored management of patients submitted to allo-SCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Effects Of Noninherited Maternal Antigen On The Occurrence Of Acute Graft-Versus Host Diseae After Unmanipulated Haploidentical Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3301.3301 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3301-3301

Author(s):

Ying-Jun Chang ◽

Dai-Hong Liu ◽

Kaiyan Liu ◽

Lan-Ping Xu ◽

Yu Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Marrow Transplantation ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Conditioning Regimen ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Blood And Marrow Transplantation ◽

High Incidence ◽

Mismatched Donor

Abstract Background Exposure to non-inherited maternal antigen (NIMA) in fetal and neonatal life has a lifelong immunological consequence. In haploidentical transplantation, the mismatched haplotype of the donor can originate from either the mother or the father. The aim of this prospective study is to investigate the effects of NIMA and non-inherited paternal antigen (NIPA) on transplant outcomes in patients who underwent unmanipulated haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation (HBMT). Methods Two hundred and eleven patients with hematological disease, including AML, ALL, CML, MDS, SAA, and others, who received haploidentical blood and marrow allgrafts were enrolled in this study. The stem cell source was G-CSF mobilized BM combined with PB. The conditioning regimen was modified BUCY plus ATG with 10mg/kg in total dosage. MTX, CSA, and MMF were used for prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease. Results The median patient follow-up was 343 days (range, 7-573 days). The median time for neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 12 days (range 7-25 days) and 16 days (range 6-410 days), respectively. The cumulative incidence of grade 2-4 actue GVHD at day 100 after HBMT was 41.7%±3.8% The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 53.4%±4.1%. The 1-year probability of relapse, TRM, LFS, and OS at 1 year was 11.3%±2.3%, 8.3%±1.9%, 79.6%±3.0%, and 85.0%±2.8%, respectively. Among the 211 patients, multivariate analysis showed that high risk patients had a high relapse rate (HR: 3.699, 95%CI, 1.598-8.565, P=0.002) and low LFS (HR: 2.452, 95%CI, 1.322-4.546, P=0.004). Duration from diagnosis to transplantation (more than 6 months vs. less than or equal to 6 moths) was associated with a high incidence of TRM (HR: 3.175, 95%CI, 1.251-8.059, P=0.015). Young recipient age (HR: 0.969, 95%CI, 0.946-0.993, P=0.012) were associated with a low incidence of grade 2-4 actue GVHD. Multiple analysis also showed that patients who received allografts from NIMA mismatched donor and father donor had lower incidences of grade 2-4 actue GVHD compared to those of patients receiving allografts from mother (HR: 0.576, 95%CI, 0.334-0.996, P=0.048, and HR: 0.378, 95%CI, 0.126-1.137, 0.087, respectively). For subgroup patients who received allografts from sibling donors, multivariate analysis showed that sibling transplantations mismatched for NIMA had a significantly lower incidence of grade 2-4 acute GVHD than those with NIPA mismatched donors (HR: 0.257, 95%CI, 0.083-0.796, P=0.018). No effects of NIMA mismatch on relapse, TRM, LFS, and OS were found in the current study. Conclusions Our results suggest that HBMT from a NIMA mismatched donor can offer low indicence of grade 2-4 acute GVHD. In unmanipulated haploidentical settings, mother donor transplantation may be associated with high incidence of grade 2-4 acute GVHD. These data suggest a NIMA mismatched donor not a mother donor should be preffered as donor for unmanipulated haploidentical blood and marrow transplantation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Outcomes after Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children: A Survey on Behalf of Eurocord and PDWP-EBMT

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2570.2570 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 2570-2570

Author(s):

Federica Giannotti ◽

Annalisa Ruggeri ◽

Gerard Michel ◽

Jean-Hugues Dalle ◽

Tracey O'Brien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Unit ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Median Number ◽

