Serious Infections in Patients Receiving Ibrutinib for Treatment of Lymphoid Cancer

Invasive Fungal Infection Complicating Treatment With Ibrutinib

Ibrutinib is a selective Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B-cell malignancies. Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) have recently been reported in patients on BTKis despite the absence of significant immunocompromise raising great interest among oncologists regarding the mechanism by which BTKi's permit fungal infections. Here, we describe a fatal case of cerebral aspergillosis in a patient with relapsed CLL while on treatment with ibrutinib. There are few hypotheses on the mechanism by which ibrutinib permits fungal infections. As it becomes more widely used in B-cell cancers, clinicians should be aware of the potential for decreased anti-fungal immunity with this drug.

Prognostic Impact and Risk Factors of Infections in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated with Ibrutinib

Ibrutinib represents extraordinary progress in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, treatment-related adverse events limit the benefit of this agent. This observational, multicenter study focused on the incidence, risk factors, and prognostic impact of infections in 494 patients with CLL treated with an ibrutinib-based treatment. Ibrutinib was given to 89 (18%) previously untreated patients (combined with rituximab, 24) and 405 (82%) relapsed/refractory patients. Pneumonia (PN), grade ≥3 non-opportunistic infections (NOI), and opportunistic infections (OI) were recorded in 32% of patients with an overall incidence rate per 100 person-year of 15.3% (PN, 10%; NOI, 3.3%; OI, 2%). Infections were the reason for the permanent discontinuation of ibrutinib in 9% of patients. Patients who experienced pneumonia or a severe infection showed a significantly inferior survival than those who were infection-free (p < 0.0001). A scoring system based on the three factors associated with a significant and independent impact on infections-PN or severe infection in the year before starting ibrutinib, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ≥2 prior treatments-identified patients with a two- to threefold increase in the rate of infections. In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the adverse impact of infectious events on the outcomes of CLL patients treated with ibrutinib.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and institutional prophylaxis practices in CLL patients treated with BTK inhibitors

Opportunistic infections (OIs), such as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), have been reported in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with ibrutinib, and are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Currently, there are no international consensus guidelines regarding the use of antimicrobial prophylaxis for OIs, and in particular PJP, in CLL patients treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi's). We evaluated the frequency of PJP in CLL patients at our institution who were treated with BTKi's, and assessed the impact of prophylaxis on reducing the risk of PJP. We identified 217 patients treated with BTKi's, consisting of 3 cohorts: 143 patients on either BTKi monotherapy with ibrutinib or acalabrutinib, 17 patients receiving ibrutinib combination therapy with umbralisib as part of a clinical trial, and 57 patients receiving ibrutinib in combination with standard chemotherapy, also as part of a clinical trial. Forty-one percent of patients on BTKi monotherapy received prophylaxis, which was given at the discretion of the treating physician. The prevalence of PJP in all patients not on prophylaxis was 3.4% (3 of 87), and, specifically in BTKi-monotherapy patients not on prophylaxis, the PJP prevalence was 2.4% (2 of 85). PJP prophylaxis was effective, as there were no cases of PJP in patients on prophylaxis (0 of 130). The relatively low prevalence of PJP in our study population suggests that routine prophylaxis may not be indicated in CLL patients on BTKi therapy.

Diagnosis and Individualized Treatment of Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: A Case Report

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can disseminate to the central nervous system at initiation of treatment for systemic lymphoma or spread during the relapse of systematic lymphoma with CNS involvement, which is defined as secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL). The incidence of SCNSL depends on the pathological type of lymphoma and is especially high in aggressive lymphoma. SCNSL has a poor prognosis because of the lack of effective treatment regimens. This article presents a rare case of SCNSL; an individualized treatment regimen was designed according to the genetic analyses of the patient tumor and included a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor. After six cycles of treatment and another two cycles of rituximab, most lesions lost their metabolic activity. However, in the final stage of treatment, our patient unfortunately suffered from respiratory failure, which revealed that we should pay attention to Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia during ibrutinib treatment.

[Relevance of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies]

Liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) has been a key cornerstone for the management of invasive fungal infections (IFI) caused by a wide array of molds and yeasts during the last three decades. Multiple studies performed over this period have generated a large body of evidence on its efficacy and safety, becoming the main antifungal agent in the management of IFI in patients with hematologic malignancies in several not mutually exclusive clinical settings. First, L-AmB is the most commonly used antifungal agent in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, as well as in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Additionally, due to the administration of newer targeted therapies (such as monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors), opportunistic mold infections are increasingly being reported in patients with hematologic malignancies usually considered low-risk for IFI. These agents usually have a high drug-drug interaction potential, being triazoles, commonly used for antifungal prophylaxis, included. Finally, patients developing breakthrough IFI because of either subtherapeutic concentrations of antifungal prophylactic drugs in blood or selection of resistant strains, require broad spectrum antifungal therapy, usually with an antifungal of a different class. In both situations, L-AmB remains as the best option for early antifungal therapy.

Infections associated with the new 'nibs and mabs' and cellular therapies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In recent years, we have witnessed a remarkable surge in the clinical development of effective biological and cellular therapies for the treatment of neoplastic and autoimmune disorders. The present review summarizes our understanding of the pathogen-specific infection risk associated with the use of such therapies.

RECENT FINDINGS

A variety of biologics, in the form of either monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) or small molecule kinase inhibitors (Nibs), are continuously introduced in the clinic for the management of autoimmune and malignant diseases. In addition, cellular therapies such as the infusion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells are becoming increasingly available for patients with treatment-refractory lymphoid malignancies. Some of these biological and cellular interventions exert direct or indirect adverse effects on the induction of protective immune responses against various pathogens, resulting in heightened infection susceptibility.

SUMMARY

The introduction of biological and cellular therapies for the treatment of malignant and autoimmune diseases has been associated with increased infection susceptiblity, which varies greatly depending on the specific immunomodulatory therapy, the infecting pathogen and the recipient patient population. A high index of clinical suspicion and efforts aiming at early diagnosis, targeted vaccination or prophylaxis, and prompt initiation of antimicrobial treatment should help improve infection outcomes.

