Dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) Is a Recurring Abnormality in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Associated with Aggressive Disease.

Abstract Abstract 1233 Poster Board I-255 Introduction Cytogenetic analysis has become a routine part of the evaluation of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) because specific chromosomal aberrations have been shown to assist in predicting disease progression, treatment efficacy, and overall survival. One such abnormality is del(17p13.1), which has been found to be associated with a need for early therapy, poor response to conventional treatment, and shortened survival. Identification of recurring abnormalities in this region represents great interest to identify genes relevant to CLL progression and poor prognosis. Patients and Methods We performed an extensive review of 1213 patients undergoing metaphase cytogenetics study at our institution and identified 16 (1.3%) with a recurrent unbalanced translocation between the p arms of chromosomes 17 and 18 that results in a dicentric chromosome with loss of much of 17p and 18p. The clinical features of these patients were characterized. Results A total of 16 patients were identified to have dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) representing a 1.3% occurrence rate. The median age at diagnosis of these patients was 57 years (range 37-68). The dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) was associated with a complex (3 or more unrelated cytogenetic abnormalities) karyotype in 12 patients (75%) at the time that the abnormality was first identified, and eventually associated with a complex karyotype in 94% of patients. This abnormality was associated with trisomy 12 in 7 patients (44%) and with del(13q) in 5 patients (31%) with no overlap between these two abnormalities. IgVH mutational analysis was un-mutated in 88% of cases. Except for one patient who was diagnosed with CLL incidentally during a workup for metastatic tonsillar cancer, all patients identified with dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) met criteria for disease treatment, with a median time from diagnosis to first treatment of 15 months. Of the 12 patients who received fludarabine-based therapy, 7 (58%) were refractory. Three patients have received stem cell transplant for recurrent/refractory disease, and 4 are currently undergoing chemotherapy. With a mean follow-up of 54 months, 4 patients have died, 21, 42, 49, and 92 months after diagnosis. Conclusions Our study combined with small series reported by others demonstrate that dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) is a novel recurrent cytogenetic abnormality in CLL. Here we demonstrate the clinical significance of this recurring abnormality that is associated with young age at diagnosis, accelerated disease progression, decreased response to fludarabine, and shortened overall survival. The dic(17;18)(p11.2;p11.2) is frequently accompanied by other negative prognostic markers including a complex karyotype and unmutated IgVH status. Additional studies to further characterize the prevalence of this abnormality and genes that are disrupted by the translocation are warranted. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Prognostic importance of serum soluble CD23 level in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v88.11.4259.4259 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 88 (11) ◽

pp. 4259-4264 ◽

Cited By ~ 116

Author(s):

M Sarfati ◽

S Chevret ◽

C Chastang ◽

G Biron ◽

P Stryckmans ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

B Cell ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Early Stage ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Study Entry ◽

Clinical Staging ◽

Soluble Cd23

Abstract Prognosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is based on clinical staging whose limitation is the failure to assess whether the disease will progress or remain stable in early stage (Binet A, or Rai 0, I, II) patients. We previously reported that soluble CD23 (sCD23), a protein derived from the B-cell membrane CD23 Ag, is selectively elevated in the serum of CLL patients. This prospective study assessed the predictive value of serum sCD23 level measured at study entry on the overall survival of all CLL patients and on disease progression of stage Binet A patients. Prognostic value of repeated measurements of sCD23 over time in stage A patients was also analyzed. One hundred fifty-three CLL patients were prospectively followed with a median follow-up of 78 months. Eight clinical or biological parameters were collected from the date of the first sCD23 measurement. At study entry, by Cox model, Binet staging (P = .0001) and serum sCD23 level (P = .03) appeared as prognostic factors for survival. Patients with sCD23 level above median value (> 574 U/mL) had a significantly worse prognosis than those with lower values (median survival of 53 v 100+ months, P = .0001). During follow-up, sCD23 doubling time increased by 3.2 the risk of death (P = .001). Among stage A patients (n = 100), sCD23 determination at study entry was the sole variable predictive of disease progression, patients with sCD23 level above 574 U/mL had a median time progression of 42 months versus 88 months for those with lower levels (P = .0001). Stage A patients who doubled their sCD23 level exhibited a 15-fold increased risk of progression (P = .0001) and, in addition, the sCD23 increase preceded by 48 months disease progression. We conclude that in CLL patients, serum sCD23 level provides significant additional prognostic information in terms of overall survival. Most interestingly, among early stage patients, sCD23 determination at diagnosis and during the course of the disease may help to the early identification of patients who will rapidly progress to upper stages.

