Post-Transplantation High Dose Cyclophosphamide As Gvhd Prophylaxis in 9/10 HLA-Matched Unrelated Donors Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Background: Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is an effective strategy to prevent GVHD after haploidentical or HLA-matched related or unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Our study aim was to determine its efficacy in HLA-mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) HSCT. Methods: We included 113 consecutive adult patients with high risk hematological malignancies who underwent one-antigen MMUD (9/10-matched) bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) HSCT after myeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning at our institution from 2009-2013. Outcomes were compared between (a) conventional GVHD group (n=71) that received in-vivo T-cell depletion with ATG, tacrolimus and methotrexate and (b) PTCy group (n=41) that received PTCy (50 mg/kg/day IV on days 3 and 4) with tacrolimus and MMF. After exclusion of 29 patients with isolated HLA-DQ mismatches, a separate analysis was performed in 84 patients with 7/8 HLA-MUD HSCT; 38 patients received PTCy while 46 patients received conventional prophylaxis. Results: Patients in the conventional group were marginally older (median 54 years; range 19-74) than those in the PTCy group (median 50 years; range 20-64). PB was used more frequently as a graft source in the conventional group (38% vs 17%, p=0.02). PTCy group included more patients with HLA class-I mismatches (87.8%) compared to conventional group (56.9%). There were no other differences between the groups. Incidence of grade II-IV (37% vs 36%, p=0.8) or grade III-IV (17% vs 12%, p=0.5) acute GVHD at day 100 post-transplant was not different between the groups. [Figure 1] Incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD at day 30 was significantly lower after PTCy compared with conventional prophylaxis (0% vs 15%, p <0.001). Correspondingly, incidence of grade III-IV GVHD at day 30 was 0% in the PTCy group and 8% in the conventional group (p=0.08). Cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was similar between the two groups at 6 months (20% vs 15%), 1-year (30% vs 31%) or 2-years (30% vs 42%). Risk factors analysis showed that use of PTCy was the sole independent predictor of lower risk of grade II-IV acute GVHD at day 30 (p=0.01). None of the risk factors evaluated, including PTCy use, were shown to predict the rate of grade II-IV acute GVHD within day 100. Two-year cumulative incidences of NRM (35% vs 25%), disease progression (20% vs 31%), DFS (42% vs 38%) and OS (52% vs 40%) were similar in the PTCy and the conventional groups, respectively. [Figure 1] Median times to neutrophil (18 vs. 12 days, p<0.001) and platelet (25.5 vs. 18 days, p=0.05) engraftment were prolonged in PTCy group. Disease recurrence/persistence was the leading cause of death in both groups, accounting for about 46% of all deaths. Subgroup analysis restricting to patients with BM grafts produced similar findings. In patients with HLA class-I mismatch, PTCy was associated with significantly reduced risk of grade II-IV, but not grade III-IV, acute GVHD at day 30 (p=0.01). However, there were no differences in acute grade II-IV GVHD (HR 1.1, 95% C.I. 0.5-2.5, p=0.7) or acute grade III-IV GVHD (HR 1.5, 95% C.I. 0.4-5.4, p=0.5) by day 100 between the groups. Comparing patients with 7/8-HLA-MUD HSCT, no patient in PTCy group developed acute GVHD at day 30 compared with 8 patients in conventional group (p=0.005). There were no differences in incidence of grade II-IV (HR 1, 95% C.I. 0.5-2.1, p=0.9) or grade III-IV (HR 1.1, 95% C.I. 0.3-3.3, p=0.9) acute GVHD at day 100, chronic GVHD at 6 months (HR 0.8, 95% C.I. 0.2-2.9, p=0.7), 1-year (HR 0.8, 95% C.I. 0.3-2.2, p=0.6) or 2-years (HR 0.7, 95% C.I. 0.2-1.9, p=0.5) between the groups. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that PTCy, tacrolimus and MMF for GVHD prophylaxis is safe and produced similar results as conventional prophylaxis in patients with one antigen HLA-MMUD HSCT. Disclosures Alousi: Therakos, Inc: Research Funding.

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HLA-DP Mismatches Increase the Risk of Acute GVHD after Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Transplantation (UDT).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.3125.3125 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 3125-3125 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Marcos de Lima ◽