Real-world treatment patterns, adverse events and clinical outcomes in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with ibrutinib in the UK

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common leukaemia in adults in the UK. Ibrutinib, an oral Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) for CLL approved by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in January 2017, represented a major shift in CLL management. Real-world data on ibrutinib use in routine clinical practice will inform patients' and physicians' decision-making. We conducted a retrospective medical chart review of UK patients with CLL who initiated ibrutinib between January 2017 and July 2018. Data for 259 patients were contributed by 34 haematology-oncology specialists, with a median follow-up duration of 16.7 months. Median age at ibrutinib initiation was 71 years. Ibrutinib first-line monotherapy was prescribed in 20.1% of patients. Ibrutinib was permanently discontinued in 15.4% of patients, mostly owing to progressive disease. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 151 patients (58.3%). The most common were bruising (19.3% of patients), cytopenias (17.0%) and diarrhoea (11.6%). Ibrutinib dose reduction was observed in 14.3% of patients and was temporarily discontinued in 10.4% of patients, with the main reason for both being toxicity. These results expand the real-world evidence on ibrutinib therapy and demonstrate a high burden of AEs, highlighting the need for more tolerable BTKis.

Invasive fungal disease and the immunocompromised host including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients: Improved understanding and new strategic approach with sargramostim

In hosts with damaged or impaired immune systems such as those undergoing hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) or intensive chemotherapy, breakthrough fungal infections can be fatal. Risk factors for breakthrough infections include severe neutropenia, use of corticosteroids, extended use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and intensive care unit admission. An individual's cumulative state of immunosuppression directly contributes to the likelihood of experiencing increased infection risk. Incidence of invasive fungal infection (IFI) after HCT may be up to 5-8%. Early intervention may improve IFI outcomes, although many infections are resistant to standard therapies (voriconazole, caspofungin, micafungin, amphotericin B, posaconazole or itraconazole, as single agents or in combination). We review herein several contributing factors that may contribute to the net state of immunosuppression in recipients of HCT. We also review a new approach for IFI utilizing adjunctive therapy with sargramostim, a yeast-derived recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF).

Ibrutinib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study

Limited treatment options are available for relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (RR DLBCL). Few clinical studies have reported the use of Ibrutinib, a covalent Bruton Tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, in RR DLBCL. There are relatively few clinical studies about Ibrutinib in RR DLBCL now. We retrospectively investigated the safety and efficacy of Ibrutinib (alone or in combination with other drugs) in patients with RR DLBCL. We reviewed the medical records of 40 RR DLBCL patients who received Ibrutinib alone or in combination with other drugs in our hospital from June 2018 to August 2020. The objective response rate (ORR) of RR DLBCL patients on Ibrutinib was 22.5%. The median progression free survival time (PFS) was 13.0 months (95% CI 8.914–17.086), and the median overall survival time (OS) was 15.0 months (95% CI 11.931–18.089). Rash (25.0%) and fatigue (25.0%) were the most common adverse reactions in this study. The application of Ibrutinib to patients with RR DLBCL has good short-term efficacy, and the adverse reactions are well tolerated. Combined treatment of Ibrutinib with other drugs has been found to more effective than Ibrutinib therapy alone.

Cutaneous mucormycosis in a chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient on ibrutinib

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Mucorales known to cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised hosts.

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This is the 2nd reported case of cutaneous mucormycosis in a patient on ibrutinib.

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Amphotericin B is typical 1st line therapy.

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We report successful completion of treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis with posaconazole.

Background

Mucorales is a zygomycete fungi known to cause opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed hosts. Spores may be inhaled, causing rhinocerebral or pulmonary infections, or gastrointestinal infections if swallowed. Less often, cutaneous mucormycosis develops after inoculation via broken skin.

Presentation

A 72-year old male on ibrutinib and prednisone for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presented with localized, right forearm cutaneous mucormycosis at the site of a dog-scratch sustained three weeks prior. The patient failed to respond to cephalexin as an outpatient, prompting biopsy showing ribbon-like pseudo septate hyphae and possible vascular invasion suggestive of Mucorales. Treatment course included liposomal amphotericin B 5 mg/kg IV every 24 h for ten days followed by a 90-day course of posaconazole 300 mg daily after general surgery consultation was sought.

Conclusion

We outline the second reported case of localized cutaneous mucormycosis arising in the setting of ibrutinib use. Because the combination of immunosuppressed states, ibrutinib and skin trauma may serve as a nidus for mucormycosis, practitioners should be vigilant of thorough skin evaluations in these patients and appropriate anti-fungal treatment. Although amphotericin B has been well studied as first line therapy, oral posaconazole has been shown as an efficacious second-line treatment.

Cryptococcus gattii in Patients with Lymphoid Neoplasms: An Illustration of Evolutive Host-Fungus Interactions

Recent outbreaks of Cryptococcus gattii (CG) infections in North America have sparked renewed interest in the pathogenic potential of CG, and have underscored notable differences with Cryptococcus neoformans in terms of geographic distribution, pathogen virulence, and host susceptibility. While cases of CG are increasingly reported in patients with a wide variety of underlying conditions, only very few have been reported in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Herein, we report a case of autochthonous CG meningitis in a patient receiving ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in France, and review available data on the clinical epidemiology of CG infections in patients with lymphoid neoplasms. We also summarise recent data on the host responses to CG infection, as well as the potential management pitfalls associated with its treatment in the haematological setting. The clinical epidemiology, clinical presentation, and course of disease during infections caused by CG involve complex interactions between environmental exposure to CG, infecting genotype, pathogen virulence factors, host susceptibility, and host immune responses. Future treatment guidelines should address the challenges associated with the management of antifungal treatments in the onco-haematological setting and the potential drug-drug interactions.

