Immunotherapeutic Maintenance Strategy Prolongs Response Duration and Overall Survival Preventing Relapse in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL),

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 3906-3906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Del Poeta ◽  
Maria Ilaria Del Principe ◽  
Pietro Bulian ◽  
Francesco Buccisano ◽  
Annalisa Biagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Abstract 3906 Today the treatment target of CLL is the attainment of an optimal disease control combining chemotherapy with monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). This approach produces more complete molecular remissions and longer response duration (RD), remaining often a minimal residual disease (MRD) detectable by flow cytometry. In addition, consolidation and maintenance therapy with MoAbs might provide a further RD and overall survival (OS) benefit in CLL, as it has been already clearly demonstrated in indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas. We treated in first line 145 CLL symptomatic patients (pts), median age 63 years (37–80), with six monthly courses of intravenous (25 mg/m2) or oral fludarabine (30–40 mg/m2) and then, after a median time of 30 days, with four weekly doses (375 mg/m2) of rituximab (rtx). Before treatment, 15 pts had a modified low Rai stage, 127 an intermediate stage and only 3 a high stage. We defined as high risk pts having at least two of these markers: unmutated IgVH, CD38>30%, ZAP-70>20%, intermediate/poor cytogenetics (trisomy 12 or del11q or del17p). Sixty-three pts (43.5%) belonged to the high risk subset. For MRD flow cytometric study, the threshold was set at >1% CD19+CD5+CD79b+/− bone marrow (BM) CLL cells. Based on NCI criteria (Cheson, 1996), 111/145 (76%) pts achieved a complete remission (CR), 27/145 (19%) a partial remission (PR) and 7/145 (5%) no response or progression. Phenotypic CR (CD19+CD5+CD79b- BM cells <1%) was achieved in 85/145 (59%) CLL pts. Interestingly, MRD+ pts showed a significant shorter overall survival (OS) in comparison with MRD- pts (25% vs 73% at 16 years, P=0.00096). During the induction and consolidation/maintenance time, 13 pts underwent grade 2–3 (sec.WHO) infective lung toxicity and 2 pts progressed towards Richter's syndrome. Hematologic toxicity was mild including mainly neutropenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 60 pts) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 9 pts). Fifty-nine pts (43%) either in CR with B-CLL BM cells >1% (MRD+, n=16 pts) or in CR MRD negative, but developing MRD positivity within 2 years after induction (n=25 pts) or in PR (n=18 pts), underwent consolidation and maintenance therapy with four monthly cycles of rtx at 375 mg/m2 followed by twelve monthly doses of rtx at 150 mg/m2. The median follow-up duration was 63 months. Noteworthy, both persistently MRD negative pts (n=56) and pts undergoing consolidation/maintenance therapy (n=59) showed a longer RD vs MRD+ not consolidated pts (n=23) [75% vs 58% vs 0% at 5 years; P<0.0001, Figure]. Equally, OS was shorter in MRD+ not consolidated pts in comparison with the other two subsets (0% vs 63% vs 78% at 16 years; P=0.03, Figure). Moreover, ZAP-70+ or unmutated IgVH pts revealed shorter RD (17% vs 53% at 16 years, P=0.001; 16% vs 53% at 6.5 years, P<0.0001). Noteworthy, within the high risk subset (n=63), pts in persistent phenotypic CR (n=18) and consolidated pts (n=23) showed a longer RD (90% vs 66% vs 8% at 2.7 years, P=0.00024) vs MRD+ not consolidated pts (n=15). In multivariate analysis, only consolidation/maintenance (P<0.0001) and biologic risk classes (P=0.001 and P<0.0001) were confirmed as independent prognosticators with regard to RD and OS. Therefore rituximab consolidation/maintenance therapy improve RD and OS in CLL, also within the high risk subset, taking into account that historical biological markers (ZAP-70 and IgVH mutational status) retain their prognostic impact with our chemoimmunotherapeutic strategy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Rituximab Consolidation and Maintenance Immunotherapy Improve Outcome in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 2035-2035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Del Poeta ◽  
Maria Ilaria Del Principe ◽  
Luca Maurillo ◽  
Francesco Buccisano ◽  
Gianfranco Catalano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract Monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy allowed us to obtain more responses and longer response duration in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), reducing disease burden to levels detectable only by flow cytometry. Moreover, it has been reported that low-dose rituximab decreases CD20 antigen loss via shaving and promotes enhanced targeting in CLL (Williams, 2006). We performed a phase II study that added rituximab to fludarabine (Flu) as therapy for symptomatic, untreated CLL. Remission status was assessed by a multiparametric flow cytometric method based on the detection of CD19+CD5+CD79b– residual B-CLL lymphocytes. VH mutational status, CD38, ZAP-70 and cytogenetics were obtained in all pts before treatment. We defined as “high risk” pts having at least two of the following markers: unmutated IgVH, CD38&gt;30%, ZAP-70&gt;20%, intermediate/unfavorable cytogenetics (trisomy 12 or del11q or del17p). Eighty-two CLL pts, median age 61 years, received six monthly courses of Flu (25 mg/m2 for 5 days) and four weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m2) starting after completion of Flu therapy. According to modified Rai stages, 8 pts had a low stage, 70 an intermediate stage and 4 a high stage. Based on NCI criteria, 66/82 (80%) pts achieved a complete remission (CR), 12/82 (15%) a partial remission (PR) and 4/82 (5%) no response or progression. Hematologic toxicity included mainly neutropenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 42 pts) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 4 pts). Thirty-five pts in clinical CR or PR, either with CD5+CD19+CD79b– bone marrow (BM) cells &gt;1% (MRD+, n=20 pts) or MRD negative but presenting CD5+CD19+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) &gt;1000/microl (n=15 pts) within 1 year after completion of the induction treatment, underwent consolidation/maintenance therapy with four monthly cycles of rituximab at 375 mg/m2 followed by twelve monthly doses of rituximab at 150 mg/m2. The median follow-up duration was 46 months. Noteworthy, all B-CLL pts experienced a long progression-free survival (PFS) from the end of induction treatment (68% at 5 years). Nevertheless, CLL pts that underwent consolidation and maintenance therapy (n=35) showed a significant longer response duration (85% at 5 years, Figure). On the other hand, BM and PBL persistently MRD negative (&gt;1 year) pts (n=29) showed a response duration similar to that of the consolidated pts (87% at 5 years). A significant shorter PFS was observed within CD38+ pts (39% vs 78% at 5 years, P=0.002), unmutated pts (45% vs 94% at 2.5 years, P=0.001) and ZAP-70+ pts (36% vs 88% at 6 years; P=0.00002). Notably, within the “high risk” subset (n=30), considering only MRD+ pts in CR or PR (n=20), MRD+ consolidated pts (n=11) showed a significant longer response duration (64% vs 13% at 2 years, P=0.006) in comparison with MRD+ unconsolidated pts (n=9). In conclusion, consolidation/maintenance therapy with rituximab prolongs significantly the response duration in B-CLL, improving also the outcome of the “high risk” subset. Figure Figure