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Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis (MBL) Is a Precursor State for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) with 1% Progression Per Year.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.749.749 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 749-749

Author(s):

Andy C. Rawstron ◽

Fiona L. Bennet ◽

Sheila J.M. O’Connor ◽

Marwan Kwok ◽

James A.L. Fenton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

General Population ◽

B Cell ◽

Cell Count ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Lymphocyte Count ◽

Progressive Disease ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Risk Of Disease

Abstract The 2007 IWCLL guidelines indicate that a diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) requires a B-cell count above 5,000/μL in the absence of other features; below this level the diagnosis is Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis (MBL). There is little outcome data for MBL patients and it is not clear whether the detection of low levels of CLL cells, seen in 3% of the general population, is of clinical relevance. We have therefore investigated two hospital populations: the first with normal blood counts and no history of cancer; and the second MBL patients referred for investigation of a current or prior lymphocytosis. Blood samples from 1520 outpatients aged 60–80 with a normal blood count were screened: CLL cells were detected in 78/1520 (5.1%) with a median CLL cell count of 140/μL (range 15 – 1,248). Chromosomal abnormalities were frequently detected in purified CLL-phenotype cells (deletion 13q14 in 15/38, trisomy 12 in 4/22) although poor-risk abnormalities (deletion 11q or 17p) were not detected. The median IgVH mutation was 6.6% (range 0.5 – 13.7%) with 85% of cases showing >2% mutation from germline. The IgVH gene usage was heavily biased with a similar profile to mutated CLL. Detection of CLL cells in individuals with a normal count was not associated with increased mortality (estimated yearly rate 6.2% vs. 8.9% for matched controls, P=0.76) or risk of developing CLL as subsequent lymphocyte counts remained normal in all cases. A diagnosis of MBL was established in 309 of 2228 referrals for investigation of lymphocytosis between 1995 and 2000. A cohort of 185 MBL patients was monitored for a median 6.7 years (range 0.2 – 11.8): the presenting B-cell count was a median 3,100/μL (range 30 – 5,000), age 73 years (range 42 – 96); IgVH mutation rate was 7.1% (range 1.3 – 9.3%) with 96% of cases showing >2% mutation from germline. Progression to a lymphocyte count above 30,000/μL occurred in 15% of cases (28/185) and chemotherapy for progressive CLL was required in 7% (13/185). The absolute B-cell count was the only independent risk factor for an increasing disease levels. Neither IgVH mutation status nor CD38 expression predicted risk of disease progression or requirement for treatment. During follow-up 33% died: age above 70, hemoglobin concentration below 11 g/dL and T-lymphopenia (CD3+ <1,000/μL) predicted shorter survival, whereas patients presenting with a T-lymphocytosis (>2,400μL) had significantly longer survival. Development of progressive disease did not predict overall survival: 7/13 patients requiring therapy remain alive at a median 1.9 years (range 0–8.6 years) after initiation of treatment. The total lymphocyte count had no impact on the risk of disease progression, time to treatment or overall survival. CLL-phenotype cells are genetically equivalent to CLL even when detected in the general population but are not associated with increased mortality or risk of progression to CLL when present below 1,500/μL. MBL patients with higher levels of CLL cells show a steady increase in disease levels over time with 1–2% per year requiring chemotherapy for progressive disease. As such, periodic monitoring is indicated but this should have a minimal impact on lifestyle as MBL patients are often elderly with multiple health issues. MBL is a newly described disorder which is related to CLL in a similar way that MGUS is related to myeloma.

