Intensive Versus Double Intensive Therapy in Untreated Multiple Myeloma: Final Analysis of the HOVON 24 Trial.

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 2545-2545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Sonneveld ◽  
Bronno van der Holt ◽  
Edo Vellenga ◽  
Sandra Croockewit ◽  
Gregor Verhoef ◽  
...  

Abstract The benefit of high-dose therapy for multiple myeloma has been demonstrated in phase lI/lII studies. HOVON started a randomized multicenter trial to compare the efficacy of intensified treatment followed by myelo-ablative therapy with intensified treatment alone in newly diagnosed patients. We now report the results of the final analysis in 441 eligible patients with stage II (22%) and stage III (78%) disease. The median age was 55 years (range 31–65 ). Remission induction consisted of 3–4 cycles of VAD. 63 patients who had an HLA identical sibling were candidates for an allogeneic transplantation. After VAD, patients were randomized to receive melphalan 140 mg/m2 divided in 2 doses of 70 mg/m2 (IDM) without stem cell rescue (arm A) or the same regimen followed by myelo-ablative treatment with cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and TBI with stem cell transplantation (ASCT, arm B). Peripheral stem cells were mobilized by cyclophosphamide (4 g/m2) and G-CSF after VAD. Interferon-a -2a was given as maintenance therapy in both arms. Of 441 registered patients, 303 were eligible for randomization. Patient characteristics with regard to sex, age, stage of disease, Ig isotype, and b2-M were not different between the two arms. The median follow-up from randomization was 56 months. 81% of patients received both cycles of IDM (79% in arm A and 83% in arm B) and 79% of patients actually received myeloablative therapy followed by ASCT in arm B. Median duration of Interferon-a-2a maintenance treatment was 12 months (arm A) vs 7 months (arm B). CR rate was significantly better in Arm B (28% vs 13%, p=0.002), while the overall response rate (PR + CR) was not different (90% vs 86%, p=0.23). Median event-free survival (EFS) from randomization was 22 months (arm B) vs 20 months (arm A) (logrank p=0.014). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients treated with double intensification (24 vs 23 months, logrank p=0.032). Time to Progression (TTP) was significantly worse in arm A (median 25 vs 33 months, logrank p=0.001). The difference for EFS, PFS and TTP between the 2 treatment arms became only evident after 4 years of follow-up. Overall survival (OS) was not different between both treatments (median 55 months vs 50 months, logrank p=0.39). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment arm A, higher age, hemoglobin > 6.21 mmol/l, stage 3 and high serum LDH were significant adverse prognostic factors for EFS. Cytogenetic analysis in 151 patients was abnormal in 37% (45% del 13/13q-, 51% abnormal 1p/q, 33% del 6q, 89% complex abnormalities). Cox regression analysis showed that 1p/q was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for OS, EFS, PFS and TTP (p<0.001), calculated from start VAD. Del 13/13q- was highly correlated with 1p/q abnormalities. By combining B2M > 3 mg/L with del13/13q- and 1p/q, prognostic groups were defined with a significant impact on OS (p<0.000002), EFS (p< 0.0002), PFS (p<.00006) and TTP (p<0.0000002). In conclusion, second intensification when added to intensified chemotherapy alone resulted in a superior EFS, PFS and TTP, but not OS. The latter difference is probably due to the high proportion of patients from the control arm who were treated with ASCT at first relapse. It is concluded that double intensive therapy leads to a higher CR rate and a longer PFS.

Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 948-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Sonneveld ◽  
Bronno van der Holt ◽  
Christine Segeren ◽  
Edo Vellenga ◽  
Reinier Raymakers ◽  
...  

