The Effect of the CASP8 -6526N Del Promoter Polymorphism on Outcome in T-Cell Depleted Unrelated Donor Haemopoetic Stem Cell Transplants (HSCT)

Abstract The 6 nucleotide insertion-deletion polymorphism (-6526N del) in the CASP8 promoter has been demonstrated to destroy an Sp1 binding site, resulting in reduced caspase-8 activity and expression and a reduced susceptibility of 652 6N del/del T-lymphocytes to undergo apoptosis in response to anti-FAS and to tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. As the susceptibility of T-lymphocytes to undergo apoptosis could affect outcome following allogeneic HSCT we have investigated the impact of the CASP8-652 6N del polymorphism in both donors and recipients on the outcomes of patients undergoing unrelated donor HSCT. Genotyping was performed on 186 donor/recipient pairs who underwent an HSCT from a donor from the Anthony Nolan Trust in one of 25 transplant centres in the United Kingdom between 1997 and 2006. All patients were transplanted for a haematological malignancy and had long term clinical data collated. Diagnoses were CML: 40.3%; MDS: 4.3%, ALL: 16.6%; AML: 23.6 %, lymphoproliferative disorders: 10.4 %, multiple myeloma: 4.8%. The frequency of the 3 genotypes in the Caspase 8 promoter region was as follows: RECIPIENTS: WT/WT=0.26; WT/del=0.49; del/del=0.24 and DONORS: WT/WT=0.33; WT/del=0.40; del/del=0.25. Frequencies in both the donor and recipient populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Our findings show that the overall survival (OS) in recipients who received a transplant from a donor with a WT/WT genotype was significantly better as compared to donors with WT/del or del/del genotype (52% v 34% at 5 years; p=0.03). The disease free survival (DFS) at 3 years was also significantly better (39% v 18%; p=0.03). In addition, we found a significant reduction in grade II-IV acute GVHD (17% v 30%; p=0.04) and a trend towards lower incidence of chronic GVHD (42% v 63%; p=0.06) and transplant related mortality (TRM) (19% v 35%; p=0.06) in these patients. No significant difference in disease relapse was seen. The results were particularly striking in the subgroup of recipients where one or two deletions were present (WT/del or del/del genotype). The OS was 62% in those who received a graft from a donor with WT/WT genotype compared to 36% with other donors (p=0.01). This remained significant in multivariate analysis (HR 0.53; CI 0.29, 0.98; p=0.04). This subgroup also had a lower risk of relapse (p=0.02). In this cohort, the majority (156/186) of recipients had in-vivo T-cell depletion using Alemtuzumab. As Alemtuzumab depletes T-cells in part by apoptosis induced via a caspase 8 dependent pathway, we hypothesize that recipients who receive a transplant from a donor with WT/WT genotype are likely to get more effective T-cell depletion and hence less acute GVHD and reduced TRM resulting in improved survival. The mechanism of interaction between donor and recipient genotypes remains to be explored. Figure Figure

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Impact of In Vivo T-Cell Depletion on Outcome of Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) for Hematologic Malignanciesimpact of In Vivo T-Cell Depletion on Outcome of Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) for Hematologic Malignancies

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v116.21.2305.2305 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 116 (21) ◽

pp. 2305-2305 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Robert J Soiffer ◽

