Whole Exome Sequencing reveals NOTCH1 mutations in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and points to Notch both as a key pathway and a potential therapeutic target

Patients diagnosed with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) are still treated with toxic multi-agent chemotherapy and as many as 25-50% of patients relapse. To understand disease pathology and to uncover novel targets for therapy, Whole-Exome Sequencing (WES) of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)+ ALCL was performed as well as Gene-Set Enrichment Analysis. This revealed that the T-cell receptor (TCR) and Notch pathways were the most enriched in mutations. In particular, variant T349P of NOTCH1, which confers a growth advantage to cells in which it is expressed, was detected in 12% of ALK+ and ALK- ALCL patient samples. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NPM-ALK promotes NOTCH1 expression through binding of STAT3 upstream of NOTCH1. Moreover, inhibition of NOTCH1 with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) or silencing by shRNA leads to apoptosis; co-treatment in vitro with the ALK inhibitor Crizotinib led to additive/synergistic anti-tumour activity suggesting this may be an appropriate combination therapy for future use in the circumvention of ALK inhibitor resistance. Indeed, Crizotinib-resistant and sensitive ALCL were equally sensitive to GSIs. In conclusion, we show a variant in the extracellular domain of NOTCH1 that provides a growth advantage to cells and confirm the suitability of the Notch pathway as a second-line druggable target in ALK+ ALCL.

ALK-negative primary cutaneous T-cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma, myxoid variant; masquerading as sarcoma: unveiling the diagnostic dilemma

We present a case of 50-year-old man with history of ulcerative right axillary mass for 6 months. Axillary lymphadenopathy and organomegaly were absent. Microscopic examination showed sheets of pleomorphic cells which were mitotically active. Distinctive myxoid change was seen throughout the tumor. These cells were strongly positive for CD30 and vimentin but were negative for CD3, CD5, CD20, CD15, anaplastic lymphoma kinase protein (ALK), CD56, cytokeratin, melan A, desmin, myogenin, CD68, S100, epithelial membrane antigen and CD34. The final diagnosis of primary cutaneous ALK-negative T-cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL), myxoid variant was made. Work-up revealed no systemic involvement. The patient received eight cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone and etoposide chemotherapy with complete resolution of disease. This case report highlights that a high index of suspicion is necessary in patients of PCALCL due to varied clinical presentation, and to discuss in brief the histopathologic and immunophenotypic features of this entity along with its differential diagnosis.

Preclinical Evaluation of Gilteritinib on NPM1-ALK-Driven Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Cells

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More than three-fourths of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive ALCL cases express the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1)-ALK fusion gene as a result of t(2;5) chromosomal translocation. The homodimerization of NPM1-ALK fusion protein mediates constitutive activation of the chimeric tyrosine kinase activity and downstream signaling pathways responsible for lymphoma cell proliferation and survival. Gilteritinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of FMS-like tyrosine kinase mutation-positive acute myeloid leukemia. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time gilteritinib-mediated growth inhibitory effects on NPM1-ALK-driven ALCL cells. We utilized a total of five ALCL model cell lines, including both human and murine. Gilteritinib treatment inhibits NPM1-ALK fusion kinase phosphorylation and downstream signaling, resulting in induced apoptosis. Gilteritinib-mediated apoptosis was associated with caspase 3/9, PARP cleavage, the increased expression of proapoptotic protein BAD, and decreased expression of antiapoptotic proteins, survivin and MCL-1. We also found downregulation of fusion kinase activity resulted in decreased c-Myc protein levels. Furthermore, cell-cycle analysis indicated gilteritinib induced G₀-G₁-phase cell-cycle arrest and reduced CD30 expression. In summary, our preclinical studies explored the novel therapeutic potential of gilteritinib in the treatment of ALCL cells expressing NPM1-ALK and potentially in other ALK or ALK fusion-driven hematologic or solid malignancies. IMPLICATIONS: Our preclinical results explore the use of gilteritinib for the treatment of NPM1-ALK-driven ALCL cells and pave a path for developing future clinical trials. VISUAL OVERVIEW: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/19/5/913/F1.large.jpg.

