Therapy-related MDS dissected based on primary disease and treatment-a nationwide perspective

RUNX1::MECOM rearrangement in myeloid neoplasm post cytotoxic therapy following sarcoma treatment: a case presentation and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Myeloid neoplasms occurring after cytotoxic therapy (MN-pCT), previously termed therapy-related myelodysplastic neoplasia (MDS) or therapy-related acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), pose significant treatment challenges due to high resistance, poor chemotherapy tolerance, and relapse.

METHODS

We present a 73-year-old woman with therapy-related AML following treatment for myxofibrosarcoma, characterized by the rare RUNX1::MECOM fusion resulting from a t(3;21)(q26;q22) chromosomal translocation. We also review the current literature regarding cases of this rare translocation.

RESULTS

The patient, previously treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy for sarcoma, was diagnosed with pancytopenia and hypoplastic bone marrow with increased blasts. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed RUNX1::MECOM fusion. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying MECOM rearrangements, specifically the role of the EVI1 oncogene. AML associated with MECOM rearrangements is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. While allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only potential curative treatment, the high relapse rate limits its efficacy. Recent advancements in understanding the molecular drivers of MECOM-related AML suggest potential therapeutic strategies, including hypomethylating agents and novel combinations such as lenalidomide.

CONCLUSION

this case and literature review emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring of cancer survivors treated with cytotoxic therapies, as well as awareness of rare translocations in MN-pCT.

Impact of primary cancer history and molecular landscape in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms

Background

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) are aggressive hematologic malignancies with poor prognosis and high-risk clinical features. Recent advances have highlighted the role of molecular data in refining prognostic models. This study aims to analyze a monocentric cohort of t-MN patients, focusing on the clinical and prognostic impact of prior malignancies and their associated molecular landscape.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 61 patients diagnosed with t-MN from an Oncology Hospital and referred to a hematology Unit. Diagnoses were based on established criteria for therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), with a history of prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses supported the diagnoses. Risk stratification was performed using the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) and molecular IPSS (IPSS-M) for t-MDS and the 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) classification for t-AML.

Results

Overall, 61 patients with t-MN were diagnosed: 38 (62.3%) with t-MDS, and 23 (37.7%) with t-AML. The median latency from primary cancer to t-MN diagnosis was 5.8 years (IQR: 2.6-12.5). Risk stratification identified 63.2% of t-MDS cases as IPSS-R very-low to intermediate risk, while 57.9% were reclassified as IPSS-M moderate-high to very high risk. Patients with prior hematologic cancer showed a greater tendency toward higher IPSS-R (p=0.021) and IPSS-M (p=0.015) risk compared to solid cancer. The IPSS-M, more accurately than R-IPSS, demonstrated predictive value for survival in both univariate and multivariate analyses and effectively predicted leukemic progression in t-MDS. TP53-mutated cases were more prevalent in patients with prior hematologic cancer (p=0.043) and associated with longer latency (8.2 years) compared to TP53 wild type (6.1 years, p=0.044). Allogeneic transplantation proved beneficial, significantly improving survival outcomes in eligible t-MDS and t-AML patients.

Conclusions

t-MN exhibits distinct clinical and molecular profiles according to prior malignancy type. Intriguingly, our analysis reveals a distinct latency pattern in TP53-mutated cases, suggesting unique leukemogenic dynamics. Moreover, IPSS-M proved highly accurate in predicting t-MDS survival. Integrating molecular data into prognostic models enhances risk stratification and informs therapeutic strategies, potentially improving outcomes for t-MN patients. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and refine tailored treatment approaches.

Cisplatin-induced therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome during avelumab maintenance therapy for metastatic urothelial carcinoma

A 64 year-old man underwent a radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Five years later, lung and mediastinal lymph node metastases were detected. After 15 courses of gemcitabine and cisplatin for metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the patient was switched to avelumab maintenance therapy. During this period, the patient developed a therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome, leading to difficulty in continuing treatment. Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome is a dose-dependent complication that can develop several years after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Therefore, excessive cisplatin administration should be avoided.

