Interferon Alpha, the New Old Disease Modifying Agent for Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Abstract Background: Despite the important progress in the research of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in the last years, treatment options are still limited. Currently, a cytoreductive approach is the backbone treatment, with hydroxyurea (HU) being the most important agent. However, this drug is not always well tolerated and seems to be associated with a potential leukemogenic effect. A valid alternative treatment is interferon alfa (IFN-α), but is reserved for selected patients due to the unfavorable toxicity profile. Furthermore, studies directly comparing IFN-α to HU are lacking, which is why we performed the so far largest Philadelphia negative (Ph-) MPN real-life analysis. Methods: From 2000 to January 2016 we prospectively assessed 63 Ph- MPN patients who received either HU at induction dosage of 25 mg/kg daily until achievement of hematologic remission, followed by maintenance therapy at 10 to 15 mg/kg daily, or IFN-α 3 MU subcutaneously three times a week. The treatment was selected based on physician's choice. All patients were screened for molecular genetic and cytogenetic analysis at diagnosis and during treatment. Results: Between January 2000 and January 2016, 63 consecutive patients were diagnosed with Ph- MPN: 28 were affected by polycythemia vera (PV) and 35 by essential thrombocytosis (ET). Fifteen patients with PV (54%) and 20 with ET (57%) were treated with IFN-α, while 13 with PV (46%) and 15 with ET (43%) received HU, respectively. Clinical characteristics were similar between both treatment groups and no significant differences were observed. During a median follow-up period of 81 months (range, 48-168 months) 97% of the patients treated with IFN-α achieved a hematologic response [60% complete (CHR), 37% partial (PHR)] compared to 78% in HU group (56% CHR, 20% PHR; p< 0.01). Molecular responses were limited to patients treated with IFN-α. Among these, the overall molecular response rate was 60% in both PV and ET. Complete molecular response (CMR) was achieved in 20% patients with PV and in 10% with ET, whereas partial molecular response (PMR) in 33% and 20% of patients with PV and ET, respectively. (Fig.1) Importantly, no patient who achieved CMR was observed to experience hematologic or molecular relapse after a median follow up of 92 months (range 53-132 months), suggesting that this drug is able to modify the natural course of Ph- MPN. In contrast, HU did not influence molecular response. In addition to molecular genetic analysis, we performed conventional cytogenetics on all patients at diagnosis and during treatment. Six patients were found to have abnormalities on metaphase cytogenetics pretreatment with IFN-α. Of these 6 patients, 1 had a resolution of cytogenetic abnormalities during the study. We did not observe the acquisition of new cytogenetic abnormalities in these 6 patients or in the others with normal baseline cytogenetics during therapy. Four patients were found having cytogenetic abnormalities before HU and two more developed new abnormalities over the course of the treatment, suggesting that this drug is not able to prevent leukemogenesis. IFN-α was well tolerated with no secondary malignancy, while HU was associated with more toxic events and seemed to increase risk of leukemia. Conclusion: We provide evidence that IFN-α might be a more valid therapeutic option due to its more profound hematologic responses, the ability to induce molecular responses and the potential ability to reduce the risk of leukemic transformation. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Event-Free Survival According to Age in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Imatinib Frontline: The Younger, the Later, the Worse?

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4038.4038 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 4038-4038 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Roberto Latagliata ◽

Massimo Breccia ◽

Ida Carmosino ◽

Federico Vozella ◽

Federico De Angelis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Real Life ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Event Free Survival ◽

