Alemtuzumab Compared With Chlorambucil As First-Line Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (35) ◽  
pp. 5616-5623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hillmen ◽  
Aleksander B. Skotnicki ◽  
Tadeusz Robak ◽  
Branimir Jaksic ◽  
Anna Dmoszynska ◽  
...  

Purpose We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous alemtuzumab compared with chlorambucil in first-line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients and Methods Patients received alemtuzumab (30 mg three times per week, for up to 12 weeks) or chlorambucil (40 mg/m2 every 28 days, for up to 12 months). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points included overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), time to alternative therapy, safety, and overall survival. Results We randomly assigned 297 patients, 149 to alemtuzumab and 148 to chlorambucil. Alemtuzumab had superior PFS, with a 42% reduction in risk of progression or death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.58; P = .0001), and a median time to alternative treatment of 23.3 versus 14.7 months for chlorambucil (HR = 0.54; P = .0001). The ORR was 83% with alemtuzumab (24% CR) versus 55% with chlorambucil (2% CR); differences in ORR and CR were highly statistically significant (P < .0001). Elimination of minimal residual disease occurred in 11 of 36 complete responders to alemtuzumab versus none to chlorambucil. Adverse events profiles were similar, except for more infusion-related and cytomegalovirus (CMV) events with alemtuzumab and more nausea and vomiting with chlorambucil. CMV events had no apparent impact on efficacy. Conclusion As first-line treatment for patients with CLL, alemtuzumab demonstrated significantly improved PFS, time to alternative treatment, ORR and CR, and minimal residual disease–negative remissions compared with chlorambucil, with predictable and manageable toxicity.

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 3237-3237
Author(s):  
Niamh Appleby ◽  
Fiona M Quinn ◽  
David O'Brien ◽  
Smyth Liam ◽  
Johanna Kelly ◽  
...  

Abstract Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) therapy results in a complete remission (CR) rate of 72% and a median progression free survival (PFS) of 80 months in non-del (17P) CLL1. Achieving an MRD negative (MRD-ve) CR after completing therapy is an early surrogate marker for overall survival (OS) and PFS2. Specific genetic CLL subtypes determined by fluorescent in-situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis, immunoglobulin mutation IgVH, NOTCH1 and SF3B1 status determine response to chemotherapy3,4. We completed a multi-centre prospective study between 2008 and 2012, with a median follow up of 62.6 months using MRD status to determine length of therapy. Patients who achieved an MRD-veCR after 4 courses of FCR received no further therapy and the remaining patients completed 6 cycles of FCR. MRD status was tracked 6 monthly in patients who became MRD-veuntil MRD was detected. The genetic subtype was also analysed but did not influence treatment. Fifty-two patients {35M;17F, median age 61years (range 37-73)} were enrolled. Forty-six patients completed the MRD assessment after 4 cycles. Eleven patients discontinued assigned FCR therapy for the following reasons: prolonged cytopenia (4); non-compliance (1); autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (2); renal impairment (1); pleural effusion (1); not recorded (2). Eighteen (34.6%) patients achieved an MRD-veCR after 4 cycles and a further11 after 6cycles resulting in 29/52 (55.8%) MRD-veCRs in total. The median PFS was 72.3 months (95% Confidence Interval 61.3-84.1 months) and the median OS has not been reached. Patients who attained an MRD-veversusMRD+vestatus had a prolonged PFS (81.1 vs 46.2 months, p<0.0002). No difference in PFS was observed between patients reaching an MRD-veCR after 4 versus 6 cycles (median PFS81.1 vs 84.1 months,p=0.29). FISH results were available for 48 patients; del(13q) in 16/48 (33%), del(11q) in 15/48 (31%) no abnormality in 12/48 (25%), trisomy 12 in 4 (8%) and other abnormality in 1 patient. The IgVH status was unfavourable in 34/52 (65%), SF3B1 mutations were detected in 5/51 (9.8%) and NOTCH1 mutations in 10/52(19.2%) patients respectively, comparable to published studies of first-line treatment in CLL3,4. The median PFS for patients with good risk IgVH was not reached. Del(11q) did not impact on PFS (median PFS 66.5 vs 78.9 months, p=0.7301). SF3B1 and NOTCH1 mutated patients had a shortened PFS (median PFS 38.4 vs 71.1 months, p=0.038 and median PFS 62.4 vs 82.2 months p=0.0302, respectively). In conclusion abbreviated FCR therapy is effective for patients achieving MRD-veremission after 4 cycles. SF3B1 and NOTCH1 mutated patients had a short PFS and may benefit from alternative first-line treatment. This finding emphasizes the role mutational profiling will play in optimising and personalising therapy in CLL in the future. Reference: Tam C, O'Brien S, WierdaW, et al. “Long-term results of the fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab regimen as initial therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia” Blood 2008 Aug 15;112(4):975-80 Böttcher S, Ritgen M, Fischer K, et al. "Minimal Residual Disease Quantification is an Independent Predictor of Progression-Free and Overall Survival in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Multivariate Analysis From the Randomized GCLLSG CLL8 Trial" J Clin Onc 2012 Mar 20; 30(9):980-8. StilgenbauerS,SchnaiterA,PaschkaP, et al. "Gene mutations and treatment outcome in chronic lymphocyticleukemia: results from the CLL8 trial" Blood 2014 May 22;123(21):3247-54 Chiaretti S, Marinelli M, Del Giudice I, et al."NOTCH1, SF3B1, BIRC3 and TP53 mutations in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia undergoing first-line treatment: correlation with biological parameters and response to treatment"LeukLymphoma 2014 Dec; 55(12):2785-92 Figure 1 Patient outcomes by MRD status in ICORG 07-01 Trial Figure 1. Patient outcomes by MRD status in ICORG 07-01 Trial Figure 2 Figure 2. Figure 3 Figure 3. Disclosures Crotty: BMS, Takeda, Novartis, Janssen, Roche: Honoraria. O'Dwyer:Glycomimetics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.


