A phase 2 trial of the somatostatin analog pasireotide to prevent GI toxicity and acute GVHD in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is an often curative intent treatment, however it is associated with significant gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and treatment related mortality. Graft-versus-host disease is a significant contributor to transplant-related mortality. We performed a phase 2 trial of the somatostatin analog pasireotide to prevent gastrointestinal toxicity and GVHD after myeloablative allogeneic HCT. Methods Patients received 0.9mg pasireotide every 12 hours from the day prior to conditioning through day +4 after HCT (or a maximum of 14 days). The primary outcomes were grade 3–4 gastrointestinal toxicity through day 30 and acute GVHD. Secondary outcomes were chronic GVHD, overall survival and relapse free survival at one year. Stool and blood samples were collected from before and after HCT for analyses of stool microbiome, local inflammatory markers, and systemic inflammatory and metabolic markers. Results were compared with matched controls. Results Twenty-six patients received pasireotide and were compared to 52 matched contemporaneous controls using a 1–2 match. Grade 3–4 GI toxicity occurred in 21 (81%) patients who received pasireotide and 35 (67%) controls (p = 0.33). Acute GVHD occurred in 15 (58%) patients in the pasireotide group and 28 (54%) controls (p = 0.94). Chronic GVHD occurred in 16 patients in the pasireotide group (64%) versus 22 patients in the control group (42%) (p = 0.12). Overall survival at 1 year in the pasireotide group was 63% (95% CI: 47%,86%) versus 82% (95% CI: 72%, 93%) in controls (log-rank p = 0.006). Relapse-free survival rate at one year was 40% (95% CI: 25%, 65%) in the pasireotide group versus 78% (95% CI: 68%, 91%) in controls (log-rank p = 0.002). After controlling for the effect of relevant covariates, patients in the pasireotide group had attenuated post-HCT loss of microbial diversity. Analysis of systemic inflammatory markers and metabolomics demonstrated feasibility of such analyses in patients undergoing allogeneic HCT. Baseline level and pre-to-post transplant changes in several inflammatory markers (including MIP1a, MIP1b, TNFa, IL8Pro, and IL6) correlated with likelihood of survival. Conclusions Pasireotide did not prevent gastrointestinal toxicity or acute GVHD compared to contemporaneous controls. Pasireotide was associated with numerically higher chronic GVHD and significantly decreased OS and RFS compared to contemporaneous controls. Pasireotide may provide a locally protective effect in the stool microbiome and in local inflammation as measured by stool calprotectin, stool beta-defensin, and stool diversity index.

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Outcomes of c Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HCT) after Non-Myeloablative Conditioning in Relapsed, Refractory, or Transformed Indolent Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v108.11.3124.3124 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 108 (11) ◽

pp. 3124-3124 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Andrew R. Rezvani ◽

Brenda M. Sandmaier ◽

Barry Storer ◽

Michael Maris ◽

Edward Agura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Disease Status ◽

Aggressive Lymphoma ◽

Optimal Timing ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Myeloablative Conditioning ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Allogeneic Hct ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Sixty-two patients (pts) with chemotherapy-refractory indolent or transformed NHL were treated at 10 centers with allogeneic HCT from related (n=34) and unrelated (n=28) donors after 2 Gy total body irradiation with or without fludarabine. Diagnoses included follicular lymphoma (FL) (n=54, including 10 with grade 3 FL), small lymphocytic lymphoma (n=6), and marginal zone lymphoma (n=2). Median age was 54 years (range 33–66 years), and median time from diagnosis to HCT was 4.4 years (range 0.5–18.5 years). Sixteen pts had histologically documented transformation to diffuse aggressive lymphoma prior to HCT. Twenty-seven pts (44%) had failed autologous HCT. Disease status at the time of HCT was complete response (CR, n=16), partial response (PR, n=22), refractory (n=13), untested relapse (n=9), or unknown (n=2). Eleven of the 28 unrelated donor/recipient pairs (39%) had HLA mismatches: 2 at a single allele, 7 at a single antigen, and 2 at an antigen and an allele. One pt had non-fatal graft rejection from a 1-antigen-mismatched unrelated donor. Median follow-up of survivors after HCT was 36.6 months (range 2.3–60 months). Responses (CR [n=18] and PR [n=7]) were seen in 25 of 44 (57%) pts with evaluable disease prior to HCT, while 5 had stable disease, 9 progressed, and 5 were not evaluable due to early non-relapse mortality (NRM) on d27–d108. Two of 16 pts (13%) transplanted in CR relapsed; one was treated with donor lymphocyte infusion and achieved a persistent CR. The incidences of acute GVHD grades II–IV, III–IV, and chronic GVHD were 63%, 19%, and 53%, respectively. At 3 years, the risks of relapse/progression and NRM were 19% and 42%, respectively. There was a trend toward increased mortality with unrelated donors (HR 1.87 [0.9–3.7, p=0.08]). Progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS) were significantly better in the non-transformed group (see tables 1 and 2). Table 1. Outcomes Non-transformed Transformed Relapse 6/46 (13%) 6/16 (38%) NRM 20/46 (43%) 6/16 (38%) 3-year OS 24/46 (52%) 4/16 (25%) 3-year PFS 20/46 (43%) 4/16 (25%) Table 2. Hazard Ratios (HR) for Transformed vs. Non-Transformed Pts HR (95% CI) p All-cause Mortality 2.39 (1.2–4.9) 0.02 Relapse/progression 4.75 (1.5–15) 0.01 Grade 3+ acute GVHD 1.84 (0.5–6.3) 0.35 Extensive chronic GVHD 1.96 (0.8–5.0) 0.18 Figure Figure Allogeneic HCT after non-myeloablative conditioning can produce durable responses and prolonged survival in pts with refractory indolent or transformed NHL. Pts transplanted before histologic transformation had significantly better outcomes. Future efforts will focus on reducing NRM and identifying optimal timing of HCT.

