scholarly journals The Clinical Significance of Iron Overload and Iron Metabolism in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Weber ◽  
Anastasia Parmon ◽  
Nina Kurrle ◽  
Frank Schnütgen ◽  
Hubert Serve

Myelodysplasticsyndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell diseases leading to an insufficient formation of functional blood cells. Disease-immanent factors as insufficient erythropoiesis and treatment-related factors as recurrent treatment with red blood cell transfusions frequently lead to systemic iron overload in MDS and AML patients. In addition, alterations of function and expression of proteins associated with iron metabolism are increasingly recognized to be pathogenetic factors and potential vulnerabilities of these diseases. Iron is known to be involved in multiple intracellular and extracellular processes. It is essential for cell metabolism as well as for cell proliferation and closely linked to the formation of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, iron can influence the course of clonal myeloid disorders, the leukemic environment and the occurrence as well as the defense of infections. Imbalances of iron homeostasis may induce cell death of normal but also of malignant cells. New potential treatment strategies utilizing the importance of the iron homeostasis include iron chelation, modulation of proteins involved in iron metabolism, induction of leukemic cell death via ferroptosis and exploitation of iron proteins for the delivery of antileukemic drugs. Here, we provide an overview of some of the latest findings about the function, the prognostic impact and potential treatment strategies of iron in patients with MDS and AML.

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 1003-1003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Granada ◽  
Salut Brunet ◽  
Montserrat Hoyos ◽  
Dolors Costa ◽  
Anna Aventín ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 1003 Poster Board I-25 Introduction: Recently, the cooperative group HOVON-SAKK has refined the prognostic impact of cytogenetic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by introducing the concept of monosomal karyotype (MK). This consists of ≥ 2 autosomal monosomies or one autosomal monosomy in addition to a structural alteration. In their experience, MK would explain the poor prognosis of AML with a complex karyotype. Objective: To investigate the prognostic impact of MK in patients with primary (de novo) AML enrolled in the Spanish CETLAM group protocols (AML 94/99/03). Also, to determine whether considering MK added predictive value to the cytogenetic classification of the Medical Research Council (MRC). Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from 1149 AML patients. Chromosomal formula was centrally reviewed with karyotypes being classified by the presence of MK and allocated into the MRC risk categories. Complete remission (CR) rate, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Results: The karyotype was assessable in 904 (79%) of the 1149 cases. In 145 of the 904 cases (16%), abnormalities involving CBF gene were detected and in 437 (48%) the karyotype was normal (NK). In 253 (28%) additional patients the karyotype was not monosomal; of them, 61 (24%) belonged to the unfavorable MRC with 17 cases harboring a complex karyotype ≥ 5 abnormalities, 7 cases with rearrangements 3q, 13 cases with -7, 9 cases with 5q abnormalities and 16 cases with t(6;9)). The remaining 69 (7.7%) patients had a MK; of them, 59 (85.5%) were from the unfavorable MRC category and included 43 cases with complex karyotype ≥ 5 abnormalities, 6 cases with rearrangements 3q, 5 cases with -7, 5 cases with alterations of 5q). The following table summarizes the results in terms of CR rate, DFS and OS: Conclusions: The addition of MK to the MRC cytogenetic classification refines the prognostic prediction. In our series, the dismal outcome of patients with MK is confirmed; these patients had worse prognosis than those with adverse cytogenetics without MK. Alternative treatment strategies are mandatory for MK+ patients. Supported in part by grants: GR1-01075, ECO07/90065, PI080672 and RD06/0020/0101. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lap Shu Alan Chan ◽  
Lilly ChunHong Gu ◽  
Richard A. Wells

Abstract Background: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) require chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion due to anemia. Multiple RBC transfusions cause secondary iron overload and subsequent excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which leads to mutations, cell death, organ failure, and inferior disease outcomes. We hypothesize that iron loading promotes AML development by increasing oxidative stress and disrupting important signaling pathways in the bone marrow cells (BMCs). Conversely, iron chelation therapy (ICT) using deferasirox may reduce AML risk by lowering iron burden in the iron-loaded animals.Methods: We utilized a radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia (RI-AML) animal model. Iron overload was introduced via intraperitoneal injection of iron dextran, and iron chelation via oral gavage of deferasirox. A total of 86 irradiated B6D2F1 mice with various levels of iron burden were monitored for leukemia development over a period of 70 weeks. The Kaplan-Meier estimator was utilized to assess leukemia free survival. In addition, a second cohort of 30 mice was assigned for early analysis at 5 and 7 months post-irradiation. The BMCs of the early cohort were assessed for alterations of signaling pathways, DNA damage response and gene expression. Statistical significance was established using Student’s t-test or ANOVA.Results: Iron loading in irradiated B6D2F1 mice accelerated AML development. However, there was a progressive decrease in AML risk for irradiated mice with increase in iron burden from 7.5 to 15 to 30 mg. In addition, ICT decreased AML incidence in the 7.5 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice, while AML onset was earlier for the 30 mg iron-loaded irradiated mice that received ICT. Furthermore, analysis of BMCs from irradiated mice at earlier intervals revealed accelerated dysregulation of signaling pathways upon iron loading, while ICT partially mitigated the effects.Conclusions: We concluded that iron is a promoter of leukemogenesis in vivo up to a peak iron dose, but further iron loading decreases AML risk by increasing cell death. ICT can partially mitigate the adverse effects of iron overload, and to maximize its benefit this intervention should be undertaken prior to the development of extreme iron overload.