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CD23 Receptor Positivity Has No Prognostic Implication in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.4397.4397 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 4397-4397

Author(s):

Jahan Aghalar ◽

Charles Chu ◽

Rajendra N Damle ◽

Che-Kai Tsao ◽

Nina Kohn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Flow Cytometry ◽

Overall Survival ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Prognostic Markers ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Prognostic Significance ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Mutation Status ◽

Percent Positivity ◽

Cd23 Expression

Abstract Abstract 4397 BACKGROUND Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) phenotypically expresses CD23, although the percentage of positive cells measured by flow cytometry is variable. We sought to analyze whether the percent of CD23 positive cells in the CLL clone correlates with time to treat (TTT), overall survival (OS) and prognostic markers CD38, ZAP-70, and IGHV mutation status. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the flow cytometry data of 332 CLL patients on the gated population of cells that were CD5 and CD19 positive. Percentage positivity for CD23, CD38, and ZAP-70 was noted. CD38 and ZAP-70 were considered positive at cut-offs of >= 30% and >=20%, respectively. CD23 was considered negative at <30% and positive at >= 30%. IGHV sequence was determined from cDNA and then compared to germline to assess mutation status using IMGT/V-QUEST. The distributions of time from diagnosis until start of treatment and overall survival were stratified by CD23 positivity, estimated using the product limit method, and compared using the log rank test. Those who had expired without treatment or were alive and not treated at this time point were censored in the TTT analysis. Those who were still alive were censored in the OS analysis. Associations of CD23 positivity with IGHV mutation status, ZAP-70, and CD38 positivity were examined using the chi-square test. RESULTS Out of 332 patients, 25 had diminished CD23 expression (<30%) whereas 307 had normal CD23 expression (>30%). There was no difference in time until start of treatment or overall survival based on CD23 %positivity. CD23 %positivity showed no associations with IGHV mutation status, ZAP-70 or CD38 positivity. CONCLUSION CD23 percent positivity has no prognostic significance in CLL. There is no correlation between CD23 percent positivity and poor prognostic markers such as CD38, ZAP-70, or IGHV mutation status. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Immune Thrombocytopenia Associated to Low-Dose Alemtuzumab Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Single Retrospective Center Experience

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4598.4598 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 4598-4598

Author(s):

Gianluigi Reda ◽

Francesco Maura ◽

Giuseppe Gritti ◽

Daniele Vincenti ◽

Mariarita Sciumé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Cumulative Dose ◽

Immune Thrombocytopenia ◽

Low Dose ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Autoimmune Disorder ◽

Intravenous Immunoglobulins ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Platelet Counts