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Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed Follicular Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Single Centre Experience.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v110.11.5054.5054 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 110 (11) ◽

pp. 5054-5054

Author(s):

Amir Peyman ◽

Stephen Couban ◽

Kara Thompson ◽

Louis Fernandez ◽

Donna L. Forrest ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Follicular Lymphoma ◽

Cell Transplantation ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Disease Free Survival ◽

High Dose ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Between 1993 and 2005, 57 patients with follicular lymphoma underwent high-dose chemo/radiotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 49 Allogeneic, (16 Bone Marrow and 33 Peripheral Blood), 6 MIN, 2 MUD. Median age was 47 years. Median days to neutrophil and platelet engraftment after HSCT were 18 and 13 days respectively. Twenty-five patients experienced Acute GVHD and thirty-four had Chronic GVHD (12 mild and 22 extensive). Thirty-three patients were in grade 1, 17 in grade 2, 4 in grade 3 and 3 grade 4. As of their FLIPI score, 4, 14, 21 and 18 patients were calculated to have score of 0, 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Forty-one patients are alive. Two patients have relapsed, one a year and the other two years after HSCT. The 5 year survival was 71.9% (95% CI 57.5–82.2%) and 5 year survival was 67.2% (95% CI 52.3–78.5%). Transplant related mortality rate (TRM) in 5 year was 22.4% (95% CI 63.6–86.8%). No significant differences was found among FLIPI groups 0,1,2 and 3 in terms of overall, relapse-free survival, TRM Allogeneic HSCT for patients with progressive follicular lymphoma is feasible and may result in prolonged disease-free survival.

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Treatment with Hypomethylating Agents before Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Improves Survival for Patients with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4347.4347 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 126 (23) ◽

pp. 4347-4347 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Piyanuch Kongtim ◽

Uday R. Popat ◽

Antonio M. Jimenez ◽

Sameh Gabella ◽

Riad O. El Fakih ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Progression Free Survival ◽

Cell Transplant ◽

Hypomethylating Agents ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Unrelated Donors ◽

Conditioning Regimens

Abstract Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) is the only curative treatment modality for patients with CMML. Here we retrospectively reviewed the data for patients with CMML who received an all-SCT at our institution to identify factors associated with improved survival and determine whether treatment with hypomethylating agents (HMA) before transplant improves survival for these patients. Methods All 83 patients 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of CMML confirmed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center who underwent allo-SCT between April 1991 and December 2013 were identified through review of the institutionÕs medical records and included in this analysis. Forty, 7, and 36 patients had CMML-1, CMML-2 and CMML that had progressed to AML (CMML/AML) respectively. The median age was 57 years. CMML specific cytogenetic risk at diagnosis (Such E, hematologica, 2011) was good, intermediate, and high risk in 46, 19, and 18 patients respectively. Seventy-eight patients received induction treatment before transplant, 37 receiving HMA (either 5-azacytidine or decitabine) for at least 3 courses and 41 receiving 1-2 courses of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Among the patients who received induction therapy, 15 patients in HMA group and 9 patients in convention chemotherapy group achieved a complete remission before transplant. Thirty, 47 and 6 patients received transplants from matched related donors (MRD), matched unrelated donors (MUD), and mismatched related or unrelated donors (MMD), respectively. The sources of hematopoietic stem cells were peripheral blood for 48 patients (57.8%) and bone marrow for 35 patients (42.2%). Conditioning regimens varied; most patients received either fludarabine in combination with busulfan or fludarabine combined with melphalan. Sixty-four patients received myeloablative and 19 patients received reduced intensity conditioning regimens. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus and methotrexate. Patient and transplant characteristics did not significantly differ between the patients treated with HMA and the patients treated with conventional chemotherapy or given supportive care alone. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), Treatment related mortality (TRM), relapse incidence through last follow-up and incidences of acute GVHD and chronic GVHD. All of these outcomes were measured from the time of allo-SCT. Results Median follow up duration for 29 survivors was 48 months. Seventy-five patients engrafted (90.4%) with median time to neutrophil and platelet engraftment of 13 and 15 days respectively. Patients treated with a HMA had a significantly lower cumulative incidence (CI) of relapse at 3 years post-transplant (22%) than those treated with other agents (35%; p=0.03), whereas TRM at 1 year post-transplantdid not significantly differ between the groups (27% and 30%, respectively; p=0.84). Acute GVHD all grades and grade 2-4 were seen in 28.2% versus 35.8% (p=0.05) and 12.8% versus 11.3% (p=0.72) in patients who received a HMA compared to those who treated with other agents respectively. CI of chronic GVHD was 35% in patients treated with a HMA versus 19.2% in those treated with other agents (p=0.36) while CI of chronic extensive GVHD was seen in only 26.7% versus 19.2% respectively (p=0.64). The lower relapse rate resulted in a significantly higher 3-year PFS rate in patients treated with a HMA (43%) than in those who received other treatments (27%; p=0.04) (Figure 1). However, therapy with HMA before transplant did not significantly influence the 3-year OS rate (45% in those treated with HMA and 39% in those treated with other agents; p=0.22). The independent prognostic factors for PFS were a blast count of < 5% before transplant (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.14-0.78), treatment with a HMA (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23-0.86), a transplant from an MRD (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22-0.94), development of grade 2-4 acute GVHD (HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.27-5.77), and development of chronic GVHD (HR 0.15, 95% CI 0.05-0.45). Conclusion We conclude that treatment with hypomethylating agents before allo-SCT may improve survival in patients with CMML. Figure 1. Progression free survival Figure 1. Progression free survival Disclosures Alousi: Therakos, Inc: Research Funding. Andersson:Otsuka Research and Development, Inc.: Consultancy.

