Nordic Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) Project: Prolonged Follow-Up of 86 Patients Treated with BEAM/BEAC + PBSCT Confirms That Addition of High-Dose Ara-C and Rituximab to CHOP Induction + In-Vivo Purging with Rituximab Increases Clinical and Molecular Response Rates, PCR-Neg. Grafts, Failure-Free, Relapse-Free and Overall Survival.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 8-8
Author(s):  
Christian H. Geisler ◽  
Erkki Elonen ◽  
Arne Kolstad ◽  
Anna Laurell ◽  
Niels S. Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Methods: In the Nordic Lymphoma Group MCL Project newly diagnosed stage II-IV MCL patients < 66 years receive induction treatment and peripheral-blood stem-cell (PBSC) harvest, followed by BEAM/BEAC with PBSC support. In the MCL1 Protocol, the induction was maxi-CHOP x 3 (CTX 1200 mg/m2, doxorubicin 75 mg/m2, VCR 2mg D1, prednisolone 100 mg D1-5). Stem-cells were mobilised by maxi-CHOP + G-CSF. Because of the high failure rate in MCL1 (Figure 1) the MCL2 protocol was activated adding 2 series of high-dose Ara-C (3g/m2 BID D1-2) and 2 standard doses of rituximab (R) (375 mg/m2) to the induction program. Stem cells were mobilised by Ara-C + G-CSF + rituximab D1 + D9 for in-vivo purging. In both protocols patient-specific molecular markers were sought established before treatment start, and stem-cells and follow-up blood and bone-marrow samples assessed for MCL by PCR or flow cytometry. Results: Table 1 Compared Results of the Nordic Lymphoma Group MCL1 and MCL2 Protocols NORDIC MCL PROTOCOL # MCL1 (1997–2000) MCL2 (2000-) P value Supported by the Nordic Cancer Union No. of Pts included/eval. for response 42/42 120/88 Response pretransplant 31/42 86/88 0.002 CR/resp pretransplant 11/31 51/86 0.04 No. transplanted 27 86 Eval. for response posttransplant 27 82 CR/Response posttransplant 25/27 76/82 NS Molecular response posttransplant 5/13 38/42 0.0003 PCR-neg. stem-cell products (of tested) 2/16 22/25 0.00005 3-year failure-free survival (104 pts eval.) 24% 68% 0.0001 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) 45% 76% 0.04 3-year molecular RFS survival ND 67% 3-year overall survival 60% 85% 0.02 Posttransplant maintenance treatment: In MCL2, patients in clinical stable response but molecular relapse are offered R 4 std. doses. So far, isolated molecular relapse occurred in 11 pts. of whom 10 received R: Four became PCR neg., one did not respond and later relapsed, five are not yet evaluable. Conclusion: By comparing MCL1 results with preliminary results of the still ongoing MCL2 study we conclude that the addition of HD Ara-C and R to the induction treatment significantly increases the • clinical response rate pretransplant • molecular response rate • No. of tumor-cell free grafts • failure-free, relapse-free and overall survival Rituximab maintenance treatment can induce 2nd molecular remission, the clinical significance hereof still unknown. Figure Figure

Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 2599-2599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlise R. Luskin ◽  
Ju-Whei Lee ◽  
Hugo F. Fernandez ◽  
Hillard M. Lazarus ◽  
Jacob M. Rowe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Novel therapies are required to improve the outcome of patients with AML. New agents are asked to demonstrate an overall survival (OS) benefit before qualifying for FDA approval. The long duration of clinical trials required in order to achieve this endpoint hampers quick evaluation of candidate therapies, including novel agents. Identification of reliable surrogate endpoints for OS in AML is needed. Here we compare the results of therapy for patients with untreated AML ages 16-60 years on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 1900 trial (E1900) of induction chemotherapy followed by consolidation and autologous transplant in order to evaluate the validity of an event free survival (EFS) endpoint as a surrogate for OS. Methods:OS was measured from randomization for induction therapy to death from any cause (censored at last contact). EFS was measured from randomization to induction treatment failure, relapse after compete response (CR), or death in remission (censored at last contact). Hazard ratios (HR) were computed using Cox proportional hazards models. The