Leukapheresis and cranial irradiation in patients with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia: no impact on early mortality and intracranial hemorrhage

Red cell exchange for rapid leukoreduction in adults with hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis

ABSTRACT

We show that red cell exchange (RCE) treats hyperleukocytosis in acute leukemia. RCE provided similar leukoreduction to standard therapeutic leukoreduction and could be superior in patients with severe anemia or monocytic leukemias or when requiring rapid treatment.

Symptomatic Patients with Hyperleukocytic FLT3-ITD Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia Might Benefit from Leukapheresis

PURPOSE

We aimed to identify subsets of patients who benefit from emergency LA and to establish a therapeutic algorithm for AML patients with hyperleukocytosis.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, a total of 20 consecutive patients underwent LA because of their clinical symptoms. Overall survival (OS) analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier plot method. Univariate and multivariate analyses (using multiple logistic regression) were performed. At the time of diagnosis, all patients received a standard diagnostic workup for AML including FLT3-ITD mutational analysis.

RESULTS

FLT3-ITD mut AML patients receiving LA had a median OS of 437 days (range 5-2379 days) with a corresponding 14-day survival of 92.3%, while FLT3 wt AML patients displayed a significantly lower median OS of only 5 days (range 1-203 days) with a corresponding 14-day survival of 14.3% (p = 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with clinical symptoms of leukostasis, the subset of FLT3-ITD mut AML patients showed a better outcome with lower early mortality after emergency LA. Based on these observations, we established a therapeutic algorithm for AML patients with hyperleukocytosis.

Leukostasis With Isolated Central Nervous System Involvement in Chronic Phase of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a hematologic malignancy with unique significance to the field of hematology and oncology, specifically due to the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). CML often presents with nonspecific symptoms, and the quality of life in patients with CML has drastically improved as a result of TKIs. However, complications of CML including the risk of transforming into life-threatening blast crises continue to exist. Further, as most patients are asymptomatic in the chronic phase, patients often present with serious complications associated with noncompliance to TKIs. For example, central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of CML have been reported, both as the initial presentation of undiagnosed CML and as known complication of uncontrolled CML. Hyperleukocytosis is a manifestation of uncontrolled CML and leukostasis is a complication, occurring in cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Here we present a rare case of leukostasis in a patient with known CML presenting on computed tomography (CT) as intracranial masses in the chronic phase. Our goal is to discuss this rare case of leukostasis in adult CML and describe its management.

Analysis of Risk Factors of Coagulation Dysfunction and Hemorrhage in Newly Diagnosed Hyperleukocytic Acute Myeloma Leukemia

Purpose

To explore whether and why abnormal coagulation function and hemorrhage can appear in patients with hyperleukocytic acute myeloid leukemia (HAML).

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 724 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients admitted with a white blood cell count of >100 × 10⁹/L between 2010 and 2019 in order to analyze the coagulation index of patients with HAML and explore the correlation of abnormal coagulation.

Result

Prothrombin time (PT) was extended in group HAML compared with group non-HAML. Respiratory failure, intracranial hemorrhage, and infection were more common in the HAML group. Among the 76 HAML patients, there were 33 patients who had ≥3 abnormal items of coagulation index, and 51.5% of them had level 2 hemorrhage which was more than level 0 hemorrhage, and the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.01). Similarly, we can discover that 40.9% of patients with 2 abnormal items had level 2 hemorrhage in contrast to 0 abnormal items. The use of hydroxyurea had a significant effect on PT and D-dimer (DD). Survival analysis by the Kaplan–Meier method showed that there were statistically significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) count＞200 × 10⁹//L and DD. Abnormal PT is associated with WBC count＞200 × 10⁹//L, and abnormal activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is associated with HLA-DR mutation. Infection and respiratory failure were independent influencing factors for the coagulation of patients.

Conclusion

DD had a marked effect on the survival rate. Infection and respiratory failure were independent influencing factors for the coagulation of patients.

Effectiveness and safety of leukapheresis in hyperleukocytic leukemias: a retrospective multicenter study

Leukapheresis is an effective adjuvant therapy for leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis, but few studies have reported recent data with modern modalities and comparisons among different leukemia types. We conducted a retrospective study on leukapheresis among 420 patients with AML, ALL and CML in four local centers. WBC counts decreased significantly (p < 0.001) postleukapheresis in all three cohorts. Clearance efficiency was higher in acute leukemia patients than CML patients (p < 0.01). Concomitant leukocytoreduction drugs improved WBC reduction only in AML patients (p < 0.05). Leukocyte, hemoglobin and platelet levels preleukapheresis might affect the clearance efficiency in AML and/or ALL patients. Hematological toxicities were the major concerns, but most of them were mild, and only 11 patients died of all causes within one week postleukapheresis. In conclusion, leukapheresis can safely reduce the leukemic burden, especially for patients with acute leukemias.