Simrit Parmar ◽

Ping Liu ◽

Poliana A. Patah ◽

Pedro Cano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Free Survival ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Reduced Intensity ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract The HLA class II DP locus encode for both subunits of DPB1 heterodimers, which have low levels of expression on the cell surface of antigen presenting cells. We hypothesized that donor-recipient HLA-DP mismatch would lead to an increased incidence of acute (a) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and that 2 mismatches would likely be even more significant. Methods: We studied 84 consecutive patients (pts) with myeloid leukemias in complete remission (CR) transplanted from 01/02 to 02/06. Preparative regimens were ablative IV Busulfan-based (n=58) or Cy/TBI (n=2), and reduced intensity (Fludarabine (Flu)/Bu 130 mg/m2/2 doses plus Gleevec (n=8), and Flu/Melphalan 140 mg/m2 (n=16). Stem cell (SC) source was bone marrow (n=70) or peripheral blood (n=14). ATG was given in 78 cases. GVHD prophylaxis was tacrolimus and mini-methotrexate in all cases, with additional pentostatin in 31 pts. High-resolution typing was sequence-based for HLA-A, B, DRB1; SSP was used for DRB3/4/5, DQB1 and DPB1, and SBT/SSOP for HLA-C. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to study aGVHD-free and relapse-free (RFS) survival. Variables with a p-value <0.25 by univariate analysis were included in the multiple regression analysis (MV). Variables were age, gender, weight, conditioning regimen, GVHD prophylaxis, diagnosis, cytogenetics, SC source, ABO group, infused CD34 and CD3 cell dose, and HLA matching. AGVHD-free survival was calculated from transplant date to date of development of grade II–IV GVHD or completion of 100 days of follow-up. Results: Median age was 48 yrs (range, 14–72). Diagnoses were MDS (n=5), AML (n=58), and CML (n=21). 54 pts (64%) were beyond 1st CR; all CML pts were in >1st chronic phase (CP). Sixty-one pts were 10/10 HLA match (A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1), and 23 had one or more mismatches. All but one pt engrafted neutrophils at a median of 13 days. 33 pts (39%) and 13 pts (15%) developed grade II–IV and III–IV aGVHD, respectively. Chronic GVHD incidence was 51%. With a median follow-up of 18 mo. (range,1.3–52) 60 pts are alive; 40 pts have relapsed or died. Median survival has not been reached. Number of DP mismatches and incidence of aGVHD is shown in the table. The following covariates influenced aGVHD-free survival by MV analysis: Flu-based regimen (P=0.005; HR 0.25 (95%CI 0.1–0.66), reduced intensity regimens (p=0.02; HR 0.35 (95%CI 0.15–0.83) and presence of 2 DPB1 mismatches (p=0.02; HR 3.07 (95%CI 1.19–7.95). Presence of 1 DPB1 mismatch was not significantly associated with aGVHD. There was no statistically significant correlation between presence of 2 DP mismatches and RFS (P=0.17;HR 0.3 (95%CI 0.06–1.65);HR 0.75 for 1 mismatch) or with cGVHD. Actuarial 2-yr survival for 10/10 matched pts without DP mismatches (12/12) versus those with DP mismatches is 82% versus 71%(P=0.6). In the 10/10 matched group, GVHD was the cause of death only among recipients of 2 DP mismatches transplants (n=4). Conclusion: Mismatching at HLA-DPB1 may increase the risk of aGVHD following UDT. The role of DP in the development of GVHD and GVL effects merits future study. Incidence of acute GVHD 10 of 10 matches number of DP mismatches grade II–IV grade III–IV 0 8% 0% 1 23% 8% 2 45% 18% < 10 of 10 matches number of DP mismatches grade II–IV grade III–IV 0 45% 15% 1 82% 36% 2 80% 40%

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Analysis of a New graft–versus-host Disease (GvHD) Prophylaxis Regimen with Additional Enteric-coated Mycophenolate Sodium (EC-MPS) Starting 10 Days after Unrelated Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.2202.2202 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 2202-2202

Author(s):

Herbert G. Sayer ◽

Lars-Olof Mügge ◽

Sebastian Scholl ◽

Anne Klink ◽

Kristina Schilling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Cell Transplantation ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Introduction: Acute GvHD has, despite established immunosuppressive prophylaxis regimens, significant impact on acute morbidity and mortality following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). In the unrelated or even non-matched unrelated situation new GvHD-prophylaxis regimens balancing GvHD and graft-versus-leukaemia effect are needed. EC-MPS and mycophenolate mofetil [MMF] are effective immunosuppressants by inhibition of T- and B-cell proliferation. Primary study aims in this ethical board approved, prospective, single-centre, open phase II trial were (1) feasibility of prolongatedly started oral EC-MPS and (2) reduction in the rate of GvHD in unrelated allogeneic SCT. Patients and Methods: EC-MPS [Myfortic ®] 720 mg twice a day orally starting at day +10 after SCT in addition to standard GvHD prophylaxis, consisting of cyclosporine (CSA) 3 mg/kg continuous intravenous infusion with or without methotrexate (MTX) 15 mg/m2 day +1 and 10 mg/m2 day +3,+6,+11 intravenous push, was evaluated. According to the protocol, EC-MPS was tapered from day +40, if no acute GvHD-signs were present. 54 patients, including 8 patients from a previous pilot trial, with advanced haematological malignancies (n=28) or in first remission of acute leukaemia (n=26) between 8/03 and 12/07 were evaluated. The patients had either a 10/10 HLA-matched (n=32) or a 8-9/10 HLA mismatched unrelated donor (n=22). 32 (59%) patients received 40 mg/kg antithymocyte globulin (ATG), with 8 Gray total body irradiation (TBI) and cyclophosphamide (CY), or with fludarabine 120mg/m2, busulfan 8mg/kg or treosulfan 8–12 mg/kg. 12 or 8 Gray TBI and 120 mg/kg CY followed by MTX i.v. were administered to 22 (41%) patients. Results: A median of 5.7 (range: 0.9–9.9) unmanipulated G-CSF-mobilized CD-34 positive stem cells per kg were given on day 0. All of the 23 women and 31 men (median age 48 years (range: 20–65)), except one patient, showed a leukocyte engraftment on median day +14 (range: 9–35). Platelet engraftment was observed on median day +17 (range: 9–132). In 12 patients (22%) initially i.v. MMF (1g twice a day) instead of oral study medication was given temporarily, mostly due to severe mucositis. In six patients (11%) EC-MPS (on day +14, 17, 22, 32, 37, 76) had to be discontinued, due to severe nausea (n=2), neurological toxicity (n=2), graft failure (n=1) and protocol violation (n=1). Acute GvHD grade II-IV was observed in 27 (52%) patients, including 8 (15%) with grade III and 4 (7.5%) with grade IV. The incidence of chronic GvHD was 63 % (n=29) [limited chronic GvHD: 54 % (n=15), extended chronic GvHD: 14% (n=4)] of the 46 patients surviving >100 days after SCT. With 10/10 HLA-matched donors GvHD grade II-IV was seen in 44% (n= 14) [grade III and IV n=5 (16%)], whereas with non fully-matched donors the incidence was 59 % (n=13) [grade III and IV n=7 (32%)]. Chronic GvHD incidence was 50% (14/28) in the fully matched donor situation in contrast to 83% (15/18) in the non-fully matched situation. The conditioning regimen with ATG resulted in a GvHD grade II-IV incidence of 39% (n=12) [GvHD grade III/IV: 19% (n=6)], compared to 68% (n=15) [GvHD grade III/IV: 27% (n=6)] without ATG. With a median follow-up of 16 months (range: 1–56) 28 patients (52%) are alive, 18 fully HLA-matched stem cell recipients (56%) and 10 mismatched HLA recipients (45%). Survival with or without ATG was 50% (n=16) and 55% (n=12), respectively. Twenty-six (48%) patients have died; 12 (22%) due to relapse, 10 (19%) due to acute/chronic GvHD, and 4 (7%) due to infection/secondary cancer without GvHD. Conclusions: EC-MPS with a 10 day prolongated start after transplantation combined with initial standard GvHD prophylaxis in the unrelated stem cell transplantation setting seems to be feasible. Mucositis was the main course for oral intake problems. The toxicity drop-out rate of 7 % should be considered. The analysis of all evaluable patients in the pilot and the prospective trial yielded effectiveness in reducing severe GvHD Grade III/IV, especially in combination with ATG. The MPS application regimen failed to show less incidence of chronic GvHD in the non-fully matched unrelated donor setting. GvHD prevention trials in the future should incorporate new drugs with a different pathway of T-cell inhibition or tolerance induction, respectively.

