Performance status, but not the hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI), predicts mortality at a Canadian transplant center

Preconditioning Frailty Phenotype Influences Survival and Relapse for Older Allogeneic Transplantation Recipients

Hematologic malignancies disproportionately affect older adults. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is potentially curative, but poor overall survival (OS) has limited its use in older adults. Fried's frailty phenotype (FFP) is a geriatric assessment tool that combines objective and subjective performance measures: gait speed, grip strength, activity level, exhaustion, and weight loss. People meeting ≥3 criteria are classified as frail; 1 or 2 criteria, as pre-frail; and 0 criteria, as fit. To evaluate the association of pre-HCT FFP with post-HCT outcomes, we assessed FFP prior to conditioning for 280 HCT recipients age ≥60 years with acute leukemia or a myeloid neoplasm at 3 institutions. When analyzing survival by age group, patients age ≥70 years had inferior OS compared to patients age 60 to 69 years (P = .002), with corresponding OS estimates of 38.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 27.8% to 49.9%) and 59.3% (95% CI, 51.9% to 65.9%). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) also was significantly higher in the older patients (P = .0005); the 2-year cumulative incidences of NRM were 38.5% (95% CI, 27.5% to 49.2%) and 17.2% (95% CI, 12.3% to 22.8%), for older and younger recipients, respectively. The cumulative incidences of relapse did not differ by age group (P = .3435). Roughly one-third (35.5%) of the patients were fit, 57.5% were pre-frail, and 7.5% were frail, with corresponding 2-year OS estimates of 68.4% (95% CI, 57.9% to 76.8%), 45.5% (95% CI, 37.4% to 53.2%), and 45.8% (95% CI, 23.4% to 65.8%) (P = .013). FFP was not significantly associated with NRM, but being frail or pre-frail was associated with a higher rate of disease-related deaths (33.3% and 27.3%, respectively, compared with 17.4% for fit patients; P = .043). In univariate modeling of restricted mean survival time with a 3-year horizon (RMST_3y), the factors that were significantly associated were FFP, age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Disease Risk Index (DRI), and HCT-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI). Of those factors, only FFP (P = .006), age (P = .006), KPS (P = .004), and DRI (P = .005) were significantly associated in multivariate modeling of RMST_3y. Estimates of RMST_3y were computed and 5 risk-groups were created with survival ranging from 31.4 months for those who were age 60 to 69 years, fit, had KPS 90 to 100, and low/intermediate-risk DRI compared to 10.5 months for those who had high-risk features for all the evaluated factors. In univariate and multivariate analyses for restricted mean time to relapse with a 3-year horizon (RMRT_3y), FFP (pre-frail versus fit, P = .007; frail versus fit, P = .061) and DRI (P = .001) were the only significant factors. Predicted RMRT_3y was longest (30.6 months) for those who were fit and had low/intermediate-risk DRI scores and shortest (19.1 months) for those who were frail and had high-risk or very high-risk DRI scores. Both age and FFP impact survival after HCT. Incorporation of FFP into pre-HCT evaluations may improve decision-making and counseling regarding HCT risk for older adults. Our findings support future trials designed to reverse frailty, such as pre-HCT supervised exercise programs, and correlative analyses to unravel the connection of frailty and relapse to generate future targets for intervention. Finally, exploration of novel HCT platforms to reduce relapse in pre-frail and frail patients, as well as reduce NRM in adults age >70 years, are warranted.

Analysis of risk factors for fatal renal complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Various complications can influence hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) outcomes. Renal complications can occur during the early to late phases of HCT along with various factors. However, studies focusing on fatal renal complications (FRCs) are scarce. Herein, we analyzed 36,596 first allogeneic HCT recipients retrospectively. Overall, 782 patients died of FRCs at a median of 108 (range, 0-3,440) days after HCT. The cumulative incidence of FRCs was 1.7% and 2.2% at one and five years, respectively. FRCs were associated with older age, male sex, non-complete remission (non-CR), lower performance status (PS), and HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI) associated with renal comorbidity in multivariate analysis. The risk factors within 100 days included older age, multiple myeloma, PS, and HCT-CI comorbidities (psychiatric disturbance, hepatic disease, obesity, and renal disease). Older age and male sex were risk factors between 100 days and one year. After one year, HCT-CI was associated with the presence of diabetes and prior solid tumor; total body irradiation was identified as a risk factor. Non-CR was a common risk factor in all three phases. Furthermore, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, reactivation of cytomegalovirus, and relapse of underlying disease also affected FRCs. Systematic follow-up may be necessary based on the patients' risk factors and post-HCT events.

Prognostic implication of pre-transplant FEV1 on long-term outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Pre-transplant pulmonary function testing (PFT) is essential before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT), yet the optimal cutoff value for affecting transplant outcomes remains poorly defined.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of pre-HCT PFT data from 605 consecutive patients at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 used binary recursive partitioning to identify cutoff values for overall survival (OS) as an endpoint of transplant outcomes. These values were compared to HCT comorbidity index (HCT-CI) FEV1 cutoffs for OS, cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality.

RESULTS

FEV1  ≥ 81% was the identified cutoff point. The OS rate at 3 years showed 49.8% (FEV1  ≥ 81%) vs. 36.6% (<81%, p < .001). For HCT-CI cutoffs, the OS rate at 3 years for FEV1  ≥ 80%, 66%-80% and ≤65% were 49.0%, 38.1% and 37.6% (p = .011), respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that FEV1  ≥ 81% predicted reduced mortality (HR 0.682, p = .001). Subgroup analysis showed both FEV1  ≥ 81% and FEV1 by HCT-CI cutoffs may stratify patients according to OS and NRM risk in subgroups receiving myeloablative, but not reduced intensity conditioning.

CONCLUSION

FEV1  ≥ 81% can predict OS and NRM in our cohort and is potentially simpler when risk stratifying patients undergoing allogeneic HCT, particularly those receiving myeloablative conditioning.

Applicability and validation of different prognostic scores in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in the post-transplant cyclophosphamide era

We investigated the predictive capacity of six prognostic indices [Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS), Hematopoietic Cell Transplant-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), Disease Risk Index (DRI), European Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and Revised Pre-Transplantation Assessment of Mortality (rPAM) Scores and Endothelial Activation and Stress Index (EASIX)] in 205 adults undergoing post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based allo-HCT. KPS, HCT-CI, DRI and EASIX grouped patients into higher and lower risk strata. KPS and EASIX maintained appropriate discrimination for OS prediction across the first 2 years after allo-HCT [receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve (AUC) > 55 %)]. The discriminative capacity of DRI and HCT-CI increased during the post-transplant period, with a peak of prediction at 2 years (AUC of 61.1 % and 61.8 %). The maximum rPAM discriminative capacity was at 1 year (1-year AUC of 58.2 %). The predictive capacity of the EBMT score was not demonstrated. This study validates the discrimination capacity for OS prediction of KPS, HCT-CI, DRI and EASIX in PTCy-based allo-HCT.

