Impact of comorbidity on disease characteristics, treatment intent and outcome in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a Swedish lymphoma register study

A novel comorbidity score for older adults with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: the 3-factor risk estimate scale

For patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), formal comorbidity assessment is recommended but is rarely conducted in routine practice. A simple, validated measure of comorbidities that standardizes their assessment could improve adherence to guidelines. We previously constructed the 3-factor risk estimate scale (TRES) among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we investigated TRES in multiple NHL subtypes. In the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results-Medicare database, patients with NHL diagnosed from 2008 to 2017 were included. Upper gastrointestinal, endocrine, and vascular comorbidities were identified using ICD-9/ICD-10 codes to assign TRES scores. Patient characteristic distributions were compared using χ2 or t test. Association of mortality and TRES score was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression model for competing risk. A total of 40 486 patients were included in the study. Median age was 77 years (interquartile range [IQR], 71-83 years). The most frequent NHL subtypes were CLL (28.2%), diffuse large B-cell (27.6%), and follicular lymphoma (12.6%). Median follow-up was 33 months (IQR, 13-60 months). TRES was low, intermediate, and high in 40.8%, 37.0%, and 22.2% of patients, corresponding to median overall survival (OS) of 8.2, 5.3, and 2.9 years (P < .001), respectively. TRES was associated with OS in all NHL subtypes. In multivariable models, TRES was associated with inferior OS and NHL-specific survival. TRES is clinically translatable and associated with OS and lymphoma-specific survival in older adults with NHL.

Sex differences in lymphoma incidence and mortality by subtype: A population-based study

It is well established that the male sex is associated with increased risk for, as well as poorer survival of, most cancers. A similar pattern has been described in lymphomas but has not yet been comprehensively assessed. In this nationwide population-based cohort study, we used the Swedish Lymphoma Register to investigate sex differences in lymphoma subtype incidence and excess mortality in adults (age 18-99) diagnosed in 2000-2019. Male-to-female incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and excess mortality ratios (EMRs) adjusted for age and calendar year were predicted using Poisson regression. We identified 36 795 lymphoma cases, 20 738 (56.4%) in men and 16 057 (43.6%) in women. Men were at significantly higher risk of 14 out of 16 lymphoma subtypes with IRRs ranging from 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.22) in follicular lymphoma to 5.95 (95% CI 4.89-7.24) in hairy cell leukemia. EMRs >1 were seen in 13 out of 16 lymphoma subtypes indicating higher mortality in men, although only statistically significant for classical Hodgkin lymphoma 1.26 (95% CI 1.04-1.54), aggressive lymphoma not otherwise specified 1.29 (95% CI 1.08-1.55), and small lymphocytic lymphoma 1.52 (95% CI 1.11-2.07). A corresponding analysis using data from the Danish Lymphoma Register was performed with comparable results. In conclusion, we demonstrate a significantly higher incidence and trend toward higher mortality in men for most lymphoma subtypes. Future studies with large patient material that include detailed clinicopathological prognostic factors are warranted to further delineate and explain sex differences in lymphoma survival to enable optimal management of lymphoma patients regardless of sex.

Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma: A New Approach in a Multicenter Study

Purpose

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of adult lymphomas. The incidence of DLBCL increases with age and has a fairly rapid fatal course without treatment. Patients often have difficulty tolerating standard chemotherapy regimens due to their comorbidities. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), which is calculated by considering 19 different comorbidities, was developed in 1987 and is widely used for mortality prediction in cancer patients. Literature data on CCI and hematological malignancies are limited. Main aim in this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CCI and compare to the International Prognostic Index (IPI) scoring system in the DLBCL patient group.

Methods

A total of 170 patients diagnosed with DLBCL between 1.1.2002- 1.12.2020 were included in the study. Statistical analyzes were performed among patients whose IPI and CCI scores were recorded by considering baseline data.

Results

The median age of patients was 58 (range: 17–84). Thirty-five (20.6%) patients had stage III and 76 (44.7%) had stage IV disease. When the CCI, IPI and ECOG scores were compared with the mortality status of the patients as a reference, AUCs were resulted as 0.628 (95% CI: 0.506–0.749), 0.563 (95% CI: 0.484–0.639) and 0.672 (95% CI: 0.596–0.743), respectively. There was no significant difference between the ROC curves of CCI, IPI and ECOG scores. Patients with a CCI score of ≥ 4 had shorter OS comperad to those with a score of < 4.

