What determines the outcomes for adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated on cooperative group protocols? A comparison of Children's Cancer Group and Cancer and Leukemia Group B studies

The Efficacy of Pediatric-Inspired Regimens vs. Hyper-CVAD in the Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL/LBL) have poorer outcomes than pediatric patients. The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis was to compare asparaginase (ASP)-containing pediatric-inspired regimens (PIRs) with hyper-fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (hyper-CVAD) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with ALL/LBL. Searches included relevant publications up to April 21, 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted in four studies with comparable demographics, to estimate the effects of intervention on rates of response and survival. Patients receiving PIRs were approximately twice as likely to achieve complete response and 1.8 times more likely to survive than patients receiving hyper-CVAD. These results suggest ASP-containing PIRs are associated with improved outcomes in AYAs compared with hyper-CVAD.

Aberrant overexpression of m6A writer and reader genes in pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL)

BACKGROUND

m6A modification, regulated by writers (METTL3, METTL14), erasers (ALKBH5, FTO), and readers (IGF2BPs), is implicated in various cancers, including leukemias.

METHODS

In our study, we examined a cohort of 227 pediatric B-ALL patients (152 primary and 75 relapsed) and assessed the expression profiles of m6A machinery genes, including both writers and erasers, as well as the IGF2BP RNA-binding proteins, which are known as m6A readers. We also quantified the absolute percentage of m6A (m6A%). The correlation between m6A machinery gene expression and patient prognosis was studied using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed a significant upregulation of m6A writers (METTL3 and METTL14), erasers (FTO), and m6A readers (IGF2BPs 1 and 3) in B-ALL patients, both in the primary and relapsed groups. m6A% levels were markedly higher in B-ALL samples than in controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that the expression of IGF2BP3, METTL3, and FTO genes, independently predicted lower overall survival and event-free survival in primary B-ALL patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the collective dysregulation of the m6A machinery, the writers and readers appear to have a more dominant phenotype, as evidenced by the significantly elevated m6A% levels. This is the first study to analyze and establish the role of m6A machinery gene expression and its correlation with survival outcomes in a large group of B-ALL patients. These findings could aid in the development of new therapeutics targeting the m6A machinery and help predict relapse in pediatric B-ALL patients.

Refining Risk Stratification for B-cell Precursor Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated With a Pediatric-inspired Regimen by Combining IKZF1 Deletion and Minimal Residual Disease

INTRODUCTION

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the most important prognostic factor for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) however nearly 20-30% of patients relapsed even when they achieved negative MRD, how to identify these patients is less addressed. In this study, we aimed to reassess the prognostic significance of MRD and IKZF1 in adult B-ALL patients receiving pediatric chemotherapy regimens.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 202 newly diagnosed adult patients with B-ALL treated at Nanfang Hospital between January 2016 and September 2020 were enrolled in the population-based protocol of the PDT-ALL-2016 trial (NCT03564470), a GRAALL-backbone, peg-aspargase-intensified, antimetabolite-based pediatric-inspired regimen therapy. The validation dataset COG-P9906, which includes complete gene expression profiles and clinical data for 190 samples, is accessible via the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) at the following link: (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/), under the accession code GSE11877.

MAIN FINDINGS

B-ALL patients were redefined as standard (MRD-negative and IKZF1wild-type), intermediate (MRD-positive or IKZF1 deletion), and high-risk (MRD-positive and IKZF1 deletion) groups by combining IKZF1 deletion status and MRD. In the PDT-ALL-2016 cohort, patients in the high- and intermediate-risk groups who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) exhibited significantly improved 5-year overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and lower cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) compared to those who received chemotherapy alone. In the PDT-ALL-2016 cohort, no significant advantage was observed in the 5-year OS, EFS, and CIR of patients in the standard-risk group who received allo-HSCT compared to those who received chemotherapy.

DISCUSSION

Traditional risk factors, incorporating clinical and cytogenetic features, have been previously evaluated to stratify risks and guide treatment decisions. However, the prognostic strength of this stratified system is limited by the pediatric-inspired protocol background, making it difficult to identify patients with a high risk of relapse. Therefore, in the era of pediatric-inspired protocols, it is imperative to reassess traditional risk factors to identify patients at high risk of recurrence and mortality.In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the combination of MRD and IKZF1 to develop an efficient risk stratification tool for adult patients with B-ALL in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy era. Moreover, allo-HSCT had distinct efficacy at different risk levels, which means that the decision to perform allo-HSCT may be well guided by this risk classification scheme.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, based on our cohort study and validation cohort, we demonstrated that the combination of MRD and IKZF1 deletion allows for better risk stratification of adults with B-ALL and that allo-HSCT mitigates the poor prognosis of MRD+ and/or IKZF1del subgroups.

