Efficacy of autologous stem cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma: a 3-year follow-up study

Recent advances in genomics and therapeutics in mantle cell lymphoma

Over the past decades, significant strides have been made in understanding the pathobiology, prognosis, and treatment options for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The heterogeneity observed in MCL's biology, genomics, and clinical manifestations, including indolent and aggressive forms, is intricately linked to factors such as the mutational status of the variable region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene, epigenetic profiling, and Sox11 expression. Several intriguing subtypes of MCL, such as Cyclin D1-negative MCL, in situ mantle cell neoplasm, CCND1/IGH FISH-negative MCL, and the impact of karyotypic complexity on prognosis, have been explored. Notably, recent immunochemotherapy regimens have yielded long-lasting remissions in select patients. The therapeutic landscape for MCL is continuously evolving, with a shift towards nonchemotherapeutic agents like ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and venetoclax. The introduction of BTK inhibitors has brought about a transformative change in MCL treatment. Nevertheless, the challenge of resistance to BTK inhibitors persists, prompting ongoing efforts to discover strategies for overcoming this resistance. These strategies encompass non-covalent BTK inhibitors, immunomodulatory agents, BCL2 inhibitors, and CAR-T cell therapy, either as standalone treatments or in combination regimens. Furthermore, developing novel drugs holds promise for further improving the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory MCL. In this comprehensive review, we methodically encapsulate MCL's clinical and pathological attributes and the factors influencing prognosis. We also undertake an in-depth examination of stratified treatment alternatives. We investigate conceivable resistance mechanisms in MCL from a genetic standpoint and offer precise insights into various therapeutic approaches for relapsed or refractory MCL.

Long-term survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma after autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in first remission: a post-hoc analysis of an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) in first remission is the current standard treatment in fit patients with mantle cell lymphoma. In this long-term follow-up study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous HSCT versus interferon alfa maintenance after chemotherapy without or with rituximab in patients with primary advanced-stage mantle cell lymphoma.

METHODS

We did a post-hoc, long-term analysis of an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial done in 121 participating hospitals or practices across six European countries. Patients who were aged 18-65 years with previously untreated stage III-IV mantle cell lymphoma and an ECOG performance score of 0-2 were eligible for participation. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either myeloablative radiochemotherapy (fractionated total body irradiation with 12 Gy/day 6-4 days before autologous HSCT and cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg per day intravenously 3-2 days before autologous HSCT) followed by autologous HSCT (the autologous HSCT group) or interferon alfa maintenance (the interferon alfa maintenance group; 6 × 10⁶ IU three times a week subcutaneously until progression) after completion of CHOP-like induction therapy (cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m² intravenously on day 1, doxorubicin 50 mg/m² intravenously on day 1, vincristine 1·4 mg/m² [maximum 2 mg] intravenously on day 1, and prednisone 100 mg/m² orally on days 1-5; repeated every 21 days for up to 6 cycles) without or with rituximab (375 mg/m² intravenously on day 0 or 1 of each cycle; R-CHOP). The primary outcome was progression-free survival from end of induction until progression or death among patients who had a remission and the secondary outcome was overall survival from the end of induction until death from any cause. We did comparisons of progression-free survival and overall survival according to the intention-to-treat principle between both groups among responding patients and explored efficacy in subgroups according to induction treatment without or with rituximab. Hazard ratios (HRs) were adjusted for the mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index (MIPI) numerical score, and in the total group also for rituximab use (adjusted HR [aHR]). This trial was started before preregistration was implemented and is therefore not registered, recruitment is closed, and this is the final evaluation.

FINDINGS

Between Sept 30, 1996, and July 1, 2004, 269 patients were randomly assigned to receive either autologous HSCT or interferon alfa maintenance therapy. The median follow-up was 14 years (IQR 10-16), with the intention-to-treat population consisting of 174 patients (93 [53%] in the autologous HSCT group and 81 [47%] in the interferon alfa maintenance group) who responded to induction therapy. The median age was 55 years (IQR 47-60), and R-CHOP was used in 68 (39%) of 174 patients. The median progression-free survival was 3·3 years (95% CI 2·5-4·3) in the autologous HSCT group versus 1·5 years (1·2-2·0) in the interferon alfa maintenance group (log-rank p<0·0001; aHR 0·50 [95% CI 0·36-0·69]). The median overall survival was 7·5 years (95% CI 5·7-12·0) in the autologous HSCT group versus 4·8 years (4·0-6·6) in the interferon alfa maintenance group (log-rank p=0·019; aHR 0·66 [95% CI 0·46-0·95]). For patients treated without rituximab, the progression-free survival adjusted HR for autologous HSCT versus interferon alfa was 0·40 (0·26-0·61), in comparison to 0·72 (0·42-1·24) for patients treated with rituximab. For overall survival, the adjusted hazard ratio for HSCT versus interferon alfa was 0·52 (0·33-0·82) without rituximab and 1·05 (0·55-1·99) for patients who received rituximab.

