Economic benefits of adequate molecular monitoring in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 7093-7093
Author(s):  
Lei Chen ◽  
Annie Guérin ◽  
Eric Q. Wu ◽  
Katherine Dea ◽  
Stuart L. Goldberg

7093 Background: Molecular monitoring every 3 months using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of BCR-ABL mRNA transcripts on International Scale is recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the European LeukemiaNet for patients (pts) in chronic phase of CML. A previous study has shown an underutilization of qPCR in the community setting. This study assessed the impact of the frequency of molecular monitoring on hospitalization and medical costs among CML pts receiving 1st-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies. Methods: Two U.S. administrative claims databases were combined (01/2000-06/2012) to identify adult CML pts initiated on TKIs (imatinib, dasatinib, nilotinib). Pts were followed for 12 months from their first TKI prescription and categorized into 3 cohorts based on frequency of qPCR tests (i.e., 0, 1-2, and 3-4). Number of inpatient admissions and medical service costs (measured from a US payer perspective; adjusted to 2012 U.S. dollars) were compared between cohorts. Multivariate regression models adjusted for confounding factors (e.g., age, gender, CML complexity, TKI). Results: The study included 1,205 CML pts. Over the 12-month study period, 41.0% of the pts had no qPCR test, 31.9% had 1-2 tests, and 27.1 % had 3-4 tests. Compared to pts with no qPCR monitoring, those with 3-4 tests incurred 37% fewer CML-related (i.e., a primary CML diagnosis) inpatient admissions (p=.017) during the study period, leading to a $4,000 (p=.009) reduction in CML-related inpatient costs and $5,663 (p=.005) reduction in all-cause inpatient costs, accounting for the majority of the $5,997 reduction in total medical service costs (p=.049). Pts with 1-2 tests a year showed smaller and statistically insignificant reductions from those with no test in the frequency of hospitalization and medical costs. Conclusions: Among CML pts who initiated 1st-line TKIs, pts with 3-4 qPCR tests a year incurred fewer inpatient admissions and lower medical service costs compared to pts with no test. These findings suggest that pts would benefit from regular qPCR testing and underscore the value of molecular monitoring in the delivery of quality care for Ph+ CML-CP pts on TKI therapies.

Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 1669-1669
Author(s):  
Franck E. Nicolini ◽  
Françoise Huguet ◽  
Hélène Labussière-Wallet ◽  
Yann Guillermin ◽  
Madeleine Etienne ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1669 Most epidemiologic studies performed in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) relate that the disease occurs preferentially in males with a sex ratio of ∼1.2. In addition, CML can be diagnosed in young adults and masculine fertility is a matter of concern, particularly because tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) may impact on spermatogenesis by a selective inhibition of Src kinases, PDGF-R and c-kit. Sperm cryopreservation is recommended by some authors at diagnosis in males that would expect to have children later on. In a retrospective analysis we have analysed the spermograms of 62 chronic phase (CP) and 2 onset blast crisis (BC) CML males referred to our 3 centres between 2001 and 2012, collected at diagnosis before TKI treatment, and we have compared the results obtained to those of 15 healthy volunteer donors from the cryopreservation bank database, after informed consent. In 10 patients we could collect some data for patients being on imatinib mesylate (IM). CML patients had a median age of 31 (16–48) years, significantly younger than that in the control group of healthy donors: 37 (34–45) years (p=0.001). Sokal scores were 24% high, 27% intermediate and 49% low for evaluable patients (13 patients unknown or not available). The median BCR-ABLIS value at diagnosis was 77.65%. Patients had a median duration of 26 (0–38) days of hydroxyurea prior to commencing any TKI and 65% of evaluable patients had HU before TKI. None of the patients got interferon prior to TKI. The semen cryopreservation was performed within a median of 10 (2–102) days after CML diagnosis and after a median abstinence of 5 (0.5–30) days. The median volume of semen obtained in CML patients was 2.95 (0.5–14.9) ml and 3 (1.4–5.3) ml for normal donors (p=0.3). Williams test showed 72 (0–87)% of necrospermia in patients versus 18 (4–32)% in donors (p=0.00003). The median number of spermatozoa obtained was not different in patients [46 (0.03–200) 106/ml] than that in donors [74 (19.2–253) 106/ml] (p=0.24), as well as the number of spermatozoa per ejaculate observed (p=0.49). The motility of spermatozoa at 30 minutes after collection was not different between patients (median = 47.5%) and donors (median = 50%) (p=0.12), however higher numbers of atypical spermatozoa were observed in patients [median = 77.5 (16–100)%] rather than in donors [median = 45% (22–89)%], p=0.008, and the multiple abnormalities index (MAI) was significantly higher in patients [median = 1.99 (1.14–2.7)] than that in donors [median = 1.33 (1.09–1.55)], p=0.00006. There was no correlation between age at diagnosis, Sokal index and the number of spermatozoa per ml obtained (p=0.7 and 0.21 respectively). Ten CP CML patients had spermograms after a median of 1440 (9–1456) days of IM treatment and the results obtained were compared to i) the results of each individual patient at CP diagnosis and ii) to the results of healthy comparators. In comparison to the characteristics observed at diagnosis, the semen volume (median = 3.1 ml), Williams test (median = 65%), the motility at 30 minutes (median = 37.5%) and the MAI (median = 1.71) were not different (p=ns for all), however, the numbers of spermatozoa (median = 14.9 106/ml and = 37.05 ml per ejaculate) collected on IM were significantly lower (p=0.014 and p=0.045 respectively). The different parameters evaluated on IM were compared to those of normal controls and showed significant alterations. The semen volume was not different (p=0.94), neither the motility of spermatozoa (p=0.24), but the Williams test was highly perturbed on IM [median 65 (24–79)% versus 18 (4–32)% in donors] p=0.00003, as well as the numbers of spermatozoa as 106 per ml, collected on IM [median 14.9 (0.67–179)) versus normal [74 (19.2–253)], p=0.0036 or as 106 per ejaculate collected on IM [median 37.5 (2.68–572.8)) versus normal [149 (30–535.3)], p=0.026. Atypical forms were significantly more abundant on IM [median = 80 (68–90)%] versus healthy controls [median = 45% (22–89)], p=0.0058. Finally, the MAI was severely altered on IM [median = 1.71 (1.61–1.98)] versus normal individuals [median = 1.33 (1.09–1.55)], p=0.00013. In conclusion, this work demonstrates the existence of significant sperm alterations in young males with CML at diagnosis of undetermined origin, prior to any treatment. These alterations persist on IM treatment and little is know about the impact of second generation TKI. Thus the most appropriate approach remains a matter of debate in thus setting. Disclosures: Nicolini: Novartis, Bristol Myers-Squibb, Pfizer, ARIAD, and Teva: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Huguet:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Michallet:Novartis, Pfizer, Teva, Genzyme, Janssen Cilag, BMS, Merck, Pfizer, Gilead, Alexion: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Etienne:Novartis, Pfizer, speaker for Novartis, BMS: Consultancy.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2161-2161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
S. O’Brien ◽  
D. Jones ◽  
G. Borthakur ◽  
F. Giles ◽  
...  

Abstract Dasatinib (SPRYCEL®, formerly BMS-354825) is a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC. Based on its high level of activity, leading to FDA approval in pts with CML-CP who are resistant to or intolerant of imatinib (im), the present phase II trial was designed to study previously untreated CML-CP pts treated with dasatinib. The primary objective was to estimate the proportion of pts attaining major molecular response (BCR-ABL/ABL ratio ≤0.05% by qPCR) at 12 months (mo). All pts received dasatinib orally 100 mg/day, and were randomized to either a 50 mg-twice-daily or a 100 mg-once-daily schedule. Dose escalation to 140 mg/day and 180 mg/day for poor response or dose reduction to 80 mg/day and 40 mg/day for toxicity, maintaining the same schedule, was allowed. Blood counts were done weekly for the first 4 weeks (wks), every 4–6 wks for the first year, and then every 3–4 mo; bone marrow aspirates with cytogenetics were obtained at baseline and every 3–4 mo during the first year, and then every 6–12 mo; molecular monitoring of BCR-ABL transcript levels by qPCR was done at baseline, every 3-4 mo for the first year, and then every 6–12 mo. Of the first 24 pts enrolled between November 2005 and June 2006, pooled across dosing schedule, 54% were female; median age was 44 years (range 18–76). Nine (38%) of the pts were Sokal intermediate-risk and 1 (4%) was high-risk. Median baseline WBC count was 17.4 x109/L (range 3.7–300.0). At 3 mo, complete hematologic response (CHR) and major cytogenetic response (MCyR) was seen in 17 (89%) of 19 pts who had received at least 3 mo of therapy, and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) was seen in 15 pts (79%). This compares favorably with a CCyR at 3 mo of 37% with im 400 mg/day and 61% with im 800 mg/day, in historical data of similar patients treated in studies at MD Anderson. qPCR at 3 months was <1% (ie, approximately 2-log reduction) in 5 (26%), and was <10% in 9 (47%) of these 19 pts. The most common non-hematologic adverse events (AE) included dyspnea (8 pts), fatigue (7 pts), muscle pain (6 pts), and headache (5 pts) and were predominantly grade (gr) 1–2. Pleural effusion occurred in 3 pts and was gr 1–2 in all. Hematologic toxicity included anemia in 8 pts (4 gr 3), pancytopenia in 4 pts (3 gr 3, 1 gr 4), and thrombocytopenia in 4 pts (2 gr 3, 2 gr 4). With a median duration of therapy of 5 mo, there were 10 pts who required interruption of treatment, 6 due to non-hematologic toxicities, 2 due to hematologic toxicities, and 2 due to both. Dose reductions occurred in 6 pts, 3 due to non-hematologic toxicity, 1 due to hematologic toxicity, and 2 due to both. Rapid, complete cytogenetic responses to dasatinib 100 mg/day have been observed in a high percentage of patients with previously untreated CML-CP. Accrual to this trial continues, and updated efficacy and safety data will be presented at the meeting.


Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Maeda ◽  
Atsushi Okamoto ◽  
Kenta Yamamoto ◽  
Go Eguchi ◽  
Yoshitaka Kanai

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm constituting approximately 15% of newly diagnosed leukemia in adult patients. Development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically improved outcomes in patients with chronic CML in chronic phase. However, adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with TKI therapy have influenced drug adherence, resulting in adverse clinical outcomes and a decline in the quality of life (QoL). In this study, we carried out a unique questionnaire survey to evaluate ADEs, which comprised 14 adverse events. We compared drug adherence rates between patients using imatinib and those who switched from imatinib to nilotinib, a second-generation TKI. Following the switch, the total number of ADEs decreased considerably in most cases. Simultaneously, better QoL was observed in the nilotinib group than in the imatinib group. Drug adherence was measured using Morisky&rsquo;s 9-item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). MMAS increased significantly after switching to nilotinib in all cases. Drug adherence is a critical factor for achieving molecular response in patients with CML. In fact, our results showed a strong inverse correlation between clinical outcome [international scale (IS)] and adherence (MMAS), with a stronger tendency in the nilotinib group than in the imatinib group. In conclusion, low occurrence of ADEs induced a high level of QoL and a good clinical response with second-generation TKI nilotinib treatment.


Blood ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 101 (11) ◽  
pp. 4611-4614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amie S. Corbin ◽  
Paul La Rosée ◽  
Eric P. Stoffregen ◽  
Brian J. Druker ◽  
Michael W. Deininger

Abstract Imatinib mesylate is a selective Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitor, effective in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. Most patients in chronic phase maintain durable responses; however, many in blast crisis fail to respond, or relapse quickly. Kinase domain mutations are the most commonly identified mechanism associated with relapse. Many of these mutations decrease the sensitivity of the Abl kinase to imatinib, thus accounting for resistance to imatinib. The role of other mutations in the emergence of resistance has not been established. Using biochemical and cellular assays, we analyzed the sensitivity of several mutants (Met244Val, Phe311Leu, Phe317Leu, Glu355Gly, Phe359Val, Val379Ile, Leu387Met, and His396Pro/Arg) to imatinib mesylate to better understand their role in mediating resistance.While some Abl mutations lead to imatinib resistance, many others are significantly, and some fully, inhibited. This study highlights the need for biochemical and biologic characterization, before a resistant phenotype can be ascribed to a mutant.


2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2S) ◽  
pp. 17-20
Author(s):  
Mario Annunziata

Imatinib mesylate is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that has significant efficacy in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. In general, hematologic and extrahematologic side effects of imatinib therapy are mild to moderate, with the large majority of patients tolerating prolonged periods of therapy. However, a minority of patients are completely intolerant of therapy, while others are able to remain on therapy despite significant side effects. Here, we describe a chronic phase CML patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension, mechanical hearth valve, who experienced extrahematologic adverse event (persistent grade III cutaneous rash, despite two discontinuations of imatinib and using of steroid). Necessitating switch to one of new tyrosine kinase inhibitors, nilotinib, has resulted in complete cytogenetic response and major molecular response, after 3 and 6 months, respectively. No cross-intolerance with imatinib was observed during nilotinib therapy. Besides, this clinical case suggests that warfarin and nilotinib can be used concurrently without the risk of increased anticoagulant effect.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 3692
Author(s):  
Matteo Dragani ◽  
Giovanna Rege Cambrin ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
Irene Dogliotti ◽  
Gianantonio Rosti ◽  
...  