2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (41) ◽  
pp. 1622-1628
Author(s):  
Márk Plander ◽  
Judit Skrapits ◽  
Tünde Bozsó ◽  
Tamás Szendrei ◽  
János László Iványi

Introduction: Minimal residual disease is associated with longer overall survival in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Aim: The aim of the authors was to determine the clinical significance of remission and minimal residual disease on the survival of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Methods: Data from 42 first-line treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were analyzed. Minimal residual disease was determined by flow cytometry. Results: Overall response and complete remission was achieved in 91%, 86%, 100% and 87%, 0%, 60% of patients with fludarabine-based combinations, single-agent fludarabine and cyclophosphamide + vincristin + prednisolone regimen, respectively. Minimal residual disease eradication was feasible only with fludarabine-based combinations in 60% of these cases. The ratio of minimal residual disease was 0.5% on average. During a median follow-up period lasting 30 months, the overall survival of patients with fludarabine-resistant disease proved to be significantly shorter (p = 0.04), while complete remission without minimal residual disease was associated with significantly longer progression free survival (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Only fludarabine-based combinations were able to eradicate minimal residual disease in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Complete remission without minimal residual disease may predict longer progression free survival in these patients. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1622–1628.


Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 2886-2886
Author(s):  
Carolina Pavlovsky ◽  
Astrid Pavlovsky ◽  
Isolda Fernandez ◽  
Adriana Galeano ◽  
Francisco Lastiri ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chemoimmunotherapy with 6 cycles of FCR is considered standard therapy for physically fit patients (pts) with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Many pts are unable to complete planned treatment, due to treatment related complications. Levels of minimal residual disease (MRD) have been shown to correlate with PFS in previously untreated patients with CLL (CLL8, Boettcher S et al. Leukemia, 2009). Achieving a negative MRD is therefore a mayor endpoint in treatment. Patients and methods From 4/2003, 39 physically fit pts with CLL who had IWCLL-NCI criteria for initiating treatment started therapy with FCR in our institution. Eleven pts had previously received chlorambucil/prednisone and 28 were not previously treated. Median age at start of therapy was 63 years (34-80), Binet´s clinical stage were A/B: 22 pts (56%) and C: 17 (44%). The CD38 expression was positive (>7% of cells) in 23 (59%) and negative in16 (41%) of the pts. After 4 courses of FCR response was assessed in peripheral blood (PB) or bone marrow (BM) using three colour flow Cytometry. Negative MRD was defined as < 0,1% of light chain restricted CD5+CD19+ B cells in PB and BM as assesed collecting 100000 CD19 cells in a three colour cytometer (FacsScalibur- blue laser ). All these patients stopped therapy after evaluation due to early CR with eradication of MRD. Results All patients had negative MRD in peripheral blood, 35 were also evaluated in bone marrow, 29 showed CR and 6 nodular partial remission (NPR). Neutropenia and infectious events grade 3-4 were observed in 24% and 7% of all the courses respectively. No pts died of toxicity. After a median follow-up of 81 months (4.6-120), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 72 months was 51% and 75% respectively. Five pts died of progressive disease and 3 of a secondary neoplasm. Conclusion Stopping therapy in patients who achieve negative MRD after 4 cycles of FCR is safe and induces durable remission with a PFS and OS of 51% and 75% at 72 months exposing them to less chemotherapy. Large randomized trials are necessary to confirm this data. Disclosures: Pavlovsky: Novartis: Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau.


2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 980-988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Böttcher ◽  
Matthias Ritgen ◽  
Kirsten Fischer ◽  
Stephan Stilgenbauer ◽  
Raymonde M. Busch ◽  
...  

