Impact of Iron Chelation Therapy on Overall Survival and AML Transformation in Lower Risk MDS Patients Treated At the Moffitt Cancer Center

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2776-2776 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami S. Komrokji ◽  
Najla H Al Ali ◽  
Eric Padron ◽  
Jeffrey E. Lancet ◽  
Alan F. List
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 2776 Background: Elevated serum ferritin levels and red blood cell transfusion dependence are associated with poor outcome in patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Few retrospective and observational studies suggest that iron chelation therapy (ICT) may favorably impact outcome in lower risk MDS. The vast majority of patients in those studies were treated with deferoxamine (Desferal). Two studies reported that oral deferasirox (Exjade) significantly decreases ferritin level over time in MDS. An ongoing randomized placebo-controlled trial (TELESTO) is designed to address the impact of deferasirox on overall survival (OS) in lower risk MDS. We examined the impact of ICT predominantly deferasirox in lower risk MDS patients treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC). Methods: Patients were retrospectively identified from the MCC database and individual patients' records reviewed. Inclusion criteria included lower risk MDS patients defined as low or intermediate-1 (int-1) risk disease by the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS) and serum ferritin level ≥ 1000 ng/ml. Patients were divided into two comparator groups: ICT vs. no ICT. Baseline characteristics were compared between the two groups; chi square test was used for categorical variables and t-test for continuous variables. The primary endpoint was overall survival compared between the two groups using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Cox regression was used for multivariate analysis. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 19.0 statistical software. Results: Between July 2001 and July 2009, 97 patients with lower risk MDS and serum ferritin ≥ 1000 ng/ml were identified. Forty five (46.4%) received ICT and 52 did not. The ICT included deferasirox in 35 patients and deferoxamine in 10 patients. The baseline characteristics between the two groups (ICT and no ICT) are summarized in (table-1). No statistically significant difference in baseline characteristics was observed except more patients in the ICT group were transfusion dependent. The median duration of follow up was 85.7 month from time of diagnosis. The median OS was 59 months (95%CI 22–48) for patients who received ICT compared to 33.7 months (95%CI 38–80) for patients who did not receive ICT (P= 0.013). After adjustment for age and cytogenetics in Cox multivariable analysis, ICT was associated with better OS (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.31–0.87, P= 0.013). The rate of AML transformation was 21.2% in patients who did not receive ICT compared to 15.6% in those who had ICT. (p=0.33). Conclusion: ICT in lower risk MDS patients with elevated serum ferritin ≥ 1000 ng/ml was associated with improved overall survival and a trend to lower AML transformation. Results of ongoing randomized clinical study with deferasirox are needed to confirm the retrospective data. Disclosures: Komrokji: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.