Secondary Resistance ◽

Free Survival

Abstract Differences in baseline features and follow-up among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) according to age at diagnosis have been recently reported in cohorts from clinical controlled trials (Castagnetti F et al, 2015). To evaluate this issue in a real-life setting, we revised 207 consecutive CML patients treated at our Institution with imatinib frontline from 6/2002 to 6/2013, dividing them in young adults (>20 <45 years) (YA), middle-aged adults (≥45 <65 years) (MA) and elderly (≥65 years) (EL). The main features at baseline of the whole cohort and of the 3 age groups are reported in the Table. Table.ALLYAMAELpN° of patients207617274M/F108/8930/3140/3238/360.752Median WBC (x 109/l)IQR66.1 (32.7 - 119.0)109.8 (65.9 - 148.0)59.5 (31.3 - 126.6)40.1 (26.5 - 81.4)<0.001Median Hb (g/dl)(IQR)12.5 (11.0 - 13.5)11.7 (9.8 - 12.7)12.7 (11.0 - 14.2)12.8 (11.3 - 13.7)0.002Median PLT (x 109/l)IQR414 (275 - 616)445 (291 - 597)378 (262 - 546)457 (271 - 732)0.287Spleen enlargement (>5cm) N° (%)17 (8.3)11 (18.3)4 (5.6)2 (2.7)0.003Sokal score (N°)Low/Int/High89/93/2047/9/338/27/54/57/12<0.001Comorbidities ≥ 2, N° (%)77 (37.2)5 (8.1)26 (36.1)46 (62.1)<0.001 The rates of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) were similar (86.4% in YA, 95.5% in MA and 91.0% in EL, p=0.227) while the rate of major molecular response was higher in the MA group (89.7% vs 63.8% in YA and 75.8% in EL, p=0.001). The number of events (permanent discontinuation due to toxicity, primary or secondary resistance, any death for CML related or unrelated causes) was lower in the MA group [8 (11.1%) vs 21 (34.4%) in YA and 28 (37.8%) in EL, p=0.001]: no difference was observed in the rate of evolution to blastic phase [3 (4.9%) in YA, 1 (1.4%) in MA and 2 (2.7%) in EL, p=0.478]. The number of deaths was higher in the EL group [12 (16.2%) vs 2 (3.2%) in YA and 0 in MA, p<0.001]: it is worth of note, however, that 11/12 deaths in the EL group were not related to CML progression. The 4-year event-free survival (EFS) for the whole cohort was 73.5% (95%CI 67.0 - 80.0): the 4-year EFS in the MA group [92.0% (95%CI 85.1 - 98.9)] was significantly higher than in YA group [67.3% (95%CI 55.1 - 79.5)] and in EL group [61.1% (95%CI 49.5 - 73.7)] (p=0.001). The 4-year overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort was 94.4% (95%CI 90.9 - 97.9): the 4-year OS in the EL group [72.4.% (95%CI 56.9 - 87.9)] was significantly lower than in YA group [96.3% (95%CI 91.2 - 100)] and in MA group (100%) (p<0.001). In conclusion, age at diagnosis influences significantly the course of CML patients treated with imatinib: the MA group has the best follow-up with an excellent OS and EFS, while the relatively lower OS and EFS in the EL group are clearly related to the incidence of unrelated deaths like in the general aged population. A possible explanation of the counterintuitive worse course of YA group is the delayed diagnosis in these patients (higher WBC counts, lower Hb levels, higher rate of spleen enlargement > 5 cm) compared to aged patients, who have often concomitant diseases and make routinely blood analyses: however, a more aggressive biology of CML in YA could not be excluded and warrants further investigations. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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JAK2 Inhibitor Therapy in Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Ph(-): Hematologic, Clinical and Molecular Responses

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.5059.5059 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 5059-5059

Author(s):

Ana Esther Kerguelen Fuentes ◽

Dolores Hernández-Maraver ◽

Miguel Angel ◽

Canales Albendea ◽

Ana Rodriguez de la Rua

Keyword(s):

Clinical Response ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Spleen Size ◽