Jennifer LeRademacher ◽

Vincent T Ho ◽

Fangyu Kan ◽

Andrew Artz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

P Value ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

T Cell Depletion

Abstract Abstract 2305 HCT using RIC regimens has increased steadily over the past decade. In vivo administration of anti-T cell antibodies, such as alemtuzumab and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) preparations, is often employed to promote engraftment and limit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). While these antibodies might reduce the severity and incidence of GVHD, they may also blunt the allo-immune graft-versus-tumor effect of HCT. Transplant outcomes after in vivo T-cell depletion (n=584 ATG; n=213 alemtuzumab) were compared to those after T-cell replete (n=879) RIC transplants for myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. Patients were aged 21–69 yrs and transplanted from 2000–2007. Median follow-up of patients is 3 years. Conditioning regimens consisted of an alkylating agent (melphalan, busulfan, or cyclophosphamide) with fludarabine. 792 patients (47%) received allografts from a HLA-matched sibling, 650 (39%) from an 8/8 and 234 (14%) from a 7/8 HLA-matched unrelated donor. In vivo T-cell depletion was used for 35% of matched sibling HCT, 57% of 8/8 and 64% of 7/8 HLA matched unrelated donor HCT. Results of multivariable analysis adjusted for age, disease and disease stage, donor, year of transplant, conditioning regimen, and GVHD prophylaxis are shown in Table below. Grade 2–4 acute GVHD was lower with alemtuzumab containing regimens (20%) than ATG containing (41%) or T replete (42%) regimens. Chronic GVHD occurred in 27% of recipients of alemtuzumab, 43% of ATG, and 57% of T replete regimens, respectively. Compared to T-cell replete regimens, relapse risks were higher with ATG and alemtuzumab containing regimens (38%, 49% and 51%, respectively) and non-relapse mortality, higher with ATG containing regimens only. Treatment failure (relapse or death) was higher with both ATG and alemtuzumab containing regimens compared to T replete regimens. Overall mortality was highest with ATG containing regimens. These observations are independent of disease, disease status and donor type including 7/8 HLA-matched HCT. The 3-year probabilities of disease-free survival (DFS) were 25%, 30% and 39% with ATG-containing, alemtuzumab-containing and T-cell replete regimens, respectively. Corresponding probabilities for overall survival were 38%, 50% and 46%. There were no differences in disease-free and overall survival at 3-years by ATG source or dose. The incidence of EBV-PTLD was higher with alemtuzumab and ATG containing compared to T-cell replete regimens (2% vs. 2% vs. 0.2%). These results suggest in-vivo T-cell depletion with RIC regimens containing an alkylating agent and fludarabine significantly lowers DFS despite lower GVHD. The routine use of in-vivo T-cell depletion in this setting warrants a cautious approach in the absence of a prospective randomized trial. Alemtuzumab vs. T-cell replete ATG vs. T-cell replete Alemtuzumab vs. ATG Hazard ratio, p-value Hazard ratio, p-value Hazard ratio, p-value Grade 2-4 acute GVHD 0.33, p<0.0001 0.88, p=0.12 0.38, p<0.001 Grade 3-4 acute GVHD 0.42, p<0.0001 0.86, p=0.20 0.48, p=0.001 Chronic GVHD 0.34, p<0.0001 0.69, p<0.0001 0.49, p<0.0001 Non-relapse mortality 1.04, p=0.85 1.34, p=0.01 0.78, p=0.19 Relapse 1.54, p=0.0001 1.53, p<0.0001 1.01, p=0.94 Treatment failure 1.40, p=0.0003 1.46, p<0.0001 0.96, p=0.67 Overall mortality 1.09, p=0.46 1.25, p=0.002 0.87, p=0.22 Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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HLA-Mismatch Is Associated With Worse Outcomes After Unrelated Donor Reduced Intensity Conditioning Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Cibmtr Analysis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.547.547 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 547-547 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

John Koreth ◽

Kwang Woo Ahn ◽

Joseph Pidala ◽

James L. Gajewski ◽

Hailin Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Conditioning Intensity

Abstract In myeloablative unrelated donor allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) a 1-locus HLA-mismatch (-A, -B, -C, -DRB1) is associated with lower survival compared to fully matched pairs. However data in reduced-intensity and non-myeloablative conditioning (together called RIC) HCT are limited. We analyzed adult AML/ALL/CML/MDS recipients of first 8/8 HLA-matched or 1-locus mismatched unrelated donor (MUD, MMUD) RIC HCT performed in the period 1999-2011 and registered in the CIBMTR. HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 loci were typed in all pairs at high resolution; -DQB1 and -DPB1 loci could not be evaluated in all pairs. Transplants involving ex-vivo T-cell depletion, CD34+ selection, or post-transplant cyclophosphamide were excluded. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse, disease-free survival (DFS) and acute and chronic GVHD. Individual locus mismatch was also assessed. Apart from HLA matching, variables related to patient (age, race, sex, KPS, diagnosis, disease-risk), donor (age, parity), both (sex match/ABO match/CMV match) treatment (conditioning intensity, TBI use, in-vivo T-cell depletion (ATG), graft source (PB, BM) and GVHD prophylaxis (CyA-, Tac-based)) were considered. 2588 RIC HCT (8/8 MUD: 2025; 7/8 MMUD: 563) from 144 centers and 12 countries were analyzed. Median follow up in 8/8 MUD and 7/8 MMUD was 38 and 48 months respectively. Diagnoses were AML (65%), ALL (8%), CML (7%), MDS (20%). Conditioning intensity was RIC (79%), NMA (21%). 58% received in-vivo T-cell depletion. Graft source was PBSC (85%), BM (15%). GVHD prophylaxis was Tac-based (70%), CyA-based (27%). Mismatches involved HLA-A (188), -B (81), -C (219), and -DRB1 (75); with -DPB1 and -DQB1 typing available in 1382 and 2502 cases respectively. Compared to 8/8 MUD, 7/8 MMUD recipients were more likely to be younger and ethnic minorities and to have older and parous donors. In univariate analyses DQB1- and -DPB1 mismatch was not associated with worse OS, DFS, or NRM and was not further evaluated. There was a trend toward more grade II-IV acute GVHD in -DPB1 double (p=0.02) but not single mismatches. In multivariate models 7/8 MMUD RIC HCT had worse grade II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD, NRM, DFS and OS, but not relapse or chronic GVHD (Table). No significant interactions were identified between degree of HLA matching and other clinical variables. Adjusted 1- and 3-year NRM for 8/8 MUD vs. 7/8 MMUD was 20.4% vs. 28.9% (p<0.0001) and 29.2% vs. 38.1% (p<0.0007) respectively. Adjusted 1- and 3-year OS was 54.7% vs. 48.8% (p=0.01) and 37.4% vs. 30.9% (p=0.005) respectively (Figure). There was no difference between allele and antigen mismatches. HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 locus mismatches were each associated with 1 or more impaired outcomes (acute GVHD, NRM, DFS, and/or OS). Table 1 7/8 vs. 8/8 HLA HR (95% CI) p-value Acute GVHD II-IV 1.29 (1.09-1.53) 0.003 Acute GVHD III-IV 1.69 (1.00-3.36) 0.05 Chronic GVHD 1.11 (0.96-1.28) 0.15 Relapse 1.01 (0.87-1.17) 0.92 NRM 1.52 (1.29-1.79) <0.0001 DFS 1.20 (1.07-1.34) 0.0015 OS 1.25 (1.11-1.40) 0.0001 Compared to 8/8 MUD, both 7/8 allele and antigen MMUD RIC HCT have greater treatment toxicity and worse survival, of a magnitude similar to that seen in myeloablative transplantation. An isolated mismatch at HLA-A, -B, -C, or -DRB1 was associated with 1 or more adverse outcomes. In unrelated donor RIC HCT, matching for all alleles of HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 loci results in superior outcomes. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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A Comparison of Stem Cell Source in Recipients of T-Cell Depleted Myeloablative Transplants for Leukaemia: No Difference in Mortality Using BM or PBSC.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.46.46 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 46-46