Obesity Is Poor Prognostic Factor in Lower Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 5018-5018
Author(s):  
Asmita Mishra ◽  
Dana E Rollison ◽  
Najla H Al Ali ◽  
Maria Corrales-Yepez ◽  
Pearlie K Epling-Burnette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Cox Regression ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Md Anderson ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 5018 Background: Obesity was associated with a more than 2-fold greater risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in a recent epidemiological study (Ma et al, Am J Epidemiol. 2009 June 15; 169(12): 1492–1499). The impact of obesity on outcome of disease in patients with an established diagnosis of MDS has not been studied. We examined the prognostic value of obesity in a large cohort of lower risk MDS patients treated at the Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC). Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) MDS database and individual charts reviewed. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of obesity on overall survival (OS) in lower risk patients with MDS. Patients with low or intermediate-1 (int-1) risk disease by International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) were included. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 (Standard definition) measured at time of referral to MDS program at MCC. Patients were divided into two groups according to BMI ≥ 30 or BMI < 30. All analyses were conducted using SPSS version 19.0. Chi square and independent t-test were used to compare baseline characteristics between the 2 groups for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate median overall survival. Log rank test was used to compare Kaplan–Meier survival estimates between two groups. Cox regression was used for multivariable analysis. Results: Between January 2001 and December 2009, 479 low/int-1 IPSS risk MDS patients were included. Among those, 132 (27.6%) had BMI ≥ 30 and 325 (67.8%) had BMI <30; BMI was missing in 22 patients (4.6%). The baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. No difference was noted in mean age, WHO subtype, karyotype, MD Anderson risk model group, red blood cell transfusion dependency (RBC-TD), or serum ferritin (Table-1). The median OS was 59 mo (95%CI 48–70) in patients with BMI <30 compared to 44 (95%CI 38–50) in patients with BMI ≥ 30. (p=0.03). There was no difference in rate of AML transformation according to BMI, 12.9% and 15.7% respectively for BMI ≥ 30 and BMI <30. (P=0.3). In Cox regression analysis obesity predicted inferior OS (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.7 (95%CI 1.15–2.4) (P=0.007) after adjustment for age, MD Anderson risk group, serum ferritin, RBC-TD, use of hypomethylating agents and tobacco use. Conclusion: Our data suggest that obesity is an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS in patients with lower risk MDS. Obesity may be associated with other comorbidities and metabolic dearrangements that contribute to the pathogenesis of the underlying disease. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Clinical Parameters in 391 Iron-Overloaded Patients with Lower-Risk MDS Enrolled in a Prospective, Non-Interventional Multicenter Registry.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4834-4834
Author(s):  
Guillermo Garcia-Manero ◽  
Billie J. Marek ◽  
Roger M. Lyons ◽  
Noelia Martinez-Lopez ◽  
Carole Paley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Board Of Directors ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Advisory Committees ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 4834 Introduction Despite recent improvements in therapies for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), 60–80% will require continuing packed red cell blood (pRBC) transfusions for prolonged periods. Complications resulting from the iron burden may, therefore, become clinically significant for many patients during the course of their disease. Patients with lower-risk MDS have a greater chance of developing the long-term toxicity of iron overload because of their prolonged survival, and are more likely to benefit from effective iron chelation therapy. This report describes data from a registry designed to study the impact of iron overload and iron chelation therapy on organ function and survival in patients with lower-risk MDS. Methods This is an ongoing, prospective, non-interventional, multicenter 5-year registry in 107 US centers, enrolling 600 patients (aged ≥18 years) with lower-risk MDS (by WHO, FAB and/or IPSS criteria) and transfusional iron overload (defined as serum ferritin ≥1000 μg/L and/or having received ≤20 cumulative pRBC units and/or an ongoing transfusion requirement ≥6 units every 12 weeks). Follow-up will be performed at least every 6 months for a maximum of 60 months or until death. Recommended assessments include serum ferritin, creatinine, calculated creatinine clearance, echocardiograms, and endocrine and hematological status. Results As of May 31 2009, 391 patients have enrolled in the registry. Demographic data are available from 389 patients. Median age: 74.4 years (range 21–99); male: 218, female: 171; ethnicity: 331 Caucasian (85%), 25 African-American (6%), 24 Hispanic (6%), five Asian (1%), two Native American (0.5%), and two other (0.5%). The median time since diagnosis (n=385) was <3 years in 217 patients (56%); ≥3–<5 years in 72 (19%); ≥5–<7 years in 48 (12%); and ≥7 years in 48 (12%). The MDS classification of the patients by WHO, FAB and IPSS, as well as patients' serum ferritin and transfusion burden, are summarized in the table. The most frequent concomitant conditions classified by organ (n=384 patients) were: 205 (53%) patients with vascular, 160 (42%) endocrine, and 171 (45%) cardiac dysfunction. At registry entry, 249 patients were receiving erythropoietin; 61 granulocyte colony stimulating factor; seven hydroxyurea; 25 thalidomide (Thalomid); 147 5-azacytidine (Vidaza); 95 lenalidomide (Revlimid) and 90 decitabine (Dacogen). 137 of 391 (35%) patients were on iron chelation therapy at study entry: 34 (9%) received deferoxamine for mean and median treatment durations of 803 and 383 (range 1–4386) days, respectively, while 117 (30%) received deferasirox for mean and median durations of 488 and 396 (9–1269) days, respectively. Calculated creatinine clearance was normal (>80 mL/min) in 37 (9%) patients; mildly abnormal (51–80 mL/min) in 30 (8%); and moderately abnormal (30–50 mL/min) in nine (2%) patients. Conclusions These baseline data indicate the demographic distribution as well as the co-morbidities associated with lower-risk MDS patients. In spite of recent guidelines, fewer than 50% of iron-overloaded patients are receiving any iron chelation treatment, despite the presence of cardiac, vascular and endocrine concomitant conditions in 40-54% of patients. Recent retrospective data highlights the impact of chelation on mortality in lower-risk MDS patients. This ongoing registry will prospectively assess the impact of iron chelation on survival and organ function in iron-overloaded patients with lower-risk MDS. Disclosures Lyons: Novartis: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Research Funding; Johnson & Johnson: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Genzyme: Research Funding. Martinez-Lopez:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment. Paley:Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Employment, Equity Ownership. Greenberg:Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