Clinical features and prognostic nomogram for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML), which develops after cytotoxic therapy, has a poorer prognosis. Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potential cure, its efficacy varies among patients. In this retrospective study, we analyzed 154 patients with t-AML who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at our institution to determine their clinical characteristics and develop a prognostic nomogram. The median ages at t-AML diagnosis prior disease diagnosis was 42 and 39 years, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified key prognostic indicators: leukocyte count at AML diagnosis ≥7 × 10^9/L, genetic abnormalities before HSCT, platelet engraftment ≥28 days, age at prior disease ≥45 years, and relapse of prior disease. We developed a prognostic nomogram for LGPAR by categorizing patients into low, medium, and high-risk groups. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for these groups were 92.6 %, 84.4 %, 14 %, and 92.6 %, 76.6 %, and 7 %, respectively. The 3-year and 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were 80 %, 75.9 %, 10.7 % and 80 %, 72.6 %, and 10.7 % for the respective risk groups. The 3-year and 5-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) rates were 0 %, 5.6 %, 63.3 % and 0 %, 9.3 %, and 63.3 % for these groups, respectively. This novel prognostic nomogram culminates in the development of a clinical decision-support tool for patients with t-AML undergoing allo-HSCT.

Role of Population Based Studies in Advancing our Knowledge of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are myeloid neoplasms characterized by high molecular and genomic heterogeneity. Accordingly, efforts in risk assessment and therapeutic intervention mostly target unique profiles that individualize specific MDS subtypes. In this review, we explored the contributions of population based studies accounting for MDS as a group.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large population based studies have been critical to define important details of our current knowledge of the disease. We summarized the most important population research contributions in MDS, focusing on its epidemiology, population risk factors, and relevant clinical associations. We discuss how these population data can provide vital insights to inform prevention measures, testing strategies, and treatment decisions. Population studies play an important role in guiding clinical and research efforts in MDS. Despite its complex molecular and genomic landscape, population data is integral to define the burden of disease, identify risk factors and clinical associations, and can help elucidate pathogenic mechanisms.

Therapy-Related Myeloid Neoplasms: Complex Interactions among Cytotoxic Therapies, Genetic Factors, and Aberrant Microenvironment

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN), characterized by its association with prior exposure to cytotoxic therapy, remains poorly understood and is a major impediment to long-term survival even in the era of novel targeted therapies due to its aggressive nature and treatment resistance. Previously, cytotoxic therapy-induced genomic changes in hematopoietic stem cells were considered sine qua non in pathogenesis; however, recent research demonstrates a complex interaction between acquired and hereditary genetic predispositions, along with a profoundly senescent bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. We review emerging data on t-MN risk factors and explore the intricate interplay among clonal hematopoiesis, genetic predisposition, and the abnormal BM microenvironment. Significance: t-MN represents a poorly understood blood cancer with extremely poor survival and no effective therapies. We provide a comprehensive review of recent preclinical research highlighting complex interaction among emerging therapies, hereditary and acquired genetic factors, and BM microenvironment. Understanding the risk factors associated with t-MN is crucial for clinicians, molecular pathologists, and cancer biologists to anticipate and potentially reduce its incidence in the future. Moreover, better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of t-MN may enable preemptive screening and even intervention in high-risk patients.

Approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of VEXAS syndrome: the importance of clinical suspicion and the use of methotrexate

Vacuoles, E1-enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic (VEXAS) syndrome is caused by mutations in the UBA1 gene in myeloid precursors, leading to systemic inflammatory manifestations. We present the case of a 75-year-old man presenting with fever, panniculitis, and macrocytic anemia testing repeatedly negative for UBA1 mutations in peripheral blood samples, but ultimately found positive on bone marrow mononuclear cell DNA. The man has been successfully treated with prednisone and methotrexate.