Cell Dose ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Double UCBT (dUCBT) has been used in adults to reach an acceptable cell dose. For most children a single unit with a total nucleated cell (TNC) dose >3x107/Kg can be easily identified, but that is not always the case for heavier patients (pts). Use of dUCBT might decrease relapse and increase graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD). Data on dUCBT in children are scarce in the literature. A recent randomized study in children has described similar outcomes after double compared to single UCBT. Our study provides an overview of the use of dUCBT in the pediatric population reported to Eurocord. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of unrelated dUCBT in 177 children transplanted between 2002 and 2012 in 61 EBMT centres. Analysis was performed separately for pts with malignant (n=139) and non-malignant (NM, n=38) diseases. Among pts with malignancies, 76 had ALL, 40 AML, 6 MDS, 2 CML, 11 NHL, 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma and 1 Multiple Myeloma. Median age at dUCBT was 15 years (1.3-17.9) and median weight was 55 kg (13-97). Disease status at dUCBT was 1st complete remission (CR) (36%), ≥2nd CR (34%) or advanced (25%), and missing in 5% of the pts. In this group, 117pts received a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and 22 a reduced intensity regimen (RIC). Cyclophosphamide+fludarabine+TBI was administered to 41% of the pts; 55% received ATG in the conditioning. Median number of collected TNC was 5.7x107/kg (3,6-12,8). Considering the unit with the higher number of HLA incompatibilities with the recipient, 56% had 2 mismatches. GvHD prophylaxis was cyclosporine-A (CSA) based in 93% of the pts (58% received CSA + mycofenolate mofetil). Median follow-up was 31 months. Cumulative incidence (CI) of neutrophil (PMN) and platelet (PLT) engraftment was 88% at 60 days and 64% at 180 days after dUCBT, and it was achieved with a median time of 24 and 45 days, respectively. Among the 122 pts with PMN engraftment, 85/94 with available data on chimerism were full donor and, of these, 20% had dual chimerism. CI of acute GvHD grade II-IV and grade III-IV at 100 days was 51% and 26%, respectively; it was significantly higher in pts who did not receive ATG (grade II-IV: 35% vs 67%, p=0.004; grade III-IV: 12% vs 37%, p=0.0075). Chronic GvHD was observed in 24/104 pts at risk (60% extensive; 2-year (yr) CI: 18%). The 2-yr CI of relapse was 31%. In univariate analysis, RIC, advanced stage at transplantation and a collected TNC dose lower than the median, were significantly associated with higher rates of relapse.The 2-yr CI of transplant related mortality (TRM) was 27%. Overall, 73 pts died: 35 of relapse, 15 of infections, 9 of GvHD and 14 of other causes. The 2-yr disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 42% and 45%, respectively. Among pts with NM disorders, 24 had bone marrow failure syndrome (BMFS) (10 Fanconi Anemia, 13 Acquired Aplastic Anemia and 1 other inherited BMFS), 2 hemoglobinopathies, 7 immune deficiencies and 5 metabolic disorders. Median age at dUCBT was 11 years (0.7-17.9) and the median weight was 40 kg (13-70). In this group, 27 pts received a RIC (40% TBI based), 10 a MAC (90% busulfan based), and 1 no conditioning regimen. ATG was administered to 82% of the pts and GvHD prophylaxis was CSA-based in 77%. The median number of collected TNC was 8.4x107/kg (1,2-11,2) and 60% of the grafts had ≥2 HLA mismatches with the recipient. Median follow-up was 39 months. Overall, 28 pts achieved PMN engraftment and 16 PLT engraftment, with a median time of 23 and 61 days, respectively. In univariate analysis, pts with BMFS compared to others had a significantly lower CI of PMN engraftment (58% vs 100%, p=0.002). Among the 10 pts who did not engraft, 3 had autologous reconstitution and 3 had a subsequent allogeneic HSCT. Forteen pts developed acute GvHD grade II-IV and 10/25 pts at risk had chronic GvHD (3 extensive). Overall 21 pts died (17 with BMFS): 9 of infections, 5 of GvHD and 7 of other causes. The 2-yr OS was 42% and it was significantly lower in pts with BMFS compared to those affected by other NM disorders (28% vs 70%, p=0.03). In pts with malignancies, despite a higher incidence of acute GvHD, DFS and OS seem to be comparable to those reported in the literature for single UCBT or HSCT from other alternative stem cell sources. In the NM disorders group, despite the high cell dose, dUCBT did not seem to improve results in pts with BMFS. This survey suggests that dUCBT is feasible in children and should be considered when a single unit with an adequate cell dose is not available. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) for Acute Graft-Versus Host Disease (GvHD) after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5466.5466 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 5466-5466