Therapeutic Leukapheresis in Pediatric Leukemia: Utilization Trend and Early Outcomes in a US Nationwide Cohort

Leukapheresis (LA) in pediatric leukemia is performed for leukostasis, a life-threatening emergency in the setting of extremely increased blast cell counts. The authors aimed to assess the epidemiology of pediatric leukemia who received LA. The authors reviewed US nationally representative admission records of patients less than 20 years of age in the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2016. Incidence of new leukemia cases who underwent LA were calculated for the years 2009, 2012, and 2016. Cox and logistic regression analyses were performed to ascertain the risk factors for adverse outcomes. There were 526 admissions for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (n=328), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (n=124), or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (n=74) who underwent LA over the study period. The incidence of leukemia cases that required LA was lower in 2016 than in 2009 or 2012 (1.4%, 2.2%, and 2.7%, respectively; P=0.001). In-hospital mortality was higher in AML than ALL (hzard ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-9.1). None with CML died during admission. This first population-based study of LA in pediatric leukemia showed a decreased utilization of LA over recent years. The higher inpatient mortality in AML, as compared with ALL or CML, warrant further investigations.

Leukapheresis and Hyperleukocytosis, Past and Future

Hyperleukocytosis is a hematologic crisis caused by excessive proliferation of leukemic cells and has a relatively high early mortality due to a series of severe complications. Therefore, prompt and effective intervention is required. Leukapheresis performed using apheresis equipment to separate leukocytes from peripheral blood, at the same time returns autologous plasma, platelets and erythrocytes to the patient, is applied clinically for the treatment of hyperleukocytosis. Leukapheresis not only removes excessive leukocytes rapidly and corrects metabolic abnormalities but also alleviates the symptoms of leukostasis. In addition, the procedure of leukapheresis is generally well tolerated. Leukapheresis has become one of the most imperative adjuvant therapies to treat hyperleukocytosis, especially in the patient who was not inappropriate to cytoreduce with Ara-C or hydroxyurea. In this review, we present the background of leukapheresis development and highlight its clinical application in hyperleukocytic leukemia patients.

Effect of prophylactic leukapheresis on early mortality and overall survival in acute leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis

Hyperleukocytosis has been associated with early mortality owing to the presence of complications including leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Leukapheresis is a fast and effective cytoreductive procedure that removes leukocytes from the peripheral circulation. This single-center, retrospective, and observational study included 32 patients diagnosed with acute leukemia who underwent leukapheresis due to hyperleukocytosis between 2014 and 2020. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effect of prophylactic leukapheresis on early mortality and overall survival (OS). In the symptomatic group, seven and two patients died in the first and second weeks, respectively. In the prophylactic leukapheresis group, two and one patients died in the first and second weeks (p = 0.792), respectively. OS was significantly longer in the prophylactic leukapheresis group (p = 0.004). The leukapheresis procedure appears to be effective on early mortality and OS. Initiation of prophylactic leukapheresis before the appearance of leukostasis symptoms is effective on OS and possibly early mortality.

The factors influencing clinical outcomes after leukapheresis in acute leukaemia

Leukapheresis is used for the mechanical removal of leukaemic cells in hyperleukocytosis. However, the effectiveness of leukapheresis remains unclear due to selection and confounding factors in the cohorts. We compared the effectiveness of leukapheresis among the subgroups according to either the 2016 World Health Organization classification or the number of cytogenetic abnormalities with a retrospective, single-centre study from January 2009 to December 2018. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML, n = 212) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL, n = 97) were included. The 30-day survival rates (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) for AML and ALL were 86.3% (81.6–90.9%) and 94.8% (90.3–99.2%), respectively. For AML, ‘primary AML with myelodysplasia-related changes’ and ‘AML with biallelic mutation of CEBPA’ showed better 30-day survival outcomes (P = 0.026) than the other subgroups. A higher platelet count after leukapheresis was associated with better 30-day survival in AML patients (P = 0.029). A decrease in blast percentage count after leukapheresis was associated with better 30-day survival in ALL patients (P = 0.034). Our study suggested that prophylactic platelet transfusion to raise the platelet count to 50 × 10⁹/L or greater might improve clinical outcome in AML patients undergoing leukapheresis.

