Open lung biopsy (OLB) to diagnose pulmonary complications (PC) after high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT)

Abstract The addition of Rituximab to standard combination chemotherapy has significantly improved outcomes in both young and elderly patients with Non-hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). High dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant is currently the standard of care for patients with relapsed hodgkins lymphoma (HL) and NHL. However the effect of the addition of Rituximab to standard high dose chemotherapy regimen for autologous stem cell transplant on neutrophil and platelet engraftment is unknown. There are however, reported cases of neutropenia developing in patients treated with Rituximab. We performed a retrospect review of all patients with HL and NHL treated in our institution with RBEAM (Rituximab, Carmustine, Etoposide, Cytarabine, Melphalan) chemotherapy between July 2000 and June 2005 and compared it to patients receiving BEAM in the same time period. Rituximab was given at a dose of 375mg/m2 one day prior to beginning standard BEAM high dose chemotherapy. Peripheral blood was the main source of stem cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of Rituximab on neutrophil and platelet engraftment. A total of 46 patients were treated during this time period. Twelve patients received RBEAM and 34 received BEAM. There was a statistical significant difference in age between the two groups. There was however no difference between the two groups in terms of race, sex and primary diagnosis. Median stem cell dose was not significantly different between the two groups. Characteristic of both groups are shown in Table: 1 Characteristics of Both Groups Median Age (yrs) Race Diagnosis Median Stem Cell Dose(x10^6) AA White HL NHL RBEAM 50.5 3 9 3 9 3.9 BEAM 36 13 21 17 17 3.8 P-VALUE 0.01 0.49 0.2 0.54 Neutrophil engraftment was defined as the first day of ANC > 500 on 3 consecutive days. Platelet engraftment was defined as the first day of platelet count > 20,000 with no platelet transfusion in the next seven days. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 12 day in RBEAM compared to 11 days in BEAM (p=0.09). Platelet engraftment was however significantly delayed in patients receiving RBEAM 18days versus 12 days for BEAM (p= 0.02). Looking at both cohorts together we found that patients with HL had a significant delay in platelet engraftment compared to those with NHL (p=0.04). However there was no difference in neutrophil recovery. Although, stem cell dose affected neutrophil recovery, it had no effect on platelet engraftment. There was no increased toxicity in the early post transplant period associated with the addition of Rituximab. No bleeding complications resulted form the delay in platelet engraftment in the patients who received RBEAM. In a linear regression model the only factor that significantly affected engraftment was conditioning regimen. We conclude that the addition of Rituximab to standard high dose BEAM chemotherapy for autologous stem cell transplant has no effect on neutrophil engraftment; however platelet engraftment may be delayed. The continue use of this regimen despite the small delay in platelet engraftment will depend on whether there is any benefit, in terms of response rate, progression free and overall survival.

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Role of High-Dose Chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Primary Systemic Amyloidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.2872.2872 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 2872-2872

Author(s):

Madhusmita Behera ◽

Ambuj Kumar ◽

Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja ◽

Benjamin Djulbegovic

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Overall Survival ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

High Dose Chemotherapy ◽

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant ◽

High Dose ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Conventional Chemotherapy

Abstract Background: Primary systemic amyloidosis (AL) is a rare plasma cell clonal disorder(8/million) characterized by extracellular deposits of material composed mainly of fragments of light chain immunoglobulin throughout a body. Standard chemotherapy (e.g. melphalan and prednisone) is associated with poor outcomes (typical median survival is between 12–18 months with less than 5% survive 10 years). Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) has been increasingly advocated for treatment of AL. However, it is uncertain whether ASCT is better than standard chemotherapy. To address this uncertainty, we undertook a systematic review/meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplant (HSCT) versus conventional chemotherapy in patients with AL. Methods: Data search of published studies included Medline [all randomized controlled trials (RCTs)], Cochrane library and hand search of references. Studies were included if they were comparison trials of HSCT versus conventional chemotherapy, regardless if they were RCTs, prospective studies with historical control, or single arm studies. The studies were eligible if patients had biopsy proven AL with at least one major organ involved. Data were extracted on benefits as well as harms (overall survival, event-free survival, response, treatment related mortality, treatment-related morbidity). Results: Out of 34 identified studies only 13 met the inclusion criteria for the current systematic review (2 RCTs, 2 prospective non-randomized trials involving historical control, and 9 single arm trials). Altogether these trials enrolled 1056 patients. Pooled data from 4 trials with controls (RCT and non-RCT) found similar overall survival for ASCT and conventional therapy arms [hazard ratio (HR) of 1.10 (95% CI 0.88, 1.36, p=0.4); p= 0.6]. Analysis of data according to trial design also did not find any difference in survival [HR for RCTs was 1.10 (95% CI 0.88, 1.37) and for non RCTs HR was 0.98 (95% CI 0.29, 3.35)]. The complete hematological response was also similar in both arms in RCTs (Odds ratio [OR]=1.38, 95%CI 0.67, 2.85; p=0.4) and non RCTs (OR=1.78, 95%CI 0.22, 14.65; p=0.32). The pooled proportion of treatment-related deaths in the single arm studies for AHCT was 0.119 (95% CI = 0.09 to 0.14)]. Conclusion: The results from the meta-analysis indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between the treatment effects from high-dose chemotherapy with ASCT and conventional chemotherapy. Hence, the efficacy of ASCT in improving overall survival and complete hematological response remains to be proven.