Better late than never: Delayed asparaginase during induction for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults

Paediatric regimens which incorporate asparaginase have improved outcomes of adolescents and younger adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia but are limited by toxicity. This retrospective report by Tinajero and Xu suggests that delaying the timing of asparaginase administration during ALL induction may reduce risk of hepatotoxicity. Commentary on: Tinajero et al. Delaying pegaspargase during induction in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is associated with lower risk of high-grade hepatotoxicity without adversely impacting outcomes. Br J Haematol 2025; 206:868-875.

Results of Cancer and Leukemia Group B 10102 (Alliance), a Phase 1/2 Study

BACKGROUND

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults is aggressive, with long-term outcomes impacted by treatment resistance and toxicity. CD52 is expressed in most cases of B- and T-lineage ALL. Alemtuzumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that targets CD52, was identified as a potential agent to improve treatment efficacy without increasing toxicity.

METHODS

In this phase 1/2 study (Cancer and Leukemia Group B [CALGB] 10102, NCT00061945), a course of single-agent alemtuzumab was intercalated into CALGB 19802 backbone chemotherapy after the third course of intensive chemotherapy in those who were CD52+ at diagnosis. Phase 1 tested three dose levels of subcutaneous alemtuzumab (10, 20, and 30 mg 3 times weekly for 4 weeks/12 doses) and demonstrated that 30 mg was tolerable. Phase 2 established feasibility.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 295 evaluable patients (115 in phase 1, 180 in phase 2); 206 (69.8%) were CD52+. Among evaluable CD52+ patients, 43.7% (90/206) completed the first three treatment modules; 97.8% (88 of 90) were treated with alemtuzumab. Alemtuzumab was associated with cytomegalovirus viremia, which occurred in 23.3% (14 of 60) of patients during and 29.2% (19 of 65) after alemtuzumab treatment. With a median follow-up of 101.2 months, median overall survival (OS) was 26.3 months (3-year rate, 44%; 5-year rate, 36%; 10-year rate, 31%). Landmark analysis at the start of the fourth course of treatment demonstrated no difference in OS or disease-free survival between patients who did and who did not receive alemtuzumab.

CONCLUSION

Alemtuzumab was feasible to administer in adults with ALL receiving intensive chemotherapy, but was without evidence of benefit.

Abatement of the Survival Cliff in Older Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in the United States

Purpose: In 2018, a "survival cliff" in the United States was identified among older adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). This study reassessed the cliff and associated putative causes. Methods: Survival data were obtained using the U.S. Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER 22 Registries. Accrual data on cancer treatment trials conducted by the NCI cooperative groups and NCI-designated cancer centers were obtained from the NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program. Trend and average percent changes and statistical significances were identified with the NCI Joinpoint Regression Program. Results: A previous cliff-like decrement in the survival of 17- to 20-year-olds is no longer apparent, overall and in all racial and ethnic groups. The "survival cliff" age range was coincident with a clinical trial accrual cliff, and both diminished when more clinical trials were available to, and participated in by, young adult patients. Older AYA patients of ages 30-39 had minimal improvement in clinical trial accrual and least survival gain among the AYA age group. Conclusion: The survival cliff has abated, resulting in thousands of fewer premature deaths and tens of thousands of years of life saved-a remarkable achievement. The survival improvement may be attributed to improved clinical trial availability for and recruitment and participation of AYAs on treatment trials, application of pediatric-inspired ALL treatment regimens to AYAs, expanded national health insurance for -18 to 25 year olds, improved AYA cancer services, and a national focus on AYA oncology.

[Clinical characteristics and treatment efficacy of newly diagnosed acute leukemia in the plateau]