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High Resolution Donor/Recipient HLA Matching Level in Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Impact on the Transplant Outcome: The Italian Experience on Behalf of GITMO, IBMDR and Aibt

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2018-99-114486 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 4642-4642

Author(s):

Alessandra Picardi ◽

Nicoletta Sacchi ◽

Valeria Miotti ◽

Francesca Lorentino ◽

Elena Oldani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Research Funding ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Conditioning Regimen ◽

Hla Matching ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Italian Origin ◽

Advisory Role

Abstract Introduction: HLA molecules play an important role for immunoreactivity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). To elucidate the effect and the potential identification of "permissive" and "non permissive" I and II class HLA mismatching (mm) loci on the early and long term transplant outcome, we conducted a retrospective/prospective observational analysis on 1789 patients transplanted with unmanipulated haematopoietic stem cells from a volunteer unrelated donor (URD). Methods Between January 2012 to December 2015, 1789 adult patients with a median age of 49 years (18-70) affected by haematological malignant diseases, performed an unrelated HSCT, coordinated by the Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (IBMDR). All patients have been typed by high resolution (HR) HLA typing for HLA-A/B/C/DRB1/DQB1 loci, at the start of the donor's search process. Patient and donor characteristics are shown in Table 1. As conditioning regimen and GVHD prophylaxis, 71% of patients received a myeloablative conditioning and 76% a combination of anti-Thymoglobuline, Cyclosporine and Metotrexate short course. Total Body Irradiation was part of conditioning regimen in 14% of cases and PBSC was used as stem cell source in 80% of transplants. Median follow for survivors was 38 months (1-76). Regarding to the allelic compatibility, 890 (50%) of donor/recipient (D/R) pairs were 10/10 HLA matched, 677 (38%) showed 1 mm for A, B, C, DRB1 or DQB1 in 249, 141, 173, 2 and 112 cases, respectively and 222 (12%) received HSCT from a 8/10 or less HLA matched donor. Results: Overall 90% and 79% of patients achieved PMN and PLTS engraftment within 30 and 90 days, respectively. Probabilities of 3-y Overall Survival (3-yr OS), Progression Free Survival (3-yr PFS), and Graft Relapse Free Survival (3-yr GRFS) were 52%, 42%, and 30%, respectively. The 3-y CI of Transplant Related Mortality (TRM) was 26%, with a 100-days CI of acute GVHD ≥2 of 26%, whereas the 3-yr CI of chronic GVHD was 30%, of which 10% extensive. Cox multivariate analysis showed that, compared to 10/10 HLA-matched HSCT, 9/10 and ≤8/10 HLA-matched HSCT were associated with worse outcomes in terms of OS (HR 1.16, p=0.04 and HR 1.3, p=0.007, respectively), GRFS (HR 1.2, p=0.005 and HR 1.2, p=0.07, respectively), TRM (HR 1.3, p=0.007 and HR 1.6, p<0.0001, respectively), grade 3-4 aGVHD (HR 1.8, p=0.0001 and HR 1.8, p=0.01, respectively) and cGvHD (HR 1.3, p=0.005 and HR 1.1, p=0.35, respectively). Notably, no significant differences occurred through the comparison between ≤8/10 and 9/10 matching. Univariate comparisons are shown in Figure 1. Moreover, in order to identify permissive and non permissive allelic mismatching, we analyzed the donor/recipient pairs with a single HLA mm with a frequency > 5%: the presence of A02:01 in the patient's HLA, after adjustment for HLA matching at the other loci and other clinical variables known to affect HSCT outcome, was associated with significant higher risk of TRM (HR 1.9, p= 0.03) and worst OS (HR 1.7, p=0.04). Patient's age > 49 years (p<0.0001), advanced disease stage (p<0.0001), presence of 1 or more co- morbidity according to the Sorror Hematopoietic Cell Transplant-Comorbidity Index (p=0.01) were associated with a hazard risk of 1.4, 2, 1.2 for OS and 1.6, 1.75, 1.4 for TRM. Moreover, the Italian origin of recipient and donor resulted in reduced grade 2-4 acute (HR=0.6, p=0.001) and chronic GVHD (p=0.002, HR=0.4). Finally, the Transplant Program expertise (>10 HSCT/year) is associated with reduced TRM (HR 0.8, p=0.0001), HSCT from female donor to male recipient was associated with higher risk of extensive cGvHD (HR 1.4, p=0.03), and CMV negative/negative status versus other combinations had protective effect on development of grade 3-4 aGVHD (HR 0.56, p=0.04). Conclusions: Our large cohort data of homogeneously treated 1789 URD transplants, show that 10/10 HLA matching remains a significantly favorable prognostic factor for OS, TRM, GRFS and acute/chronic GVHD, whereas there are no significant differences between 8/10 and 9/10 matching transplants. Moreover, the HLA A02:01 as single mm seems to play a "non permissive" role. Finally the Italian origin of recipient and donor is related to a reduced development of GVHD probably due to the matching of the extended MHC haplotypes in individuals of the same geographic origin. Disclosures Rambaldi: Amgen Inc.: Consultancy; Pfizer: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Omeros: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Italfarmaco: Consultancy. Vago:Moderna TX: Research Funding; GENDX: Research Funding. Patriarca:Janssen: Other: Advisory role; Jazz: Other: Travel, accommodations, expenses; Medac: Other: Travel, accommodations, expenses; Celgene: Other: Advisory Role; Travel, accommodations, expenses; MSD Italy: Other: Advisory Role.