Abstract In 1995 HOVON started a prospective randomized multicenter trial to compare the efficacy of intensified treatment followed by myelo-ablative therapy and stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with intensified treatment alone in patients with myeloma. We now report the results of a second analysis in 441 eligible patients with stage II (22%) and III (78%) disease. The median age was 55 years. Remission induction consisted of 3 courses of VAD. 63 patients with an HLA identical sibling were candidates for an allogeneic transplantation. After VAD, patients without donor were randomized to melphalan 140 mg/m2 divided in 2 doses of 70 mg/m2 (IDM) without PBSCT (arm A) or this regimen followed by myelo-ablation with cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) and TBI with PBSCT (arm B). Peripheral stem cells were mobilized by cyclophosphamide and G-CSF after VAD. Interferon-a -2a was given as maintenance therapy in both arms. Of 441 patients, 303 were eligible for randomization. Patient characteristics were not significantly different between the two arms. The median follow-up from randomization was 56 months. 81% of patients received both cycles of IDM (79% in arm A and 83% in arm B) and 79% of patients received myeloablative therapy followed by autologous PBSCT in arm B. The median duration of maintenance treatment was 12 (arm A) vs 7 months (arm B). The CR rate was better in Arm B (28% vs 13% , p=0.002), while overall response rate (PR + CR) was not different (90% vs 86% , p=0.23). Median event-free survival (EFS) from randomization was 22 (arm B) vs 20 months (arm A) (logrank p=0.016). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients treated with double intensification (24 vs 23 months, logrank p=0.036). Time to Progression (TTP) was significantly worse in arm A (median 25 vs 33 months, logrank p=0.001). The difference for EFS, PFS and TTP became only evident after at least 4 years of follow-up. Overall survival (OS) was not different (55 months in arm A vs 50 in arm B, logrank p=0.38). Multivariate analysis showed that treatment arm A, higher age, hemoglobin < 6.21 mmol/l, stage 3 and elevated serum LDH were significant adverse prognostic factors for EFS. Cytogenetic analysis, available in 151 registered patients was abnormal in 37% (45% del 13/13q-, 51% abnormal 1p/q, 33% del 6q, 89% complex abnormalities). Cox regression analysis showed that 1p/q was an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for OS, EFS, PFS and TTP (p<0.001), calculated from start VAD. Del 13/13q- was highly correlated with 1p/q abnormalities. By combining B2M > 3 mg/L with del13/13q- and 1p/q, prognostic groups could be defined with a significant impact on OS (p<0.000002), EFS (p< 0.0002), PFS (p <0.00006) and TTP (p<0.0000002). Quality of Life analysis showed significant improvement of disease-related variables in double intensive treatment. In conclusion, in this trial second intensification by myeloablative treatment with cyclophosphamide/TBI when added to intensified chemotherapy alone resulted in a superior EFS, PFS and TTP, but not OS. The results of this trial indicate that double intensive treatment results in superior outcome, but not cure in multiple myeloma.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 3408-3408
Author(s):  
Lionel Karlin ◽  
David Ghez ◽  
Marie-Olivia Chandesris ◽  
Sylvain Choquet ◽  
Margaret Macro ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 3408 Poster Board III-296 The t(4;14)(p16.3;q32), leading to the ectopic expression of two potential oncogenes, the Multiple Myeloma Set Gene (MMSET) and the Fibroblast Growth Factor 3 (FGFR3), is found in 15% of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and is associated with a very poor prognosis. We previously shown in patients under 65 years of age that High Dose Therapy followed by Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (HDT-PBSCT) provides a high response rate (RR) but a very short median relapse-free survival of only 11 months. In addition, relapses are often aggressive and chemoresistant. Thus, more effective regimen is urgently needed. We prospectively studied 23 t(4;14) MM patients treated with 3 or 4 cycles of a combination of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone (VD) (n=4) or of Bortezomib, Adriamycine and Dexamethasone (PAD) (n=19) as induction treatment before HDT-PBSCT (Melphalan 200 mg/m2). T(4;14) was detected using real time quantitative PCR searching for IGH/MMSET and FGFR3 transcripts. RR, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Median age at diagnosis was 51 years (range, 33-64). Isotype was IgA in 12 (52%) patients. All patients had stage II or III MM. An elevated serum β2m level (>3.5 mg/L) was found in 14 (61%) patients, and a low haemoglobin (Hb) level (<10 g/dL) in 10. Four presented with renal failure and 5 with hypercalcemia. Three (16%) of 19 patients had a t(4;14) without expression of FGFR3. After induction treatment with VD or PAD, PBSC were successfully harvested with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor only (n=15) or following a cycle of high-dose cyclophosphamide (n= 7). RR after induction treatment was complete response (CR) in 6 (26%) patients, very good partial response (VGPR) in 9 (39%), partial response (PR) in 3. Five patients had refractory or progressive disease (PD), including 1 who died before stem cell mobilization. RR after HDT was CR in 11 (48%), VGPR in 4 (17%) and PR in 4 (overall RR of 82%). Three had PD. With a median follow-up of 18 months (range, 3-32), 9 (39%) patients are alive without relapse, including 4 with a 19, 27, 30 and 32 months follow-up respectively. Twelve (52%) patients relapsed. Two patients died in the first month post HDT from PD. We found a median EFS and OS from initiation of therapy of 14.7 and 30.9 months respectively. EFS was not influenced by Hb and/or serum β2m level. However, we found a significantly longer OS in patients with low β2m (median non reached) as compared to patients with high β2m (median=23.1 months, p=0.04). These preliminary results illustrate the heterogeneity of this disease and indicate that some t(4;14) MM patients seem to benefit from bortezomib containing regimen as induction treatment before HDT in term of EFS and OS. A larger series with a longer median time of follow up will be presented. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil Kapoor ◽  
Shawn Dason ◽  
Christopher B. Allard ◽  
Bobby Shayegan ◽  
Louis Lacombe ◽  
...  

