Ten Years of Treating Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Rural Rwanda: Feasible Approaches for Low-Resource Settings

Objective: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated through the Glivec Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) in Rwanda. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all BCR-ABL positive CML patients treated with imatinib at two rural hospitals between 2009 and 2018. Clinical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier method, and proportional hazards regression. Results: One hundred twenty-four patients were included; median age 35 (range: 9-81), 60% male, 88% without comorbidities. All patients presented with symptomatic disease, median duration 11 months (IQR: 4-24) and median WBC count 225.5 x 109/L (IQR: 117.7-308.5). At diagnosis, 71% were in chronic phase. On imatinib, 91% achieved complete hematologic remission (CHR); 67% within 90 days. Of those who achieved CHR, 51 (45%) lost it at some point and, of which, 36 (71%) regained CHR. At four years, overall survival was 79% (95% CI:69%-86%) for the entire cohort; 93% (95% CI: 79%-98%) for 53 patients who remained in CHR, 89% (95% CI: 69%-96%) for 34 patients who lost but regained CHR, 19% (95% CI: 1%-54%) for 12 patients who lost and never regained CHR. Never achieving CHR was associated with increased mortality (HR: 40.89; 95% CI: 9.88-169.32; p<0.001) as was losing CHR without regaining it (HR 15.73; 95% CI: 4.14-59.81; p<0.001) compared to never losing CHR. Conclusions: Here we demonstrate the feasibility of coupling molecular diagnostics with chronic targeted therapy in a rural low-resource setting through health systems strengthening and international collaboration. Our CML patients are younger, slower to achieve CHR with imatinib, and have higher rates of primary and early hematologic resistance than historical cohorts, suggesting biological differences that warrant further investigation. It is uncertain what role non-adherence to medication influences these data. Without molecular response assessment, hematologic response is an accurate marker of disease control and survival. Our imatinib failure rates highlight the need for access to resistance testing and second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as adherence rates. 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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Mutations of TET2, IDH1, IDH2 and ASXL1 In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.3377.3377 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 3377-3377

Author(s):

Catherine Roche-Lestienne ◽

Marceau Alice ◽

Elise Labis ◽

Olivier Nibourel ◽

Valérie Coiteux ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Candidate Genes ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Cytogenetic Response ◽

Haematopoietic Stem Cell ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Genetic Event ◽

Myeloid Malignancies

Abstract Abstract 3377 It is generally accepted that the BCR-ABL oncoprotein transformes haematopoietic stem cell and initiates chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, leukemogenesis is a complex process, and genomic heterogeneity of the chronic phase (CP) of the disease has been reported. At the molecular level, this intrinsic heterogeneity could support a causative link with the varying response to treatment and disease progression. Genetic analysis of candidate genes in myeloid malignancies reported mutations of the ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2), the isocitrate deshydrogenase (IDH) 1 and IDH2, and the additional sex combs like 1 (ASXL1) genes in myeloproliferative, acute myeloid and myelodysplasic neoplasms. Similarly, we can stipulate that these candidate genes may contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity of CML. To investigate whether TET2, IDH1, IDH2 and ASXL1 defect could represent a significant event in CML, we selected 91 CML patients (pts) treated with imatinib (IM) at first line and presenting five profiles of IM response at time of the analysis: 1) 25 pts in major molecular response (MMR) at 12 months of IM; 2) 11 pts in CCR but presenting additional Philadelphia (Ph) negative clonal evolution; 3) 20 pts in partial cytogenetic response at 18 months of IM, referred as primary resistant (R1); 4) 20 pts in acute transformation 4 to 72 months after onset IM; and 5) 15 pts relapsing in CP of the disease, referred as secondary resistant (R2). The search for mutation was performed by sequencing the entire TET2 coding region (11 exons), the IDH1 and IDH2 exon 4 and the ASXL1 exon 12. Analysis of paired samples from CML diagnosis, time of IM response and, when available, CCR revealed: 1) 2 pts (2.2%) in acute transformation presenting 3 TET2 stop mutations not located within conserved region (del at A2079, substitution T4893A - both also been detected at diagnosis -, and del at C4851 which has not been detected at diagnosis, even by mutation-specific ASO-PCR); 2) no IDH1 and IDH2 mutation; and 3) 8 pts (8.7%) presenting ASXl1 stop mutations at diagnosis. Among them, 3 pts (two ins at G646 and one ins at V751) have reached MMR without detected mutations at this time; one R1 pt presenting ins at G646 had major cytogenetic response with 5% Ph+ cells but the mutation was not found at this time and the pt have progressed to MMR 9 months later; one pt with 23 bp del at R634 has evolved in acute transformation with detected mutation at this time; and 3 R2 pts presenting either 4 bp del at S895, del at R860 or 2 pb ins at A752 have lost CCR associated with lost of hematologic response in one case. In this later group of 3 pts, except for del at R860, all ASXL1 mutations were found in samples at time of relapse. We therefore conclude that, contrary to what has been reported in other myeloid malignancies, TET2, IDH1 and IDH2 are not commonly acquired in CML and may not represent a major genetic event in CML transformation. However, ASXL1 alteration seems to be an early event in CML leukemogenesis but does not seem to participate in the disease transformation. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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hOCT1 Gene Expression Might Predict Molecular Response In Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.4838.4838 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 4838-4838

