Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity at conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation would occur among the patients treated with 120 mg/kg or less

Early cardiac events after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide. subanalysis exploring cardiac toxicity conducted on behalf of GETH-TC

Introduction

Haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) using post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) has become a standard approach for patients lacking HLA-matched donors. While effective in reducing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), concerns about PTCY-associated cardiovascular toxicity remain. This study investigates the incidence, predictors, and impact of early cardiac events (ECE) in haplo-HCT recipients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, multicenter analysis of 268 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with anthracycline-based induction regimens and undergoing their first haplo-HCT with PTCY (50 mg/kg/day on days +3 and +4) between 2011 and 2022. ECEs, defined as any new cardiac event within 100 days post-transplant, were analyzed using cumulative incidence functions considering death and relapse as competing risks. Risk factors and the impact on non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS) were assessed via univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

The median patient age was 57 years (range: 18-79), and pre-transplant comorbidities included hypertension (22.4%), dyslipidemia (13.1%), diabetes mellitus (6.7%), and prior cardiac history (14.2%). ECEs occurred in 23 patients (8.6%) at a median of 19 days post-transplant (IQR: 5-66), with a day +100 cumulative incidence of 8.6% (95% CI: 6.1-12.3). The most frequent complications were pericardial effusion/pericarditis (43.5%), arrhythmias (30.4%), and heart failure (17.4%). Severe ECEs (CTCAE grade 3-4) were observed in 30.4% of cases, and four deaths (17.4%) were directly attributed to ECEs. Univariate analysis identified dyslipidemia (HR: 3.87, p=0.001), hypertension (HR: 2.76, p=0.015), and moderate-severe veno-occlusive disease (HR: 4.94, p=0.002) as significant predictors of ECE. ECEs were associated with lower OS (HR: 1.78, p=0.04) and higher NRM (HR: 2.87, p=0.005).

Discussion

While the incidence of ECEs following haplo-HCT with PTCY was relatively low, their occurrence significantly worsened transplant outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and structured cardiac monitoring to mitigate complications in haplo-HCT recipients.

NLRP3 as a therapeutic target in cyclophosphamide-associated toxicities

Cyclophosphamide (CPM), a potent chemotherapeutic agent, while effective against various cancers, can cause significant organ damage. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a key player in the innate immune response, is implicated in this toxicity. This review delves into the intricate relationship between CPM and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, focusing on oxidative stress-mediated organ damage. We explore the mechanisms by which CPM induces NLRP3 activation in the kidneys, heart, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, we examine the signaling pathways involved in this process. The review also discusses potential therapeutic interventions, including phytotherapeutic agents, that target NLRP3 inflammasome activation to mitigate CPM-induced organ injury. By highlighting the crucial role of NLRP3 in CPM-related toxicity, this review provides a foundation for future research aimed at developing novel therapeutic strategies to minimize adverse effects and improve patient outcomes.

Early cardiotoxicity in post-transplant cyclophosphamide-based graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is widely used in HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT). One of the major drawbacks of PTCy is the risk of rare but potentially lethal cardiotoxicity, which prompted the development of regimens with reduced doses of PTCy.

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the incidence of early cardiotoxicity with standard-dose of PTCy (cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg/day for 2 days, PTCy100) versus reduced-dose (40 mg/kg/day for 2 days, PTCy80). In total, 179 patients underwent PTCy-based haplo-HCT, including PTCy100 (n = 111) and PTCy80 (n = 68).

RESULTS

The PTCy80 group included significantly more elderly patients, patients who received reduced-intensity conditioning, and patients with a history of HCT than the PTCy100 group. Nine eligible patients (5.0%) experienced severe cardiotoxicity. The incidence of severe cardiotoxicity did not differ significant between PTCy80 and PTCy100 (4.4% vs. 5.4%; p = 1). The incidence of fatal cardiotoxicity was lower with PTCy80, but the small size may have prevented the difference from reaching statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Reducing the cyclophosphamide dose in PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis may lower the risk of fatal cardiotoxicity without significantly altering the overall incidence of severe cardiotoxicity.

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity: A comprehensive review

Cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity, associated with its toxic metabolite acrolein, is a significant concern and unresolved issue, especially when cyclophosphamide is administrated in high doses. However, cardiotoxicity following low-dose cyclophosphamide has been also documented, especially in post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (post-HSCT) settings. Despite the involvement of multiple signaling pathways in cyclophosphamide-induced cardiomyopathy, the exact underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. This review outlines the current challenges of cyclophosphamide therapy in HSCT recipients. In addition, the promising therapeutic approaches by targeting acrolein's anti-angiogenic effect were thoroughly discussed to better manage post-HSCT cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity.