Abstract Abstract 4598 Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune complication in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), occurring in up to 5% of patients. The occurrence of alemtuzumab-associated ITP have been rarely reported in CLL and it has never been reported so far as a significant event complicating alemtuzumab treatment in clinical trials. Recently, a new distinctive form of secondary ITP occurring in 6 out of 215 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis treated with alemtuzumab in a randomized, controlled phase II trial has been reported (Cuker et al, Blood 2011). We investigated the incidence of ITP in a cohort of 64 consecutive patients treated with low-dose alemtuzumab for relapsed/refractory CLL from 2003 to 2010. Subcutaneous alemtuzumab was administered at the dose of 10 mg three times a week, up to 18 weeks. ITP was documented in 12/64 patients: in 3 patients (4.7%) ITP developed before alemtuzumab treatment and no relapses of the autoimmune disorder were observed during the treatment; in 9 patients (14.8%, with an incidence of 5.7 events/100 patient-year) ITP developed after alemtuzumab treatment. Median time to ITP from initial alemtuzumab exposure was 12 months (range 1–42 months). Concomitant hemolytic anemia (Evans syndrome) was observed in one patient. At ITP onset, median platelet counts were 11×109/L (range 3–70) and anti-platelet antibodies (Capture P® Method, ImmucorGamma, Norcross GA, USA) were found in 7 of the 8 patients tested. No patients showed severe or life-threatening bleeding. Three of nine patients who developed ITP after alemtuzumab therapy, experienced CLL progression requiring chemo-immunotherapy after 3, 4 and 13 months from ITP onset, respectively. One patient achieved a partial remission of CLL with ITP resolution, while the other two died of disease progression. In the remaining six cases, ITP was not associated with disease progression and was treated with corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulins. Five patients achieved normal platelet counts, while one patient did not respond. Low-dose alemtuzumab (theoretical cumulative dose 540 mg, equal to half of the classic cumulative dose and one-third of the individual dose) is an effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for CLL, as reported by several recent studies (Cortelezzi et al, Leukemia 2009; Brit J Haematol 2011). In our cohort of CLL patients treated with alemtuzumab, the incidence of ITP was 14.8% that is almost three times higher than previously reported in CLL. These data may indicate a role of T-lymphocyte dysregulation induced by alemtuzumab in the pathogenesis of ITP. Our data also suggested the importance of monitoring platelet counts during follow-up in patients treated with low-dose alemtuzumab for both haematological and non-haematological diseases. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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CD1d Expression Is Higher In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients With Unfavorable Prognosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.5278.5278 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 5278-5278

Author(s):

Agnieszka Bojarska-Junak ◽

Iwona Hus ◽

Anna Dmoszynska ◽

Jacek Rolinski

Keyword(s):

B Cells ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Staining Intensity ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Disease Stage ◽

Inkt Cells ◽

Cd38 Expression

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a very heterogeneous clinical course, which is slow and indolent in most of the patients, however some patient experience rapid disease progression and anticancer therapy is required shortly after the diagnosis. Many issues in CLL development and progression are still unclear. The functional consequences of CD1d expression on tumour cells are not well understood. However, increasing evidence suggests that they may affect iNKT cells.The role of CD1d expression in CLL immunopathogenesis remains undefined. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CD1d in CLL by analyzing the level of CD1d expression on leukemic B cells in peripheral blood of120 patients and assessed its correlation with prognostic markers such as ZAP-70 and CD38 expression, Rai stages and unfavourable cytogenetic changes.Measuring CD1d expression by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR, we showed lower CD1d molecule and CD1d mRNA expression in B cells of CLL patients than of healthy controls. The frequency of CD1d+/CD19+ cells, CD1d staining intensity and CD1d transcript levels increased with the disease stage. CD1d expression was positively associated with ZAP-70 and CD38 expressions as well as with unfavourable cytogenetic changes (17p deletion, 11q deletio),. We established the relationship between high CD1d expression and shorter time to treatment and overall survival. The percentage of CD1d+/CD19+cells inversely correlated with the percentage of iNKT cells. iNKT cells ζ-chain expression was downregulated in the high-CD1d group.These results suggest that high CD1d expression is associated with poor prognosis of CLL and might be involved in disease progression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Prognostic Factors and Outcomes in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Vs. Non-Transplant Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Patients: A Comparative Analysis with the Leukemia/BMT Program of British Columbia (BC) and the BC Provincial CLL Database

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2549.2549 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 2549-2549 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sebastian J. Swic ◽

Alexander G. T. MacPhail ◽

Chinmay B. Dalal ◽

Steven J.T. Huang ◽

Alina S. Gerrie ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

High Risk ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Early Recognition ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Long Term Outcome