High dose cyclophosphamide for cytoreduction in patients with acute myeloid leukemia with hyperleukocytosis or leukostasis

Hyperleukocytosis may lead to multiple medical emergencies. Hydroxyurea, intensive chemotherapy, and leukapheresis are used for cytoreduction. However, there is little data regarding the best approach. Here, we report on the efficacy and safety of high dose cyclophosphamide (HDCy; 60 mg/kg). 27 patients with acute myeloid leukemia or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia who presented with white blood cell count (WBC) of ≥50x10⁹/L or symptoms of leukostasis were treated with HDCy. Primary endpoint was early mortality (death within seven days of admission). Median WBC was 107 × 10⁹/L at time of HDCy; 74% had leukostasis symptoms at presentation. Eight (29.6%) patients died within seven days of admission. Sustained WBC reduction was achieved in 18/24 (75%) evaluable patients with median nadir of 0.25 × 10⁹/L. Adverse effects attributed to HDCy included tumor lysis syndrome (n = 7; 25.9%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (n = 5; 18.5%), and hemorrhagic cystitis (n = 1; 3.7%). HDCy was effective for cytoreduction and adverse effects were acceptable.

Oncological Emergencies from Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Treatment: A Narrative Review

Oncological emergencies are defined as any acute possible morbid or life-threatening events in patients with cancer either because of the malignancy or because of their treatment. These events may occur at any time during malignancy, from symptoms present to end-stage disease. The aim of this study is the review of urgent conditions results from cancer or cancer treatment side effects that need to be addressed immediately. In this study, a comprehensive and in-depth narrative review was carried out by searching the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar with the keywords of "cancer, emergency, metabolic emergency, neutropenic fever" along with the words, "tumor lysis syndrome, chemotherapeutic emergency, diagnosis, treatment " in last two decades. Patients suffering from cancer mostly face the challenges that we are classified in different categories, including metabolic, hematologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, respiratory, infectious, and chemotherapeutic emergencies. These patients mostly complain of headaches, nausea, pain, and fever. In conclusion, knowledge of oncology emergencies and palliative care as part of a team approach is critical for treating cancer patients. In this light, it is pivotal for physicians to focus on the early detection of oncological emergencies. Moreover, training programs for cancer patients help them to timely recognize and report the oncologic emergency symptoms, leading to avoid deleterious consequences and unnecessary healthcare costs as well as improve the quality of life in these patients.

Indications for therapeutic apheresis in hematological disorders

The early apheresis devices were developed in 1930s, but therapeutic apheresis only became widely used decades later, when automated cell separators were introduced. Progress in technical development of these devices continues to this day. Initial use of therapeutic apheresis has not been evidence based. Documents such as the Guidelines by the American Society for Apheresis provided hematologist with better tools to assess the role of therapeutic apheresis in daily practice. This review focuses on the use of therapeutic apheresis in patients with hematological disorders. Four separate apheresis modalities most encountered by hematologists are discussed: therapeutic plasma exchange, therapeutic leukocytapheresis, red blood cell exchange, and extracorporeal photopheresis. Examples of indications are provided and discussed. The future of therapeutic apheresis and its role in different diseases is undergoing continuous re-evaluation as disease pathogenesis is better understood and new treatment options become available.

Leukocytapheresis for patients with acute myeloid leukemia presenting with hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis: a contemporary appraisal of outcomes and benefits

Introduction: Hyperleukocytosis, defined as a total white blood cell count (WBC) >50 or more commonly >100 × 10⁹ cells/L, is a presenting feature of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in about 6-20% of cases and is associated with a higher risk of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), clinical leukostasis with end organ damage, and mortality.Areas covered: In this review, authors discuss the implications of hyperleukocytosis in AML and the current understanding of cytoreductive strategies with a focus on the use of leukocytapheresis.Expert commentary: Efforts to rapidly reduce peripheral myeloblasts have included the use of leukocytapheresis. Early studies demonstrated feasibility in reducing peripheral WBC and blast counts as well as clinically relevant patient outcomes which prompted its common use for many years. However, more recent data have directly challenged the previously touted reports of reduced TLS and DIC incidence as well as survival benefit, even in patients with clinical leukostasis. The use of leukocytapheresis remains highly controversial with wide practice variations among physicians, institutions, and countries given the lack of high-quality data, risks associated with leukocytapheresis itself, associated high costs, resource utilization, and lack of evidence-based clinical guidelines.