Predictors of Outcome in Pediatric Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and predictors of outcome in pediatric anaplastic large cell lymphoma treated with a uniform protocol.

METHOD

This hospital record review was done between June, 2016 to March, 2019 and data was extracted from January, 2003 to May, 2016 for anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in patients aged 1 to 18 years (n=27). EFS and OS were calculated by the Kaplan Meier method. Cox proportional model and the Cox regression model were used for univariate analysis and multivariate analysis respectively.

RESULTS

EFS and OS at three years was 70.4% (CI: 0.49-0.84) and 77.2% (CI: 0.56 -0.89), respectively. On univariate analysis stage III and IV, hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL and presence of pleural effusion predicted lower survival. On multivariate analysis, pleural effusion was a significant predictor of low EFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Pleural effusion is a potential clinical marker of poor outcome among children with anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Biomarker-driven management strategies for peripheral T cell lymphoma

Peripheral T cell lymphomas are heterogeneous diseases which remain treatment challenges. Recent advances in molecular and genomic profiling have provided unprecedented insight into disease pathogenesis driven by distinct cells of origins and molecular pathways. The discovery and clinical application of molecular biomarkers in PTCL subtypes has the potential to transform personalized care for patients with PTCL in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Targeting CD30+ PTCL with the antibody-drug conjugate brentuximab vedotin in the relapsed setting and in combination with chemotherapy in the frontline setting has improved patient survivals. Epigenetic modifying agents, including HDAC inhibitors and hypomethylating agents, have demonstrated broad clinical efficacy and durability and are in clinical development for combination strategies for both relapsed and frontline settings. Wide-ranging novel agents targeting critical intracellular pathways and tumor microenvironment are in active exploration to define clinical activities. This review summarizes PTCL-specific biomarkers which are increasingly incorporated in clinical practice to guide precision diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Synergistic Treatment of Tumor by Targeted Biotherapy and Chemotherapy via Site-Specific Anchoring of Aptamers on DNA Nanotubes

BACKGROUND

Aptamers have been widely used as targeted therapeutic agents due to its relatively small physical size, flexible structure, high specificity, and selectivity. Aptamers functionalized nanomaterials, not only enhance the targeting of nanomaterials, but can also improve the stability of the aptamers. We developed aptamer C2NP (Apt) conjugated straight DNA nanotubes (S-DNT-Apt) and twisted DNA nanotubes (T-DNT-Apt) as nanocarriers for doxorubicin (DOX).

METHODS

The twisted DNA nanotubes (T-DNT) and straight DNA nanotubes (S-DNT) were assembled with a scaffold and hundreds of staples. Apt was site-specifically anchored on DNA nanotubes with either different spatial distribution (3 or 6 nm) or varied stoichiometry (15Apt or 30Apt). The developed nanocarriers were characterized with agarose gel electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy. The drug loading and release in vitro were evaluated by measuring the fluorescence intensity of DOX using a microplate reader. The stability of DNT in cell culture medium plus 10% of FBS was evaluated by agarose gel electrophoresis. The cytotoxicity of DNA nanostructures against K299 cells was tested with a standard CCK8 method. Cellular uptake, cell apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species level were investigated by flow cytometry. The expression of p53 was examined by Western Blot.

RESULTS

T-DNT-30Apt-6 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity when the concentration of Apt was 120 nM. After intercalation of DOX, the cytotoxicity of DOX@T-DNT-30Apt-6 was further enhanced due to the combination of chemotherapy of DOX and biotherapy of Apt. The enhanced cytotoxicity of DOX@T-DNT-30Apt-6 can be explained by the increase in the cellular uptake, cell apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels. Additionally, the interaction between Apt and its receptor CD30 could upregulate the expression of p53.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that both stoichiometry and spatial arrangement of Apt on T-DNT-Apt influence the anticancer activity. The developed twisted DNA nanotubes may be a solution for the synergistic treatment of cancer.