Objective: This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with acute leukemia in the plateau. Methods: The clinical information of patients diagnosed with acute leukemia from February 2010 to April 2023 at the People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region was reviewed and collected, including blood cell count, morphology, immunophenotype, cytogenetics, and molecular data. Survival analysis was conducted to analyze the outcome of patients with acute leukemia. Results: This study enrolled 105 patients with acute leukemia, including 24 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 62 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 19 with acute leukemia without baseline data. Of the patients with ALL, 11 underwent bone marrow testing for immunophenotype, all of whom were B-cell lineage. The main FAB subtype of patients with AML was M(2) (25/57), followed by M(3) (12/57), M(5) (6/57), M(4EO) (5/57), M(1) (4/57), M(4) (4/57), and M(0) (1/57). The complete remission rates of patients with ALL, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and AML (non-APL) after one course of induction therapy were 57.1% (8/14), 100% (6/6), and 53.6% (15/28), respectively. The median event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with ALL were 2 (95% CI 0-9) and 3 (95% CI 0-9) months, respectively, with a median followup of 37 (95% CI 17-57) months. Patients with APL did not reach median EFS or OS, whereas the median EFS and OS for core binding factor AML (CBF-AML) cases were 10 (95% CI 0-21) months and 13 (95% CI 3-23) months, respectively, and patients with non-CBF-AML had inferior median EFS (2 months, 95% CI 1-3) and OS (2 months, 95% CI 1-3) (P<0.01). Patients with ALL treated from 2020 to 2023 demonstrated trends toward better EFS (P=0.16) and OS (P=0.10) than those treated from 2010 to 2019. Similarly, trends toward superior EFS (P=0.27) and OS (P=0.12) were observed in patients with AML treated from 2016 to 2023, in comparison with those treated from 2010 to 2015. Conclusion: Progress in the treatment and prognosis of patients with acute leukemia in the plateau has been observed in recent years, which can be further promoted by precision diagnosis and tailored regimens.

A comparative analysis of IDH-mutant glioma in pediatric, young adult, and older adult patients

BACKGROUND

The frequency and significance of IDH mutations in glioma across age groups are incompletely understood. We performed a multi-center retrospective age-stratified comparison of patients with IDH-mutant gliomas to identify age-specific differences in clinico-genomic features, treatments, and outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical, histologic, and sequencing data from patients with IDH-mutant, grades 2-4 gliomas, were collected from collaborating institutions between 2013 and 2019. Patients were categorized as pediatric (<19 years), young adult (YA; 19-39 years), or older adult (≥40 years). Clinical presentation, treatment, histologic, and molecular features were compared across age categories using Fisher's exact test or analysis-of-variance. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to determine the association of age and other covariates with overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

We identified a cohort of 379 patients (204 YA) with IDH-mutant glioma with clinical data. There were 155 (41%) oligodendrogliomas and 224 (59%) astrocytomas. YA showed significantly shorter PFS and shorter median time-to-malignant transformation (MT) compared to pediatric and adult groups, but no significant OS difference. Adjusting for pathology type, extent of resection, and upfront therapy in multivariable analysis, the YA group was independently prognostic of shorter PFS than pediatric and adult groups. Among astrocytomas, CDK4/6 copy number amplifications were associated with both shorter PFS and shorter OS. Among oligodendrogliomas, PIK3CA and CDKN2A/2B alterations were associated with shorter OS.

CONCLUSIONS

IDH-mutant glioma YA patients had significantly shorter PFS and time to MT but did not differ in OS compared to pediatric and adult groups. Treatment approaches varied significantly by patient age and warrant further study as addressable age-associated outcome drivers.

Efficacy and safety of blinatumomab for the treatment of patients relapsing after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a systemic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of blinatumomab for the treatment of post-transplant relapse patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

METHODS

The search was conducted using several databases including the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform to collect clinical studies related to blinatumomab. The primary outcome measures were complete remission (CR), 1-year overall survival (OS), 2-year OS, median OS and adverse events (AEs). Grade ≥3 AEs were mainly analyzed for safety, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, encephalopathy, peripheral paresthesia, tremor and cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies, involving a total of 292 patients were included in the analysis. The analysis results showed CR rate of 48%, 1-year OS rate of 40% 2-year OS rate of 21%, median OS 7.47. For safety analysis, the incidence of grade ≥3 AEs, including the incidence of grade ≥3 anemic toxicity was 13% , the incidence of grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia toxicity was 7% , the incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia toxicity 24%, the incidence of grade ≥3 encephalopathic toxicity was 4% , the incidence of grade ≥3 peripheral paresthesia toxicity 4%, the incidence of grade ≥3 tremor toxicity 8% , the incidence of grade ≥3 CRS toxicity was 4%.

CONCLUSION

Blinatumomab may be a safe and an effective treatment approach for post-transplant relapse patients with ALL, but its long-term efficacy is still a big challenge. In regard to Regarding AEs, serious CRS and neurological events were infrequent and manageable.