Conclusion

Rather than claiming that CCI is superior to IPI, ECOG or another scoring system in a single-center patient population, it should be stated that CCI is also an effective scoring system in patients diagnosed with DLBCL.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12288-022-01567-5.

Real-World Estimation of First- and Second-Line Treatments for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Using Health Insurance Data: A Belgian Population-Based Study

We determined first- and second-line regimens, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantations, in all diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients aged ≥20 yr (n = 1,888), registered at the Belgian Cancer Registry (2013–2015). Treatments were inferred from reimbursed drugs, and procedures registered in national health insurance databases. This real-world population-based study allows to assess patients usually excluded from clinical trials such as those with comorbidities, other malignancies (12%), and advanced age (28% are ≥80 yr old). Our data show that the majority of older patients are still started on first-line regimens with curative intent and a substantial proportion of them benefit from this approach. First-line treatments included full R-CHOP (44%), “incomplete” (R-)CHOP (18%), other anthracycline (14%), non-anthracycline (9%), only radiotherapy (3%), and no chemo-/radiotherapy (13%), with significant variation between age groups. The 5-year overall survival (OS) of all patients was 56% with a clear influence of age (78% [20–59 yr] versus 16% [≥85 yr]) and of the type of first-line treatments: full R-CHOP (72%), other anthracycline (58%), “incomplete” (R-)CHOP (47%), non-anthracycline (30%), only radiotherapy (30%), and no chemo-/radiotherapy (9%). Second-line therapy, presumed for refractory (7%) or relapsed disease (9%), was initiated in 252 patients (16%) and was predominantly (71%) platinum-based. The 5-year OS after second-line treatment without autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was generally poor (11% in ≥70 yr versus 17% in <70 yr). An ASCT was performed in 5% of treated patients (n = 82). The 5-year OS after first- or second-line ASCT was similar (69% versus 66%). After adjustment, multivariable OS analyses indicated a significant hazard ratio (HR) for, among others, age (HR 1.81 to 5.95 for increasing age), performance status (PS) (HR 4.56 for PS >1 within 3 months from incidence), subsequent malignancies (HR 2.50), prior malignancies (HR 1.34), respiratory and diabetic comorbidity (HR 1.41 and 1.24), gender (HR 1.25 for males), and first-line treatment with full R-CHOP (HR 0.41) or other anthracycline-containing regimens (HR 0.72). Despite inherent limitations, patterns of care in DLBCL could be determined using an innovative approach based on Belgian health insurance data.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcomes From the OncoCollect Lymphoma Registry

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the commonest subtype of lymphoma, standard CHOP was the treatment of choice, 42% of patients received rituximab, and 29% of patients were lost to follow-up during therapy, were reported in a study that collected retrospective data at 13 public and private hospitals for patients diagnosed with lymphoma between January 2005 and December 2009. The OncoCollect Registry was set up in 2017 to address the challenges in the collection of retrospective data through chart review, recording access to anthracycline and rituximab-based treatment, and to study outcomes and any improvement in the patient follow-up.

Methodology

The OncoCollect Lymphoma group registry was set up at a national level with 9 participating centers. Lymphoma patients registered at these centers between 2011 and 2017 were included. The clinical features, prognostic stratification, associated comorbidities, response to first-line treatment, and 3-year outcomes of adult patients with DLBCL were analyzed.

Results

Of the 5,886 lymphoma patients registered in the OncoCollect registry, 2,581 (44%) had DLBCL. A total of 1,961 were evaluable for frontline therapy. The median age at presentation was 57 years. Gender ratio was 1.6:1. At presentation, 43% were early stage, 70% had low and low intermediate IPI, 53% had extranodal disease, and 30.9% had one or more comorbidities (data available for 1,136 patients). The commonest extra nodal site was gastro-intestinal (23.98%) followed by head and neck (19.24%). The overall response rate was 79.29%. Complete remission was seen in 61.75%, partial response in 17.5%, stable disease in 4.3%, and progression in 7.9%. Patients who received anthracycline-based therapy (86.7%) and rituximab-based therapy (83.7%) had a 3-year event-free survival (EFS) of 69.67% and 68.48%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 33 months, the 3-year overall Survival (OS) and EFS were 75.37% and 66.58%, respectively.