24-Month Analysis of the Impact of Chelation on Clinical Outcomes in a 600 Patient Registry of Lower-Risk MDS Patients

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2800-2800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger M. Lyons ◽  
Billie J. Marek ◽  
Surabhi Sharma ◽  
Carole Paley ◽  
Jason Esposito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Disease Status ◽  
Cardiac Events ◽  
Leukemic Transformation ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Abstract 2800 Introduction: Many patients with MDS require regular transfusions. Several reviews have documented poorer clinical outcomes and overall survival (OS) in transfusion-dependent MDS patients. A US registry of 600 lower-risk MDS patients prospectively collected data on clinical outcomes in chelated and non-chelated transfused patients. This 24-month interim analysis reports on cardiac events, leukemic transformation and OS. Methods: This is a 5-year, non-interventional registry in MDS patients (aged ≥18 years) with lower-risk MDS (based on WHO, FAB and/or IPSS criteria) from 107 US centers. Patients had to have transfusional iron overload (serum ferritin ≥1000 μg/L and/or ≥20 packed red blood cell units and/or ongoing transfusion requirement of ≥6 units every 12 weeks). Follow-up was every 6 months for up to 60 months or death. Use of chelation therapy was not required. Chelated patients were those who had ever used iron chelation; a sub-analysis was done on patients with ≥6 months chelation. Assessments included demographics, disease status, MDS therapy, comorbidities, and causes of death. Differences between non-chelated and chelated patients are reported. Results: 600 patients enrolled; as of May 26, 2011, 249 continued in the registry. 351 patients discontinued due to: lost to follow-up (n=51, 8.5%); death (n=278, 46.3%); other (n=22, 3.7%). 263/600 patients received chelation therapy, of whom 191 received ≥6 months. Leukemic transformation and cardiac events were more common in non-chelated patients (Table 2). Time to leukemic transformation was significantly shorter in non-chelated versus chelated patients. A greater percentage of deaths occurred in non-chelated patients; time to death was significantly shorter in non-chelated versus chelated patients. The most frequent reasons for death were MDS/AML, cardiac, and infection. At baseline, non-chelated patients had a higher incidence of cardiac disorders than chelated patients (51.3% vs 35%). While on the registry, non-chelated patients had a higher incidence of comorbidities than did chelated patients, predominantly vascular, cardiac and endocrine. Lifetime use of MDS therapies (pre- and on-registry) was lower among non-chelated versus chelated patients (88.4% vs 94.3%). Conclusions: At the 24-month analysis, use of chelation was associated with lower AML transformation, fewer cardiac events, and better OS. The two patients groups had similar age, gender, and risk status breakdown (IPSS); however the non-chelated group had a higher prevalence of cardiac comorbidities. Ongoing follow-up for the 5-year duration of this registry will provide further data on differences in outcomes between chelated and non-chelated patients. Disclosures: Lyons: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Telik: Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Research Funding. Sharma:Novartis: Employment. Paley:Novartis: Employment. Esposito:Novartis: Employment.