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A Phase II Study of Ruxolitinib Pre-, during- and Post-Hematopoietic Celltransplantation for Patients with Primary or Secondary Myelofibrosis

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2021-146330 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 169-169

Author(s):

Gabriela Hobbs ◽

Haesook T. Kim ◽

AJ S. Bottoms ◽

Michael T. Byrne ◽

Mark A. Schroeder ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase Ii ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Interim Analysis ◽

Research Funding ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Free Survival ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Neutrophil Engraftment

Abstract Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a lethal hematological malignancy associated with somatic mutations in JAK2, CALR or MPL. Ruxolitinib is the first JAK1/2 inhibitor approved for treatment of MF. Ruxolitinib does not prevent disease progression and thus, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the recommended therapy for eligible patients treated with curative intent. Ruxolitinib discontinuation, in preparation for HSCT is challenging as patients experience return of symptoms/splenomegaly. Therefore, ruxolitinib is often continued during and after HSCT in an off-label fashion, yet little is known about the safety of this approach. In addition, ruxolitinib is now utilized to treat steroid refractory acute and chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD) irrespective of underlying disease. Methods: This is a phase II, multi-center, investigator-initiated trial investigating ruxolitinib given pre-, during- and post-HSCT for patients with primary or secondary MF (NCT03427866). The study utilizes ruxolitinib during and after HSCT in MF patients for one year after HSCT. The accrual goal is 48 patients with 1-year GVHD free and relapse free survival (GRFS) as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints include overall and progression free survival, engraftment and incidence of acute and chronic GVHD, respectively. Patients are treated with reduced intensity conditioning with fludarabine (30mg/m 2/day x 5 days) and melphalan (100mg/m 2 or 140mg/m 2 x 1). HSCT grafts are with 7/8 or 8/8 HLA-matched peripheral blood stem cells with tacrolimus and methotrexate as standard GVHD prophylaxis. Results: This pre-planned interim analysis includes 26 MF patients who underwent HSCT between September 2018 and January 2021. An interim analysis was included in the trial design to ensure safety of this approach midway through accrual. Median age was 66 (range, 46-75) and 65% were male. 88% had 8/8 matched related grafts, and 92% had intermediate-2 or high DIPSS risk at the time of transplant. 14 (54%) patients were previously treated with ruxolitinib. At HSCT, 58% had JAK2, 12% CALR, 12% MPL, and 35% ASXL1 mutations (Figure A). There were no unexpected toxicities related to ruxolitinib therapy. The most common grade 3/4 hematologic adverse events (AE) were anemia (n=4), thrombocytopenia (n=3). There were few observed grade 3/4 non hematologic AEs and included infection (n=2) and hypertriglyceridemia (n=1). Median time to neutrophil engraftment was 15 days (range 11-38) after HSCT. All but one patient achieved successful neutrophil engraftment. Median day 30 donor all cell chimerism was 100% (range 95-100). Clinical outcomes are summarized in Figure B. With median follow-up among survivors of 12 months (range 3-24), 1-yr GRFS was 65%. OS, PFS, and cumulative incidence of NRM and disease relapse were 77%, 71%, 13% and 17%, respectively (Figure C). There was no grade IV acute GVHD and only one case of grade III acute GVHD. Cumulative incidence of all chronic GVHD and moderate-severe chronic GVHD was 14% and 5%, respectively. There was no severe chronic GVHD and only one patient developed moderate chronic GVHD. As part of the study, next generation sequencing (NGS) was obtained pre- and 100 days post-HSCT. 14 patients have paired samples, including 6 with ASXL1 mutations. All but one patient, who remains in remission at last follow up, no longer had mutations detected by NGS at day 100 (Figure D). Ongoing studies will assess for the presence of low-level mutation not detectable by clinical NGS testing. Discussion: The interim results of our multicenter study demonstrate safety of ruxolitinib administration pre, during and post-HCT with very favorable engraftment rates and no unexpected toxicities of ruxolitinib use. In addition, we demonstrate superior PFS, OS and GRFS compared to historical observations. Incidence of severe acute and chronic GVHD are thus far minimal, indicating excellent GVHD control with prophylactic and continued ruxolitinib use. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Hobbs: Bayer: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Research Funding; Celgene/Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy; AbbVie.: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Constellation Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Research Funding. Byrne: Karyopharm: Research Funding. Defilipp: Incyte Corp.: Research Funding; Regimmune Corp.: Research Funding; Omeros, Corp.: Consultancy; Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc: Consultancy. Chen: Gamida: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: Will describe the use of ruxolitinib in the ongoing clinical trial.

