scholarly journals Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in CLL/SLL: Is It Ready for Routine Clinical Practice?

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (11.5) ◽  
pp. 1343-1345
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Woyach
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Disease Assessment ◽  
Fixed Duration ◽  
Btk Inhibitor ◽  
Term Data ◽  
Minimal Residual

Minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is defined as <1 CLL cell per 10,000 leukocytes (0.01%; <10−4). Flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing have demonstrated high sensitivity in MRD detection. MRD assessment may help to determine prognosis after fixed-duration regimens; this has been established in the contexts of chemoimmunotherapy and venetoclax/antibody combinations. In the short term, MRD status does not seem to inform prognosis in patients treated with a BTK inhibitor plus venetoclax-based regimens; however, long-term data will be needed to determine whether it is beneficial in this population. Numerous trials have demonstrated that MRD may be used to guide therapy. It is unclear whether using an MRD-guided treatment strategy is better than using fixed-duration therapy; ongoing and future studies are warranted.

Use of minimal residual disease assessment in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

2017 ◽  
Vol 58 (12) ◽  
pp. 2777-2785 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Owen ◽  
Anna Christofides ◽  
Nathalie Johnson ◽  
Tatiana Lawrence ◽  
David MacDonald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Disease Assessment ◽  
Minimal Residual

Eradication of Minimal Residual Disease Using Alemtuzumab Consolidation After High-Dose Methyl-Prednisolone Plus Rituximab (HDMP-R) Is Safe, Effective and Induces Long Term Remission in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 2866-2866
Author(s):  
Januario E. Castro ◽  
Lina M. Ariza-Serrano ◽  
Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa ◽  
Julio A. Diaz-Perez ◽  
Danelle F. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Bulky Disease ◽  
Minimal Residual

Abstract Abstract 2866 Despite advances in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the disease still remains incurable and eradication of minimal residual disease (MRD) being one of the most challenging goals of treatment. Alemtuzumab (Campath-H1™) has been shown to effectivily eradicate MRD from the bone marrow and induce long-term remissions, however its use is limited to patients without bulky disease. Futhermore, combination of alemtuzumab with chemotherapy has resulted in serious adverse events. In this study, we evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of alemtuzumab as consolidation therapy for CLL patients following induction with high-dose methylprednisolone in combination with rituximab (HDMP-R). Twenty-one patients with evidence of residual disease after treatment with HDMP-R received additional treatment with alemtuzumab. This antibody was administered three times a week for a total of 8 weeks. Patients received antibiotic prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 160/800 mg twice a day × 3 per week, fluconazole 100 mg / day and valganciclovir 900 mg / day. The median age was 60 years (range, 49–73), with Rai stage III-IV in 81% of the patients. Twelve patients (57%) had evidence of unmutated IgVH gene and thirteen (62%) had high level of ZAP-70 expression. Cytogenetic and FISH analysis showed eight patients with deleletion 13q, three patients with trisomy 12, one patient with deletion 11q, five patients with no chromosomal abnomalities and in six patients data was not available. The median number of previous treatments was 1.3 (range, 0–5) and the median time from the end of HDMP-R treatment to initiation of alemtuzumab was 5 months (range, 1–14). After HDMP-R, nine patients (43%) achieved CR and twelve (57%) were in PR; all of them had evidence of residual disease in the bone marrow by 4-color flow cytometry analysis. Eight additional patients achieved CR after consolidation with alemtuzumab for a total of 17 patients (81%) in CR at the end of the study. We found no evidence of MRD (MRDneg) in 12 of those patients (57% of the total and 71% of CR patients). Of the remaining patients, one had PR and three patients had progressive disease for an overall response rate of 86%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 63 months (range, 6–84) for all patients. The median PFS in CR MRDneg patients has not been reached at a median follow-up of 46 months (range, 18–84), with 8/12 patients that have not progressed after a time at risk of 3.8 years. CR MRDpos patients have a median PFS of 48 months (range, 6–48). The treatment was well tolerated and there were no deaths attributed to therapy. Adverse events were classified following the NCI common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) Version 4.0. Two patients (9.5%) developed infections. The first event occurred during the administration of alemtuzumab and required hospitalization of the patient for management of pneumonia galactomannan positive suspicious for invasive aspergillosis (Grade 3), the second event was in a patient with aspegillus sp. infection of the skin that occurred four months after completion of alemtuzumab (Grade 2). Both patients recovered completely. We observed no CMV or other opportunistic infections. Three patients (14%) developed cytopenias; two patients with (Grade 4) thrombocytopenia and three patients with (Grade 4) neutropenia. In conclusion, alemtuzumab consolidation for residual disease after treatment with HDMP-R was well tolerated and effective in patients with CLL. We observed a near two-fold increase in the number of patients that achieved CR and the majority of these (71%) had no evidence of MRD. Moreover, patients with CR MRDneg have an exceptionally long PFS. The low rate of infection and lack of treatment related mortality compares very favorably with previous studies using alemtuzumab consolidation after chemotherapy treatment in which toxicities including treatment related death were found to be prohibitive. These encouraging results provide the rationale for additional studies using this combination therapy. Disclosures: James: Celgene: Research Funding.