Introduction: Radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) must include some form of distal ureter management to avoid high rates of tumour recurrence. It is uncertain which distal ureter management technique has the best oncologic outcomes. To determine which distal ureter management technique resulted in the lowest tumour recurrence rate, we analyzed a multiinstitutional Canadian radical nephroureterectomy database.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with distal ureter management for UTUC between January 1990 and June 2010 at 10 Canadian tertiary hospitals. Distal ureter management approaches were divided into 3 categories: (1) extravesical tenting for ureteric excision without cystotomy (EXTRAVESICAL); (2) open cystotomy with intravesical bladder cuff excision (INTRAVESICAL); and (3) extravesical excision with endoscopic management of ureteric orifice (ENDOSCOPIC). Data available for each patient included demographic details, distal ureter management approach, pathology and operative details, as well as the presence and location of local or distant recurrence. Clinical outcomes included overall recurrence-free survival and intravesical recurrence-free survival. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was also performed.Results: A total of 820 patients underwent radical nephroureterectomy with a specified distal ureter management approach at 10 Canadian academic institutions. The mean patient age was 69.6 years and the median follow-up was 24.6 months. Of the 820 patients, 406 (49.5%) underwent INTRAVESICAL, 316 (38.5%) underwent EXTRAVESICAL, and 98 (11.9%) underwent ENDOSOPIC distal ureter management. Groups differed significantly in their proportion of females, proportion of laparoscopic cases, presence of carcinoma in situ and pathological tumour stage (p < 0.05). Recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 46.3%, 35.6%, and 30.1% for INTRAVESICAL, EXTRAVESICAL and ENDOSCOPIC, respectively (p < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed that INTRAVESICAL resulted in a lower hazard of recurrence compared to EXTRAVESICAL and ENDOSCOPIC. When looking only at intravesical recurrence-free survival (iRFS), a similar trend held up with INTRAVESICAL having the highest iRFS, followed by ENDOSCOPIC and then EXTRAVESICAL management (p < 0.05). At last follow-up, 406 (49.5%) patients were alive and free of disease.Conclusion: Open intravesical excision of the distal ureter (INTRAVESICAL) during radical nephroureterectomy was associated with improved overall and intravesical recurrence-free survival compared with extravesical and endoscopic approaches. These findings suggest that INTRAVESICAL should be considered the gold standard oncologic approach to distal ureter management during radical nephroureterectomy. Limitations of this study include its retrospective design, heterogeneous cohort, and limited follow-up.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bence Beres ◽  
Maria Yusenko ◽  
Lehel Peterfi ◽  
Gyula Kovacs ◽  
Daniel Banyai

Abstract Purpose Approximately 15% of clinically localised conventional renal cell carcinomas (cRCC) develop metastases within 5 years of follow-up. Sarcomatous cRCC is a highly malignant cancer of the kidney. The aim of our study was to identify biomarkers for estimating the postoperative progression of cRCCs. Methods Global microarray-based gene expression analysis of RCCs with and without sarcomatous changes revealed that a high MMP12 expression was associated with a sarcomatous histology. Additionally, we analysed MMP12 expression using a multi-tissue array comprising 736 cRCC patients without metastasis at the time of surgery. The median follow-up time was 66 ± 29 months. Results Immunohistochemistry revealed MMP12 expression in 187 of 736 cRCCs with good follow-up data. Subsequent Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that patients with MMP12 positive tumours exhibited a significantly shorter tumour-free survival (p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis a weak to strong MMP12 expression indicated a 2.4–2.8 times higher risk of postoperative tumour relapse (p < 0.001; p < 0.003, respectively). Conclusions MMP12 may serve as a biomarker to estimate postoperative cRCC relapse and as a possible target for penfluridol therapy.