Rituximab Maintenance Following Chemoimmunotherapy Improves Outcome in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 2364-2364
Author(s):  
Giovanni Del Poeta ◽  
Maria Ilaria Del Principe ◽  
Dario Ragusa ◽  
Luca Maurillo ◽  
Francesco Buccisano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Abstract Abstract 2364 Poster Board II-341 The treatment goal of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) has already shifted from symptom palliation to the attainment of maximal disease control combining purine analogs with monoclonal antibodies. This immunochemotherapeutic approach resulted both in more complete responses (CR) and longer response duration, often remaining only a minimal residual disease (MRD) detectable by flow cytometry. We treated in first line 120 B-CLL symptomatic patients (pts), median age 62 years, with six monthly courses of intravenous or oral fludarabine at conventional doses and then, after a median time of 31 days, with four weekly doses (375 mg/sqm) of rituximab (rtx). Fourteen pts had a low Rai stage, 103 an intermediate stage and 3 a high stage. We defined as high risk pts having at least two of these markers: unmutated IgVH, CD38>30%, ZAP-70>20%, intermediate unfavorable cytogenetics (trisomy 12 or del11q or del17p). Based on NCI criteria, 92/120 (77%) pts achieved a CR, 24/120 (20%) a partial remission (PR) and 4/120 (3%) no response or progression. Ten pts underwent grade 3 (WHO) infective lung toxicity, 1 patient acute fatal B hepatitis and 2 pts progressed towards Richter's syndrome. Hematologic toxicity included mainly neutropenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 56 pts) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 8 pts). Fifty-four pts either in CR with B-CLL bone marrow cells >1% (MRD+, n=16 pts) or in CR MRD negative, but with B-CLL peripheral cells going up >1000/microl within 1 year after induction (n=22 pts) or in PR (n=16 pts), underwent consolidation and maintenance therapy with four monthly cycles of rtx at 375 mg/sqm followed by twelve monthly low doses of rtx (150 mg/sqm). The median follow-up duration was 50 months. All treated pts experienced a long progression-free survival from the end of induction treatment (40% at 9 years). On the other hand, global overall survival (OS) was 54% at 10 years. Nevertheless, CLL pts undergoing consolidation and maintenance therapy (n=54) showed a longer response duration vs MRD+ not consolidated pts (n=16; 75% vs 9% at 4 years; P<0.00001, Figure). Noteworthy, persistently MRD negative (>1 year) pts (n=43) showed a very long response duration (79% at 6 years, Figure). Moreover, OS was shorter in MRD+ not consolidated pts (0% vs 79% at 15 years; P=0.0007). Noteworthy, within the high risk subset (n=48), consolidated pts (n=17) showed a longer response duration (56% vs 0% at 2.5 years, P=0.003) vs MRD+ not consolidated pts (n=11). Therefore, rituximab consolidation and maintenance immunotherapy improve response duration in B-CLL, thus potentially increasing OS, also within the high risk subset. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Consolidation and Maintenance Immunotherapy with Rituximab Improve Progression Free Survival within ZAP-70 Positive Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2824-2824 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Del Poeta ◽  
Maria Ilaria Del Principe ◽  
Luca Maurillo ◽  
Francesco Buccisano ◽  
Adriano Venditti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Induction Treatment ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Duration Of Response ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Clinical studies of monoclonal antibodies combined with chemotherapy have attained more complete responses and longer duration of responses in CLL because this approach reduces disease burden to levels detectable only by immunological or molecular methods. Recent literature data indicate that VH genes, CD38, ZAP-70 protein, and cytogenetic status have a major impact on CLL prognosis. We performed a phase II study that added rituximab sequentially to fludarabine (Flu) as initial therapy for symptomatic, untreated CLL in order to evaluate both the clinical response and outcome. Remission status was also assessed by a multiparametric flow cytometric method based on the detection of CD19+CD5+CD79b− residual B-CLL lymphocytes. VH mutational status, CD38 and cytogenetics were obtained in all pts before treatment. ZAP-70 protein was performed by flow cytometry using an anti-ZAP-70 Alexa Fluor 488 conjugated antibody. Seventy-five CLL pts, median age 60 years, received six monthly courses of Flu (25 mg/m2 for 5 days) and four weekly doses of rituximab (375 mg/m2) starting on an average of thirty days after completion of Flu therapy. According to modified Rai stages, 6 pts had a low stage, 66 an intermediate stage and 3 a high stage. Based on NCI criteria, 61/75 (81%) pts achieved a complete remission (CR), 10/75 (13%) a partial remission (PR) and 4/75 (5%) no response. Three pts presented grade 3 (WHO) infective lung toxicity and 1 patient acute fatal B hepatitis. Hematologic toxicity included neutropenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 38 pts) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 and/or 4 in 4 pts). Twenty eight pts, either with CD5+CD19+CD79b− (MRD) bone marrow (BM) cells >1% (n=17 pts) or with CD19+CD5+CD79b− (MRD) peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) >1000/microl (n=11 pts) within six months after completion of the induction treatment, underwent consolidation/maintenance therapy with four monthly cycles of rituximab at 375 mg/m2 followed by twelve monthly doses of rituximab at 150 mg/m2. The median follow-up duration was 37 months. Noteworthy, all pts experienced a long progression-free survival (PFS) from treatment (67% at 5 years). Nevertheless, CLL pts that underwent consolidation therapy (n=28) showed a significant longer duration of response (75% vs 27% at 5 years, P=0.002) in comparison with the subset of not consolidated and BM or PBL MRD positive (n=18) CLL pts. Interestingly, BM and PBL MRD negative pts (n=26) showed a duration of response similar to that of the consolidated pts. Moreover, a significant shorter PFS was observed within CD38+ pts (29% vs 79% at 5 years, P=0.005), unmutated pts (0% vs 92% at 2 years, P=0.001), ZAP-70+ pts (29% vs 92% at 5 years; P=0.00003) and within the “poor risk” [trisomy 12 or del 11q or del 17p] cytogenetic subset (0% vs 79% at 2 years, P=0.03). Interestingly, within the ZAP-70+ subset (n=35), the consolidated pts (n=12) showed a longer duration of response (68% vs 0% at 2.6 years, P=0.007) in comparison with the unconsolidated pts (n=11). Therefore, the addition of a consolidation/maintenance therapy with rituximab prolongs significantly the duration of response allowing a better outcome. Moreover, rituximab improves significantly PFS of pts notoriously at worse prognosis, such as ZAP-70+ B-CLL.