scholarly journals Updates in the Management of CLL/SLL: Sequencing Therapy and the Role of Minimal Residual Disease Testing

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12.5) ◽  
pp. 1756-1759
Author(s):  
William G. Wierda
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Inhibitor Therapy ◽  
Effective Treatment Option ◽  
Receptor Signaling Pathway ◽  
B Cell Receptor Signaling ◽  
Btk Inhibitor ◽  
Minimal Residual

Progress in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma has led to a renewed focus on minimal residual disease as a treatment endpoint, particularly in assessing survival outcomes with combination therapies. B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitor monotherapy is associated with low rates of undetectable minimal residual disease, and continued treatment is still required; however, BCL-2 inhibitor therapy with venetoclax is associated with high rates of undetectable minimal residual disease, as are new combinations with BCL-2 inhibitors. Early research indicates that BCL-2 inhibitors may be an effective treatment option for disease that is refractory to Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor therapy.

scholarly journals Eliminating minimal residual disease as a therapeutic end point: working toward cure for patients with CLL

Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 127 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip A. Thompson ◽  
William G. Wierda
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Rapid Determination ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Disease Free ◽  
Minimal Residual

Abstract Deep remission and prolonged disease-free survival can be achieved with first-line chemoimmunotherapy (CIT), such as combined fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab, in the majority of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). More modest results are reported with less intense regimens like obinutuzumab plus chlorambucil. Clinical assessment has limited sensitivity in detecting residual disease responsible for subsequent relapse, even including morphologic bone marrow (BM) evaluation. Multicolor flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methods can detect minimal residual disease (MRD) to a sensitivity of ≥1:10 000 (10−4). Achieving BM MRD-negative complete remission (CR) is associated with superior progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival; MRD status is the single best posttreatment predictor of long-term outcomes after CIT. Newer oral B-cell receptor signaling pathway inhibitors are highly effective at controlling disease, but best monotherapy responses are typically partial remission, and patients must remain on treatment to maintain disease control. Therapeutic progress is still needed for CLL. We propose that targeting MRD provides opportunity to realize this progress. Achieving BM MRD-negative CR is a prerequisite for long-term unmaintained disease-free survival and potential for cure. We review available methodologies for detecting MRD and correlations with posttreatment outcomes. We discuss the potential utility of MRD to direct individualized therapy. Finally, we discuss the importance of MRD-negative status as a surrogate marker for longer PFS in clinical studies to allow more rapid determination of clinical benefit.

scholarly journals Harmonization of Flow Cytometric Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Multiple Myeloma in Centers of Polish Myeloma Consortium

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1872
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Krzywdzińska ◽  
Bartosz Puła ◽  
Anna Czyż ◽  
Beata Krzymieniewska ◽  
Jolanta Kiernicka-Parulska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Disease Assessment ◽  
Reproducibility Study ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Data Files ◽  
Minimal Residual

Minimal residual disease (MRD) status is now considered as one of the most relevant prognostic factors in multiple myeloma (MM) while MRD negativity became an important endpoint in clinical trials. Here, we report the results of the first study evaluating the reproducibility of high-sensitivity flow cytometry MM MRD assessment in four laboratories in Poland. EuroFlow protocols for instrument setting standardization and sample preparation in MM MRD assessment were implemented in each laboratory. In the inter-laboratory reproducibility study, 12 bone marrow samples from MM patients were distributed and processed in participant laboratories. In the inter-operator concordance study, 13 raw data files from MM MRD measurements were analyzed by five independent operators. The inter-laboratory study showed high 95% overall concordance of results among laboratories. In the inter-operator study, 89% of MRD results reported were concordant, and the highest immunophenotype interpretation differences with regard to expression of CD27, CD45, CD81 were noticed. We confirmed the applicability and feasibility of the EuroFlow protocol as a highly sensitive method of MRD evaluation in MM. Results of our inter-center comparison study demonstrate that the standardization of MM MRD assessment protocols is highly desirable to improve quality and comparability of results within and between different clinical trials.

scholarly journals Updates in the Management of CLL/SLL: Management of Relapsed/Refractory Disease and the Role of Minimal Residual Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (5.5) ◽  
pp. 655-657
Author(s):  
Jennifer R. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Risk Profile ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Prospective Data ◽  
Prior Therapy ◽  
Btk Inhibitor ◽  
Choice Of Therapy ◽  
Minimal Residual

In relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the choice of therapy depends on the risk profile, prior therapy, and patient comorbidities. The first novel agent for patients who had previously received chemoimmunotherapy is typically a BTK inhibitor or combination venetoclax + rituximab. For patients with problematic comorbidities, however, a PI3K inhibitor can be used, but generally this is reserved for later lines of therapy. For those who stop ibrutinib due to adverse events, there are broad options but data are still limited. For those whose disease progresses on a BTK inhibitor, the only prospective data are for use of venetoclax. For patients who have been treated with venetoclax + rituximab and experience relapse, retreatment is a possibility if they have had a durable remission. Finally, undetectable minimal residual disease is strongly predictive of durability of response for time-limited regimens but not for continuous BTK inhibition, and is generally not indicated for monitoring patients.

scholarly journals Fixed Duration of Venetoclax-Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Eradicates Minimal Residual Disease and Prolongs Survival: Post-Treatment Follow-Up of the MURANO Phase III Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arnon P. Kater ◽  
John F. Seymour ◽  
Peter Hillmen ◽  
Barbara Eichhorst ◽  
Anton W. Langerak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Disease Progression ◽  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Fixed Duration ◽  
Low Level ◽  
High Level ◽  
Minimal Residual

Purpose The MURANO study demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit for fixed-duration venetoclax-rituximab compared with bendamustine-rituximab in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With all patients off treatment, we report minimal residual disease (MRD) kinetics and updated outcomes. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to 2 years of venetoclax plus rituximab during the first six cycles, or six cycles of bendamustine-rituximab. Primary end point was PFS. Safety and peripheral blood (PB) MRD status—at cycle 4, 2 to 3 months after end of combination therapy (EOCT), and every 3 to 6 months thereafter—were secondary end points. Results Of 194 patients, 174 (90%) completed the venetoclax-rituximab phase and 130 (67%) completed 2 years of venetoclax. With a median follow-up of 36 months, PFS and overall survival remain superior to bendamustine-rituximab (hazard ratio, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.23]; and hazard ratio, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.85], respectively). Patients who received venetoclax-rituximab achieved a higher rate of PB undetectable MRD (uMRD; less than 10−4) at EOCT (62% v 13%) with superiority sustained through month 24 (end of therapy). Overall, uMRD status at EOCT predicted longer PFS. Among those with detectable MRD, low-level MRD (10−4 to less than 10−2) predicted improved PFS compared with high-level MRD (10−2 or greater). At a median of 9.9 months (range, 1.4 to 22.5 months) after completing fixed-duration venetoclax-rituximab, overall only 12% (16 of 130) of patients developed disease progression (11 high-level MRD, three low-level MRD). At the end of therapy, 70% and 98% of patients with uMRD remained in uMRD and without disease progression, respectively. Conclusion With all patients having finished treatment, continued benefit was observed for venetoclax-rituximab compared with bendamustine-rituximab. uMRD rates were durable and predicted longer PFS, which establishes the impact of PB MRD on the benefit of fixed-duration, venetoclax-containing treatment. Low conversion to detectable MRD and sustained PFS after completion of 2 years of venetoclax-rituximab demonstrate the feasibility of this regimen.

scholarly journals Minimal Residual Disease Dynamics after Venetoclax-Obinutuzumab Treatment: Extended Off-Treatment Follow-up From the Randomized CLL14 Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Othman Al-Sawaf ◽  
Can Zhang ◽  
Tong Lu ◽  
Michael Z. Liao ◽  
Anesh Panchal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Minimal Residual Disease ◽  
Residual Disease ◽  
Hazard Ratio ◽  
Lymphocytic Leukemia ◽  
Term Outcome ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Minimal Residual

PURPOSE The CLL14 study has established one-year fixed-duration treatment of venetoclax and obinutuzumab (Ven-Obi) for patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. With all patients off treatment for at least three years, we report a detailed analysis of minimal residual disease (MRD) kinetics and long-term outcome of patients treated in the CLL14 study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to receive six cycles of obinutuzumab with 12 cycles of venetoclax or 12 cycles of chlorambucil (Clb-Obi). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary end point. Key secondary end points included rates of undetectable MRD and overall survival. To analyze MRD kinetics, a population-based growth model with nonlinear mixed effects approach was developed. RESULTS Of 432 patients, 216 were assigned to Ven-Obi and 216 to Clb-Obi. Three months after treatment completion, 40% of patients in the Ven-Obi arm (7% in the Clb-Obi arm) had undetectable MRD levels < 10−6 by next-generation sequencing in peripheral blood. Median MRD doubling time was longer after Ven-Obi than Clb-Obi therapy (median 80 v 69 days). At a median follow-up of 52.4 months, a sustained significant PFS improvement was observed in the Ven-Obi arm compared with Clb-Obi (median not reached v 36.4 months; hazard ratio 0.33; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.45; P < .0001). The estimated 4-year PFS rate was 74.0% in the Ven-Obi and 35.4% in the Clb-Obi arm. No difference in overall survival was observed (hazard ratio 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54 to 1.35; P = .49). No new safety signals occurred. CONCLUSION Appearance of MRD after Ven-Obi is significantly slower than that after Clb-Obi with more effective MRD reduction. These findings translate into a superior long-term efficacy with the majority of Ven-Obi–treated patients remaining in remission.

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