INTERPRETATION

Our results confirm the long-term efficacy of autologous HSCT to treat mantle cell lymphoma established in the pre-rituximab era. The suggested reduced efficacy after immunochemotherapy supports the need for its re-evaluation now that antibody maintenance, high-dose cytarabine, and targeted treatments have changed the standard of care for patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

FUNDING

Deutsche Krebshilfe, the European Community, and the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Kompetenznetz Maligne Lymphome.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Which Patients Should We Transplant?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mantle cell lymphoma is a CD5+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with suboptimal outcome. Young, fit patients are generally offered intensive induction followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in first remission. Some patients may not benefit from this strategy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have investigated the role of AHCT in the modern era. First, an analysis of the National Cancer Database demonstrated improved progression-free survival (PFS) for consolidative AHCT. Second, a multi-center study associated consolidative AHCT with improved PFS even after propensity-weighted analysis. Improved overall survival (OS) for certain subgroups was suggested. Third, patients with p53 mutations derive little benefit from AHCT. Finally, retrospective series suggest certain high-risk patients may be considered for allogenic HCT. AHCT consolidation in first remission is associated with improved PFS even after adjustment for disease severity. An overall survival benefit has not been definitively shown. Patients with p53 mutations should be treated with novel agents.

Approaches to Managing Safety With Lenalidomide in Hematologic Malignancies

Lenalidomide is an oral immunomodulatory agent approved in relapsed multiple myeloma with dexamethasone, for transfusion-dependent anemia in myelodysplastic syndrome associated with deletion 5q, and in relapsed/progressive mantle cell lymphoma following bortezomib. In recent clinical trials, lenalidomide has shown promising activity in hematologic malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Starting doses and dosing schedules vary by malignancy, with lenalidomide started at a lower dose for CLL than for NHL or multiple myeloma. Certain adverse events (AEs) are common across tumor types (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue), whereas others are more often associated with CLL patients (e.g., tumor lysis syndrome and tumor flare reaction). Effective management requires awareness of these differences as well as appropriate prophylaxis, monitoring, and treatment of AEs. This article reviews the efficacy and safety of lenalidomide in CLL and NHL, focusing on approaches for the advanced practitioner to improve patient quality of life through optimal management of side effects. With these steps, lenalidomide can be administered safely, at the best starting doses and with minimal dose interruptions or reductions across hematologic malignancies.

Seven-year follow-up of allogeneic transplant using BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine and melphalan chemotherapy in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma after autograft failure: importance of minimal residual disease

Abstract Allogeneic transplant using reduced intensity conditioning is a therapeutic option for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who relapse after an autograft. This was a prospective study of 31 consecutive eligible patients with HL who relapsed after an autograft and underwent an allograft using BEAM (BCNU, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) conditioning. At a median follow-up of 7 years the progression-free survival (PFS) was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI] 19-54%) and overall survival (OS) was 42% (95% CI 23-59%). In multivariate analysis only residual disease at the time of transplant predicted outcome, with a 4-year PFS and OS of 62% and 75% for patients with minimal residual disease versus 8% and 8% for patients with gross residual disease, respectively (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). This benefit seemed to be irrespective of chemosensitivity, with an OS for patients with chemorefractory yet minimal disease of 71% at 4 years. BEAM allogeneic transplant is effective in producing long-term remissions after autograft failure. Regardless of chemosensitivity, minimizing tumor burden pre-transplant may improve long-term outcome.

Tumor dormancy: long-term survival in a hostile environment

Tumor dormancy occurs when cancer cells are present but the tumor does not grow. Following treatment, patients may enter complete remission in which persistent cells represent the minimal residual disease (MRD). Experimental models and clinical data suggest that the absolute quantity of this MRD is extremely low. Very few cancer cells can persist for years or decades under these hostile conditions that include continuous exposure to maintenance treatment, autologous anti-tumor immune response, and a nonpermissive microenvironment. Dormant tumor cells may survive despite these destruction factors if they adapt and develop strategies to escape from cell death. Escape may result in a state of equilibrium between MRD and the patient. Equilibrium between the immune response and tumor cells can result in long-term tumor dormancy; however, after variable lengths of time, tumor dormancy ends, and the disease progresses. Experimental models have shown that dormant tumor cells may over-express B7-H1 and B7.1 and inhibit cytotoxic T-cell mediated lysis. This resistance could be therapeutically targeted using drugs like MEK inhibitors that modulate pathways involved in B7-H1 expression. Dormant tumor cells may also develop nonspecific resistance mechanisms to cell death, such as deregulation of JAK/STAT and mTORC2/AKT pathways or autocrine and paracrine production of cytokines. This deregulation leads to cross-resistance between the immune response and cytotoxic drugs, indicating that the long-term selection that occurs in vivo during tumor dormancy may ultimately result in resistant relapse. Long-term selection of cancer cells in vitro using tyrosine kinase inhibitors selects cells that harbor the same resistance mechanisms as dormant tumor cells. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying the equilibrium that allows for the persistence of dormant tumor cells presents a novel strategy for targeted drug treatment in the context of maintenance therapy.