Author(s):

Lurdes Zamora ◽

Marta Cabezon ◽

Concha Boqué ◽

Silvia Marce ◽

Jordi Ribera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Fusion Gene ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Organic Cation Transporter ◽

Initial Response ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Hematopoietic Malignancy

Abstract Abstract 4838 Introduction: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal hematopoietic malignancy characterized by the presence of BCR/ABL fusion gene. The resulting protein has a high tyrosine kinase (TK) activity. The first-line treatment for CML is Imatinib, which allow the achievement of cytogenetic and molecular response in most of patients with CML in chronic phase. However, some patients do not respond to this treatment or lose their initial response. Imatinib has been reported to be incorporated into the cell through hOCT1 transporter (human organic cation transporter). The aim of this study was to determine whether the expression of hOCT1 at diagnosis of CML influenced the achievement of molecular response. Patients and Methods: We analyzed hOCT1 gene expression by quantitative PCR in 42 patients at diagnosis and 18 months after treatment with Imatinib. We compared the expression with the presence of compleat molecular response (CMR) at 18 months. We consider CMR when the Ratio (BCR-ABL/ABL)×100 was <0.1% (after International Scale correction). For statistical analysis methods we have used Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney nonparametric methods. Results: Of the 42 patients, 2 were in hematological response, 22 were in cytogenetic response and 18 in CMR at 18 months. We found a higher hOCT1 gene expression at 18 month than at diagnosis (53.3 versus 29.6, p<0.001) in all patients (Figure 1). We have found some tendency of higher hOCT1 expression at diagnosis in patients with CMR at 18 months than in those who did not had (25.5 versus 18.8, p = 0.07) (Figure 2). Conclusions: Partially funded by FICJ-P-EF-09, RD06/0020/1056 de RTICC and Novartis. We want to thank Dr. David Marin for providing us plasmid for quantitative analysis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Evaluation Of hOCT1expression In Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Treated With Imatinib In First Line

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4041.4041 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 4041-4041

Author(s):

Cintia Do Couto Mascarenhas ◽

Maria Helena Almeida ◽

Eliana C M Miranda ◽

Bruna Virgilio ◽

Marcia Torresan Delamain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Taqman Probe ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Imatinib Treatment ◽