Frontline Combined Chemoimmunotherapy with Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, Alemtuzumab and Rituximab (CFAR) in High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 208-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameer A Parikh ◽  
Michael Keating ◽  
Susan O'Brien ◽  
Alessandra Ferrajoli ◽  
Stefan Faderl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Hematologic Toxicity ◽  
Frontline Therapy ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Cmv Reactivation

Abstract Abstract 208 Background: Combined chemoimmunotherapy with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) has excellent clinical activity as frontline therapy for patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In a subset of pts who exhibited high-risk features, such as serum beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) ≥4 mg/L; the complete remission (CR) was lower and time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were shorter; therefore characterizing these pts as high-risk. Alemtuzumab (A) has activity as a single-agent and in combination with F in pts with relapsed/refractory CLL. To improve the CR and OS for pts with high-risk CLL, we added A to the FCR regimen (CFAR) as frontline therapy in a Phase II clinical trial. Methods: All pts who met NCI-WG criteria to initiate therapy, were < 70 years and had a B2M ≥4 mg/L were eligible for the study. Frontline CFAR consisted of C-200 mg/m2 D3-5, F-20mg/m2 D3-5, A-30mg IV D1,3,5, and R-375–500 mg/m2 D2. Courses were repeated every 28 days for a total of 6 courses. All pts received pegylated filgrastim 6mg SC with each course of therapy. All pts received allopurinol for tumor lysis prophylaxis. Antibiotic prophylaxis with TMP/SMX DS and valacyclovir or valganciclovir was also given to all pts. CMV antigenemia was monitored before each course. Results: A total of 60 pts were enrolled from July 2005 through August 2008 (Table). One pt was lost to follow-up. The median age was 59 yrs (range 42–69) and 44 (75%) were male. Median B2M was 5.1 mg/L (4–11.6); HGB was 11.5gm/dL (5.5–15.1); PLT was 139 k/μL(41–446); WBC was 100k/μL (5–665); ALC was 92k/μL (4–619); and 30 pts (51%) were Rai stage III-IV. The median number of courses administered was 4 (2–6); reasons for not completing 6 courses included delayed recovery of counts (18), infection (8), AIHA (4), treatment failure (3) and pt. choice (2). CR was achieved in 70%, nPR in 3%, PR in 18%, and 7% pts did not respond, leading to an ORR of 92% (Table). There was no significant correlation between CR or OR with Rai Stage, IgVH mutation status, FISH status, ZAP70 and CD38 expression. After a median follow-up of 24 months (3–49), 19(32%) pts have progressive disease. Patients with 17p deletion and unmutated IgVH had significantly shorter TTP as shown in the >Table. Eleven (19%) pts have died: 4 with disease progression after achieving CR; 2 who did not respond; 2 with Richter's transformation; 1 transformed into AML; 1 due to metastatic lung cancer; and 1 due to severe pneumonia 8 months after achieving CR. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 31% and 13% courses. Major infections, including pneumonia and sepsis, were reported for 10(17%) pts. Minor infectious such as bronchitis, urinary tract infections and herpes zoster were reported for 15(25%) pts. In a historic cohort of high-risk pts treated with FCR, grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 31% and 10% courses; and major and minor infections were seen in 15% and 23% pts respectively, all comparable to that seen with frontline CFAR. A-associated infusion reactions occurred in 42 (71%) pts. CMV reactivation occurred in 7 (12%) pts, all of whom were on valacyclovir prophylaxis. There was 1 death due to CMV pneumonia; all other episodes of CMV reactivation were promptly treated with valaganciclovir leading to resolution of fever and/or antigenemia. The median OS for all pts has not been reached (49+mo) and the median TTP is 38 months. Conclusion: CFAR is an active frontline regimen in high-risk pts with CLL. Although CR rates in pts with other high-risk features such as 17p deletion and unmutated IgVH were >50%, TTP was significantly shorter for these pts than for pts without these features. With current follow-up, OS, TTP, infectious complications and grade 3/4 hematologic toxicity are comparable to historic high-risk pts treated with FCR. Disclosures: Keating: Genentech: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Wierda:Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria; Genzyme: Research Funding.