Author(s):  
Mehmet Ali Erkurt ◽  
Fehmi Hindilerden ◽  
Omer Ekinci ◽  
Jale Yildiz ◽  
Mehmet Sinan Dal ◽  
...  

Objective: Pomalidomide is a new generation thalidomide analogue. Effectiveness as a single agent or combination with low dose dexamethasone has been in the treatment of relapse/refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM). The aim of the present study was to share the experience of different oncology centres with pomalidomide treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients from 16 centres were enrolled into the study. The patients were followed for a median of 6 months. Relapsed/refractory MM patients who received at least one line of treatment before pomalidomide were included into the study.  ISS, R-ISS and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores of the patients and treatment-related side effects were evaluated. Results: As a result of the median follow-up for 6 months, 36% (26/72) of the patients presented progression. The estimated median PFS was found 29 months. The Cox regression analysis revealed that ECOG affected PFS only, myeloma subtype; ISS and R-ISS scores did not affect PFS. The most common side effects with pomalidomide treatment in our population include neutropenia, infections, anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: In our study, it was statistically shown that the ECOG score was effective in survival in relapsed / refractory MM patients treated by pomalidomide. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of the ECOG score for each patient before treatment in eligible cases.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1390-1390
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Capote ◽  
M. J. Pascual ◽  
E. Gonzalez-Barca ◽  
J. M. Bergua ◽  
A. Jimenez ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a CD20+ malignancy comprising up 5% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and has a poor prognosis under standard chemotherapy. The HyperCVAD-M/A regimen (fractionated high-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone alternated with methotraxate and cytarabine) has yielded encouraging results when combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in MCL, with 5-year failure-free survival of 54% and overall survival 72%. In an effort to improve these results further, we have combined rituximab in vivo purging and post-transplant consolidation with HyperCVAD-M/A plus ASCT. Methods: Patients aged <65 years with previously untreated or relapsed MCL were treated with four courses of HyperCVAD-M/A followed by four once-weekly doses of rituximab 375mg/m2 as purging prior to stem cell mobilization and harvesting, high-dose chemotherapy (ICT-CY or BEAM), stem cell reinfusion and four further doses of rituximab immunotherapy post-transplant. Results: Of the 34 patients enrolled so far, 15 (12 male, 3 female; 12 previously untreated) have been transplanted. The median age was 52 years (range 47–63 years). After the final post-ASCT immunotherapy all 15 patients were in clinical complete remission. With a median follow-up of 30 months from diagnosis (range 7–52 months), 14 patients remain alive with 13 in first complete remission. One patient died 15 months post-ASCT without evidence of disease recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 4-year overall and event-free survival are 93.3% and 86.6% respectively. Conclusions: This approach seems safe and feasible and produces durable remissions; longer follow-up of a more patients will be required to assess the effect of the procedure on survival.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 169-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly J. Lange ◽  
Franklin O. Smith ◽  
Patricia A. Dinndorf ◽  
Carola A.S. Arndt ◽  
Dorothy R. Barnard ◽  
...  