Successful discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been achieved in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Careful molecular monitoring after discontinuation warrants safe and prompt resumption of therapy. We retrospectively evaluated how molecular monitoring has been conducted in Italy in a cohort of patients who discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment per clinical practice. The outcome of these patients has recently been reported—281 chronic-phase CML patients were included in this subanalysis. Median follow-up since discontinuation was 2 years. Overall, 2203 analyses were performed, 17.9% in the first three months and 38.4% in the first six months. Eighty-six patients lost major molecular response (MMR) in a mean time of 5.7 months—65 pts (75.6%) during the first six months. We evaluated the number of patients who would experience a delay in diagnosis of MMR loss if a three-month monitoring schedule was adopted. In the first 6 months, 19 pts (29.2%) would have a one-month delay, 26 (40%) a 2-month delay. Very few patients would experience a delay in the following months. A less intense frequency of monitoring, particularly after the first 6 months off treatment, would not have affected the success of treatment-free remission (TFR) nor put patients at risk of progression.


Blood ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 1075-1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Saglio ◽  
F Pane ◽  
E Gottardi ◽  
F Frigeri ◽  
MR Buonaiuto ◽  
...  

In chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome translocation results in the formation of BCR/ABL genes, normally transcribed in two types of hybrid transcripts with a b2a2 or b3a2 BCR/ABL junction, which give origin to 210-kD fusion proteins (P210). A third type of BCR/ABL (with e1a2 type of junction) has been identified in approximately 50% of the Ph-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ALL) cases and results in the production of a BCR/ABL protein of 190 kD (P190). The presence of this transcript has been associated almost exclusively with the presence of an acute leukemia phenotype. By contrast, here we describe that in addition to transcripts with the b2a2 and b3a2 types of junction corresponding to the P210 proteins, virtually all CMLs at diagnosis bear also BCR/ABL transcripts showing the e1a2 type of junction, which correspond to the acute leukemia- associated P190 protein. With a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay we found that the amount of the e1a2 mRNA present in CMLs in chronic phase, although in absolute amount much lower than that present in Ph+ ALLs, represents in most cases approximately 20% to 30% of the total BCR/ABL transcripts. Moreover, using a novel and very sensitive Western blot technique, we detected relevant amounts of P190 protein in addition to P210 from peripheral cells of two of the patients.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2169-2169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
Norbert Gattermann ◽  
Andreas Hochhaus ◽  
Richard Larson ◽  
Teresa Rafferty ◽  
...  

Abstract Nilotinib is a potent, highly selective, aminopyrimidine inhibitor of Bcr-Abl which in vitro is 30-fold more potent than imatinib. It is active against 32/33 imatinib resistant Bcr-Abl mutations. This open-label study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy as defined by hematologic/cytogenetic response (HR/CyR) rates of nilotinib at a dose of 400 mg bid in imatinib resistant or intolerant AP patients. Daily doses of nilotinib could be escalated to 600 mg BID for patients who did not adequately respond to treatment, and in the absence of safety concerns. Safety and efficacy data are reported for 64 patients of which 52 (81%) are resistant and 12 (19%) are intolerant to imatinib. More than half (63%) of the patients had CML for ≥ 5 years. The median age was 61 (range 24-79) years and the median time from CML diagnosis and AP diagnosis were 74 (range 2 to 298), and 2 (range 0-106) months, respectively. Of the 64 patients, 17 (27%) had extramedullary disease at baseline. The median duration of nilotinib exposure was 141 (range 2–380) days and the median average dose intensity (mg/days) for all patients, with and without dose escalations, was 797 (range 157 to 1136). Treatment is ongoing for 33 (52%) patients, and 31 (48%) have discontinued (14 for disease progression, 8 for adverse events, 1 each for an abnormal laboratory value, administrative problems, lost to follow up, 4 patients withdrew consent and there were 2 deaths listed as the primary reason for discontinuation). Overall, there were 7 deaths including 4 for disease progression, one related to progressive disease complicated by a cerebral hemorrhage, one cardiac failure and one due to sepsis. Confirmed HR occurred in 28 (44%) patients, of which 11 (17%) were complete, 5 (8%) were marrow responses/no evidence of leukemia, 12 (19%) were return to chronic phase. There were 7 (11%) patients with stable disease/no response, 6 (9%) with disease progression and 21 (33%) patients were not evaluable. Major CyR occurred in 20 (31%) patients, of which 11 (17%) were complete, 9 (14%) were partial, 11 (17%) were minor, and 15 (23%) were minimal. There were 6 patients (9%) that did not respond. The rate of major CyR for the resistant and intolerant patients was 16 (31%) and 3 (25%), respectively. The majority of Grade 3 or 4 adverse events included thrombocytopenia in 21 (33%), neutropenia in 17 (27%), anemia in 10 (16%) patients, decreased hemoglobin in 4 (6%) patients, and increased lipase in 5 (8%). In summary, these data suggest nilotinib is clinically active and has an acceptable safety and tolerability profile when administered to patients with CML-AP. Updated information will be presented at the meeting.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 2193-2193
Author(s):  
Min Zhang ◽  
James C. Moore ◽  
Je Ko ◽  
Wuxia Fu ◽  
Sharmila Prabhu ◽  
...  