Mantle cell lymphoma of the larynx: Primary case report

INTRODUCTION

Primary laryngeal lymphomas are exceedingly rare. Only about a hundred cases have been reported. They consist mainly of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. We report the first case of a primary laryngeal mantle cell lymphoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of a primary mantle cell lymphoma of the larynx in a 70-year-old North African non-smoker male. We present a detailed report of his clinical and paraclinical data as well as treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS

Mantle cell lymphoma is a very aggressive lymphoma subset associated with poor prognosis. Laryngeal mantle cell lymphoma is exceedingly rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case to ever be reported.

Treatment of mantle cell lymphoma: current approach and future directions

Although mantle cell lymphoma has been described as "moderately aggressive" it has become clear that it carries a worse long-term prognosis than other subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In recent years, this has prompted numerous clinical trials of novel and more aggressive therapies in hopes of impacting these poor outcomes. These include more intensive combination chemotherapy regimens, monoclonal antibody therapy in conjunction with other treatments or conjugated to radioactive isotopes, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation, and newer targeted therapies based on increasing understanding of the molecular pathways of this malignancy.

Early lymphocyte recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation predicts superior survival in mantle-cell lymphoma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an effective treatment strategy for mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) demonstrating significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) when compared to interferon-alpha maintenance therapy of patients in first remission. The study of absolute lymphocyte count at day 15 (ALC-15) after ASCT as a prognostic factor in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) included different lymphoma subtypes. The relationship of ALC-15 after ASCT in MCL has not been specifically addressed. We evaluated the impact of ALC-15 recovery on survival of MCL patients undergoing ASCT. We studied 42 consecutive MCL patients who underwent ASCT at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester from 1993 to 2005. ALC-15 threshold was set at 500 cells/microl. The median follow-up after ASCT was 25 months (range, 2-106 months). The median overall survival (OS) and PFS times were significantly better for the 24 patients who achieved an ALC-15 >or=500 cells/microl compared with 18 patients with ALC-15 <500 cells/microl (not reached vs 30 months, P<0.01 and not reached vs 16 months, P<0.0006, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated ALC-15 to be an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. The ALC-15 >or=500 cells/microl is associated with a significantly improved clinical outcome following ASCT in MCL.

Stem cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma: if, when and how?

Although the prognosis for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients has improved in recent years, the outlook for those with advanced or recurrent disease remains poor. High-dose chemotherapy and autografting performed early in responding patients appears to be a method to extend progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The use of monoclonal antibody therapy added into the initial therapy and in the peritransplant period may improve on these results. Myeloablative allogeneic transplant appears to be a modality capable of providing curative therapy, but is plagued by a high treatment-related mortality, especially in older patients. Reduced-intensity conditioning allografting have fewer problems associated with the initial phase of transplant and hence may be preferred for those patients for whom an allograft is considered but have comorbid conditions or age issues that preclude a full allograft. Long-term results are lacking and the side effects associated with chronic GVHD may be as significant and debilitating. Trials designed to look at newly diagnosed patients with MCL examining the outcomes after planned autologous and allogeneic transplant as part of the initial management are needed to confirm the role of these various modalities in the overall therapy of this poor-outcome lymphoma.

Outcomes of autologous and allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma

To evaluate high-dose therapy and autologous or allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) for mantle cell lymphoma, patients receiving BMT for newly diagnosed or relapsed mantle cell lymphoma were identified through the registry at Johns Hopkins. The pathologic diagnostic criteria were reviewed, and details of the presentation, transplant procedure, and survival outcomes were determined. Fifty-eight patients were identified, of whom 64% underwent transplantation in first remission and 12% had primary induction failure. Nineteen patients (one third) received an allograft. Preparative regimens consisted of cyclophosphamide in combination with either busulfan or total body irradiation. On multiple regression analysis, transplantation after 1 or more relapses (hazard ratio, 2.98; P = .02), primary induction failure (hazard ratio, 5.39; P = .002), and allogeneic transplantation (hazard ratio, 3.03; P = .007) were associated with an inferior event-free survival (EFS). However, EFS curves were not statistically different for autologous and allogeneic BMT performed in first remission, with an estimated 3-year EFS approaching or equaling 70%. Primary induction failure and residual bone marrow involvement were the only statistically significant predictors of relapse on multiple regression analysis. At 3 years, the estimated EFS for the entire cohort after BMT was 51%, the probability of relapse was 31%, and the overall survival was 59%. The benefit of autologous or allogeneic BMT for mantle cell lymphoma is thus most apparent when transplantation is performed in first remission. Whether allogeneic BMT ultimately confers an advantage because of a graft-versus-lymphoma effect remains to be determined.

