Concomitant Usage of Rasburicase and Allopurinol May Augment Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome TEN

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 4949-4949
Author(s):  
Ahmad Jajeh

Abstract Abstract 4949 Rasburicase is used succesfully in conjunction with Allopurinol in the tratment and prevention of tumor lysis syndrrome. Rasburicase is a recombinant form of urate oxidase, which is an enzyme present in primates but not humans and convert uric acid to allantoin, which is five to ten time soluble than uric acid. This abstract represent our experience in four males patients, mean age is thirty five years, two with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia ALL and two patients with Burkitt's Lymphoma. Three patients has successful outcome in the treatment with Rasburicase followed by allopurinol. Only one patient with Burkitt's Lymphoma arising from congenital combined immunodeficiency syndrome who developed fatal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis syndrome TEN. TEN is a relatively rare incidence and can be deadly. The mechanism of action is different for both drugs. In this patient Rasburicase was used initially with excellent reduction of uric acid levels, then patient was put latter on allopurinol. The TEN syndrome appeared after three days of initiating the drug and progressed rapidly. High dose Methotrexate and sever neutropenia may contributed to the fast progression and not respoding to steriods after allopurinol was stopped. Since this patient has combined humoral and cellular immunodeficiency with no recent administartion of immunoglobulins therapy, it is difficult to explain the allopurinol reaction based on any type of immune response, particulary type IV hypersensitivity reaction. In conclusion: This particular case may draw the light on Rasburicase possible role in contribution or augumentation of TEN syndrome induced by allopurinol. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

1991 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
M R Schwenn ◽  
S R Blattner ◽  
E Lynch ◽  
H J Weinstein

We designed a protocol that included 2 months of intensive Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide; Bristol-Myers Co, Evansville, IN), high-dose methotrexate (MTX), high-dose cytarabine (ara-C), and vincristine (HiC-COM) to improve event-free survival (EFS) for patients with advanced-stage Burkitt's lymphoma and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We also wished to test the feasibility of rapidly cycling Cytoxan and high-dose ara-C based on signs of early marrow recovery. Twenty patients including 12 with stage III Burkitt's lymphoma and eight with stage IV Burkitt's lymphoma or B-cell ALL were entered onto this pilot study. The rate of complete remission was 95%. Four patients have relapsed. The 2-year actuarial EFS was 75% (median follow-up, 37 months). Two of the initial five patients developed transverse myelitis, which we believe may have been secondary to the concomitant administration of intrathecal (IT) and high-dose systemic ara-C. We conclude that this short but intensive regimen is highly effective for patients with advanced Burkitt's lymphoma and B-cell ALL. EFS has improved over previous less intensive regimens, and is comparable to regimens of longer duration.


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 3714-3714
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Huacheng Luo ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Hong-Min Ni ◽  
Mark Sellin ◽  
...  