Infectious Complications of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Hematological Malignancies

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors represent the standard of care for several diseases and drug targets in hematologic malignancies. Infectious complications vary by disease status and prior therapy, but overall incidence of infections generally is low. In chronic diseases, such as chronic myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, patients can remain on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for many years, with few infectious complications from therapy. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors overall are well tolerated in lymphoproliferative disorders, with long-term follow-up of many years in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Although opportunistic infections have been reported, they are uncommon and routine prophylaxis is not recommended.

Atypical Presentation of Severe Fungal Necrotizing Fasciitis in a Patient with X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia

X-linked agammaglobulinemia is a rare primary immunodeficiency due to a BTK mutation. The patients are characteristically deficient in peripheral B cells and serum immunoglobulins. While they are susceptible to infections caused by bacteria, enteroviruses, and parasites, fungal infections are uncommon in XLA patients. Here, we report a boy of Malay ethnicity who suffered from recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and severe progressive necrotizing fasciitis caused by Saksenaea erythrospora. Immunological tests showed a B cell deficiency and hypogammaglobulinemia. Whole-exome sequencing identified a dinucleotide deletion (c.1580_1581del) in BTK, confirmed by Sanger sequencing and predicted to be disease causing by in silico functional prediction tools (Varsome and MutationTaster2) but was absent in the gnomAD database. This mutation resulted in a frameshift and premature termination (p.C527fs), which disrupted the protein structure. The mother was heterozygous at the mutation site, confirming her carrier status. Flow cytometric analysis of monocyte BTK expression showed it to be absent in the patient and bimodal in the mother. This study describes a novel BTK mutation in a defined hotspot and an atypical fungal phenotype in XLA. Further studies are required to understand the pathogenesis of fungal infection in XLA.

Comparative Analysis of BTK Inhibitors and Mechanisms Underlying Adverse Effects

The cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinase BTK plays an essential role for differentiation and survival of B-lineage cells and, hence, represents a suitable drug target. The number of BTK inhibitors (BTKis) in the clinic has increased considerably and currently amounts to at least 22. First-in-class was ibrutinib, an irreversible binder forming a covalent bond to a cysteine in the catalytic region of the kinase, for which we have identified 228 active trials listed at ClinicalTrials.gov. Next-generation inhibitors, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, are approved both in the United States and in Europe, and zanubrutinib also in China, while tirabrutinib is currently only registered in Japan. In most cases, these compounds have been used for the treatment of B-lymphocyte tumors. However, an increasing number of trials instead addresses autoimmunity and inflammation in multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigus and systemic lupus erythematosus with the use of either irreversibly binding inhibitors, e.g., evobrutinib and tolebrutinib, or reversibly binding inhibitors, like fenebrutinib. Adverse effects (AEs) have predominantly implicated inhibition of other kinases with a BTKi-binding cysteine in their catalytic domain. Analysis of the reported AEs suggests that ibrutinib-associated atrial fibrillation is caused by binding to ERBB2/HER2 and ERBB4/HER4. However, the binding pattern of BTKis to various additional kinases does not correlate with the common assumption that skin manifestations and diarrhoeas are off-target effects related to EGF receptor inhibition. Moreover, dermatological toxicities, diarrhoea, bleedings and invasive fungal infections often develop early after BTKi treatment initiation and subsequently subside. Conversely, cardiovascular AEs, like hypertension and various forms of heart disease, often persist.

The Right Dose: From Phase I to Clinical Practice

To realize the full potential of promising new anticancer drugs, it is of paramount importance to administer them at the right dose. The aim of this educational article is to provide several opportunities to optimize anticancer drug dosing, focusing on oral targeted therapies. First, therapeutic drug monitoring can optimize exposure in individual patients, if the optimal concentration is known. This approach is of particular interest in regard to oral kinase inhibitors with high interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. If exposure is related to response, then therapeutic drug monitoring is potentially feasible, although the clinical utility of this approach has not yet been established. Other approaches to reduce variability include administration of more frequent, smaller doses and administration under optimal prandial conditions. However, for many drugs, the labeled dose has not been demonstrated to be the optimal dose; for such agents, the vast majority of patients may be receiving excessive doses, which results in excessive toxicity. Furthermore, administration of lower off-label doses may reduce both medical and financial toxicity. These strategies should be applied from registration studies to clinical practice, with the goal of better optimizing anticancer treatment.

Immune Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has been first described in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has led to a worldwide pandemic ever since. Initial clinical data imply that cancer patients are particularly at risk for a severe course of SARS-CoV-2. In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), infections are a main contributor to morbidity and mortality driven by an impaired immune system. Treatment initiation is likely to induce immune modulation that further increases the risk for severe infections. This article aims to give an overview on pathogenesis and risk of infectious complications in patients with CLL. In this context, we discuss current data of SARS-CoV-2 infections in patients with CLL and how the pandemic impacts their management.

Risk of infection associated with targeted therapies for solid organ and hematological malignancies

Higher risks of infection are associated with some targeted drugs used to treat solid organ and hematological malignancies, and an individual patient’s risk of infection is strongly influenced by underlying diseases and concomitant or prior treatments. This review focuses on risk levels and specific suggestions for management, analyzing groups of agents associated with a significant effect on the risk of infection. Due to limited clinical experience and ongoing advances in these therapies, recommendations may be revised in the near future. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are associated with a higher rate of infections, including invasive fungal infection, especially in the first months of treatment and in patients with advanced, pretreated disease. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. Venetoclax is associated with cytopenias, respiratory infections, and fever and neutropenia. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may predispose patients to opportunistic and fungal infections; need for prophylaxis should be assessed on an individual basis. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been linked to a higher risk of general and opportunistic infections. Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) inhibitors are associated with neutropenia, especially over the first months of treatment. Anti-CD20 agents may cause defects in the adaptative immune response, hypogammaglobulinemia, neutropenia, and hepatitis B reactivation. Alemtuzumab is associated with profound and long-lasting immunosuppression; screening is recommended for latent infections and prevention strategies against CMV, herpesvirus, and Pneumocystis infections. Checkpoint inhibitors (CIs) may cause immune-related adverse events for which prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is needed: prophylaxis against Pneumocystis is recommended.