association between EFS and OS was evaluated using the Kendall tau-a rank correlation for censored data. Results:There were657 patients enrolled of which 426 patients relapsed or had induction treatment failure before death or date of last contact. Median EFS and OS were 8.0 months (95% CI, 6.3 to 9.7 months) and 23.6 months (95% CI, 16.9 to 23.6 months), respectively. With a median follow-up of 80.1 months, there is a statistically significant correlation between EFS and OS (Kendall tau-a = 0.467, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (0.425, 0.510), p<0.001). This correlation was similarly significant at a median follow-up of 25.2 months (Kendall tau-a = 0.361, 95% CI (0.323, 0.400), p <0.001) when the E1900 trial was originally reported (Fernandez et al. NEJM 2009). Key findings reported based on the original OS endpoint are similar when analyzed with an EFS endpoint (Table 1). High-dose daunorubicin (90 mg/m2) (DNR 90) confers both an EFS and OS benefit in patients aged < 50 years and patients with intermediate cytogenetic risk, and does not confer an EFS or OS benefit in older patients and patients with unfavorable cytogenetic risk, on univariate analysis. Divergent results are only seen in the small subset of favorable cytogenetic risk patients, where DNR 90 conferred an OS benefit (p=0.027) without an EFS benefit (p=0.32). Both EFS and OS endpoints consistently reflect the impact of mutation status on survival. The presence of a FLT3-ITD or DNMT3A mutation has a negative impact on both EFS and OS while an IDH2 mutation has a favorable impact on EFS and OS. The presence of a NPM1 mutation confers a favorable impact on EFS and OS in patients who received DNR 90 and did not impact EFS or OS in patients receiving standard-dose daunorubicin (45 mg/m2) (DNR 45). The presence of an IDH1 mutation does not impact EFS or OS. Conclusions:The results of E1900 demonstrating superiority of DNR 90 in AML induction in patients up to age 60 are concordant when using an EFS or OS endpoint. This is true for the group as a whole as well as for subgroups for which targeted agents are in development (FLT3/IDH2 inhibitors). Further investigation of whether EFS is a reliable surrogate for OS is warranted in AML. If confirmed, its use as a primary endpoint could be adopted by regulatory agencies in order to allow more rapid completion of clinical trials in AML and bring new therapies to AML patients in a timely fashion. Table 1. Results of E1900 based on an EFS endpoint versus an OS endpoint. Subgroup N OS HR (DNR 90/DNR 45) & 95% CI Wald P EFS HR (DNR 90/DNR 45) & 95% CI Wald P DNR 45 DNR 90 Age < 50 yrs ³ 50 yrs 188 142 172 155 0.66 (0.50, 0.85) 0.81 (0.62, 1.06) 0.002 0.118 0.64 (0.50, 0.82) 0.86 (0.67, 1.10) 0.0004 0.23 Cytogenetic Favorable Intermediate Unfavorable 38 141 59 51 127 63 0.51 (0.28, 0.93) 0.68 (0.50, 0.92) 0.79 (0.54, 1.16) 0.027 0.012 0.225 0.76 (0.44, 1.31) 0.63 (0.47, 0.83) 0.72 (0.49, 1.05) 0.32 0.001 0.09 Subgroup N OS HR (MUT/WT) & 95% CI Wald P EFS HR (MUT/WT) & 95% CI Wald P FLT3-ITD WT MUT 456 147 1.62 (1.31, 2.01) <.0001 1.48 (1.21, 1.82) 0.0002 DNMT3A WT MUT 371 119 1.30 (1.03, 1.65) 0.03 1.23 (0.98, 1.54) 0.07 IDH1 WT MUT 465 36 0.88 (0.59, 1.33) 0.55 0.91 (0.62, 1.34) 0.64 IDH2 WT MUT 451 50 0.63 (0.43, 0.93) 0.02 0.68 (0.48, 0.97) 0.03 NPM1 DNR 45 DNR 90 245 257 0.84 (0.61, 1.16) 0.60 (0.41, 0.89) 0.30 0.01 0.90 (0.66, 1.22) 0.59 (0.41, 0.84) 0.49 0.004 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 2434-2434
Author(s):  
Yuqin Song ◽  
Zhitao Ying ◽  
Haiyan Yang ◽  
Ye Guo ◽  
Wenyu Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Most patients (pts) with r/r FL remain incurable and eventually relapse or progress. Previously, a Ph1 study of relma-cel (NCT03344367) had demonstrated preliminary safety and efficacy in r/r B-NHL pts, including those with r/r FL. A Ph2 pivotal study in r/r FL pts had been enrolled and preliminary efficacy, safety and PK was presented. Methods Adult pts were eligible with histologically confirmed grade (Gr)1-3a r/r FL on the basis of the 2016 WHO Classification, having failed ≥ 2-line prior therapies or relapsed after auto-HSCT, without allogeneic transplant within 90 days or primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma, and with ECOG performance score of 0-1. Pts were randomized