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A Bortezomib-Based Regimen Offers Excellent Outcomes In Myeloablative HLA-Mismatched and Unrelated Donor Transplantation: Phase II Results

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3335.3335 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 3335-3335

Author(s):

John Koreth ◽

Haesook T. Kim ◽

Paulina B. Lange ◽

Bhavjot Bindra ◽

Philippe Armand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Myeloablative Conditioning ◽

Upper Gi ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract In a phase I/II trial of a novel bortezomib-based regimen for reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients of HLA-mismatched peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts, we documented low rates of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and non-relapse mortality (NRM), with promising survival. In registry analyses, myeloablative conditioning (MAC) HSCT recipients of both HLA-matched (MUD) and 1-locus mismatched donor (MMUD) grafts also have impaired outcomes, with day +100 grade III-IV acute GVHD rates of 28% and 37% respectively, 1-year NRM of 36% and 45% respectively, 1-year progression-free (PFS) of 47% and 38% respectively, and 1-year overall survival (OS) of 52% and 43% respectively. We therefore evaluated a similar bortezomib-based regimen in MAC HSCT recipients lacking 8/8 HLA-matched (-A, -B, -C, -DRB1) related donors. In a prospective single-arm phase II trial, we enrolled patients with hematologic malignancies, aged 18-60 years, receiving MUD, MMUD, or mismatched related donor (MMRD) grafts. Myeloablative conditioning was IV busulfan (130 mg/m2, without PK dose adjustment) and fludarabine (40 mg/m2) once daily for 4 doses (days -7 to -4). T-replete PBSC grafts with ≥ 2x106 CD34+ cells/kg were infused on day 0. GVHD prophylaxis comprised bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 IV on days +1, +4, +7), methotrexate (15 mg/m2 IV on day +1, 10 mg/m2 on days +3, +6, +11) and tacrolimus from day -3, with a planned taper starting day +100 and complete by day +180. The primary endpoint was day +100 acute GVHD incidence. Secondary endpoints included NRM, relapse, PFS, OS and chronic GVHD at 1 year. The 34 patients (19 male, 15 female), accrued between March 2011 and November 2012, had a median age of 49 years (range, 21-60) and variable diagnoses (17 AML, 6 MDS, 4 NHL, 3 MPD, 2 ALL, 1 CML, 1 MM) and disease risk indices (Low 1, Intermediate 24, High 9). They received 8/8 MUD (n=14), 7/8 MMUD (n=18) or 7/8 MMRD (n=2) PBSC grafts. Mismatches (16 antigen-, 4 allele-level) involved HLA-A (9), -B (1), -C (6) and -DRB1 (4). The median follow up in survivors is 20 months (range, 7.2-25.5). The regimen was feasible and well tolerated. Mucositis was noted in the MAC recipients, but no doses were missed due to toxicity. Excluding 1 patient who died of sepsis prior to engraftment, neutrophil and platelet engraftment was prompt, at a median of 14 (range, 3-33) and 17 (range, 7-54) days respectively. Median day +30 donor chimerism was 99% (range, 90-100). Grade II-IV acute GVHD incidence by day +100 and +180 was 32% and 36% respectively, but only 18% and 21% respectively if upper GI GVHD (which had excellent long term outcomes) was excluded. Grade III-IV acute GVHD incidence by day +100 and +180 was 12%. 2-year cumulative incidence of NRM and relapse was 8.8% and 5.9% respectively. 2-year PFS and OS was 85% and 84% respectively (Figure). 2-year cumulative incidence of extensive chronic GVHD was 57%. For 8/8 MUD vs. 7/8 MMRD/MMUD, grade II-IV acute GVHD by day +180 was 30% vs. 40% (p=0.47) (excluding upper GI GVHD, 16% vs. 25%, p=0.42), and grade III-IV acute GVHD was 7% vs. 15% (p=0.48) respectively.FigureStudy SurvivalFigure. Study Survival In conclusion, bortezomib-based prophylaxis for MAC HSCT recipients of HLA-mismatched and unrelated donor grafts was safe and well-tolerated, with low rates of severe acute GVHD, NRM and relapse, and excellent long-term survival. On preliminary landmark analysis, upper GI GVHD did not appear to impair transplantation outcomes. Bortezomib-based prophylaxis is suitable for prospective randomized evaluation in myeloablative transplantation recipients lacking HLA-matched related donors. Disclosures: Koreth: Millennium pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Off Label Use: Bortezomib for GVHD prophylaxis.

