Impact of Pre-Transplant Ruxolitinib in Myelofibrosis Patients on Outcome after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Abstract Introduction Ruxolitinib is the first approved drug for treatment of myelofibrosis. Major effects are reduction in spleen size and improvement of constitutional symptoms. Because spleen size and constitutional symptoms may influence outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), ruxolitinib is recommended before stem cell transplantation in order to reduce therapy-related morbidity and mortality and improve outcome (EBMT/ELN recommendation, Leukemia 2015) The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of pretreatment with ruxolitinib in comparison to transplantation of ruxolitinib-naïve MF patients with regard to outcome after ASCT. Patients and methods …

Predicted Indirectly reCognizable HLA epitopes (PIRCHE) are associated with poorer outcome after single mismatch unrelated donor stem cell transplantation: a study of the Cooperative Transplant Study Group (KTS) of the German Group for Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation (DAG-KBT)

There is no established standard for selection of mismatched unrelated donors. Indirect recognition of HLA mismatches can be predicted using the model of “Predicted Indirectly ReCognizable HLA Epitopes” (PIRCHE). We performed a multicenter retrospective study evaluating the impact PIRCHE on outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from single mismatched (HLA 9/10 matched) unrelated donors. The study cohort included 424 adult recipients of HLA 9/10 matched unrelated donor transplants (9/10 MUD), treated for AML or MDS at 6 transplant centers across Germany. Detection of PIRCHE was associated with lower overall survival (OS) (47 vs. 57%, <i>p</i> = 0.04), hig…

Sustained Complete Molecular Remissions After Treatment With Imatinib-Mesylate in Patients With Failure After Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia: Results of a Prospective Phase II Open-Label Multicenter Study

Purpose In the era of molecular therapy of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) applying BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the usefulness of molecular end points, in particular, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BCR-ABL in monitoring responses has been broadly accepted. Therefore, we have designed a prospective phase II trial in CML, which, for the first time, evaluated the feasibility and safety of molecular end points as surrogate markers to guide through a stratified treatment algorithm within a multicenter trial. Patients and Methods As a clinical model, we adopted minimal residual disease (MRD) found in relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in CML. For…

Real-World Experience of CPX-351 As First-Line Treatment in 188 Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Abstract Background In a recent phase-III trial CPX-351 (Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Palo Alto, CA), a liposomal encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin, has shown higher remission rates and longer overall survival (OS) in patients aged 60 to 75 years with AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC) or therapy-related AML (t-AML) in comparison to conventional 7+3 regimen. Based on this CPX-351 has been approved in the USA 2017 and in Europe 2018 for adult patients with newly-diagnosed AML-MRC or t-AML. Still, several issues such as age (<60 years), measurable residual disease (MRD), molecular subgroups and outcome after allo-HCT were not addressed in the phase-III trial. Aiming …

Feasibility of an exercise programme in elderly patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation - a pilot study

It has been demonstrated that physical exercise benefits younger patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We designed a prospective pilot study investigating whether elderly patients (>60 years) would also be able to participate in such a programme. It consisted of physiotherapist-supervised alternating endurance and resistance workouts on 6 of 7 days a week. Sixteen consecutive patients undergoing allo-HSCT were enrolled into the study. The median age was 64.5 years. Twelve patients participated in the programme until the time of discharge (75%) from the transplant unit. Therefore, the predefined criteria regarding feasibility were met. The reaso…

Relevance of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) On Non-Relapse Related Mortality (NRM) in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Receiving Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) in First Complete Remission: Results From the GMALL Study Group.

Abstract Abstract 3352 Poster Board III-240 Allogeneic HSCT is established as a potent curative therapy in adult patients with high risk ALL. However, due to transplant-related morbidity and lethality the gains in relapse prevention do not necessarily translate into survival advantages in the overall patient population. Defining the role of allogeneic HSCT in ALL patients in first complete remission (CR1) according to leukemia related risk factors, to transplant related risk factors (e.g. HLA matching, conditioning therapy and immunosuppressive treatment), and to comorbidity related risks, remains a major task for upcoming clinical trials. Several retrospective studies suggest that the HCT-…

Impact of Donor-Recipient Histocompatibility and CMV-Mismatch on Outcome of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for AML and MDS: A Retrospective Registry Study of the German Stem Cell Transplant Registry (DRST) of the German Working Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (DAG-KBT)

Abstract Introduction Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a curative treatment for several hematological diseases. Donor-recipient histo-incompatibility is associated with poorer outcome. Transplant outcome of CMV positive patients is reported to be poorer, if the unrelated donor is CMV negative (CMV-mismatch). Recent developments in transplant strategies including high resolution HLA-typing, toxicity-reduced conditioning regimens, CMV-monitoring, and improved supportive care have made transplants from HLA- as well as CMV- mismatched unrelated donors more feasible. We present a retrospective registry analysis from a large, and recent cohort of patients transplanted under thes…

Relative Impact of HLA Matching and Non-HLA Donor Characteristics on Outcomes of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Increasing donor-recipient HLA disparity is associated with negative outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but its comparative relevance amid non-HLA donor characteristics is not well established. We addressed this question in 3215 HSCTs performed between 2005 and 2013 in Germany for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Donors were HLA-matched related (MRD; n = 872) or unrelated (10/10 MUD, n = 1553) or HLA-mismatched unrelated (10/10 MMUD, n = 790). Overall survival (OS) was similar after MRD compared with 10/10 MUD HSCT, reflecting opposing hazards of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 1.32; P.002) and nonrelapse mortality (HR, .63; P.0…

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for advanced systemic mastocytosis