Background: Among all tissues, bone marrow (BM) is the most sensitive tissue to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced acute tissue damage (ATD) and chronic long-term residual damage (LT-RD). BM failure and a significant reduction in blood cells (pancytopenia) often occurs within days after exposure to IR due to the massive death of proliferative hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). However, due to their quiescent cell cycle status and reduced fidelity of DNA repair feature, many hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) cannot fully eliminate such damage and enter senescence; this results in LT-RD. Abnormal dysplastic hematopoiesis is the most common LT-RD in most victims of IR, followed by an increased risk of leukemia/lymphoma development. Thus IR exposure is an established cause of BM failure and leukemia. A significant increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines is induced by IR which contributes to the pathogenesis of both ATD and LT-RD. Such inflammatory cytokines induce the activation of Ripk3-Mlkl-mediated necroptotic signaling in HSCs. However, the role of Ripk3-Mlkl signaling in IR-induced damage has not studied. Experimental procedures: The self-renewal capacity of HSCs among Ripk3-/-, Mlkl-/- and WT mice were examined and compared by serial transplantation assay. The phenotypes of ATD and LT-RD induced by different dosages of IR were compared among Ripk3-/-, Mlkl-/- and WT mice. The mechanism by which Ripk3 signaling prevents IR-induced leukemia development was studied. Results: Ripk3-Mlkl signaling is not required for hematopoiesis during homeostatic condition. However, during serial transplantation, inactivation of such signaling prevents stress-induced loss of HSCs. Interestingly, Ripk3 signaling also induces an Mlkl-independent ROS-p38-p16-mediated senescence in HSCs. Thus Ripk3-/- HSCs showed better competitive hematopoietic ability compared to Mlkl-/- and WT HSCs during serial transplantation. A sub-lethal dosage of IR (6Gy) induces Ripk3-dependent NF-κB activation and pro-survival gene expression in HSCs, which is necessary for the survival of damaged HSCs. After 6Gy IR, although DNA damage is repaired in most HSCs within 2 days, a proportion of HSCs in WT and Mlkl-/- mice fail to fully repair the damage and undergo p53-p21-dependent senescence. However such cells in Ripk3-/- mice die from apoptosis. Thus the remaining HSCs in Ripk3-/- mice should be functionally normal, while a proportion of the remaining HSCs in Mlkl-/- and WT mice remain damaged but senescent, all as demonstrated by competitive hematopoietic reconstitution assay. Multiple low-doses of IR (1.75Gy once week × 4) induce HSC exhaustion in WT mice but not in Ripk3-/- and Mlkl-/- mice. Interestingly, almost all Ripk3-/- mice develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia within 200 days after such low dose IR, while 45% of WT and 60% of Mlkl-/- mice develop thymomas within 360 days (see Figure). Mechanistically, such low-dose IR stimulates chronic inflammatory cytokine production. Such cytokines induce Ripk3-Mlkl-mediated necroptosis in response to HSC exhaustion observed in WT mice. These cytokines also induce Ripk3-ROS-p38-p16-mediated senescence in response to impaired HSC functioning observed in both WT and Mlkl-/- mice. In Ripk3-/- mice, due to the lack of both necroptotic and senescent signaling, mutant HSCs accumulate and leukemia development is accelerated. Conclusion: Ripk3 signaling plays distinct roles in HSCs in response to different doses of IR. High-dose IR induces Ripk3-dependent NF-κB/survival signaling, which is required for the survival of HSCs which fail to repair the damage. Thus temporal inhibition of Ripk3-NF-κB signaling might help to remove the damaged HSCs thus preventing the occurrence of LT-RD. However multiple low-doses of IR induces Ripk3 activation in HSCs which represses leukemia development by inducing both ROS-p38-p16-mediated senescence and Ripk3-Mlkl-mediated necroptosis. Induced activation of Mlkl-necroptosis might help to repress leukemia development by removing damaged HSCs. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 218-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerhard Sissolak ◽  
Matthew Seftel ◽  
Thomas S. Uldrick ◽  
Tonya M. Esterhuizen ◽  
Nooroudien Mohamed ◽  
...  

Purpose Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a common HIV-associated lymphoma in South Africa. B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL/DLBCL) also occurs in HIV infection. Outcomes of HIV-infected patients with BL or BL/DLBCL in a resource-constrained setting are not defined. Methods We performed a retrospective study of HIV-positive patients with BL or BL/DLBCL treated from 2004 to 2012 with curative intent at a publically funded academic medical center in South Africa. Differences between BL and BL/DLBCL, survival outcomes, and factors associated with survival were analyzed. Results There were 35 patients with either HIV-associated BL (24) or BL/DLBCL (11) who met study criteria. Median CD4+ T-lymphocyte count at lymphoma diagnosis was 188 cells/μL (range, 10 to 535 cells/μL). Patients with BL/DLBCL were significantly older and had less bone marrow involvement and lower baseline serum lactase dehydrogenase than patients with BL. Eighty-nine percent of patients presented with advanced disease, and 25% had baseline CNS involvement. Chemotherapy regimens consisted of cytoreduction with low-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone followed by induction with vincristine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (LMB 86; 57%); hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and cytarabine (hyper-CVAD; 20%); cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone and high-dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue on day 10 with accompanying prophylactic IT chemotherapy (Stanford regimen; 14%); and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP-like; 9%) regimens. Twenty-three patients received CNS treatment or prophylaxis, and 31 received concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy. Two-year overall survival was 38% (95% CI, 22% to 54%) and 2-year event-free survival was 23% (95% CI, 11% to 38%), with no difference between histologic subtypes. Common causes of death were infection (41%) and CNS disease progression or systemic relapse (41%). Conclusion Cure of HIV-associated BL and BL/DLBCL with intensive regimens is possible in resource-limited settings, but lower toxicity regimens, improved CNS prophylaxis, and increased resources for supportive care are required.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 5295-5295
Author(s):  
Y. Bertrand ◽  
A. Auvrignon ◽  
B. Nelken ◽  
V. Mialou ◽  
F. Mechinaud ◽  
...  