Conclusions

DLBCL remains the commonest (44%) lymphoma subtype and is curable with standard anthracycline- and rituximab-based therapies. The availability of rituximab has increased the proportion of patients receiving standard chemoimmunotherapy.

Real-world data on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 2010-2019: usability of large data sets of Finnish hospital data lakes

Background: Real-world data on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has remained incomplete. In Finland, health record data originally recorded in different hospital data record systems are collectively available via data lake technology, enabling efficient extraction and analysis of large data sets. The usability of Finnish data lake data in the assessment of DLBCL was evaluated. Methods: Adult DLBCL patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019, home municipality in the Hospital District of Southwest Finland and data available in respective data lake were included. Results: The algorithmic determination of treatment lines and respective survival was successful. Patient characterization was feasible, albeit partly incomplete because of limited data content/availability and coverage. Stage, International Prognostic Index and cell of origin were available for 63.0, 68.3 and 28.4% of patients, respectively. Genetic aberrations were not structurally available or feasible to extract without a manual chart review. Conclusion: Finnish data lakes represent an efficient way to analyze large DLBCL data sets. The current study provides a tool for developing recording practices in routine care.

Cardiovascular diseases among diffuse large B-cell lymphoma long-term survivors in Asia: a multistate model study

BACKGROUND

We modeled the clinical course of a cohort of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with no prior cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) using a multistate modeling framework.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data on 2600 patients with DLBCL diagnosed between 2000 and 2018 and had received chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy were obtained from a population-wide electronic health database of Hong Kong. We used the Markov illness-death model to quantify the impact of doxorubicin and various risk factors (therapeutic exposure, demographic, comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle factors which included smoking) on the clinical course of DLBCL (transitions into incident CVD, lymphoma death, and other causes of death).

RESULTS

A total of 613 (23.6%) and 230 (8.8%) of 2600 subjects died of lymphoma and developed incident CVD, respectively. Median follow-up was 7.0 years (interquartile range 3.8-10.8 years). Older ages [hazard ratio (HR) for >75 versus ≤60 years 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.82 and HR for 61-75 versus ≤60 years 1.60; 95% CI 1.12-2.30], hypertension (HR 4.92; 95% CI 2.61-9.26), diabetes (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.09-1.87), and baseline use of aspirin (HR 5.30; 95% CI 3.93-7.16) were associated with an increased risk of incident CVD. In a subgroup of anticipated higher-risk patients (aged 61-75 years, smoked, had diabetes, and received doxorubicin), we found that they remained on average 7.9 (95% CI 7.2-8.8) years in the DLBCL state and 0.1 (95% CI 0.0-0.4) years in the CVD state, if they could be followed up for 10 years. The brief time in the CVD state is consistent with the high chance of death in patients who developed CVD. Other causes of death have overtaken DLBCL-related death after about 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Asian population-based cohort, we found that incident CVDs can occur soon after DLBCL treatment and continued to occur throughout survivorship. Clinicians are advised to balance the risks and benefits of treatment choices to minimize the risk of CVD.

Association between multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation on short-term mortality among patients with diffuse large B-cell or follicular lymphoma in England: a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the association between multimorbidity and deprivation on short-term mortality among patients with diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) in England.

SETTING

The association of multimorbidity and socioeconomic deprivation on survival among patients diagnosed with DLBCL and FL in England between 2005 and 2013. We linked the English population-based cancer registry with electronic health records databases and estimated adjusted mortality rate ratios by multimorbidity and deprivation status. Using flexible hazard-based regression models, we computed DLBCL and FL standardised mortality risk by deprivation and multimorbidity at 1 year.

RESULTS

Overall, 41 422 patients aged 45-99 years were diagnosed with DLBCL or FL in England during 2005-2015. Most deprived patients with FL with multimorbidities had three times higher hazard of 1-year mortality (HR: 3.3, CI 2.48 to 4.28, p<0.001) than least deprived patients without comorbidity; among DLBCL, there was approximately twice the hazard (HR: 1.9, CI 1.70 to 2.07, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Multimorbidity, deprivation and their combination are strong and independent predictors of an increased short-term mortality risk among patients with DLBCL and FL in England. Public health measures targeting the reduction of multimorbidity among most deprived patients with DLBCL and FL are needed to reduce the short-term mortality gap.