Blastoid variant of mantle cell lymphoma: late progression from classical mantle cell lymphoma and quantitation of minimal residual disease

OBJECTIVES

Classical mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and its blastoid variant (MCL-BV) are characterized by an extremely poor prognosis. Long-time survivors are rare, only very few patients with an overall survival over 10 years have been reported. We present a case of a 41-year-old male with a 12 yr history of MCL stage I to show, that very late relapses in MCL are possible and may present as a transformation into an aggressive blastoid variant and to illustrate the value of quantitative minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring for treatment guidance.

METHODS

Diagnostic lymph node and bone marrow samples were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Clonality analysis was performed by immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGVH) and t(11;14) PCR. The MRD assessment was done by real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) on available follow-up samples.

RESULTS

By histologic review and sequencing of the clonal IGVH and t(11;14) PCR products we demonstrated a common clonal origin of the leucemic MCL-BV and the classical MCL diagnosed 12 yr earlier. Quantitative MRD assessment revealed significant MRD levels after intensive conventional chemotherapy including Rituximab. Therefore, treatment was early intensified by myeloablative radio-chemotherapy and allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation from an unrelated HLA-identical donor. This did not translate into a sustained remission as reflected by persisting MRD levels after transplantation and the patient died from rapid progressive disease 3.5 months after transplant.

CONCLUSION

This report presents a rare case of long-term survivor of MCL with a progression of the original MCL cell clone to MCL-BV and demonstrates the clinical value of quantitative MRD assessment for optimized therapeutic management.

Immunochemotherapy with rituximab and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone significantly improves response and time to treatment failure, but not long-term outcome in patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma: results of a prospective randomized trial of the German Low Grade Lymphoma Study Group (GLSG)

PURPOSE

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by a poor prognosis with a low to moderate sensitivity to chemotherapy and a median survival of only 3 to 4 years. In an attempt to improve outcome, the German Low Grade Lymphoma Study Group (GLSG) initiated a randomized trial comparing the combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) and rituximab (R-CHOP) with CHOP alone as first-line therapy for advanced-stage MCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty-two previously untreated patients with advanced-stage MCL were randomly assigned to six cycles of CHOP (n = 60) or R-CHOP (n = 62). Patients up to 65 years of age achieving a partial or complete remission underwent a second randomization to either myeloablative radiochemotherapy followed by autologous stem-cell transplantation or interferon alfa maintenance (IFNalpha). All patients older than 65 years received IFNalpha maintenance.

RESULTS

R-CHOP was significantly superior to CHOP in terms of overall response rate (94% v 75%; P = .0054), complete remission rate (34% v 7%; P = .00024), and time to treatment failure (TTF; median, 21 v 14 months; P = .0131). No differences were observed for progression-free survival. Toxicity was acceptable, with no major differences between the two therapeutic groups.

CONCLUSION

The combined immunochemotherapy with R-CHOP resulted in a significantly higher response rate and a prolongation of the TTF as compared with chemotherapy alone. Hence, R-CHOP may serve as a new baseline regimen for advanced stage MCL, but needs to be further improved by novel strategies in remission.

High Level of Glutathione-S-Transferase π Expression in Mantle Cell Lymphomas

PURPOSE

Prognosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) remains poor. Patients who achieve a response to first line therapy usually relapse, and the probability of cure remains low. Glutathione-S-transferase pi (GST-pi) overexpression has been associated with alkylating agents and anthracycline resistance. GST-pi gene is located in 11q13 and is coamplified along with CCND1 gene in some human solid tumors.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We performed immunohistochemical analysis of GST-pi expression in 24 consecutive MCLs, 12 follicular lymphomas (FLs), and 69 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Cases were classified in three groups: high GST-pi expression (> 50% of cells were stained), moderate (5 to 50% cells were stained), or absent (< 5% cells were stained). GST-pi and CCND1 mRNA levels were also assessed by real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

All MCLs exhibit high GST-pi protein expression, compared with 29% of the DLBCLs and none of the FLs. MCLs expressed high levels of GST-pi and CCND1 mRNAs compared with DLBCLs and FLs. There was a strong relation between GST-pi and CCND1 mRNAs transcript levels in MCLs but not in DLBCLs. In conclusion, protein and mRNA GST-pi expression is high in MCL compared with FL and DLBCL.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of CCND1 in MCL is associated with a transcriptional up-regulation of the GST-pi gene. Our results suggest that the glutathione system could play a role in drug resistance in MCL.

An update on the role of high-dose therapy with autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Early trials of high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma were discouraging, with no clear survival advantage attributable to the procedure. Most early series were plagued by small numbers, retrospective designs, and short follow-up. Also, until recently, allogeneic stem cell transplantation was not an option for most mantle cell lymphoma patients who were too old or infirm to tolerate standard conditioning regimens.