Patient age and donor HLA matching can stratify allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation patients into prognostic groups

BACKGROUND

Mixed results surround the accuracy of commonly used prognostic risk scores to predict overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients. We hypothesize that a simple prognostic score performs better than conventional scoring systems.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

OS risk factors, HCT-CI, age-HCT-CI, and augmented-HCT-CI were studied in 299 patients who underwent allo-HCT for myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. A scoring system was developed based on results and validated in a different cohort of 455 patient.

RESULTS

2-year OS was 51% (95%CI 0.45-0.56). 2-year NRM was 34% (95%CI 0.29-0.39). HCT-CI and associated scores were grouped into 0-2 and ≥3. Age and HLA mismatch status were the only risk factors to affect OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.02 and 0.05, respectively). HCT-CI and associated scores were not informative for OS prediction. The weighted scoring system assigned 0 to 2 points for age <50, 50 to 64, or ≥65, respectively, and 0 to 1 points for no HLA mismatch versus any mismatch (except HLA-DQ). Distinct 2-year OS [62%, 53%, and 38% (p = <0.001)] and NRM [24%, 34%, and 43% (p = 0.02)] groups were characterized. The scoring system was validated in a second independent cohort with similar results on OS and NRM (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A simple scoring system based on recipient's age and mismatch status accurately predicts OS and NRM in two distinct cohorts of allo-HCT patients. Its simplicity makes it a helpful tool to aid clinicians and patients in clinical decision making. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

External Validation of the Revised Pretransplant Assessment of Mortality Score in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Cohort Study

Pretransplant risk scores such as the revised Pretransplant Assessment of Mortality (rPAM) score help to predict outcome of patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Since the rPAM has not been validated externally in a heterogeneous patient population with different diseases, we aimed to validate the rPAM score in a real-world cohort of allo-HCT patients. A total of 429 patients were included receiving their first allo-HCT from 2008 to 2015. The predictive capacity of the rPAM score for 4-year overall survival (OS), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) after allo-HCT was evaluated. Moreover, we evaluated the impact of the rPAM score for OS and used uni- and multivariable analyses to identify patient- and transplant-related predictors for OS. In rPAM score categories of <17, 17–23, 24–30, and >30, the OS probability at 4 years differed significantly with 61%, 36%, 26%, and 10%, respectively (P < 0.0001). In contrast to CIR, the NRM increased significantly in patients with higher rPAM scores (P < 0.001). Regarding the OS, the rPAM score had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.676 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.625-0.727) at 4 years. In the multivariable analysis, the rPAM score was associated with OS—independently of conditioning regimens (adjusted hazard ratio per 1-unit increase, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10; P < 0.001). Additionally, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and the disease risk index were the components of the rPAM significantly associated with outcome. In our large real-world cohort with extended follow-up, the rPAM score was validated as an independent predictor of OS in patients with hematologic disorders undergoing allo-HCT.

Outcomes of third allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory acute leukemia after a second transplantation

Relapsed acute leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is associated with poor prognosis. In a subset of patients, durable remissions can be achieved with a second allo-HSCT (allo-HSCT2). However, many patients experience relapse after allo-HSCT2 and they may be considered for a third allo-HSCT (allo-HSCT3). Nevertheless, the benefit of allo-HSCT3 remains unconfirmed. Thus, herein a retrospective analysis of 253 allo-HSCT3s in patients with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia was carried out. In total, 29 (11.5%) survived at a median follow-up of 794 days (range: 87-4 619). The 3-year leukemia-free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 9.7% and 10.9%, respectively. Patients who maintained remission for ≥2 years after allo-HSCT2 had a significantly better 3-year OS (35.8%) than those who experienced early relapse (<1 year, 7.8%; 1-2 years, 14.0%; P = 0.004). Complete remission at allo-HSCT3, performance status score of 0-1 at allo-HSCT3, grade I acute graft-versus-host disease after allo-HSCT2, and relapse ≥2 years after allo-HSCT2 were associated with better survival in patients who received allo-HSCT3. The prognosis after allo-HSCT3 in patients with relapsed/refractory acute leukemia is generally unfavorable. However, given the lack of alternative treatment options, allo-HSCT3 may be considered in a group of patients.

Assessing the Feasibility of a Novel mHealth App in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment option for patients with hematologic conditions but presents many complications that must be managed as a complex, chronic condition. Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) may permit tracking of symptoms in HCT. In seeking strategies to manage the complexities of HCT, our team collaborated with Sicklesoft, Inc., to develop an mHealth app specifically for HCT patients to allow for daily evaluation of patient health, Technology Recordings to better Understand Bone Marrow Transplantation (TRU-BMT). The primary value of this application is that of potentially enhancing the monitoring of symptoms and general health of patients undergoing HCT, with the ultimate goal of allowing earlier detection of adverse events, earlier intervention, and improving outcomes. To first evaluate patient interest in mHealth apps, we designed and administered an interest survey to patients at the 2017 BMT-InfoNet reunion. As a follow-up to the positive feedback received, we began testing the TRU-BMT app in a Phase 1 pilot study. Thirty patients were enrolled in this single-arm study and were given the TRU-BMT mHealth app on a smartphone device in addition to a wearable activity tracker. Patients were followed for up to 180 days, all the while receiving daily app monitoring. Adherence to TRU-BMT was approximately 30% daily and 44% weekly, and greater adherence was associated with increased meal completion, decreased heart rate, and shorter hospital stay. TRU-BMT assessments of symptom severity were significantly associated with duration of hospital stay and development of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Our findings suggest that using TRU-BMT throughout HCT is feasible for patients and established a proof-of-concept for a future randomized control trial of the TRU-BMT application in HCT. © 2021 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Baseline Renal Function and Albumin are Powerful Predictors for Allogeneic Transplantation-Related Mortality

