1
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Vasseur L, Fenwarth L, Lambert J, de Botton S, Figeac M, Villenet C, Heiblig M, Dumas PY, Récher C, Berthon C, Lemasle E, Lebon D, Lambert J, Terré C, Celli-Lebras K, Dombret H, Preudhomme C, Cheok M, Itzykson R, Duployez N. LSC17 score complements genetics and measurable residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia: an ALFA study. Blood Adv 2023; 7:4024-4034. [PMID: 37205853 PMCID: PMC10410128 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether the LSC17 gene expression can improve risk stratification in the context of next generation sequencing-based risk stratification and measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with intensively treated AML has not been explored. We analyzed LSC17 in 504 adult patients prospectively treated in the ALFA-0702 trial. RUNX1 or TP53 mutations were associated with higher LSC1 scores while CEBPA and NPM1 mutations were associated with lower scores. Patients with high LSC17 scores had a lower rate of complete response (CR) in a multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 0.41; P = .0007), accounting for European LeukemiaNet 2022 (ELN22), age, and white blood cell count (WBC). LSC17-high status was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (3-year OS: 70.0% vs 52.7% in patients with LSC17-low status; P < .0001). In a multivariable analysis considering ELN22, age, and WBC, patients with LSC17-high status had shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.36; P = .048) than those with LSC17-low status. In 123 patients with NPM1-mutated AML in CR, LSC17-high status predicted poorer DFS (HR, 2.34; P = .01), independent of age, WBC, ELN22 risk, and NPM1-MRD. LSC-low status and negative NPM1-MRD identified a subset comprising 48% of patients with mutated NPM1 with a 3-year OS from CR of 93.1% compared with 60.7% in those with LSC17-high status and/or positive NPM1-MRD (P = .0001). Overall, LSC17 assessment refines genetic risk stratification in adult patients with AML treated intensively. Combined with MRD, LSC17 identifies a subset of patients with NPM1-mutated AML with excellent clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Vasseur
- Adolescents and Young Adults Hematology Department, St-Louis University Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Biostatistical Department, St-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Laurène Fenwarth
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Lambert
- Biostatistical Department, St-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane de Botton
- Département d’hématologie et Département d’innovation thérapeutique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Martin Figeac
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 - UAR 2014 - PLBS, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Céline Villenet
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, US 41 - UAR 2014 - PLBS, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Maël Heiblig
- Hematology Department, Lyon-Sud University Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pierre-Benite, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Dumas
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Bordeaux University Hospital, PESSAC, France
| | - Christian Récher
- Service d'Hématologie, CHU de Toulouse - Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Emilie Lemasle
- Hematology Department, Henri-Becquerel Cancer Center, Rouen, France
| | - Delphine Lebon
- Service d’Hématologie Clinique et Thérapie cellulaire, CHU d’Amiens, Amiens, France
| | - Juliette Lambert
- Service d'Hématologie et Oncologie, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Christine Terré
- Laboratory of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | | | - Hervé Dombret
- Department of Hematology, St-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Claude Preudhomme
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Lille, Lille, France
| | - Meyling Cheok
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Raphael Itzykson
- Department of Hematology, St-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Génomes, biologie cellulaire et thérapeutique U944, INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Duployez
- CNRS, INSERM, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Lille, Lille, France
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Present and Future Role of Immune Targets in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010253. [PMID: 36612249 PMCID: PMC9818182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well known that the bone marrow (BM) cell niche contributes to leukemogenesis, but emerging data support the role of the complex crosstalk between AML cells and the BM microenvironment to induce a permissive immune setting that protects leukemic stem cells (LSCs) from therapy-induced death, thus favoring disease persistence and eventual relapse. The identification of potential immune targets on AML cells and the modulation of the BM environment could lead to enhanced anti-leukemic effects of drugs, immune system reactivation, and the restoration of AML surveillance. Potential targets and effectors of this immune-based therapy could be monoclonal antibodies directed against LSC antigens such as CD33, CD123, and CLL-1 (either as direct targets or via several bispecific T-cell engagers), immune checkpoint inhibitors acting on different co-inhibitory axes (alone or in combination with conventional AML drugs), and novel cellular therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells designed against AML-specific antigens. Though dozens of clinical trials, mostly in phases I and II, are ongoing worldwide, results have still been negatively affected by difficulties in the identification of the optimal targets on LSCs.