Abstract Background: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients (pts) have significant (sig) heterogeneity; survival ranges from decades to <5 years (yrs). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is promising treatment (tx) for high-risk pts. Ideally, predictive (pred) tools would allow clinicians to recognize such pts early, permitting transplant performance to maximize benefit and minimize procedure associated risk. Factors with significant (sig) pred capacity are not, however, entirely clarified. Moreover, limited studies compare CLL pts who have/have not received HSCT in terms of differences (diff) in characteristics (char) at diagnosis (dx), population (pop) composition and outcomes. This study evaluates pred factors for outcomes post allo-HSCT, and compares dx char between (bn) tx CLL pts who did /did not receive HSCT by evaluating a large pop-based CLL cohort (n= 1044) from the BC Provincial CLL Database (BCPCD). Methods: 102 CLL pts (71M, 31F) had consecutive allo-HSCT (01-91 to 03-13, L/BMT Program of BC). Median (med) age (range) at dx:HSCT was 50 (26-65):57 (32-68) yrs; med interval dx to HSCT 5.8 yrs (0.5 to 29). Most pts (78, 76%) received non-ablative therapy; (n=61 [60%] reduced-intensity fludarabine /busulfan [flu/bu] based [RIC], n=17 [17%] non-myeloablative flu-cyclophosphamide based [NMA]); 24 pts had myeloablative (MA) conditioning (CON). Donor status was 50% unrelated (UD) (51UD:51RD); 73M, 28 F. Results: With median (med) follow up (FU) (range) post allo-HSCT of 2 yrs (0.5-18); post dx of 9 yrs (1-38), 67 (50%) pts survive. 70 (69%) achieved CR post-HSCT a med of 187 (28-1274) days (d). 27 had CLL PROG a med of 339 (25-4367) d; 18 of 27 (67%) survive a med of 3 (0.5-18) yrs post HSCT. Factors pred OS post HSCT (KM p=; UVA HR=) (p<0.05) were: pre-HSCT FISH deletion 17p (del 17p) (0.005; 2.9), Dohner rank (0.02), HSCT specific comorbidity index (CoI) >3 vs. 0-2 (0.04; 2.5), HLA mismatched (MM) donor (0.03;2.3), pre-HSCT tx with alemtuzumab (alem) (0.005;3.0), CON (MA vs NMA or RIC) (0.046; 3.0), acute (A) graft vs host disease (GVHD) grade (g) 3-4 vs 0-2. (<0.001; 4.5), dn chim <90% (0.001; 5.2), abn FISH not clear post-HSCT (0.009; 2.6), yr of HSCT (pre- vs post-2010) (0.03; 3.13) and lack of CR post HSCT (<0.001; 10.5).The following sig pred for (OR; p=): >90% dn chim: no B symptoms at dx (2.5; 0.004), CON (RIC vs. NMA, (2.6; 0.006); clear FISH abn post-HSCT: CR post-HSCT (4.6; 0.004); CR post-HSCT: B symptoms at dx (0.4; 0.02), <=1 FISH abn (1.7; 0.045), rituximab (R) pre-HSCT (2.5; 0.001), clear FISH abn (2.5; 0.01), flu sensitivity (S) pre-HSCT (1.8; 0.03), S to last tx pre-HSCT (1.7; 0.03), CON (MA vs. RIC or NMA) (3.2; <0.001); PROG: Richter’s transformation ( Rich trans) pre-HSCT (3.5; 0.008), graft failure (3.3; 0.008), CoI >3 vs. 0-2 (6.9; 0.006), no R pre-HSCT (6.7; 0.01), CON (MA vs. NMA or RIC), (0.2; 0.03); NRM: pre-HSCT alem (2.7; 0.03), CoI >3 vs. 0-2 (2.7; 0.049), HLA MM (2.8; 0.01), CON (MA vs. rest) (3.0; 0.007), AGVHD g 3-4 vs. 0-2 (5.9; <0.001), FISH abn not clear (2.6; 0.04), and no CR (6.5; <0.001). Comparison bn allo-HSCT and BCPCD CLL pts showed sig diff at dx for Dohner FISH rank: more del 17p (23% vs.11%) and 11q (23% vs. 9%) in allo-HSCT pts (n=84 with pre-HSCT FISH); less +12 (13% vs. 17%), del 13q (24% vs.41%) or normal (22% vs 18%), p<0.001 than non-HSCT pts (n=952); Age at dx (med, range) was lower in HSCT (50, 26-65) vs non (62, 25-96), p<0.001; lymphocyte (lymph) count higher (14, 1-300 vs.11, 1-662, p=0.03), tx-free survival (TFS) from dx to 1st tx shorter at 0.75 (0-9.3) vs. 2.86 (0-20.6) yrs. Rich trans was more frequent in HSCT pts (8%) vs. non (3%), p=0.015.OS was sig better for HSCT pts (n=103) (med 17.6, SE 4.5, CI 95% 8.8-26) compared to non (n=494) (med 14.4, SE 1.1, CI 95% 12.1-16.6) (p=0.03). Conclusion: CLL allo-HSCT pts have sig diff than non including higher lymph at dx, shorter time to 1st tx, and higher risk FISH abn. 17p del remains high-risk with allo-HSCT. Pre-HSCT R increased post HSCT CR. Strategies to optimize post-HSCT CR and dn chim are important; these milestones are crucial to best outcome. PROG post-HSCT does not confer worse OS; rescue strategies are successful and deserve further study. Comparison of this large allo HSCT and pop-based BPCDB cohort indicate improved OS for allo-HSCT tx CLL pts vs. other, with a survival plateau. This data indicates early recognition of high-risk CLL patients for HSCT is likely to yield best long-term outcome. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Divergence in CD19-Mediated Signaling Unfolds Intra-Clonal Diversity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Which Correlates with Disease Progression