Author(s):

Sandra Eder ◽

Marie-Thérèse Rubio ◽

Ramdane Belhocine ◽

Myriam Labopin ◽

Eolia Brissot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immunosuppressive Therapy ◽

Calcineurin Inhibitor ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Median Number ◽

Low Grade ◽

Graft Versus Host ◽

Steroid Dependent ◽

Grade Iii ◽

Steroid Refractory

Abstract Background Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major limitation after allo-HSCT and remains a frequent cause of death. The 5-years survival is 25% and 5% for grade III and IV, respectively. Acute GvHD occurs in up to 45% of HLA-matched and up to 75% in case of unrelated donors. The standard-treatment consists of methylprednisolone (usually 2 mg/kg/day) and a calcineurin-inhibitor. No standardized second-line treatment for acute GvHD exists. Here, we report a pilot single-centre experience with extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) for acute GvHD: the objective was to investigate the efficacy of ECP for patients with steroid-refractory/-dependent acute GvHD as well as an early intervention in patients with low-grade acute GvHD to avoid/taper steroids. Furthermore, we evaluated the reduction of immunosuppressive therapy. Patients' characteristics Between 2013 and 2014, 17 patients with acute GvHD (of whom two patients developed GvHD after donor lymphocyte infusion) were treated. Eight patients had a maximum grade of GvHD I/II (2/6 patients) and nine patients were graded as III/IV (6/3 patients). Organ involvement was as follows: skin only in 10, skin and liver in one, skin and gastrointestinal tract in two and all three organs were involved in four patients. Treatment before ECP consisted of topical steroids in one and 0.5 mg/kg methylprednisolone (due to side-effects of calcineurin-inhibitor) in the other patients with grade I. Six patients received 1 mg/kg and eight patients received 2 mg/kg methylprednisolone. One patient was treated with 2 mg/kg methylprednisolone and weekly methotrexate. Before start of ECP, one patient was steroid-free, six patients were steroid-refractory and nine patients were steroid-dependent. Thus, we treated patients with acute GvHD not only for steroid-refractory disease but also steroid-dependent disease and grade I GvHD to avoid a treatment with steroids. Results The median number of ECP sessions per patient was 12 (range, 5 - 36), seven patients received ECP twice a week. Best response to ECP was complete remission in 71%, partial response in 12% and no response in 17%, after a median number of 6 treatments (range, 2 - 9). Response was better for grade I/II: 87.5% received complete remission compared to 56% with grade III/IV, partial response was observed in 12.5% in patients with grade I/II versus 11% with grade III/IV. No responders comprised 33% with grade III/IV and 0% with grade I/II. Immunosuppressive therapy could be tapered successfully: mean reduction of steroids was 95% (range, 60 - 100) and mean reduction of calcineurin-inhibitor was 83% (range, 40 - 100). Six patients developed a rebound of GvHD during tapering (two patients) or after discontinuation (four patients) of ECP. Eleven patients (78%) developed chronic GvHD (two patients with severe grade), whereas it appeared in four patients during tapering of ECP and in seven patients after discontinuation of ECP after a median time of 116 days (range, 30 - 287). We could observe seven bacterial, 14 viral and one fungal infection in 14 patients, which are expected rates after allo-HSCT in patients with acute GvHD. After a median follow up of one year, two patients relapsed from their underlying disease and five patients died (one due to relapse and four due to infections). Conclusion In this single-centre pilot experience, we could show that ECP is an efficient and safe treatment in patients with steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent acute GvHD as well as an upfront-treatment in patients with low-grade GvHD. We were able to taper immunosuppressive therapy with a mean reduction of steroids of 95% and mean reduction of calcineurin-inhibitor of 83%. Best responses were seen in patients with I/II grade GvHD which concludes that ECP should be started as early as possible. Further studies are warranted to investigate a schedule to reduce the risk of rebound of acute GvHD (42% in our cohort) and development of chronic GvHD (78%). Disclosures Mohty: Janssen: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

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