A Multi-Center, Open Label Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Iron Chelation Therapy with Deferasirox in Transfusional Iron Overload Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes or Aplastic Anemia Using Quantitative R2 MRI

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3649-3649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoo-Hong Min ◽  
Hyeoung Joon Kim ◽  
Kyoo Hyung Lee ◽  
Sung-Soo Yoon ◽  
Jae Hoon Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Serum Ferritin Level ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Transfusion Requirement ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
One Year

Abstract Transfusion-related iron overload and its consequences are emerging challenges in chronically transfused patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or aplastic anemia (AA). Measurement of liver iron concentration (LIC) is used as a surrogate for total iron burden to guide chelation therapy in transfusion-dependent patients. Although deferasirox (Exjade®, ICL670) is an oral iron chelation agent that is now widely available for the treatment of transfusional hemosiderosis, the clinical data on its specific benefits of iron chelation, including reduction of LIC, in transfusion-related iron overload patients with MDS or AA has been limited. We have prospectively investigated the efficacy of deferasirox for iron chelation by serial measurement of serum ferritin level and LIC, which is measured in vivo using quantitative tissue proton transverse relaxation rates (R2) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in transfusional iron overload patients with MDS or AA. Here we report the interim analysis data. A total of 79 patients with de novo MDS (n = 29) or idiopathic AA (n = 50) showing serum ferritin level over 1,000ng/ml were enrolled from 23 institutes. All patients were regularly transfused and received a median of 30 red blood cells (RBC) units in the year prior to the start of the study. Among MDS cases, 3 (10.3%), 20 (69.0%), and 4 cases (13.8%) were categorized as IPSS low-risk, intermediate-1-risk, and intermediate-2-risk group, respectively. In AA cases, 34 (64%) were severe form. Mean value of serum ferritin level in enrolled patients was 4,417 ± 3,378 (4,788 ± 3,996 in MDS, 4,185 ± 2,962 in AA) ng/ml at the time of deferasirox initiation. LIC value was measured using quantitative R2 MRI and FerriScan (Resonance Health, Australia) analysis. Mean value of LIC was 23.9 ± 13.8 (26.1 ± 15.0 in MDS, 22.8 ± 13.2 in AA) mg Fe/g dry weight. Linear regression analysis indicated a close correlation between serum ferritin level and LIC (r=0.55, p<0.001). Deferasirox was given orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for at least 6 months to all patients. If the serum ferritin falls below 500 ng/ml, treatment was withheld. A consistent decrease in the serum ferritin level was demonstrated during the first 6 months in vast majority of patients despite of continued transfusion (209.7 ± 159.9 ng/ml and 324.0 ± 289.4 ng/ml per month in MDS and AA, respectively). Over the study period, patients with MDS or AA received a mean of 3.7 and 2.7 units RBC per month, respectively. After 6 months of medication, a slower decrease in the serum ferritin level was observed in MDS patients. In 30 cases, one-year medication of deferasirox was completed. At the end of study (EOS), the serum ferritin levels were significantly decreased to 3,085 ± 2,150 ng/ml (64.4% of baseline level) and 2,913 ± 2,232 ng/ml (69.6% of baseline level, p<0.01) in MDS and AA, respectively. One-year follow-up R2 MRI could be evaluated in 24 cases, and LIC was significantly decreased to the level of 19.3 ± 13.6 mg Fe/g dry weight (67.4% of baseline value, p=0.01). Decrease in the level of LIC at EOS in MDS (64.3% of baseline) was comparable to that in AA cases (68.5% of baseline). The most common drug-related adverse events (AE) were gastrointestinal disturbances, non-progressive increase in serum creatinine, and skin rash. However, AE were transient and mild-to-moderate in severity. Deferasirox was discontinued in 28 (35.4%) cases because of death (7 in MDS and 6 in AA), patient refusal (11 cases), and decrease in the serum ferritin level below 500ng/ml (4 cases). All death was ascribed to disease-related causes including cytopenia in nine (11.4%) and disease progression in one (1.3%). This study clearly shows that deferasirox is effective in reducing LIC and serum ferritin level in transfusional iron overload patients with MDS or AA, even with ongoing transfusion requirement, and well tolerated. Careful assessment of patient’s transfusion requirement will be important in making dose adjustment according to purpose of iron chelation. Data from extension phase of this clinical trial may expand our knowledge about the beneficial effects of deferasirox on prolonging survival and improving quality of life in these patients.