Efficacy of Rezafungin in Prophylactic Mouse Models of Invasive Candidiasis, Aspergillosis, and Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Antifungal prophylaxis is recommended to prevent invasive fungal disease caused by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Pneumocystis jirovecii in patients at risk for opportunistic infections, such as allogeneic blood or marrow transplant recipients, patients with hematological disease undergoing chemotherapy, or patients on immunosuppressive therapies. Current approaches to antifungal prophylaxis require multiple agents to cover these key fungi. Rezafungin, a novel echinocandin designed for next-generation properties (e.g., greater stability and long-acting pharmacokinetics for once-weekly dosing), has demonstrated in vitro activity against Candida and Aspergillus spp. and efficacy against Pneumocystis spp. biofilms. Rezafungin was evaluated in in vivo studies of prophylactic efficacy using immunosuppressed mouse models of invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and Pneumocystis pneumonia. Rezafungin reduction of Candida CFU burden was generally greater with increasing drug concentrations (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and when rezafungin was administered closer to the time of fungal challenge (day -1, -3, or -5). Similarly, in the aspergillosis model, survival rates increased with drug concentrations and when rezafungin was administered closer to the time of fungal challenge. Against Pneumocystismurina, rezafungin significantly reduced trophic nuclei and asci counts at all doses tested. Rezafungin prevented infection at the two higher doses compared to vehicle and had comparable activity to the active control trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole at human equivalent doses for prevention. These findings support phase 3 development of rezafungin and the potential for single-agent prophylaxis against invasive fungal disease caused by Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., and Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Cerebral Invasive Aspergillosis in a Case of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have become an important therapy for untreated and previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite improved outcomes, rare adverse events, such as invasive fungal infections, have been reported with the use of first-generation BTK inhibitors. Invasive fungal infections carry a high morbidity and mortality risk. There have been several case reports describing the association between aspergillosis and ibrutinib treatment, but none with acalabrutinib, to our knowledge. In this case report, we describe a patient with CLL who developed an intracranial Aspergillus fumigatus infection while receiving acalabrutinib.

Ibrutinib-associated necrotic nasal lesion and pulmonary infiltrates

Herein, we report a case of a 68-year-old woman receiving ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, who presented with septic shock and a progressive necrotic lesion on her nose. Surgical pathology of the nasal lesion revealed evidence of tissue necrosis, and both tissue and blood culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa A diagnosis of ecthyma gangrenosum was made. Additional investigations also led to the discovery of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ecthyma gangrenosum secondary to Pseudomonas sepsis and concurrent invasive pulmonary aspergillosis associated with ibrutinib use.

Considerations on antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases: A SEIFEM group position paper

The therapeutic armamentarium for the treatment of patients with lymphoproliferative diseases has grown considerably over the most recent years, including a large use of new immunotherapeutic agents. As a consequence, the epidemiology of infectious complications in this group of patients is poorly documented, and even more importantly, the potential benefit of antimicrobial prophylaxis remains a matter of debate when considering the harmful effect from the emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens. The present position paper is addressed to all hematologists treating patients affected by lymphoproliferative malignancies with the aim to provide clinicians with a useful tool for the prevention of bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

Managing toxicities of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). By targeting this critical kinase in proximal B-cell receptor signaling, BTK inhibitors (BTKis) impair cell proliferation, migration, and activation of NF-κB. Clinically, because indefinite inhibition is a mainstay of therapy, there is an extended period of exposure in which adverse effects can develop. Given the impressive efficacy and activity of BTKis in the treatment of patients with CLL, appropriate management of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) is of paramount importance. Here we review the BTKi landscape and present the available toxicity and safety data for each agent. The long-term toxicity profile of ibrutinib, a first-in-class inhibitor, is well characterized and includes a clinically significant incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, bleeding, infection, diarrhea, arthralgias, and hypertension. Acalabrutinib, the initial second-generation BTKi to earn approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, demonstrates improved kinase selectivity for BTK, with commonly observed adverse reactions including infection, headache, and diarrhea. Mediated by both on-target inhibition of BTK and variable off-target inhibition of other kinases including interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (ITK), tyrosine-protein kinase (TEC), and endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), the toxicity profile of BTKis is closely linked to their pattern of kinase binding. Other emerging BTKis include second-generation agents with variable degrees of kinase selectivity and third-generation agents that exhibit reversible noncovalent binding to BTK. We also highlight critical considerations for the prevention and monitoring of AEs and offer practical management strategies for treatment-emergent toxicities.

Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (cll) is the most commonly diagnosed adult leukemia in Canada. Biologic heterogeneity of cll between patients results in variable disease trajectories and responses to therapy. Notably, compared with patients lacking high-risk features, those with such features-such as deletions in chromosome 17p, aberrations in the TP53 gene, or unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region genes-experience inferior outcomes and responses to standard chemoimmunotherapy. Novel agents that target the B cell receptor signalling pathway, such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (btk) inhibitors, have demonstrated clinical efficacy and safety in patients with treatment-naïve cll, particularly those with high-risk features. However, given the current lack of head-to-head trials comparing btk inhibitors, selection of the optimal btk inhibitor for patients with cll is unclear and requires consideration of multiple factors. In the present review, we focus on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacologic features of the btk inhibitors that are approved or under clinical development, and we discuss the practical considerations for the use of those agents in the Canadian treatment landscape.

Casting a wider protective net: Anti-infective vaccine strategies for patients with hematologic malignancy and blood and marrow transplantation

Patients who have hematologic malignancies are at high risk for infections but vaccinations may be effective prophylaxis. The increased infection risk derives from immune defects secondary to malignancy, the classic example being CLL, and chemotherapies and immunotherapy used to treat the malignancies. Therapy of hematologic malignancies is being revolutionized by introduction of novel targeted agents and immunomodulatory medications, improving the survival of patients. At the same time those agents uniquely change the infection risk and response to immunizations. This review will summarize current vaccine recommendations for patients with hematologic malignancies including patients who undergo hematopoietic cell transplant.