A Potent and Selective Small-Molecule Degrader of STAT3 Achieves Complete Tumor Regression In Vivo

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an attractive cancer therapeutic target. Here we report the discovery of SD-36, a small-molecule degrader of STAT3. SD-36 potently induces the degradation of STAT3 protein in vitro and in vivo and demonstrates high selectivity over other STAT members. Induced degradation of STAT3 results in a strong suppression of its transcription network in leukemia and lymphoma cells. SD-36 inhibits the growth of a subset of acute myeloid leukemia and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma cell lines by inducing cell-cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. SD-36 achieves complete and long-lasting tumor regression in multiple xenograft mouse models at well-tolerated dose schedules. Degradation of STAT3 protein, therefore, is a promising cancer therapeutic strategy.

Abdominal Pain and Intermittent Fevers in a 16-Year-Old Girl

A 16-year-old girl presented to the emergency department with intermittent fevers and worsening abdominal pain of 5 weeks duration. She had a history of travel to a less developed country and exposure to possible infectious diseases. Abdominal imaging and blood tests revealed diffuse mesenteric lymphadenopathy, elevated transaminases, and elevation of inflammatory markers. Gastroesophageal and colon endoscopies revealed gastric ulcers, and the patient was discharged with a presumptive diagnosis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis given the lymphadenopathy seen on imaging, serositis, sacroiliac joint stiffness noted on physical examination, and pain relief with celecoxib. She presented again 4 days later with worsening abdominal tenderness, elevated transaminases, and new-onset abdominal distention. Tissue biopsy yielded the diagnosis and directed appropriate treatment.

The γ-secretase inhibitor GSI-I interacts synergistically with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib to induce ALK+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma cell apoptosis

Single agent treatment of the γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI-I) or proteasome inhibitor in anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) shows limited response and considerable toxicity. Here, we examined the effects of the combination of low dose GSI-I and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BTZ) in ALK+ ALCL cells in vivo and in vitro. We found that ALK+ ALCL cells treated with the BTZ and GSI-I combination treatment showed elevated apoptosis, consistent with increased caspase activation, compared with BTZ or GSI-I alone. The combination treatment also inhibited AKT and extracellular signal-related kinase pathways, as well as stress-related cascades, including the c-jun N-terminal kinase and stress-activated kinases. Moreover, combined treatment in a murine xenograft model resulted in increased apoptosis in tumor tissues and reduced tumor growth. Our results reveal the synergistic anti-tumor effects of low dose inhibitors against γ-secretase and the proteasome and suggest the potential application of the tolerable BTZ/GSI-I combined agents in treating ALK+ ALCL in future clinical treatment.

Dependency on the TYK2/STAT1/MCL1 axis in anaplastic large cell lymphoma

TYK2 is a member of the JAK family of tyrosine kinases that is involved in chromosomal translocation-induced fusion proteins found in anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) that lack rearrangements activating the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Here we demonstrate that TYK2 is highly expressed in all cases of human ALCL, and that in a mouse model of NPM-ALK-induced lymphoma, genetic disruption of Tyk2 delays the onset of tumors and prolongs survival of the mice. Lymphomas in this model lacking Tyk2 have reduced STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation and reduced expression of Mcl1, a pro-survival member of the BCL2 family. These findings in mice are mirrored in human ALCL cell lines, in which TYK2 is activated by autocrine production of IL-10 and IL-22 and by interaction with specific receptors expressed by the cells. Activated TYK2 leads to STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation, activated expression of MCL1 and aberrant ALCL cell survival. Moreover, TYK2 inhibitors are able to induce apoptosis in ALCL cells, regardless of the presence or absence of an ALK-fusion. Thus, TYK2 is a dependency that is required for ALCL cell survival through activation of MCL1 expression. TYK2 represents an attractive drug target due to its essential enzymatic domain, and TYK2-specific inhibitors show promise as novel targeted inhibitors for ALCL.

Brentuximab vedotin with chemotherapy for CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma (ECHELON-2): a global, double-blind, randomised, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Based on the encouraging activity and manageable safety profile observed in a phase 1 study, the ECHELON-2 trial was initiated to compare the efficacy and safety of brentuximab vedotin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (A+CHP) versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) for the treatment of CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas.