Mapping comorbidity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: impact of individual comorbidities on treatment, mortality, and causes of death

Comorbid conditions are highly prevalent in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), nevertheless, detailed information on the association of specific comorbidities with CLL prognosis is missing. Using Danish, nation-wide registers, we followed consecutive patients from CLL-diagnosis in 1997-2018, until death or end of follow-up. Sub-grouping of comorbidities was defined using a modified Charlson comorbidity index. Patients were matched on sex, date of birth (±1 month), and region of residency with up to ten comparators from the general population. In total, 9170 patients with CLL were included in the study, with a median of 5.0 years of follow-up. All comorbid conditions studied were individually associated with increased mortality, and many also with increased cause-specific mortality, related or unrelated to CLL. Comorbidity correlated with increased mortality from infections and cardiovascular disease. CLL patients, particularly older, had a significant loss of lifetime compared with the general population. This study highlights a large subgroup of comorbid CLL patients with an unmet treatment-need and missing efficacy and safety data on treatment, who are under-prioritized in clinical trials. Also, studies assessing interventions that may provide better tolerability of treatment in older or comorbid patients, with cancer in general, and CLL in particular, are warranted.

Diabetes and the Prognosis in Patients With Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

Consensus lacks regarding the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prognosis of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We aimed to systematically evaluate the above association, as well as the potential influence of metformin use in a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cohort studies investigating the association between DM and survival outcomes of patients with NHL were included by search of electronic databases that included PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. A random-effects model was adopted to combine the results.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies including 8652 patients with NHL were analyzed. Compared to non-DM patients with NHL, DM was associated with poor overall survival (OS, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.89, P < .001, I² = 69%), progression-free survival (PFS, HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09-1.56, P = .004, I² = 0%), and lymphoma-specific survival (LSS, HR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.41-2.45, P < .001, I² = 0%). Subgroup analysis showed consistent results in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL, HR = 1.42, 1.35, and 1.95 for outcomes of OS, PFS, and LSS, respectively; P values all <.05). However, the associations between DM and these survival outcomes became nonsignificant in subgroup analysis limited to DM patients with concurrent use of metformin (HR = 1.30, 1.12, and 1.43 for outcomes of OS, PFS, and LSS, respectively; P values all > .10).

CONCLUSIONS

DM is associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with B-cell NHL, which is consistent in patients with DLBCL. Concurrent metformin use in DM patients with NHL may be associated with improved survival outcomes.

Limited-stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: current management and challenges

Twenty-five to thirty per cent of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) presents as limited stage (I-II). Prognosis is generally excellent with four to six cycles of R-CHOP alone (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisolone) or combined-modality therapy with three or four cycles and involved-site radiotherapy (RT). There is growing interest in optimising algorithms to retain disease control whilst minimising long-term toxicity, with several recent studies focusing on the safety of abbreviating chemotherapy and omitting RT in low-risk patients and the utility of PET-based response-adapted approaches. As these studies are limited to younger patients without risk factors, application of similar approaches in elderly or higher-risk patients is hampered by a lack of evidence. Whilst there has been a move away from using RT in low-risk patients, it remains a useful adjunct in specific situations. Current evidence cannot exclude a clinically meaningful benefit from RT even in low-risk patients and, given the low expected toxicity from modern RT techniques, a risk-benefit assessment should be individualised and considered in a multidisciplinary fashion. The optimal approach for extranodal limited-stage DLBCL (~40% of cases) varies according to site of origin. Herein we discuss the latest clinical trial evidence and how this can be applied in routine practice.

Infection-related morbidity and mortality among older patients with DLBCL treated with full- or attenuated-dose R-CHOP