Author(s):

B.E. Shaw ◽

Nigel H. Russell ◽

A. Pagliuca ◽

J. Apperley ◽

G. Cook ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Stem Cell Source ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Cell Source ◽

The Impact

Abstract The use of GSCF-mobilised Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) for unrelated donor (UD) transplantation has increased dramatically since 2000. The association of PBSC with more rapid engraftment and with an increase in chronic Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), compared to bone marrow (BM) has been reported in a number of studies. More recently the use of PBSC has been associated with an increase in transplant related mortality (TRM) and decrease in survival (OS) in T-cell replete transplants. We sought to analyse the impact of PBSC compared to BM in a cohort of UD transplant recipients, where T-cell depleting agents (in-vivo campath in >90%) were included in the transplant conditioning. The study included 145 patients transplanted between January 2000 and March 2006: CML- 35 in 1CP; acute leukaemia (AML in 61, ALL in 49)-110 in CR1 or 2. All had myeloablative conditioning regimens and received grafts with 9–10/10 matched HLA alleles. 86 patients received BM and 59 PBSC. There were no associations between the stem cell source and any transplant variable (including disease and stage). There was a trend to an increased use of PBSC in patients with a single antigen mismatch (p=0.052). All evaluable patients achieved neutrophil engraftment, with a significantly faster time to engraft in recipients of PBSC compared to BM (16 vs 20 days; p=0.0003). The incidence of acute GvHD was 46% (grade I in 50%, II in 41%, III in 8%, IV in 2%). This was significantly higher in recipients of PBSC (60%) compared to BM (36%; p=0.006), however there was no increase in either II/IV (p=0.69) or III/IV (p=0.18) disease in PBSC recipients. In univariate analysis, the presence of a single HLA mismatch (p=0.026) was the only other variable to be associated with an increase in acute GvHD. In a logistic regression model including both these variables, the use of PBSC remained significantly associated with an increase in aGvHD (OR=2.3; 95% CI 1.1,4.7;p=0.020). The TRM was 14%, 27% and 39% at 100 days, 1 and 5 years respectively. At none of these time points was the stem cell source associated with a significant difference in TRM. The 5-year incidence of chronic GvHD was 58% (BM 55%, PBSC 60%; NS), extensive disease in one third, and of relapse was 61% (BM 60%, PBSC 62%; NS). The 5-years OS was 41% with a median follow-up of 3.4 years (0.5–7.1). This was 44% using PBSC and 40% using BM (NS). In conclusion, although we observed an increase in acute GVHD with PBSC this was only of grade 1 disease. We found no association between the use of PBSC and an increased risk of chronic GVHD or of a worse transplant outcome, when compared to BM, in recipients of T-cell depleted myeloablative transplants for leukaemia.

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Improved Gvhd Free, Relapse Free Survival Using Dual T-Cell Depletion with ATG and Ptcy in Matched Unrelated Donor RIC Allo-HSCT

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-128720 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 4594-4594

Author(s):

Maria Queralt Salas ◽

Wilson Lam ◽

Arjun Law ◽

Fotios V. Michelis ◽

Dennis Dong Hwan Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Effective Control ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