to receive either 100×10 6 (low dose) or 150×10 6 (high dose) relma-cel (1:1) following fludarabine 25 mg/m 2 & cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m 2 daily×3. Pts were evaluated for efficacy (Cheson, 2014), toxicity (cytokine release syndrome [CRS] by Lee 2014, and others by CTCAE v4.03), and PK (by qPCR and flow cytometry). Primary endpoint was complete response rate (CRR). Secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), frequency/severity of AEs, duration of response (DOR), duration of complete response (DoCR), duration of partial response (DoPR), time to primary remission (TTR), time to primary complete remission (TTCR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and CAR-T cell expansion. Disease response was by investigator assessment, a sensitivity analysis was also conducted using an independent review committee. Results Between June 2018 and June 2021, 28 r/r FL pts were enrolled and treated. As of the data cut-off of June 11, 2021, 20 pts were treated with relma-cel with ≥ 1 month of follow-up. Among these 20 pts, the median age was 54.5 years (range, 36-71), 50% of pts were male, 85% had ECOG 0, 10% had a sum of perpendicular diameters (SPD) ≥ 5000 mm 2, and 36% (5/14) had a FLIPI2 score≥ 3. Pts had received a median of 3.5 prior lines of therapy, 6 (30%) pts had received at least five lines of treatment and 65% were refractory to last prior treatment, 85% were relapsed, 50% were both relapsed and refractory. Relma-cel was successfully manufactured in all pts. Best ORR was 100% (19/19), and best CRR was 95% (18/19). For the mITT (n=19, one pt who developed gastric adenocarcinoma, was excluded, but also achieved CR), ORR at 1 month was 100%(19/19) and CRR was 63% (12/19). CRR at 3 months for 17 pts &gt; 3 months post treatment, was 82%(14/17). At a median follow-up of 8.9 months, the median duration of response [DOR], progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. Twenty pts who received relma-cel were evaluable for safety. Gr ≥3 AEs related to relma-cel occurred in 80% of pts, most commonly neutrophil count decreased (35%), lymphocyte count decreased (30%) and white blood cell count decreased (25%). CRS occurred in 35% (all Gr 1), and only 2 pts received tocilizumab. Median CRS onset was 7 days (range, 5-9), with median duration of 5 days. Two (10%) pts experience neurotoxicity (NT), both Gr 1, with onsets of 4 and 9 days, and duration of 25 and 7 days, respectively. No deaths occurred. Safety data, tocilizumab/steroids usage and PK parameters are shown in the Table. Conclusion With median follow-up of 8.9 months, relma-cel treatment in r/r FL pts had resulted in high tumor remission rates and a manageable toxicity profile in the first 20 pts treated. Data for additional patients will be presented. Table: The summary of AEs (AE, TEAE, CRS, NT), the usage of tocilizumab/steroids and PK Parameters Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Yang: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Zhang: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Ma: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Zhou: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment. Zheng: JW Therapeutics: Current Employment.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 1001-1001
Author(s):  
Erkki Elonen ◽  
Riikka Räty ◽  
Tuomo Honkanen ◽  
Esa Jantunen ◽  
Sirkku Jyrkkiö ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The Nordic Lymphoma Group has shown that adding cytarabine (AraC) and rituximab (R) to high dose CHOP and autologous stem cell transplantation increases response rate, event free survival (EFS), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients (pts) with MCL &lt; 65 years (Geisler et al, Blood 2008). About 50% of pts with MCL are older than 65 years. Most of them are not candidates for high dose chemotherapy or transplantations and no satisfactory standard treatment is known for them. In this prospective pilot trial for elderly pts we explored the feasibility and efficacy of a prolonged standard dose induction treatment (10 cycles) with potentially synergistic combinations followed by R maintenance. Methods: Eligible were pts with histologically confirmed MCL (WHO criteria), CD5+, CD19/20+, cyclinD1+, age &gt; 65 years, with adequate organ functions and