Molecular Responses ◽

Allele Burden ◽

Jak2 Inhibitor ◽

Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Jak2 Inhibitors

Abstract Abstract 5059 JAK2 inhibitors are known to improve symptoms, to control myeloproliferation and to reduce splenomegaly in patients diagnosed with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)Ph(-). However their ability to decrease the allele burden and achieve molecular responses is controversial. Objective: To evaluate hematologic, clinical and molecular responses according to the criteria of the European LeukemiaNet and European Myelofibrosis Network in 13 patients treated with JAK2 inhibitors. Material and Methods: We performed a prospective study in the Haematology Service of the Hospital La Pazbetween 1987 and 2012 in 13 patients diagnosed with NMP Ph (-) and treated with of JAK2 inhibitors: 5 secondary mylofibrosis (SFM)to homozygous polycythemia vera JAK (+), 4 SFM to essential thrombocythemias JAK (-), 2 primary myelofibrosis (one JAK (-) and one heterozygous JAK (+)) and 2 homozygous PV JAK (+) resistant to hydrea. The RT-PCR was performed at 6 or 12 months after the first determination of the allelic burden. Median follow-up was 3 months (1 – 15). A) Hematologic Response (HR): 3/5 SFM to PV(1)/TE JAK(-)(2) reached HR at 3 months of initiation of JAK2 inhibitor to 20mg/day. Molecular and clinical response were not evaluated. B) Clinical Response: Three patients had a reduction in the spleen size. Only one patient in the SFM group had a reduction in the spleen size (18 cm before the drug was commenced to 13. 7 cm) and the allele burden decrease from 55% to 23% after 5 months of therapy with JAK2 inhibitor at 25mg/12h (increase of 5mg/12h after 15 days of initiation of medication). 2/3 MFS to TE JAK(-) had a reduction from 15, 3 cm before the drug was commenced to 9 cm after 3 months of therapy with JAK2 inhibitor at 20 mg/12h. 3/3 MFP JAK(-) had a 6cm reduction in spleen size. Twenty cm splenomegaly was documented before starting JAK2 inhibitor to 15 mg/day. C) Molecular Response: 2/5 SFM to PV decreased the previous allele burden value. One patient decreased by 25% the previous allele burden value (99. 28%) at 6 months of JAK2 inhibitor. Second patient decreased by 13% the previous allele burden value (55%) at 6 months of starting JAK2 inhibitor to 25 mg/day. In 1/2 PV, the previous allele burden value (93. 17%) decreased by 11. 4% at 6 months of starting JAK2 inhibitor at 100mg/24h. D) Lack of response and disease progression: One patient with SMF secondary to JAK 2 (-) ET had dose reductions from 20 mg twice a day secondary to grade IV thrombocytopenia and renal toxicity. Patient finally developed acute leukemia. Conclusions: Our study confirms that JAK2 inhibitors reduce splenomegaly in MPNs JAK(-)and JAK(+). Prospective studies with an adequate sample size are necessary to demonstrate whether splenomegaly and symptom reductions achieved with inhibition of JAK2 could be associated to decrease the allele burden and achieve molecular responses in MPNs JAK(+). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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First Line Treatment with Nilotinib 800 Mg Daily Results In Unprecedentedly High Rate of Rapid, “Deep” and Stable Molecular Responses as Assessed by a High Sensitive Nanofluidic Array for the Detection of Rare Copies of BCR-ABL1 Transcript: Results of a Phase 2 Trial of the GIMEMA CML Working Party

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2720.2720 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 2720-2720

Author(s):

Giovanni Martinelli ◽

Angela Poerio ◽

Marilina Amabile ◽

Ilaria Iacobucci ◽

Simona Soverini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Residual Disease ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Working Party ◽

High Rate ◽

Leukemic Cells ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Rapid Reduction ◽

Molecular Responses

Abstract Abstract 2720 Treatment strategies based on second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as Nilotinib, have improved overall chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment results, with a rapid and major molecular remission (MCR), at 12 months rate ranging 75%. Therefore, the detection of residual leukemic cells by measuring BCR-ABL1 transcript level is absolutely required to monitor minimal residual disease. To investigate the molecular therapeutic efficacy of nilotinib 400 mg BID in previously untreated, ECP, Philadelphia-positive CML patients, the Italian GIMEMA CML Working Party is conducting an multicenter phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00481052). The primary endpoint is the CCgR rate at 1 year. The kinetic of molecular response is being studied by Q-PCR at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months from treatment start by a TaqMan absolute quantitative PCR (Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-Time PCR System) and by the 12.765 Digital array (Fluidigm) which is is a nanofluidic biochip consisting in twelve panels, each containing 765 individual reaction chambers of 6 nL volume. Fluidigm analysis was done in parallel on same samples (at diagnosis,1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, and were possible at 18 and 24 months). Patient with longest follow up was 727 days. A Major Molecular Response, defined as a BCR-ABL:ABL ratio <0.1% according to the International Scale, and obtained by conventional RT-PCR was already achieved in 52% at 3 months, 66% at 6 months 73% at 9 months and 85% at 12 months. The median BCR-ABL transcripts level at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months was 0.063, 0.018, 0.018 and 0.006, respectively. On 73 patients with the longest follow up, a complete molecular response (CMR) defined as a BCR-ABL:ABL ratio <0.0032%IS and a negative nested PCR, was achieved in 7 patients at 12 months. The log-reduction in BCR-ABL/ABL level at 3 months was predictive of the probability of MMR at 12 months. Probability to obtain a MMR at 12 months was of 42%, 62% and 95%, respectively. The molecular results achieved in our study strongly support the notion that in early chronic phase CML patients molecular responses to nilotinib are substantially faster and “deeper” than those to IM. More rapid reduction of residual disease might help to reduce failures and to improve the late outcome of therapy. Supported by: European LeukemiaNet, AIL, AIRC, Fondazione Del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna, FIRB 2006, PRIN 2008, Ateneo RFO grants, Project of integrated program (PIO), Programma di Ricerca Regione – Università 2007 – 2009. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Genetic Predisposition to Molecular Response in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treated with Hydroxycarbamide