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4570.4570 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 120 (21) ◽

pp. 4570-4570

Author(s):

Yair Herishanu ◽

Sigi Kay ◽

Nili Dezorella ◽

Chava Perry ◽

Varda Deutsch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Disease Progression ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Clonal Diversity ◽

Cell Receptor ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Cell Fraction ◽

Akt Phosphorylation

Abstract Abstract 4570 Emerging data on intra-clonal diversity imply that this phenomenon may play a role in the clinical outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), where subsets of the CLL clone responding more robustly to external stimuli may gain a growth and survival advantage. Here we report intra-clonal diversity resolved by responses to CD19 engagement in CLL cells, which can be classified into responding (CD19-R) and non-responding (CD19-N) sub-populations. Engagement of CD19 by anti-CD19 antibody rapidly induced cellular aggregation in the CD19-R CLL cells. The CD19-R CLL cells expressed higher surface levels of CD19 and c-myc mRNA and exhibited distinct morphological features. Both sub-populations reacted to IgM stimulation in a similar manner and exhibited similar levels of Akt phosphorylation, pointing to functional signaling divergence within the B-cell receptor. CD19 unresponsiveness was partially reversible, where CD19-N cells spontaneously recover their signaling capacity following incubation in vitro, pointing to possible in vivo CD19-signaling attenuating mechanisms. This concept was supported by the lower CD19-R occurrence in bone marrow-derived samples compared with cells derived from the peripheral blood of the same patients. CLL patients with more than 18.5% of CD19-R cell fraction had a shorter median time to treatment compared to patients with less than 18.5% of CD19-R cell fraction. Conclusions: Divergence in CD19-mediated signaling unfolds both inter-patient and intra-clonal diversity in CLL. This signaling diversity is associated with physiological implications including the location of the cells and disease progression. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Revelance of Gammaglobulin Levels at Diagnosis and during Disease Course in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5561.5561 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 5561-5561

Author(s):

Erin Streu ◽

Jayce Bi ◽

Mandy DeSousa ◽

Versha Banerji ◽

Dhali H.S. Dhaliwal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Replacement Therapy ◽

Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽

Age At Diagnosis ◽

Disease Course ◽

Β2 Microglobulin ◽

Igg Replacement Therapy ◽

Over Time

Abstract Introduction: Hypogammaglobulinemia is commonly observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), likely worsens over time and with chemoimmunotherapy, and eventually leads to infections which are a major cause of death in this disease. Unfortunately, newer therapies, such as ibrutinib, may not prevent the ongoing immunosuppression in CLL as a major cause of discontinuing this drug is increased infections. Nowadays, most patients present with early stage CLL, with an increasing number having monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and being followed for many years. CLL treatment is typically intensive, using chemoimmunotherapy with the therapeutic goal being to minimize tumor load. For these reasons, a reassessment of Ig levels in a CLL Clinic at diagnosis and during disease course in the 'real-life' setting has been carried out, along with an assessment of the need for Ig replacement. Methods: All CLL/SLL/MBL cases referred to the CLL clinic at CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada from 2007 to 2011 were included in this study. Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels (G, A, and M) were measured at the time of referral/diagnosis (baseline) and annually thereafter. Ig levels were correlated with patient characteristics (age at diagnosis, gender, comorbidities), CLL prognostic indicators (Rai stage, lymphocyte doubling time, creatinine, LDH, β2- microglobulin, IGHV mutational status, ZAP-70, CD38) and time to first treatment (TTFT). A subset analysis of patients treated with replacement gammaglobulin was also conducted. Results: There were 293 patents in this cohort with median age at diagnosis of 68 years. Of these, 62.5% were male, 38% had received treatment, and 24% died during the follow up time (median follow up of 71 months). Seventy percent of patients had CLL (of those 85% were diagnosed with Rai 0/I), 15% MBL and 15% SLL. At baseline, 41% had normal Ig levels while 59% had a reduced level of one or more Ig (32% had reduced levels of one Ig type, 18% two, and 9% all three). Overall, 53% of patients had low IgM, 24% low IgG and 17% low IgA. However, no consistent correlation was found between the Ig levels at diagnosis and any of the prognostic markers outlined above. Hypogammaglobulinemia (at least two consecutive values < normal) was associated with need for CLL treatment (HR 3.45, 95% CI 1.63-7.30, p=0.0012), while hypogammaglobinemia at diagnosis predicted a shorter TTFT (p=0.0008). Baseline IgA was also predictive of TTFT as well as overall survival, with patients with normal IgA having a longer TTFT, patients with high/low IgA a shorter TTFT (p=0.0012) and those with high IgA a shorter overall survival (p=0.0032). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between baseline IgG and number of comorbidities (r=0.17, p = 0.0057) as measured by the Cumulative Index Rating Scale (CIRS) and β2-microglobulin levels. Eighteen patients (6.14%) required Ig replacement therapy, of those 13 (72%) were male and 13 (72%) had received chemotherapy. These patents also had a shorter overall survival than those not requiring IgG replacement therapy (p=0.0006). CLL cases with high baseline IgG are seven times more likely to require IgG replacement therapy (HR 6.92, 95% CI 1.78 - 29.91, p=0.0052) while cases with low baseline IgG are 5 times more likely (HR 4.99, 95% CI 1.59 - 9.43, p=0.0254) as compared to those with normal baseline IgG. Baseline IgA and IgM were not predictive of need for IgG replacement therapy. Interestingly, over a median follow-up of 4 years, one-third of patients with normal baseline IgG developed a low IgG and this was unrelated to receiving chemotherapy (Figure 1). Summary This study demonstrates that baseline Ig levels in CLL are informative of the underlying biology of this disease, and could provide valuable information regarding disease progression, survival and need for subsequent IgG replacement therapy or CLL treatment. Importantly, Ig levels may be elevated in CLL and this is associated with increased CIRS and a high β2-microglobulin level, suggesting that the increase is related to underlying comorbidities. Further studies are required to examine the cause for the progressive decline in Ig levels over time, despite an otherwise stable disease, and to determine whether this decline can be eliminated by earlier treatment with novel new therapies. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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