performance status &lt; 4. Induction: standard dose R-CHOP (cycles 1, 3, 5), R-AraC (R 375mg/m2 x 1, AraC 1g/m2 4 doses with 12 hrs intervals, cycles 2, 4), R-AraC with fludarabine (F) (2 doses of F 25 mg/m2, cycles 6 – 8), CHOP (cycles 9–10). Maintenance for pts with CR/PR: R 375 mg/m2 bimonthly x 12. Diagnostic workup included physical examination, CT scan, histological lymph node biopsy, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and immunohistology or flow cytometry of the diagnostic material. Endoscopies were performed for symptomatic patients. Responses were evaluated according to revised criteria (Cheson et al JCO 2007) after 5th, 8th, 10th cycles and after that every 6 months. Results: Thirty four pts were recruited. Age median 74 years (67–79 years). Performance status 0 n=12, 1 n=16, 2 n=3, 3 n=3. Stage IIA n=1, IVA n=20, IVB n=13. International prognostic index IPI 2 n=10, 3 n=13, 4 n=9, 5 n=2. Response to induction: CR 23, CRu 6, PR 3, PD 1, not evaluable 1. The response of 7 pts improved with cycles 6 to 8 (R-AraC with F). At diagnosis 32 pts had bone marrow involvement. At best response 24/25 pts with bone marrow involvement studied and CR (n=17), CRu (n=6) or PR (CTscan positive, n=1) were negative in flow cytometry (sensitivity 10−3–10−4). One patient with PR had residual MCL in flow cytometry. Median follow-up time of living patients is 26 months, range 6–43 months. There have been 8 events: progression or relapse 4, secondary AML 1, sudden cardiac death in CR 1, and 2 responding patients withdrew their concents. At 30 months EFS is 72%, PFS 77%, time to progression 85%, and OS 80%. Three pts have discontinued induction after 6,7 or 8 cycles due to toxicity but remain in CR. Infections grade 3 occurred in 8 pts and grade 4 in 1 patient. Eight pts have had transient neutropenia &lt; 0.5 x 109/l during maintenance treatment. Conclusions: Elderly patients with MCL and with good performance status could be treated relatively intensively with moderate toxicity when supported with G-CSF. In historical comparison to CHOP, R, AraC and F increase response rate and prolong PFS, TTP and OS. Flow cytometry is a powerful tool to study bone marrow involvement at diagnosis and minimal residual disease. A longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the maintenance treatment but several patients have developed transient grade 4 neutropenia during maintenance treatment after this induction schedule.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 1891-1891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Auayporn Nademanee ◽  
Andrew Raubitschek ◽  
Arturo Molina ◽  
Joycelynne Palmer ◽  
Ni-Chun Tsai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) has been shown to be an effective therapy for patients with both follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We have previously reported the feasibility of adding high-dose 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan to high-dose VP-16 and CY followed by AHSCT without additional toxicity. Herein, we reported longer follow-up results of this high-dose regimen. Methods: Patients undergo dosimetry study (day-21) with 5 mCi 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan following 250 mg/m2of rituximab, followed by 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan (day-14) to deliver a target dose of 1000 cGy to highest normal organ and then VP-16 (day-4), and CY (day-2). Bone marrow biopsy is done on day-7 to estimate the radiation dose. Stem cells are re-infused when the radiation dose to re-infused stem cells is estimated to be &lt;5 cGy. Results: Between 5/00 and 7/05, 53 patients were enrolled; 11 had an imaging study but did not proceed to treatment due to dosimetry ineligibility (7), progressive disease (2), reaction to 111In-ibritumomab tiuxetan (1) and reaction to rituximab (1). 