Bendamustine Plus Rituximab Versus Fludarabine Plus Rituximab In Patients with Relapsed Follicular, Indolent and Mantle Cell Lymphomas – Final Results of the Randomized Phase III Study NHL 2–2003 on Behalf of the StiL (Study Group Indolent Lymphomas, Germany)

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 856-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathias J Rummel ◽  
Ulrich Kaiser ◽  
Christina Balser ◽  
Martina Beate Stauch ◽  
Wolfram Brugger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
International Prognostic Index ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Rituximab Maintenance ◽  
Mantle Cell ◽  
Phase Iii Study ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Indolent Lymphomas

Abstract Abstract 856 Introduction: Promising results have been observed in two phase II studies evaluating the combination of bendamustine plus rituximab (B-R) in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory follicular, other indolent or mantle cell lymphomas (MCL) (Rummel et al. JCO 2005; Robinson et al. JCO 2008). Fludarabine plus rituximab (F-R) is an established treatment option in this setting. Therefore, we initiated in 2003 a multicenter, randomized phase III study to compare the efficacy and safety of B-R versus F-R for pts with relapsed follicular (FL), indolent or MCL. Patients and methods: 219 pts with relapsed FL, indolent or MCL in need of treatment were randomized to rituximab 375 mg/m2 (day 1) plus either bendamustine 90 mg/m2 (days 1+2) or fludarabine 25 mg/m2 (days 1–3) q 28 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. Prophylactic use of antibiotics or granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was not generally recommended; however in cases of severe granulocytopenia, G-CSF use was permitted. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The protocol was amended in 2006 to allow rituximab maintenance therapy (rituximab 375 mg/m2 q 3 months for up to 2 years) in both arms, following regulatory approvals in this setting. Results: 11 pts were not evaluable due to protocol violations, and were not followed further. A total of 208 pts were evaluable for the final analysis (109 B-R; 99 F-R). There were no significant differences between arms for patient characteristics, including age, stage, LDH, International Prognostic Index (IPI), follicular IPI (FLIPI), bone marrow infiltration and extranodal involvement. Most pts had stage IV (71.6% B-R; 60.6% F-R) or stage III disease (21.1% B-R and 25.3% F-R, respectively). Median patient age was 68 yrs (range 38–87). Patients had received a median of 1 prior therapy (range 1–7). Histological subtypes were distributed equally between the B-R and F-R arms: follicular 45.9 % and 47.5%, respectively; immunocytoma 11.9% and 11.1%; MCL 20.2% and 21.2%; other indolent lymphomas 23% and 20.2%. A median number of 6 cycles were given in both treatment arms, with 75.2% of B-R pts and 53.4% of F-R pts receiving 6 cycles, respectively. At the time of this analysis (June 2010), the median observation time was 33 months. Median PFS was significantly prolonged with B-R compared with F-R (30 vs 11 months; hazard ratio [HR] 0.51, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.34–0.67; p<0.0001). The overall response rate was significantly higher with B-R than with F-R (83.5 vs 52.5%, respectively; p< 0.0001). The CR rate with B-R was also significantly higher than that with F-R (38.5 vs 16.2%; p=0.0004). Overall survival did not differ significantly between arms, with 42 and 46 deaths documented in the B-R and F-R arms, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of alopecia, stomatitis, erythema, allergic reactions, peripheral neuropathy or infectious episodes between groups. Hematologic toxicities were also similar between arms: 8.9% grade 3/4 neutropenia with B-R vs 9.1% with F-R; 11.8% grade 3/4 leukocytopenia with B-R vs 12.4% with F-R. The overall incidence of serious adverse events was similar for the B-R and F-R groups (17.4 and 22.2%, respectively). An unplanned subanalysis showed that rituximab maintenance therapy significantly prolonged overall survival (HR 0.21, 95% CI 0.22–0.67; p=0.0008) and PFS (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.27–0.59; p< 0.0001) in the small group of 40 pts who received this treatment (23 B-R, 17 F-R), compared with those who did not. Although the numbers are too small in this non-randomized comparison to draw some validated conclusions, these results appear to confirm the favorable role of rituximab maintenance. Conclusions: These data confirm the efficacy of B-R in pts with relapsed FL, indolent or MCL, and, in this setting, demonstrate a superior PFS benefit for this regimen in comparison with F-R. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Genomic Aberrations Dramatically Improve The Strong Prognostic Impact Of IGHV Mutational Status In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 1370-1370
Author(s):  
Giovanni Del Poeta ◽  
Dario Ragusa ◽  
Francesco Buccisano ◽  
Michele Dal Bo ◽  
Luca Maurillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Direct Sequencing ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Intermediate Stage ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Genomic Aberrations