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Azacitidine Maintenance Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Systematic Review

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2020-138616 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽

pp. 29-30

Author(s):

Muhammad Salman Faisal ◽

Laila Hashim ◽

Yazan Samhouri ◽

Syed Maaz Abdullah ◽

Ahsan Wahab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

High Risk ◽

Myeloid Leukemia ◽

Control Group ◽

Phase 2 ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Phase 2 Trial ◽

Grade 3

Background and Objective: Disease relapse remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Oral azacitidine (5-aza) was associated with clinical benefit as maintenance therapy in transplant ineligible patients. However, contradicting data have been reported regarding the role of 5-aza as a maintenance therapy to reduce relapse rate -post-allo-HSCT. We conducted this systematic review to describe the efficacy and safety of 5-aza in this context. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Clinicaltrials.gov. We also searched major conferences for oral or poster presentations. We used MeSH terms and keywords for MDS, AML, Allo-HSCT, and 5-aza. We included all retrospective and prospective studies of 5-aza (all formulations) published until March 2020. The primary database search yielded 1209 articles. We excluded irrelevant, duplicate, and review articles. The final search revealed 20 articles that we explored in detail for various efficacy and safety outcomes. Results: A total of 1211 patients were enrolled in 14 prospective and 6 retrospective studies. Of those, 1169 patients were evaluable. Prospective studies CALGB 100801 trial by Vij et al. (2015) reported overall survival (OS) of 45.7% and progression-free survival (PFS) of 41.2% at 24 months following reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) in a phase 2 trial of 41 patients. In a randomized control trial, Oran et al. (2018) evaluated relapse-free survival (RFS) as the primary outcome after 12 cycles of 5-aza at 32 mg/m2/day (n=187). Only 30% of the patients in the azacitidine arm completed the targeted number of cycles. The study showed a median RFS of 24.8 months in the treatment arm vs 15.3 months in the control arm (p=0.43). In a phase 2 trial conducted by Guillaume, T et al. (2019) the cumulative incidence of relapse was 27.6% in patients who received 5-aza, compared with 41.9% in 58 matched patients control group (p=0.21). Platzbecker et al. (2018-2019) studied a higher dose of azacitidine (75mg/m2/day) in a phase 2 trial as a pre-emptive strategy for patients who develop minimal residual disease (MRD) within 24 months. The 12-month OS and PFS were 94% and 44%, respectively. De Lima et al. (2018) studied the role of maintenance Oral 5-aza in Phase I/II trial (n=30). A dose-escalation design was used with a dosage ranging from 150 mg to 400 mg, received in a 7- or 14-day cycles. The 12-month PFS was 54% and 72% and estimated survival was 86% and 81% among 7-days and 14-days cycles, respectively. (Table 1) Retrospective studies: Mishra et al. (2017) reported a better OS in 14 patients who received 5-aza maintenance compared with a control arm (p-value 0.026). Cheikh et al. reported a 12-month OS of 70%. Ali, N et al. (2020) (n=107) compared 5-aza group vs. control group retrospectively. EFS was 53.1% vs. 49.5% (p=0.02) while OS was 56.8 and 53.4 months (p=0.01) in the treatment arm vs the control arm respectively. Safety: The most common grade 3 or 4 hematological adverse effect was neutropenia, while some patients also experienced grade 3 or 4 anemia, thrombocytopenia, or lymphopenia. The main non-hematological adverse effects were infections, fatigue, and gastrointestinal distress. The incidence of acute graft versus host disease varied from 13% to 50%. The most common reason for treatment discontinuation was disease relapse. A minority of patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive systematic review for the role of 5-aza maintenance -post-Allo-HSCT in patients with MDS or AML. The heterogeneity of the studies, in terms of dosing regimens, variable duration of treatment and patient selection, precludes definitive conclusions. Despite that, 5-aza seems to improve relapse rates and OS at least numerically but also significantly in some studies, as illustrated in this review. Low number of patients involved in most of these studies contributed to non-significant p-values. Azacitidine remains a valid and safe option, especially in patients with high risk of relapse. Further studies aiming at those high risk patients, such as AML with myelodysplasia related changes (AML-MRC) and high-risk MDS following RIC, are of utmost need. Disclosures Anwer: Incyte, Seattle Genetics, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie Pharma, Astellas Pharma, Celegene, Millennium Pharmaceuticals.: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Fazal:Takeda: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Agios: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Speakers Bureau; Gilead/Kite: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Stemline: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Karyopharm: Speakers Bureau; Jazz: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