Iron Overload and Haematopoiesis in MDS: Does Blood Transfusion Promote Progression to AML?

Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2685-2685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lap Shu Alan Chan ◽  
Rena Buckstein ◽  
Marciano D. Reis ◽  
Alden Chesney ◽  
Adam Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Dna Damage ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Bone Marrow Cells ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Concentration

Abstract Introduction: The biology of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is poorly understood, and treatment options are limited. Thus, most MDS patients require chronic red blood cell transfusion, and many develop secondary iron overload. Although the pathophysiological consequences of iron overload to the heart, liver, and endocrine organs have been well characterized, its effects on haematopoiesis have not been studied. However, it has been observed that chelation therapy in iron-overloaded MDS patients may result in reduction of transfusion requirements, and recent studies have suggested a correlation between the use of iron chelation therapy and improvement in leukaemia-free survival in MDS. At the cellular level, iron toxicity is mediated in large part via the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It has been shown in animal models that accumulation of ROS leads to senescence of haematopoietic stem cells, and that ROS cause DNA damage and promote the development of malignancy. These effects of ROS may be particularly important in MDS, in which haematopoiesis is already severely compromised and genetic instability is a striking feature. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that iron overload secondary to transfusion leads to increased levels of intracellular ROS in early haematopoeitic cells in MDS. The increase in intracellular ROS in MDS would be predicted to lead further impairment of haematopoiesis via stem cell exhaustion and while promoting accumulation of DNA damage by myelodysplastic stem cells and early progenitors, thus accelerating progression of MDS to acute leukaemia. Results: To test this hypothesis, we examined the relationship between transfusion-related iron overload and ROS content of CD34+ bone marrow cells in MDS. ROS content was measured in CD34+ cells by flow cytometry in bone marrow aspirates from 34 consecutive MDS patients (CMML=4, MDS/MPD=2, RA=4, RARS=3, RCMD=2, RAEB 1=6, RAEB 2=12, RAEB-t/AML=1). The patients represented a wide range of prior transfusion burden (0-&gt;300 units PRBC) and serum ferritin levels (11-&gt;10000 μg/L). ROS was strongly correlated with serum ferritin concentration for patients with iron overload (serum ferritin &gt;1000 μg/L; n=14, R=0.733, p&lt;0.005). The correlation between ROS and ferritin level was even stronger in the subset of patients with RAEB 1 or RAEB 2 and iron overload (n=11, R=0.838, p&lt;0.005). In contrast, no correlation between ROS and ferritin level was demonstrated for patients with serum ferritin &lt;1000 μg/L (n=20). Importantly, iron chelation therapy was associated with a reduction in CD34+ cell ROS content in one patient. To assess the effect of iron overload on normal stem cell and progenitor function, we established a mouse model of subacute bone marrow iron overload. B6D2F1 mice were loaded with iron dextran by intraperitoneal injection (150mg total iron load over 21 days), and sacrificed three days after the end of iron loading. Iron staining of tissue sections confirmed iron deposition in the bone marrow, liver, and myocardium. The development of splenomegaly was noted in iron-loaded animals. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased apoptosis of bone marrow cells in iron loaded mice based on annexin V+/7 AAD-staining (6.26±0.96% versus 3.54±0.99% for control mice, paired student’s t-Test p&lt;0.005). However, ROS content in CD117+ progenitors of iron loaded mice was similar to control mice. Thus, subacute iron loading in mice increases apoptosis but does not alter the ROS content of HSCs; we postulate that chronic iron overload is required to achieve this effect. Conclusions: These results establish a relationship between CD34+ cell ROS content and serum ferritin concentration in MDS patients with iron overload, and indicate that iron chelation therapy in this patient population reverses this ROS accumulation. The physiological consequences of this relationship are currently being investigated in this patient set by haematopoietic colony assays and assessment of DNA damage in CD34+ cells. Nonethelesss, these data may have key implications for the deployment of iron chelation therapy in MDS patients, and may explain the association between the use of iron chelation and improved leukaemia-free survival in MDS.