Abstract CLL is a heterogeneous disease with patients (pts) experiencing rapid disease progression and others living for years without requiring treatment. Recently, next generation sequencing has revealed new molecular alterations, targeting the NOTCH1 and BIRC3 genes which occur in about 10% CLL at diagnosis and correlate with poor outcome. Given the possibility of targeting NOTCH1 and BIRC3 with drugs currently under development, the primary endpoints of our research were: 1) to determine overall survival (OS) upon IGHV, NOTCH1, TP53 and BIRC3 in univariate analysis; 2) to correlate these genomic aberrations with other biological or clinical prognostic factors, and finally 3) to confirm NOTCH1, BIRC3 and TP53 as independent prognostic factors. We investigated 475 pts with a median age of 65 years (range 33-89), whose 160 had low Rai stage, 301 intermediate stage and 14 high stage. NOTCH1 mutations (mut) were studied by ARMS PCR for c.7544-7545delCT and by Sanger sequencing of NOTCH1 exon 34. Mutations of TP53 were analysed by DNA direct sequencing, while BIRC3 disruption (disr) was studied by Sanger sequencing for mutations and by interphase FISH for deletions. All these alterations were studied at diagnosis or before any chemotherapeutic approach. NOTCH1mut and TP53mut pts were 52 (10.9%) and 36/475 (7.6%), respectively. Thirty four patients were BIRC3mut (7.2%) and 26 BIRC3 deleted (5.5%) for a total of 46 cases (9.7%) BIRC3disr. NOTCH1, TP53 and BIRC3 alterations were mutually exclusive. There were significant correlations between NOTCH1 (P<0.00001), TP53 (P=0.004), BIRC3 status (P=0.00004) and IGHV mutations. Concerning FISH cytogenetics (460 patients), a significant correlation (P<0.0001) was found between NOTCH1mut and trisomy 12 (20/62; 32%). TP53mut were strictly associated with del17p (15/25; 60%; P<0.0001), while BIRC3disr was found mainly within 11q22-q23 deletions subset (22/46;49%; P<0.0001). With regard to clinical outcome, 30 (83%) of 36 TP53mut pts (P=0.00009), 47 (90%) of 52 NOTCH1mut (P<0.00001) and 40 (87%) of 46 BIRC3disr pts had received chemotherapy at the time of analysis. Twenty nine NOTCH1mut (56%), 15 TP53mut (42%) and 18 BIRC3disr (39%) pts underwent at least two lines of treatment (P<0.0001). Noteworthy, shorter OS was observed in IGHV unmutated (UM) patients (12% vs 80% at 18 years, P<0.00001), in NOTCH1mut pts (12% vs 71% at 16 years, P<0.00001), in TP53mut pts (9% vs 76% at 14 years, P<0.00001) and in BIRC3disr pts (29% vs 65% at 16 years, P=0.00001). To further explore the prognostic impact of NOTCH1mut, TP53mut and BIRC3disr, we investigated them within the UM (153 pts) IGHV subset, notoriously at worst prognosis. As a matter of fact, NOTCH1mut (16% vs 45% at 14 years, P=0.012), TP53mut (0% vs 43% at 13 years, P=0.002) and BIRC3disr (0% vs 57% at 11 years, P=0.011) pts showed significant shorter OS [Figure]. Within the mutated IGHV subgroup we obtained similar results. In multivariate analysis of OS, TP53mut (HR 5.2, P<0.00001), age >60 years (HR 3.8, P=0.00002), IGHV UM status (HR 0.30, P=0.0001), intermediate/high Rai stages (HR 2.8, P=0.0002), NOTCH1mut (HR 2.6, P=0.001), and BIRC3disr (HR 2.5, P=0.005) were confirmed to be independent adverse prognostic factors. Noteworthy, here, we demonstrated that genomic aberrations are able to improve the historical prognostic ability of the IgHV mutational status. In conclusion, genomic aberrations, particularly TP53mut, NOTCH1mut and BIRC3disr should be considered as novel important prognostic parameters in CLL and therefore they have to be necessarily considered in updated scoring prognostic systems. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

CD49d Prevails over the Novel Recurrent Mutations As Independent Prognosticator of Overall Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 1706-1706
Author(s):  
Michele Dal Bo ◽  
Pietro Bulian ◽  
Riccardo Bomben ◽  
Antonella Zucchetto ◽  
Francesca Rossi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Gene Mutations ◽  
Normal Karyotype ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Notch1 Mutations