METHODS

ECHELON-2 is a double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, placebo-controlled, active-comparator phase 3 study. Eligible adults from 132 sites in 17 countries with previously untreated CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas (targeting 75% with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either A+CHP or CHOP for six or eight 21-day cycles. Randomisation was stratified by histological subtype according to local pathology assessment and by international prognostic index score. All patients received cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² and doxorubicin 50 mg/m² on day 1 of each cycle intravenously and prednisone 100 mg once daily on days 1 to 5 of each cycle orally, followed by either brentuximab vedotin 1·8 mg/kg and a placebo form of vincristine intravenously (A+CHP group) or vincristine 1·4 mg/m² and a placebo form of brentuximab vedotin intravenously (CHOP group) on day 1 of each cycle. The primary endpoint, progression-free survival according to blinded independent central review, was analysed by intent-to-treat. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01777152.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 24, 2013, and Nov 7, 2016, 601 patients assessed for eligibility, of whom 452 patients were enrolled and 226 were randomly assigned to both the A+CHP group and the CHOP group. Median progression-free survival was 48·2 months (95% CI 35·2-not evaluable) in the A+CHP group and 20·8 months (12·7-47·6) in the CHOP group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·54-0·93], p=0·0110). Adverse events, including incidence and severity of febrile neutropenia (41 [18%] patients in the A+CHP group and 33 [15%] in the CHOP group) and peripheral neuropathy (117 [52%] in the A+CHP group and 124 [55%] in the CHOP group), were similar between groups. Fatal adverse events occurred in seven (3%) patients in the A+CHP group and nine (4%) in the CHOP group.

INTERPRETATION

Front-line treatment with A+CHP is superior to CHOP for patients with CD30-positive peripheral T-cell lymphomas as shown by a significant improvement in progression-free survival and overall survival with a manageable safety profile.

FUNDING

Seattle Genetics Inc, Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmacuetical Company Limited, and National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute Cancer Center.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: Contemporary Concepts and Optimal Management

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas (ALCL) are clinically aggressive and pathologically distinct lymphoid neoplasms that originate from a mature post-thymic T-cell. The contemporary World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Haematologic Malignancies recognizes two distinct subtypes of systemic ALCL: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-negative, and ALK-positive. An additional unique subtype of ALCL is known to arise after prolonged exposure to breast implants, known as Breast Implant Associated ALCL (BIALCL). While histologic features of ALCL subtypes have significant overlap, genomic studies suggest the unique pathophysiology and molecular events of tumorigenesis. As a group, ALCLs are rare among non-Hodgkin lymphomas comprising 1-3% overall. There seems to be age and geographic predilection with ALK-positive ALCL affecting younger individuals and being diagnosed more frequently in North America than Europe. Both subtypes are quite uncommon in Hispanic and Asian populations. ALK-positive ALCL patients have a better overall prognosis than those with ALK-negative ALCL, and clinical features at presentation (i.e., International Prognostic Index, IPI) define the outcome in both subtypes. Molecular events affecting DUSP22 and TP63 have been reported to predict survival outcomes as well, with former being favorable, and the latter an unfavorable prognostic marker. Multiagent CHOP-like chemotherapy remains a standard of care for newly diagnosed ALCL patients treated with curative intent and provide a chance of cure for the majority of ALK-positive ALCL patients, and at least half of the ALK-negative ALCL patients. The role of consolidative high-dose therapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains unclear. Novel targeted agents are actively being investigated for their role in initial therapy. New immunoconjugates, targeted kinase inhibitors, and transgenic autologous T-cells are being studied in patients with relapsed and refractory disease. This review will discuss contemporary concepts in pathogenesis and management of systemic ALCL. The biology and management of primary cutaneous ALCL will be discussed elsewhere.

Pseudogout Attack after Pegfilgrastim Administration in Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

A 67-year-old man with relapsed anaplastic large cell lymphoma received salvage chemotherapy, and pegfilgrastim was used to prevent febrile neutropenia. On day 18 of chemotherapy, he developed a pseudogout attack. Although the first symptoms improved, another pseudogout attack occurred when he received the second course of chemotherapy and pegfilgrastim. Filgrastim was then used for the third course of chemotherapy, and a pseudogout attack did not occur. The serum granulocyte-stimulating factor (G-CSF) level was extremely elevated only when pegfilgrastim was used, suggesting a relationship between pseudogout and G-CSF. Pseudogout should be recognized as an adverse effect of pegfilgrastim.