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Reduced-Intensity Conditioning (RIC) with Busulfan, Fludarabine and Campath-1H Is Complicated by a High Rate of Graft Failure and Severe Viral Complications in Patients with CLL.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v104.11.5080.5080 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 104 (11) ◽

pp. 5080-5080 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Johannes Schetelig ◽

Martin Bornhaeuser ◽

Christian Thiede ◽

Brigitte Mohr ◽

Uta Oelschlaegel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

T Cell ◽

Graft Failure ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Cell Depletion ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

T Cell Depletion ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

One Year

Abstract Recently we demonstrated that RIC with busulfan, fludarabine and ATG followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) induced molecular remissions in patients (pts) with advanced CLL. However, this approach was hampered by severe GVHD. In an attempt to lower the rate of severe GVHD we replaced ATG by campath in a new study protocol. Patients and Methods: 20 pts with a median age of 54 years (range, 43 to 64) and advanced CLL were included. A median of 3 prior chemotherapy regimens had been given before HSCT, including fludarabine-containing regimens in all but two pts with autoimmune hemolysis. High risk cytogenetic features (17p−, 11q−, +12) were present in 9 pts. After conditioning with busulfan (8 mg/kg), fludarabine (150 mg/m2) and campath (75 mg) on days −9 to −5 peripheral blood stem cells from matched related (n=4) or unrelated donors (n=16) were transplanted. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of CSA monotherapy. Campath levels were analysed in frozen serum samples by BioAnaLab, Oxford, UK. Results: Two pts had no detectable campath level at the day of HSCT, while four pts had levels between 0.5 to 1.8 microgram/mL. Regeneration of neutrophils (>0.5/nl) and platelets (>20/nl) required a median of 17 (range, 14–25) and 10 (range, 0–27) days, respectively. Incomplete T-cell chimerism (<50%) was observed in 7 pts and subsequently 3 pts experienced secondary graft failure on days 134, 152 and 324. Six pts received donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) for the conversion of incomplete T-cell chimerism (N=4) or progressive disease (N=2). Sponaneous acute GVHD II° to IV° occurred in 9/20 pts. After DLI four additional pts developed acute GVHD II° to IV°. Limited chronic GVHD occurred in 9 and extensive disease in 2 pts. In CMV seropositive pts the day 100 probability of CMV infection was 74% (95% CI, 44% to 100%). Severe encephalitis (HHV6, EBV and JC virus as suspected agents) was observed in 5 pts. Two pts recovered without sequelae, 2 pts are cognitively handicaped and one pt died. Hemorrhagic cystitis (CTC 2/3) occurred in 2 pts. After a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 6 – 26 months), 15 pts are alive. Four pts died from treatment related complications. Causes of death were pneumonia of unknown etiology (N=2), encephalitis (N=1) and GVHD grade IV (N=1). One pt died from severe acute GVHD subsequent to the treatment of relapse with DLI. One-year overall and progression-free survival was 75% (95% CI, 55% to 95%) and 50% (95% CI, 25% to 75%), respectively. The one-year probability of non-relapse mortality was 20% (95% CI, 2% to 38%). The number of binding sites for campath is highly variable in pts with progressive CLL resulting in interindividually highly variable pharmacokinetics. Differences in the extent of in vivo T-cell depletion might therefore explain the individually varying T-cell engraftment pattern. In addition, the high incidence of severe viral infections reflects impaired immunoreconstitution. Including pts after DLI we observed a substantial rate of severe GVHD. Based on these data we decided to skip the strategy of in vivo T-cell depletion with campath in patients with CLL.

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Risks and Benefits of Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells (PBPC) in Children and Adolescents with Acute Leukemia.

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v112.11.977.977 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 112 (11) ◽

pp. 977-977

Author(s):

Mary Eapen ◽

Olle Ringden ◽

Franco Locatelli ◽

Haydar Frangoul ◽

Mats Remberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Overall Survival ◽

Acute Leukemia ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Conditioning Regimen ◽