Are Children with Cancer Receiving Myelosuppressive Therapy At Risk for Transfusion-Related Iron Overload?

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1180-1180
Author(s):  
Anushka Jaffer ◽  
Rebecca Barty ◽  
Erin Jamula ◽  
Grace Wang ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Children With Cancer ◽  
Screening Practices ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rbc Transfusion

Abstract Abstract 1180 Background Transfusion-related iron overload (TRIO) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Adequate screening for iron overload (IO) and the use of iron chelators, if needed, should be employed for chronically transfused individuals. However, with the exception of patients with hemoglobinopathies, screening for iron overload is not a consistent part of routine care for patients receiving multiple red cell transfusions, and is not identified as a treatable problem. Objective This study aimed to identify the population at risk for TRIO and to evaluate current screening practices. Methods All children (≤ 18 years) receiving at least one red blood cell (RBC) transfusion between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2011 at our institution were identified using the TRUST (Transfusion Registry for Utilization, Surveillance and Tracking) database. Only patients receiving chronic RBC transfusion were included in this study, which was defined as receiving ≥20 units of RBC or ≥ 20 RBC transfusions dosed at 15ml/kg within 12 consecutive months where the transfusions were not administered in the setting of an operating room, trauma or surgical procedure(s), not administered 7 days prior/post-surgical procedures and not all administered within one day. Adjudication by a second reviewer resolved any ambiguity regarding study inclusion. Medical records of eligible patients were reviewed to collect patient demographics, underlying diagnosis and reason for transfusions, and to evaluate IO screening practices (e.g. ferritin level, testing for systemic IO (e.g. FerriScan) if persistently high ferritin) and frequency of iron chelation therapy. Results A total of 35 patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria, with a mean age of 8.82 years (SD 5.36). Table 1 summarizes the demographics of the population, the transfusion requirements, how often the patient subgroups were screened and the screening results. In summary, 20 patients had ferritin levels checked, where 2 (AML and hepatoblastoma) patients had values under 500 μg and no screening was required. Of the remaining 18, 10 patients were diagnosed with a hemoglobinopathy (8) and congenital anemia (2) requiring chronic transfusions and underwent regular screening for iron overload and received iron chelation therapy. The remaining 8 patients had ferritin level >500 μg but no IO screening ordered. Of these 8 patients the majority were diagnosed with a cancer (leukemia, solid tumours) (5), acquired aplastic anemia (2), and hemophagocytic syndrome (1). The total number of transfusions for these 8 patients ranged from 20 to 52 with a median of 25 transfusions. Conclusion The majority (63%) of chronically transfused patients in this cohort had underlying cancer requiring aggressive chemotherapy. Only 32% of these patients had ferritin level tested and none were evaluated for systemic IO. TRIO may represent an additional, as yet unidentified, co-morbidity of cancer therapy. Therapies such as anthracycline or radiation may potentiate the end organ effect of TRIO at levels lower than that observed in patients with a hemoglobinopathy. Hence, it is important to develop strategies to evaluate children with cancer at risk for IO and to study the impact of transfusional iron accumulation on end organ function. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation Improves Efficacy and Safety of Iron Chelation Therapy with Deferasirox in MDS Elderly Patients