Cardiac events occurring after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation with post-transplant cyclophosphamide. Study conducted on behalf of the GETH-TC

This multicenter study investigates the incidence and predictors of cardiac events (CE) following allo-HCT with PTCY in 453 AML patients. CE occurred in 57 (12.3%) patients within a median of 52 days (IQR: 13-289), with day 100 and 5-year cumulative incidences of 7.7% and 13.5%. Early (first 100 days) and late CE occurred at rates of 7.7% and 4.8%. The most prevalent CE were heart failure (n = 18, 31.6%), pericardial complications (n = 16, 28.1%), and arrhythmia (n = 14, 24.6%). The proportions of patients older than 55 years (64.9% vs. 46.1%, P = 0.010), with hypertension (36.8% vs. 18.4%, P = 0.001) and dyslipidemia (28.1% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.001) were higher in patients with CE. Patients undergoing haplo-HCT trend to have more CE (68.4% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.083). The multivariate regression analysis revealed that only hypertension (HR 1.88, P = 0.036) and dyslipidemia (HR 2.20, P = 0.018) were predictors for CE, with no differences according to donor type (haplo-HCT vs. others: HR 1.33, P = 0.323). Among the 57 patients with CE, the mortality rate was 12.2%. Notably, the diagnosis of CE negatively impacted NRM (HR 2.57, P = 0.011) and OS (HR 1.80, P = 0.009), underscoring necessity of aggressively treating cardiovascular risk factors, and implementing post-transplant cardiac monitoring protocols to prevent these complications.

Cardiac events after allo-HCT in patients with acute myeloid leukemia

ABSTRACT

This multicenter study sponsored by the GETH-TC investigates the incidence and predictors of early (first 100 days) and late cardiac events (CEs; ECEs and LCEs, respectively) after allo-HCT in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with anthracyclines, focusing on exploring the impact of PTCY on cardiac complications and the impact of CEs on OS and NRM. A total of 1020 patients with AML were included. PTCY was given to 450 (44.1%) adults. Overall, 94 (9.2) patients experienced CEs, with arrythmias, pericardial complications, and heart failure the most prevalent. ECEs occurred in 49 (4.8%) patients within a median of 13 days after allo-HCT, whereas LCEs were diagnosed in 45 (4.4%) patients within a median of 3.6 years after transplant. Using PTCY increased the risk for ECEs in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 2.86; P = .007) but did not significantly affect the risk for LCEs (HR, 1.06; P = .892). The impact of variables on outcomes revealed was investigated using multivariate regression analyses and revealed that the diagnosis of CEs decreased the likelihood of OS (HR, 1.66; P = .005) and increased the likelihood of NRM (HR, 2.88; P < .001). Furthermore, despite using PTCY increased ECEs risk, its administration was beneficial for OS (HR, 0.71; P = .026). In conclusion, although the incidence of CEs was relatively low, it significantly affected mortality. Standard doses of PTCY increased ECE risk but were associated with improved OS. Therefore, protocols for preventing cardiac complications among these patients are needed.

Management of a Patient with Cardiovascular Disease Should Include Assessment of Primary and Secondary Immunodeficiencies: Part 2-Secondary Immunodeficiencies

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common chronic diseases, generating high social and economic costs. Secondary immunodeficiencies occur more often than primary ones and may result from the co-occurrence of specific diseases, treatment, nutrient deficiencies and non-nutritive bio-active compounds that result from the industrial nutrient practices.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to present selected secondary immunodeficiencies and their impact on the cardiovascular system.

RESULTS

The treatment of a patient with cardiovascular disease should include an assess-ment for immunodeficiencies, because the immune and cardiovascular systems are closely linked.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune system dysfunctions can significantly affect the course of cardiovascular diseases and their treatment. For this reason, comprehensive care for a patient with cardiovascular disease requires taking into account potential immunodeficiencies, which can have a significant impact on the patient's health.