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3
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Marchand T, Pinho S. Leukemic Stem Cells: From Leukemic Niche Biology to Treatment Opportunities. Front Immunol 2021; 12:775128. [PMID: 34721441 PMCID: PMC8554324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.775128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults. While complete remission can be obtained with intensive chemotherapy in young and fit patients, relapse is frequent and prognosis remains poor. Leukemic cells are thought to arise from a pool of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) which sit at the top of the hierarchy. Since their discovery, more than 30 years ago, LSCs have been a topic of intense research and their identification paved the way for cancer stem cell research. LSCs are defined by their ability to self-renew, to engraft into recipient mice and to give rise to leukemia. Compared to healthy hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), LSCs display specific mutations, epigenetic modifications, and a specific metabolic profile. LSCs are usually considered resistant to chemotherapy and are therefore the drivers of relapse. Similar to their HSC counterpart, LSCs reside in a highly specialized microenvironment referred to as the “niche”. Bidirectional interactions between leukemic cells and the microenvironment favor leukemic progression at the expense of healthy hematopoiesis. Within the niche, LSCs are thought to be protected from genotoxic insults. Improvement in our understanding of LSC gene expression profile and phenotype has led to the development of prognosis signatures and the identification of potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we will discuss LSC biology in the context of their specific microenvironment and how a better understanding of LSC niche biology could pave the way for new therapies that target AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Marchand
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes, France.,Faculté de médecine, Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1236, Rennes, France
| | - Sandra Pinho
- Department of Pharmacology & Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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CD34 +CD38 -CD123 + Leukemic Stem Cell Frequency Predicts Outcome in Older Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated by Intensive Chemotherapy but Not Hypomethylating Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051174. [PMID: 32384744 PMCID: PMC7281486 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognostic impact of immunophenotypic CD34+CD38−CD123+ leukemic stem cell (iLSC) frequency at diagnosis has been demonstrated in younger patients treated by intensive chemotherapy, however, this is less clear in older patients. Furthermore, the impact of iLSC in patients treated by hypomethylating agents is unknown. In this single-center study, we prospectively assessed the CD34+CD38−CD123+ iLSC frequency at diagnosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients aged 60 years or older. In a cohort of 444 patients, the median percentage of iLSC at diagnosis was 4.3%. Significant differences were found between treatment groups with a lower median in the intensive chemotherapy group (0.6%) compared to hypomethylating agents (8.0%) or supportive care (11.1%) (p <0.0001). In the intensive chemotherapy group, the median overall survival was 34.5 months in patients with iLSC ≤0.10% and 14.6 months in patients with >0.10% (p = 0.031). In the multivariate analyses of this group, iLSC frequency was significantly and independently associated with the incidence of relapse, event-free, relapse-free, and overall survival. However, iLSC frequency had no prognostic impact on patients treated by hypomethylating agents. Thus, the iLSC frequency at diagnosis is an independent prognostic factor in older acute myeloid patients treated by intensive chemotherapy but not hypomethylating agents.
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Freeman SD, Hourigan CS. MRD evaluation of AML in clinical practice: are we there yet? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2019; 2019:557-569. [PMID: 31808906 PMCID: PMC6913462 DOI: 10.1182/hematology.2019000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
MRD technologies increase our ability to measure response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) beyond the limitations of morphology. When applied in clinical trials, molecular and immunophenotypic MRD assays have improved prognostic precision, providing a strong rationale for their use to guide treatment, as well as to measure its effectiveness. Initiatives such as those from the European Leukemia Network now provide a collaborative knowledge-based framework for selection and implementation of MRD assays most appropriate for defined genetic subgroups. For patients with mutated-NPM1 AML, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) monitoring of mutated-NPM1 transcripts postinduction and sequentially after treatment has emerged as a highly sensitive and specific tool to predict relapse and potential benefit from allogeneic transplant. Flow cytometric MRD after induction is prognostic across genetic risk groups and can identify those patients in the wild-type NPM1 intermediate AML subgroup with a very high risk for relapse. In parallel with these data, advances in genetic profiling have extended understanding of the etiology and the complex dynamic clonal nature of AML, as well as created the opportunity for MRD monitoring using next-generation sequencing (NGS). NGS AML MRD detection can stratify outcomes and has potential utility in the peri-allogeneic transplant setting. However, there remain challenges inherent in the NGS approach of multiplex quantification of mutations to track AML MRD. Although further development of this methodology, together with orthogonal testing, will clarify its relevance for routine clinical use, particularly for patients lacking a qPCR genetic target, established validated MRD assays can already provide information to direct clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie D Freeman
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; and
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- Laboratory of Myeloid Malignancies, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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6