Disease Status ◽

Unrelated Donor ◽

Platelet Recovery ◽

Free Survival ◽

Grade 3

Abstract Although PBPC is an acceptable alternative to bone marrow (BM) for transplanting children with leukemia, there are no published studies describing outcomes after unrelated donor PBPC transplants. We compared the results of 385 unrelated donor BM transplants that were allele-matched (n=186) or mismatched (n=199) at HLA A, B, C, DRB1 and 110 PBPC transplants that were matched (n=60) or mismatched (n=50) at HLA A, B, C, DRB1 in patients younger than 18 years of age. All patients had acute leukemia and were transplanted in 2000–2006. Median follow up of surviving patients was 2 years in both treatment groups. There were no significant differences in patient and disease characteristics, transplant conditioning regimen, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis and donor-recipient HLA disparity by graft type. Though the early probability of neutrophil recovery (³500/ul) was faster after transplantation of PBPC (31% vs. 10% at day-14, p<0.001) the probability of recovery by day-28 was similar after PBPC and BM transplants (94% and 91%, p=0.391). In contrast, platelet recovery (³20,000/ul) was better after PBPC transplants (86% vs. 76% at day-60, p=0.022). Risks of grade 2–4 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.24, p=0.147) and grade 3–4 (HR 1.07, p=0.785) acute GVHD were similar after PBPC and BM transplants. The risk of developing chronic GVHD was significantly greater after PBPC transplants compared to BM transplants (HR 2.36, p<0.001). After adjusting for disease status, donor-recipient HLA disparity and age, the of transplant-related mortality (TRM) relapse, treatment failure (relapse or death from any cause; inverse of leukemia-free survival and overall survival were similar after PBPC and BM transplants. The Table below shows the day-100 probability of grade 2–4 acute GVHD and the 3-year probabilities of chronic GVHD, TRM, relapse, leukemiafree survival and overall survival by graft type. These results differ from transplantation of PBPC from HLA-matched siblings where higher chronic GVHD translated into higher TRM and lower LFS. It remains to be seen whether the observed higher chronic GVHD after PBPC transplants will eventually result in the long term in higher mortality or fewer leukemia recurrence. PBPC BM Grade 2–4 acute GVHD 53% 49% Chronic GVHD 58% 33% TRM 20% 24% Relapse 34% 28% Leukemia-free survival 46% 48% Overall survival 49% 49%

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Evaluation of Graft Versus Host Disease and Relapse Free Survival As Novel Endpoint in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Joint Naples-Paris Study

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v128.22.2285.2285 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 128 (22) ◽

pp. 2285-2285

Author(s):

Simona Pagliuca ◽

Antonio M Risitano ◽

Sylvie Chevret ◽

Flore Sicre de Fontbrune ◽

Alienor Xhaard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Research Funding ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Relapse Free Survival ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Graft Versus Host

Abstract The cure of hematologic disorders by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is often associated with major complications resulting in poor outcome, including acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), relapse and death. Classical endpoints such as overall survival (OS), desease free survival (DFS) and non relapse-mortality (NRM) had become more and more unsuitable for transplant research because of their inability to a dynamic mesure of transplant-associated comorbidity. For this reason several composite endpoints taking into account also GVHD-associated comorbidity were proposed in the last years. GVHD free/relapse free survival (GRFS), proposed by Holtan et al (Blood 2015), includes grades 3-4 acute GVHD, systemic therapy requiring chronic GVHD, primary disease relapse , or death for any cause considered as events. This endpoint seems to completely characterize the survival without mortality or ongoing morbidity. With the intent to analyse the outcomes of our transplanted cohort, we retrospectively analysed GRFS of 959 consecutive patients receiving HSCT at Federico II University in Naples (n=119) and Saint-Louis Hospital (n=840) in Paris between 2007 and 2014, identifying prognostic factors associated with a better outcome and estimating the incidences of all components of this endpoint: rates of acute and chronic GVHD, disease relapse and death. Patient, disease and transplant characteristics are listed in table 1. Median duration of follow-up after HSCT was 22.1 months (IQR: 5.6-51 months). Cumulative incidence at day 100 of grade II-IV acute GVHD and grade III-IV were 42% and 16%, respectively. Cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD requiring systemic treatment at 1 and 5 years was 23% and 33%, respectively, diagnosed according to NIH criteria [14% of patients had score 1 (mild), 58% score 2 (moderate) and 27% score 3 (severe)cGVHD]. Cumulative incidence of relapse (considering all malignant and non-malignant diseases) was 26.7% (N=219) at 5 years. Overall survival for the whole population was 57% (95%CI, 53.3-60.8) at 5 years and Disease free survival (DFS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were respectively 50% (95%CI, 46.6-53.8) and 23% at 5 years. GRFS was 25% (95%CI, 21.8-28.5) at 5 years. Factors identified as influencing GRFS based on univariate analyses were age higher than 45 years (HR=1.64, 95%CI, 1.40-1.92), bone marrow (BM) as stem cell source (HR=0.40, 95%CI, 0.32-0.50); reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) (HR=0.63, 95%CI, 0.53-0.74); disease type [non-malignant disorders: HR=0.24, 95%CI, 0.17-0.33; myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative syndromes (MPN/CML/MDS): HR=1.34, 95%CI, 1.10-1.63; whereas other diagnosis did not influence GRFS] and than unrelated donor (matched: HR=1.71, 95%CI, 1.41-2.07;mismatch:HR=1.81, 95%CI, 1.48-2.23). Based on a multivariable Cox model, only diagnoses (non-malignancies, HR=0.27, 95%CI, 0.19-0.38 and MPN/CML/MDS, HR= 1.35, 95%CI, 1.11-1.65), and HLA unrelated graft (matched, HR=1.42, 95%CI, 1.17-1.73 and mismatched, HR=1.55, 95%CI, 1.26-1.92) remained associated with the outcome (Figure 1 and 2). GRFS could represent the ideal endpoint following HSCT. It differs significantly based upon type of disease and donor type, essentially. This composite indicator yields more information regarding complications of HSCT than the simpler measurement of OS or DFS. Its use willbetter compare these clinically important outcomes that accompany disparate HSCT techniques. All examined prognostic factors could enhance our ability to optimally judge the risk and the probability of true recovery after allogeneic HSCT. Our data support the use of this composite endpoint to describe HSCT outcome, and also pave the way for the investigation of novel endpoints, which may also track the dynamic changes of post-transplant events in the long-term. These retrospective data represent the background to investigate the impact of novel strategies of HSCT aiming to improve the outcome of HSCT, as detectable, by using more sensitive endpoints, tracking clinical events associated with detrimental long-term outcome. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures Risitano: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Other: lecture fees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Alnylam: Research Funding; Rapharma: Research Funding. Peffault de Latour:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