42 patients (25 M: 17F), median age 51 yrs (range 25–59.6) with FL (n=13), DLBCL (n=20), mantle cell (MCL) (n=8) and transformed lymphoma (n=1) were treated. Disease status at AHSCT: 1stCR/PR=11, ≥2ndCR=13, REL=9 and IF=9. Twenty-three (55%) had prior BM involvement. Median number of prior chemo regimens was 2 (range 1–6). All but two had received rituximab. As part of phase I/II trial, 6 received VP-16 40mg/kg and the rest received 60 mg/kg. The median 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan dose delivered was 70.8 mCi (range 37–105). The treatment was well tolerated with mucositis and neutropenic fever being the most common acute toxicities. All but one patient engrafted. The median time to reach ANC&gt;500/μl and platelet&gt;20,000/μl was 10 days (range 8–17) and 12.5days (range 8–123), respectively. The transplant-related mortality (TRM) at day 100 was 2%. There were 8 deaths due to relapse (3), second malignancies (2), graft failure (1), alcohol induced liver failure (1) and sudden death (1). Secondary malignancies occurred in 3 (7%) heavily pre-treated FL: pancreatic cancer at 3.8 yrs, acute myeloid leukemia at 5 years and one with abnormal chromosome but without morphologic evidence of MDS at 1 year. At a median follow-up of 55 months (range, 25–84) for the surviving patients, the 4-year estimated overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) is 81% (95% CI, 67–89%), and 65% (95% CI, 54–74%), respectively (figure.1). The 4-year estimated DFS for FL, DLBCL and MCL is 71% (95% CI, 51–85%), 67% (95% CI, 49–79%) and 47% (95% CI, 29–63%), respectively. Conclusion: Our long-term results suggest that the combination of high-dose 90Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and high-dose VP-16 and CY is an effective high-dose regimen, especially for FL and DLBCL. Short term toxicities appear comparable to other conventional high-dose regimens. Further prospective studies are ongoing to determine the curability and long term toxicities of this preparative regimen. Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival Sample Size: 42 patients Treated with RIT in 98153 Run Date: August 15, 2007 Overall Survival and Disease-Free Survival Sample Size: 42 patients Treated with RIT in 98153 Run Date: August 15, 2007


2020 ◽  
pp. JCO.20.02259
Author(s):  
Paul G. Richardson ◽  
Albert Oriol ◽  
Alessandra Larocca ◽  
Joan Bladé ◽  
Michele Cavo ◽  
...  

PURPOSE Melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) is a first-in-class peptide-drug conjugate that targets aminopeptidases and rapidly and selectively releases alkylating agents into tumor cells. The phase II HORIZON trial evaluated the efficacy of melflufen plus dexamethasone in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), a population with an important unmet medical need. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with RRMM refractory to pomalidomide and/or an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody received melflufen 40 mg intravenously on day 1 of each 28-day cycle plus once weekly oral dexamethasone at a dose of 40 mg (20 mg in patients older than 75 years). The primary end point was overall response rate (partial response or better) assessed by the investigator and confirmed by independent review. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The primary analysis is complete with long-term follow-up ongoing. RESULTS Of 157 patients (median age 65 years; median five prior lines of therapy) enrolled and treated, 119 patients (76%) had triple-class–refractory disease, 55 (35%) had extramedullary disease, and 92 (59%) were refractory to previous alkylator therapy. The overall response rate was 29% in the all-treated population, with 26% in the triple-class–refractory population. In the all-treated population, median duration of response was 5.5 months, median progression-free survival was 4.2 months, and median overall survival was 11.6 months at a median follow-up of 14 months. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 96% of patients, most commonly neutropenia (79%), thrombocytopenia (76%), and anemia (43%). Pneumonia (10%) was the most common grade 3/4 nonhematologic event. Thrombocytopenia and bleeding (both grade 3/4 but fully reversible) occurred concomitantly in four patients. GI events, reported in 97 patients (62%), were predominantly grade 1/2 (93%); none were grade 4. CONCLUSION Melflufen plus dexamethasone showed clinically meaningful efficacy and a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM, including those with triple-class–refractory and extramedullary disease.


1988 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 1491-1500 ◽  
Author(s):  
A E Chang ◽  
T Kinsella ◽  
E Glatstein ◽  
A R Baker ◽  
W F Sindelar ◽  
...  