The Impact

Introduction The combination of anti-thymoglobulin (ATG), post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and cyclosporine (CsA) provides an effective control of graft-versus host disease (GVHD) in allo-HSCT using peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts, as has been reported by Dr. Viswabandya et al. We aim to report a large, single center experience in reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allo-HSCT using dual T-cell depletion with ATG and PTCy combined with CsA for GVHD prophylaxis using grafts from 10/10 matched unrelated donors. Patients and methods Between October 2015 and April 2019, 167 adult patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies underwent first 10/10 MUD RIC allo-HSCT. RIC regimen was composed by fludarabine, busulfan, and 200cGy of total body irradiation. For GVHD prophylaxis all recipients received rabbit-ATG, PTCy 50mg/m2/day on day +3 and +4, and CsA since day +5. One hundred sixteen (69.5%) recipients, transplanted between 2015 and May 2018, received a total dose of 4.5mg/kg of rabbit-ATG (given on day -3,-2 and -1). In May 2018, the dose of ATG was lowered to a total of 2mg/kg (given on day -3 and -2). A total of 51 (30.5%) recipients received the lowered dose of ATG. The median follow-up of the entire cohort was 14 months (range: 0.4-44.5). For those patients who got a higher dose of ATG was 20 months and for those who received a lower dose of ATG was 8.8 months. Data was collected retrospectively and updated on July 2019. Cumulative incidence (Cum.Inc) of GVHD analysis was assessed accounting relapse and death as competing events. Results Baseline and post-transplant information are summarized in the Table 1 and 2. Ninety-three (55.7%) recipients were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cum.Inc of grade II-IV and grade III-IV acute GVHD at day +100 was respectively 15.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 10.6-21.6) and 3.6% (95% CI 1.5-7.3). The cum.Inc of acute GVHD was not significantly affected by the dose of ATG (P>0.05). The cum.Inc of chronic GVHD was 10.9% (95% CI 6.6-16.4). Due to the shorter median follow up of the cohort that received a lower dose of ATG, the impact of the reduction of the dose in the cum.Inc of chronic GVHD was not explored. Overall, 48 (28.7%) recipients died and 35 (20.4%) relapsed. Main causes of death were relapse (14.4%) and infection (9.6%). Outcome information is reported in the Table 2 and Plot A, B and C. One-year overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS) and GVHD-free/RFS (GFRFS) were respectively 75.6%, 70.3%, 60.4%. Table 3 summarizes the impact of the use of a different dose of ATG in acute GVHD and post-transplant outcome. No significant differences were found between the two groups that receive a different dose of ATG. However, median follow-up was shorter in the cohort that received 2mg/kg of ATG. Table 4 reports the main post-allo-HSCT information of patients diagnosed with AML. One-year OS, RFS and GRFRS for this subgroup of patients were 76.8%, 71.9% and 65.9%. Conclusion The unique and modern combination of RIC PB allo-HSCT using ATG, PTCY and CsA for GVHD prophylaxis results in impressive post-transplant outcomes using 10/10 MUD. The use of dual T-cell depletion with ATG and PTCy is safe and provides an extraordinary control of GVHD with acceptable relapse rates using PB stem cell 10/10 MUD grafts. ATG of only 2mg/kg when it is combined with PTCy and CsA, results in an effective control of acute GVHD rates. The optimal dose of ATG for GVHD prophylaxis is not well established. Further investigations need to be done to determine the efficacy of a lower dose of ATG controlling chronic GVHD in this setting. For patients diagnosed with AML, this protocol is safe and an effective approach when a 10/10 MUD is available. Disclosures Michelis: CSL Behring: Other: Financial Support. Mattsson:Celgene: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Therakos: Honoraria.

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Improved Long Term Survival with Minimal GVHD after Myeloablative Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplantation Using In Vitro and In Vivo T Cell Depletion with CAMPATH-1H.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.2761.2761 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 2761-2761

Author(s):

Peter A. von dem Borne ◽

Floor Beaumont ◽

Ingrid Starrenburg ◽

Machteld A. Oudshoorn ◽

Geoff Hale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Related Mortality

Abstract In allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) T-cell depletion reduces transplant related mortality by diminishing GVHD. We have investigated a myeloablative regimen for matched unrelated donor SCT using both in vivo and in vitro CAMPATH-1H for effective T-cell depletion, utilising DLI at a later time point for graft versus tumor effect if necessary. Thirty patients (median age 33 years, range 18–48) were transplanted from January 1997 to June 2002. Diagnoses were: CML CP (n=9), CML AP (n=2), AML/MDS (n=9), ALL (n=8), NHL (n=1) and Fanconi anemia (n=1). Six patients had one HLA mismatch, the others were identical for HLA A, B, C, DR and DQ. Conditioning consisted of CAMPATH-1H 5mg/d on days −8 to −4, TBI 6 Gy on days −8 and −7 and cyclofosfamide 60 mg/kg on days −6 and −5. T-cell depletion was performed by in vitro incubation of the graft with 20 mg CAMPATH-1H for 30 minutes (Campath “in the bag”). Post-transplant GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A and methotrexate. The stem cell source was bone marrow in 19 patients (63%) and peripheral blood in 11 patients. One graft failure was observed, all other patients had sustained engraftment of donor cells. Acute GVHD was observed in 12 patients (40%), maximally grade I-II skin. No severe acute GVHD (grade III-IV) was experienced. Limited chronic GVHD developed in 2 patients, resolving after treatment. Only in one patient extensive chronic GVHD developed, which did not resolve. CMV reactivation occurred in 23% of patients, one patient developed CMV disease. No EBV disease was observed. Ten patients received donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) at a median of 17.4 months after SCT (8 patients with relapsed CML, one patient with relapsed ALL, one patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia). After DLI acute GVHD grade I-II developed in 4 patients, and GVHD grade III-IV in 3. Chronic GVHD developed in 5 patients, of which 2 extensive, resolving in all except one patient. With a median follow up of 37 (range 21–84) months 17 patients are alive (57%). One of the CML patients shows persistence of molecular disease not responding to increasing doses of DLI. All other patients are in CR with the CML patients in molecular remission. Five patients (17%) died because of relapsed disease (2 AML/MDS and 3 ALL). Treatment related mortality was 26% (1 rejection, 2 GVHD, 1 myocardial infarction, 4 infections). In conclusion, matched unrelated donor SCT following myeloablative conditioning using T-cell depletion with CAMPATH-1H in vivo as well as in vitro results in good engraftment, minimal grade I-II GVHD and an overall survival of 57%. Relapse rate was not increased with this strategy. This regimen appears to be successful for young adults with high-risk malignancies.