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Rituximab in Combination with High-Dose Steroids in Advanced, Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.4719.4719 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 4719-4719

Author(s):

John Quinn ◽

Sajir Mohamedbhai ◽

Marilyn Treacey ◽

Shirley D’Sa ◽

Amit Nathwani

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Lymphocytic Leukaemia ◽

Median Number ◽

High Dose ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Post Transplant ◽

Reduced Intensity

Abstract High-dose methlyprednislone (HDMP) is active in refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), and rituximab, although showing limited efficacy as a single agent, is effective when used in combination with other cytotoxic agents. Early relapse (<12 months) after purine-analogue based treatment poses a difficult management problem as older patients may be unable to tolerate treatment intensification. This retrospective audit examines the outcome in patients with advanced, refractory/relapsed CLL treated with a combination of high-dose steroids and rituximab. Eleven patients with CLL were treated with rituximab (375mg/m2) and high-dose steroids between 2003 and 2007. Ten patients had advanced and/or refractory disease and one patient had severe autoimmune haemolytic anaemia complicating early-stage CLL. Median age was 70 (range 54–82) and there were 7 male and 4 female patients. Nine patients had Binet stage C disease. Six of the 7 patients for whom results were available had germ-line variable heavy chain immunoglobuliun genes. Median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 1–6) with 9 patients having already received a fludarabine based-regimen. Six patients received a combination of rituximab and high-dose methylprednisolone (1gm/m2 on days 1–5) and 5 patients received a combination of rituximab and high-dose dexamethasone (40mg daily on days 1–4) and. Cycles were repeated every 28 days and the median number of cycles received was 4 (3–6). Antiviral and anti-PCP prophlaxis with aciclovir and co-trimoxazole was routinely prescribed. Response was assessed according to the NCI working group criteria. There was one complete response (CR) and 7 partial responses (PR). Furthermore, 2 of the patients who achieved a PR were successfully salvaged prior to reduced-intensity allogeneic stem-cell transplant and both remain in complete remission (CR) post-transplant. The other 3 patients had minor responses that did not meet NCI response criteria. Median duration of response was 13 months (6–35), excluding the 2 patients who received allogeneic transplants. Three patients required hospital admission with infective complications during treatment. No other significant toxicity was observed. 3 patients have died, none of whom had attained a PR. In conclusion, we found that rituximab in combination with high-dose steroids is a safe and well-tolerated combination in patients with advanced refractory CLL. One patient achieved a CR and we observed a PR in 7/11 patients. Importantly, 2 of these patients were successfully salvaged prior to reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic stem-cell transplant and both remain in CR at 4 and 12 months respectively post-transplant.

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Characteristics and Outcome of Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Refractory to One Cycle of High Dose Cytarabine-Based Induction Chemotherapy.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.1038.1038 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 1038-1038

Author(s):

Farhad Ravandi ◽

Jorge Cortes ◽

Stefan Faderl ◽

Susan O'Brien ◽

Guillermo Garcia-Manero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Single Agent ◽

Salvage Chemotherapy ◽

High Dose ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Refractory Disease ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