A pediatric-inspired regimen for adolescent and adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective study from China

Several international centers have used and reported on pediatric-inspired regimens to treat adolescent and adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph- ALL). However, there is a lack of prospective data from the Chinese population. We performed a prospective study with a pediatric-inspired regimen (IH-2014 regimen) to treat adolescent and adult Ph- ALL patients in our center. From 2014 to 2021, a total of 415 patients aged between 14 and 65 years (median age, 27 years) were included in this study. After a median follow-up of 40.8 months, the 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and event-free survival rates were 53.8%, 51.1% and 45.0%, respectively. The regimen was generally well tolerated and safe, and the overall chemotherapy-related mortality was 3.6%. Age ≥40 years and persistent detectable minimal residual disease (MRD) after induction were independent prognostic factors. Traditional risk factors for adult patients combined with post-induction MRD had predictive significance for survival and relapse, which is helpful in the selection of subsequent treatment. Patients with high-risk factors who can achieve a deep MRD response after induction do not derive benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Advances in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia

There have been major paradigm shifts in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome negative (Ph-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the last decade with the introduction of new immunotherapies and targeted agents, adoption of pediatric-type chemotherapy protocols in younger adults as well as chemotherapy light approaches in older adults and the incorporation of measurable residual disease (MRD) testing to inform clinical decision making. With this, treatment outcomes in adult Ph- ALL have improved across all age groups. However, a subset of patients will still develop relapsed disease, which can be challenging to treat and associated with poor outcomes. Here we review the treatment of Ph- ALL in both younger and older adults, including the latest advancements and future directions.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a haematological malignancy characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of immature lymphoid cells. Over past decades, significant progress has been made in understanding the biology of ALL, resulting in remarkable improvements in its diagnosis, treatment and monitoring. Since the advent of chemotherapy, ALL has been the platform to test for innovative approaches applicable to cancer in general. For example, the advent of omics medicine has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic features that underpin ALL. Innovations in genomic profiling techniques have identified specific genetic alterations and mutations that drive ALL, inspiring new therapies. Targeted agents, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies, have shown promising results in subgroups of patients while minimizing adverse effects. Furthermore, the development of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy represents a breakthrough in ALL treatment, resulting in remarkable responses and potential long-term remissions. Advances are not limited to treatment modalities alone. Measurable residual disease monitoring and ex vivo drug response profiling screening have provided earlier detection of disease relapse and identification of exceptional responders, enabling clinicians to adjust treatment strategies for individual patients. Decades of supportive and prophylactic care have improved the management of treatment-related complications, enhancing the quality of life for patients with ALL.

Defining Practice Capacity for Cancer Care Delivery to Adolescents and Young Adults in the Community Setting: 2022 Landscape Assessment Results

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) commonly receive cancer care in the community setting, but the availability of treatment options, resources, and support services for this population is not well known. The National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) funds a network of practices whose mission is to increase access to cancer care and clinical trials in the community setting. We describe our interdisciplinary methodological approach to identify and characterize NCORP practices where AYAs receive cancer care. Methods: NCORP practices completed a cross-sectional Landscape Assessment to describe resources and practice characteristics. We established an interdisciplinary team of stakeholders to analyze the Landscape Assessment data relating to AYAs. Through an iterative process, we assessed NCORP practice responses to questions assessing AYA cancer care capacity, determined a threshold to define practices treating AYAs, and characterized these practices. Results: We determined that practices provide cancer care to AYAs if the following criteria were met: (1) endorsed having an AYA program (n = 20), (2) AYAs comprised ≥5% of annual cancer cases (n = 55), or (3) the practice treated ≥50 AYA cancer cases annually (n = 70). Of 271 NCORP practices, 100 (37%) met any criteria, whereas 87 (32%) did not; 84 (31%) could not be classified due to missing or unknown data. Conclusion: Using an interdisciplinary process, we define practices that treat AYAs in the community. We posit a uniform approach to examine resources and practice capacity for AYAs receiving cancer care across the United States to guide future AYA-focused cancer care delivery research development.

The burden of acute lymphoid leukemia among adolescents and young adults in the Western Pacific Region: evidence from Global Burden Disease 2019

PURPOSE

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer that affects white blood cells. Here, we use data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, to estimate the burden and incidence rate changes in adolescents and young adults (AYA) ALL in the Western Pacific Region and to reveal potential risk factors of incidence- and mortality rates.

METHODS

The GBD 2019 study data was stratified by sex, age, country, and territory. We calculated the Estimated annual percentage changes (estimated APC) in mortality and incidence rates for each of the 25 countries and territories of the western Pacific region from 1990 to 2019.

RESULTS

This study found global AYA ALL incidence rates had increased while the mortality rates had decreased between 1990 and 2019. Moreover, healthcare access and quality (HAQ), and government per capita health spending were identified as country-level risk factors of AYA ALL incidence rates, while HAQ, male education, and sex were identified as mortality rate predictors in 25 Western Pacific Region countries.