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Impact of Different T Cell Depletion Protocols on Immune Reconstitution Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-139208 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 43-44

Author(s):

Amandine Pradier ◽

Adrien Petitpas ◽

Anne-Claire Mamez ◽

Federica Giannotti ◽

Sarah Morin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

T Cell ◽

Immune Reconstitution ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Post Transplant ◽

The Impact

Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-established therapeutic modality for a variety of hematological malignancies and congenital disorders. One of the major complications of the procedure is graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) initiated by T cells co-administered with the graft. Removal of donor T cells from the graft is a widely employed and effective strategy to prevent GVHD, although its impact on post-transplant immune reconstitution might significantly affect anti-tumor and anti-infectious responses. Several approaches of T cell depletion (TCD) exist, including in vivo depletion using anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) and/or post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as well as in vitro manipulation of the graft. In this work, we analyzed the impact of different T cell depletion strategies on immune reconstitution after allogeneic HSCT. Methods We retrospectively analysed data from 168 patients transplanted between 2015 and 2019 at Geneva University Hospitals. In our center, several methods for TCD are being used, alone or in combination: 1) In vivo T cell depletion using ATG (ATG-Thymoglobulin 7.5 mg/kg or ATG-Fresenius 25 mg/kg); 2) in vitro partial T cell depletion (pTCD) of the graft obtained through in vitro incubation with alemtuzumab (Campath [Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA]), washed before infusion and administered at day 0, followed on day +1 by an add-back of unmanipulated grafts containing about 100 × 106/kg donor T cells. The procedure is followed by donor lymphocyte infusions at incremental doses starting with 1 × 106 CD3/kg at 3 months to all patients who had received pTCD grafts with RIC in the absence of GVHD; 3) post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy; 50 mg/kg) on days 3 and 4 post-HSCT. Absolute counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and NK cells measured by flow cytometry during the first year after allogeneic HSCT were analyzed. Measures obtained from patients with mixed donor chimerism or after therapeutic DLI were excluded from the analysis. Cell numbers during time were compared using mixed-effects linear models depending on the TCD. Multivariable analysis was performed taking into account the impact of clinical factors differing between patients groups (patient's age, donor type and conditioning). Results ATG was administered to 77 (46%) patients, 15 (9%) patients received a pTCD graft and 26 (15%) patients received a combination of both ATG and pTCD graft. 24 (14%) patients were treated with PTCy and 26 (15%) patients received a T replete graft. 60% of patients had a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). 48 (29%) patients received grafts from a sibling identical donor, 94 (56%) from a matched unrelated donor, 13 (8%) from mismatched unrelated donor and 13 (8%) received haploidentical grafts. TCD protocols had no significant impact on CD3 or CD8 T cell reconstitution during the first year post-HSCT (Figure 1). Conversely, CD4 T cells recovery was affected by the ATG/pTCD combination (coefficient ± SE: -67±28, p=0.019) when compared to the T cell replete group (Figure 1). Analysis of data censored for acute or chronic GVHD requiring treatment or relapse revealed a delay of CD4 T cell reconstitution in the ATG and/or pTCD treated groups on (ATG:-79±27, p=0.004; pTCD:-100±43, p=0.022; ATG/pTCD:-110±33, p<0.001). Interestingly, pTCD alone or in combination with ATG resulted in a better reconstitution of NK cells compared to T replete group (pTCD: 152±45, p<0.001; ATG/pTCD: 94±36, p=0.009; Figure 1). A similar effect of pTCD was also observed for B cells (pTCD: 170±48, p<.001; ATG/pTCD: 127±38, p<.001). The effect of pTCD on NK was confirmed when data were censored for GVHD and relapse (pTCD: 132±60, p=0.028; ATG/pTCD: 106±47, p=0.023) while only ATG/pTCD retained a significant impact on B cells (102±49, p=0.037). The use of PTCy did not affect T, NK or B cell reconstitution when compared to the T cell replete group. Conclusion Our results indicate that all TCD protocols with the only exception of PTCy are associated with a delayed recovery of CD4 T cells whereas pTCD of the graft, alone or in combination with ATG, significantly improves NK and B cell reconstitution. Figure 1 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Transplantation Of TcRαβ/CD19 Depleted Stem Cells From Haploidentical Donors In Children: Current Results

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.692.692 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 692-692 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Peter Lang ◽