We have previously reported the results of a randomized trial that demonstrated the survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with high-grade extremity sarcomas compared with no chemotherapy. This regimen included doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate. This report updates and extends our experience. The median follow-up of this trial is now 7.1 years and reveals a 5-year disease-free survival of 75% and 54% for chemotherapy and no chemotherapy groups, respectively (two-sided P [P2] = .037). The 5-year overall survival for patients in this trial was 83% and 60% for the chemotherapy and no chemotherapy groups, respectively, with a trend towards improved survival in the chemotherapy arm (P2 = .124). Because of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy we performed a subsequent randomized trial comparing this high-dose regimen to reduced cumulative doses of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide without methotrexate. Eighty-eight patients were entered into this trial which has a median follow-up of 4.4 years. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival for patients treated with the reduced doses of chemotherapy was 72% and 75%, respectively, and was not significantly different from the high-dose regimen. No patients developed congestive heart failure on this study. We conclude that adjuvant chemotherapy improves disease-free survival in patients with extremity soft-tissue sarcomas. The overall survival advantage in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in our initial randomized high-dose chemotherapy trial has diminished though it continues to favor the chemotherapy group. A reduced-dose chemotherapy regimen was found to be comparable to the high-dose regimen.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1163-1163
Author(s):  
Sam O. Wanko ◽  
Jon P. Gocherman ◽  
Joseph O. Moore ◽  
Carlos Decastro ◽  
Robert Prosnitz ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUND: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) typically has a poor outcome with overall survival of only 3–4 years. Higher treatment response and event-free survival has been demonstrated with aggressive high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell support, though long term cure rates remain unclear(Dreger P. Hematol J. 2000;vol.2). Modest response rates have also been reported with the monoclonal antibody (MoAb) rituximab and ALEMTUZUMAB (Foran, JM. JCO 2000; vol. 2. Faderl S. Blood 2003; vol. 9). We therefore combined dose-dense therapy with MoAbs to explore response rate and event free survival (EFS) in mantle cell lymphoma. The strength of this trial design is ability to follow all patients from induction chemotherapy through high dose therapy and transplant in order to gauge clinical outcome on all enrolled patients, not just the subpopulation who is able to proceed to high dose therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Induction therapy consisted of 1 cycle of high dose cytarabine (3gm/m2 IV over 1 hour Q12H for 8 doses), mitoxantrone (10mg/m2 daily for 3 days), and ALEMTUZUMAB 30mg IV 3 times a week for 6 weeks with growth factor support. All responding patients were mobilized with cyclophosphamide 4gm/m2 and G-CSF 10 mcg/kg/day and/or bone marrow harvest. The transplant preparative regimen was carmustine 15mg/kg over 2 hours day -6, etoposide 60mg/kg over 4 hours day -4, and cyclophosphamide 100mg/kg over 2 hours day -2 followed by autologous reinfusion on day zero. Consolidation was given with rituximab 375mg/m2 weekly for 4 doses at 6 weeks and 6 months post transplant. RESULT: 9 patients with advanced disease (7 stage IV, 1 stage III, 1 stage IIA) and median age of 60 (48 – 65 years) have been accrued and treated since February 2003. Four were newly diagnosed and 5 had relapsed/refractory disease. Seventy eight percent (7/9) had complete response and 22% (2/9) had partial response (PR) following induction therapy. One patient had severe infection after induction and was unable to proceed to transplant. Another had constitutional decline preventing further therapy and each died within 4 months of withdrawal from the protocol. Both had relapse/refractory disease at accrual. The remaining 7 patients proceeded to the transplant phase. With a median follow-up of 7 months (range 3–16 months), all 7 patients remain in CR for 1 –16 months. Significant induction therapy toxicity included neutropenia in all 9 patients with average duration of 10.7 days, non-disseminated CMV reactivation in 44% of patients, one overwhelming fungal infection, and one patient with delay in engraftment. Figure Figure CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data show a high induction and transplant phase completion rate, manageable toxicity, and excellent overall response rate in this group of elderly patients with advanced disease. Larger numbers of patients and longer follow-up is needed to confirm these promising results.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 4703-4703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Mele ◽  
Clelia Musto ◽  
Rosella Matera ◽  
Maria Luigia Vigliotti ◽  
Alfredo Tartarone ◽  
...  