CONCLUSION

To address and reduce the burden of incidence and mortality among AYA, various regions around the world, particularly developing countries, could revise their AYA prevention and treatment strategies.

Real-World Outcomes of Adolescents and Young Adults with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

Purpose: Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are typically treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP). However, a standard of care for managing adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with DLBCL is lacking. We examine treatment approaches and outcomes of this population. Methods: We included 90 AYAs (15-39 years) diagnosed with DLBCL between 2008 and 2018 in three tertiary centers in Peru. Overall response rates (ORR) were available for all patients. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 33 years, 57% were males, 57% had good performance status (Lansky/Karnofsky ≥90), and 61% were diagnosed with early-stage disease (Ann Arbor stages I-II). R-CHOP (n = 69, 77%) was the most frequently used first-line regimen, with an ORR of 91%. With a median follow-up of 83 months, the 5-year OS and PFS among all patients were 79% and 67%, respectively. Among the patients who received R-CHOP, the 5-year OS and PFS were 77% and 66%, respectively. Of the 29 (32%) patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease, 83% received second-line treatment and only 14% underwent consolidation therapy with autologous transplantation. The 3-year OS for R/R DLBCL was 36%. Conclusion: Our data show that AYAs with DLBCL who received conventional therapy had comparable outcomes to those observed in studies conducted among the adult population. However, the prognosis for AYAs with R/R disease was dismal, indicating the unmet need for developing and increasing access to novel treatment modalities in AYAs.

The global burden of childhood and adolescent leukaemia and attributable risk factors: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background

Aim of this study is to estimate the burden of leukaemia in children and adolescents, as well as the socio-demographic index (SDI), for 21 regions around the world from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

We also conducted an analysis of the Joinpoint model to estimate the time trend of childhood and adolescent leukaemia incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate and age-standardised rates (ASR) of leukaemia.

Results

According to our analysis, the middle SDI experienced the highest decrease in incidence rate between 1990 and 2019, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of -2.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) = -3.0, -2.6, P < 0.05). We showed that DALYs of children leukaemia is 155.98 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) = 127.18, 182.64) for global male, however, global female leukaemia DALYs is 117.65 (95% UI = 102.07, 132.70).

Conclusions

Despite the observed decline in the incidence, mortality, and DALYs of leukaemia over the last three decades, the burden of childhood and adolescent leukaemia remains high, particularly in areas with lower SDI.

Treatment completion, asparaginase completion, and oncologic outcomes among children, adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with DFCI Consortium Protocols

Adolescents and young adult (AYA) patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) face worse outcomes than children. While pediatric-inspired protocols have improved outcomes, the ability of patients to complete these intensive regimens and the reasons for discontinuation are unknown. We analyzed a cohort of 332 AYA patients (aged 15-49 years) and 1159 children (aged 1-14 years) with Ph-negative ALL treated on DFCI consortium protocols. We found that AYA patients completed treatment at lower rates than children (60.8% vs. 89.7%, p < 0.001), primarily due to higher rates of early treatment failure (14.5% vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). Withdrawal from treatment for toxicity, social/personal, or unknown reasons was uncommon, but higher among AYA patients (9.3% vs 4.7%, p = 0.001). Patients who remained on assigned therapy for one year had favorable overall survival (AYA 5-year OS 88.9%; children 5-year OS 96.4%; p < 0.001). Among patients who continued treatment for 1 year, AYA patients completed asparaginase (defined as receiving 26+ weeks) at lower rates than children (79.1% vs. 89.6%, p < 0.001). Patients who received more weeks of consolidation asparaginase had higher overall and event-free survival. Efforts should focus on identifying patients at risk for early treatment failure and optimizing asparaginase delivery.

Management of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: A consensus report from the GCC Adult ALL Working Group

Leukemia burden is growing in the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) countries. Nonetheless, there is no unified protocol for managing adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients in the GCC-countries. Therefore, the GCC Adult-ALL Treaters working group developed this consensus to address the adult-ALL treatment protocols in the GCC-countries and related toxicities' management. Besides, the consensus aimed to highlight the current unmet needs and treatment gaps and provide recommendations to optimize adult-ALL care and patient-centered communication. A three-step modified Delphi method to develop evidence-based recommendations through two-voting rounds and in-between virtual meetings are used in the manuscript development. A 12 experts' panel from five GCC-countries and two international experts were invited to participate in this consensus. This consensus consisted of 35-statements that highlighted the experts' recommendations to optimize ALL adults' care in the first line setting and manage pediatric or pediatric-inspired regimens-related toxicities. Besides, guidance was provided for future research direction and improve patient-centered communication. In conclusion, the adult-ALL management landscape is evolving, and the current evidence highlights better response and survival outcomes with pediatric or pediatric-inspired regiments. Therefore, protocols are needed to optimize the adult-ALL management in the GCC and tailored clinical-trials findings according to the GCC patients' characteristics and local-healthcare infrastructure.