Abstract Abstract 1038 Poster Board I-60 Background: Outcome of patients (pts) with AML refractory to initial induction is assumed to be poor but the available data is limited. Furthermore, pts refractory to standard dose cytarabine-based regimens may be salvaged with high dose ara-C (HiDaC, defined as daily ara-C dose ≥ 1 g/m2). Information on the outcome of pts refractory to initial HiDaC - based induction is more limited. Aim To better characterize predictors of poor response to HiDaC-based induction and to evaluate the outcome of pts refractory to such induction regimens. Methods: We identified pts treated with induction regimens containing HiDaC at the University of Texas – M D Anderson Cancer Center who did not achieve a compete remission (CR) after one cycle of induction. We examined their pre-treatment characteristics and compared them with similar pts achieving a CR. We also examined their response to salvage chemotherapy and outcome. Results: Among 1179 pts treated with HiDaC-based induction therapy from 1995 to 2009, 285 were primary refractory to one course of induction. Their median age was 59 (range, 18 - 85). Median pretreatment WBC was 9.0 × 109/L (range, 0.3 – 394 × 109/L). Cytogenetics included-5/-7/complex 101 (35%), diploid 85 (30%), other intermediate 98 (34%), favorable 1 (<1%). 165 (58%) pts had antecedent hematological disorder. Induction regimens used included HiDaC with anthracyclines (n=181, 64%), HiDaC with non-anthracycline chemotherapy (fludarabine, clofarabine, topotecan, and troxacitabine) (n=104, 36%) Pts with primary refractory disease were older (Median age 59 vs. 56; p=000004), more likely to have chromosome 5/7 or complex cytogenetic abnormalities (P=0.0001), more likely to have AHD (p=0.0001), and had a higher presentation WBC (P=0.036), but not a higher incidence of FLT3 mutations (p=0.85) than those achieving CR. Primary refractory disease was not more likely with non-anthracycline containing regimens than those with anthracyclines (p=0.58). Salvage chemotherapy included combination chemotherapy in 111 (39%)(non-ara-C regimen in 40, containing ara-C in 71), single agent chemotherapy in 64 (22%), allogeneic stem cell transplant in 22 (8%) and none in 88 (31%). Forty-three (15%) pts responded to salvage including 35 CR and 8 CRp. 114 (58%) pts were resistant and 35 (18%) died; 5 (3%) were lost to follow-up. With a median follow-up of 115 weeks (range 8 – 347 weeks) in pts responding to salvage, 21 pts (7%) were alive and in CR, for at least 6 months including 14 who underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplant (median overall survival for these 21 pts, 30 months; range, 13 to 87 months). Conclusions: Outcome of pts with disease refractory to HiDaC-based induction is poor. Alternative strategies are needed in these pts who are likely to be resistant to standard chemotherapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

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Phase II Study of Combination of the Hypercvad Regimen with Dasatinib in the Front Line Therapy of Patients with Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph) Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v114.22.837.837 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 114 (22) ◽

pp. 837-837 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Farhad Ravandi ◽

Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽

Deborah A. Thomas ◽

Stefan Faderl ◽

Dan Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Phase Ii ◽

Research Funding ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

High Dose ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Newly Diagnosed ◽

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Median Response ◽

Platelet Recovery

Abstract Abstract 837 Background: Combination therapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors has improved the outcome for patients with Ph+ ALL with durable remissions in some patients even without an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The dual Src and Abl inhibitor dasatinib has ∼325 times more potent in vitro kinase inhibition than imatinib against BCR-ABL with significant clinical activity in patients with imatinib-resistant lymphoid blast phase CML (CML-LB) and Ph+ ALL. Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of combining chemotherapy with dasatinib for treating patients with Ph+ ALL. Methods: In this phase II trial, patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL receive dasatinib 50 mg po bid (or 100 mg daily) for the first 14 days of each of 8 cycles of alternating hyperCVAD and high dose cytarabine and methotrexate. Patients in CR continue to receive maintenance dasatinib 50 mg po bid (or 100 mg daily) and vincristine and prednisone monthly for 2 years followed by dasatinib indefinitely. Results: We have enrolled in the study 34 patients with untreated Ph+ ALL and 7 patients with 1 prior cycle of chemotherapy (before Ph+/BCR-ABL+ status was known). Patients younger than 50 years old have received a median of 6 cycles (range 2-8) and patients 50 years and older have received a median of 6 cycles (range 1-8). 20 patients are receiving maintenance in CR and two have completed the entire treatment regimen. Median age is 51 years (range 21 – 79); 22 patients were older than 50 years, Median WBC at diagnosis was 13.6 × 109/L (range, 1-276 × 109/L). 12 patients had CNS involvement at presentation. All patients are evaluable for assessment of response to induction; 39 (95%) achieved CR after first cycle or were CR at start. Two patients died before response assessment from infections. Thirty-one of 39 (79%) evaluable patients achieved cytogenetic (CG) CR after 1 cycle; 4 had a major CG response (3 had 5% and one had 15% Ph+), 2 had insufficient metaphases, and 2 are unknown (no CG exam on day 21 marrow). To date, 22 patients (56%) have achieved complete molecular remission (CMR) and another 8 (21%) have achieved a major (but not complete) molecular response (MMR) at a median of 14 weeks from initiation of treatment (range 2 – 59 weeks). Minimal residual disease assessment by flow cytometry is negative in 35 (90%) patients at a median of 3 weeks (range, 2-18 weeks). The median time to neutrophil and platelet recovery for cycle 1 is 18 and 23 days and for subsequent cycles is 15 and 20 days. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events have included bleeding (GI, GU, soft tissue and subdural hematomas)(18), pleural effusions (9), pericardial effusion (1), reversible rise in creatinine (10), deep vein thromboses (6), pulmonary emboli (3), as well as diarrhea, infections, hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia, and elevated transaminases. With a median follow up of 13 months (range 1-33), 29 patients (71%) are alive and 27 (66%) are in CR; 4 patients died in CR; 1 from an unrelated cardiac event and 3 from infections. Three patients have undergone an allogeneic stem cell transplant. The median disease free survival is 48+ weeks (range,1 to 140+) and the median overall survival is 52+ weeks (range, 3 to 143+). Eight patients have relapsed with a median response duration of 51 weeks (range 23-73) and 6 of them have died. In 5 patients morphological relapse was preceded by flow and molecular relapse. Five relapsed patients had ABL mutations (3 T315I, 1 F359V, and 1 V299L). Conclusion: Combination of chemotherapy with dasatinib is effective in achieving long term remissions in patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ ALL. Disclosures: Ravandi: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding. Kantarjian:Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Wierda:Genzyme: Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria. Cortes:Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding. O'Brien:Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding.