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1738.1738 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 1738-1738 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anna Angona ◽

Beatriz Bellosillo ◽

Alberto Alvarez-Larrán ◽

Luz Maria Martinez-Aviles ◽

Laura Camacho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genetic Factors ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Ethics Committee ◽

Molecular Response ◽

First Line ◽

First Line Therapy ◽

Line Therapy ◽

Treatment Naïve

Abstract Abstract 1738 Introduction: Hydroxycarbamide (HC) is an antimetabolite used as first-line therapy in high risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV). In treatment-naive patients, HC achieves complete hematological and partial molecular response in 80% and 50% of patients, respectively. Genetic factors involved in the pharmacokinetics of HC, as well as in the acquisition of the JAK2V617F mutation, could play a role in the variability among these patients in achieving a molecular response. Objective: To assess the influence of 46/1 JAK2 haplotype and urea transporters polymorphisms on the molecular response in JAK2V617F-positive PV and ET patients treated with HC. Methods: JAK2V617F allele burden was measured by quantitative PCR at diagnosis and every 6 months during follow-up in 53 PV patients and in 41 ET patients receiving HC therapy. Molecular response to HC treatment was defined according to European LeukemiaNet (ELN) criteria. SNPs rs12340895 and rs12343867 were used to determine 46/1 haplotype status and SNPs rs2298720 (SLC14A1), rs9960464 (SLC14A2), were used to genotype urea transporters. The rate of molecular response was compared according to 46/1 JAK2 haplotype status (negative, heterozygous, homozygous), and genotype of 2 urea transporters: SLC14A1 (GG, GA, AA) and SLC14A2 (GG, GA, AA). The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee and informed consent was obtained according to the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Overall, molecular response (CR or PR) was achieved in 48 patients (51%), corresponding to 46% and 57% in PV and ET patients, respectively (p=0.3). In ET patients, there were no significant differences in the proportion of patients achieving a molecular response according to 46/1 JAK2 haplotype or to the different transporter genotypes. PV patients with the GG genotype in transporter SLC14A2 obtained more frequently a molecular response than those with AA or GA genotype (71% versus 36%, p=0.03). No significant differences in molecular response were observed in PV patients according to transporter SLC14A1 and 46/1 JAK2 haplotype. Conclusion: 46/1 JAK2 haplotype status did not influence molecular response in PV or ET patients treated with HC. Polymorphisms in urea transporters showed a minimal effect on the rate of molecular response in these patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Results of Imatinib Dose Escalation After 36 Months of Follow-up in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Failure or Sub-Optimal Response According to 2006 EuropeanLeukemia Net (ELN) Criteria.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.3302.3302 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 3302-3302

Author(s):

Massimo Breccia ◽

Fabio Stagno ◽

Roberto Latagliata ◽

Paolo Vigneri ◽

Laura Cannella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Dose Escalation ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Standard Dose ◽

Acquired Resistance ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Cytogenetic Response ◽