Gaps in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Education in Oncology Fellowship Training

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs, 15-39 years) with cancer experience disparities in care and outcomes compared with older/younger patients. AYAs receive care from medical and pediatric oncologists, however, little is known about the extent of training fellows receive. This needs assessment evaluating current AYA oncology (AYA-O) education in pediatric and medical oncology fellowship programs to identify knowledge gaps for curricular development. Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey developed by pediatric and medical oncologists was sent to medical (n = 178) and pediatric (n = 119) hematology/oncology program directors (PDs) at 251 sites in the United States. PDs were asked to participate and distribute the survey to their fellows. Survey questions addressed current AYA curriculum, provider comfort, and priorities for future AYA educational content. Results: Participants from 69/251 programs responded (program response rate = 27%), including 51 PDs (32 pediatric, 19 medical oncology) and 58 fellows (33 pediatric, 25 medical oncology). Eighty-five percent of PDs (44/51) reported lacking formal AYA curricula. Of these, 80% (35/44) offer some topic-specific lectures, while 20% (9/44) provide little/no education for any topics. For nearly all topics, at least 45% of combined respondents reported little/no education. Respondents believe AYA topics are important for inclusion in future curricula. The most important topics for inclusion reported were oncofertility (82%), survivorship (78%), and communication (77%). Conclusions: There are large and actionable gaps in AYA-O education during fellowship training. Efforts are underway to develop AYA-O curriculum to provide both medical and pediatric oncology fellows with the knowledge and skills required to provide optimal AYA care.

Diagnostic and therapeutic advances in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the era of gene analysis and targeted immunotherapy

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the most rapidly changing hematological malignancies with advanced understanding of the genetic landscape, detection methods of minimal residual disease (MRD), and the development of immunotherapeutic agents with good clinical outcomes. The annual incidence of adult ALL in Korea is 300-350 patients per year. The WHO classification of ALL was revised in 2022 to reflect the molecular cytogenetic features and suggest new adverse- risk subgroups, such as Ph-like ALL and ETP-ALL. We continue to use traditional adverse-risk features and cytogenetics, with MRD-directed post-remission therapy including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. However, with the introduction of novel agents, such as ponatinib, blinatumomab, and inotuzumab ozogamicin incorporated into frontline therapy, good MRD responses have been achieved, and overall survival outcomes are improving. Accordingly, some clinical trials have suggested a possible era of chemotherapy-free or transplantation-free approaches in the near future. Nevertheless, relapse of refractory ALL still occurs, and some poor ALL subtypes, such as Ph-like ALL and ETP-ALL, are unsolved problems for which novel agents and treatment strategies are needed. In this review, we summarize the currently applied diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the era of advanced genetic analysis and targeted immunotherapies in United States and Europe and introduce real-world Korean data.

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) vs pediatric patients: survival, risks, and barriers to enrollment

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; ages 15-39 years) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have worse outcomes than pediatric patients with ALL. Multiple factors contribute to this differential survival. AYAs are more likely to have higher-risk leukemia biology than children with ALL. AYA patients have more choices for treatment facility and treatment protocol, as well as barriers to clinical trial enrollment, both of which can affect survival. AYAs must also navigate psychosocial factors inherent to their unique developmental stage. Furthermore, AYAs typically sustain more treatment-related toxicities than pediatric patients. Treatment on pediatric or pediatric-inspired ALL protocols at pediatric cancer centers has been associated with improved outcomes for AYAs with ALL, but there is still variation in the treatment that AYAs with ALL receive. Clinical trials focused on AYAs with ALL and individualized decision-making regarding choice of treatment facility and treatment protocol are needed to optimize the survival and long-term outcomes of this patient population.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in young adults: which up-front treatment?