Infection-related morbidity and mortality are increased in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) compared with population-matched controls. Key predictive factors for infection-related hospitalization during treatment with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) and deaths as a result of infection in older patients during and after treatment with R-CHOP remain incompletely understood. For this study, 690 consecutively treated patients age 70 years or older who received full-dose or attenuated-dose R-CHOP treatment were analyzed for risk of infection-related hospitalization and infection-related death. Median age was 77 years, and 34.4% were 80 years old or older. Median follow-up was 2.8 years (range, 0.4-8.9 years). Patient and baseline disease characteristics were assessed in addition to intended dose intensity (IDI). Of all patients, 72% were not hospitalized with infection. In 331 patients receiving an IDI ≥80%, 33% were hospitalized with ≥1 infections compared with 23.3% of 355 patients receiving an IDI of <80% (odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.25; P = .006). An increased risk of infection-related admission was independently associated with IDI >80% across the whole cohort. Primary quinolone prophylaxis independently reduced infection-related admission. A total of 51 patients died as a result of infection. The 6-month, 12-month, 2-year, and 5-year cumulative incidences of infection-related death were 3.3%, 5.0%, 7.2%, and 11.1%, respectively. Key independent factors associated with infection-related death were an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score of 3 to 5, Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G) score ≥6, and low albumin, which enabled us to generate a predictive risk score. We defined a smaller group (15%) of patients (IPI score of 0-2, albumin >36 g/L, CIRS-G score <6) in which no cases of infection-related deaths occurred at 5 years of follow-up. Whether patients at higher risk of infection-related death could be targeted with enhanced antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unknown and will require a randomized trial.

Health impact of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL): findings from a UK population-based cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine mortality and morbidity patterns before and after premalignancy diagnosis in individuals with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and compare their secondary healthcare activity to that of the general population.

DESIGN

Population-based patient cohort, within which each patient is matched at diagnosis to 10 age-matched and sex-matched individuals from the general population. Both cohorts are linked to nationwide information on deaths, cancer registrations and Hospital Episode Statistics.

SETTING

The UK's Haematological Malignancy Research Network, which has a catchment population of around 4 million served by 14 hospitals and a central diagnostic laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients newly diagnosed during 2009-2015 with MGUS (n=2193) or MBL (n=561) and their age and sex-matched comparators (n=27 538).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mortality and hospital inpatient and outpatient activity in the 5 years before and 3 years after diagnosis.

RESULTS

Individuals with MGUS experienced excess morbidity in the 5 years before diagnosis and excess mortality and morbidity in the 3 years after diagnosis. Increased rate ratios (RRs) were evident for nearly all clinical specialties, the largest, both before and after diagnosis, being for nephrology (before RR=4.29, 95% CI 3.90 to 4.71; after RR=13.8, 95% CI 12.8 to 15.0) and rheumatology (before RR=3.40, 95% CI 3.18 to 3.63; after RR=5.44, 95% CI 5.08 to 5.83). Strong effects were also evident for endocrinology, neurology, dermatology and respiratory medicine. Conversely, only marginal increases in mortality and morbidity were evident for MBL.

CONCLUSIONS

MGUS and MBL are generally considered to be relatively benign, since most individuals with monoclonal immunoglobulins never develop a B-cell malignancy or any other monoclonal protein-related organ/tissue-related disorder. Nonetheless, our findings offer strong support for the view that in some individuals, monoclonal gammopathy has the potential to cause systemic disease resulting in wide-ranging organ/tissue damage and excess mortality.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes among 2347 patients aged ≥85 years with major lymphoma subtypes: a Nordic Lymphoma Group study

There is a lack of data regarding treatment and prognosis for the growing group of oldest old patients with lymphoma. Therefore, we studied 2347 patients aged ≥85 years from the Danish and Swedish lymphoma registers 2000–2016 (Denmark) and 2007–2013 (Sweden). Outcome was assessed using relative survival (RS). The 2‐year RS overall for patients with aggressive lymphomas was 38% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35–42%], of whom 845 (66%) patients received active treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, other). For aggressive lymphomas, not receiving active treatment was associated with an inferior 2‐year RS of 12% (95% CI 9–17%) compared to 49% (95% CI 45–53%) for patients who received active treatment (excess mortality rate ratio 2·84, 95% CI 2·3–3·5; P < 0·0001). For patients with indolent lymphoma, the 2‐year RS was 77% (95% CI 72–82%). Here, 383 (46%) patients received active treatment at diagnosis, but did not have better 2‐year RS (75%, 95% CI 67–81%) compared to those who did not receive active treatment (83%, 95% CI 74–89%). We conclude that outcomes for the oldest old patients with lymphoma are encouraging for several subtypes and that active treatment is associated with improved outcome amongst the oldest old patients with aggressive lymphomas, indicating that age itself should not be a contraindication to treatment.