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Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor and NOD2/CARD15 Polymorphisms Independently Influence Survival after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplanation.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2167.2167 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 2167-2167

Author(s):

Sebastian Giebel ◽

Aleksandra Holowecka-Goral ◽

Izabela Nowak ◽

Tomasz Czerw ◽

Jerzy Wojnar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cells ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Kir Genes ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Card15 Gene ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Background: Activating and inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) regulate function of NK cells and a subset of T cells. KIR genotype, in particular the content of activating KIR genes is highly polymorphic. NOD2/CARD15 protein is broadly expressed in APCs and lymphocytes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of this gene have been reported to impair the pathogen elimination and trigger pathologic immunologic reactions like GvHD. The goal of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of donor’s and recipient’s KIR and NOD2/CARD15 genotypes on outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Pateints and methods: One-hundred-two consecutive patients with hematological malignancies, aged 32(18–58)y, treated with alloHSCT from HLA-matched related (n=34) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) (n=68) were included. The conditioning regimen was myeloablative, GVHD prophylaxis consisted of CsA, Mtx, and, in case of MUD-HSCT, pre-transplant ATG. Donors and recipients were tested for 11 KIR genes as well as SNP8,12,13 of the NOD2/CARD15 gene. In addition, immune reconstitution including KIR expression on T cells, was analyzed on days +28, +56, +100, +180, and +360. Results: Overall survival (OS) rate at 2y was significantly lower in alloHSCT with at least one activating KIR mismatch compared to transplants with full compatibility (62% vs. 86%, p=0.01). In particular, the presence of at least one activating KIR in the donor with its absence in the recipient (D+R−) was associated with decreased probability of OS (60% vs. 78%, p=0.01) and DFS (58% vs. 82%, p=0.005), as well as increased incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) (27% vs. 7%). KIR2DS1 and KIR3DS1 D+R− mismatches resulted in increased risk of grade II–IV acute GvHD, whereas KIR2DS3 and KIR2DS2 D+R− mismatches were associated with increased risk of chronic GvHD. The presence of at least one activating KIR D+R− mismatch was associated with increased CD8+/CD4+ T cell ratio up to day +100. In all cases of incompatibility regarding KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2 and KIR3DS1, T cells with expression of respective receptors could be detected up to 360 days after alloHSCT. The presence of SNP8 of the NOD2/CARD15 gene in the recipient was associated with decreased probability of OS (20% vs. 70%, p=0.005) and DFS (20% vs. 70%, p=0.01) as well as increased incidence of NRM (60% vs. 17%) and grade III–IV acute GvHD (67% vs. 8%). In a multivariate analysis including KIR and NOD2/CARD15 polymorphisms together with other potential risk factors, increasing number of D+R− activating KIR mismatches as a linear variable appeared to independently influence OS (HR: 1.3, p=0.02), DFS (HR: 1.3, p=0.008), NRM (HR: 1.4, p=0.02), grade II–IV acute GvHD (HR: 1.4, p=0.001), and chronic GvHD (HR: 1.2; p=0.02). Recipient SNP8 of NOD2/CARD15 was predictive for OS (HR: 5.5, p=0.003), DFS (HR: 4.4, p=0.008), NRM (HR: 5.9, p=0.006), grade III–IV acute GvHD (HR: 6.1, p=0.02), and chronic GvHD (HR: 3.7; p=0.03). Conclusions: Both activating KIR D+R− mismatches and recipient SNP8 of NOD2/CARD15 appear to enhance alloreactivity and independently influence survival after alloHSCT. Evaluation of these polymorphisms may contribute to better donor selection and optimization of the alloHCT procedure.

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Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Cyclosporine (CSP) and Tacrolimus (TAC) for Methotrexate (MTX)-Free Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Prophylaxis after Allogeneic Transplantation from a Matched Related Donor (MRD) with a Reduced-Intensity Regimen Containing Cladribine and Busulfan

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.1170.1170 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 1170-1170 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sung-Won Kim ◽

Takahiro Fukuda ◽

Shotaro Hagiwara ◽

Tsunehiko Komatsu ◽

Tetsuya Goto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Whole Blood ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Trough Level ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Starting Dose ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Reduced Intensity ◽