Low-dose post-transplant cyclophosphamide with G-CSF/ATG based haploidentical protocol provides favorable outcomes for SAA patients

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT), as one of the life-saving treatments for severe aplastic anemia (SAA), is widely used because of its great donor availability. Over decades, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)/antithymocyte globulin (ATG)-based protocol (the so-called Beijing Protocol) has achieved favorable engraftment and survival outcomes. In this study, we modified the conventional Beijing Protocol: the full-dose Cyclophosphamide (Cy) (200 mg/kg in total) was divided into 42.75 mg/kg Cy on day -5 to day -2 and Low dose post-transplant Cy (PTCy) (14.5 mg/kg on days +3 and +4), hoping to reduce the incidence of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and to guarantee successful and stable engraftment. Here we retrospectively reported and analyzed the data of first 17 patients with SAA who had received haplo-HSCT using this novel regimen between August 2020 and August 2022. The median follow-up was 522 days (range, 138-859 days). No patient developed primary graft failure. Four (23.5%) patients developed grade II bladder toxicity, two (11.8%) patients developed grade II cardiotoxicity. All patients achieved neutrophil and platelet engraftment at median times of 12 days (range, 11-20 days) and14 days (range, 8-36 days). During our follow-up, no patients developed grade III-IV aGVHD. The cumulative incidence of grade II and grade I aGVHD at 100 days was 23.5% (95% CI, 6.8%-49.9%) and 47.1% (95% CI, 23.0%-72.2%). Three patients (17.6%) developed chronic GVHD of skin, mouth, and eyes and all of which were mild. All patients are alive by the end of the follow-up, with a failure-free survival of 100%, which was defined as survival without treatment failures, such as death, graft failure, or relapse rate. The rate of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation was 82.4% (95% CI, 64.3%-100%). The rate of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation was 17.6% (95% CI, 3.8%-43.4%). No CMV disease and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) occurred among these patients. In conclusion, the encouraging results of prolonged survival outcomes and reduced incidence of GVHD suggest promising effect of this novel regimen in haplo-HSCT for patients with SAA. Larger-sample prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this regimen.

Cardiovascular Complications in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplanted Patients

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for many patients suffering from hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, inborn errors of metabolism or genetic disorders. Despite decades of successful HSCT, clinical outcomes are still far from satisfactory due to treatment-related complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cardiovascular complications (CVC). CVC may affect patients in the acute period post-HSCT; however, the occurrence is far higher among long-term survivors. Induction treatment using cardiotoxic treatments, e.g., anthracyclines and radiotherapy, conditioning regimens containing cyclophosphamide, and post-HSCT comorbidities, including GvHD, are factors contributing to CVC. Cardiac function evaluation prior to and post-transplantation is an important strategy for choosing the proper conditioning regimen, HSCT protocol and post-HSCT supportive care. Cardiac systolic function evaluation by echocardiography, in addition to serum cardiac biomarkers, such as troponins and brain natriuretic peptides, is recommended as a routine follow-up for HSCT patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II-receptor blockers, and beta-blockers, which are mostly used for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, might be used as treatments for HSCT-related CVC. In summary, the present review reveals the urgent need for further investigations concerning HSCT-related CVC both at the preclinical and clinical levels due to the lack of knowledge about CVC and its underlying mechanisms.

Outcomes of salvage haploidentical transplantation using posttransplant cyclophosphamide for graft failure following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Haploidentical donors have emerged as an alternative donor source for salvage stem cell transplantation (SCT) after graft failure; however, data regarding salvage haploidentical SCT using posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) are limited. Using nationwide data (2011-2019), we retrospectively investigated transplant outcomes after salvage haploidentical SCT using PTCy for graft failure (n = 33, median age 34 years). The total dose of PTCy was 75-100 mg/kg (standard dose) in 26 patients (78.8%) and 40-50 mg/kg (lower dose) in 5 patients (15.2%). The neutrophil engraftment rate at 30 days was 81.8%. One-year overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) rates were 47.4% and 46.0%, respectively. The standard-dose group exhibited better OS (61.1% vs. 0.0% at 1 year, P = 0.022) and NRM (35.1% vs. 80.0% at 1 year, P = 0.052) than the lower-dose group. Moreover, the standard-dose group was less prone to both grades II-IV (11.5% vs. 40.0%) and III-IV (0.0% vs. 40.0%) acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Use of cyclophosphamide in previous SCT and conditioning did not affect OS or NRM. In conclusion, haploidentical salvage SCT using PTCy offers promising survival outcomes. Prospective studies are required to validate the efficacy of salvage haploidentical SCT using PTCy.