Abstract Several studies showed that the response rate to standard dose of recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in MDS patients is generally low, with only few cases presenting a significant increase of haemoglobin (Hb) levels. So, currently, the interest has focused on the use of high dose rHuEPO. The rationale for using high dose rHuEPO was elucidated: residual normal stem cells and/or abnormal clone of MDS stem cells, unresponsive to low levels of endogenous EPO, might respond to high doses of rHuEPO. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of high dose rHuEPO treatment. EPO alfa 40.000 IU was given subcutaneously twice weekly for 4 weeks. Twenty-five patients with low-risk MDS (17 RA and 8 RARS) and Hb levels ≤ 10 g/dL were included in this study; sixteen patients were female and 9 male; mean age of enrolled patients was 74 years (range 66 – 85). Twenty-two of 25 patients completed the scheduled treatment and were evaluated for response. At 4 weeks eighteen of 22 patients (81%) showed a Hb mayor response (Hb increase ≥ 2 g/dL); Hb mean value at baseline was 8,15 g/dL (range 7 – 10), at 4 weeks was 13,15 g/dL (range 10 – 14,6). In 4 of 22 patients (19%) the high dose rHuEPO did not induce an increase of Hb levels after 4 weeks of treatment; in addition, these patients needed of RBC transfusions to maintain Hb levels ≥ 8 g/dL. The failure of treatment with rHuEPO occurred in patients with diagnosis of RARS. In our study there were no statistically significant differences between the group of patients with erythroid hyperplasia and the group of patients with normal percent of bone marrow erythroid cells (P = 0,4); no significant difference was noted in response rates between patients with RBC pre-treatment transfusion need and those with stable anaemia without prior transfusion (P = 0,09). In our study, Hb mayor response occurred also in one patient with marked marrow fibrosis. In this study all patients presented defective endogenous EPO production related to their degree of anaemia, with serum EPO levels ≤ 100 mU/ml (mean value 43,5; range 6 – 98). The responder patients need continuous maintenance treatment to maintain their response; EPO alfa 40.000 IU was given subcutaneously once a week; at 12 weeks overall response rate was 77%: 13/18 patients maintained their mayor response, 4/18 patients showed decreased Hb levels in comparison to initial response (Hb decrease > 1 < 2 g/dL), 1 patient progressed on RAEB. Hb mean value at 12 weeks was 11,8 g/dL (range 9,2 – 13,5). The median duration of maintenance of the erythroid response was 7,5 months (range 2 – 24 months). Treatment with high dose of rHuEPO is well tolerated; only one adverse event of arterial hypertension of moderate severity was reported as possible episode related to treatment. In conclusion, our study shows that, in low-risk MDS patients with defective endogenous EPO production, EPO alfa 40.000 IU, given subcutaneous twice weekly for 4 weeks, induces rapid, significant and persistent increase of Hb, without important adverse events; continuous maintenance treatment with 40.000 IU/w is necessary for the majority of the responding patients to maintain their response.


Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3605-3605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan L. Kaufman ◽  
Charise Gleason ◽  
Leonard Heffner ◽  
Sagar Lonial

Abstract The optimal induction regimen for patients with symptomatic myeloma who are eligible for transplantation is currently unknown. While thalidomide and dexamethasone is an effective regimen, it only has a 60 to 65% response rate and few complete responses (CR). Bortezomib based inductions have demonstrated a high response rate and an improved CR as well. Recently the IFM reported the initial results of the randomized bortezomib plus dexamethasone versus VAD induction followed by transplant, which demonstrated that fewer patients treated with bortezomib required tandem transplants. Wang et al reported a high induction response rate with the combination of BTD for only 2 cycles given over a 28 day cycle. Here we report our experience with the combination of BTD as induction therapy. 38 patients with symptomatic myeloma were treated with BTD as induction therapy. Patients received standard dose and schedule bortezomib at 1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 with thalidomide at 100 mg/day, and 8 days of 40 mg dexamethasone every 21 days. The median age was 58 years (38–70) with 19 males. This was first line therapy for 29 patients, second line for 7 patients and 3rd line for 2. 12 patients had ISS stage 2 and 8 had ISS stage 3. The median β2M was 3.4 (1.66–41.89). Median creatinine was 1.1 (0.6–21.0). Nineteen patients had an IgG paraprotein, 6 an IgA, and 16 patients had light chain disease. The median number of cycles administered was 4 (2–8). Fifteen patients developed neuropathy of any grade. One patient developed grade 3 neuropathy. The overall response rate (CR, VGPR, plus PR) was 92%, with 58% of patients achieving a VGPR or better, and 21% of patients achieving an immunofixation negative CR. 1 patient had a minimal response and 2 patients had progressive disease (both patients presented with plasma cell leukemia). These two patients were treated with the combination of BTD with PACE chemotherapy. One of the two died from progressive disease and the other patient remains in complete remission after high dose therapy and autologous transplantation. 29 patients had consolidation therapy with high dose melphalan and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Eight patients have collected stem cells without proceeding with immediate consolidation therapy. After a median follow up of 373 days, median progression free survival and overall survival have not been reached. One year overall survival is 97%. One year progression free survival is 87%. In conclusion, we report a very high response rate with a short course of bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone with an acceptable toxicity profile. Follow up of patients in CR treated without high dose therapy and autologous transplant is in progress. Further studies of this active regimen are warranted.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 223-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Grövdal ◽  
Rasheed Khan ◽  
Anni Aggerholm ◽  
Petar Antunovic ◽  
Jan Astermark ◽  
...  