Abstract The molecular mechanisms which mediate progression of chronic phase (CP) CML to accelerated and blast phase (BP) disease remain unclear, although one feature that correlates with progression is increased expression of the Bcr-Abl protein itself (Barnes et al., Can. Res. 2005). Increased Bcr-Abl expression is likely to contribute to the more aggressive behavior of BP disease, but the downstream factors that are dysregulated by the increased amounts of Bcr-Abl protein remain to be determined. In these studies we turned our attention to eIF4E since forced expression of eIF4E is transforming, and because increased levels of eIF4E have been found in BP but not CP CML (Topisirovic et al., Mol. Cell. Bio. 2003). eIF4E plays a critical role in cap-dependent translation and allows recruitment of the translation machinery to mRNA. eIF4E is phosphorylated at Ser209, and phosphorylation correlates with exposure to growth factors and increased cap-dependent translation. Using a panel of primary CML cells representing patients at various stages of disease, we confirmed that both Bcr-Abl and eIF4E protein levels were elevated in BP samples compared to those in CP, and furthermore that phosphorylation at Ser209 was dependent on Bcr-Abl kinase activity in BP but not CP samples. We next went on to explore the role of eIF4E phosphorylation in BP CML. Because eIF4E is exclusively phosphorylated at Ser209 by the MAPK signal-integrating kinases (Mnk1/2), we used a small molecule inhibitor of Mnk1/2, CGP57380, to inhibit eIF4E phosphorylation (kind gift of Dr. H. Gram, Novartis). Using MTS assays, we found that CGP57380 exhibited synergistic activity with imatinib mesyalte (IM) against Ba/F3-Bcr-Abl and K562 cells, and that this was associated with increased caspase-3 activation. Consistent with a role for eIF4E phosphorylation in cap-dependent translation, we found that CGP57380 augmented the IM-mediated inhibition of cap-binding complex (eIF4F) formation, as well as loading of mRNA onto polysomes. Interestingly, we also uncovered the existence of a novel negative-feedback loop regulating Mnk kinase. Here, treatment with CGP57380 resulted in increased phosphorylation of Mnk1 as well as its upstream activator, ERK, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Because activation of the MEK/ERK pathway is essential to Bcr-Abl-mediated transformation, this finding suggested that the full activity of CGP57380 might be obscured by this feedback loop. In support of this, the addition of the MEK inhibitor, U0126, to the IM/CGP57380combination resulted in increased activity against CML cells. The triple combination was also effective against Ba/F3-Bcr-Abl cells harboring the E255K and T315I mutations, but not parental Ba/F3 cells (reduced by 50, 23, and 15% respectively of DMSO-treated controls by MTS assay). Colony forming assays also demonstrated the activity of the IM/CGP57380 combination against CML progenitor cells. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that: eIF4E protein expression and phosphorylation are upregulated in a Bcr-Abl-dependent manner in BP CML; Inhibition of eIF4E phosphorylation by the novel Mnk kinase inhibitor, CGP57380, synergizes with IM in killing CML cells, as well as overcomes certain forms of IM-resistance; The addition of CGP57380 to IM results in inhibition of key steps in cap-dependent mRNA translation, and may provide a mechanistic explanation for the activity of this agent in CML.


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