Significant improvements have occurred for adolescent and young adult (AYA) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients following the widespread adoption of "pediatric-inspired" treatment regimens for AYA patients cared for in adult oncology settings. However, for AYA patients, aged 15 to 39, an outcomes gap remains in B-ALL, necessitating the incorporation of novel therapies into up-front treatment regimens. As a result, clinical trial enrollment remains the current standard of care for AYA B-ALL across disease subtypes when available and accessible. Currently, several up-front trials are looking to incorporate the use of inotuzumab, blinatumomab, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy into existing chemotherapy backbones for AYA patients, as well as tyrosine kinase inhibitors for both Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) and Ph-like B-ALL. In addition to ongoing attempts to improve up-front treatments by incorporating immunotherapy and targeted approaches, the increased use of next generation sequencing for measurable residual disease evaluation has led to superior risk-stratification and a decreased need to pursue consolidative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation during the first complete remission for many patients.

Asparaginase dosing for obese patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and factors that contribute to outcomes

Asparaginase in various forms is a standard part of the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adolescents. However, its use is more selective in adults. One of the key reasons is the toxicity observed from this class of agents. In a series of recent post hoc analyses of large prospective studies, obesity has emerged as a key factor that contributes to the challenges with administering regimens that include asparaginase. In this review, the most salient findings are highlighted from these latest publications, both from the pediatric and adult literature. These data are consolidated into recommendations for clinicians who treat adults with ALL, including proposals for how treatment may be modified to try to account for these complications. Lastly, avenues for future investigation are proposed in an attempt to narrow our knowledge gaps in this field, with the goal of safer and more effective treatment for adults with obesity who develop ALL.

Comparison of the outcomes of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma between the neurosurgery and hematology/oncology departments based on the relative dose intensity of methotrexate

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an extranodal type of lymphoma, which is treated with methotrexate (MTX)-based induction therapy. Although PCNSL is a hematological malignancy, patients with PCNSL may be treated at neurosurgery or hematology/oncology departments; however, the outcomes of PCNSL treatment have not been compared between these two departments. The present study compared the outcomes of 26 patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL that were treated at the Department of Neurological Surgery or Department of Hematology/Oncology (Wakayama Medical University Hospital, Wakayama, Japan) between January 2011 and December 2021. The relative dose intensity (RDI) and relative treatment intensity of MTX were assessed as indicators of the intensity of chemotherapy. The median RDI of MTX was 67 and 93% in the neurosurgery and hematology/oncology groups, respectively (P<0.001). The proportion of patients that achieved a complete response after high-dose MTX-based therapy was significantly higher in the hematology/oncology group than in the neurosurgery group (P=0.038). The estimated 2-year overall survival was 72 and 100% in the neurosurgery and hematology/oncology groups, respectively (P=0.046). As with the difference in the outcomes observed between pediatrics and hematology departments for adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the outcomes of patients with PCNSL may differ between neurosurgery and hematology/oncology departments.

Effect of BMI on toxicities and survival among adolescents and young adults treated on DFCI Consortium ALL trials

Adolescent and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with asparaginase-containing pediatric regimens are commonly overweight or obese. We studied the association of body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of 388 AYAs aged 15 to 50 years treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) consortium regimens (2008-2021). BMI was normal in 207 (53.3%) and overweight/obese in 181 (46.7%). Patients who were overweight or obese experienced higher nonrelapse mortality (NRM; 4-year, 11.7% vs 2.8%, P = .006), worse event-free survival (4-year, 63% vs 77%, P = .003), and worse overall survival (OS; 4-year, 64% vs 83%, P = .0001). Because younger (aged 15-29 years) AYAs more frequently had a normal BMI (79% vs 20%, P < .0001), we conducted separate analyses in each BMI group. We found excellent OS among younger and older (30-50 years) AYAs with normal BMI (4-year OS, 83% vs 85%, P = .89). Conversely, in AYAs who were overweight/obese, worse outcomes were seen in older AYAs (4-year OS, 55% vs 73%, P = .023). Regarding toxicity, AYAs who were overweight/obese experienced higher rates of grade 3/4 hepatotoxicity and hyperglycemia (60.7% vs 42.2%, P = .0005, and 36.4% vs 24.4%, P = .014, respectively) but had comparable rates of hypertriglyceridemia (29.5% vs 24.4%, P = .29). In a multivariable analysis, higher BMI was associated with worse OS, hypertriglyceridemia was associated with improved OS, and age was not associated with OS. In conclusion, among AYAs treated on DFCI Consortium ALL regimens, elevated BMI was associated with increased toxicity, increased NRM, and decreased OS. The deleterious effect of elevated BMI was more pronounced in older AYAs.