Immunogenicity and safety of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in patients with immunocompromising conditions: a review of available evidence

Immunocompromising conditions increase the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Vaccine uptake in patients with these conditions may be low in part because of concerns about decreased immunogenicity and safety in these high-risk groups. We conducted a literature search to identify publications describing antibody responses to 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in immunocompromised individuals recommended for PCV13 vaccination by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This review summarizes immunogenicity data from 30 publications regarding the use of PCV13 comprising 2406 individuals considered at high risk for IPD by the ACIP. Although antibody responses to PCV13 in individuals with immunocompromising and high-risk conditions were variable and generally lower compared with healthy controls, the vaccine was immunogenic and was largely well tolerated. Based on these findings, concerns regarding immunogenicity and safety of PCV13 are not supported and should not be barriers to vaccination in high-risk populations.

Mucosal IgA Prevents Commensal Candida albicans Dysbiosis in the Oral Cavity

The fungus Candida albicans colonizes the oral mucosal surface of 30–70% of healthy individuals. Due to local or systemic immunosuppression, this commensal fungus is able to proliferate resulting in oral disease, called oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). However, in healthy individuals C. albicans causes no harm. Unlike humans mice do not host C. albicans in their mycobiome. Thus, oral fungal challenge generates an acute immune response in a naive host. Therefore, we utilized C. albicans clinical isolates which are able to persist in the oral cavity without causing disease to analyze adaptive responses to oral fungal commensalism. We performed RNA sequencing to determine the transcriptional host response landscape during C. albicans colonization. Pathway analysis revealed an upregulation of adaptive host responses due to C. albicans oral persistence, including the upregulation of the immune network for IgA production. Fungal colonization increased cross-specific IgA levels in the saliva and the tongue, and IgA⁺ cells migrated to foci of fungal colonization. Binding of IgA prevented fungal epithelial adhesion and invasion resulting in a dampened proinflammatory epithelial response. Besides CD19⁺ CD138⁻ B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells were enriched in the tongue of mice colonized with C. albicans suggesting a potential role of B lymphocytes during oral fungal colonization. B cell deficiency increased the oral fungal load without causing severe OPC. Thus, in the oral cavity B lymphocytes contribute to control commensal C. albicans carriage by secreting IgA at foci of colonization thereby preventing fungal dysbiosis.

Infections in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases treated with targeted agents: SEIFEM multicentric retrospective study

We describe the opportunistic infections occurring in 362 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders treated with ibrutinib and idelalisib in clinical practice. Overall, 108 of 362 patients (29·8%) developed infections, for a total of 152 events. Clinically defined infections (CDI) were 49·3% (75/152) and microbiologically defined infections (MDI) were 50·7% (77/152). Among 250 patients treated with ibrutinib, 28·8% (72/250) experienced one or more infections, for a total of 104 episodes. MDI were 49% (51/104). Bacterial infections were 66·7% (34/51), viral 19·6% (10/51) and invasive fungal diseases (IFD) 13·7% (7/51). Among the 112 patients treated with idelalisib, 32·1% (36/112) experienced one or more infections, for a total of 48 episodes. MDI were 54·2% (26/48). Bacterial infections were 34·6% (9/26), viral 61·5% (16/26) and IFD 3·8% (1/26). With ibrutinib, the rate of bacterial infections was significantly higher compared to idelalisib (66·7% vs. 34·6%; P = 0·007), while viral infections were most frequent in idelalisib (61·5% vs. 19·6%; P < 0·001). Although a higher rate of IFD was observed in patients treated with ibrutinib, the difference was not statistically significant (13·7% vs. 3·8% respectively; P = 0·18). Bacteria are the most frequent infections with ibrutinib, while viruses are most frequently involved with idelalisib.

Fungal Infections Associated With the Use of Novel Immunotherapeutic Agents

Purpose of the Review

Recent concerns have emerged regarding the potential of immunotherapy to cause infection. In this review, we summarize the current literature on invasive fungal infections that occur during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.

Recent Findings

Fungal infections are uncommon with the use of checkpoint inhibitors. Most cases are caused by invasive aspergillosis and pneumocystis pneumonia and occur in patients requiring high dose corticosteroids for the management of immune-related adverse events. Conversely, fungal infections are commonly reported during therapy with CAR T cells. Most cases are caused by invasive aspergillosis and candidiasis and are likely the result of prolonged neutropenia following the conditioning regimen or immunosuppressant use for the management of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.

Summary

Treatment-related toxicities that require prolonged immunosuppressive agents appear to play a key role in the development of fungal infections during immunotherapy. Ongoing surveillance is needed to fully address the risks of fungal infections with these novel agents.

Clinical Performance of (1,3) Beta-D Glucan for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) in Cancer Patients Tested With PCP Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND

Serum (1,3)-beta-D glucan (BDG) is increasingly used to guide the management of suspected Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). BDG lacks specificity for PCP, and its clinical performance in high-risk cancer patients has not been fully assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PCP detection is highly sensitive, but cannot differentiate between colonization and infection. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of serum BDG in conjunction with PCP PCR on respiratory samples in patients with cancer and unexplained lung infiltrates.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients evaluated for PCP at our institution from 2012 to 2015, using serum BDG and PCP PCR. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the serum BDG at different thresholds were evaluated using PCP PCR alone or in conjunction with clinical presentation in PCP PCR-positive patients.

RESULTS

With PCP PCR alone as the reference method, BDG (≥80 pg/mL) had a sensitivity of 69.8%, specificity of 81.2%, PPV of 34.6%, and NPV of 95.2% for PCP. At ≥200 pg/mL in patients with a positive PCR and a compatible PCP clinical syndrome, BDG had a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, and NPV of 52.0% for PCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients negative by both BDG and PCR were unlikely to have PCP. In patients with a compatible clinical syndrome for PCP, higher BDG values (>200 pg/mL) were consistently associated with clinically-significant PCP infections among PCP PCR-positive oncology patients.