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 4558-4558
Author(s):  
Lisette Del Corso ◽  
Elisa Molinari ◽  
Andrea Bellodi ◽  
Riccardo Ghio ◽  
Andrea Bacigalupo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Iron Overload ◽  
Serum Ferritin ◽  
Serum Ferritin Level ◽  
Chelation Therapy ◽  
Ferritin Level ◽  
Iron Chelation ◽  
Iron Chelation Therapy ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Abstract BACKGROUND: Iron overload from chronic transfusion therapy can be extremely toxic and most patients (pts) do not receive adequate iron chelation therapy (ICT) despite evidence of transfusional iron overload (IOL). Deferasirox (DFX) is the principal option currently available for ICT in the management of IOL due to transfusion dependent anemia, such as in MDS pts. The most common adverse events (AEs) are gastrointestinal disorders, skin rash, elevations in liver enzymes levels and non-progressive transient increases in serum creatinine also in MDS pts, most of whom are elderly with significant comorbidities and side effects of other concomitant therapies. In order to achieve effective ICT with minimal toxicity in individual pts, regular monitoring to assess IOL and adverse effects of DFX treatment is essential. METHODS: The safety and efficacy of DFX were examined in a retrospective multicenter observational study of transfusion-dependent (TD) MDS pts with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) low-or Int-1-risk. We included all pts treated with DFX up to 12 months, divided into two groups; the first one (group A) not under a multidisciplinary assessment, including pts not adequately treated, in terms of dosing and discontinuation of ICT and the second one (group B) with pts under multidisciplinary control. The DFX starting dosing was 10 mg/kg/die in all pts. The aim of our retrospective analysis was to assess the effectiveness of ICT in relation of dosing and right management of AEs. RESULT: We evaluated 45 MDS pts (12F/33M); 27 belonging to the group A and 18 to group B. The age was 74.2±8.8 and 77.3±4.8 respectively. The ECOG 0-1 was 85,1% in group A and 88,9% in group B. The transfusion episodes prior starting DFX were22.1±12.1 and 24.5±35.4 in the first and in the second group, respectively. The serum ferritin level at baseline was respectively 1285.1±489.6 ng/mL and 1452.6±748.1 ng/mL. The mean serum ferritin level increased from 1285.1+489.6 ng/mL to 1412.1+842.8 ng/mL in group A while decreased from 1452.6+748.1 ng/mL to 1166.1+ 723.4 ng/mL in group B. The rate of inadequate therapy, in terms of dosing and/or discontinuation ICT, was 85% in group A compared to 60% in group B (p= 0.086).The rate of severe SAE observed in all pts was 10%.The most common AEs were diarrhea, nausea, upper abdominal pain, serum creatinine increase. The positive hematological response rate was observed in 15% of all pts. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that group B obtained advantage in terms of efficacy and toxicity. The difference between the two groups derived from the ability to manage comorbidities, concomitant therapies and AEs, in particular the rise in serum creatinine, the most common cause DFX discontinuation or dosing reduction. In this setting, the most important specialist was the nephrologist. In our multidisciplinary group experts in management of ICT were hematologist, internist, immune-hematologist and nephrologist. We shared how we monitored kidney function and managed a possible nephrotoxicity (table.2), in order to ensure DFX efficacy. Positive hematological responses were observed, and a subset of pts achieved transfusion independence. The timing of future multidisciplinary evaluation is set on 24 and 36 months, time in which we expect the best response to DFX therapy. Table 1. Ferritin trend group A (n27) group B (n18) Ferritin N mean±SD Median (range) N mean±SD Median (range) Baseline 27 1285.1±489.6 1134 (388-2099) 18 1452.6±748.1 1515 (160-3018) 3 months 22 1451.5±720.5 1247.5 (529-2791) 13 1312.7±909.8 1064 (521-3859) 6 months 23 1850.5±1079.1 1419 (374-4185) 11 1168.4±648.4 1300 (160-2409) 12 months 17 1412.1±842.8 1372 (111-3127) 9 1166.1±723.4 930 (277-2536) Table 2. Management of renal changes during therapy with DFX Creatinine and urine examination:1) in two successive determinations prior to initiation of therapy, then every month 2) in pts with other risk factors for kidney disease, every week for 1 month after start of DFX or dose increase and, subsequently, every month Changes in creatinine:1) increased by 33% in two successive determinations: reduce DFX dose of 5 mg/kg 2) progressive increase of creatinine: interrupt DFX and then re-challenge it at a lower dose with gradual increase if the clinical benefits outweigh the risks Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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