Management of hyperleukocytosis and impact of leukapheresis among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on short- and long-term clinical outcomes: a large, retrospective, multicenter, international study

Hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with inferior outcomes. There is limited high quality evidence to support the benefits of leukapheresis. We retrospectively collected data from patients with newly-diagnosed AML who presented with a white cell count (WBC) >50×10⁹/L to 12 centers in the United States and Europe from 2006–2017 and received intensive chemotherapy. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios for 30-day mortality and achievement of composite complete remission (CRc). Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios for overall survival (OS). Among 779 patients, clinical leukostasis was reported in 27%, and leukapheresis was used in 113 patients (15%). Thirty-day mortality was 16.7% (95%CI:13.9–19.3%). Median OS was 12.6 months (95%CI:11.5–14.9) among all patients, and 4.5 months (95%CI: 2.7–7.1) among those ≥65 years. Use of leukapheresis did not significantly impact 30-day mortality, achievement of CRc, or OS in multivariate analysis based on available data or in analysis based on multiple imputation. Among patients with investigator-adjudicated clinical leukostasis, there were statistically significant improvements in 30-day mortality and OS with leukapheresis in unadjusted analysis, but not in multivariate analysis. Given the significant resource use, cost, and potential complications of leukapheresis, randomized studies are needed to evaluate its value.

The risk of early mortality in elderly patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common hematologic neoplasm with high incidence and mortality in the elderly. Our aims were to explore risk factors for early mortality in elderly AML patients and develop a new prognostic score.

Methods

We enrolled newly diagnosed AML patients age 60 and above at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between July 2008 and May 2017. The primary endpoint was early mortality, defined as death within two months after AML diagnosis. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to build a risk‐scoring system incorporating significant risk factors for AML.

Results

The final cohort included 277 elderly AML patients. The median age was 74 (range 60‐96), and 61.7% were male. The two‐month mortality rate was 29.9%. Age ≥ 80 (adjusted HR 1.88), myocardial infarction (adjusted HR 1.87), ECOG ≥ 2 (adjusted HR 2.10), complex karyotype (adjusted HR 3.21), bone marrow blasts ≥ 70% (adjusted HR 1.88), WBC ≥ 100 × 10⁹/L (adjusted HR 3.31), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 (adjusted HR 2.60) were identified as independent predictors for early mortality in the multivariate analysis. A simplified score incorporating the seven factors was developed with good predictive ability measured by Harrell's C statistic [0.72 (95% CI 0.66‐0.78)].

Conclusions

We identified seven potential risk factors for early mortality and built up a new prognostic score for elderly AML patients. The new score may help clinicians stratify patients and initiate appropriate management. Further validation of our findings on other cohorts is warranted.

Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice - Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Eighth Special Issue

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis (TA) in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor in order to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Eighth Edition, like its predecessor, continues to apply the category and grading system definitions in fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was introduced in the Fourth Edition, has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of TA in a specific disease entity or medical condition. The Eighth Edition comprises 84 fact sheets for relevant diseases and medical conditions, with 157 graded and categorized indications and/or TA modalities. The Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue seeks to continue to serve as a key resource that guides the utilization of TA in the treatment of human disease.

Intracranial Hemorrhage in Childhood Acute Leukemia: Incidence, Characteristics, and Contributing Factors

BACKGROUND

Among all cancers, hematologic malignancy has the highest rate of intracranial hemorrhage. However, there are limited data on intracranial hemorrhage in childhood acute leukemia. We aimed to determine the incidence, characteristics, and factors associated with intracranial hemorrhage in children with acute leukemia.

METHODS

We reviewed a database of patients aged one month to 15 years diagnosed with acute leukemia during 2003 to 2016 at a hospital in Thailand. Characteristics of patients with intracranial hemorrhage were compared with those of patients without intracranial hemorrhage. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors. We performed survival analyses to compare survival and hazard ratios between groups.

RESULTS

There were 494 children with acute leukemia (acute lymphoblastic leukemia 367, acute myelogenous leukemia 127). Median age was 4.9 years (interquartile range 3.0 to 9.2). Follow-up duration was 2.1 years. Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 12 patients whose median age was 12.5 years (interquartile range 7.5 to 13.3). Incidence rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 6.2 (acute lymphoblastic leukemia 5.1, acute myelogenous leukemia 12.9) per 1000 person-years. Case fatality rate of intracranial hemorrhage was 75%. Patients with early intracranial hemorrhage had prolonged international normalized ratio and higher white blood cell count, whereas patients with late intracranial hemorrhage had more concurrent systemic infections. Most cases of intracranial hemorrhage were intraparenchymal with perihematomal edema. Median survival was 24 days in the intracranial hemorrhage group compared with four years in the non-intracranial hemorrhage group. Risk of death from intracranial hemorrhage was 3.2 times higher than that of the non-intracranial hemorrhage group. Age at diagnosis, initial white blood cell count, and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracranial hemorrhage was common and often fatal in children with acute leukemia. Potential contributing factors differed by intracranial hemorrhage timing. Older age, white blood cell count, and lactate dehydrogenase were associated with high risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