Abstract Background. CD49d, the alpha-chain of the integrin heterodimer VLA-4, has been identified among the strongest predictors of overall survival (OS) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), along with IGHV mutational status and deletion of the 17p (17p-) chromosome involving TP53 (Bulian et al, JCO, 2014). In addition to TP53, the clinical relevance of NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3 gene mutations has been recently emphasized. Aim. To test the relevance of CD49d in molecular subgroups of CLL defined by NOTCH1, SF3B1 and BIRC3 gene mutations. Methods. The study was based on a cohort of 778 unselected CLL (422 untreated and 356 treated cases) all characterized for CD49d expression (CD49dhigh, ≥30% positive cells by flow cytometry in 229 cases), IGHV mutational status (unmutated, UM, in 262 cases), karyotype abnormalities according to the hierarchical stratification (13q- in 308 cases, +12 in 103 cases, 11q- in 64 cases), tested at diagnosis, along with mutations/deletions (hereinafter, disruption) of TP53 (disrupted in 84 cases, including 58 cases with 17p-), BIRC3 (disrupted in 59 cases), and mutationsof NOTCH1 (mutated in 81 cases), SF3B1 (mutated in 54 cases)tested at diagnosis in 65% of cases, in all cases before therapy. Chromosome abnormalities by FISH were defined by using a 5% cut-off; IGHV, TP53, BIRC3, NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations were investigated by Sanger sequencing. Median follow-up of patients was 80 months with 173 deaths. Results. i) association with CD49d: a CD49dhigh phenotype associated with age ≥65 years (p=0.0001), Rai stage I or higher (p>0.0001), UM IGHV status (p>0.0001), absence of 13q- (p=0.0001), presence of +12 (p<0.0001), presence of NOTCH1 mutations (p<0.0001). ii) CD49d prognostic impact: in univariate analysis, the following covariates had a significant impact on OS: age ≥65 years (hazard ratio/confidence interval (HR/CI)= 3.98/2.77-5.73; p<0.0001), Rai stage I or higher (HR/CI=1.81/1.33-2.46; p=0.0002), high CD49d expression (HR/CI=2.62/1.94-3.54; p<0.0001), UM IGHV status (HR/CI=3.03/2.24-4.10; p<0.0001), presence of 13q- (HR/CI=0.52/0.37-0.71; p=0.0001), +12 (HR/CI=1.59/1.08-2.33; p=0.0183), 11q- (HR/CI=2.16/1.42-3.30; p=0.0004), NOTCH1 mutations (HR/CI=2.66/1.82-3.88; p<0.0001), SF3B1 mutations (HR/CI=1.99/1.24-3.20; p=0.0048), BIRC3 disruption (HR/CI=2.41/1.58-3.68; p<0.0001), TP53 disruption (HR/CI=3.23/2.28-4.57; p<0.0001). In a multivariate analysis model including all these variables, high CD49d expression (HR/CI=1.76/1.28-2.42; p=0.0006), UM IGHV status (HR/CI=2.21/1.58-3.09; p<0.0001), presence of 11q- (HR/CI=2.11/1.35-3.31; p=0.0011), TP53 disruption (HR/CI=2.93/2.04-4.22; p<0.0001), and NOTCH1 mutations (HR/CI=1.76/1.16-2.67; p=0.0082) emerged as independent prognosticators, along with age ≥65 years (HR/CI=3.73/2.58-5.39; p<0.0001). iii) CD49d prognostic impact using the integrated hierarchical mutational/cytogenetic model: by integrating gene mutations and cytogenetic aberrations according to Rossi et al (Blood, 2013), a multivariate analysis model was applied with the following covariates: age, CD49d, IGHV status, TP53/BIRC3 disruption, NOTCH1 mutations/SF3B1 mutations/11q-, normal karyotype/+12, 13q-. Again, CD49dhigh phenotype (HR/CI=1.88/1.38-2.54; p=0.0001), UM IGHV status (HR/CI=2.16/1.54-3.01; p<0.0001), presence of NOTCH1 mutations/SF3B1 mutations/11q- (HR/CI=1.62/1.11-2.38; p=0.0139), and of TP53/BIRC3 disruption (HR/CI=2.67/1.92-3.70; p<0.0001) retained their independent prognostic impact, along with age ≥65 years (HR/CI=3.58/2.28-5.17; p<0.0001). Notably, CD49dhigh CLL patients experienced shorter OS than the CD49dlow cases in the context of each mutational/cytogenetic group (TP53/BIRC3 disruption, p=0.0064; NOTCH1 mutations/SF3B1 mutations/11q-, p=0.05; normal karyotype/+12, p=0.0153; 13q-, p=0.0126; see Figure). Conclusion. CD49d was confirmed as independent negative OS prognosticator in CLL also when the novel recurrent alterations of NOTCH1, BIRC3, and SF3B1 genes were considered. In this setting, TP53 disruption and NOTCH1 mutations remained independent OS prognosticators, allegedly for their physiopathological roles in CLL cell immuno-chemoresistance. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Gaidano: Morphosys, Roche, Novartis, GlaxoSmith Kline, Amgen, Janssen, Karyopharm: Honoraria, Other: Advisory boards; Celgene: Research Funding.

Sequential RCHOP, Radioimmunotherapy and Rituximab Maintenance Improves Early Outcomes in Advanced Stage Follicular Lymphoma: 5 Year Outcomes from SWOG 0801