First Line ◽

Transcript Levels

Abstract Introduction The majority of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients (pts) in chronic phase (CP), present satisfactory response to imatinib treatment. However, 25-30% of these pts exhibit suboptimal response or treatment failure. The probability of achieving optimal response may be related with several factors. The human organic cation transporter 1 (hOCT1, SLC22A1), an influx transporter, is responsible for the uptake of imatinib into chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells The aim of this study was to analyze hOCT-1 levels at diagnosis of CML patients and correlate with cytogenetics and molecular responses. Methods hOCT-1 expression was evaluated in 58 newly diagnosed CML pts. Pts were treated with imatinib 400-600mg in first line. Samples were collected from peripheral blood at diagnosis and RNA was obtained from total leucocytes. For cDNA synthesis, 3 ug of RNA was used. hOCT-1 expression was evaluated by real-time PCR with TaqMan probe SLC22A1 (Applied Biosystems) and endogenous GAPDH control. The results were analyzed using 2-ΔΔCT. Cytogenetic analysis was performed at diagnosis, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after starting therapy and then every 12-24 months thereafter if CCR was achieved. BCR-ABL transcripts were measured in peripheral blood at 3-month intervals using quantitative RT-PCR (RQ-PCR). Results were expressed as BCR-ABL/ABL ratio, with conversion to the international scale (IS). Major molecular response (MMR) was defined as a transcript level ≤ 0.1%. Results 58 CML pts, 60% male, median age of 46 years (19-87) were evaluated, 71% in chronic phase (CP), 21% in accelerated phase (AP) and 5% in blast crisis (BC). The mean and median of hOCT-1 transcript levels in the total group was 2.03 and 0.961 respectively (0.008–19.039) and CP pts was 1.86 and 1.00 (0.008-10.34).The median duration of imatinib treatment was 27 months (1-109) and 96.6% achieved complete hematological response, 79.3% complete cytogenetic response and 69% major or complete molecular response. The regression analysis showed correlation between higher transcript levels of hOCT-1 and BCR-ABL transcripts<10%) at 3 months analysis (p<0.0001). Albeit, there was no influence of the hOCT-1 transcript levels at diagnosis in the achievement of cytogenetic and molecular response at 24 months of treatment. Conclusions In this report, we found that high hOCT-1 expression was predictive of BCR-ABL transcripts<10% at 3 months, although we did not find correlation between hOCT-1 levels at diagnosis and the achievement of molecular response at 24 months, studies show that there is correlation between BCR-ABL log reduction in the first months of treatment and the achievement of molecular response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Mutational Profiles during the Progression of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-154273 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 3596-3596

Author(s):

Mengxing Xue ◽

Zhao Zeng ◽

Qinrong Wang ◽

Lijun Wen ◽

Yi Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Kinase Inhibitors ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