Grade Iii ◽

Neutrophil Engraftment

Abstract Background: Although GVHD prophylaxis without MTX might enhance a graft-versus-leukemia effect, no randomized controlled trial (RCT) of GVHD prophylaxis has investigated this possibility in a reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) setting. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare CSP and TAC without MTX as GVHD prophylaxis in RIST from a MRD. Methods: Patients with hematological malignancies in complete remission or with a chemosensitive status were eligible for this study if they were either older than 50 years or had significant medical contraindications for conventional transplantation. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD on day 100. Regimen-related toxicities (RRT) between day −8 and day 28 were assessed by NCI-CTC ver 2.0. The conditioning regimen consisted of cladribine (0.11 mg/kg × 6 days) and oral busulfan (4 mg/kg × 2 days). All patients received unmanipulated G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from a MRD. CSP (starting dose 3 mg/kg/day, target whole blood conc. 250–350 ng/mL, target trough level 150–250 ng/mL) or TAC (starting dose 0.03 mg/kg/day, target whole blood conc. 10–20 ng/mL, target trough level 5–10 ng/mL) was given as GVHD prophylaxis from day −1. G-CSF was administered from day +6 until neutrophil engraftment. Results: Sixty-eight patients were enrolled between 2/2003 and 2/2008, but 3 were removed before transplant because of disease progression or infection. The diagnoses included lymphoma (n=27; 10 FL, 6 DLBCL, 6 PTCL and 5 HL), AML (n=14), MDS (n=12), MM (n=5), MPD (n=4) and ALL (n=3). The median age of the patients (56 y vs. 55 y) and the median number of CD34+ cells infused (3.7 ×106/kg vs. 3.1 ×106/kg) were similar in the CSP and TAC arms. The median day of neutrophil engraftment in both arms was day 11. The proportion of patients in the CSP or TAC arm who achieved complete chimerism in CD3+ cell fraction on days 28, 56 and 90 was, respectively, 61% vs. 48%, 80% vs. 76% and 80% vs. 97%. Grade 4 RRT was hepatic disease (n=1, CSP arm), and grade 3 RRT included cardiac (n=1, CSP), renal (n=1, CSP), hepatic (n=2, CSP), oral mucosal (n=1, TAC) and gastrointestinal disease (n=4, CSP vs. n=3, TAC). The incidence of grade II–IV acute GVHD in the TAC arm was significantly lower than that in the CSP arm (Table & Figure). The incidences of grade III–IV acute GVHD and extensive chronic GVHD were not significantly different between the two arms. The non-relapse mortality (NRM) in the TAC arm was significantly lower than that in the CSP arm. The causes of death that contributed to NRM were infection in 6 (CSP arm), GVHD in one (CSP), ARDS in one (TAC) and lung cancer in one (CSP). The relapse rate and relapse-related mortality were not significantly different between the two arms. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 1295 days (169–1954). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates in the TAC arm tended to be higher than those in the CSP arm. Figure Figure Conclusions: A regimen with TAC alone without MTX as GVHD prophylaxis was associated with significantly lower rates of grade II–IV acute GVHD and NRM compared to a regimen with CSP alone after RIST from a MRD. OS and PFS with TAC alone tended to be higher than those with CSP alone. Nevertheless, these results must be considered with care due to the small number of patients, and the optimal use of both drugs is still under investigation. A large-scale RCT to identify suitable GVHD prophylaxis in the RIST setting is warranted. Table: Study Outcomes CSP arm (n=33) TAC arm (n=32) P P value was evaluated with logrank test or Wilcoxon test*. Grade II–IV acute GVHD 64% 39% 0.040 Grade III–IV acute GVHD 30% 23% N.S Extensive chronic GVHD 63% 61% N.S 1-year/3-year NRM 26%/38% 0%/5% 0.008 1-year/3-year relapse 35%/43% 25%/49% N.S 1-year/3-year relapse mortality 27%/33% 10%/42% N.S 1-year/3-year OS 57%/45% 90%/56% 0.135 (0.039*) 1-year/3-year PFS 48%/35% 75%/48% 0.120 (0.047*)

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Outcomes after Double Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation in Children: A Survey on Behalf of Eurocord and PDWP-EBMT

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v124.21.2570.2570 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 124 (21) ◽

pp. 2570-2570

Author(s):

Federica Giannotti ◽

Annalisa Ruggeri ◽

Gerard Michel ◽

Jean-Hugues Dalle ◽

Tracey O'Brien ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Unit ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Median Number ◽

Cell Dose ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Double UCBT (dUCBT) has been used in adults to reach an acceptable cell dose. For most children a single unit with a total nucleated cell (TNC) dose >3x107/Kg can be easily identified, but that is not always the case for heavier patients (pts). Use of dUCBT might decrease relapse and increase graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD). Data on dUCBT in children are scarce in the literature. A recent randomized study in children has described similar outcomes after double compared to single UCBT. Our study provides an overview of the use of dUCBT in the pediatric population reported to Eurocord. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of unrelated dUCBT in 177 children transplanted between 2002 and 2012 in 61 EBMT centres. Analysis was performed separately for pts with malignant (n=139) and non-malignant (NM, n=38) diseases. Among pts with malignancies, 76 had ALL, 40 AML, 6 MDS, 2 CML, 11 NHL, 3 Hodgkin Lymphoma and 1 Multiple Myeloma. Median age at dUCBT was 15 years (1.3-17.9) and median weight was 55 kg (13-97). Disease status at dUCBT was 1st complete remission (CR) (36%), ≥2nd CR (34%) or advanced (25%), and missing in 5% of the pts. In this group, 117pts received a myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and 22 a reduced intensity regimen (RIC). Cyclophosphamide+fludarabine+TBI was administered to 41% of the pts; 55% received ATG in the conditioning. Median number of collected TNC was 5.7x107/kg (3,6-12,8). Considering the unit with the higher number of HLA incompatibilities with the recipient, 56% had 2 mismatches. GvHD prophylaxis was cyclosporine-A (CSA) based in 93% of the pts (58% received CSA + mycofenolate mofetil). Median follow-up was 31 months. Cumulative incidence (CI) of neutrophil (PMN) and platelet (PLT) engraftment was 88% at 60 days and 64% at 180 days after dUCBT, and it was achieved with a median time of 24 and 45 days, respectively. Among the 122 pts with PMN engraftment, 85/94 with available data on chimerism were full donor and, of these, 20% had dual chimerism. CI of acute GvHD grade II-IV and grade III-IV at 100 days was 51% and 26%, respectively; it was significantly higher in pts who did not receive ATG (grade II-IV: 35% vs 67%, p=0.004; grade III-IV: 12% vs 37%, p=0.0075). Chronic GvHD was observed in 24/104 pts at risk (60% extensive; 2-year (yr) CI: 18%). The 2-yr CI of relapse was 31%. In univariate analysis, RIC, advanced stage at transplantation and a collected TNC dose lower than the median, were significantly associated with higher rates of relapse.The 2-yr CI of transplant related mortality (TRM) was 27%. Overall, 73 pts died: 35 of relapse, 15 of infections, 9 of GvHD and 14 of other causes. The 2-yr disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 42% and 45%, respectively. Among pts with NM disorders, 24 had bone marrow failure syndrome (BMFS) (10 Fanconi Anemia, 13 Acquired Aplastic Anemia and 1 other inherited BMFS), 2 hemoglobinopathies, 7 immune deficiencies and 5 metabolic disorders. Median age at dUCBT was 11 years (0.7-17.9) and the median weight was 40 kg (13-70). In this group, 27 pts received a RIC (40% TBI based), 10 a MAC (90% busulfan based), and 1 no conditioning regimen. ATG was administered to 82% of the pts and GvHD prophylaxis was CSA-based in 77%. The median number of collected TNC was 8.4x107/kg (1,2-11,2) and 60% of the grafts had ≥2 HLA mismatches with the recipient. Median follow-up was 39 months. Overall, 28 pts achieved PMN engraftment and 16 PLT engraftment, with a median time of 23 and 61 days, respectively. In univariate analysis, pts with BMFS compared to others had a significantly lower CI of PMN engraftment (58% vs 100%, p=0.002). Among the 10 pts who did not engraft, 3 had autologous reconstitution and 3 had a subsequent allogeneic HSCT. Forteen pts developed acute GvHD grade II-IV and 10/25 pts at risk had chronic GvHD (3 extensive). Overall 21 pts died (17 with BMFS): 9 of infections, 5 of GvHD and 7 of other causes. The 2-yr OS was 42% and it was significantly lower in pts with BMFS compared to those affected by other NM disorders (28% vs 70%, p=0.03). In pts with malignancies, despite a higher incidence of acute GvHD, DFS and OS seem to be comparable to those reported in the literature for single UCBT or HSCT from other alternative stem cell sources. In the NM disorders group, despite the high cell dose, dUCBT did not seem to improve results in pts with BMFS. This survey suggests that dUCBT is feasible in children and should be considered when a single unit with an adequate cell dose is not available. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Post Transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) with Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) Effectively Reduces the Severe (Grade III-IV) Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) When Compared to ATG Alone in Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplants

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3430.3430 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 3430-3430 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Uday Deotare ◽

David Loach ◽

Fotios V. Michelis ◽

Dennis D. Kim ◽

Santhosh Thyagu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Historical Cohort ◽

Stem Cell Source ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Cell Source ◽

Grade Iii ◽

Severe Grade

Abstract Introduction: Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGVHD) is a frequent complication of Allogeneic Hematopoietic cell transplants (allo-HCT). It can be lethal with increased morbidity and mortality and can occur in upto 40-50% of allo-HCT. Various agents such as calcineurin inhibitors, anti-metabolites and anti T cell antibodies, have been variably used for GVHD prophylaxis. Use of Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has recently been used extensively in haplo-identical transplant setting with promising results, but has mainly been used in patients with BM as a stem cell source. In those patients receiving PBSC as a stem cell source, PTCy alone could reduce the risk of acute and chronic GVHD significantly. Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) has been associated with decrease in chronic but not acute GVHD. As most of our patients use PBSC as a graft source, we hypothesized that combination of ATG and PTCy can reduce the incidence of both acute and chronic GVHD. Since we had also used ATG for GVHD prophylaxis in a historical cohort, we compared the results of this approach with the current GVHD prophylaxis regimen. Methods: A total of 28 patients with hematological malignancies, who had an unrelated donor underwent allo-HCT at our center from 1 Oct 2015 to 31 Mar 2016. After interim analysis, when increased non-hematological toxicity was observed with myeloablative conditioning, all patients subsequently received reduced intensity conditioning. Peripheral blood was used as a stem cell source in all patients. The GVHD prophylaxis consisted of a combination of ATG-PTCy-CsA, with rabbit ATG administered on Days -3 (0.5 mg/Kg), -2 (2 mg/Kg) and -1 (2 mg/Kg), PTCy at dose of 50 mg/kg on Days +3 and +4 and CsA from Day+5 onwards. Filgrastim was used from day +7 onwards for 13 patients. Emphasis was given to incidence of acute GVHD, especially Steroid Refractory (SR-GVHD). Results: Out of total of 28 patients, aGVHD was seen in 6 (21.4%) patients, five of which had skin involvement (Grade I- II) and one suspected liver involvement (Grade III), all of which responded rapidly to steroids with no cases of SR-GVHD. Secondary graft failure and EBV reactivations; each were seen in 10% of cases. Primary disease relapse was seen in 3 patients, two of which had minimal residual disease prior to transplantation. These results were then compared to the historical cohort of 27 patients who received a combination of ATG-CsA plus Mycophenolate Mofetil (MMf) (Table 1). The incidence of acute GVHD was 26% vs 22% (p=0.99), with severe Grade III-IV aGVHD of 4% vs 20% (p=0.085) in the ATG-PTCy-CsA and ATG-CsA-MMf cohorts, respectively; both were statistically not signifcant. There were five patients with SR-GVHD in the ATG-CsA-MMf cohort and none in the current GVHD prophylaxis arm. In the historical cohort, the main cause of death in 7 out of 11 patients was severe GVHD as compared to 1 out of 9 in the ATG-PTCy-CsA cohort. Conclusions: Combination of ATG-PTCy-CsA is an effective strategy to reduce aGVHD; especially severe Grade III-IV and doesnot increase the risk of SR-GVHD, in unrelated donor transplants as compared to ATG-CsA-MMf. However, a long term follow up is needed to assess relapse and cGVHD. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) After Double-Unit Cord Blood Transplantation (DCBT) Is Associated with Unique Clinical Features Including a Higher Incidence of Grade III-IV Acute GVHD in Children

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v118.21.3044.3044 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 118 (21) ◽

pp. 3044-3044

Author(s):