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 614-614
Author(s):  
Paul M. Barr ◽  
Hongli Li ◽  
Richard Burack ◽  
Michael LeBlanc ◽  
Sonali M. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Maintenance Therapy ◽  
Follicular Lymphoma ◽  
Research Funding ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
Secondary Malignancies ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background: Despite an abundance of effective therapeutic options, advanced stage follicular lymphoma (FL) remains incurable. Further, prospective trials consistently demonstrate that 20% of patients relapse within 2 years and ultimately have an inferior survival (Casulo 2015). Maintenace rituximab following chemoimmunotherapy induction is able to delay disease progression but has not demonstrated a benefit in overall survival (Salles 2011). Additionally, radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is one of the most effective single agent options in FL but is not commonly utilized as part of upfront treatment. As such, the role of both remains unclear. Based on results demonstrated with RIT consolidation in SWOG 0016 and the efficacy of rituximab maintenance, SWOG 0801 was designed as a phase 2 single arm trial, conducted to evaluate the utility of consolidative RIT and sequential maintenance rituximab following chemoimmunotherapy induction. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) with treatment naïve stage III/IV or bulky stage II FL received RCHOP for 6 cycles (without rituximab for the last 2 cycles) followed by iodine-131 tositumomab and subsequent rituximab administered every 3 months for up to 4 years. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 years. Secondary endpoints included 5-year overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), and safety. Results: Of 87 pts registered to this study, 85 were deemed eligible following central pathologic review. One additional patient withdrew consent and received no treatment on protocol. Of the 84 evaluable patients, the median age was 52 years (range 29 - 80) ) and 18%, 40%, and 42%had low, intermediate and high risk FLIPI scores, respectively. Seventy-three pts completed RCHOP and I-131 tositumomab. Grade ≥3 AEs occurring ≥5% of pts included neutropenia (57%), leukopenia (40%), thrombocytopenia (20%), febrile neutropenia (17%), fatigue (10%), neuropathy (8%), anemia (7%) and hyperglycemia (5%). Reasons for discontinuation included refusal of tositumumab (6 pts), prolonged myelosuppression (2 pts), ascites (1pt), inability to provide tositumumab (1 pt), and an unrelated lower extremity wound (1 pt). Following induction and RIT, 59 complete responses and 23 partial responses were observed, for a ORR of 99% (95% CI: 93.5%, 99.9%) Sixty nine eligible patients registered to maintenance therapy with 42 completing the 4 year treatment plan. The only grade ≥3 AE that occurred in ≥5% of pts was leukopenia (5%). Twenty-seven pts discontinued maintenance therapy, including 11 in the first 2 years and 16 in the last 2 years, due to the following reasons: infection (8 pts), patient preference (8 pts), deaths (2 pts), treatment delay (2 pts), secondary solid tumors (2 pts), bowel perforation (1 pt), joint pain (1 pt), hepatic transaminase elevation (1 pt), insurance refusal (1 pt), and dose error (1 pt). Four additional secondary malignancies were reported following completion of therapy including solid tumors (3 pts) and AML (1 pt). To date, 9 deaths have occurred due to secondary malignancies (3 pts), unknown etiology (3 pts), cardiac arrest (2 pts) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis (1 pt). After median follow-up of 5.6 years (range 3-7 years), 17 events have occurred including 9 pts experiencing progressive FL resulting in a progression free survival of 90% (95% CI: 81.9%, 95.1%) at 3 years and 84%(95% CI: 74.5%, 90.6%) at 5 years (Figure). Three-year overall survival is 96% (95% CI: 89.3%, 98.8%) and 5-year overall survival is 94% (95% CI: 86.2%, 97.5%). Conclusions: SWOG 0801 demonstrates near universal responses following chemoimmunotherapy and RIT. This sequential therapeutic strategy appears to improve early outcomes as 94% of pts are without disease progression at 2 years, consistent with the best results ever demonstrated for FL in the National Clinical Trials Network. However, the majority of discontinuations occurred during maintenance suggesting that rituximab over a 4-year span is not feasible for many patients due to cumulative toxicity. Future studies investigating precision strategies in high-risk FL may consider an aggressive chemoimmunotherapy induction and RIT consolidation platform to overcome early FL progression given these promising outcomes. Support: NIH/NCI grants CA180888, CA180819, and in part by GlaxoSmithKline. Figure. Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival Figure. Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival Disclosures Barr: Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy. Smith:Amgen: Other: Educational lecture to sales force; Juno: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Portola: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy, Other: on a DSMB for two trials ; TGTX: Consultancy. Gopal:Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy. Persky:Merck: Research Funding; Gilead: Speakers Bureau. Press:Roche / Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding. Fisher:Gilead: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy. Friedberg:Bayer: Other: Data Safety Monitoring Committee.

High CD49d Protein Expression Predicts Short Overall Survival and Early Progression in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3097-3097
Author(s):  
Valter Gattei ◽  
Pietro Bulian ◽  
Maria Ilaria Del-Principe ◽  
Antonella Zucchetto ◽  
Luca Maurillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Clinical Stage ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Color Flow ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Mutational Status ◽  
Ighv Gene ◽  
The Impact