Tobias Feuchtinger ◽

Heiko-Manuel Teltschik ◽

Michael Schumm ◽

Patrick Schlegel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

T Cells ◽

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

T Lymphocytes ◽

Nk Cells ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Αβ T Cells

Abstract T-cell depletion of the graft is an effective method to prevent or completely avoid Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) in haploidentical stem cell transplantation. In order to increase the T-cell depletion efficacy while maintaining the anti-tumor and anti-infectious properties of the graft, we have investigated a new T-cell depletion method which removes αβ+ T-lymphocytes via a biotinylated anti-TcRαβ antibody followed by an anti-biotin antibody conjugated to magnetic microbeads while retaining γδ+ T-lymphocytes, Natural killer (NK) cells and other cells in the graft. In addition, CD19+ B-lymphocytes were concomitantly depleted for the prevention of posttransplant EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease. The CliniMACS system was used for manipulation of peripheral stem cell grafts from full haplotype mismatched family donors in 35 patients. Results The overall depletion of αβ+ T-cells was highly effective with 4.6 log (range 3.8–5.0). Patients received a median number of only 14 x 103/kg residual αβ+ T-cells. Recovery of CD34+ stem cells was 72%, and the median number of infused CD34+ stem cells was 12 x 106/kg (range 5-38 x 106/kg). Additionally, the patients received 2 types of potential antileukemic effector cells: 107 x 106/kg (range 35 -192 x 106/kg) CD56+ NK-cells and 11 x 106/kg (range 5–30 x 106/kg) γδ+ T-lymphocytes. Diagnoses were ALL (n=20), AML/MDS/JMML (n=9), nonmalignant diseases (n=4), solid tumors (n=2); disease status: CR2-CR6 (n=17), active disease (n=18). 23 patients received a second or third SCT (65%). A toxicity reduced conditioning regimen (fludarabin 40mg/m² or clofarabin 50mg/m² (day -8 to d -5), thiotepa 10mg/kg (d -4), melphalan 70mg/m² (d -3 and d -2) was used. The anti CD3 specific OKT3 antibody was used as rejection prophylaxis from day -8 to day -1 without affecting cotransfused effector cells because of its short half-life period in the first 7 patients. However, due to its restricted availability, the substance was substituted since 2011 by a reduced ATG-F dose (15mg/kg) given at start of the conditioning regimen in order not to impair NK and γδ+ T-cells of the grafts (1 mg/kg d -12, 4 mg/kg d -11, 5 mg/kg d -10 and -9; n=28 patients). Short course MMF (until day +30) was given in 25 patients. Graft rejection occurred in 14% of the patients. However, after reconditioning and second stem cell donation, final engraftment was achieved in all patients. The median time to reach neutrophil and platelet recovery in patients with primary engraftment was 10 and 11 days respectively. All patients showed a rapid immune reconstitution with 250 (OKT3 conditioning) and 273 (ATG conditioning) CD3+ T-cells/µl, 30 (OKT3) and 47 (ATG) CD3+4+/µl and 300 (OKT3) and 382 (ATG) CD56+ NK-cells/µl at day +30 posttransplant. γδ+ T-cells started to expand faster than αβ+ T-cells in the early post-transplant period (156 vs. 82 cells/µl at day +30) whereas at day +90, αβ+ T-cells were predominant (170 vs. 134 cells/µl). Acute GvHD grade 0-I occurred in 25 patients (71%); 6 patients had GvHD II (17%), 3 patients had GvHD III (9%) and one patients experienced GvHD grade IV (3%). 3 patients experienced chronic GvHD (8%). Incidence of acute GvHD was not influenced by the number of residual T cells or by the type of serotherapy. 1 year EFS for patients with acute leukemias was 66% (any CR) and 14% (active disease).TRM at 1 year was 20%. Conclusions These data indicate that transplantation of TcR αβ+/CD19 depleted cells from a haploidentical donor results in sustained engraftment, remarkably fast immune reconstitution and low incidence of both acute and chronic GvHD. OKT3 could be substituted by ATG without negative effects. The anti-leukemic efficacy of this approach in comparison to other methods of T-cell depletion needs to be evaluated with a longer patient follow-up. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Synergy of Unrelated Donor and Full Intensity Conditioning Breaks the Control of Graft Versus Host Disease By Alemtuzumab

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1206.1206 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 1206-1206

Author(s):

Olivia Laverick ◽

Amy Publicover ◽

Laura Jardine ◽

Kile Green ◽

Alan Potter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Reduced Intensity Conditioning ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Full Intensity ◽