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Pretreatment CD34 +/CD38 - Cell Burden as Prognostic Factor in Myelodysplastic Syndrome Patients Receiving Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 25:1560-1566. [PMID: 30928626 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2019.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a highly heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic disorder. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment and is of particular interest in patients at high risk for progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In MDS, CD34+/CD38- cells possess MDS stem cell potential, and secondary AML (sAML) clones originate from the MDS disease stage. However, the prognostic impact of the pretreatment stem cell population burden in MDS remains unknown. We retrospectively analyzed the prognostic impact of the pretreatment CD34+/CD38- cell burden in 124 MDS patients who received allogeneic HSCT at our institution. A high pretreatment bone marrow CD34+/CD38- cell burden (≥1%) was associated with worse genetic risk and a higher incidence of blast excess. Patients with a high CD34+/CD38- cell burden had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of MDS relapse, a higher cumulative incidence of secondary AML, and a trend for shorter overall survival after allogeneic HSCT. In multivariable analyses this prognostic impact was shown to be independent of other clinical and cytogenetic risk factors in MDS. Patients suffering MDS relapse or progression to AML also had a higher pre-treatment CD34+/CD38- cell burden as a continuous variable. The observed prognostic impact is likely mediated by MDS stem cells within the CD34+/CD38- cell population initiating MDS relapse or progression to AML. New therapeutic strategies targeting MDS stem cells might improve outcomes.
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7
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Zeijlemaker W, Grob T, Meijer R, Hanekamp D, Kelder A, Carbaat-Ham JC, Oussoren-Brockhoff YJM, Snel AN, Veldhuizen D, Scholten WJ, Maertens J, Breems DA, Pabst T, Manz MG, van der Velden VHJ, Slomp J, Preijers F, Cloos J, van de Loosdrecht AA, Löwenberg B, Valk PJM, Jongen-Lavrencic M, Ossenkoppele GJ, Schuurhuis GJ. CD34 +CD38 - leukemic stem cell frequency to predict outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2018; 33:1102-1112. [PMID: 30542144 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0326-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Current risk algorithms are primarily based on pre-treatment factors and imperfectly predict outcome in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We introduce and validate a post-treatment approach of leukemic stem cell (LSC) assessment for prediction of outcome. LSC containing CD34+CD38- fractions were measured using flow cytometry in an add-on study of the HOVON102/SAKK trial. Predefined cut-off levels were prospectively evaluated to assess CD34+CD38-LSC levels at diagnosis (n = 594), and, to identify LSClow/LSChigh (n = 302) and MRDlow/MRDhigh patients (n = 305) in bone marrow in morphological complete remission (CR). In 242 CR patients combined MRD and LSC results were available. At diagnosis the CD34+CD38- LSC frequency independently predicts overall survival (OS). After achieving CR, combining LSC and MRD showed reduced survival in MRDhigh/LSChigh patients (hazard ratio [HR] 3.62 for OS and 5.89 for cumulative incidence of relapse [CIR]) compared to MRDlow/LSChigh, MRDhigh/LSClow, and especially MRDlow/LSClow patients. Moreover, in the NPM1mutant positive sub-group, prognostic value of golden standard NPM1-MRD by qPCR can be improved by addition of flow cytometric approaches. This is the first prospective study demonstrating that LSC strongly improves prognostic impact of MRD detection, identifying a patient subgroup with an almost 100% treatment failure probability, warranting consideration of LSC measurement incorporation in future AML risk schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendelien Zeijlemaker
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Grob
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Meijer
- Clinical trial Center- HOVON data center, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Hanekamp
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angèle Kelder
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jannemieke C Carbaat-Ham
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Alexander N Snel
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Veldhuizen
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn J Scholten
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Maertens
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dimitri A Breems
- Department of Hematology, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Thomas Pabst
- Department of Hematology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Hematology, University and University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennichjen Slomp
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medisch Spectrum Twente/Medlon, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Preijers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Laboratory for Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, RUNMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan A van de Loosdrecht
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Löwenberg
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J M Valk
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gert J Ossenkoppele
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit J Schuurhuis
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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8
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Gomez-Arteaga A, Guzman ML. Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1100:111-125. [PMID: 30411263 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-97746-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring measurable (minimal) residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has greatly increased our ability to assess chemosensisitivity to treatment as well as the duration of treatment responses. There is strong evidence to support its prognostic value for long-term outcomes at different time points and across assays and targets. It's role as a surrogate endpoint to define risk-adapted strategies is still under evaluation. In this chapter, we will discuss the definition of MRD in AML, the potential contribution of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) to MRD and we will review all the current approaches to assess residual disease including the 2018 European Leukemia Network (ELN) working group recommendations for MRD standardization in AML. In addition, a summary of MRD studies associated to prognosis will be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gomez-Arteaga