Critical developments of 2018: A review of the literature from selected topics in transfusion. A committee report from the AABB's Clinical Transfusion Medicine Committee

BACKGROUND

The AABB compiles an annual synopsis of the published literature covering important developments in the field of transfusion medicine. An abridged version of this work is being made available in TRANSFUSION, with the full-length report available as Appendix S1 (available as supporting information in the online version of this paper).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Papers published in late 2017 and 2018 are included, as well as earlier papers cited for background. Although this synopsis is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive, and some papers may have been excluded or missed.

RESULTS

The following topics are covered: "big data" and "omics" studies, emerging infections and testing, platelet transfusion and pathogen reduction, transfusion therapy and coagulation, transfusion approach to hemorrhagic shock and mass casualties, therapeutic apheresis, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy.

CONCLUSION

This synopsis may be a useful educational tool.

Oncologic Emergencies-The Old, the New, and the Deadly

Cancer continues to be a leading cause of death despite a broader understanding of its biology and the development of novel therapies. Nonetheless, with an increasing survival of this population, intensivists must be aware of the associated emergencies, both old and new. Oncologic emergencies can be seen as an initial presentation of the disease or precipitated by its treatment. In this review, we present key oncologic emergencies that may be encountered in daily practice, complications associated with innovative therapies, and treatment-related adverse events.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation In Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms (t-MN) of the Adult: Monocentric Observational Study and Review of the Literature

Background

Therapy related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) occur due to direct mutational events of chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy. Disease latency, mutational events and prognosis vary with drugs categories.

Methods

We describe a cohort of 30 patients, 18 females and 12 males, with median age of 52.5 years (range, 20 to 64), submitted to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in our department between September 1999 and March 2017. Patients had a history of solid tumour in 14 cases, haematological disease in 15 cases and both of them in one case. After a median of 36.5 months (range, 4 to 190) from first neoplasm, patients developed t-AML in 19 cases and t-MDS in 11 cases. Molecular abnormalities were detected in 5 patients, while karyotype aberrations were found in 17 patients. Patients received conventional chemotherapy in 14 cases, azacitidine in 10 cases and both of them in one case. Five patients were submitted to HSCT without previous treatment except for supportive therapy.

Results

Seventeen patients obtained sustained CR after SCT, while 8 patients showed resistant or relapsed disease. The remaining five patients died early after SCT. At follow up time (May 2017) 13 patients were alive with a median OS of 48 months (range 3–195), while 17 patients died after a median of 4 months (range 1–27) by relapse mortality in 6 cases and non-relapse mortality in the other 11 patients.

Conclusions

Global OS was 43%. After SCT, 72.2% of patients with t-MN maintained a sustained CR.

Therapeutic leukocyte reduction for acute and chronic myeloid leukemias: A 4-year experience from an oncology center in India

INTRODUCTION

Hyperleukocytosis (HL) and leukostasis seen in myeloid leukemias are a medical emergency. We present a case series of ten such patients in a 4-year period. Sixteen therapeutic leukocyte reduction (TLR) were done in ten cases along with other supportive measures. The American Society for Apheresis supports the routine implementation of TLR in cases of HL secondary to myeloid leukemias with signs of leukostasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The procedures were performed on the intermittent flow cell separator after discussion with the treating physician about patient's condition. Clinical, demographic, analytical, and technical variables were reviewed retrospectively and the patients were followed up at the end of 4 years. Descriptive analysis was performed for all variables, and relationships between quantitative variables and categorical variables were determined by applying the Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The mean age of presentation was 34 years. Priapism was the most common symptom followed by respiratory distress and neurological disturbances. After an average of 1.6 TLR procedures, the mean leukocyte count reduction achieved was 39.9% along with symptomatic relief. The mean survival at 4-year follow-up was 12.8 months and the overall mortality was 20%. Acute myeloid leukemia patients presented with lower mean platelet counts compared to chronic myeloid leukemia patients; however, the platelet loss in the final product was minimized.

CONCLUSION

TLR is a safe and effective therapy for leukoreduction in hematological malignancies in our experience.

Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice-Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Seventh Special Issue

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating, and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the Committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Seventh Edition, like its predecessor, has consistently applied the category and grading system definitions in the fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was used since the fourth edition has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of therapeutic apheresis in a specific disease entity. The Seventh Edition discusses 87 fact sheets (14 new fact sheets since the Sixth Edition) for therapeutic apheresis diseases and medical conditions, with 179 indications, which are separately graded and categorized within the listed fact sheets. Several diseases that are Category IV which have been described in detail in previous editions and do not have significant new evidence since the last publication are summarized in a separate table. The Seventh Edition of the JCA Special Issue serves as a key resource that guides the utilization of therapeutic apheresis in the treatment of human disease. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:149-162, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Role of Leukapheresis in the Current Management of Hyperleukocytosis in Newly Diagnosed Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BACKGROUND

Hyperleukocytosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been associated with early morbidity and mortality. The use of leukapheresis in these children treated with contemporary therapy remains controversial.

PROCEDURE

We analyzed clinical data from patients enrolled onto frontline protocols for ALL (Total Therapy XV and XVI) between 2003 and 2014. We documented adverse events within the first 14 days in patients with a white blood cell (WBC) count ≥200 × 10(9) /l and reviewed their management.

RESULTS

Fifty-three (7.8%) of 678 consecutive pediatric patients with newly diagnosed ALL presented with hyperleukocytosis (median WBC count 393 × 10(9) /l; range 200-1,014). Two deaths in patients without initial hyperleukocytosis occurred within the first 2 weeks from diagnosis secondary to bacterial sepsis. A total of 21 (40%) patients with ALL and hyperleukocytosis developed grade 3 or 4 adverse events regardless of the use of leukapheresis (P > 0.99 and P = 0.19). Sixteen of 53 (30%) patients with ALL received low-dose chemotherapy for leukocytoreduction initially. One-third of patients received urate oxidase, and none of the patients with hyperleukocytosis required hemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The early morbidity and mortality commonly associated with hyperleukocytosis in children with newly diagnosed ALL can be avoided with contemporary supportive care and conservative management possibly obviating the need for costly and potentially dangerous leukapheresis.

Co-occurrence of hyperleukocytosis and elevated fibrin-fibrinogen degradation product levels is a risk factor for early intracranial hemorrhage in patients with de novo acute leukemia

Early intracranial hemorrhage (eICH) is a potentially fatal complication of acute leukemia. We analyzed risk factors for eICH in patients with de novo acute leukemia. Ninety-one de novo acute leukemia patients at our institution between September 2003 and June 2014 were included. Of the 91 patients, eight (8.8 %) and 83 were included in the eICH and non-eICH groups, respectively. Univariate analysis demonstrated that white blood cell (WBC) count (P = 0.018), fibrin-fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) level (P = 0.0075), co-occurrence of WBC ≥50,000/µl and FDP level >40 µg/ml (P < 0.001), and fever (P = 0.248) were all significant predictors of eICH at the 0.25 level. In a subsequent multivariate analysis involving these parameters, only the combination of hyperleukocytosis and elevated FDP levels was found to be significant at the 0.05 level. A significant difference in the duration of the overall survival (OS) period was detected between patients that did and did not exhibit the combination of hyperleukocytosis and elevated FDP levels (P < 0.001). Co-occurrence of hyperleukocytosis and elevated FDP levels is a significant risk factor for eICH in patients with de novo acute leukemia and has a significant adverse affect on OS.

Exchange Transfusion and Leukapheresis in Pediatric Patients with AML With High Risk of Early Death by Bleeding and Leukostasis

BACKGROUND

The risk of early death (ED) by bleeding/leukostasis is high in patients with AML with hyperleukocytosis (>100,000/μl). Within the pediatric AML-BFM (Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster) 98/04 studies, emergency strategies for these children included exchange transfusion (ET) or leukapheresis (LPh). Risk factors for ED and interventions performed were analyzed.

PATIENTS

Two hundred thirty-eight of 1,251 (19%) patients with AML presented with hyperleukocytosis; 23 of 1,251 (1.8%) patients died of bleeding/leukostasis.

RESULTS

ED due to bleeding/leukostasis was highest at white blood cell (WBC) count >200,000/μl (14.3%). ED rates were even higher (20%) in patients with FAB (French-American-British) M4/M5 and hyperleukocytosis >200,000/μl. Patients with WBC >200,000/μl did slightly better with ET/LPh compared to those without ET/LPh (ED rate 7.5% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.055). Multivariate WBC >200,000/μl was of strongest prognostic significance for ED (P(χ(2) ) <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm the high risk of bleeding/leukostasis in patients with hyperleukocytosis. ET/LPh shows a trend toward reduced ED rate due to bleeding/leukostasis and is recommended at WBC >200,000/μl, and in FAB M4/M5 even at lower WBC.