Infectious disease considerations in immunocompromised patients

Immunocompromised patients account for about 3% of the US population. Complications arising from infection are common in these patients and can present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This article describes the pathophysiology of immunosuppression in five common immunocompromised states-asplenia, HIV infection, solid organ transplant, biologic use, and cancer-as well as specific infectious risks and considerations for affected patients and how to manage them.

Management of Mantle Cell Lymphoma in the Era of Novel Oral Agents

Objectives: To discuss (1) recent and emerging data for pharmacological management of untreated and relapsed/refractory (R/R) mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) with agents approved in the United States, (2) important considerations for toxicity monitoring and management, and (3) preliminary data and ongoing studies for agents in MCL-specific clinical trials. Data Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, product labeling, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, American Cancer Society, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for studies published between January 1, 2017, and January 31, 2020, and key historical trials. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant studies conducted in humans and selected supporting preclinical data were reviewed. Data Synthesis: MCL is a rare but usually aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma that most commonly affects the older population. Traditionally, the treatment of MCL has been determined based on transplant eligibility. Newer data suggest that more tolerable frontline therapy may produce outcomes similar to intensive historical induction regimens, possibly precluding fewer patients from autologous stem cell transplant and producing better long-term outcomes in transplant-ineligible patients. In the R/R setting, novel regimens are improving outcomes and changing the landscape of treatment. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: This review summarizes and discusses recent and emerging data for management of newly diagnosed and R/R MCL; key supportive care considerations for agents are also discussed. Conclusions: Recent study results are changing management of MCL. Although these data have complicated the picture of regimen selection, increasingly effective and tolerable therapy and additional anticipated data point to a brighter future for patients with MCL.

Life-threatening disseminated enterovirus infection during combined rituximab and ibrutinib maintenance treatment for mantle cell lymphoma: a case report

Background

Rituximab is a well-established component of treatment regimens for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Rituximab binds the CD20 antigen on the surface of B lymphocytes, causing an enhanced clearance of malignant and benign B cells. Thus, rituximab leads to depletion of normal B lymphocytes as well, which can cause substantial immunodeficiency. Ibrutinib inhibits the Bruton tyrosine kinase and thereby B-cell activity. It is used for the treatment of different B-lymphocyte malignancies, such as mantle cell lymphoma. Recently, the combination of both drugs has been tested in various clinical scenarios.

Case presentation

We present a case of disseminated enterovirus infection resulting from combined rituximab and ibrutinib maintenance treatment in a 57-year-old Caucasian patient. with mantle cell lymphoma. Initially presenting with myositis symptoms, further diagnostic investigation revealed myocarditis, enteritis, myeloencephalitis, and hepatitis. These organ manifestations led to potentially life-threatening complications such as rhabdomyolysis, delirium, and heart rhythm disturbances. After treatment with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins, virus clearance was achieved and organ functions could be restored.

Conclusions

This case emphasizes the risk of combined therapy with rituximab/ibrutinib for severe immune-related side effects with the necessity of continuous patient monitoring. High-dose intravenous therapy should be considered as treatment for severe enterovirus infection. In severe enterovirus infections, we recommend subtyping for the development of efficient preventive and therapeutic strategies.

BTK Inhibition Impairs the Innate Response Against Fungal Infection in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Infections represent a cause of morbidity and mortality in patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Introduction of new drugs in CLL clinical practice has showed impressive efficacy, in particular those targeting BTK. Among the consistent clinical data, an increasing number of reports describing the occurrence of unexpected opportunistic fungal infections has been reported during treatment with ibrutinib in the first 6 months of treatment. The reason underlying manifestations of invasive fungal infections in patients treated with ibrutinib is still under investigation. Our study aimed to understand the impact of BTK inhibition on immune response to fungal infection mediated by macrophages and CD14+ monocytic population obtained from CLL patients. Exposure to ibrutinib and acalabrutinib reduced signaling pathways activated by Aspergillus fumigatus determining an exacerbation of an immunosuppressive signature, a reduction of phagocytosis and a significant deficit in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines either in macrophages and monocytes isolated from CLL patients and healthy donors. These effects lead to a failure in completely counteracting conidia germination. In addition we investigated the biological effects of ibrutinib on monocyte counterpart in patients who were undergoing therapy. A significant impairment in cytokine secretion and a deficit of phagocytosis in circulating monocytes were detected after 3 months of treatment. Thus, our results uncover modifications in the innate response in CLL patients induced by ibrutinib that may impair the immunological response to fungal infection.

KEYPOINTS

•BTK inhibition affects a productive immune response of CLL-associated macrophages (NLC) during Aspergillus fumigatus infection.•Reduction of TNF-α secretion and phagocytosis are detected in monocytes isolated from CLL patients during ibrutinib therapy.

Safety considerations with targeted therapy drugs for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

INTRODUCTION

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) are the most frequent hematologic malignant cancers. Molecular targeted therapy is an important aspect of B-NHL treatment alongside cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.

AREAS COVERED

Molecular targeted therapies have changed the landscape of treatment strategies for B-NHLs since the approval of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1997. Currently, several targeted therapies have been approved or are in the later-phase of clinical trials including naked antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and small molecules, such as Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K) inhibitors, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitors, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) inhibitors. These drugs have various toxicities because of their unique mechanisms of action. In this review, the available toxicity data of the targeted therapies for B-NHLs have been summarized.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent clinical developments of targeted therapies for B-NHLs have provided several useful effective therapeutic options for patients. However, there are unique toxicities that need to be resolved. It is necessary to find out the toxicity mechanism; optimal treatment strategy for these toxicities; and novel targeted therapies that might potentially overcome the toxicities of previously approved targeted therapies.

Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a new risk factor for cryptococcosis

PURPOSE

Invasive fungal diseases and especially Cryptococcus neoformans infections are increasingly reported in patients with hematological malignancies receiving ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We reported three additional cases and reviewed 16 previous published cases together with cases from the international pharmacovigilance database.

RESULTS

Patients were mainly treated for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cryptococcosis mostly occurred during the first six months (66%) and especially the first two months (44%) of treatment. Clinical presentation is often pulmonary (68%) and the outcome is usually favorable despite ibrutinib continuation.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians must be aware of this infection in patients with hematological malignancies on ibrutinib.

How We Manage Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These can be exacerbated by anti-leukemic treatments. In addition, the typical patients with CLL already have fragilities and background risk factors that apply to the general population for severe COVID-19. On these bases, patients with CLL may experience COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Recurrent seasonal epidemics of SARS-CoV-2 are expected, and doctors taking care of patients with CLL must be prepared for the possibility of substantial resurgences of infection and adapt their approach to CLL management accordingly. In this Guideline Article, we aim at providing clinicians with a literature-informed expert opinion on the management of patients with CLL during SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.

HDAC7 is an actionable driver of therapeutic antibody resistance by macrophages from CLL patients

Resistance, to therapeutic antibodies used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients is common. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are a major effector of antitumour responses to therapeutic antibodies and we have previously reported that resistance to therapeutic antibodies, by MDMs, increases as CLL disease progresses. In this study, we examine the effect of a Class IIa-selective HDAC inhibitor (TMP195) on the phagocytic response to opsonised tumor cells or non-opsonised targets by MDMs derived from CLL patients. We report that TMP195 enhances phagocytic responses to antibody-opsonised CLL cells and E. coli within 30 min of treatment. The enhanced response is phenocopied by knockdown of the Class IIa HDAC, HDAC7, or by low concentrations of the pan-HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat. HDAC7 knockdown and inhibition induces hyperacetylation and hyperphosphorylation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Moreover, BTK inhibitors abrogated the enhanced response to HDAC7 inhibition. Our data show that HDAC7 is an actionable driver of resistance to therapeutic antibodies by MDMs derived from CLL patients.

Second cancer incidence in CLL patients receiving BTK inhibitors

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with perturbed immune function and increased risk for second primary malignancies (SPM). Ibrutinib and acalabrutinib (BTKi) are effective therapies for CLL resulting in partial restoration of immune function. The incidence of and risk factors for SPM in CLL patients receiving BTKi are not yet characterized. We retrospectively determined the incidence of SPM in CLL patients treated with ibrutinib or acalabrutinib at our institution between 2009 and 2017, assessed for association between baseline characteristics and SPM incidence, and compared the observed to expected cancer incidence among age, sex, and year matched controls without CLL. After a median of 44 months follow-up, 64/691 patients (9%) were diagnosed with SPM (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC]). The three-year cumulative incidence rate was 16% for NMSC and 7% for other SPM. On multivariable analysis, smoking was associated with increased SPM risk (HR 2.8 [95% CI: 1.6–4.8]) and higher baseline CD8 count was associated with lower SPM risk (HR 0.9 for 2-fold increase [95% CI: 0.8–0.9]). The observed over expected rate of SPM was 2.2 [95% CI: 1.7–2.9]. CLL patients treated with BTKi remain at increased risk for SPM, and secondary cancer detection is an important consideration in this population.

Infection profiles of different chemotherapy regimens and the clinical feasibility of antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with DLBCL

Various chemotherapy regimens are used to treat patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, treatment-related toxicity with a focus on infectious disease has not been fully reviewed. Several phase 3 trials have demonstrated different rates of febrile neutropenia (FN) between regimens (e.g. dose-adjusted (DA) EPOCH-R vs. R-CHOP). With heterogeneous patient characteristics, a combination regimen of lenalidomide or ibrutinib with R-CHOP exhibited promising efficacy with moderate infectious toxicity. While R-bendamustine is feasible for patients who don't tolerate other forms of chemotherapy, clinical data indicate increased opportunistic infections under prolonged lymphopenia. The usefulness of prophylactic antibiotics/antifungal agents in DLBCL patients is controversial owing to shorter and less severe neutropenia than with the induction regimen for acute leukemia or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Prophylactic granulocyte-colony stimulating factor is recommended for intensive regimens such as DA-EPOCH-R, R-DHAP, or R-ICE. Regardless of multiple studies about FN incidence, studies focusing on microbiologic events are limited, and further investigations are warranted.

An Overview of the Management of the Most Important Invasive Fungal Infections in Patients with Blood Malignancies

In patients with hematologic malignancies due to immune system disorders, especially persistent febrile neutropenia, invasive fungal infections (IFI) occur with high mortality. Aspergillosis, candidiasis, fusariosis, mucormycosis, cryptococcosis and trichosporonosis are the most important infections reported in patients with hematologic malignancies that undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These infections are caused by opportunistic fungal pathogens that do not cause severe issues in healthy individuals, but in patients with hematologic malignancies lead to disseminated infection with different clinical manifestations. Prophylaxis and creating a safe environment with proper filters and air pressure for patients to avoid contact with the pathogens in the surrounding environment can prevent IFI. Furthermore, due to the absence of specific symptoms in IFI, rapid and accurate diagnosis reduces the mortality rate of these infections and using molecular techniques along with standard mycological methods will improve the diagnosis of disseminated fungal infection in patients with hematologic disorders. Amphotericin B products, extended-spectrum azoles, and echinocandins are the essential drugs to control invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies, and according to various conditions of patients, different results of treatment with these drugs have been reported in different studies. On the other hand, drug resistance in recent years has led to therapeutic failures and deaths in patients with blood malignancies, which indicates the need for antifungal susceptibility tests to use appropriate therapies. Life-threatening fungal infections have become more prevalent in patients with hematologic malignancies in recent years due to the emergence of new risk factors, new species, and increased drug resistance. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the different dimensions of the most critical invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies and present a list of these infections with different clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes.