Psychiatric Disorders Are Associated with Increased Risk of Sepsis Following a Cancer Diagnosis

Psychiatric disorders and infections are both common comorbidities among patients with cancer. However, little is known about the role of precancer psychiatric disorders on the subsequent risk of sepsis as a complication of infections among patients with cancer. We conducted a cohort study of 362,500 patients with newly diagnosed cancer during 2006-2014 in Sweden. We used flexible parametric models to calculate the HRs of sepsis after cancer diagnosis in relation to precancer psychiatric disorders and the analyses were performed in two models. In model 1, analyses were adjusted for sex, age at cancer diagnosis, calendar period, region of residence, and type of cancer. In model 2, further adjustments were made for marital status, educational level, cancer stage, infection history, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, we identified 872 cases of sepsis among patients with cancer with precancer psychiatric disorders (incidence rate, IR, 14.8 per 1,000 person-years) and 12,133 cases among patients with cancer without such disorders (IR, 11.6 per 1000 person-years), leading to a statistically significant association between precancer psychiatric disorders and sepsis in both the simplified (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.22-1.40) and full (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.18-1.35) models. The positive association was consistently noted among patients with different demographic factors or cancer characteristics, for most cancer types, and during the entire follow-up after cancer diagnosis. Collectively, preexisting psychiatric disorders were associated with an increased risk of sepsis after cancer diagnosis, suggesting a need of heightened clinical awareness in this patient group. SIGNIFICANCE: These results call for extended prevention and surveillance of sepsis among patients with cancer with psychiatric comorbidities.

The Prognostic Impact of Comorbidities in Patients with De-Novo Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Treated with R-CHOP Immunochemotherapy in Curative Intent

Background: Patient-related factors, namely comorbidities, impact the clinical outcome of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods: The prevalence and prognostic impact of comorbidities were examined using the validated scores Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) in 181 patients with DLBCL at initial diagnosis before treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHOP). Results: Pronounced comorbidities as defined by CCI and HCT-CI scoring of ≥2 were detected in 9.9% and 28.2% of patients, respectively, and occurred more frequently at advanced age (p < 0.001). Higher CCI scoring was associated with lower complete response rate (p = 0.020). Both advanced CCI and HCT-CI were significantly associated with shortened overall survival (3-year OS: CCI ≥2 vs. 0–1, 38.9% vs. 81.3%, p < 0.001; HCT-CI ≥2 vs. 0–1, 56.9% vs. 84.9%, p < 0.001). Both comorbidity scores remained independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis (HCT-CI ≥2 HR: 2.6, p = 0.004; CCI ≥2 HR: 3.6, p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the prognostic relevance of comorbidities classified by CCI and HCT-CI in patients with DLBCL undergoing curative treatment with R-CHOP. A structured evaluation of comorbidities might refine prognostication alongside currently used prognostic parameters, namely age, and should be evaluated in prospective trials.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with multiple myeloma in South Tyrol: a retrospective single-center analysis

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) as well as the introduction of novel agents (NA) significantly improved survival for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). A total of 150 unselected newly diagnosed MM patients treated at our institution from 1998 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Median age at diagnosis was 69 years (range 33-93 years) with a median follow-up of 48.6 months. The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 60.7 months (range 0.3-280.1). Patients who received frontline HD-ASCT (p < 0.01) or NA-based first-line treatment (p = 0.043) had a significantly better OS. According to the revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index (R-MCI), patients were defined as fit (36.5%), intermediate-fit (44.5%), or frail (19%) with a significant difference in OS between these categories (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed R-MCI as an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.01). Presence of subclinical amyloid deposits (A+) was detected in 18 out of 66 patients (27.3%) and significantly correlated with a serum free light chain (sFLC) ratio ≥ 100 (p = 0.01) and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration > 60% (p = 0.04). Furthermore, patients with A+ had significantly worse OS compared with their counterparts (p = 0.048). Our results corroborate the efficacy of both early HD-ASCT and the use of new agents as initial therapy of MM patients in "real-world" daily clinical practice. The R-MCI is an easily applicable tool to stratify MM patients and may support treatment decisions. The prognostic value of subclinical amyloid deposition should be validated within prospective studies.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus compromises the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with (R)-CHOP - the PLRG report