Molecular Response

Abstract Abstract 3302 Poster Board III-190 Introduction Imatinib mesylate (IM) given at a daily dose of 400 mg currently represents the gold standard of care for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). European LeukemiaNet (ELN) guidelines propose IM dose escalation to rescue those CML patients with either suboptimal response or drug resistance. We report on the long-term efficacy of IM dose escalation in 74 patients with CP-CML after suboptimal response or failure to IM conventional dose. Patients and methods Median age was 50 years (range 19-85), there were 52 males and 22 females. Thirteen patients were classified as hematologic failure (10 primary and 3 secondary), 57 patients as cytogenetic resistance (24 primary and 33 acquired). Three patients escalated the dose for cytogenetic suboptimal response and one patient for molecular suboptimal response at 18 months. Fifty-four received IM dose escalation from 400 to 600 mg and 20 patients from 400 to 800 mg. Results Overall, after a median follow-up of 36 months, 68/74 (91.8%) patients maintained or achieved a complete haematologic response (CHR); this was maintained in all patients who escalated the dose for cytogenetic failure or suboptimal response. A major cytogenetic response (MCyR) was achieved in 41 patients (72%) who escalated the dose for cytogenetic failure and in 6/13 (46%) patients who escalated imatinib for hematologic failure (p=0.002). Overall, complete cytogenetic responses (CCR) were achieved in 27 (37%) out of 74 CML patients: of the 13 hematologic failure patients, only 5 achieved CCyR: all patients had prior acquired resistance to imatinib. Of the 57 cytogenetic failure, 22 reached CCR: this response was obtained in 27% of the primary cytogenetic resistant, and in 50% of the acquired cytogenetic resistant patients (p=0.02). Three patients who escalated the dose for cytogenetic suboptimal response obtained CCR and complete molecular response (CMR), whereas one patient who escalated the dose for molecular suboptimal response at 18 months did not obtain CMR. Median time to cytogenetic response was 3.5 months. Cytogenetic responses occurred in 37/50 patients who escalated the dose to 600 mg and in 10/20 patients who escalated to 800 mg daily (p=0.234). CMR was obtained in 10 patients: in 7 patients who escalated the dose for cytogenetic failure and in 3 patients who escalated imatinib for suboptimal cytogenetic response. Estimated 2 year-progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) is 87% and 85% respectively. Sixteen patients (21.6%) experienced toxicities and had temporarily IM interruption. Conclusions Imatinib dose escalation can induce sustained responses in a subset of patients with cytogenetic resistance and a prior suboptimal cytogenetic response to standard-dose imatinib, whereas it appears less effective in haematologic failure patients or in molecular sub-optimal responders. The availability of second generation TKI should be taken into account in these letter categories of patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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The Decrease of JAK2 V617F Allele Burden in Leukemia Transformation of An Elderly Patient with Myelofibrosis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4990.4990 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 4990-4990

Author(s):

Su-Jiang Zhang ◽

Jianyong Li ◽

Wei Xu

Keyword(s):

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Molecular Genetic ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasm ◽

Jak2 V617f ◽

Jak2 V617f Mutation ◽

Leukemia Cells ◽

Elderly Aml ◽

Genetic Abnormalities ◽

V617f Mutation

Abstract Abstract 4990 Recently there were two different model about clone genesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformed from pre-existing JAK2 V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). One model showed the leukemia cells were come from JAK2 V617F negative clone, however, the other indicated that the leukemia cells were still developed from JAK2 V617F positive clone. Here, we report a elderly AML patient who was developed from pre-existing myelofibrosis (MF) with homozygous JAK2 V617F mutation. In leuekmic transformation phase, heterozygous JAK2 V617F mutation was identified, supported the idea that the leukemia cells may be come from JAK2 V617F negative clone. Moreover, no other cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities were further found. After one course of CAG regimen, complete remission was achieved. Further follow-up is still in progress. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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High Degree of Hematological Response After Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Therapy In Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.5055.5055 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 5055-5055

Author(s):

Jan Samuelsson ◽

Gerd Larfars ◽

Eva Ottosson ◽

Mats Merup

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Median Time ◽

Response Rate ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Pegylated Interferon ◽

Interferon Α ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Hematological Response ◽