Abstract CCG-2961 tested an intensively timed induction therapy consisting of cytarabine (AC), etoposide, thioguanine, dexamethasone, idarubicin and daunorubicin. Patients in remission after induction were randomized to a second induction course (Arm A) or a 3-drug combination of fludarabine, AC, and idarubicin (Arm B). Course 3 for patients with related donors was bone marrow transplantation (BMT); for those without donors, high dose AC/l-asparaginase. After Course 3 patients without donors were randomized to 14 infusions of Interleukin 2 (IL2) over 18 days or follow-up. CNS prophylaxis was intrathecal AC. Eligibility included all subtypes of de novo AML except acute promyelocytic leukemia and AML in patients with Down syndrome. CCG-2961 opened in Oct.1996 and closed in Dec. 2002. The DSMC suspended the study between Oct. 1999 and May 2000 while the 2961 Committee developed supportive care policies to reduce treatment-related mortality (TRM). CCG-2961 enrolled 900 de novo patients aged 3 days to 21 years, with 495 and 405 patients accruing pre-and post suspension respectively. Remission induction rate is 88.5%. With median follow-up of 3.6 years (range: 0 – 8.1 years), event-free survival (EFS) at 3 years is 44±3% and survival (OS) 57±3%. Disease-free survival (DFS) following Course 2 Arms A and B are not different, although relapse is significantly higher in Arm A (7.3% .vs. 3.1% P=0.018) and TRM more common in Arm B (7.9% vs.4.2% P=0.059), despite 7 less days of neutropenia in Arm B (P&lt;0.001). DFS is 65±9% for patients with a donor versus 50±5% for patients without a donor (P=0.005); respective OS, 74±8% and 66±5% (P=0.221). However, among 98 patients in CR1 with t(8;21) or inv(16) cytogenetics, outcomes in those without and with a donor were no different: DFS (61±12% vs. 72±18%, P = 0.49) and OS (78±10% vs. 77±17%, l P= 0.85). DFS with and without IL2 is 55±9% and 60±8%(P=0.606). Outcomes improved progressively over time. EFS pre- and post-suspension are 41±4% and 47±5%(P=0.038); OS, 52±5% and 63±5%(P=0.005); TRM is 17±3% pre- and 12±3% post-suspension (P=0.039). Factors predictive of inferior EFS are age &gt;17 years, Afro-American and Hispanic ethnicity, body mass index &lt;10th or &gt;95th percentile for age, absence of related marrow donor, WBC &gt; 50,000/mm3, karyotype with −7/7q, −5/5q- or &gt; cytogenetic 5 abnormalities, FLT3/ITD, &gt;15 % morphologic blasts on day 14 or &gt;0.5% immunologically detectable blasts at the end of induction. CCG-2961 confirms the efficacy and high TRM of intensively timed therapy. Neither fludarabine nor IL2 increases DFS or OS, and availability of a donor does not improve outcomes in those with favorable cytogenetics.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 945-945
Author(s):  
Roland Fenk ◽  
Peter Schneider ◽  
Martin Kropff ◽  
Ali-Nuri Huenerlituerkoglu ◽  
Ulrich Steidl ◽  
...  