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Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Results of the Prospective Randomized HOVON-96 Trial in Recipients of Matched Related and Unrelated Donors

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood-2019-124659 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 1-1 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Cornelis N. De Jong ◽

Ellen Meijer ◽

Katerina Bakunina ◽

Erfan Nur ◽

Marinus van Marwijk Kooij ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Stem Cell Transplantation ◽

Financial Support ◽

Acute Gvhd ◽

Chronic Gvhd ◽

Skin Involvement ◽

Hematopoietic Stem ◽

Free Survival ◽

Post Transplant

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) has been established as a powerful treatment modality for patients with hematological malignancies. The graft-versus-leukemia effect, however, is strongly associated with the occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and subsequent transplant-related mortality (TRM). Several strategies are applied in order to prevent GVHD following T-cell replete alloHSCT including conventional immunosuppression (CIS) with post-transplant administration of cyclosporine A (CyA) and mycophenolic acid (MA), or post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) either or not combined with CIS. Studies in haplo- and HLA matched donor transplantation have shown that PT-Cy is well tolerated and associated with low rates of severe GVHD and TRM. However, evidence from randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of PT-Cy as compared to CIS in the setting of HLA matched alloHSCT is scarce. Aims In the present prospective randomized, multicenter, phase III trial we set out to compare a PT-Cy based immunosuppressive regimen with CIS and address the question whether PT-Cy would be associated with improved GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS). Endpoints included time to acute and chronic GVHD, progression free survival (PFS), GRFS, overall survival (OS), and adverse events. Methods Hematological patients (pts) with a matched related donor or at least an 8 out of 8 matched unrelated donor were included. Pts randomized for the CIS regimen received CyA twice daily until day +120 followed by tapering until day +180 and MA 16 mg/kg twice daily with a maximum dose of 2160 mg a day until day 84 post-transplant. Pts randomized for PT-Cy received 50 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide on day +3 and +4 combined with CyA from day +5 until day +70. Results A total of 160 pts was randomized 1:2 between CIS and PT-Cy, of whom 94% proceeded to transplant (52 versus 99 pts). Median age was 58 years (range: 20-70), 66% were male. Two pts received myeloablative conditioning. The donor type was matched related in 31% and matched unrelated in 69% of pts. Transplants were derived from peripheral blood in 97% of pts and consisted of median 6.14x106/kg CD34+ cells/kg (range: 1.36-19.4) and median 230x106/kg CD3+ T cells (range: 0-519). Baseline patient and transplantation characteristics were equally distributed between the two treatment arms. The cumulative incidence (CI) at six months of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 48% in recipients of CIS versus 32% following PT-Cy (SHR 0.52, 95%CI 0.31-0.87, p=0.014), and grade III-IV 12% versus 6%. In recipients of PT-Cy, acute GVHD was generally limited to stage 1 skin involvement, whereas more severe skin involvement and bowel involvement were observed following CIS. The two-year CI of chronic extensive GVHD was 50% in recipients of CIS versus 19% following PT-Cy (SHR 0.38, 95%CI 0.21-0.67, p=0.001). The three-year estimate of PFS was 60% (44%-73%) and 58% (46%-67%). The three-year CI of progression/relapse was 26% in the CIS arm versus 32% in the PT-Cy arm. The three-year estimate of OS was 69% (53%-80%) and 63% (52%-73%). The one-year estimate (95% confidence interval) of GRFS was 22% (12%-34%) and 45% (35%-55%), respectively. Conclusion Use of high-dose PT-Cy results in a significant reduction in severe acute and chronic GVHD without affecting relapse, thereby resulting in improved GRFS. Hence, a more intensified immunosuppression regimen with PT-Cy might be preferred as GVHD prophylaxis in the setting of RIC alloHSCT. Figure Disclosures Nur: Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Maertens:Cidara: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support; Gilead Sciences: Other: Grants, personal fees and non-financial support; Amplyx: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support; Merck: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support; Pfizer: Other: Grant and personal fees; Astellas Pharma: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support; F2G: Other: Personal fees and non-financial support. Deeren:Alexion, Amgen, Janssen, Roche, Sunesis, Takeda, Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

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