Ifn Therapy

Abstract Abstract 5055 Objective: To retrospectively assess hematological response rates, and other clinical and molecular variables, in MPN patients treated with pegylated interferon α-2a (Pegasys®, Roche Ltd). Responses were graded according to criteria published by the European Leukemia Net for PV and ET (Barosi G et al Blood 2009;113:4829), with the exception that mesurement of spleen size using ultrasound was not routinely performed, and the European Myelofibrosis Network for PMF (Barosi G et al Blood 2005;106:2849), respectively. Patient characteristics: The 23 patient cohort consisted of 13 PV, 5 ET, 3 PMF and 2 post-ET/PV MF pts. Thirteen pts were JAK2V617F+, 6 were JAK2V617F wt, and in 4 pts JAK2 status is unknown. Median age was 50 years (range 26–69), 13 were female and 10 male. Median time from MPN diagnosis to start of pegylated interferon α-2a (Peg-IFN) therapy was 67 months (range 0–204). Six pts had a previous thrombotic event (TIA=2, portal vein thrombosis=2, DVT lower extremity=2), and 2 pts had a previous major hemorrhage (gynecological=1, gastrointestinal=1). Eleven pts had previously received therapy with anagrelide (n=8), hydroxyurea (n=4), interferon α-2b (n=1), busulfan (n=1) or P32 (n=1), while 12 pts had not received bone marrow suppressive therapy. All PV and ET pts were on aspirin. Phlebotomies were performed in PV with the aim of keeping the hematocrit < 0.45. Peg-IFN was given at a dose of 90 μg/week in 16 pts, 135μg/week in 6, and 180μg/week in 1. Results: The overall hematological response rate (CR+PR) was 18/21 (86 %), 14 pts achieving CR and 4 PR. Two pts are too early to evaluate at the time of astract submission. One PV and 1 PMF patient were non-responders. Resonse rates were similar in PV vs ET, female vs male pts, and previously treated vs previously untreated pts. Median time of follow-up on Peg-IFN therapy is 16 months (3+ - 49+). Thirteen pts are still on therapy, 9 in CR, 2 in PR, and 2 too early to evaluate. These 13 pts have very limited or no side effects. Therapy has also been stopped according to plan after long hematological CR with molecular response in 2 pts. Therapy has been discontinued in 8 pts, in five (22 %) due to side effects (depression n=3, joint pain n=3, hair loss n=2, pruritus n=1), non-response in 2 pts, and PMF progression in 1. Serial JAK2V617F measurements are available at time of abstract submission in 4 pts, 1 achieved molecular CR, 2 PR whereas 1 patient treated for 5 months had no molecular response. Three of 4 mildly anemic MF pts normalized their hemoglobin (HgB 113 → 137, 106 → 123, and 110 → 125 respectively). In one PMF patent a clear reduction of marrow fibrosis was noted, whereas it progressed in another. No thromboembolic or bleeding complications were observed during PEG-IFN therapy. Longer follow-up, as well as additional molecular and morphological studies will be presented. Conclusions: Pegylated interferon α-2a induced a higher hematological response rate with improved tolerability, compared to our previous experience with Peg-IFN α-2b (Samuelsson et al Cancer 2006;106:2397), although the current number of patients is limited. However, the two previous publications that describes Peg-IFN α-2a therapy in larger MPN patients cohorts have observed results similar to ours (Kiladjian JJ et al Blood. 2008;112:3065, Quintás-Cardama A et al J Clin Oncol. 2009;27:5418). Molecular responses noted in a subset of patients further highlights the effect of Peg-IFN α-2a on the malignant clone in MPN:s. Peg-IFN α-2a is a valuable therapeutic alternative in patients who tolerate initial side effects, and will soon be compared to hydroxyurea in a randomized trial in high-risk PV and ET pts performed by the MPD research consortium. Disclosures: Samuelsson: Roche Sweden: Advisory board on use of recombinant erytropoetin. Off Label Use: Alpha-interferon does not have a label for use in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Merup:Roche Sweden: Received honoraria for lectures on rituximab use in lymphoma.

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Clinical Outcome of CML Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome Complex Variants.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4499.4499 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4499-4499

Author(s):

Santiago del Castillo ◽

Regina Garcia Delgado ◽

Laura Entrena ◽

Agustin M Hernandez ◽

Arturo Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Philadelphia Chromosome ◽

Genetic Material ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Cytogenetic Response ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Imatinib Treatment ◽

Current State ◽

Worse Prognosis

Abstract Abstract 4499 INTRODUCTION: The presence of translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 that characterizes the chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is occasionally accompanied by more complex variations involving additional exchange of genetic material with other chromosomes. This variants of Philadelphia chromosome have no worse prognosis than those others with the common translocation. MATERIAL: Since 1997 we have diagnosed in our hospital 5 CML patients who didn't show any of these variants. Three women 17, 23 and 76 years old and two men of 36 and 65. All of them diagnosed in chronic phase. Risk stage at diagnosis by Sokal were 1 high, 1 intermediate and 3 low. By Hasford 2 were intermediate end 3 low. Philadelphia chromosome variants involve a third chromosome in 4 cases (translocations 2;9;22, 9;22;12, 9;22;9 and 6;9;22) and in one case involving four chromosomes (translocation 1;2;9;22). Three patients diagnosed before the imatinib approval started treatment with IFN and Ara-C and subsequently changed to Imatinib treatment. Two others started treatment with imatinib directly. RESULTS: All patients had a good outcome with treatment being the current state of 2 patients in complete molecular response (105 and 60 months of follow-up) and 2 patients in Major Molecular Response (146 and 143 months). The 5th patient, a 17 years old woman, has been treated for three months with Imatinib and showed complete haematological response at first month and major cytogenetic response at third month. It is striking in this last patient the fact that two years earlier had been referred for study of myeloid moderate leukocytosis (20,000 leukocytes with circulating myeloid progenitors without anemia, thrombocytosis, or splenomegaly). The patient didn't come to clinic when Bone Marrow Test was cited and two years later resumes the visit continuing with the same leukocytosis in peripheral blood and without splenomegaly unchanged despite not having received any treatment. CONCLUSION: Our experience confirm that this type of patients with complex translocation variants have no worse prognosis than normal translocation under imatinib treatment and suggests that may have a more benign clinical behavior. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Attempt to Discontinue Imatinib Following Interferon Alfa Pre-Treatment In Chronic Phase CML Patients Achieving Stable Complete Cytogentic Responses (CCyR)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4898.4898 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4898-4898