Abstract TLS is a frequent metabolic complication of hematologic malignant diseases which can generate important renal impairment. As described in previous studies (Goldman S.C. et al, Blood2001;97, 2998–3003 and Pui C.H. et al., J.Clin.Oncol.2001;19, 697–704), there are High Risk (HR) patients (pts) of TLS. Rasburicase a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme transforms uric acid into the highly soluble compound allantoin which is then excreted by the kidneys. Rasburicase is highly effective in prevention and treatment of TLS. Based on these studies, the SFCE made the following recommandations for the management of TLS in children. HR pts are defined as : B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), ALL or Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia (AML) with initial leukocyte count of at least 50x109/L, Stage III and IV T or B Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), any leukemia or NHL with a plasma uric acid concentration of at least 300 mmoles/L if <10 years old or 350 mmoles/L if >10 years old, serum creatinine or lactate deshydrogenase concentration (LDH) exciding twice the upper limit of normal (N), hyperphosphatemia ≥2mmoles/L. These pts are treated by hyperhydratation (3L/m2) ±alkaline and Rasburicase 0,20 mg/kg/d x 5days. Rasburicase is carried on if serum creatinine > 1,5N or phosphatemia >3mmoles/L or plasma uric acid concentration ≥200mmoles/L and until normalization. Low Risk (LR) pts are defined as pts not HR. They are treated by hyperhydratation (3L/m2) and Rasburicase 0,20 mg/kg/d for one day only. Rasburicase is carried on during 4 days or more on the same biological basis as HR pts. In order to check the validity of those guidelines, we are conducting a survey looking at the evolution of the pts managed according to the SFCE recommandations.150 pts are planned for a 6 months study. On July 30th, 39 pts are registred : 25 ALL, 6 AML, 8 NHL (3 Burkitt). At that time there is no SLT complication. Results will be presented at the 2004 ASH Meeting.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4102-4102
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Okamoto ◽  
Yoshihisa Nagatoshi ◽  
Akinobu Matsuzaki ◽  
Aiko Suminoe ◽  
Hideki Nakayama ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4102 Background Previously we reported the result of Kyushu-Yamaguchi Children's Cancer Study Group (KYCCSG) protocol, ALL-96, for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (ASH meeting in 2005). The 7-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 72% (95% CI; 68 - 76 %) and 85 % (95% CI; 80 - 90 %), respectively. Following protocol, ALL-02, was aimed to assess the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based minimal residual disease (MRD) in the same context as ALL-96 protocol. Purpose In this combined analysis, we analyzed the outcome and risk factors for relapse/survival in children with T-ALL who were treated with the ALL-96/ALL-02 protocols. Study Design and Treatment A total of 42 patients (22 of 218 in ALL-96 and 20 of 165 in ALL-02, 26 males and 16 females) with median age of 8 years (range 1 - 14) were treated. Patients were classified into 2 groups, standard risk (SR) and high risk (HR). HR patients had one of the followings: high white blood cell (WBC) counts more than 50,000/μl, T-cell immunophenotype, central nervous system (CNS) disease at diagnosis, organomegaly (hepatomegaly or splenomegaly more than 5 cm below costal margin), M2/3 marrow at day 15 of induction therapy. Both protocols consisted of induction, early intensification, consolidation, late intensification and maintenance therapy. Predonisolone (PSL), weekly vincristine (VCR), 4 doses of daunorubicin (DNR), 8 doses of L-asparaginase (L-asp) and 2 or 4 doses of intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) depending on the CNS status, were given during induction. In early intensification, DNR, cytarabine (CA), etoposide and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) were given. Consolidation consisted of intermediate dose of MTX, combination of cyclophosphamide(CPM), CA and 6-MP, and high dose