Conditioning Intensity ◽

Reduced Intensity

Abstract Many variables influence the risk of graft versus host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Comparison between preparative regimens is hampered by the use of many different combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, varying intensity of conditioning, use of T cell depletion and donors who are either siblings or unrelated volunteers. Many reduced intensity regimens also incorporate enhanced GVHD prophylaxis with in vivo T cell depletion. Here we describe a cohort of patients prepared in a modular fashion with either reduced or full intensity conditioning combined with a uniform GVHD prophylaxis regimen for all transplants with sibling donors (alemtuzumab 30mg) and for all with unrelated donors (UD; alemtuzumab 60mg). Thus it was possible to dissect independently the effect of conditioning intensity and sibling or UD type upon GVHD risk in this settig of in vivo T cell depletion. Patients and analysis: the study was a retrospective analysis of 258 sequential transplants performed in adults with hematological malignancy between September 2005 and September 2013 at a single UK institution. Reduced intensity conditioning (n = 221) included fludarabine 150mg/m2 plus melphalan 140mg/m2 or fludarabine 150mg/m2 plus busulfan 9.6mg/kg. Full intensity transplants (n = 37) received 12Gy TBI plus melphalan 140mg/m2, 12Gy TBI plus cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg, or busulfan 16mg/kg plus cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg. All patients with sibling donors received 30mg alemtuzumab and those with UD received a 60mg of alemtuzumab. UD matching was similar in both reduced intensity and full intensity cohorts (92.2% and 86.5% 10/10 matches, respectively) but patients receiving reduced intensity were older than those receiving full intensity conditioning (median age 51 vs 31; p < 0.001). Outcome was analyzed according to EBMT guidelines. Relapse, non-relapse mortality and cGVHD were treated as competing risks and analysed as cumulative incidence. Outcome: the incidence of acute GVHD grades I-IV was comparable between reduced intensity and full intensity sibling transplants (45% vs 45%; p = NS) indicating a lack of effect of conditioning intensity upon GVHD risk in this setting. There was a slight increase in the risk of GVHD between reduced intensity UD compared with reduced intensity sibling donor transplants (57% vs 45%; p = NS) but a marked synergistic increase between UD transplants performed with full intensity compared with reduced intensity conditioning (100% vs 57%; p = < 0.001). The incidence of grades III-IV acute GVHD was also higher in full intensity UD transplants (16%) compared with reduced intensity UD transplants (5%). The incidence of chronic GVHD was also highest in full intensity UD transplants but both conditioning intensity and UD contributed in an additive manner: the rate of chronic GVHD progressed from 33% to 44% in reduced intensity and full intensity sibling transplants respectively and from 57% to 75% for reduced and full intensity UD transplants, respectively. Two year overall survival was comparable in all groups, ranging from 55% to 70%. In keeping with the higher rates of acute GVHD in full intensity transplants performed with UD, this group experienced the lowest relapse risk (15% vs 29% for all the other groups combined; p = 0.04) but the highest non-relapse mortality, reaching 41% at 2 years compared with 28% for all the other groups combined (p = 0.08). Conclusion: these results show that alemtuzumab provides good protection from acute GVHD in reduced intensity transplantation from sibling and UD. In sibling transplants given identical GVHD prophylaxis, full intensity conditioning does not increase the risk of GVHD. In contrast, a slight increase in GVHD risk with UD transplants seen with reduced intensity conditioning, is amplified in a synergistic manner by full intensity conditioning. This is associated with a high non-relapse mortality, even though the median age of full intensity patients is more than 20 years younger than those receiving reduced intensity conditioning. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant with in Vivo T-Cell Depletion By Alemtuzumab: Incidence, Outcome and Pattern of Organ Involvement

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.3912.3912 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 3912-3912 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maria Chiara Finazzi ◽

Cristina Boschini ◽

Janice Ward ◽

Charles Craddock ◽

Alessandro Rambaldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Organ Involvement ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant ◽

T Cell Depletion

Abstract Introduction Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity following allogeneic stem cell transplant. In vivo T cell depletion by alemtuzumab as part of the transplant conditioning is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of GvHD. While it is recognised that the overall incidence of GvHD is reduced by alemtuzumab, the incidence of chronic GvHD as defined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) consensus criteria, the impact on outcome, and the pattern of organ involvement have not been defined yet in this transplant setting. Methods Consecutive patients (n = 323) undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, between January 1 2008 and June 30 2012 were reviewed in this retrospective, single centre study. Medical records were examined and data regarding the development of GvHD were collected; NIH consensus criteria for diagnosis and staging of chronic GvHD were stringently applied. Clinical characteristics of GvHD occurring in patients transplanted following T cell depletion by alemtuzumab administration (n=248) were compared with those of patients transplanted with a T cell replete graft (n=75). Patients receiving alemtuzumab were mainly treated with reduced-intensity conditioning protocols, while patients in the no-T-cell depletion group were mainly treated with a myeloablative, sibling transplant. Results After a median follow up of 38.4 months, the cumulative incidence (CI) of grade II-IV classic acute GvHD was 35% and 48% for patients transplanted respectively with or without T cell depletion by alemtuzumab (p= 0.041, Figure 1); with a CI of grade III-IV classic acute GvHD of 13% and 27% (p=0.007). The 2-years CI of grade II-IV late acute GvHD was not significantly different in the two groups (20% and 23% for patients respectively treated with or without alemtuzumab, p=0.589, Figure 2). T cell depletion by alemtuzumab significantly reduces the 3 years cumulative incidence of classic chronic GvHD (5% versus 31%, p<0.0001, Figure 3.A), but without a significant difference in the incidence of overlap syndrome between patients with and without T cell depletion (3 years CI respectively 6% and 7%, p=0.839, Figure 3.B). The pattern of organ involvement by classic acute GvHD was similar in patients with and without T cell depletion. The pattern of organ involvement by late acute GvHD in the alemtuzumab group was, however, significantly different compared to the T cell replete group (skin-gut-liver involvement reported respectively in 83%-28%-4% of patients and 56%-48%-20% of patients, p=0.003). Distribution of organ involvement by classic chronic and overlap syndrome was similar in the two groups; however, it seems that alemtuzumab prevents the development of lung GvHD (lung GvHD developed in 4 patients over the 75 patients of the no-T-cell depletion group, while none of the 248 patients transplanted with alemtuzumab experienced lung GvHD). In a multivariate analysis, the development of chronic GvHD was an independent predictor of higher mortality risk (HR 1.66, p = 0.04) and severe NIH global score at peak was confirmed as a poor prognostic factor for survival (HR 2.27, p=0.02). The negative impact of chronic GvHD and of the severe forms of chronic GvHD was independent of age and alemtuzumab administration. Conclusion This retrospective analysis provides for the first time data on the incidence rates of NIH-defined GvHD categories in patients transplanted after T cell depletion by alemtuzumab. Patients transplanted with alemtuzumab experienced a lower incidence of classic acute and classic chronic GvHD compared to patients not receiving T cell depletion. In contrast, alemtuzumab conditioning appeared to have no effect on the incidence of late acute GvHD or overlap syndrome, suggesting that these two entities of GvHD are driven by different immunological mechanisms as compared to classic acute and classic chronic GvHD. We also confirmed the utility of the NIH classification of GvHD and of the NIH global severity score to predict survival in alemtuzumab-conditioned allogeneic stem cell transplant. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Decreased Incidence of GvHD after Reduced Intensity Conditioning and a Fixed T-CELL Dose in Hematological Malingnancy Patients