RECENT FINDINGS

New advances in allogeneic transplantation, particularly reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, have increased the availability of this procedure to patients with mantle cell lymphoma. New evidence has emerged during the last several years that suggests autologous stem cell transplantation in first complete remission may provide a survival advantage over conventional chemotherapy in patients with mantle cell lymphoma. Additionally, investigational strategies such as in vivo purging with rituximab and the use of radioimmunotherapy in conditioning regimens may further increase response rates and, hopefully, survival in mantle cell lymphoma patients. Finally, recent studies suggest the existence of a graft-versus-lymphoma effect in mantle cell lymphoma providing strong scientific rationale for the possible curative potential of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in this disease.

SUMMARY

This review focuses on recent advances in allogeneic and autologous transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of autologous transplantation in first complete remission, the role of in vivo purging with rituximab, the utility of radioimmunotherapy and, finally, the evolving strategy of reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Pan B-cell markers are not redundant in analysis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

BACKGROUND

The classic immunophenotype for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is CD19(+), restricted dim surface expression of kappa or lambda light chain, CD5(+), CD23(+), dim CD20(+), negative FMC7, and negative CD79b. However, the necessity of assaying for all 3 pan B-cell markers (CD20, FMC7, and CD79b) by flow cytometry has not been definitively documented for CLL.

METHODS

Qualitative patterns and semi-quantitative assessment of staining intensity for CD20, FMC7 and CD79b were performed in 70 cases with a current or prior diagnosis of CLL or CLL with increased prolymphocytes leukemia (CLL/PL). The concurrent morphology in 66 of 70 specimens was classified as typical CLL in 53 cases, CLL/PL in 10 cases, and large cell lymphoma in 3 cases.

RESULTS

Forty percent of the cases varied from the characteristic immunophenotype by having moderate or bright staining of CD20 (36%), FMC7 (7%), and/or CD79b (18%). Discrepant qualitative staining patterns were found between FMC7 and CD20 (21%), CD20 and CD79b (15%), and CD79b and FMC7 (10%). Semiquantitative measurement of staining intensity showed little correlation between CD79b and CD20 or FMC7. Moderate correlation was seen between CD20 and FMC7. No correlation was observed between morphology and intensity of marker expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Variable patterns and intensity of staining were seen for FMC7, CD20, and CD79b in this cohort of CLL samples. Dim or negative staining was most consistently seen for FMC7 (93% of specimens). Although FMC7 staining intensity was moderately correlated with CD20, CD79b intensity was poorly correlated with either CD20 or FMC7, and thus, may provide some independent information.

Intensive chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation plus rituximab is superior to conventional chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced stage mantle-cell lymphoma: a matched pair analysis

BACKGROUND

The outcome of 20 patients with newly diagnosed mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) treated on a prospective trial of autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) and rituximab immunotherapy was compared with the outcome of 40 matched historical control patients treated with standard combination chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Control patients with MCL were identified from a lymphoma database, and pairs were matched with patients receiving ASCT-rituximab for stage of disease, gender and age (+/-5 years). Only patients treated with an anthracycline- or cyclophosphamide-fludarabine-based regimen were included.

RESULTS

Seventeen of 20 patients who received ASCT-rituximab remain alive in remission at a median of 30 months from diagnosis; one patient relapsed 2 years post-ASCT, and two died at 7 and 11 months post-ASCT without evidence of lymphoma. Of 40 patients treated with conventional chemotherapy, with a median follow-up of 80 months, 33 have relapsed or progressed and 29 have died. Overall (OS) and progression-free (PFS) survival were superior in patients treated with ASCT-rituximab compared with those treated with conventional chemotherapy (PFS at 3 years, 89% versus 29%, P <0.00001; OS at 3 years, 88% versus 65%, P = 0.052).

CONCLUSIONS

This matched-pair analysis suggests that patients with advanced-stage MCL treated with ASCT-rituximab had statistically significantly better PFS and a trend toward better OS than patients treated with conventional chemotherapy. Longer follow-up will determine response duration and the true impact of this treatment strategy on PFS and OS.

Limited-stage mantle-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is known to have a poor outcome, however, most patients present with advanced-stage disease. Little information is available on limited-stage MCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinicopathological information on all patients with limited-stage MCL seen at the British Columbia Cancer Agency since 1984.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients had low bulk (<10 cm) stage IA (12 patients) or IIA (14 patients) MCL. Initial therapy was involved-field radiation therapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy (CT), 17 patients; CT alone or observation, nine patients. Fifteen patients are alive at a median follow-up of 72 months (range 14-194). Progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 and 5 years was 65% and 46%, and overall survival (OS) 86% and 70%, respectively. Five patients surviving beyond 8 years. Only age and initial use of RT significantly affected PFS. Five-year PFS for patients <60 years of age was 83%, compared with 39% for those aged >/= 60 years, P = 0.04. Patients receiving RT with or without CT (n = 17), had a 5-year PFS of 68%, compared with 11% for those not receiving RT (n = 9, P = 0.002). Receiving RT eliminated the impact of age on PFS (with RT the 5-year PFS was 83% for those aged <60 years and 57% for those >/= 60 years, P = 0.17). Although OS for the whole group was 53% at 6 years, it was 71% for those initially treated with RT, but only 25% for those not given RT (P = 0.13).