Pre-treatment with oral hydroxyurea prior to intensive chemotherapy improves early survival of patients with high hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia with high white blood cell count (WBC) is a medical emergency. A reduction of tumor burden with hydroxyurea may prevent life-threatening complications induced by straight chemotherapy. To evaluate this strategy, we reviewed medical charts of adult patients admitted to our institution from 1997 to 2011 with non-promyelocytic AML and WBC over 50 G/L. One hundred and sixty patients were included with a median WBC of 120 G/L (range 50-450), 107 patients received hydroxyurea prior to chemotherapy, and 53 received emergency induction chemotherapy (CT). Hospital mortality was lower for patients treated with hydroxyurea (34% versus 19%, p = 0.047) even after adjusting for age (p < 0.01) and initial WBC count (p = 0.02). No evidence of any difference between treatment groups in terms of WBC decline kinetics and disease free survival (p = 0.87) was found. Oral hydroxyurea prior to chemotherapy seems a safe and efficient strategy to reduce early death of hyperleukocytic AML patients.

How Center Volumes Affect Early Outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Early mortality (EM) is all too frequent during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Older patients shoulder an undue amount of this burden as a result of the inherent biology of their disease and increased comorbidities. EM rates in academic centers have seen a sharp decline over the past 20 years; however, data from population-based registries show that EM rates for the general population have significantly lagged behind. In this review, we analyze the data available on EM in academic centers and the general population, explore recent improvements in supportive care and the use of predictive models, and finally investigate the relationship between case volume and complications during chemotherapy.

How I treat hyperleukocytosis in acute myeloid leukemia

Hyperleukocytosis (HL) per se is a laboratory abnormality, commonly defined by a white blood cell count >100 000/µL, caused by leukemic cell proliferation. Not the high blood count itself, but complications such as leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation put the patient at risk and require therapeutic intervention. The risk of complications is higher in acute than in chronic leukemias, and particularly leukostasis occurs more often in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for several reasons. Only a small proportion of AML patients present with HL, but these patients have a particularly dismal prognosis because of (1) a higher risk of early death resulting from HL complications; and (2) a higher probability of relapse and death in the long run. Whereas initial high blood counts and high lactate dehydrogenase as an indicator for high proliferation are part of prognostic scores guiding risk-adapted consolidation strategies, HL at initial diagnosis must be considered a hematologic emergency and requires rapid action of the admitting physician in order to prevent early death.

Leukocytapheresis for the treatment of hyperleukocytosis secondary to acute leukemia

Patients presenting with new or recurrent acute leukemia, particularly of the myeloid lineage, with WBC counts exceeding 100 × 109/L are often considered for leukocytapheresis, especially if they are experiencing symptoms of leukostasis. These symptoms are thought to occur because of blast aggregates and WBC thrombi in the circulation, which reduce blood flow. Leukostasis may cause various complications, including hyperviscosity syndrome, vascular occlusion resulting in intracranial hemorrhages and respiratory failure, and perivascular leukemic infiltrates. Leukostasis occurs more commonly with a high WBC count and with leukemias of monocytoid lineage such as acute myelomonocytic leukemia, which is a reflection of the nature of the leukemic blasts. Leukocytapheresis is used in an effort to quickly decrease a patient's circulating blast count, which can both prevent the development of leukostasis and provide symptomatic relief of leukostasis. However, the impact of leukocytapheresis on early- and long-term mortality is controversial, with several studies producing conflicting results. In this chapter, the pathophysiology of leukostasis, performance of leukocytapheresis, and efficacy of this treatment are reviewed.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia and hyperleucocytosis