Purpose Advanced systemic mastocytosis (SM), a fatal hematopoietic malignancy characterized by drug resistance, has no standard therapy. The effectiveness of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHCT) in SM remains unknown. Patients and Methods In a global effort to define the value of HCT in SM, 57 patients with the following subtypes of SM were evaluated: SM associated with clonal hematologic non–mast cell disorders (SM-AHNMD; n = 38), mast cell leukemia (MCL; n = 12), and aggressive SM (ASM; n = 7). Median age of patients was 46 years (range, 11 to 67 years). Donors were HLA-identical (n = 34), unrelated (n = 17), umbilical cord blood (n = 2), HLA-haploidentical (n = 1)…

Role of Donor Clonal Hematopoiesis in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation

Purpose Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) occurs in the blood of approximately 20% of older persons. CHIP is linked to an increased risk of hematologic malignancies and of all-cause mortality; thus, the eligibility of stem-cell donors with CHIP is questionable. We comprehensively investigated how donor CHIP affects outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). Methods We collected blood samples from 500 healthy, related HSCT donors (age ≥ 55 years) at the time of stem-cell donation for targeted sequencing with a 66-gene panel. The effect of donor CHIP was assessed on recipient outcomes, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), cumulative incid…

Anti-CD20 immunotherapy as a bridge to tolerance, after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: results of the CLLX4 trial

Centre characteristics and procedure-related factors have an impact on outcomes of allogeneic transplantation for patients with CLL: a retrospective analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)

Abstract Introduction:Even in the era of novel targeted therapies for the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients, such as BTK, PI3K and BCL2 inhibitors, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (alloHCT) will remain an important treatment option for a subset of patients with very high risk CLL. The current study focused on the impact of center and procedure-related factors on outcomes after alloHCT, taking into account the impact of patient- and disease-related risk factors. Patients and Methods:Data of 684 CLL patients who received a first alloHCT between 2000 and 2011 were analyzed. Their data were collected as part of the EBMT CLL Data Quality Initiative. Out…

Sorafenib maintenance after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3-internal tandem duplication mutation (SORMAIN).

PURPOSE Despite undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT), patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with internal tandem duplication mutation in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 gene ( FLT3-ITD) have a poor prognosis, frequently relapse, and die as a result of AML. It is currently unknown whether a maintenance therapy using FLT3 inhibitors, such as the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib, improves outcome after HCT. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial (SORMAIN; German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00000591), 83 adult patients with FLT3-ITD–positive AML in complete hematologic remission after HCT were r…

Real Life Experience with ATRA-Arsenic Trioxide Based Regimen in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia - Updated Results of the Prospective German Intergroup Napoleon Registry

Abstract Background: Standard therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia has long relied on the combination of All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy. The introduction of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in APL treatment has allowed achievement of similarly high remission and survival rates coupled with significantly reduced myelosuppression. Recent results of the APL0406 trial by the GIMEMA-AMLSG-SAL study groups showed that the combination of ATRA and arsenic trioxide (ATO) is superior to standard ATRA and chemotherapy (CHT) in front-line therapy of low/intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The implications of these results for the clinical practice of APL patients in Germany …

Chronic graft-versus-host disease: long-term results from a randomized trial on graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis with or without anti-T-cell globulin ATG-Fresenius.

Abstract Previous randomized graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-prophylaxis trials have failed to demonstrate reduced incidence and severity of chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Here we reanalyzed and updated a randomized phase 3 trial comparing standard GVHD prophylaxis with or without pretransplantation ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F) in 201 adult patients receiving myeloablative conditioning before transplantation from unrelated donors. The cumulative incidence of extensive cGVHD after 3 years was 12.2% in the ATG-F group versus 45.0% in the control group (P < .0001). The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse and of nonrelapse mortality was 32.6% and 19.4% in the ATG-F group and 28.2% and 33.5% in the contr…

Comparison of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Transformed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Derived from MDS, CMML or MPN. a Report of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of EBMT

Abstract Introduction Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (transformed AML). The aim of this EBMT registry study was to compare 3 year outcome in patients with transformed AMLwho received allogeneic stem cell transplantation according to the primary disease. Patients and Methods Within the European Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) registry, we found 4214 patients (female: 39%, male: 61%) with transformed acute myeloid leukemia, who received allogeneic stem cell transplantation between 2000 and 2014. The primary disease was MDS (n=3541), CMML (n=251) or MPN (n=4…

Prognostic Factors Affecting Outcome after Allogeneic Transplantation for Hematological Malignancies from Unrelated Donors: Results from a Randomized Trial

Several prognostic factors for the outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) from matched unrelated donors have been postulated from registry data; however, data from randomized trials are lacking. We present analyses on the effects of patient-related, donor-related, and treatment-related prognostic factors on acute GVHD (aGVHD), chronic GVHD (cGVHD), relapse, nonrelapse mortality (NRM), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in a randomized, multicenter, open-label, phase III trial comparing standard graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with and without pretransplantation ATG-Fresenius (ATG-F) in 201 adult patients receiving myeloablative co…

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation after conditioning with treosulfan, etoposide and cyclophosphamide for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) not eligible for TBI-containing regimens: a phase II-Study on behalf of the German ALL Study Group (GMALL) and the German Cooperative Transplant Study Group

Abstract Total-body-irradiation (TBI) based preparative regimens are considered as standard conditioning therapy for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AHSC) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Within a multi-center prospective phase II study we have investigated the toxicity and efficacy of a non-TBI-based regimen consisting of treosulfan, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide in patients with ALL. Inclusion criteria were complete remission, non-eligibility for TBI or patient’s wish to avoid TBI. Between July 2007 and August 2010, 50 patients with a median age of 46.5 years were enrolled at ten German centers. 74% of the patients were in 1. CR and 26% 2. or higher CR.The cond…