Biomarkers measured in blood chemistry before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may reflect patients' physiological status. We hypothesized that selected markers are predictive for nonrelapse mortality (NRM) following transplantation and could contribute to risk assessment. We investigated the value of pre-HSCT albumin, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and alkaline phosphatase (AlkP) in predicting NRM. We retrospectively analyzed clinical and laboratory data from 1217 patients receiving a first HSCT in 2 European centers between 2003 and 2015. Transplantation indications and conditioning regimens were diverse. Patients had a median age of 55 years and hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI) scores of 0 (24%), 1 to 2 (39%), and ≥3 (37%). Cutoffs of eGFR <60 mL/min, albumin <3.5 g/dL, and AlkP >180 IU/L corresponded with 8.8%, 8.3%, and 6.5% of the patients, respectively. eGFR and albumin were associated with increased risk and higher cumulative incidence of day-100, 1-year, and 2-year NRM, both as continuous or categorized variables. A similar pattern was observed for AlkP, except for day-100 NRM. In multivariable analyses, eGFR and albumin were consistently among the top risk factors for early and late-term NRM, abrogating the role of age. Prediction models for day-100, 1-year, and 2-year NRM based only on HCT-CI resulted in c-statistics of .565, .575, and .577, respectively. Addition of both biomarkers increased c-statistics for day-100, 1-year, and 2-year NRM to .651, .633, and .624, respectively. Albumin and eGFR are prognostic biomarkers for NRM after HSCT and improve the discriminative power of the HCT-CI.

Prognostic Scoring Systems in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Where Do We Stand?

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative treatment for many hematologic disorders. Maximizing the benefit of transplantation for disease control while minimizing the risk for associated complications remains the field's leading challenge. This challenge has prompted the development of multiple prognostic scoring systems over the last 2 decades. Prognostic scores can be used for informed decision making, better patient counseling, design of interventional trials, and analysis of prospective and retrospective data. They are also helpful in treatment allocation and personalization according to predicted risk. A better understanding of the molecular and cytogenetic features of the disease, along with the advent of novel therapies, has increased the need for reliable prognostication of which patients will benefit most from transplantation. Here we review the clinical role of the prognostic systems currently in clinical use, examining both their strengths and their limitations.

Validation of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index in Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

The Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT)-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) has been extensively studied in myeloablative and reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, with less data available regarding the validity of HCT-CI in nonmyeloablative (NMA) allogeneic transplantation. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the association between HCT-CI and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients receiving the total lymphoid irradiation and antithymocyte globulin (TLI/ATG) NMA transplantation preparative regimen. We abstracted demographic and clinical data from consecutive patients, who received allogeneic HCT with the TLI/ATG regimen between January 2008 and September 2014, from the Stanford blood and marrow transplantation database. We conducted univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models to evaluate the association between HCT-CI and NRM and ACM. In all, 287 patients were included for analysis. The median age of the patients was 61 (range, 22 to 77) years. The median overall survival was 844 (range, 374 to 1484) days. Most patients had Karnofsky performance score of 90 or above (85%). Fifty-two (18%) patients relapsed within 3 months and 108 (38%) patients relapsed within 1 year, with a median time to relapse of 163 (range, 83 to 366) days. Among the comorbidities in the HCT-CI identified at the time of HCT, reduced pulmonary function was the most common (n = 89), followed by prior history of malignancy (n = 39), psychiatric condition (n = 38), and diabetes (n = 31). Patients with higher HCT-CI scores had higher mortality risks for ACM (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 3.14 for HCT-CI score 1 or 2 and HR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.08 for HCT-CI score ≥ 3, compared with 0, respectively). Among individual HCT-CI variables, diabetes (HR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.79 to 2.89; P = .003) and prior solid tumors (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.02 to 3.00; P = .043) were associated with a higher risk of ACM. Higher HCT-CI scores were significantly associated with higher risk of death. HCT-CI is a valid tool for predicting ACM in NMA TLI/ATG allogeneic HCT.

Comparison of matched sibling donors versus unrelated donors in allogeneic stem cell transplantation for primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia: a study on behalf of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT

BACKGROUND

Primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (PRF-AML) is associated with a dismal prognosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in active disease is an alternative therapeutic strategy. The increased availability of unrelated donors together with the significant reduction in transplant-related mortality in recent years have opened the possibility for transplantation to a larger number of patients with PRF-AML. Moreover, transplant from unrelated donors may be associated with stronger graft-mediated anti-leukemic effect in comparison to transplantations from HLA-matched sibling donor, which may be of importance in the setting of PRF-AML.

METHODS

The current study aimed to address the issue of HSCT for PRF-AML and to compare the outcomes of HSCT from matched sibling donors (n = 660) versus unrelated donors (n = 381), for patients with PRF-AML between 2000 and 2013. The Kaplan-Meier estimator, the cumulative incidence function, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used where appropriate.

RESULTS

HSCT provide patients with PRF-AML a 2-year leukemia-free survival and overall survival of about 25 and 30%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, two predictive factors, cytogenetics and time from diagnosis to transplant, were associated with lower leukemia-free survival, whereas Karnofsky performance status at transplant ≥90% was associated with better leukemia-free survival (LFS). Concerning relapse incidence, cytogenetics and time from diagnosis to transplant were associated with increased relapse. Reduced intensity conditioning regimen was the only factor associated with lower non-relapse mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

HSCT was able to rescue about one quarter of the patients with PRF-AML. The donor type did not have any impact on PRF patients' outcomes. In contrast, time to transplant was a major prognostic factor for LFS. For patients with PRF-AML who do not have a matched sibling donor, HSCT from an unrelated donor is a suitable option, and therefore, initiation of an early search for allocating a suitable donor is indicated.

Up-to-date tools for risk assessment before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Cure of malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases is potentially possible after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Accurate evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio for an individual patient could improve the decision-making process about transplant, which ultimately would increase the likelihood of success. Several transplant-related models were designed in an effort to optimize decision-making about suitable candidates for allogeneic HCT. In 1998, The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) developed a five-component pretransplantation risk scoring system for patients with CML. The EBMT score was later tested in patients with various hematological disorders, and it was shown to stratify risks of mortality after allogeneic HCT. More recent research efforts focused on models that assess health status before HCT. A HCT-specific comorbidity index was designed to assign weights to 17 relevant comorbidities that were shown to independently predict non-relapse mortality. Performance status scales and comprehensive geriatric assessment tools might uncover additional overall health limitations that affect long-term survival among older recipients of allogeneic HCT. Other models include the pretransplantation assessment of mortality score that summarizes the impacts of eight different pretransplantation patient- and disease-specific variables into a 50-point model that predicts survival. The disease-risk index captures the impact of primary diagnoses and disease status on relapse and survival following allogeneic HCT. The values and limitations of each model are discussed herein. We also provide insight on how to use these models in the clinic to decide about offering allogeneic HCT with the most suitable conditioning regimen intensity.