Purpose To determine the clinical significance of flow cytometric minimal residual disease (MRD) quantification in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in addition to pretherapeutic risk factors and to compare the prognostic impact of MRD between the arms of the German CLL Study Group CLL8 trial. Patients and Methods MRD levels were prospectively quantified in 1,775 blood and bone marrow samples from 493 patients randomly assigned to receive fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) or FC plus rituximab (FCR). Patients were categorized by MRD into low- (< 10−4), intermediate- (≥ 10−4 to <10−2), and high-level (≥ 10−2) groups. Results Low MRD levels during and after therapy were associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS; P < .0001). Median PFS is estimated at 68.7, 40.5, and 15.4 months for low, intermediate, and high MRD levels, respectively, when assessed 2 months after therapy. Compared with patients with low MRD, greater risks of disease progression were associated with intermediate and high MRD levels (hazard ratios, 2.49 and 14.7, respectively; both P < .0001). Median OS was 48.4 months in patients with high MRD and was not reached for lower MRD levels. MRD remained predictive for OS and PFS in multivariate analyses that included the most important pretherapeutic risk markers in CLL. PFS and OS did not differ between treatment arms within each MRD category. However, FCR induced low MRD levels more frequently than FC. Conclusion MRD levels independently predict OS and PFS in CLL. Therefore, MRD quantification might serve as a surrogate marker to assess treatment efficacy in randomized trials before clinical end points can be evaluated.


Author(s):  
William G. Wierda ◽  
John N. Allan ◽  
Tanya Siddiqi ◽  
Thomas J. Kipps ◽  
Stephen Opat ◽  
...  

PURPOSE CAPTIVATE ( NCT02910583 ), a randomized phase II study, evaluates minimal residual disease (MRD)-guided treatment discontinuation following completion of first-line ibrutinib plus venetoclax treatment in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). METHODS Previously untreated CLL patients age < 70 years received three cycles of ibrutinib and then 12 cycles of combined ibrutinib plus venetoclax. Patients in the MRD cohort who met the stringent random assignment criteria for confirmed undetectable MRD (Confirmed uMRD) were randomly assigned 1:1 to double-blind placebo or ibrutinib; patients without Confirmed uMRD (uMRD Not Confirmed) were randomly assigned 1:1 to open-label ibrutinib or ibrutinib plus venetoclax. Primary end point was 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate with placebo versus ibrutinib in the Confirmed uMRD population. Secondary end points included response rates, uMRD, and safety. RESULTS One hundred sixty-four patients initiated three cycles of ibrutinib lead-in. After 12 cycles of ibrutinib plus venetoclax, best uMRD response rates were 75% (peripheral blood) and 68% (bone marrow). Patients with Confirmed uMRD were randomly assigned to receive placebo (n = 43) or ibrutinib (n = 43); patients with uMRD Not Confirmed were randomly assigned to ibrutinib (n = 31) or ibrutinib plus venetoclax (n = 32). Median follow-up was 31.3 months. One-year DFS rate was not significantly different between placebo (95%) and ibrutinib (100%; arm difference: 4.7% [95% CI, –1.6 to 10.9]; P = .15) in the Confirmed uMRD population. After ibrutinib lead-in tumor debulking, 36 of 40 patients (90%) with high tumor lysis syndrome risk at baseline shifted to medium or low tumor lysis syndrome risk categories. Adverse events were most frequent during the first 6 months of ibrutinib plus venetoclax and generally decreased over time. CONCLUSION The 1-year DFS rate of 95% in placebo-randomly assigned patients with Confirmed uMRD suggests the potential for fixed-duration treatment with this all-oral, once-daily, chemotherapy-free regimen in first-line CLL.


2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (7) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
E A Stadnik ◽  
V V Strugov ◽  
T O Andreeva ◽  
Yu V Virts ◽  
A M Rumyantsev ◽  
...  

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the BR regimen containing bendamustine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not previously received specific therapy. Subjects and methods. The results of the Russian prospective observational multicenter study BEN-001 (2012—2015) covering 196 CLL patients from 34 centers of the Russian Federation were analyzed. The diagnosis was confirmed by the results of peripheral blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping. A centralized approach was employed to make IGHV gene mutational status analysis, FISH examination, and minimal residual disease according to standardized methods. Quality-of-life (QOL) indicators were estimated using the EQ-5D and FACT-Leu questionnaires. Survival rates were calculated applying by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results. The patients’ median age was 61 years. 41% of patients had a decline in estimated creatinine clearance less than 70 ml/min/1.73 m2. The combination of bendamustine and rituximab could achieve a common response in 83.2% of the patients, including complete remission in 59.7%. Eradication of minimal residual disease was achieved in 23 (27.4%) of 84 patients. Two-year progression-free survival rates were 85.9%. The QOL indicators were noted to be improved during the treatment. Conclusion. The investigation shows the good tolerability of bendamustine when it is used in clinical practice. Due to the high cost of new drugs (ibrutinib, obinutuzumab, ofatumumab, etc.) and toxicity of the FCR regimen, the combination including bendamustine can be the best first-line therapy option for all CLL patients, regardless of their age and comorbidity.


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