Author(s):

Izhar Hardan ◽

Yulia Volchek ◽

Tali Tohami ◽

Ninette Amariglio ◽

Luba Trakhtenbrot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Interferon Alfa ◽

Cytotoxic T Cell ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Molecular Remission ◽

Line Therapy ◽

Pre Treatment

Abstract Abstract 4898 Imatinib (IM) has been shown to induce sustained clinical responses and stable remissions resulting in improved survival in chronic phase (CP) CML patients (pts.). Currently the state of the art is life long continuation of IM therapy which raises issues like the emergence of drug resistance, long-term safety and tolerability, compliance and costs. Interferon Alfa (IFNα), which has anti-CML activity and may induce major cytogenetic responses (MCyR), has in contrast to IM, immunoregulatory properties including the induction of anti-CML cytotoxic T-cell activity. Moreover, in initial studies of IM discontinuation it seemed that previous IFNα exposure was beneficial for the maintenance of molecular remission after IM cessation. We, therefore, hypothesized that adding IFNα to IM prior to IM discontinuation will increase the proportion of pts. remaining in continuous molecular response. We report on the long term, median follow up of 40 months (range, 33–41), outcome of CP CML pts. who discontinued IM after the addition of IFNα. CP CML pts. in CCyR for ≥2 years on IM were included. Study pts. received a combination of PegIFN (Pegasys, Roche) (180 μg/week, sc) and IM (400 mg) for 9 months followed by 3 months of PegIFN monotherapy, and were followed up thereafter without any anti leukemia therapy. Twelve CP CML pts. were included, 9 males and 3 females. Median age was 50.5 years (range, 33–67). Disease duration was 67 (18-96) months. Eight of the pts. (67%) received IFNα prior to IM as first line therapy. Eight of the patients had a major molecular response (MMR), 2 were in complete molecular response (CMR) (of 48 and 10 months duration) and 2 had less than a MMR. Of the evaluable pts. only 1 had a BCR ABL KD mutation (E373D). IFNα dose had to be reduce to 90–135 μg/week, sc due to intolerance in 10/12 pts. Median duration of CCyR (n=12) and MMR (n=8) at the time of IM discontinuation was 47.5 (21-86) months and 19.5 (9-84) months, respectively. Cytogenetic relapse occurred in 8 pts. 8 (2-38) months after IM discontinuation. Loss of molecular responses could be detected in all 8 pts. during follow up, and prior to the cytogenetic relapse at 8 (1-25) months post IM discontinuation. An additional 1 pt. had a molecular relapse but has maintained his CCyR 20 months post IM discontinuation. IM (400 mg/day) was reintroduced in all 8 pts. with loss of CCyR and they all re-achieved a CCyR 3.5 (3-7) months after IM re initiation. Five of the 8 pts. (62%) achieved also a MMR at 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 months post IM re- administration, respectively. After a median follow up of 40 (range 33–41) months, 4 of the 12 study pts. (33.3%) are in persistent molecular remission. These 4 pts. achieved a CMR (n=1) (of 10 months duration) or MMR (n=3) (of 8, 14 and 19 months, respectively) prior to IM discontinuation. Notably, 2 of these 4 pts. had IFNα exposure as front line therapy pre-IM initiation. In summary, only a minority of CML pts. with stable MMR or CMR have a long lasting remission and will not relapse following IM discontinuation. Pts. having a cytogenetic relapse after IM discontinuation respond to IM re-administration by re-achieving CCyR and mostly MMR. The role of IFNα pre treatment, as well as the depth of molecular response needed to be achieved pre-IM discontinuation, should be further evaluated in a well designed 2 arms controlled randomized studies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Significance of Bone Marrow Karyotype and Morphology in Patients with Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes,

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3431.3431 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 3431-3431

Author(s):