Characteristics and outcomes of children, adolescent, and young adult patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms: A single-center retrospective analysis

Myelodysplastic syndrome, or myelodysplastic neoplasms, are a rare finding in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) patients. More literature is needed to highlight trends of survival or treatment resistance in subpopulations to improve treatment. Here we report a single center retrospective analysis of pediatric and AYA patients from 2000 to 2022 including molecular and cytogenetic data. Using the IPSS-R and IPSS-M, which have been reported exclusively in adults, and excluding patients with bone marrow failure syndromes, we analyzed 119 pediatric and AYA patients with myelodysplastic neoplasms. Therapy-related myelodysplastic neoplasms were present in 36 % of patients, and 31 % of patients developed acute myeloid leukemia. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for the entire cohort was 45 %. Contrary to young adults and older adults, mutations were not common in pediatrics. Those who underwent stem cell transplant (SCT)(at any time) had significantly longer median OS. Although SCT at any time improved OS in the de novo myelodysplastic neoplasm group, the choice of the initial treatment with intensive chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents, or SCT did not significantly alter OS. Median OS was shorter in the pediatric group (<18 years old) and longer for those with isolated deletion of 5q or TET2 mutation, but these were not significant findings. Median OS was significantly shorter in those with monosomy 7 or 7q deletion and those with therapy-related myelodysplastic neoplasms. These findings build on previously reported findings and encourage the use of SCT along with molecular and cytogenetic analysis.

Manganese-derived biomaterials for tumor diagnosis and therapy

Manganese (Mn) is widely recognized owing to its low cost, non-toxic nature, and versatile oxidation states, leading to the emergence of various Mn-based nanomaterials with applications across diverse fields, particularly in tumor diagnosis and therapy. Systematic reviews specifically addressing the tumor diagnosis and therapy aspects of Mn-derived biomaterials are lacking. This review comprehensively explores the physicochemical characteristics and synthesis methods of Mn-derived biomaterials, emphasizing their role in tumor diagnostics, including magnetic resonance imaging, photoacoustic and photothermal imaging, ultrasound imaging, multimodal imaging, and biodetection. Moreover, the advantages of Mn-based materials in tumor treatment applications are discussed, including drug delivery, tumor microenvironment regulation, synergistic photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic therapies, tumor immunotherapy, and imaging-guided therapy. The review concludes by providing insights into the current landscape and future directions for Mn-driven advancements in the field, serving as a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians.

Latest Insights and Therapeutic Advances in Myelodysplastic Neoplasms

Myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDSs) encompass a range of hematopoietic malignancies, commonly affecting elderly individuals. Molecular alterations in the hematopoietic stem cell compartment drive disease pathogenesis. Recent advancements in genomic profiling have provided valuable insights into the biological underpinnings of MDSs and have expanded therapeutic options, particularly for specific molecularly defined subgroups. This review highlights the diagnostic principles, classification updates, prognostic stratification systems, and novel treatments, which could inform future clinical trials and enhance the management of adult MDS patients, particularly for specific molecularly defined subgroups.

Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for therapy-related myeloid neoplasms arising following treatment for lymphoma: a retrospective study on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the EBMT

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN), either myelodysplastic neoplasms (t-MDS) or acute myeloid leukemias (t-AML), have a poor prognosis and allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) represents the only curative option. In this multicenter, registry-based study, we analyzed outcomes of 378 patients undergoing first allo-HCT between 2006-2017 for t-MN arising secondary to lymphoma treatment. Median age was 58 years at allo-HCT; 222 (59%) had a diagnosis of t-MDS and 156 (41%) of t-AML, respectively. At the time of allo-HCT, 46% of t-MN cases were reported as in complete remission (CR) and 15% of lymphomas were recorded as not in remission. A reduced intensity conditioning regimen was used in 70% of cases. For the entire cohort, 5-year OS, and t-MN PFS, relapse incidence and NRM were 32%, 28%, 35% and 37%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, undergoing allo-HCT with t-MN not in CR and older age were associated with significantly worse OS, PFS and NRM. At 5 years post allo-HCT, the relapse incidence of lymphoma was low at 3%, while the rate of secondary malignancies was 8%. This analysis shows the curative potential of allo-HCT for patients with t-MN arising secondary to lymphoma treatment in approximately a third of patients.