Patient-reported physical functioning predicts the success of hematopoietic cell transplantation (BMT CTN 0902)

BACKGROUND

In hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), current risk adjustment strategies are based on clinical and disease-related variables. Although patient-reported outcomes (PROs) predict mortality in multiple cancers, they have been less well studied within HCT. Improvements in risk adjustment strategies in HCT would inform patient selection, patient counseling, and quality reporting. The objective of the current study was to determine whether pre-HCT PROs, in particular physical health, predict survival among patients undergoing autologous or allogeneic transplantation.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis, the authors studied pre-HCT PROs that were reported by 336 allogeneic and 310 autologous HCT recipients enrolled in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) 0902 protocol, a study with broad representation of patients who underwent transplantation in the United States.

RESULTS

Among allogeneic HCT recipients, the pre-HCT Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS) scale independently predicted overall mortality (hazards ratio, 1.40 per 10-point decrease; P<.001) and performed at least as well as currently used, non-PRO risk indices. Survival probability estimates at 1 year for the first, second, third, and fourth quartiles of the baseline PCS were 50%, 65%, 75%, and 83%, respectively. Early post-HCT decreases in PCS were associated with higher overall and treatment-related mortality. When adjusted for patient variables included in the US Stem Cell Therapeutic Outcomes Database model for transplant center-specific reporting, the SF-36 PCS retained independent prognostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

PROs have the potential to improve prognostication in HCT. The authors recommend the routine collection of PROs before HCT, and consideration of the incorporation of PROs into risk adjustment for quality reporting.

Assessing the Influence of Different Comorbidities Indexes on the Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in a Developing Country

Although the application of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) has enabled better prediction of transplant-related mortality (TRM) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (AHSCT), data from developing countries are scarce. This study prospectively evaluated the HCT-CI and the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation (ACE-27), in its original and in a modified version, as predictors of post-transplant complications in adults undergoing a first related or unrelated AHSCT in Brazil. Both bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) as graft sources were included. We analyzed the cumulative incidence of granulocyte and platelet recovery, sinusoidal obstructive syndrome, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, relapse and transplant-related mortality, and rates of event-free survival and overall survival. Ninety-nine patients were assessed. Median age was 38 years (18–65 years); HCT-CI ≥ 3 accounted for only 8% of cases; hematologic malignancies comprised 75.8% of the indications for AHSCT. There was no association between the HCT-CI or the original or modified ACE-27 with TRM or any other studied outcomes after AHSCT. These results show that, in the population studied, none of the comorbidity indexes seem to be associated with AHSCT outcomes. A significantly low frequency of high-risk (HCT-CI ≥ 3) in this Brazilian population might justify these results.

Physical Exercise Training versus Relaxation in Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (PETRA Study) - Rationale and design of a randomized trial to evaluate a yearlong exercise intervention on overall survival and side-effects after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Background

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is associated with high treatment-related mortality and innumerable physical and psychosocial complications and side-effects, such as high fatigue levels, loss of physical performance, infections, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and distress. This leads to a reduced quality of life, not only during and after transplantation, but also in the long term. Exercise interventions have been shown to be beneficial in allo-HCT patients. However, to date, no study has focused on long-term effects and survival. Previous exercise studies used ‘usual care’ control groups, leaving it unclear to what extent the observed effects are based on the physical effects of exercise itself, or rather on psychosocial factors such as personal attention. Furthermore, effects of exercise on and severity of GvHD have not been examined so far. We therefore aim to investigate the effects and biological mechanisms of exercise on side-effects, complications and survival in allo-HCT patients during and after transplantation.

Methods/design

The PETRA study is a randomized, controlled intervention trial investigating the effects of a yearlong partly supervised mixed exercise intervention (endurance and resistance exercises, 3–5 times per week) in 256 patients during and after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Patients in the control group perform progressive muscle relaxation training (Jacobsen method) with the same frequency. Main inclusion criterion is planned allo-HCT. Main exclusion criteria are increased fracture risk, no walking capability or severe cardiorespiratory problems. Primary endpoint is overall survival after two years; secondary endpoints are non-relapse mortality, median survival, patient reported outcomes including cancer related fatigue and quality of life, physical performance, body composition, haematological/immunological reconstitution, inflammatory parameters, severity of complications and side-effects (e.g. GvHD and infections), and cognitive capacity.

Discussion

The PETRA study will contribute to a better understanding of the physiological and psychological effects of exercise training and their biological mechanisms in cancer patients after allo-HCT. The ultimate goal is the implementation of optimized intervention programs to reduce side-effects and improve quality of life and potentially prognosis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01374399.

Rehabilitation referrals and outcomes in the early period after hematopoietic cell transplantation

In a cohort of inpatient hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients, we assessed patterns of referral to rehabilitation treatment, functional performance and short-term outcomes in patients who received post-transplant rehabilitation in comparison with those who did not. Among 201 first-time HCT recipients, 53 (26%) were referred to an inpatient rehabilitation provider, had an assessment of functional performance using the Functional Independence Measure scale and underwent rehabilitation treatments to address functional needs. Patients who received rehabilitation therapy were more likely to be females (P=0.02), older than 60 years of age (P=0.0146), employed (P=0.01), have hypertension (P=0.02), peripheral vascular disease (P=0.01) and pre-transplant Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) <90 (P=0.02). Mean functional performance scores for transfers and ambulation increased significantly in the group with rehabilitation interventions (P=0.0022 and P<0.0001, respectively). There was no difference between the groups that did and did not receive rehabilitation treatments in 30-day re-admission rates. Patients who are 60 years of age or older, with pre-transplant KPS<90, and pre-transplant hypertension were more likely to be referred for rehabilitation treatments in the early period after HCT. Future studies should be designed to determine the optimal timing and cost effectiveness of functional assessment and rehabilitation treatments in this high-risk population.

Multi-centre validation of the prognostic value of the haematopoietic cell transplantation- specific comorbidity index among recipient of allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation

The haematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) was developed in a single centre as a weighted scoring system to predict risks of non-relapse mortality (NRM) following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation. Information on the performance of the HCT-CI in multi-centre studies is lacking in the literature. To that end, a collaborative multicentre retrospective study was initiated. Comorbidity data from 2523 consecutive recipients of human leucocyte antigen-matched grafts from five different US institutions were analysed. Among all patients, HCT-CI scores of 0 vs. 1-2 vs. ≥3 were associated with 2-year NRM rates of 14%, 23% and 39% (P < 0·0001), respectively, and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates of 74%, 61% and 39%, respectively (P < 0·0001). Using regression models, increasing HCT-CI scores were independently associated with increases in hazard ratios for NRM and worse survival within individual institutions. The HCT-CI retained independent capacity for association with outcomes within different age as well as conditioning intensity groups. C-statistic estimates for the prognostic power of the HCT-CI for NRM and OS were 0·66 and 0·64, respectively. The estimates within each institution were overall similar. The HCT-CI is a valid tool for capturing comorbidities and predicting mortality after haematopoietic cell transplantation across different institutions.