Comorbidities impair the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMT2) increases the risk of other comorbidities, e.g., heart failure (HF). Thus, we hypothesized that pre-existing DMT2 may negatively affect the outcome of DLBCL. To verify this, DLBCL patients treated with (R)-CHOP were enrolled. 469 patients were eligible, with a median age of 57 years; 356 patients had advanced-stage DLBCL. 126 patients had high-intermediate and 83 high-risk international prognostic index (IPI). Seventy-six patients had DMT2, 46 HF; 26 patients suffered from both DMT2 and HF. In the analyzed group DMT2 or HF significantly shortened overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS): the 5-year OS for patients with DMT2 was 64% vs 79% and for those with HF: 49% vs 79%. The 5-year PFS for DMT2 was 50.6% vs 62.5% and for HF 39.4% vs 63.2%. The relapse/progression incidence was comparable between groups; the non-relapse/progression mortality (NRPM) was significantly higher solely in DMT2 patients (5-year NRPM 22.5% vs 8.4%). The risk of death was higher in patients with higher IPI (HR = 1.85) and with DMT2 (HR = 1.87). To conclude, pre-existing DMT2, in addition to a higher IPI and HF, was a negative predictor for OS and PFS.

Cardiovascular Diseases And Psychiatric Disorders During The Diagnostic Workup Of Suspected Hematological Malignancy

Background

Little attention has been given to the risk of cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities during the clinical evaluation of a suspected hematological malignancy.

Methods

Based on Skåne Healthcare Register, we performed a population-based cohort study of 1,527,449 individuals residing during 2005-2014 in Skåne, Sweden. We calculated the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of cardiovascular diseases or psychiatric disorders during the diagnostic workup of 5495 patients with hematological malignancy and 18,906 individuals that underwent a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy or lymph node biopsy without receiving a diagnosis of any malignancy ("biopsied individuals"), compared to individuals without such experience (i.e., reference).

Results

There was a higher rate of cardiovascular diseases during the diagnostic workup of patients with hematological malignancy (overall IRR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.9 to 3.8; greatest IRR for embolism and thrombosis, 8.1; 95% CI, 5.2 to 12.8) and biopsied individuals (overall IRR, 4.9; 95% CI, 4.6 to 5.3; greatest IRR for stroke, 37.5; 95% CI, 34.1 to 41.2), compared to reference. Similarly, there was a higher rate of psychiatric disorders during the diagnostic workup of patients with hematological malignancy (IRR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.8) and biopsied individuals (IRR, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.9 to 3.4). The rate increases were greater around the time of diagnosis or biopsy, compared to thereafter, for both outcomes.

Conclusion

There were higher rates of cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders during the diagnostic workup of a suspected hematological malignancy, regardless of the final diagnosis.

Impact of intended and relative dose intensity of R-CHOP in a large, consecutive cohort of elderly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with curative intent: no difference in cumulative incidence of relapse comparing patients by age

BACKGROUND

The increasing incidence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in ageing populations places a significant burden on healthcare systems. Co-morbidity, frailty, and reduced organ and physiological reserve contribute to treatment-related complications. The optimal dose intensity of R-CHOP to optimize outcome across different ages with variable frailty and comorbidity burden is unclear.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

We examined the influence of intended (IDI) and relative (RDI) dose intensity of the combination of cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin, age and comorbidity on outcomes for DLBCL patients ≥70 years in a representative, consecutive cohort across eight UK centres (2009-2018). We determined predictors of survival using multivariable Cox regression, and predictors of recurrence before death using competing risks regression.

RESULTS

Porgression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly inferior in patients ≥80 vs. 70-79 years (P < 0.001). In contrast, 2-year cumulative relapse incidence, when accounting for non-relapse mortality as a competing risk, was no different between 70-79 vs. ≥80 years (P = 0.27) or comorbidity status (CIRS-G: 0-6 vs. >6) (P = 0.27). In 70-79 years, patients with an IDI ≥80% had a significantly improved PFS and OS (P < 0.001) compared to IDI < 80%. Conversely, in patients ≥80 years, there was no difference in PFS (P = 0.88) or OS (P = 0.75) according to IDI <80% vs. ≥80%. On multivariable analysis, when comparing by age, there was a significantly higher cumulative relapse rate for patients aged 70-79 years with an IDI <80% (vs. >80%) (P = 0.04) but not for patients ≥80 years comparing IDI (P = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

'R-mini-CHOP' provides adequate lymphoma-specific disease control and represents a reasonable treatment option in elderly patients ≥80 years aiming for cure.