Abstract B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease with highly variable clinical courses which can be at least in part foreseen by investigating the expression of known prognosticators, including the IGHV gene mutational status or CD38/ZAP-70 expression. By analysing the coordinated expression of several surface antigens in a series of CLL with known clinical courses, we identified the simultaneous over-expression of CD38 and CD49d as part of the signature characterizing the subgroup with the worst outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between CD49d and other well-established biologic prognosticators (CD38 and ZAP-70 expression, IGHV gene mutational status), or markers of tumor burden (Rai clinical stage, beta2-M, sCD23), and to define the independent prognostic impact of CD49d in predicting overall survival (OS) and disease progression (evaluated as time-to-treatment, TTT) in CLL patients. The study includes samples from 303 patients affected by CLL according to the current diagnostic criteria (median age: 63.5 years, range 32–97). The entire cohort of patients was utilized to investigate the impact of CD49d and other prognosticators (CD38, ZAP-70, IGHV gene mutational status) on OS. TTT information and additional laboratory parameters (beta2-M, sCD23) were available for 232/303 patients, whose therapies were established according to NCI-WG criteria. CD49d expression was determined by three-color flow cytometry combining anti-CD49d, anti-CD19 and anti-CD5 mAbs; its expression was demonstrated to be stable over-time and the 30% of positive CD5+CD19+CLL cells was chosen as cut-off to discriminate CD49dlow from CD49dhigh cases. CD49d, whose expression was strongly associated with that of CD38 (p=2.2×10exp-16) and ZAP-70 (p=2.6×10exp-5), or with IGHV gene status (p=1.1×10exp-6), was independent predictor for OS (HR=4.39; p=0.0081) along with IGHV status (HR=5.54; p=0.0005) or, if this parameter was omitted, with ZAP-70 (HR=2.90; p=0.0092). CD49d also effectively predicted TTT and refined the prognostic relevance of all the investigated prognosticators. Notably, a CD49dhigh phenotype, while not changing the outcome of good prognosis (ZAP-70low, mutated-IGHV) CLL, was necessary to correctly predict the bad clinical courses of ZAP-70high (HR=3.12; p=0.023) or unmutated-IGHV (HR=2.95; p=0.002) cases. These findings support the introduction of CD49d detection in routine prognostic assessment of CLL patients, and suggest both pathogenetic and therapeutic implications for CD49d expression in CLL, e.g. envisioning the use of a humanized anti-CD49d monoclonal antibody, currently employed in multiple sclerosis (Natalizumab), for selcted CLL patients.

IGHV Mutational Status Is Prognostic in Del(11q) and Del(17p) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 4598-4598
Author(s):  
Douglas Edward Gladstone ◽  
Amanda Blackford ◽  
Yvette L. Kasamon ◽  
Lode J. Swinnen ◽  
Javier Bolanos Meade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Treatment Initiation ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Allogeneic Bone ◽  
Aggressive Disease ◽  
Mutational Status

Abstract Abstract 4598 Introduction The importance of interphase fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) DNA analysis as a predictive tool for survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is well-established. However, even among cytogenetically defined groups, survival varies widely. In CLL patients who harbor del(13q), their IGHV mutational status predicts for Rai stage progression, treatment initiation and overall survival. Here we analyze, the influence of IGHV mutational status upon overall survival in CLL patients harboring the poor prognostic CLL FISH findings of a del(11q) or del(17p). Methods After IRB approval, we retrospectively reviewed all patients who had IGHV sequence homology analysis performed who also had del(11q) or del (17p) detected by FISH evaluation during the clinical course of their disease. An IGHV non-homologous sequence of <2% was defined as unmutated. Results Between 2006 and March 2011, IGHV mutational studies were performed on 159 CLL patients of whom 70 (44%) had a documented del(11q) or del(17p). Four patient’s IGHV mutational status could not be resulted; they were excluded from further analysis. Of the remaining 66 patients: 39 (59%) had del(11q) and 27 (41%) had del(17p): no patient in this series harbored both del(11q) and del(17p). Fifty (71%), had an unmutated IGHV sequence and 16 (29%) were mutated. The median time from diagnosis to last follow-up for IGHV unmutated patients was 3.1 (range: 0.1–14.6) years and 3.1 (range: 0.6–19.4) years for the IGHV mutated patients (p=0.12). When comparing unmutated to mutated IGHV patients, the median age and Rai stage presentation were similar: in each cohort > 75% were Rai stage 0 or 1. While the majority of patients were treatment naïve at the time of this consultation, unmutated patients were more likely to have received treatment before to this evaluation: 34% vs. 6%, p=0.04. The median time between diagnosis and first FISH analysis was 2.0 (range: 0–13.2) years in the unmutated group and 0.7 (range: 0–18.9) years in the mutated group (p=0.3). No patient died without first receiving CLL treatment. The most common reasons for treatment initiation were either bulky adenopathy or progression to an advanced Rai stage. The 5 year cumulative probability of receiving treatment for the unmutated group was 76% compared to 57% for the mutated group (log rank p = 0.05). Eleven of 67 patients (16%) underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. All eleven transplants were performed in the IGHV unmutated population (11/50; 22%). The median survival for the unmutated patients was 11.3 years with a 5 year OS probability of 68%. For mutated patients, the median survival was not reached and the 5 year OS probability was 89% (log rank p = 0.06). Of the 18 deaths, only one death was not a direct result of CLL; this death occurred four years after the CLL diagnosis in a patient with IGHV unmutated, del(17p) disease. Discussion: We recently reported del(13q) CLL patients with an unmutated IGHV sequence predictably suffer an aggressive disease phenotype. Here, we did not limit analysis to those who concurrently harbored the salutary del(13q). Again, we found, the IGHV mutational status to be the dominate predictor of clinical outcome: despite the presence of del(11q) and/or del(17p), the presence of a mutated IGHV sequence was associated with an indolent clinical course. These analyses suggest CLL FISH aberrations predict clinical outcome because they track with the IGHV mutational status: del (13q) predicts for indolent disease because it is often accompanied by a mutated IGHV sequence; del(11q) and del (17p) predict for aggressive disease as these aberrations are often accompanied by an unmutated IGHV sequence. Importantly, we report a high discordance in our high risk cytogenetic patients and their IGHV mutational risk assessment. Nearly a third of our del(17p)/del(11q) patients had a mutated IGVH sequence, offering an explanation for the variable clinical outcomes seen in high risk cytogenetic groups. Moreover, these findings question the prevailing recommendation of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation to all suitable high risk cytogenetic CLL patients in first response. Additional outcomes research needs to be performed to better inform and guide clinical care in CLL patients who harbor both high and low risk factors. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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