Prospective Validation of the Predictive Power of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index: A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Study

Prospective validation of the hematopoietic cell transplantation-comorbidity index (HCT-CI) using contemporary patients treated with hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) across the Unites States is necessary to confirm its widespread applicability. We performed a prospective observational study including all patients (8115 recipients of allogeneic and 11,652 recipients of autologous HCT) who underwent a first HCT that was reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 2007 and 2009. In proportional hazards models, increased HCT-CI scores were independently associated with increases in hazard ratios for nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (P < .0001) and overall mortality (P < .0001) among recipients of allogeneic HCT. HCT-CI scores of ≥3 were uniformly associated with higher risks for outcomes in both allogeneic and autologous HCT and in all subgroups, regardless of diagnoses, age, and conditioning intensity. Recipients of allogeneic HCT with scores of 1 and 2 who were ages < 18 years or were treated with lower intensity conditioning regimens had similar outcomes compared with those with a score of 0. Higher risks for overall mortality, but not for NRM, were observed among recipients of autologous HCT with scores of 1 and 2 versus 0. Our results confirm the validity the HCT-CI in both allogeneic and autologous HCT. The index should be used as a valid standard-of-care health measure in counseling patients for HCT, in clinical trial design, and in adjusting outcome analyses.

Allogeneic transplantation with myeloablative FluBu4 conditioning improves survival compared to reduced intensity FluBu2 conditioning for acute myeloid leukemia in remission

The optimal intensity of conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains undefined. Traditionally, myeloablative conditioning regimens improve disease control, but at the risk of greater nonrelapse mortality. Because fludarabine with myeloablative doses of intravenous busulfan using pharmacokinetic monitoring has excellent tolerability, we reasoned that this regimen would limit relapse without substantially elevating toxicity when compared to reduced intensity conditioning. We retrospectively analyzed 148 consecutive AML patients in remission receiving T cell replete HCT conditioned with fludarabine and intravenous busulfan at doses defined as reduced (6.4 mg/kg; FluBu2, n = 63) or myeloablative (12.8 mg/kg; FluBu4, n = 85). Early and late nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was similar among FluBu4 and FluBu2 recipients, respectively (day + 100: 4 vs 0 %; 5 years: 19 vs 22 %; p = 0.54). NRM did not differ between FluBu4 and FluBu2 in patients >50 years of age (24 vs 22 %, p = 0.75). Relapse was lower in recipients of FluBu4 (5 years: 30 vs 49 %; p = 0.04), especially in patients with poor risk cytogenetics (22 vs 59 %; p = 0.02) and those >50 years of age (28 vs 51 %; p = 0.02). Overall survival favored FluBu4 recipients at 5 years (53 vs 34 %, p = 0.02), a finding confirmed in multivariate analysis (HR: 0.57; 95 % CI: 0.34-0.95; p = 0.03). These data suggest that myeloablative FluBu4 may provide equivalent NRM, reduced relapse, and improved survival compared to FluBu2, emphasizing the importance of busulfan dose in conditioning for AML.

Pretransplant comorbidities maintain their impact on allogeneic stem cell transplantation outcome 5 years posttransplant: a retrospective study in a single german institution

The introduction of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens has allowed elderly patients with preexisting comorbidities access to the potentially curative allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Patient's comorbidities at the time of treatment consideration play a significant role in transplant outcome in terms of both overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI) quantifies these patient specific risks and has established itself as a major tool in the pretransplant assessment of patients. Many single center and multicenter studies have assessed the HCT-CI score and reported conflicting outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the HCT-CI in a single large European transplant centre. 245 patients were retrospectively analyzed and the predictive value of the score was assessed with respect to OS and NRM. We confirm that the HCT-CI predicts outcome for both OS and NRM. Moreover, we identified age of the patient as an independent prognostic parameter for OS. Incorporation of age in the HCT-CI would improve its ability to prognosticate and allow the transplant physician to assess the patient specific risks appropriately at the time of counseling for transplant.

Hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index is predictive of survival after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) improves survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) but is associated with morbidity and nonrelapse mortality (NRM). Hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) was shown to predict risk of NRM and survival after allogeneic transplantation. We tested the utility of HCT-CI as a predictor of NRM and survival in patients with MM undergoing AHCT. We analyzed outcomes of 1156 patients of AHCT after high-dose melphalan reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. Individual comorbidities were prospectively collected at the time of AHCT. The impact of HCT-CI and other potential prognostic factors, including Karnofsky performance score (KPS), on NRM and survival were studied in multivariate Cox regression models. HCT-CI score was 0, 1, 2, 3, and >3 in 42%, 18%, 13%, 13%, and 14% of the study cohort, respectively. Subjects were stratified into 3 risk groups: HCT-CI score of 0 (42%) versus HCT-CI score of 1 to 2 (32%) versus HCT-CI score > 2 (26%). Higher HCT-CI was associated with lower KPS < 90 (33% of subjects score of 0 versus 50% in HCT-CI score > 2). HCT-CI score > 2 was associated with melphalan dose reduction (22% versus 10% in score 0 cohort). One-year NRM was low at 2% (95% confidence interval, 1% to 4%) and did not correlate with HCT-CI score (P = .9). On multivariate analysis, overall survival was inferior in groups with HCT-CI score of 1 to 2 (relative risk, 1.37, [95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.87], P = .04) and HCT-CI score > 2 (relative risk, 1.5 [95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.08], P = .01). Overall survival was also inferior with KPS < 90 (P < .001), IgA subtype (P ≤ .001), those receiving >1 pretransplant induction regimen (P = .007), and those with resistant disease at the time of AHCT (P < .001). AHCT for MM is associated with low NRM, and death is predominantly related to disease progression. Although a higher HCT-CI score did not predict NRM, it was associated with inferior survival.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index predicts inpatient mortality and survival in patients who received allogeneic transplantation admitted to the intensive care unit

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic value of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) in patients who received transplantation admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the association of HCT-CI with inpatient mortality and overall survival (OS) among 377 patients who were admitted to the ICU within 100 days of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) at our institution. HCT-CI scores were collapsed into four groups and were evaluated in univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

The most common pretransplantation comorbidities were pulmonary and cardiac diseases, and respiratory failure was the primary reason for ICU admission. We observed a strong trend for higher inpatient mortality and shorter OS among patients with HCT-CI values ≥ 2 compared with patients with values of 0 to 1 in all patient subsets studied. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with HCT-CI values ≥ 2 had significantly higher inpatient mortality than patients with values of 0 to 1 and that HCT-CI values ≥ 4 were significantly associated with shorter OS compared with values of 0 to 1 (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.47). The factors associated with lower inpatient mortality were ICU admission during the ASCT conditioning phase or the use of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens. The overall inpatient mortality rate was 64%, and the 1-year OS rate was 15%. Among patients with HCT-CI scores of 0 to 1, 2, 3, and ≥ 4, the 1-year OS rates were 22%, 17%, 18%, and 9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HCT-CI is a valuable predictor of mortality and survival in critically ill patients after ASCT.