Patterns of use and safety of ibrutinib in real-life practice

AIMS

To provide real-life data on patterns of use and safety of ibrutinib.

METHODS

A cohort study including all patients initiating ibrutinib between 21 November 2014 and 21 November 2018, and followed for 1 year was conducted. Patient characteristics, ibrutinib use and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were collected from medical records. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the probability of developing ibrutinib-associated serious ADRs (SADRs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate factors associated with SADR occurrence.

RESULTS

In total, 102 patients were included in the study. The median age was 70.3 years (interquartile range 64.7-75.6), the male/female gender ratio was 2.9. Almost half the patients (47.1%) were prescribed ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Forty-three patients (42.1%) permanently discontinued ibrutinib in the first year, mostly for progression (51.2%) or ADRs (32.6%). Forty-eight patients (47.1%) experienced at least one ibrutinib-associated SADR. Haematological, infectious and vascular disorders were the most frequent SADRs. The probability of developing ibrutinib-associated SADR was 35.1% (95% CI 26.3-45.7%) at 3 months, 44.8% (35.2%; 55.8%) at 6 months and 54.3% (44.0%; 65.2%) at 12 months. Age ≥80 years (hazard ratio [HR] 2.03; 95% CI 1.02-4.05) and CLL (HR 1.81; 95% CI 1.01-3.25) were significantly associated with a higher risk of SADR occurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high cumulative incidence of ibrutinib-associated SADRs within the first year of treatment. In view of the risk of SADR, patients aged ≥80 years or treated for CLL deserve special attention.

On point in primary CNS lymphoma

Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive brain tumor that represents a significant challenge both to elucidate its biological pathogenesis as well as to develop definitive precision medicines with minimal collateral toxicity. We highlight the key issues in diagnosis and treatment and focus on emerging technologies, current options among consolidation strategies, and biological agents. We anticipate that further development of molecular diagnostics and molecular imaging approaches that elucidate minimal residual disease in brain parenchyma, leptomeninges, intraocular compartments and even bone marrow will greatly impact the delivery and timing of cytotoxic and biological therapies. Implementation of these approaches is likely essential to clarify ongoing discrepancies in the interpretation of clinical trial results that currently are based on relatively unrefined definitions of response. While the results of early phase investigations involving ibrutinib and the IMiD agents, lenalidomide, pomalidomide, as well as avadomide, strongly support the hypothesis that the B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway, involving MYD88 and CD79B and NF-kB activation, is critical to the pathogenesis of PCNSL, much work is needed to elucidate mechanisms of resistance. Similarly, development of strategies to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms that are upregulated in the tumor microenvironment is a high priority. Finally, ongoing evidence supports the hypothesis that the blood-brain barrier represents a significant impediment to efficient brain tumor penetration of novel therapeutic agents and innovative strategies of drug delivery remain essential to further improve outcomes.

Non-Aspergillus invasive mould infections in patients treated with ibrutinib

BACKGROUND

Invasive mould infections (IMIs) are very rare in patients with lymphoid malignancies. However, IMIs, mostly due to Aspergillus species, have been increasingly reported in such patients receiving ibrutinib (IBR). There is paucity of information regarding non-Aspergillus invasive mould infections (NAIMIs) in this setting, OBJECTIVES: To review our recent experience and the published literature on the topic.

PATIENTS/METHODS

We present a case of invasive sinusitis caused by Fusarium in a patient with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who was treated with IBR and review the 12 published cases of NAIMIs during IBR.

RESULTS

Nearly all cases of NAIMIs in the setting of IBR use were encountered in patients with CLL. Mixed fungal infections, brain involvement and late-onset infections were common.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, NAIMIs should be considered in patients who receive IBR.

Infectious Complications of Biological and Small Molecule Targeted Immunomodulatory Therapies

The past 2 decades have seen a revolution in our approach to therapeutic immunosuppression. We have moved from relying on broadly active traditional medications, such as prednisolone or methotrexate, toward more specific agents that often target a single receptor, cytokine, or cell type, using monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, or targeted small molecules. This change has transformed the treatment of many conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancers, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, but along with the benefits have come risks. Contrary to the hope that these more specific agents would have minimal and predictable infectious sequelae, infectious complications have emerged as a major stumbling block for many of these agents. Furthermore, the growing number and complexity of available biologic agents makes it difficult for clinicians to maintain current knowledge, and most review articles focus on a particular target disease or class of agent. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge about infectious complications of biologic and small molecule immunomodulatory agents, aiming to create a single resource relevant to a broad range of clinicians and researchers. For each of 19 classes of agent, we discuss the mechanism of action, the risk and types of infectious complications, and recommendations for prevention of infection.

Response to the conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Pneumococcal (PC) vaccination is recommended for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, response to vaccines has been investigated in a small series of CLL patients. We analyzed the antibody response and outcomes of 112 CLL patients who received the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). An immune response was defined by a twofold increase in the PC-IgG levels assessed by ELISA. The median age of patients was 68 years, 23.2% showed IgG levels ≤ 400 mg/L, 6.3% progressive disease, 52% unmutated IGHV. Twenty-two (19.6%) patients were treatment-naïve and 90 (80.4%) previously treated (40.2% front-line chemoimmunotherapy; ibrutinib first/advanced-line, 9.8%/21.4%; idelalisib advanced-line, 8.9%). Nine (8%) patients developed an immune response, eight treatment-naive, and one on front-line ibrutinib. No responses were observed in patients previously treated with chemoimmunotherapy. Age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.007), IgG levels < 400 mg/L (p < 0.0001), prior treatment (p < 0.0001), and signs of disease progression (p = 0.04) were associated with a lower response rate. Pneumonia-free survival was significantly shorter in patients with clinical signs of progressive disease (HR, 8.39), prior pneumonia (HR, 7.03), and TP53 disruption (HR, 2.91). In conclusion, our results suggest that vaccination should be offered at diagnosis to CLL patients with early stage and stable disease who have better resources for an effective immune response.