CONCLUSION

In our experience, patients with limited-stage MCL had an improved PFS when treated with regimens including RT, with a trend towards improved OS. These results suggest a potentially important role for RT in limited-stage MCL.

Primary treatment with autologous stem cell transplantation in mantle cell lymphoma: outcome related to remission pretransplant

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the first Nordic mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) protocol was to study the clinical significance of an augmented CHOP induction chemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and to examine the prognostic significance of stem cell contamination rates in newly diagnosed patients with MCL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-one newly diagnosed patients below 66 yr were enrolled and given three series of an augmented CHOP regimen. Responders underwent stem cell mobilization with a fourth course of CHOP, stem cell harvest and ASCT. Stem cell purging was optional in the protocol and followed the routine of each participating centre. The number of tumour cells in the reinfused autografts was estimated by flow cytometry or quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Induction therapy led to complete remission (CR) in 11 of 41 patients (27%), partial remission (PR) in 20 of 41 patients (49%) and no response in nine patients (22%), whereas one patient was not evaluable. Twenty-seven of the 31 responders underwent ASCT and 24 achieved or maintained a CR. The overall and failure-free 4-yr survival on intention-to-treat basis were 51% and 15%, respectively. Among the transplanted patients, a significantly increased failure-free (P<0.03) and overall survival (P=0.03) was noted among patients transplanted in CR compared with PR, respectively. By contrast, reinfusion of highly variable numbers of tumour cells with the autografts (range 0.71-80 x 10(6) tumour cells), did not affect outcome.

CONCLUSION

In MCL, an important strategy to improve the outcome will be to intensify the induction chemotherapy.

Blastoid mantle cell lymphoma: evidence for nonrandom cytogenetic abnormalities additional to t(11;14) and generation of a mouse model

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32), which is associated with cyclin D1 hyperexpression and a poor prognosis. MCL cases have been shown to progress to a more aggressive disease but the molecular events responsible of this phenomenon have not been determined. We have established two cell lines from the pleural effusions of two patients with MCL that we have used for further cytogenetic characterization to better define the incidence and nature of secondary chromosome abnormalities using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization, whole chromosome paint, and specific probes. Both cell lines grew independently without growth factors. Using CCND1/IGH-specific probes, patient UPN1 was found to have a masked t(11;14). Numerous and complex chromosomal abnormalities were found in both cell lines affecting chromosomes 2, 8, 13, 18, 22, X, and Y. These abnormalities included 8p losses, suggesting the presence of an anti-oncogene in this region, rearrangements of 8q24, MYC gene, and translocations involving 8, X, and Y chromosomes, which might be significant in the pathogenesis of MCL progression. The use of the cell lines (UPN1) allowed us to generate a mouse model of human MCL, mimicking a disseminated lymphoma and leading to the death of the animals in 4 weeks. This blastoid MCL model could be of major interest to determine molecular events involved in MCL progression, allowing isolation of involved genes and their functional characterization, and to study the effects of new chemotherapy regimens in mouse models.

Autologous hematopoietic transplantation for low-grade lymphomas

BACKGROUND

Autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) has become the treatment of choice for patients with relapsed chemo-sensitive intermediate grade lymphoma, but its role in the treatment of low-grade lymphomas and in selected patients in first remission remains controversial.

METHODS

A large number of clinical trials have evaluated the role autologous SCT in both low grade and intermediate grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). These studies have attempted to evaluate the role of high dose therapy with stem cell support in comparison to more conventional chemotherapy approaches. Studies have also focused on methods to assess whether contaminating tumor cells are contained with the stem cell collection and whether this has impact on outcome. With an increased number of patients now long term survivors, additional studies are focusing on long term complications and in particular the emergence of secondary malignancies.

RESULTS

Virtually all patients now receive peripheral blood stem cells rather than bone marrow as a source of stem cells. The role of purging of residual tumor cells remains controversial and no randomized trial has been published to date that could evaluate the clinical utility of cell manipulation to attempt to remove contaminating lymphoma cells. Secondary leukemia is emerging as a major source of long-term morbidity and mortality after autologous stem cell transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Autologous SCT is associated with improved outcome in patients with relapsed intermediate grade lymphoma and most likely prolongs disease free survival in patients with low grade NHL. Morbidity and mortality of the procedure is low and major efforts are being made to attempt to decrease the major causes of failure, which remain disease relapse and occurrence of secondary malignancies.

Autologous and allogeneic transplantation for aggressive NHL

BACKGROUND

Intermediate- and high-grade NHL are generally chemosensitive diseases with high initial response rates to combination chemotherapy. Dose intensification via autologous and allogeneic transplantation provides viable treatment options in specific clinical settings. Currently, autologous transplantation is the standard of care for relapsed but chemosensitive aggressive B-cell NHL. However, tools such as the International Prognostic Index allow risk-adapted analyses, and show that the magnitude of benefit from autologous transplantation differs in lymphoma subsets.