Abstract Around 50% of patients with high-risk MDS or MDS-AML may enter CR after induction chemotherapy, but CR duration, as well as overall survival is usually short. To address this clinical problem the Nordic MDS Group designed a prospective multicenter phase II study, which assessed the clinical feasibility and utility of long-term maintenance treatment with azaciditine. Sixty patients with high-risk MDS (IPSS intermediate-2 or high) (n=23) or AML following a previous known MDS (n=37) were enrolled between 2004 and 2006. The mean age was 68 (54–83) and patients should not be eligible for stem cell transplantation. Induction treatment consisted of standard doses of daunorubicin and ara-C. Patients in CR received low dose azacitidine subcutaneously 5/28 days until relapse, unless unacceptable toxicity developed. Methylation status of the P15ink4b (P15), E-cadherine (CDH) and Hypermethylated in Cancer 1 (HIC) gene was analysed at study start, in CR and in some patients during follow up. Last follow up was on August 1 2008, 24 months after the last CR was reported. Twenty-four patients (40%) reached CR and 23 of these started maintenance treatment with azacitidine. The initial dose of azacitidine was 75 mg/m2 but as four of the first five enrolled patients developed grade 4 cytopenia, the starting dose was lowered to 60 mg/m2, and was allowed to be reduced to 45 or 30 mg/m2 to avoid severe cytopenias. The mean dose of azacitidine was 54.3 mg/m2. Azacitidine was well tolerated. In 52% of the cases no side effects at all were reported. The most commonly reported side effect was mild rashes at the injection site (35%). Twenty-two percent developed fever or some kind of infection, mostly mild. Myelosuppression (grade 1–3) was seen in 22% of the cases. As previously reported, the probability of reaching CR was negatively correlated to promoter hypermethylation of CDH (p=0.008) and none of the 6 patients hypermethylated on all 3 genes reached CR (p=0.03) and hence only four patients hypermethylated on other genes than P15 received demethylating therapy. The median CR duration for the azacididine treated group was 13.5 months (2–49+) and median survival time from time of inclusion in the study for the same group was 20 months (4–52+). Four of 23 patients (17%) had a CR exceeding 24 months (32–52+). The two patients hypermethylated on CDH pre-induction had CR durations of only 2 and 5 months respectively. By last follow up 3 patients were still in CR. Of 10 patients without any methylation pre-treatment, all but one maintained this pattern in CR. Of the nine patients with pre treatment methylation of at least one gene, only one remained hypermethylated in CR. This patient had a CR duration of only 5 months. One patient showed development of P15 hypermethylation in the bone marrow sampled at 12 months and relapsed at 15 months. These findings support previous reports on P15 hypermethylation as a marker for minimal residual disease (MRD) and threatening relapse. In the whole group, survival was significantly shorter in patients with CDH methylation (3 vs 9 months, p=0.005), while pre-treatment p15 methylation status did not affect CR duration or overall survival. In conclusion, we show for the first time that maintenance treatment with azacytidine is feasible and associated with a median CR duration of 13.5 months, and very mild side effects. However azacytidine does not seem to prevent relapse in the majority of patients, including those with hypermethylation pre-treatment and/or in CR. Hypermethylation of multiple genes is a strong negative factor for survival, probability of CR, and CR duration. We observe a subset of patients, 17%, with a CR duration of &gt;24 months; but no persistent pattern regarding cytogenetics, methylation or morphology could be identified in this group. The strong negative impact of E-Cadherin methylation, a gene involved in adhesion, warrants further investigation.


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