Neelam Giri ◽

Blanche P Alter ◽

Helkha Peredo-Pinto ◽

M. Tarek Elghetany ◽

Irina Maric ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Marrow ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Bone Marrow Failure ◽

Myelogenous Leukemia ◽

Monosomy 7 ◽

Cytogenetic Abnormalities ◽

Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Abstract 3431 Recurring clonal cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). In FA, gains of 3q and monosomy 7 (−7) imply progression to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). In SDS, isochromosome 7q and deletion (del) 20q are usually benign. Dyskeratosis congenita (DC) and Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) do not have unique clones. We report here the types and frequencies of cytogenetic clones and their association with morphologic MDS or AML in the major inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS), in a prospective/ retrospective study of patients with FA, SDS, DC and DBA enrolled in the NCI IBMFS cohort from 2002–2010. Bone marrow (BM) morphology and cytogenetics (G-banding; selected FISH, CGH, SKY) performed at our institute and all outside cytogenetics reports were centrally reviewed. Cytogenetic abnormalities were defined and karyotypes designated according to ISCN (2009). Two independent blinded hematopathologists reviewed BM morphology. Diagnosis of morphologic MDS was based on a modification of WHO 2008 and required ≥10% dysplasia in 2 cell lineages. Data analysis was both cross-sectional and longitudinal. P values are global comparing all 4 disorders using Fisher's exact test.ParameterAll IBMFSFASDSDCDBAP valueTotal number (N)12835113646–N with clone ever2817 (49%)4 (36%)4 (11%)3 (7%)<0.01N with MDS ever105 (14%)3 (27%)1 (3%)1 (2%)0.01N with clone + MDS75 (14%)2 (18%)00<0.01N with clone alone2112 (34%)2 (18%)4 (11%)3 (7%)<0.01N with MDS alone301 (9%)1 (3%)1 (2%)0.3N with clone at 1st BM179 (26%)4 (36%)3 (8%)1 (2%)<0.01N with clones at follow-up118012<0.01N with follow-up BMs591791716–Median follow-up in years3 (0–19)6 (1–16)2 (1–6)3 (0–19)2 (0–10)– More FA and SDS patients had clones and/or MDS compared with DC or DBA (Table). MDS was always associated with clones in FA but not in the other IBMFS. In FA, bone marrow transplant (BMT) or death occurred with similar frequencies in those with or without clones. Among 17 patients with clones, follow-up cytogenetics were unavailable in 5; of these, 2 with clone alone [one with del 7q and 18p and one with t(3;6)(q?25;p?21)] progressed to AML, while one with clone and MDS died from other causes. Recurring abnormalities in 12 FA patients with clones followed for up to 16 years, included gains of 1q in 4, −7 or del 7q in 3, and deletions of 6p, 13q, 18p and 20q in 2 patients each; only one had gain of 3q. These patients showed fluctuation or disappearance of clones, new appearance of clones, stable clone, or clonal evolution. Progression to MDS occurred with gain of 1q and 6p deletion, gain of 3q, or −7 in 3 patients, respectively; one patient with MDS had clonal persistence. No disease progression was seen in 5 FA patients with clone alone. All 5 SDS patients with clones and/or MDS are alive with no disease progression. The 4 with a clone had stable persistent del 20q as a sole abnormality; 2 had MDS and 2 did not. One had MDS with a normal karyotype. Four DC patients had abnormal clones including 2 with gain of 1q only. One patient with 1q gain died from pulmonary fibrosis. Three others are alive; 2 with stable clones at 7 and 19 years' follow-up, respectively. One additional DC patient has morphologic MDS but no clone. All 3 DBA patients with clones had del 16q, 2 alone and 1 with del 9p; none had MDS. The clones were transient in 2, disappearing within 1–2 years; the third was recently identified. None of these had disease progression. One patient with morphologic MDS alone died from complications of iron overload. This study shows that clonal chromosome abnormalities occur more frequently in FA and SDS than in DC and DBA. Gain of 3q in FA was not as common here as reported by others. This is the first comprehensive study of clones and MDS in DC and DBA. Strengths of this study include the large number of patients, and central review of cytogenetics and morphology. It is unbiased compared with FA literature reports that include many patients referred for BMT. Limitations include a relatively small number of patients with each diagnosis and short follow-up in most. The study demonstrates that clones may fluctuate or disappear, and may not per se portend a bad prognosis. Progression to clinically significant MDS or AML may be related to the severity of cytopenias and not to clone alone, and warrants more extensive long-term studies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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