The Other ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Dismal Prognosis

Abstract Background: Despite significant improvements in the prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) achieved by targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a small proportion of cases may not respond to TKIs or may relapse after an initial response, and then progress from chronic phase (CP) to blastic crisis (BC), characterized by a dismal prognosis. It remained uncertain whether the genetic lesions in addition to the BCR-ABL1 fusion could predict clinical outcomes of CML in the TKI era. Aim: To study the mutational profiles at each stage of CML and the prognostic significance of somatic mutations in addition to the BCR-ABL1 fusion in the TKI era. Patients and Methods: We performed targeted sequencing in 81 CML patients chosen retrospectively. 10 patients had optimal response to TKIs by European LeukemiaNet criteria and maintained durable major molecular response more than 5 years. 71 patients had progressed to accelerated phase (AP) or BC, of whom 43 had sequencing performed at paired CP and AP/BC samples, 28 at AP or BC samples. Totally, we analyzed 53 CP, 20 AP, and 61 BC samples. The targeted resequencing gene panel, covering 386 genes which were recurrently mutated in hematologic malignancies, were performed on a HiSeq 4000 NGS platform (Illumina). Results: Among the 53 CP samples, 20 (37.7%) had mutations involving 14 genes, and the number of mutated genes in each patient was 0-3 (median 0). ASXL1 was the most commonly mutated gene, 10/53 (18.9%) patients had this mutation, followed by KMT2D (4/53, 7.5%), PC (2/53, 3.8%), ERBB4 (2/53, 3.8%). ASXL1 mutation mainly existed in 43 patients with progressed disease , while only one case carried this mutation in 10 patients responsive to TKIs (20.9% vs 10%). 17/20 (85%) AP samples (including 10 patients progressed to AP and the other 10 patients who eventually progressed to BC from AP ) carried mutations involving 18 genes, the number of mutated genes in each patient was 0-6 (median 1.5). ABL1 was the most commonly mutated gene, and 8/20 (40%) patients had this mutation. The second was the ASXL1 mutation, 7 (7/20, 35%) patients carried this mutation. The other genes mutated in more than 2 patients included BCORL1 (3/20, 15%), RUNX1 (2/20, 10%), PHF6 (2/20, 10%), KMT2D (2/20, 10%), ATM (2/20, 10%). 54/61 (88.5%) BC samples (44 with myeloid crisis, 14 with lymphoid crisis, 3 with mixed phenotypic crisis) carried mutations, involving 41 genes, and the number of mutated genes in each patient was 0-9 (median 2). Similar to the mutation status in AP, the most commonly mutated gene was also ABL1, 24/61 (39.3%) patients carried this gene mutation, followed by ASXL1 mutation (13/61, 21.3%), and the other genes were in order, RUNX1 (11/61, 18.0%), WT1 (8/61, 13.1%), GATA2 (6/61, 9.8%), MED12 (5/61, 8.2%), IDH1 (5/61, 8.2%), TP53 (4/61 , 6.6%), KMT2D (4/61, 6.6%), etc. (Figure 1A) Among all the samples, 34 nonsynonymous variants in the ASXL1 gene were identified in 31 samples of 21 patients ( 3 samples with two variants). All the variants were frameshift and nonsense mutations, localized at the last exon of the ASXL1 gene. 13/21 patients with ASXL1 mutations had multi-stage samples. The median VAF of the ASXL1 mutations in the advanced stage was 31.4% (0-47.0%), which was significantly higher than that in CP at diagnosis (7.0%, 0-27.2%, P=0.033). Most of the ASXL1 mutations detected in CP expanded at the advanced disease, and were accompanied with other additional gene abnormalities, such as ABL1, RUNX1 and WT1 mutations, with the VAF similar to or lower than that of the ASXL1 mutations. In a few cases, the ASXL1 mutant clones in the CP disappeared, suggesting that some ASXL1 mutations may be clonal hematopoiesis unrelated to disease progression.(Figure 1B) In order to evaluate the effects of ASXL1 mutations on sensitivity to TKIs in vitro. We co-expressed P210-BCR-ABL1 fusion and ASXL1 mutation (G646Wfs*12) in Ba/F3 cells. Compared to Ba/F3 cells co-expressing BCR-ABL1 fusion and ASXL1 mutation (Ba/F3-BA/As), Ba/F3-BCR-ABL1 cells without ASXL1 mutation (Ba/F3-BA/Ve) showed higher sensitivity to TKIs, including imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib.(Figure 1C) Conclusions: These results demonstrated the genetic lesions accumulated during the progression of CML from CP to BC. ASXL1 mutations were the most common genetic lesion in CP at diagnosis and may confer a poor prognosis, as it reduced the sensitivity to TKIs. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Multidrug Resistance Gene (MDR1) Polymorphism and Response to Nilotinib in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.5220.5220 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 5220-5220

Author(s):

Mervat Mattar ◽

Hend Ellithy ◽

Yasser Elnahas ◽

Mohamed osman Azzazi

Keyword(s):

Multidrug Resistance ◽

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Response To Treatment ◽

Mdr1 Gene ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Multidrug Resistance Gene ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction: Inappropriate expression of the multidrug resistance (MDR1) gene I in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia cases (CML-CP) encodes P glycoprotein (Pgp)that may cause resistance to second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) Patients and methods: Thirty-one upfront CML-CP patients, planned to receive nilotinib, were included. Detection of MDR1 gene polymorphism C3435T, using PCR Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) was done initially for every patient. We prospectively followed up the patients between February 2012 and February 2014 with PCR for BCR-ABL1 transcripts every 3 months. The molecular response to nilotinib, according to the level of BCR-ABL1 by PCR, was compared to the different MDR1 3435 genotypes. Results: The majority of the patients carried the MDR1 3435CC genotype of Molecular response was optimal in 56%, 60% and 80% of the patients at month 3, 6 and 12 respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between MDR- C3435T genotypes and the molecular response to treatment with nilotinib. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Early Molecular Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Predicts Future Response Status