Abstract High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) improves the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) in comparison to conventional chemotherapy. Dose-escalating strategies including tandem HDT are currently evaluated to further improve remission rates and survival of patients. Therefore we conducted a randomized multicenter trial to compare an intensified conditioning regimen with the current standard high-dose melphalan. The primary study endpoint was response rate, with overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS) and toxicity analysed as secondary endpoints. Between 1997 and 1999 a total of 56 patients with stage II and III disease, who were matched for age (median 56 years), number of previous therapies (median time from diagnosis to transplant 7 months) and different risk factors (beta2-microglobulin, LDH, CRP, cytogentic abnormalities, chemoresistant disease, IgA-subtype, renal impairment), were randomized. All patients received 2 courses of oral idarubicine/dexamethasone and 2 courses of intravenous cyclophosphamide/adriamycine in combination with G-CSF followed by peripheral stem cell collection. Thirty patients were treated with melphalan 200mg/m2 (HD-M) whereas 26 patients received idarubicine 42mg/m2, melphalan 200mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg (HD-IMC) followed by autologous blood stem cell transplantation. Acute toxicity was higher with HD-IMC, including 5 (20%) treatment-related deaths due to infections versus none (0%) in the HD-M group. This lead to early termination of the study. Severity of mucositis (grade III-IV 19 vs. 8 pts., p=0.001), CRP (20 vs. 7 mg/dl, p<0.001), days of fever (11 vs. 3, p<0.001), days with iv-antibiotics (13 vs. 4, p<0.001), number of erythrocyte-transfusions (6 vs. 2, p<0.001), number of platelet-transfusions (16 vs. 4, p<0.001) and days to granulocyte engraftment (18 vs. 11, p=0.007) were significantly higher after HD-IMC. After a follow-up of 5 years analysis restricted to patients surviving the first 30 days after HDT showed a trend to higher response rates (CR+vgPR: 47% (95%CI 24–72%) vs. 35% (95%CI 18–56%), PR 37% (95%CI 17–63%) vs. 48% (95%CI 29–68%) and time-to-progression (median 31 vs. 15 months, p=0.1) in the HD-IMC treatment arm in comparison to HD-M, but there was no significant difference in EFS and OS (median 22 vs. 30, p= 0.31 and 66 vs. 66 months, p=0.8, respectively). Univariate analysis demonstrated that LDH levels > 200 U/L (p=0.04) and chemoresistant disease (p=0.05) were a bad prognostic factor for EFS. Beta2-Microglobulin levels > 5mg/dl (p=0.01), abnormal conventional cytogenetics (p=0.02) and LDH levels > 200 U/L (p=0.03) were predictive for an inferior OS. In conclusion intensified conditioning for HDT had an intolerable high treatment-related mortality and did not improve EFS and OS in patients with multiple myeloma.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5234-5234
Author(s):  
Elise A. Chong ◽  
Charalambos Andreadis ◽  
Stephen J. Schuster ◽  
Selina M. Luger ◽  
David L. Porter ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) can result in long term survival for patients with advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) but relapse remains a common cause of treatment failure. Bone marrow (BM) involvement is common in NHL and there is controversy over whether or not reinfusion of BM stem cells contaminated by clonogenic tumor cells is a major cause of relapse following ASCT. Bone marrow purging can reduce the number of tumor cells in vitro, but the impact on relapse and disease free survival (DFS) remains unknown. Methods: Between 1990 and 1993, 20 pts with poor prognosis NHL (B-symptoms, high LDH, bulky adenopathy, stage III or IV, or relapsed disease) at high risk for BM involvement underwent 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-hc) purged BM transplantation. Thirteen pts had low grade B-cell NHL, 6 had an intermediate grade B-cell NHL with a small B-cell component, and 1 had T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Seven of 20 pts had received ≥3 prior chemotherapeutic regimens. Three pts underwent transplantation in first complete remission and 17 pts were in chemotherapy-responsive relapse. At diagnosis, 11 of 20 pts had documented BM involvement, and at ASCT, 6 of 20 pts had BM involvement (all < 5% involvement at BM harvest). Eighteen pts (90%) received 4-hc purged autologous BM, and 2 pts (10%) received 4-hc purged autologous BM and peripheral stem cell support. High dose regimens included Cytoxan/TBI (85%), BCV(10%), and Melphalan/TBI (5%). The median age was 45 yrs (range: 20–57 yrs). The median nucleated cell count of 4-hc marrow that was reinfused was 2.4 × 108 /kg (range: 0.87–5.5). The median time to granulocyte recovery was 26 days (range: 14–59). Two pts died at days 31 and 35 without achieving platelet transfusion independence. In the remaining 18 pts, the last platelet transfusion was given at a median of 29 days post-marrow infusion (range 18–149), and the median in-patient hospital days was 27 (range: 16–82 days). Results: There were 2 deaths (fungal infection and CNS relapse) during ASCT. One pt died in CR after developing secondary AML 5.34 yrs after ASCT. Post-ASCT, 18 of 20 pts achieved CR (including 1 pt who had no evidence of disease at autopsy), 1 pt had a PR, and 1 pt died during BMT and was not evaluable for response. Median follow-up for the group was 8.2 yrs (range: 0.1–12.4 yrs). At last follow-up, 9 pts remain in CR (1 died of AML in CR), 5 pts had relapsed and remain alive, and 5 pts died of progressive disease. Median follow-up for survivors was 11.1 yrs (range: 5.2–12.4 yrs). 65% of pts remain alive at last follow-up. The median EFS was 9.4 yrs (range: 0.1–12.4 yrs). Those who achieved a CR post-ASCT had a median DFS of 10.6 yrs (range: 1.1–12.4 yrs). At 8.2 yrs, 4/6 pts with involved BM at the time of harvest had relapsed or died compared to 7/14 pts with negative BM which is not significantly different. Conclusion: ASCT using 4-hc BM purging is feasible and can result in long term relapse free survival, even for pts with subtypes of NHL at high risk for BM involvement. Whether 4-hc BM purging is equivalent or superior to immunologic approaches to stem cell processing remains to be determined.


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