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.5889.5889 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 5889-5889 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Audrey Simon ◽

Eddy Roosnek ◽

Yordanka Tirefort ◽

Yan Beauverd ◽

Carole Dantin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

T Cell ◽

Disease Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Two Factors

Abstract Introduction: To decrease graft versus host disease (GvHD), the Geneva transplantation team has performed allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (alloHSCT) with reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) and T cell depletion (TCD) to treat hematological malignancies for older or non fit for myeloablative conditioning patients. This is a new approach of engineering stem cell products that lowers the risk of GvHD while preserving graft versus leukemia (GvL) as much as possible. Patient and methods: We report a retrospective study of 73 patients who received alloHSCT with RIC and TCD between 2001-2013. The median age was 59 years (21-70), 60% were male. Disease at transplant time was acute leukaemia for 45%, Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 24%, myelodysplastic disorders for 13%, myeloproliferative disorders for 9,3 % and multiple myeloma for 8%. Source of stem cell was peripheral in 96% of the cases. 41% of the donors were matched related donor, 37% matched unrelated donor, 19% mismatched unrelated donor and 3% mistmatched related donor. The conditioning regimen consisted on fludarabine with busulfan or melphalan and ATG. Extensive T-cell depletion was done using Campath in the bag followed by washing procedures to remove free antibody. Fixed number of CD3+ T-cell addback was given on d+1 to preserve GvL with minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment and early donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) given if MRD positive. Doses of DLI were preserved and frozen at the time of stem cell harvest. GvHD prophylaxis was with ciclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. Results: With a median follow up of 5 (0.5-11) years, the 5-year overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), current disease free survival, relapse rate and non relapse mortality (NRM) were 41.7% (95%CI 30.7-53.7%), 38.8% (95%CI 28.8-50.8%), 39,5% (95%CI 27.7-51.7%), 45.3% (95%CI 32.7-57.2%) and 15.8% (95%CI 8.3-25.4%) respectively. The main cause of death was relapse 38.7 % followed by GvHD 17% and infection 1.3%. In this cohort, the cumulative incidence (CI) of acute GvHD was 15.1% (95% CI: 8.0-24.3%) as well as for acute GvHD grade II-IV. CI of chronic GvHD was 14.7% (95%CI:7.2-23.6%) with extensive chronic GvHD CI being 5.9% (95% CI: 1.9-13.4%). Five patients received DLI for relapses, 27 for mixed chimerism and 8 for both causes. The average number of DLI was 2. Twenty-eight patients entered CR, 4 PR and 13 did not respond to DLI. In univariate analysis, two factors GvHD before DLI and GvHD after first DLI have a tendency for favorable impact on OS respectively p=0.093 and 0.071. For DFS, two factors are significant: disease risk index and GvHD after first DLI respectively p=0.013 and 0.044. For NRM disease risk index is the only factor which is statistically significant p=0.005. For relapse no factors were significant. Discussion: Our study showed a lower rate of acute and chronic GvHD as compared to other studies with unmanipulated stem cells. However, we describe a high rate of relapse incidence and relapse mortality. We have found in univariate analysis two factors statistically significant for DFS GvHD before and after first DLI. Our cohort is a heterogeneous group with different diseases at different stages, which can explain those results. It’s a monocentric study and small number of patient can be a limit for this work. Of note, since 2009 we have changed our strategy introducing a day +100 preemptive DLI infusion in the absence of GvHD, with escalading doses of lymphocytes every 8 weeks up to 5x 107 CD3/kg in the absence of GvHD to improve response. We don’t have enough patients and follow up to draw any conclusion regarding this new strategy. To improve the outcomes, the selection of patients who may receive partial T-cell depletion should be refined, avoiding transplanting patients with high risk of relapse with this strategy. To help decision making, the revised disease risk index as presented by Armand et al. (Blood 2014;123:3664) may be useful. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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