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.5529.5529 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 5529-5529

Author(s):

Irina Martynkevich ◽

Vasily Shuvaev ◽

Ekaterina Petrova ◽

Lyubov Polushkina ◽

Lyudmila Martynenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Prognostic Impact ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Transcript Levels ◽

Optimal Response

Abstract Objectives and background: The level of early MR is important for the optimization of therapy and making a decision to a switch to 2nd line therapy in patients (pts) who have not achieved an optimal response (OR). According to the recent recommendations at definition of OR on CML therapy, pts must have the level of BCR-ABL transcript gene at 10% or less and Ph-positive cells 35% or less at 3 months. But, in half of all cases of pts with BCR-ABL >10% at 3 months progression events happen between 3 and 6 months. The goal of our research was to investigate the prognostic impact of a large BCR-ABL transcript amount at 3 months on the subsequent response and the long-term outcome of CML pts treated frontline with IM. Methods: We have examined 185 pts, who have got IM from January 2010 up to the present. Molecular monitoring has been done regularly in all patients according to ELN recommendations. Median age was 49 years. All pts were in CP. BCR-ABL transcript levels were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: In our study 54% (100/185 cases) of pts achieved the optimal response with BCR-ABL transcript levels ≤10% at 3 months, 50,3% (93/185 cases) did it - with BCR-ABL transcript levels ≤1% at 6 months, and only 18% achieved the optimal response at 12 months. The comparative analysis has shown statistical differences in all characteristics in 2 groups of pts, who either achieved or not the optimal response at 3 months. Pts with BCR-ABL transcript levels ≤10% more often achieved CCgR at 6 months (g=0,0000), CCgR during all period (g=0,0004), MMR at 12 months (g=0,0000), MMR during all period (g=0,0012) and MR4 during all period (g=0,0000), pts had londer event-free (g=0,0432) and overall (g=0,0279) 4-year survival. Figure 1 Figure 1. In our center we have switched 6 patients to the 2nd TKI - those who didn't achieve the optimal response at 3 months. The switching showed the positive influence on loss level expression of BCR-ABL gene in 5 out of 6 patients. After that all patients achieved the optimal response in the future. For example, we had one patient with failure of IM at 3 months. We switched him the therapy to NI in 5 months after the diagnosis. As a result the patient achieved CCgR at 1,5 months, and the deep molecular response 4,5 log at 3 months. Conclusions: Early and deep responses to TKIs are predictive of long-term response and favorable survival outcomes. 3-month reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels to >10% is a factor of bad effectiveness of TKI therapy and requires switching to the 2nd TKI. Timely switching to the 2nd TKIs allows us to achieve an optimal response in CML patients with level BCR-ABL >10% at 3 months. References: Timothy P. Hughes, Giuseppe Saglio, Hagop M. Kantarjian et al. Early molecular response predicts outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase treated with frontline nilotinib or imatinib. Blood, 27 February 2014 x Volume 123, Number 9. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Index to Predict MMR at 12 Months in Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Based on the Area Under the Lymphocyte Curve

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.4560.4560 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 4560-4560

Author(s):