CA. Late intensification similar to induction included 2 weeks of dexamethasone (DEX), weekly VCR, 2 doses of pirarubicin, single dose of CPM, 5 doses of L-asp and IT-MTX followed by combination of CA, 6-MP, IT-MTX along with 18 Gy cranial irradiation in 12 fractions. In ALL-96 protocol, patients were randomized to receive maintenance therapy of either combination of 6-MP/MTX and DEX/ VCR pulse (A-arm) or LSA2L2-type therapy (B-arm). In ALL-02 protocol, A-arm was chosen as a maintenance therapy based on result of ALL-96. No patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 1st complete remission (CR). Results Median follow-up periods were 96 and 38 months in ALL-96 and ALL-02, respectively. Two patients were off-protocol before achieving CR because of toxicity and chromosome abnormality with t(4;11). Induction rate in 40 patients was 95%. All 14 events were relapses and TRM rate was 0%. Last event occurred at 40 months. The sites of relapse were isolated BM in 9, isolated testis in 2, isolated CNS in 1 and combined sites in 2. Nine died from disease progression and 2 died from toxicity after SCT in 2nd CR. The 4-year EFS and OS rates in all patients were 55 % (95 % CI; 39 – 71 %) and 71 % (95 % CI; 56 -86 %), respectively. EFS of ALL-96 and ALL-02 were 50 %[95 % CI; 29 -71 %]) and 65 % [95 % CI; 45 - 85 %]), respectively. OS of ALL-96 and ALL-02 were 59 % [95 % CI; 39 – 80 %]) and 90 % [95 % CI; 77 - 103 %]), respectively (p = 0.063). EFS of patients treated in A and B arm were 60 % [95 % CI; 41 -71 %]) and 55 % [95 % CI; 25 - 84 %]), respectively. None of age, sex, organomagaly, WBC, chromosomal abnormalities, CNS status, protocol, and maintenance arm was identified as a risk factor for relapse or survival. Two of 10 (ALL-96) and 3 of 4 (ALL-02) relapsed patients have survived with allogeneic SCT. Conclusion Although T-ALL patients received an intensified treatment including cranial radiation, the outcome was unsatisfactory. One possible explanation for better OS in ALL-02 protocol is that the majority of relapsed patients in ALL-02 were salvaged by SCT in 2nd CR. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2944-2944
Author(s):  
Lara Mussolin ◽  
Marta Pillon ◽  
Gloria Tridello ◽  
Maria Paola Boaro ◽  
Emanuele S d'Amore ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2944 Poster Board II-920 Introduction: The chromosomal translocation t(8;14)(q24;q32) represents a specific tumor marker in Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). This chromosomal aberration involves the MYC oncogene on chromosome 8 and the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) locus on chromosome 14. We have previously demonstrated that this genetic abnormality can be used as a marker of Minimal Disseminated Disease (MDD) in BL (Mussolin et al, JCO, 2007). The aim of the study was to assess of the prevalence of MDD in BL at diagnosis in children enrolled in the AIEOP LNH-97 clinical protocol and the evaluation of its impact on prognosis. Patients and Methods: We established a simplified long-distance PCR (LD-PCR) assay which can amplify up to 15-20 Kb DNA sequence making it possible to detect the t(8;14) at the genomic level with the sensitivity of 10-4. The assay was based on 4 separate PCR reactions in which one primer complementary to the first exon of the MYC gene is used with one of four primers for the IgH locus (1 for the JH region and 1 for each of the 3 constant regions). Results: LD-PCR was applied to prospectively study 124 BL biopsies and detected a specific PCR product in 88 of them (71%). Of the 88 positive BL patients we studied both the tumor and the bone marrow (BM) at diagnosis in 76: BM was positive by LD-PCR in 25 patients (33%), whereas only 10 (13%) were positive at the standard morphological and/or immunophenotypical analyses. Most of the MDD positive patients (88%) belonged to the R4 Risk Group according to BFM definition (stage III or stage IV according to St. Jude staging classification and LDH≥1000 U/l). The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 68% (SE 10%) in MDD positive R4 patients compared with 96% (SE 4%) in MDD negative