The clinical characteristics, treatment options and outcomes in patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) and hyperleucocytosis remain poorly defined. This study reviewed 242 consecutive patients with APL; 29 patients (12%) had a white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 50 × 10(9) /l at presentation (median WBC 85·5 × 10(9) /l). Patients with hyperleucocytosis had inferior complete remission (CR) rates (69% vs. 88%; P = 0·004) and higher 4-week mortality (24% vs. 9%; P = 0·018) compared to patients without hyperleucocytosis. We noted a trend towards inferior 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) (69% vs. 80%; P = 0·057) and inferior 3-year overall survival (OS) (74% vs. 92%; P = 0·2) for patients with hyperleucocytosis. Leukapheresis was performed in 11 (38%) of the 29 patients with hyperleucocytosis. CR rate and 3-year OS were not significantly improved in patients who received leukapheresis. CR rate and 3-year OS for the 15 patients with hyperleucocytosis treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plus arsenic trioxide (ATO) plus cytotoxic therapy (idarubicin or gemtuzumab ozogamicin) combinations were 100% and 100% vs. 57% and 35% for the 14 patients treated with non-ATRA/ATO combinations (P = 0·004 and P = 0·002). Leukapheresis does not improve the outcomes in patients with APL presenting with hyperleucocytosis. ATRA/ATO-based combinations are superior to other regimens in these patients.

Therapeutic leukapheresis: 9-year experience in a University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Hyperleucocytosis is associated with higher morbidity and mortality related to possible development of leucostasis, tumour lysis syndrome and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation. There is insufficient evidence of the need for leukocytapheresis during early treatment of hyperleucocytosis, and its efficiency remains controversial, although leucoreduction is a measure that can prevent adverse events and death. The aim of this study was to analyse the safety and effectiveness of therapeutic leukocytapheresis and its influence on early mortality in our case series, adjusted to independent mortality risk factors described in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review (June 2003-June 2012) of procedures carried out for the treatment of hyperleucocytosis at the Haematology and Haemotherapy Service of Miguel Servet University Hospital. The patients' data and technical information were prospectively registered for each leukocytapheresis session.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent a total of 27 leukocytapheresis procedures. After an average of two sessions, a statistically significant drop in the initial leucocyte counts was observed (p<0.01), as well as a relevant drop in lactate dehydrogenase levels. The only analytical value statistically related to early mortality in univariate analysis was initial creatinine level greater than 1.2 mg/dL (p=0.012, OR=2.5).

DISCUSSION

Despite the small size and limited homogeneity of our case series, we can conclude that leukocytapheresis is a safe and effective therapeutic measure for leucoreduction in haematological pathologies of any lineage, particularly in patients without acute myeloid leukaemia. Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia had worse outcomes within 6 months of having finished leukocytapheresis sessions, as well as in terms of mean global survival and mean time of mortality. However, global mortality rates were similar in patients with or without acute myeloid leukaemia.

Leukapheresis in childhood acute leukemias: single-center experience

Hyperleukocytosis in patients with leukemia is associated with early mortality, especially due to the pulmonary and neurological complications of leukostasis. The prompt use of leukapheresis may improve patients' survival in the initial treatment period. The medical records of all previously untreated acute leukemia patients were reviewed to determine whether there was hyperleukocytosis at presentation. This study summarizes a single-center experience of leukapheresis that was applied to 12 children with acute leukemia and hyperleukocytosis. The median leukocyte count at diagnosis was 589,000/mm(3) (range: 389,000-942,000/mm(3)) for ALL patients and 232,000/mm(3) (range: 200,000-282,000/mm(3)) for AML patients. A central venous catheter (CVC) was inserted, and leukapheresis procedures were repeated at 12-hour intervals. A total of 29 leukapheresis cycles were performed on 12 children. The median number of cycles of leukapheresis required by each patient was two (range: 1-4). The median absolute and percentage reductions in white blood cell (WBC) count after the first cycle of leukapheresis were 113,000/mm(3) (range: 55,000-442,000/mm(3)) and 36% (range: 16-57.4%), respectively. As a laboratory finding, mild hypocalcemia was the most frequently observed complication. No patients developed any other problem related to the procedure. Our results showed that leukapheresis is a safe and effective procedure if performed by experienced staff.

[Leukostasis and tumor lysis: important complications of hyperleukocytosis]

The occurrence of hyperleukocytosis (leukocytes > 100.000/μl) is associated with complications such as leukostasis, tumor lysis and consumption coagulopathy in patients with acute leukemia much more often than in patients with chronic malignant hematological diseases. To manage these situations may be complex as organ failure is often imminent or manifest, infectious complications arise and indications for induction chemotherapy are usually urgent. Prophylaxis and therapy of the tumor lysis syndrome consists of hydration, lowering of uric acid and the management of electrolyte disturbances. Leukostasis requires immediate reduction of the leukocyte count by leukapheresis, administration of hydroxycarbamide and, ultimately, by causative and specific treatment of the underlying disease itself. In patients with curable diseases or favorable long-term prognosis, transfer to the intensive care unit must be evaluated early in the course of impending organ dysfunction, especially in cases of acute respiratory failure.