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Efficacy and Safety Of Treatments For Relapsed Or Refractory DLBCL: Results Of a Systematic Literature Review

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.5104.5104 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 5104-5104 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ann Colosia ◽

Peter C Trask ◽

Robert Olivares ◽

Shahnaz Khan ◽

Adeline Abbe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplant ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

High Dose Chemotherapy ◽

High Dose ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Free Survival ◽

Career Development Award

Abstract Background Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for 30% to 40% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) cases in Western countries. Although two-thirds of patients may be cured with combination chemotherapy, in the event of treatment failure and for those who are refractory to treatment, survival is usually measured in months. Several therapeutic modalities have been utilized for patients with relapsed or refractory disease, but among patients who are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant, a comprehensive assessment of efficacy and safety is lacking. This systematic literature review (SLR) was designed to exhaustively collect and review information on the clinical efficacy and safety of the different interventions used in the treatment of refractory or relapsed DLBCL, and if possible to perform a meta-analysis. Methods Electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase) were searched for relevant studies published from 1997 to August 2, 2012. In addition, conference abstracts, bibliographic reference lists of included articles and recent reviews, and the Clinicaltrials.gov database were searched for phase 2, 3, or 4 studies displaying results, potentially unpublished in peer-reviewed journals. Main efficacy outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), complete response, partial response, duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Safety endpoints focused on grade 3/4 toxicities and treatment discontinuation due to toxicity. Studies had to report on relapsed or refractory DLBCL after at least one standard treatment and patients who were not eligible to receive high-dose chemotherapy or stem cell transplant (autologous or allogeneic). Mixed type NHL studies were required to report DLBCL outcomes separately for inclusion. Results A total of 3,308 publications were identified in the first pass of a broad SLR on NHL; of these, 57 provided relevant data for DLBCL representing 54 unique studies. Of the 54 studies, there was 1 phase 3 study, 33 phase 2 studies, and 4 phase 1/2 studies (15 studies did not report the study phase and 1 was an observational study). Six studies were comparative (3 randomized trials; 3 nonrandomized trials) with two treatment arms; 48 studies were single arm. Of the 48 regimens evaluated, few regimens were represented more than once. Overall survival and PFS were often not reported or not reported separately for the patients with DLBCL in studies that enrolled patients with any of the multiple lymphoma histologies. Refractory and relapsed criteria were often not defined, and definitions were heterogeneous when available. The ORR from the few comparative studies ranged from 27% to 100%, with most estimates between 40% and 70%. PFS with low and high doses of obintuzumab was 2 months and 3 months, respectively in one study, and OS was 4 months with MEP and 7 months with C-MEP in another study. There was a common regimen in two of the randomized controlled trials, but the patient populations in these studies differed too greatly to allow a valid meta-analysis to be performed. In the single-arm studies, ORR ranged from 11% to 100%, with the estimates evenly distributed across that range. Progression-free survival was approximately 1 to 10 months. Reported median OS ranged from 1 to 13 months. Main safety concerns included thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and neutropenia. Conclusions There is a high unmet need for effective therapies for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who are ineligible for stem cell transplant. Although numerous regimens have been evaluated in single-arm trials and a handful in comparative studies, there is no clearly superior regimen for patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL, especially in third- and later lines of therapy. FA is supported by a Clinical Career Development Award from the Lymphoma Research Foundation Disclosures: Colosia: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Trask: Sanofi: Employment. Olivares: Sanofi: Employment. Khan: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Abbe: Sanofi: Employment. Police: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Njue: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Wang: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Sherrill: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Ruiz-Soto: Sanofi: Employment. Kaye: RTI Health Solutions: Employment. Awan: Lymphoma Research Foundation (Career Development Award): Research Funding.

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