R4 patients (p= 0.02), whereas there was no difference in PFS between children with morphological involvement of BM at diagnosis versus those who had negative BM (PFS=62.5% (SE 17%) vs. PFS= 87% (SE 6%), respectively, p= 0.09). By multivariate analysis (including MDD, gender, LDH, CNS involvement) MDD was predictive of higher risk of failure (Hazard Ratio: 8.4 , p= 0.04). Conclusions: We demonstrated that MDD identifies a poor prognosis subgroup among high risk Burkitt's lymphoma patients. We suggest that a more effective risk-adapted therapy, possibly including anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, should be considered in these patients. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2685-2685
Author(s):  
Yvette L. Kasamon ◽  
Robert A. Brodsky ◽  
Michael J. Borowitz ◽  
Pamela A. Crilley ◽  
Richard F. Ambinder ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2685 Poster Board II-661 Background: Although standard therapies cure most adolescents and young adults with Burkitt's lymphoma/leukemia (BL), older patients (pts) have an inferior prognosis with an estimated 1-year survival of 50%. The inferior outcome is attributable to both insufficient efficacy and excess toxicity. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) has long been recognized to be arguably the most active agent in BL. Prior work at our institution showed that high-dose Cy, equivalent to transplantation doses, could be given without stem cell rescue with minimal toxicity even in older pts. Patients and Methods: A phase II trial for pts age ≥ 30, based on intensive Cy and incorporating rituximab but no anthracycline, was developed with a primary endpoint of 1-year overall survival. Entry requirements included newly diagnosed BL or atypical BL; any performance status (PS); HIV negative; and no significant cardiac dysfunction. Renal failure, even if necessitating dialysis, was permitted if it was acute. Treatment consisted of 3 cycles, with successive cycles beginning on day 15 or when ANC was ≥ 500/μL. Cycles 1 and 2 consisted of Cy 1500 mg/m2 IV day 1; vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 (2 mg cap) day 1; prednisone 100 mg days 1-5; rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV days 1 and 8; methotrexate 3 g/m2 IV day 8 with leucovorin rescue; cytarabine 100 mg intrathecally days 1, 4, and 11; and filgrastim. Cycle 3 consisted of rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV day 1; high-dose Cy (50 mg/kg IV days 2, 3, 4, and 5) with uroprotection; filgrastim; and rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV weekly for 4 weeks once ANC was ≥ 1000/μL. Eligibility for cycle 3 included ECOG PS < 4; no disease progression or uncontrolled meningeal disease; not on dialysis; and transaminases ' 5X upper limit of normal. Results: A prespecified interim analysis of the first 12 of a planned 20 evaluable pts is presented. Diagnosis was BL in 8 and atypical BL/unclassifiable high-grade lymphoma with features intermediate between BL and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 4. Median age was 56 (range 34 – 75), 8/12 (67%) had Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease, and all were high-risk by Magrath's criteria. PS ranged from 0 to 4. Two pts received hemodialysis on presentation. For all pts, actuarial event-free survival and overall survival (Figure) are 66% and 75%, respectively, at both 1 year and 2 years after treatment initiation. Three pts died during cycle 1: tumor lysis syndrome on day 1, neutropenic sepsis on day 8, multiorgan failure on day 46 after respiratory arrest on day 20. All of the other 9 pts completed protocol therapy: 8 (89%) achieved anatomic CR/CRu as well as a complete metabolic response by PET, and are event-free at a median of 29 months (range < 1 – 44 months) after therapy completion. The remaining pt had residual marrow disease followed by progression and is in remission 1 year after myeloablative allogeneic BMT. Adverse events in these 9 pts included 7 neutropenic fevers; 1 non-neutropenic bacteremia; and 1 self-limited episode of pericarditis with rapid atrial fibrillation. Grade 3 