Indications and outcomes of reduced-toxicity hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with hematological malignancies

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) utilizing non-myeloablative (NMA) and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens (collectively referred to as reduced-toxicity HCT, RT-HCT) has become a viable therapeutic option for patients with hematological malignancies who are ineligible for standard myeloablative conditioning transplantation (MA-HCT). RT-HCT has been shown to induce stable engraftment with low toxicity, and to produce similar overall and progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to MA-HCT in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. The best results for RT-HCT have been reported for patients with disease that is in remission, indolent and chemosensitive, and with a strong graft-versus-malignancy effect. Chronic graft-versus-host disease seems to correlate with a lower relapse rate and better PFS. RT-HCT is inferior when performed in poor risk or advanced disease, due to high relapse rates. A search for novel strategies that includes the most appropriate conditioning regimens and post-transplant immunomodulation protocols with more intensive anti-malignancy activity but limited toxicity is in progress. This review provides an update on the results of clinical studies of RT-HCT, and discusses possible indications and investigative strategies for improving the clinical outcomes of RT-HCT for the major hematological malignancies.

Adjusting DLCO for Hb and its effects on the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index

The Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) is used to counsel patients regarding the risk of transplantation and selection of conditioning regimens. Pulmonary disease, most frequently demonstrated by a decreased diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), is the most prevalent comorbidity captured by the HCT-CI. The HCT-CI was validated using the Dinakara method for adjusting DLCO for Hb, but our institution and others utilize the Cotes method. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of using the Cotes method rather than the Dinakara method on the HCT-CI score. We reviewed pre-transplant pulmonary function tests in 73 patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. Patients were stratified into low, intermediate or high-risk groups based on HCT-CI scores of 0, 1-2 or 3, respectively. We found that compared with the Dinakara method, the Cotes method increased the HCT-CI score in 45% of patients and resulted in total HCT-CI scores predictive of higher non-relapse mortality in 33% of patients. These results indicate that if an institution uses the Cotes method to adjust DLCO for Hb, their patients may be counseled to expect a higher risk of mortality than is actually predicted by the HCT-CI, and may be excluded from transplantation. Therefore, unless the HCT-CI is validated using other methods for correcting DLCO for Hb, the Dinakara method should be used.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome: the past decade

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only therapy with curative potential for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. Many conditioning regimens have been developed that, along with the use of cord blood or HLA-haploidentical donors, allow doctors to offer HCT to a growing proportion of patients. New classification schemes identify more narrowly characterized risk groups, which may facilitate decisions with regard to HCT. Disease stage and cytogenetics remain the major determinants of HCT outcome. The use of peripheral blood progenitor cells may offer an advantage over marrow for engraftment and relapse prevention, but graft-versus-host disease remains a problem. The age of patients undergoing HCT has increased significantly over the past 25 years, and comorbid conditions are the major patient characteristic impacting transplant success. Recent studies show that drugs used in the non-HCT setting may be beneficial in the context of HCT.

Return to primary service among bone marrow transplant rehabilitation inpatients: an index for predicting outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To assess rehabilitation inpatient risk of return to primary (RTP) service in patients with bone marrow transplant (BMT).

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation unit within a tertiary referral-based cancer center.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients with BMT (131) who were admitted a total of 147 times to inpatient rehabilitation between January 1, 2002, and April 30, 2010.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We analyzed RTP service and demographic information, cancer characteristics, medications, hospital admission characteristics, and laboratory values.

RESULTS

A total of 61 (41%) of 147 of BMT admissions were transferred from the inpatient rehabilitation unit back to the primary service. Of those transferred back, 23 (38%) of 61 died after being transferred back to the primary service. Significant or near-significant relationships were found for a platelet count of <43,000 per microliter (P<.01); a creatinine level of >0.9 milligrams/deciliter (P<.01); the presence of an antiviral agent (P=.0501); the presence of an antibacterial agent (P=.0519); the presence of an antifungal agent (P<.05); and leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma diagnosis (P<.05). Using 5 of these factors, the RTP-BMT index was formulated to determine the likelihood of return to the primary team.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BMT have a high rate of transfer from the inpatient rehabilitation unit back to the primary service. The RTP-BMT index score can be a useful tool to help clinicians predict the likelihood of return to the primary acute care service.

Validation of the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index: a prospective, multicenter GITMO study

The development of tools for the prediction of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) would offer a major guidance in the therapeutic decision. Recently, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) has been associated with increased NRM risk in several retrospective studies, but its clinical utility has never been demonstrated prospectively in an adequately sized cohort. To this aim, we prospectively evaluated a consecutive cohort of 1937 patients receiving HSCT in Italy over 2 years. HCT-CI was strongly correlated with both 2-year NRM (14.7%, 21.3%, and 27.3% in patients having an HCT-CI score of 0, 1-2, and ≥ 3, respectively) and overall survival (56.4%, 54.5%, and 41.3%, respectively). There was an excellent calibration between the predicted and observed 2-year NRM in patients having an HCT-CI score of 0 and 1-2, whereas in the ≥ 3 group the predicted NRM overestimated the observed NRM (41% vs 27.3%). HCT-CI alone was the strongest predictor of NRM in patients with lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and acute myeloid leukemia in first remission (c-statistics 0.66, 064, and 0.59, respectively). We confirm the clinical utility of the HCT-CI score that could also identify patients at low NRM risk possibly benefiting from an HSCT-based treatment strategy.

Treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with imatinib combined with a paediatric-based protocol

Although the combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors with chemotherapy is widely used for young adults with Philadelphia chromosome positive-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ ALL), the outcome and safety of this combination using intensive paediatric-based protocols has not been well described. The clinical course of 32 adults age 18-60 years with Ph+ ALL treated with a paediatric-based protocol plus imatinib was evaluated. The complete response rate was 94%. Grade 3-4 infections, neuropathy, myopathy and liver function abnormalities were common, resulting in major treatment delays and dose reductions, and declines in performance status (physical deconditioning), particularly in patients aged 41-60 years. Median and 3-year overall survival (OS) was 40·7 months and 53%, respectively, and median and 3-year even-free survival (EFS) was 30·1 months and 50%, respectively. OS and EFS were inferior in deconditioned patients. Of 16 patients who underwent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first complete remission, six died of non-relapse complications. There was no significant difference in OS and EFS between transplanted and non-transplanted patients, based on an intention-to-treat and time-to-donor identification analysis. The combination of imatinib with a paediatric-based regimen in adults produced high response rates, but was associated with considerable toxicity and high non-relapse mortality post-HSCT.

Incidence, characteristics and risk factors of marked hyperbilirubinemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning

To analyze the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning (allo-RIC), we conducted a retrospective study in three Spanish centers. We analyzed 452 consecutive patients receiving allo-RIC. Of these, 92 patients (20%) developed marked hyperbilirubinemia (>4 mg/day or >68.4 μM) after allo-RIC. The main causes of marked hyperbilirubinemia after transplant were cholestasis due to GVHD or sepsis (n=57, 62%) and drug-induced cholestasis (n=13, 14%). A total of 22 patients with marked hyperbilirubinemia (24%) underwent liver biopsy. The most frequent histological finding was iron overload alone (n=6) or in combination with other features (n=6). In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for marked hyperbilirubinemia after allo-RIC were non-HLA-identical sibling donors (hazard ratio (HR) 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-3.6) P=0.001), female donors to male recipients (HR 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-3.3) P=0.003) and high levels of bilirubin and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase before transplant (HR 4.5 (95% CI 2.5-8.4) P<0.001 and HR 4.6 (95% CI 2.6-8.1) P<0.001, respectively). Patients with marked hyperbilirubinemia showed higher 4-year nonrelapse mortality (HR 1.3 (95% CI 1-1.7), P=0.02) and lower 4-year OS (HR 1.4 (95%CI 1.3-1.7), P<0.001) than patients without. In conclusion, we confirm that marked hyperbilirubinemia is frequent and diverse after allo-RIC. Development of marked hyperbilirubinemia after allo-RIC is associated with worse outcome of the procedure.

Pulmonary function testing prior to reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation in an unselected patient cohort predicts posttransplantation pulmonary complications and outcome

Pretransplant pulmonary function tests (PFTs) have been checked mostly in myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT). Their value in the setting of reduced intensity conditioning Allo-SCT (Allo-RIC) has been less explored. We retrospectively evaluated the predictive value of PFTs on posttransplant pulmonary complications (PPC) and outcomes in 195 consecutive Allo-RIC patients, based on fludarabine plus busulphan or melphalan. PFT parameters included forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume, and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCo) corrected for the hemoglobin levels. Pretransplant PFTs abnormalities were observed in 130 patients (66%). The most frequent abnormalities were abnormal DLCO (n = 83, 44%), followed by FEV1/FVC (n = 75, 38%) and FVC (n = 47, 24%). The abnormalities were severe in 25 (13%) patients, moderate in 65 (33%) and mild in 40 patients (21%). Multivariate analysis showed that TLC was significantly associated with PPC, nonrelapse mortality and overall survival (OS), (HR 4.2, 95% CI. 2-8.5; HR 3.8, 95% CI. 1.7-8.5; HR 2.3, 95% CI. 1.3-4.1, respectively, P = 0.01), while abnormal FVC had a negative impact on PPC and OS (HR 1.8, 95% CI. 0.98-3.6, P = 0.06 and HR 1.7, 95% CI. 1.1-2.6, P = 0.008). This study emphasizes the valuable role of PFTs in identifying patients at risk for PPC, NRM, and lower OS in the Allo-RIC setting.

Role of HCT-comorbidity index, age and disease status at transplantation in predicting survival and non-relapse mortality in patients with myelodysplasia and leukemia undergoing reduced-intensity-conditioning hemopoeitic progenitor cell transplantation

Reduced-intensity-conditioning (RIC) regimens have allowed older patients to have allogeneic hemopoietic progenitor cell transplantation (HCT). This retrospective study was done to assess the impact of the HCT-comorbidity index (HCT-CI) in addition to other pre-transplant factors on the outcome of RIC transplants. In all 121 such patients were transplanted between 2002 and 2008 at two centers using fludarabine, melphalan and alumtuzumab conditioning. The OS and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 56% and 30% at 2 years, respectively. The NRM of patients with HCT-CI ≥ 3 was not significantly different from the NRM of those with HCT-CI 0-2 (P value 0.24). Age and disease status at transplantation were significant factors affecting OS (P value 0.07 and 0.008, respectively), with no impact on NRM (P value 0.14 and 0.24, respectively). Although HCT-CI on its own did not independently predict NRM or survival, taken together with age and disease status at transplantation, it can be utilized to further delineate RIC allograft recipients into groups with different outcomes. Patients with none or one of these three adverse factors (age ≥ 60 years, leukemia in second CR or PR/high-risk myelodysplasia (MDS) and HCT-CI ≥ 3) had a 2-year NRM and survival of 18% and 80%, respectively, which was significantly better than those of patients with two or more of these adverse factors with 2-year NRM and survival of 46% (P value 0.03) and 40% (P value 0.02), respectively. None of the patients with all three adverse factors (age ≥ 60 years, leukemia in second CR or PR/high-risk MDS and HCT-CI ≥ 3) had survived for 2 years (median survival 12 months). This information can be used to guide patient selection for RIC transplants and to appropriately counsel patients of the risks and benefits of this treatment.

The hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index fails to predict outcomes in high-risk AML patients undergoing allogeneic transplantation--investigation of potential limitations of the index

In the context of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), comorbidities are an important risk factor. Use of the hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HSCT-CI), which was developed and validated in Seattle, Washington, has been proposed to predict the probability of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS) following allo-HSCT. We performed a single-center retrospective study to validate the prognostic impact of HSCT-CI on transplant outcomes in a cohort of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing allo-HSCT between January 2000 and December 2008. The median patient age at the time of transplantation was 53 years (range: 11-76 years). The median pretransplantation HSCT-CI score was 4 (range: 0-10). Among 340 patients, OS at 3 years was 29% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17%-41%), 40% (33%-47%), and 44% (41%-47%) in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk HSCT-CI groups (P = .7), respectively. The corresponding NRM at 3 years was 34% (10%-58%), 32% (20%-44%), and 26% (20%-32%; P = .6). In multivariate analysis, we found no predictive value of HSCT-CI for either OS or NRM. The use of HSCT-CI as a decision-making tool for transplantation eligibility should not be considered until its validity has been unequivocally shown in crossvalidation studies.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index predicts transplantation outcomes in pediatric patients

Quantifying the risk of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT)-related mortality for pediatric patients is challenging. The HCT-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) has been confirmed as a useful tool in adults, but has not yet been validated in children. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 252 pediatric patients undergoing their first allogeneic HCT between January 2008 and May 2009. Pretransplantation comorbidities were scored prospectively using the HCT-CI. Median age at transplantation was 6 years (range, 0.1-20) and median follow-up was 343 days (range, 110-624). HCT-CI scores were distributed as follows: 0, n=139; 1-2, n=52; and 3+, n=61. The 1-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) increased (10%, 14%, and 28%, respectively; P<.01) and overall survival (OS) decreased (88%, 67%, and 62%, respectively; P<.01) with increasing HCT-CI score. Multivariate analysis showed that compared with score 0, those with scores of 1-2 and 3+ had relative risks of NRM of 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 0.5-4.3, P=.48) and 4.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.7-12.1, P<.01), respectively. These results indicate that the HCT-CI score predicts NRM and OS in pediatric patients undergoing HCT and is a useful tool to assess risk, guide counseling in the pretransplantation setting, and devise innovative therapies for the highest risk groups.

Pharmacokinetic targeting of i.v. BU with fludarabine as conditioning before hematopoietic cell transplant: the effect of first-dose area under the concentration time curve on transplant-related outcomes

We used pharmacokinetic (PK) targeting of BU in 145 consecutive patients treated with fludarabine and i.v. BU. BU was given once daily at 130 mg/m(2) per day on days 1 and 2; doses for days 3 and 4 were adjusted in 92 patients (63%) to an average daily area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 5300 μM/min. In the remaining 53 patients, the first-dose AUC was within the target range and no dosing adjustments were required. First-dose AUC, maximum concentration and clearance were not correlated with age, race, ethnicity, performance status, or hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index. Women had higher clearance than men (median 2.9 vs 2.5 mL/min/kg; P=0.001). BU toxicities were not associated with first-dose AUC or any other PK parameter measured. First-dose BU AUC was not associated with non-relapse mortality (NRM) or survival, but higher AUC was predictive of relapse. We did not find an increased risk of toxicity or NRM in patients with high first-dose AUC presumably because of the dose adjustment. We conclude that PK targeting of BU as described here provides a simple, safe and effective method of delivering high BU doses before transplantation in a wide variety of patients.

Comorbidity index does not predict outcome in allogeneic myeloablative transplants conditioned with fludarabine/i.v. busulfan (FluBu4)

The assessment of a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) has been developed to predict the risk of TRM in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. As the myeloablative fludarabine/i.v. busulfan (FluBu4) regimen has been associated with limited extra-hematologic toxicity, we analyzed whether the HCT-CI represents a useful tool in transplant patients conditioned with this regimen. Of the 52 consecutive patients who received an allogeneic HSCT with FluBu4 at our institution, 50 were evaluable for assessing pre-transplant HCT-CI. Patients were divided into three groups: score 0 (n=7); score 1-2 (n=17) and score >3 (n=26). The three groups did not differ significantly in age, diagnosis, previous lines of chemotherapy and type of donor. High-risk disease was present in 57% of low, 82% of intermediate and 85% of high HCT-CI score groups (P=ns). Two-year TRM and OS was 14.3 and 85.7% in the low score group, 23.5 and 58.8% in the intermediate score group and 15.4 and 50% in the high HCT-CI score group (P=ns). In this study, the HCT-CI lacked sensitivity to reliably predict TRM although patients with no comorbidities showed a trend for improved survival.

Who is fit for allogeneic transplantation?

The use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has expanded progressively, facilitated by the increasing availability of unrelated donors and cord blood, and the inclusion of older patients as transplantation candidates. Indications remain diagnosis-dependent. As novel nontransplantation modalities have been developed concurrently, many patients come to HCT only when no longer responding to such therapy. However, patients with refractory or advanced disease frequently relapse after HCT, even with high-dose conditioning, and more so with reduced-intensity regimens as used for patients of older age or with comorbid conditions. Thus, patients with high-risk malignancies who have substantial comorbidities or are of advanced age are at high risk of both relapse and nonrelapse mortality and should probably not be transplanted. Being in remission or at least having shown responsiveness to pre-HCT therapy is generally associated with increased transplantation success. In addition, to handle the stress associated with HCT, patients need a good social support system and a secure financial net. They must be well informed, not only about the transplantation process, but also about expected or potential post-HCT events, including graft-versus-host disease and delayed effects that may become manifest only years after HCT.

Retrospective analysis of common scoring systems and outcome in patients older than 60 years treated with reduced-intensity conditioning regimen and alloSCT

In this retrospective study, 63 patients >60 years with hematological malignancies and treated with allo-SCT and with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) were reviewed. A total of 51% of patients suffered from AML or myelodysplastic syndromes. Disease status before transplantation was CR or PR 71 with 29% transplanted with active disease. Patients were classified according to three published prognostic indexes: (1) hematopoietic cell transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI); (2) European BMT (EBMT) score; and (3) Pretransplantation Assessment of Mortality (PAM) score. The 100-day and 1-year treatment-related mortality (TRM) were 6 and 22%, respectively, for the entire group. The 2-year OS and PFS were 60 and 58%, respectively. The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD (aGVHD) and extensive chronic GVHD was 46 and 48%, respectively. In a univariate analysis, neither the HCT-CI nor the EBMT score, nor the PAM score were predictive of TRM and OS. Only the occurrence of aGVHD affected the TRM and OS. ALLO-RIC is feasible in elderly patients. Even if those prognostic scores were not adapted to elderly patients, they did not predict for TRM and OS. aGVHD is the main cause of TRM and more efforts should be made to reduce its incidence without sacrificing graft vs tumor effect.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for MDS

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers potentially curative therapy for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, as the majority of patients with MDS are in the seventh or eighth decade of life, conventional transplant regimens have been used only infrequently, and only with the development of reduced-intensity conditioning has transplantation been applied more broadly to older patients. Dependent upon disease status at the time of transplantation, 30% to 70% of patients can be expected to be cured of their disease and survive long term. However, posttransplant relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain problems and further investigations are needed.