Doris M Ponce ◽

Anne Marie Gonzales ◽

Marissa N Lubin ◽

Hugo Castro-Malaspina ◽

Sergio A Giralt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽

Treatment Response ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

High Rate ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Systemic Corticosteroids ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Unit Unit ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Abstract 3044 While the GVHD incidence after unrelated donor CBT is lower than expected for the degree of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-mismatch, GVHD can be a serious complication and at our center has been the second most common cause of transplant-related mortality after DCBT. However, relatively little is known about DCBT GVHD manifestations, treatment response, and risk factors. Therefore, we evaluated 108 DCBT recipients (median 37 years, range 0.9–69) transplanted for hematologic malignancies. The majority had acute leukemia and high-risk disease. Patients received either myeloablative (n = 81) or non-myeloablative (n = 27) conditioning and 4–6/6 HLA-matched grafts. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of a calcineurin-inhibitor with mycophenolate mofetil, and no patient received anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). With a median follow-up of 28 months (range 9–64), the cumulative incidences of day 180 grade II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) were 52% (95%CI :42–62) and 24% (95%CI :15–32), respectively. The median onset was 40 days (range 14–161); the gut was most commonly affected (43/54, 80%) followed by skin (35/54, 65%). Twenty-five patients with mainly grade II gut aGVHD were treated with budesonide alone, 26 patients with predominantly grade III-IV aGVHD received systemic corticosteroids, and complete or partial treatment response was achieved in over 80% by day 56 of therapy. However, 41 patients had active GVHD after day 100 with the majority (25/41, 61%) having aGVHD (persistent, recurrent or late onset), particularly of the gut. Overlap syndrome and classical chronic GVHD were uncommon. Only 1 patient had oral ulceration, and no patient had moderate or severe ocular or sclerotic skin involvement, joint, or pulmonary GVHD manifestations. Univariate analysis of the association between patient/ graft characteristics and grade III-IV aGVHD showed the only significant factor associated with a higher severe aGVHD incidence was age 0–15 years (Figure). Diagnosis, patient ancestry, cytomegalovirus seropositivity, conditioning intensity, and infused cell doses/kg (total graft and engrafting-unit nucleated cell, CD34+ and CD3+) were not significant. A higher engrafting unit-recipient HLA-match of 8–9/10 was associated with a lower incidence of severe aGVHD, and a better unit-unit HLA-match of 6–10/10 was associated with a higher incidence of severe aGVHD, although these differences were not significant (p = 0.128 and 0.266, respectively). To further investigate these findings multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed (Table). Younger age was independently associated with a higher incidence of severe aGVHD (p = 0.042) whereas better engrafting unit-recipient match at 8–9/10 HLA-alleles was protective (p = 0.053). There was a trend toward better unit-unit HLA-match being associated with a higher incidence of grade III-IV aGVHD, but, surprisingly, total infused TNC/kg had no relationship. The 2-year PFS of 72% (95%CI :51–94) in children was higher than the 56% (95%CI :45–66) in adults despite their greater incidence of severe aGVHD. Nine patients (all adult) have died of GVHD including 5 patients initially treated with systemic corticosteroids and 4 with budesonide. We conclude that aGVHD after DCBT is common in the absence of ATG, predominantly affects the gut, and has a high rate of treatment response. Furthermore, GVHD after day 100 frequently has acute features. While the GVHD incidence does not preclude a high rate of survival, improved prophylaxis and treatment are needed. Notably, in contrast to single-unit CBT and adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, children receiving DCBT are at a higher risk for severe disease. A possible approach to reduce aGVHD in pediatric DCBT recipients with adequate CB units doses would be to prioritize high resolution HLA-match. Moreover, our data does not currently support an upper limit of infused TNC/kg in DCBT recipients. Further investigation of the biology underlying these unique observations (including the role of specific cellular subsets) should be a major priority. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Mycophenolate Mofetil as GvHD prophylaxis.

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A Prospective Multicenter Study of Nonmyeloablative Conditioning with TBI or Fludarabine/TBI for HLA-Matched Related Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies with Post Grafting Immunosuppression with Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate Mofetil: 10-Year Experience

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.1949.1949 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 1949-1949

Author(s):

Huiying Qiu ◽

Brenda M. Sandmaier ◽

Barry E. Storer ◽

Thomas Chauncey ◽

Finn Petersen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽

Peripheral Blood ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hematologic Malignancies ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis ◽