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine - New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine - New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Jentzsch M, Bill M, Nicolet D, Leiblein S, Schubert K, Pless M, Bergmann U, Wildenberger K, Schuhmann L, Cross M, Pönisch W, Franke GN, Vucinic V, Lange T, Behre G, Mrózek K, Bloomfield CD, Niederwieser D, Schwind S. Prognostic impact of the CD34+/CD38- cell burden in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Am J Hematol 2017; 92:388-396. [PMID: 28133783 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.24663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leukemia-initiating cells exist within the CD34+/CD38- cell compartment. They are assumed to be more resistant to chemotherapy, enriched in minimal residual disease cell populations, and responsible for relapse. Here we evaluated clinical and biological associations and the prognostic impact of a high diagnostic CD34+/CD38- cell burden in 169 AML patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplantation in complete remission. Here, the therapeutic approach is mainly based on immunological graft-versus-leukemia effects. Percentage of bone marrow CD34+/CD38- cell burden at diagnosis was measured using flow cytometry and was highly variable (median 0.5%, range 0%-89% of all mononuclear cells). A high CD34+/CD38- cell burden at diagnosis associated with worse genetic risk and secondary AML. Patients with a high CD34+/CD38- cell burden had shorter relapse-free and overall survival which may be mediated by residual leukemia-initiating cells in the CD34+/CD38- cell population, escaping the graft-versus-leukemia effect after allogeneic transplantation. Evaluating the CD34+/CD38- cell burden at diagnosis may help to identify patients at high risk of relapse after allogeneic transplantation. Further studies to understand leukemia-initiating cell biology and develop targeting therapies to improve outcomes of AML patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Jentzsch
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Marius Bill
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Deedra Nicolet
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center; Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Sabine Leiblein
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Karoline Schubert
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Martina Pless
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Ulrike Bergmann
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Kathrin Wildenberger
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Luba Schuhmann
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Michael Cross
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Wolfram Pönisch
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Georg-Nikolaus Franke
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Vladan Vucinic
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Thoralf Lange
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Gerhard Behre
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Krzysztof Mrózek
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center; Columbus Ohio USA
| | | | - Dietger Niederwieser
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
| | - Sebastian Schwind
- Department of Hematology; Oncology and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig; Leipzig Germany
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10
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Hanekamp D, Cloos J, Schuurhuis GJ. Leukemic stem cells: identification and clinical application. Int J Hematol 2017; 105:549-557. [PMID: 28357569 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-017-2221-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represent a low-frequency subpopulation of leukemia cells that possess stem cell properties distinct from the bulk leukemia cells, including self-renewal capacity and drug resistance. Due to these properties, LSCs are supposed to facilitate the development of relapse. The existence of LSCs is demonstrated by the ability to engraft and initiate human AML in immune-compromised mouse models. Although several lines of evidence suggest the complex heterogeneity of phenotypes displayed by LSC, many studies consider the CD34+/CD38- compartment as the most relevant. To increase the understanding of the true LSC, techniques such as multicolor flow cytometry, side-population assay and ALDH assay are utilized in many laboratories and could aid in this. A better understanding of different LSC phenotypes is necessary to enhance risk group classification, guide clinical decision-making and to identify new therapeutic targets. These efforts to eliminate LSC should ultimately improve the dismal AML outcome by preventing relapse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Hanekamp
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Paediatric Oncology/Hematology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerrit Jan Schuurhuis
- Department of Hematology, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Abstract
AML is an aggressive hematological malignancy with highest incidence in the older adults. The adverse features of AML in the elderly, and the frailties and comorbidities frequently present in them, make their management a particularly difficult therapeutic challenge. In this context, it is important to assess carefully patient- as well as disease-associated prognostic features with validated tools. The fittest patients should be considered for curative therapy, such as bone marrow transplantation, whereas low intensity options may be more appropriate for frail patients. Here we review how to assess patients with elderly AML and the treatments options available for them. Treatment options remain limited for older adults with AML. Nowadays only a tiny proportion of elderly patients with AML undergo HCT. The unique features of AML in the elderly urge a fresh approach to these patients. Low intensity options may be more appropriate for frail patients. Geriatric assessment and social support are critical.
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