CNS progression during vinblastine or targeted therapies for high-risk relapsed ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: A case series

Vinblastine and targeted therapies induce remissions in patients with relapsed or progressive anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis often is not included during re-induction in CNS-negative relapse patients. We report on five patients with progressive or early relapsed ALK-positive ALCL who developed CNS progression during re-induction with vinblastine, crizotinib, or brentuximab vedotin given for bridging to allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation. These observations suggest that CNS prophylaxis should be considered in ALCL patients suffering progression during initial therapy who receive re-induction using agents with limited CNS penetration.

Crizotinib in Combination with Everolimus Synergistically Inhibits Proliferation of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase‒Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare aggresive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, of which over 50% of cases have an aberrant nucleophosmin (NPM)‒anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein. Both mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus and ALK inhibitor crizotinib have shown promising antitumor activity in ALK-positive cancer cell lines. However, their combined effect has not yet been investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated the anti-proliferative effects of everolimus and/or crizotinib in ALK-positive ALCL cell lines, Karpas 299 and SU-DHL-1, and lung adenocarcinoma cell line, NCI-H2228.

RESULTS

We found that individually, both everolimus and crizotinib potently inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner in both Karpas 299 and SU-DHL-1 cells. A combination of these agents synergistically inhibited proliferation in the two cell lines. Crizotinib down-regulated aberrant AKT and ERK phosphorylation induced by everolimus. Combination treatment also significantly increased G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis compared with everolimus or crizotinib alone in ALK-positive ALCL cells. In the Karpas 299 xenograft model, the combination treatment exerted a stronger antitumor effect than monotherapies, without significant change in body weight. The synergistic effect of everolimus and crizotinib was also reproduced in the ALK-positive lung adenocarcinoma cell line NCI-H2228. The combination treatment abrogated phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT and mTOR signaling pathways with little effect on the Ras/ERK pathway in NCI-H2228 cells.

CONCLUSION

Crizotinib combinedwith everolimus synergistically inhibits proliferation of ALK-positive ALCL cells. Our results suggest that this novel combination is worthy of further clinical development in patients with ALK-positive ALCL.

The Role of Reed-Sternberg CD30 Receptor and Lymphocytes in Pathogenesis of Disease and Its Implication for Treatment

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that can be cured using standard chemotherapy with or without radiation. Although it accounts for only 0.6% of all malignancy worldwide, but it usually affects young adults with median age of 38 years. About 60 to 90% cases can be cured depending on its stage and 5 to 10% cases are refractory to the first-line chemotherapy; while 20 to 30% patients experiencing relapse after receiving the first-line chemotherapy. The relapse causes new problem in treatment. A monoclonal antibody-chemotherapy conjugate, Brentuximab vedotin, was approved by Food Drug Association and European Medicine since 2011 dan was approved by European Medicine Agency since 2012 to treat relapsed classical Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Brentuximab vedotin has also been known as anti-CD30.CD30 or Ki-1 or TNFRSF8 is a 120-kD glycoprotein, which is a trans-membrane receptor of Hodgkin lymphoma cells. The glycoprotein was first identified in 1982 using monoclonal antibody against Hodgkin lymphoma-derived cell lines. The glycoprotein was then cloned and recognized as a member of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, which has intracellular, transcellular and extracellular domains. The monoclonal antibody obviously does cause a reaction not only with the Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells of Hodgkin lymphoma, but also with a small number of normal lymphocytes subset, which are located at perifollicular zone as well as lymphoid tumor such as anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and other non-lymphoid tumor such as embryonic and pancreas carcinoma, undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Therefore, CD30 monoclonal antibody alone to confirm the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma is ineffective as it must be used together with other panel of immunohistochemistry antibodies such as cytokeratins, carcinoma embryonic antigen, melanoma-associated antigen and placental alkaline phosphatide.The expression of CD30 molecules in Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin lymphoma has been demonstrated in over 98% of classical Hodgkin lymphoma cases; however, there is a difference in staining intensity among various cases or even in one case.