Kazunori Murai ◽

Shigeki Ito ◽

Shugo Kowata ◽

Tatsuo Oyake ◽

Yoji Ishida

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Correlation Coefficient ◽

Lymphocyte Count ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Rank Test ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Test Figure ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND: Dasatinib is a second-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor that has a 325-fold higher potency than imatinib and a 16-fold higher potency than nilotinib in vitro. Recent reports suggested that absolute lymphocytosis in response to dasatinib for chronic phase (CP) –chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) might be associated with favorable response. However, as the fluctuation of lymphocytosis was often observed, it is sometimes difficult to define lymphocytosis. To evaluate how much increase and how long continuation of lymphocytosis affects the better clinical efficacy, we developed an index (DL index; Dasatinib induced Lymphocytosis index) that combines duration and increase of lymphocytosis. The aim of this study was to test the DL index as a predictor of Major Molecular Response (MMR) at 12 month. PATIENTS and METHODS: The DL area was based on a graph plotting the absolute lymphocyte counts and was the area under the lymphocyte curve using trapezoidal method. DL index was DL area divided by weeks. For example, DL index12W was defined as (DL area from 4 to 12 weeks) divided by (12-4) weeks. We tested the DL index12W in 30 patients who developed MMR at 12 months (MMR group) and 9 patients without MMR (non-MMR group). RESULTS and DISCUSSION: DL score12w in MMR group and non-MMR group were 2714.0 (95% CI; 2286.0-3142.2, n=30) and 1559.9 (95% CI; 1006.9- 2113.0, n=9) respectively. There was a significant difference between MMR group and non-MMR group in DL index12W by t-test(Figure 1, p=0.0016). A significant linear relationship was obtained between DL index12w and the peaked lymphocyte counts within 12 weeks by Spearman's correlation coefficient rank test (Figure 2, p=1.97E-07, correlation coefficient=0.91). The DL index12w, 2,113, which was the upper limit of non-MMR group 95% CI, is equivalent to 2,909/µl in lymphocyte count, and the DL index12w, 2,286, which is the lower limit of MMR group 95% CI, equivalent to 3,123/µl in lymphocyte count. Therefore, we divided all patients (n=39) into two groups, equal or more than 3,123/µl and less than 3,123/µl in the peaked lymphocyte counts. The patients with the peaked lymphocyte counts ≥ 3,123/µl reached MMR at 12 months (19/20=95.0%) to compare those less than 3,123/µl (11/19=57.9%) (p=0.0075). CONCLUSION: The peaked lymphocyte number, induced by the DL index12w, which calculation was extremely easy, was associated with molecular response. These data suggests that this tool can be useful in interpreting the results of molecular response at 12 months. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Nilotinib 800 Mg Daily as Frontline Therapy of Ph + Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Dose Delivered and Safety Profile for the GIMEMA CML Working Party.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2205.2205 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 2205-2205 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gianantonio Rosti ◽

Fausto Castagnetti ◽

Francesca Palandri ◽

Massimo Breccia ◽

Luciano Levato ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Safety Profile ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Working Party ◽

Great Majority ◽

Molecular Response ◽

The European Union ◽

Frontline Treatment

Abstract Abstract 2205 Poster Board II-182 Nilotinib is an effective and registered treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after imatinib failure. Its efficacy as frontline treatment has been explored in phase 2 trials from MDACC and Italian GIMEMA , whose results have been presented recently (Cortes ASH Rosti, EHA). Here we present a detailed analysis of the safety profile of nilotinib 800 mg daily in the CML early chronic phase (ECP) setting. Briefly, 73 ECP patients (median age 51 yrs, range 18-83 yrs, 21/73 – 29% - ≥ 65 yrs at enrolment) received nilotinib at a dose of 400 mg BID. With a median follow-up of 15 months (range 12-24 months), the CCgR rate at 1 yr was 96%, and the major molecular response (MMolR) rate 85%. During the first 365 days, the treatment was interrupted at least once in 38 patients (52%; overall, 86 interruptions), with a median cumulative duration of drug interruption of 19 days (5.2% of 365 days) per patient (range 3-169 days); 35 pts (48%) received the full prescribed dose. The proportion of patients with ≥ 1 interruption decreased during the first and second quarter and second half (37%, 25% and 22% respectively). The mean daily dose was 600-800 mg, 400-599 mg, and less than 400 mg in 74%, 18% and 8% of patients, respectively. Four AEs (≥ grade 2) accounted for the great majority of dose interruptions: bilirubin increase (38%, no gr. 4), skin rash and/or pruritus (37%, no gr. 4), asymptomatic amylase and/or lipase increase (16%, gr. 4: 4%) (no pancreatitis), transaminases increase (19%, no gr. 4). Notably, only 3 events of peripheral edema/fluid retention have been recorded so far (2 gr 1, 1 gr. 2). No pleural or pericardial effusion. Only one pt permanently discontinued nilotinib for recurrent amylase and lipase increase gr. 3-4 after 7 months on nilotinib, without pancreatitis (normal ECO scan and MRI): the pt. is on imatinib 400 mg daily from 12 months, maintaining the CCyR but loosing MMolR on imatinib. The transient hyperglicemia (gr. 2 and 3: 6%) did not lead to any treatment discontinuation. The hematopoietic toxicity (grade 3-4) was negligible: only 5 events (3 neutropenias and 2 thrombocytopenias) in 5 pts (7%) (all within 3 months from treatment start: 431/438 q2weeks scheduled blood counts evaluable). Nilotinib 800 mg daily is feasible, safe and very effective in ECP CML (ClinicalTrials Gov.NCT00481052). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: The Italian Association Against Leukemia-lymphoma and myeloma (BolognAIL), The Fondazione del Monte di Bologna e Ravenna, The Italian Ministery of Education (PRIN 2005, No. 20050 63732_003, and PRIN 2007, No 2007F7 AE7B_002), The University of Bologna, The European Union (European LeukemiaNet). Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients with “Suboptimal” Response to Imatinib (IM) According to European LeukemiaNet Criteria Have a Poorer Outcome with Respect to “Optimal” Responders: A GIMEMA CML WORKING PARTY Analysis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.2196.2196 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 2196-2196 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Fausto Castagnetti ◽