Grade Ii ◽

Autologous Hct ◽

Grade Iii

Abstract Background: Nonmyeloablative conditioning with 2-Gy TBI alone or in combination with fludarabine (FLU/TBI) and HLA-matched related donor peripheral blood allografts followed by cyclosporine (CSP) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is an effective therapy for many hematologic malignancies with reliable engraftment and moderate toxicity. The major causes of non-relapse mortality (NRM) are the development of acute and chronic GVHD. Several studies have demonstrated that tacrolimus may offer advantages compared with CSP for the prevention of GVHD in patients treated with myeloablative conditioning. The combination of tacrolimus and MMF, which has been used for GVHD prophylaxis after myeloablative hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), was well tolerated with low toxicity. Pilot data suggested an improved and perhaps superior GVHD prophylaxis with tacrolimus/MMF compared to our extensive historical experience using CSP/MMF with nonmyeloablative HCT. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of grade III-IV and II-IV acute GVHD, extensive chronic GVHD, along with the rate of NRM, relapse/progression, and overall survival after nonmyeloablative conditioning and post-grafting immunosuppression with tacrolimus and MMF. Methods: In a phase II multicenter clinical trial we evaluated the effect of post grafting immunosuppression with tacrolimus and MMF for the prophylaxis of GVHD following nonmyeloablative conditioning with 2-Gy TBI alone or in combination with 90mg/m2 FLU (FLU/TBI) for patients with hematologic malignancies. Patients at low risk of graft rejection (preceding autologous HCT within 6 months) received TBI alone (n=50) while the remaining patients received FLU/TBI conditioning (n=100). Tacrolimus was administered orally (0.06 mg/kg, Q12 hr) from days -3 to +56 and in the absence of GVHD tapered off by day +180. Tacrolimus was targeted to 15-20 ng/ml for the first 28 days and 10-20 ng/ml subsequently while on full dose. MMF was given orally (15 mg/kg, Q12 hr) from day 0 until day 27. Results: 150 patients were enrolled from 2004 to 2013 and received peripheral blood stem cells (median doses of 8.1×106 CD34+ cells/kg and 3.5×108 CD3+ cells/kg) from HLA-matched related donors. Diagnosis at transplant included AML (n=42), ALL (n=6), CLL (n=2), MDS/MPD (n=12), NHL (n=25), HL (n=8), and MM (n=55). Median patient age was 56 (range 19-74) years. Sixty-one percent of patients had an HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI) score of greater than 2. Five percent of patients had failed a prior autologous HCT in FLU/TBI group. Median follow-up was 5.2 years. One graft failure was observed in the FLU/TBI group and no patients rejected their graft. The early NRM at day 100 was 1%. The cumulative incidences of grade II-IV and grade III-IV acute GVHD at 120 days were 26% (FLU/TBI 25%; TBI 28%) and 4% (FLU/TBI 2%; TBI 8%), respectively. Only one patient developed grade IV acute GVHD. Forty-eight percent of patients had chronic GVHD by 5 years (FLU/TBI 44%; TBI 54%). Five-year NRM was low at 12%. The overall cumulative incidence of relapse/progression at 5 years was 52%. Five-year overall and progression-free survivals were 51% and 37%, respectively. Conclusions: Post-grafting immunosuppression and GVHD prophylaxis with tacrolimus/MMF resulted in a low risk of acute and chronic GVHD, which compares favorably with our experience in a concurrent trial using CSP/MMF with FLU/TBI conditioning (46% grades II-IV acute and 72% chronic GVHD with CSP/MMF, respectively; BBMT, 2013, 19: 1340-1347). Furthermore, we recently reported that the active metabolite of MMF (MPA) concentration at steady state (MPA Css) was lower in patients who received concomitant CSP than patients receiving tacrolimus. Low total MPA Css was associated with an increased risk of severe acute GVHD following nonmyeloablative HCT (BBMT 2013, 19: 1159-1166). Together these data warrant consideration of a randomized phase III trial to investigate the role of tacrolimus/MMF versus CSP/MMF in nonmyeloablative HCT. Figure 1. Cumulative incidences of grade II to IV acute GVHD (A) and chronic GVHD (B) Figure 1. Cumulative incidences of grade II to IV acute GVHD (A) and chronic GVHD (B) Disclosures Maloney: Seattle Genetics: Honoraria; Juno Therapeutics: Research Funding; Janssen Scientific Affairs: Honoraria; Roche/Genentech: Honoraria.

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Low Dose Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG) for Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Prophylaxis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5788.5788 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 5788-5788 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anand Tandra ◽

Leland Metheny ◽

David Yao ◽

Paolo F. Caimi ◽

Lauren Brister ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Lymphoproliferative Disorder ◽

Low Dose ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Hla Typing ◽

Viral Reactivation ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Gvhd Prophylaxis

Abstract ATG appears to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Potential risks of this strategy include viral reactivation, delayed immune recovery and increased relapse rates. The ideal dosing of rabbit ATG in this context is largely unknown. We therefore hypothesized that low dose ATG would reduce the incidence of acute and chronic GVHD in matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplants without compromising survival and relapse rate. A retrospective analysis was performed of a cohort of high-risk MUD HSCT recipients treated since year 2013, when our practice changed to include rabbit ATG at 3 mg/Kg for all MUD transplants at the Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Herein we present the results of this analysis. Methods. 58 MUD transplants were performed between years 2013 and 2016, with a median follow up of 262 days post-transplant. All donor-recipient pairs were matched by high resolution HLA typing at HLA-A, -B, -C, and DRB1, (8/8 matches) with the exception of 4 pairs (7/8 matches. Median age was 56 years (range, 53-64). Underlying diagnoses were AML (n=26), MDS (13), CML (n=5), NHL (n=9), Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=2), Multiple Myeloma (n=1) and myeloproliferative disorders (n=2). Preparative regimens were ablative in 26 cases (45 %) and of reduced intensity in 31 cases (55 %). Graft source was bone marrow (n=5) and peripheral blood (n=53). All but 4 pts received GVHD prophylaxis with tacrolimus, and mini-methotrexate (5 mg/m2 on days +1, +3, +6 and +11), in addition to rabbit ATG 3 mg/Kg divided in two doses on days -2 and -1 pre HSCT. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Human Herpes Virus (HHV6) PCR were conducted thrice weekly during the first 100 days after HSCT. Results. The 100-day cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 41% (95% CI: 29-57; Fig 1), while the cumulative incidence of grade III-IV acute GVHD was 18% (95% CI: 9-35; Fig 2). 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 27% (95% CI: 17-42; Fig 3). At 180 days, the incidence of CMV viremia (defined as more than 1,000 copies/mL) was 25% (95% CI: 16-40), while the incidence of EBV and of HHV6 viremia was 35% (95% CI: 24-51) and 14% (95% CI: 8-27), respectively. There was no instance of EBV-related lymphoproliferative disorder. 3-year overall survival estimate is 48% (95% CI: 34-62). Cumulative incidence of Non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse at 1 year was 21% (95% CI: 12-37) and 44% (95% CI: 29-65), respectively. Conclusion. Our study shows that low dose rabbit ATG appears to reduce chronic GVHD rates without a major effect on acute GVHD incidence. CMV, EBV and HHV6 reactivation did occur, albeit at rates that are somewhat lower than those historically reported, without EBV-driven lymphoproliferative disorder. Disclosures Caimi: Genentech: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy.

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