peripheral neuropathy was limited to 2 pts. The planned dose intensity was achievable: median time to cycle 2 was 15 days (14 – 21), and median time from start of cycle 1 to start of cycle 3 was 31 days (28 – 35). Median time to neutrophil recovery after the last dose of Cy was 16 days (10 – 21); median time to platelets ≥ 20,000/μL, without transfusion in the preceding week, was 22 days (0 – 30). Early stopping criteria for response or all-cause mortality have not been met. Conclusion: A very short regimen based on intensive Cy without anthracycline produces a high rate of durable CR's in older, poorer-risk pts with BL or atypical BL. Disclosures: Kasamon: Genentech: Research Funding. Swinnen:Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Enzon: Consultancy; Abbot: Consultancy, Research Funding.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 836-836
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Thomas ◽  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
Stefan Faderl ◽  
William G. Wierda ◽  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 836 The hyper-CVAD regimen is an effective frontline program for de novo adult ALL and LL [Kantarjian, JCO 18:547, 2000; Kantarjian, Cancer 101:2788, 2004, Thomas, Blood 104:1624, 2004]. Intensive chemotherapy with hyper-CVAD (fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine [VCR], doxorubicin, dexamethasone) alternates with high dose methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine every 21 days for 8 courses, followed by maintenance therapy with POMP (6-mercaptopurine, MTX, VCR, prednisone). Historical CR rate was 92% with 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of 38%. The regimen was modified in 1999. Induction chemotherapy was given in a protective environment owing to higher mortality in patients (pts) aged 60 years or older (17% vs 3%). Course 2 of liposomal daunorubicin and cytarabine was incorporated owing to reports suggesting benefit of early anthracycline intensification. Rituximab 375 mg/m2 (days 1 & 11 of hyper-CVAD, days 1 & 8 of methotrexate-cytarabine) was given if CD20 expression was 20% or greater due to its association with disease recurrence [Thomas, Blood 113:6330, 2009]. The maintenance phase was extended to 30 months with additional intensifications owing to late relapses after completion of POMP therapy. Newly diagnosed or primary refractory (1 course only) pts with ALL (n=204) or LL (n=27) were treated on the two sequential studies. Burkitt-type leukemia/lymphoma (BLL) and Philadelphia positive ALL were treated on alternative protocols. From May 2000 to December 2001, 69 pts were treated with modified hyper-CVAD with anthracycline intensification (9 induction-consolidation courses). Course 2 was then eliminated from the regimen (8 courses), with an additional 162 pts treated to date (pts age 30 years or less are now treated with augmented BFM). Median age was 43 yrs (range, 15–83). CD20 expression was noted in 49%. Overall CR rate of the evaluable group (n=225) was 93%; 7 pts achieved PR (LL with residual disease), five failed to respond, and 4 died during the induction phase. Three-yr CRD and OS rates were 70% and 62%, respectively after a median follow-up of 50 months (range, 2–106+). In the younger CD20 positive precursor B-cell ALL subset (n=99), rituximab improved outcome compared to historical experience with hyper-CVAD alone (n=127), with 3-yr CRD rates (75% vs 45%, p<.001) and OS rates (65% vs 38%, p<.001) approaching those of their CD20 negative counterparts. In contrast to the Burkitt experience, rituximab was not beneficial for the elderly subgroup (OS rates 28% vs 34%, p NS). Anthracycline intensification did not improve outcome. The addition of rituximab to the hyper-CVAD regimen appears to benefit the younger pts (age less than 60 yrs) with CD20 positive precursor B-cell ALL. Incorporation of rituximab and other monoclonal antibodies (e.g., ofatumumab, epratuzumab) into frontline chemotherapy regimens for ALL should be investigated systematically. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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