Gabriele Gugliotta ◽

Francesca Palandri ◽

Massimo Breccia ◽

Marilina Amabile ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Chronic Phase ◽

Working Party ◽

Lower Probability ◽

Molecular Response ◽

Grey Zone ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Free Survival

Abstract Abstract 2196 Poster Board II-173 BACKGROUND: Imatinib (IM) 400 mg daily is the standard treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) in early chronic phase (ECP). The European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations were designed to help identify ECP CML patients responding poorly to front-line IM, suggesting, at given time points, when the treatment strategy should be changed (”failure”), or when “the long-term outcome of the treatment would not likely be as favourable” (“suboptimal response”). Suboptimal response is a “grey zone”: the patient may still have substantial benefit from continuing IM, but other therapies should be considered. AIM: To assess the outcome of “failure” and “suboptimal responders” Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) CML patients in a large multicentric, nationwide experience. METHODS: Between January 2004 and April 2007, 559 patients were enrolled in an observational study and in 2 independent intervention studies of the GIMEMA CML WP (Clin Trials Gov. NCT00514488 and NCT00510926). Response monitoring was based on conventional cytogenetic examination of bone marrow cell metaphases every 6 months and RT Q-PCR evaluations of blood cells after 3, 6, 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Definitions: major molecular response (MMR): BCR-ABL/ABL ratio < 0,1%IS; failure (according to ELN criteria): no hematologic response (HR) at 3 months, no complete HR (CHR) at 6 months, no cytogenetic response (CgR) at 6 months, no partial CgR (PCgR) at 1 year, no complete CgR (CCgR) at 18 months, loss CHR or CCgR, progression or death; suboptimal response (according to ELN criteria): no CHR at 3 months, no PCgR at 6 months, no CCgR at 12 months, no MMR at 18 months ; optimal response: non-suboptimal and non-failure at each time-point; event: failure or treatment discontinuation for any reason. All the calculations have been made according to the intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: The patients who fitted the ELN criteria for failure had a significantly lower probability of subsequently achieving a CCgR and a MMR, and had a significantly lower overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS) and event-free survival (EFS). The patients who fitted the ELN definitions of suboptimal response at 6 months (data not shown) and at 12 months (figure 1) had a significantly lower probability than “optimal” responders of subsequently achieving a CCgR and a MMR, and a significantly poorer FFS and EFS (figure 1), while the OS was not different in the two groups (90% and 95%, p= 0.35). CONCLUSIONS Our data confirms that suboptimal responders at 6 and at 12 months have a poorer outcome with respect to “optimal” responders, comparable to the outcome of failure patients. Acknowledgments: European LeukemiaNet, COFIN, University of Bologna and BolognAIL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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