Self-Assembled Aptamer-Nanomedicine for Targeted Chemotherapy and Gene Therapy

Chemotherapy is the mainstream treatment of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). However, chemotherapy can cause severe adverse effects in patients because it is not ALCL-specific. In this study, a multifunctional aptamer-nanomedicine (Apt-NMed) achieving targeted chemotherapy and gene therapy of ALCL is developed. Apt-NMed is formulated by self-assembly of synthetic oligonucleotides containing CD30-specific aptamer and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-specific siRNA followed by self-loading of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). Apt-NMed exhibits a well-defined nanostructure (diameter 59 mm) and stability in human serum. Under aptamer guidance, Apt-NMed specifically binds and internalizes targeted ALCL cells. Intracellular delivery of Apt-NMed triggers rapid DOX release for targeted ALCL chemotherapy and intracellular delivery of the ALK-specific siRNA induced ALK oncogene silencing, resulting in combined therapeutic effects. Animal model studies reveal that upon systemic administration, Apt-NMed specifically targets and selectively accumulates in ALCL tumor site, but does not react with off-target tumors in the same xenograft mouse. Importantly, Apt-NMed not only induces significantly higher inhibition in ALCL tumor growth, but also causes fewer or no side effects in treated mice compared to free DOX. Moreover, Apt-NMed treatment markedly improves the survival rate of treated mice, opening a new avenue for precision treatment of ALCL.

ALK expression plays different roles in anaplastic large-cell lymphomas and outcome of crizotinib use in relapsed/refractory ALK+ patients in a Chinese population

The prognostic value of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression in patients with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) remains controversial. Data on the clinical features of ALCL in a Chinese population are limited. We retrospectively reviewed 1293 patients with pathologically diagnosed lymphoma at Guangdong General Hospital from June 2007 through August 2016. We evaluated the incidence of ALCL, clinical characteristics, survival status, and outcome of crizotinib use in four relapsed/refractory ALK-positive patients. Among the 1293 patients, 1193 (92.3%) were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and 53 (4.4%) of whom were ALCL. Of the 50 ALCL patients, with a median age of 34 years, were evaluated. Among them, 33 (66.0%) were ALK-positive and 17 (34.0%) were ALK-negative. Significantly, more patients younger than 40 years old were ALK-positive than ALK-negative (66.7 vs. 23.5%; P = 0.003). The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) for ALK-positive and ALK-negative patients were 61 and 11%, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) were 70 and 22%, respectively. Median PFS and OS were significantly better for patients with ALK-positive than ALK-negative (60.1 vs. 9.4 months, P = 0. 017; not reached vs. 32.7 months, P = 0.021). Multivariate analyses identified ALK expression, stage, and bone marrow involvement as independent prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Four relapsed ALK-positive patients were treated with crizotinib and two died. Our results suggest that ALK expression has different prognostic significance in patients with ALCL. Mechanisms underlying early relapse after chemotherapy and resistance to crizotinib need further investigation.

Italian real-life experience with brentuximab vedotin: results of a large observational study of 40 cases of relapsed/refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Between November 2012 and July 2014, in accordance with national law 648/96, brentuximab vedotin was available in Italy for patients with relapsed systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma outside a clinical trial context. A large Italian observational retrospective study was conducted on the use of brentuximab vedotin in everyday clinical practice to check whether clinical trial results are confirmed in a real-life context. The primary endpoint of this study was best response; secondary endpoints were the overall response rate at the end of the treatment, duration of response, survival and safety profile. A total of 40 heavily pretreated patients were enrolled. Best response was observed after a median of four cycles in 77.5%: globally, 47.5% patients obtained a complete response, 64.2% in the elderly subset. The overall response rate was 62.5%. At the latest follow up, 15/18 patients are still in complete remission (3 with consolidation). The progression-free survival rate at 24 months was 39.1% and the disease-free survival rate at the same time was 54% (median not reached). All the long-term responders were aged <30 years at first infusion. The treatment was well tolerated even in this real-life context and no deaths were linked to drug toxicity. Brentuximab vedotin induces clinical responses quite rapidly, i.e. within the first four cycles of treatment in most responders, thus enabling timely use of transplantation. For patients ineligible for transplant or for those in whom a transplant procedure failed, brentuximab vedotin may represent a feasible effective therapeutic option in everyday clinical practice.

CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders of the Skin

Primary cutaneous CD30⁺ lymphoproliferative disorders encompass lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP), primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), and indeterminate cases. LyP is a benign disorder characterized by recurrent crops of red or violaceous papulonodules. Patients with LyP are at an increased risk of a secondary malignancy. pcALCL is characterized by a solitary red to violaceous nodule or tumor larger than 20 mm. LyP is benign, is limited to the skin, and self-resolves, with a 5-year survival rate of 100%; pcALCL is limited to the skin and responsive to directed therapies, with a 5-year survival rate of over 95%. Aggressive chemotherapeutic regimens should be avoided.

Primary central nervous system ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma in an adult: A rare case report

RATIONALE

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It mostly invades lymph nodes with extranodal involvement observed in the soft tissue, bone, and skin.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a 34-year-old Chinese male patient who presented with headache, diplopia, and vomit. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis via lumbar puncture showed elevated CSF pressure, elevated CSF protein concentrations, decreased CSF glucose and chloride concentration significantly, and pleocytosis of 68 to 350 × 10/L, in which lymphocytes and monocytes were predominant. These changes could be suggestive of tuberculous (TB) meningitis. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of spinal cord delineated multiple enhancing nodules in spinal cord, cauda equina, and cristae membrane, and multiple abnormal enhancing lesions in bilateral lumbar intervertebral foramen.

DIAGNOSES

Spinal dura mater biopsy and paraffin pathology examination revealed anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive ALCL.

INTERVENTIONS

High-dose methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside craniospinal, and radiotherapy.

OUTCOMES

Last follow-up on September 22, 2015 showed no evidence of tumor recurrence and the lower extremity muscle strength recovered to 4/5.

LESSONS

ALCL of primary central nervous system is an exceedingly rare tumor, which is usually misdiagnosed as meningitis (especially TB meningitis) according to clinical manifestation and laboratory examination. Thus closely monitoring patient's conditions and timely adjusting therapeutic regimen during treatment are necessary.

Therapeutic efficacy of the bromodomain inhibitor OTX015/MK-8628 in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: an alternative modality to overcome resistant phenotypes

Anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL) represent a peripheral T-cell lymphoma subgroup, stratified based on the presence or absence of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) chimeras. Although ALK-positive ALCLs have a more favorable outcome than ALK-negative ALCL, refractory and/or relapsed forms are common and novel treatments are needed. Here we investigated the therapeutic potential of a novel bromodomain inhibitor, OTX015/MK-8628 in ALK-positive ALCLs.The effects of OTX015 on a panel of ALK+ ALCL cell lines was evaluated in terms of proliferation, cell cycle and downstream signaling, including gene expression profiling analyses. Synergy was tested with combination targeted therapies.Bromodomain inhibition with OTX015 led primarily to ALCL cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner, along with downregulation of MYC and its downstream regulated genes. MYC overexpression did not compensate this OTX015-mediated phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis of OTX015-treated ALCL cells identified a gene signature common to various hematologic malignancies treated with bromodomain inhibitors, notably large cell lymphoma. OTX015-modulated genes included transcription factors (E2F2, NFKBIZ, FOS, JUNB, ID1, HOXA5 and HOXC6), members of multiple signaling pathways (ITK, PRKCH, and MKNK2), and histones (clusters 1-3). Combination of OTX015 with the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib led to cell cycle arrest then cell death, and combination with suboptimal doses of the ALK inhibitor CEP28122 caused cell cycle arrest. When OTX015 was associated with GANT61, a selective GLI1/2 inhibitor, C1156Y-resistant ALK ALCL growth was impaired.These findings support OTX015 clinical trials in refractory ALCL in combination with inhibitors of interleukin-2-inducible kinase or SHH/GLI1.