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 1457-1468
Author(s):  
Michelle X.G. Pereira ◽  
Amanda S.O. Hammes ◽  
Flavia C. Vasconcelos ◽  
Aline R. Pozzo ◽  
Thaís H. Pereira ◽  
...  

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the largest number of annual deaths from hematologic malignancy. In the United States, it was estimated that 21.380 individuals would be diagnosed with AML and 49.5% of patients would die in 2017. Therefore, the search for novel compounds capable of increasing the overall survival rate to the treatment of AML cells is urgent. Objectives: To investigate the cytotoxicity effect of the natural compound pomolic acid (PA) and to explore the mechanism of action of PA in AML cell lines with different phenotypes. Methods: Three different AML cell lines, HL60, U937 and Kasumi-1 cells with different mechanisms of resistance were used to analyze the effect of PA on the cell cycle progression, on DNA intercalation and on human DNA topoisomerases (hTopo I and IIα) in vitro studies. Theoretical experiments of the inhibition of hTopo I and IIα were done to explore the binding modes of PA. Results: PA reduced cell viability, induced cell death, increased sub-G0/G1 accumulation and activated caspases pathway in all cell lines, altered the cell cycle distribution and inhibited the catalytic activity of both human DNA topoisomerases. Conclusion: Finally, this study showed that PA has powerful antitumor activity against AML cells, suggesting that this natural compound might be a potent antineoplastic agent to improve the treatment scheme of this neoplasm.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naval Daver ◽  
Sangeetha Venugopal ◽  
Farhad Ravandi

AbstractApproximately 30% of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) harbor mutations in the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene. While the adverse prognostic impact of FLT3-ITDmut in AML has been clearly proven, the prognostic significance of FLT3-TKDmut remains speculative. Current guidelines recommend rapid molecular testing for FLT3mut at diagnosis and earlier incorporation of targeted agents to achieve deeper remissions and early consideration for allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT). Mounting evidence suggests that FLT3mut can emerge at any timepoint in the disease spectrum emphasizing the need for repetitive mutational testing not only at diagnosis but also at each relapse. The approval of multi-kinase FLT3 inhibitor (FLT3i) midostaurin with induction therapy for newly diagnosed FLT3mut AML, and a more specific, potent FLT3i, gilteritinib as monotherapy for relapsed/refractory (R/R) FLT3mut AML have improved outcomes in patients with FLT3mut AML. Nevertheless, the short duration of remission with single-agent FLT3i’s in R/R FLT3mut AML in the absence of ASCT, limited options in patients refractory to gilteritinib therapy, and diverse primary and secondary mechanisms of resistance to different FLT3i’s remain ongoing challenges that compel the development and rapid implementation of multi-agent combinatorial or sequential therapies for FLT3mut AML.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 3385
Author(s):  
Axel H. Schönthal ◽  
Steve Swenson ◽  
Radu O. Minea ◽  
Hye Na Kim ◽  
Heeyeon Cho ◽  
...  

Despite progress in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the clinical outcome remains suboptimal and many patients are still dying from this disease. First-line treatment consists of chemotherapy, which typically includes cytarabine (AraC), either alone or in combination with anthracyclines, but drug resistance can develop and significantly worsen prognosis. Better treatments are needed. We are developing a novel anticancer compound, NEO212, that was created by covalent conjugation of two different molecules with already established anticancer activity, the alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) and the natural monoterpene perillyl alcohol (POH). We investigated the anticancer activity of NEO212 in several in vitro and in vivo models of AML. Human HL60 and U937 AML cell lines, as well as different AraC-resistant AML cell lines, were treated with NEO212 and effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and cell death were investigated. Mice with implanted AraC-sensitive or AraC-resistant AML cells were dosed with oral NEO212, and animal survival was monitored. Our in vitro experiments show that treatment of cells with NEO212 results in growth inhibition via potent G2 arrest, which is followed by apoptotic cell death. Intriguingly, NEO212 was equally potent in highly AraC-resistant cells. In vivo, NEO212 treatment strikingly extended survival of AML mice and the majority of treated mice continued to thrive and survive without any signs of illness. At the same time, we were unable to detect toxic side effects of NEO212 treatment. All in all, the absence of side effects, combined with striking therapeutic activity even in an AraC-resistant context, suggests that NEO212 should be developed further toward clinical testing.


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