METHODS

Low-risk patients appear to do well regardless of salvage approaches, whereas high-risk patients have suboptimal outcomes with autologous transplantation. In high-risk patients, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation has been examined as part of initial therapy, with long-term data promising but still evolving.

DISCUSSION

A significant concern with autologous transplantation in aggressive and high-grade NHL is the risk of graft contamination with tumor cells. Several investigators have demonstrated the presence of malignant cells in both BM and PBSC, although the clonagenic potential of such cells is unclear. Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation has several potential advantages over autologous transplantation for NHL,including procurement of an uncontaminated stem-cell graft, GvL effects, and the elimination of hematopoietic stem-cell damage and consequent secondary leukemia.

RESULTS

The ideal application of allogeneic transplantation in aggressive and high-grade lymphomas is still unclear; but the lower relapse rates demonstrated in several comparisons of the two approaches make this an exciting area to pursue. Finally, non-myeloablative stem-cell transplantation may broaden the use of allogeneic transplantation by lowering regimen-related mortality while capitalizing on GvL.

Mantle cell lymphoma: a biological and therapeutic paradigm

Recent classifications of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) have strictly individualized mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) on the basis of a combination of morphologic, immunophenotypic, and cytogenetic criteria. This clinicopathological entity now appears to be a biological and therapeutic model for the understanding and treatment of hematologic malignancies. The lymphomogenesis of MCL could be explained by a series of genetic abnormalities which occur at different steps of the disease: (1) mutation and/or loss of the ATM gene in centrocytic cells of the follicle mantle of lymph nodes, leading to the loss of ATM function, particularly involved during the V(D)J recombination process; (2) a t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation which induces a constitutive Bcl-1/PRAD1/CCND1 expression, responsible for cell cycle activation of centrocytic cells characteristic of typical MCL; and (3) secondary additional chromosomal aberrations, such as a p53 mutation, observed in blastic transformation of MCL. Despite the evaluation of a number of treatment modalities, the optimal management of MCL has not yet been defined: (1) conventional and intensified chemotherapy and monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody therapy appear to be effective for the improvement of response rates and event-free or overall survivals; (2) combinations of different treatment modalities must be tested to modify the natural dismal outcome of the disease; and (3) innovative approaches should be developed. From this point of view, all these considerations offer a fine opportunity for extensive medical reflection.

Seventy-two hour continuous infusion flavopiridol in relapsed and refractory mantle cell lymphoma

The cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1, which is over-expressed in 95-100% of mantle cell lymphomas (MCL), is a potential therapeutic target. Flavopiridol inhibits the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)4-cyclin D1 complex and induces apoptosis in lymphoma cell lines. Previous phase I clinical studies had demonstrated that this drug could be safely administered in humans, prompting further evaluation of flavopiridol as a single agent in MCL. Ten patients with relapsed or refractory MCL, who had received one prior chemotherapy regimen, were treated with flavopiridol 50 mg/m2/day given as a 72 h continuous intravenous infusion every 14 days. Treatment was well tolerated, and only one patient developed grade III-IV non-hematologic toxicity. However, there were no clinical responses; despite therapy, three patients maintained stable disease, and seven patients demonstrated progressive disease within two months. In relapsed and refractory MCL, flavopiridol is ineffective as a single agent given by 72 h continuous infusion at 50 mg/m2/day. Recent in vitro studies using human plasma suggest that higher plasma drug levels may be necessary to achieve clinical efficacy. In vitro studies of flavopiridol indicate that the agent is synergistic with DNA-damaging compounds. Further investigation into flavopiridol as a clinical agent should focus on alternative dosing schedules and the compound's potential use in combination chemotherapeutic regimens.

CD52 expression in mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is one of the most difficult to treat of all the non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. CAMPATH-1H, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the CD52 antigen, has been used with some success in other lymphoproliferative diseases, especially chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This report demonstrates that tumor samples from patients with mantle cell lymphoma express the CD52 antigen and suggests that CAMPATH-1H should be studied in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

Immunotherapy with rituximab following high-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma

Advanced-stage mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a disease for which no curative treatment strategy exists. Results with standard combination chemotherapy, with or without an anthracycline, are disappointing, and new and better therapies are needed. High-dose therapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) have been performed in patients with MCL both up front and at relapse with varying degrees of success. Rituximab (Rituxan; Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, and IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) has shown moderate response rates in patients with MCL. It has also been used safely and effectively as an in vivo purge during ASCT for patients with lymphoma. We are currently investigating an aggressive protocol in patients with newly diagnosed, untreated MCL using a combination of two promising therapeutic modalities, high-dose therapy-ASCT and rituximab. Since 1999, 13 patients with newly diagnosed MCL have been enrolled in this phase II clinical trial. CHOP (cyclophosphamide/prednisone/vincristine/doxorubicin) is used as debulking chemotherapy. Stem cells are mobilized with 5 days of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 10 μg/kg/d, with a single infusion of rituximab 375 mg/m² used as an in vivo purge before stem-cell collection by large-volume leukapheresis. The transplant conditioning regimen is cyclophosphamide/carmustine/etoposide. Post-transplant consolidative immunotherapy consists of rituximab 375 mg/m², administered as two 4-week cycles at 2 and 6 months post-transplant. So far, 12 patients (7 men/5 women) with a median age of 55 years (range, 41 to 65 years) have been transplanted. Patients were first assessed and then transplanted a median of 40 and 201 days, respectively, from diagnosis. International Prognostic Index at diagnosis was low (n = 3), low-intermediate (n = 8), and high-intermediate (n = 1). A median of six cycles of CHOP was required to debulk tumor sufficiently for transplant. Response to CHOP was 100% with six complete responses, one complete response unconfirmed, and five partial responses. Transplantation was well tolerated. Patients engrafted quickly, with a median of 11.5 days to neutrophil engraftment and 10 days to platelet independence. Patients had modest transfusion requirements, requiring a median of four units of packed red blood cells and two and a half platelet transfusions. Six to 8 weeks post-transplant, six patients were in complete response, four in complete response unconfirmed, and two in partial response. Eight patients have received all eight maintenance rituximab treatments, and four have received only their first cycle. Following rituximab, the two patients in partial response and two in complete response unconfirmed converted to complete response. With a median follow-up of 239 days from transplant (range, 61 to 727 days), all patients remain alive and well with no documented relapses. Samples for molecular monitoring have been drawn from the stem-cell graft, and serially from the peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients at baseline, preapheresis, pretransplant, and post-transplant at 3-month intervals. This data shows that ASCT followed by rituximab immunotherapy is feasible and safe in patients with MCL. Although patient numbers are low and follow-up time is short, preliminary results are encouraging. Rituximab may convert partial responders to complete responders. The durability of responses will be determined with longer follow-up. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 2):56-69. Copyright © 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Is there an increased rate of additional malignancies in patients with mantle cell lymphoma?

PURPOSE

To examine the frequency of additional neoplasms preceding and following the diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 156 patients with MCL treated on the hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone alternated with methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside (Hyper-CVAD/M-A) program with or without rituximab from 1994 to 2000 were the subjects of this report.

RESULTS

These patients were followed for a median time of 26 months, and a total of 32 (21%) additional neoplasms were diagnosed, 21 preceding the diagnosis of MCL and 11 following MCL. After excluding certain types of non-invasive neoplasms, including basal cell carcinoma, meningioma and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, we observed seven second malignancies after the diagnosis of MCL, and the 5-year cumulative incidence rate of second malignancy was 11%. The observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio was 7/0.07 = 100 [95% confidence interval (CI) 49.3 to 186.6; P <0.0001]. Of the 21 malignancies diagnosed prior to MCL, 16 were invasive and five non-invasive. There were a total of 10 urologic malignancies occurring before or after the diagnosis of MCL was established.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that there is an increased incidence of second malignancies in patients with MCL. In addition, the high number of cases with urinary tract cancer in our series may substantiate prior reports describing a possible association between lymphoma and urologic malignancies.

Stem cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma: should it ever be used outside clinical trials?

The outlook for patients with mantle cell lymphoma is poor. The reported median survival in most published series is only 3 to 4 years, and even the most favorable prognostic groups have median survival rates of only 5 years, with no evidence of cure. The use of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in this disease has increased dramatically in recent years. Despite encouraging reports from single centers and registries, the impact of stem cell transplantation on the outcome for mantle cell lymphoma is unclear. Optimal first-line regimens for mantle cell lymphoma have yet to be defined, and it is therefore difficult to place the role of first remission transplantation in an appropriate context. Prospective randomized trials have been difficult to design and conduct in the absence of a well-defined 'standard' treatment. The role of stem cell transplantation as a salvage strategy is also unknown, although available data suggest that it does not improve survival in heavily pre-treated patients. In the absence of clear evidence for a survival advantage for patients receiving stem cell transplants for mantle cell lymphoma, entry into clinical trials should be a priority.

Mantle-cell lymphoma

During the past decade, mantle-cell lymphoma has been established as a new disease entity. The normal counterparts of the cells forming this malignant lymphoma are found in the mantle zone of the lymph node, a thin layer surrounding the germinal follicles. These cells have small to medium-sized nuclei, are commonly indented or cleaved, and stain positively with CD5, CD20, cyclin D1, and FMC7 antibodies. Because of its morphological appearance and a resemblance to other low-grade lymphomas, many of which grow slowly, this lymphoma was initially thought to be an indolent tumour, but its natural course was not thoroughly investigated until the 1990s, when the BCL1 oncogene was identified as a marker for this disease. Mantle-cell lymphoma is a discrete entity, unrelated to small lymphocytic or small-cleaved-cell lymphomas.