Comparison of a modified pediatric protocol versus a hyper-CVAD protocol in adolescents and young adults with Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A multicenter retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

The outcomes of Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have improved dramatically whereas outcomes for ALL amongst adolescents and young adults (AYA) have lagged behind. The introduction of pediatric-like regimens to manage adult ALL has shown promising outcomes across several analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this analysis, we aimed to retrospectively compare the differences in outcomes among patients aged 14-40 years with Philadelphia-negative ALL treated with a Hyper-CVAD protocol versus a modified pediatric protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were identified with 58 (56.3%) in the modified ABFM group and 45 (43.7%) in the hyper-CVAD group. The median duration of follow-up for the cohort was 39 months (range 1-93). There were significantly lower rates of MRD persistence after consolidation (10.3% vs. 26.7%, P = 0.031) and transplantation (15.5% vs. 46.6%, P < 0.001) in the modified ABFM group. 5-year OS rates (83.9% vs. 65.3%, P = 0.036) and DFS rates (67.4% vs. 44%, P = 0.014) were higher in the modified ABFM groups. The incidence of grade 3 and 4 hepatotoxicity (24.1% vs. 13.3%, P < 0.001) and osteonecrosis (20.6% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.005) were higher in the modified ABFM group.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis demonstrates that the use of a pediatric modified ABFM protocol demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the hyper-CVAD regimen in the treatment of Philadelphia-negative ALL amongst AYA patients. However, the modified ABFM protocol was associated with an increased risk of certain toxicities including high grade liver toxicity and osteonecrosis.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia: why do adolescents and young adults outcomes differ from those of children? A retrospective study on behalf of the Francophone Society of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)

PURPOSE

In the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) landscape, adolescents and young adults (AYA) often present high-risk diseases and increased chemotherapy-related toxicity. Studies analyzing the outcomes of AYA after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are scarce. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of children and AYA with ALL after HSCT and to determine the factors influencing potential differences.

METHOD

891 patients, from the SFGM-TC registry, aged between 1 and 25 years who received HSCT between 2005 and 2012 were included. The outcomes of AYA were compared to the ones of their younger counterparts.

RESULTS

Five-year OS and GRFS were lower in AYA: 53.1% versus 64% and 36% versus 47% (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.007, respectively). WhileCIR was similar in both groups, 5 year-treatment related mortality was higher in AYA: 19% versus 13% (p = 0.04). The lower GRFS in AYA was mainly explained by a higher chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) incidence: 32% versus 19% (p < 0.001). Use of peripheral blood stem cells and use of anti-thymoglobulin appeared to be the main factors impacting cGvHD occurrence in AYA.

CONCLUSION

AYA have worse outcomes than children after HSCT for ALL because of a greater risk of TRM due to cGvHD. HSCT practices should be questioned in this population.

How I prevent and treat central nervous system disease in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most important site of extramedullary disease in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Although CNS disease is identified only in a minority of patients at the time of diagnosis, subsequent CNS relapses (either isolated or concurrent with other sites) occur in some patients even after the delivery of prophylactic therapy targeted to the CNS. Historically, prophylaxis against CNS disease has included intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT), although the latter is being used with decreasing frequency. Treatment of a CNS relapse usually involves intensive systemic therapy and cranial or craniospinal RT along with IT therapy and consideration of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. However, short- and long-term toxicities can make these interventions prohibitively risky, particularly for older adults. As new antibody-based immunotherapy agents have been approved for relapsed/refractory B-cell ALL, their use specifically for patients with CNS disease is an area of keen interest not only because of the potential for efficacy but also concerns of unique toxicity to the CNS. In this review, we discuss data-driven approaches for these common and challenging clinical scenarios as well as highlight how recent findings potentially support the use of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for CNS disease.

Comparison of diagnostic and treatment processes among pediatric and adolescents and young adults' populations suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphomas

Introduction

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphomas affect both pediatric and adult populations, therefore, they might be treated by pediatric or adult centers.It has been proven that the prognosis among adolescents and young adults (AYA) is poorer than among children, which remains a subject of research. Many factors are suspected to affect the diagnostic and treatment processes in adolescents and young adults, one of them being the organization of the healthcare system.The aimof the studywas to compare the time intervals between different events on disease trajectory in pediatric and AYA groups suffering from ALL and lymphomas.

Methods

We collected data on 81 patients diagnosed with ALL (50 children and 31 AYAs) and 100 patients diagnosed with lymphomas (50 children and 50 AYAs). Statistical analysis was performed in order to compare the groups.

Results

The results confirmed the hypothesis that the duration of the diagnostic process differs significantly between groups. For patients with ALL, the analyzed time intervals were significantly shorter in the pediatric group than in the AYA group: first contact with a GP - admission to Hematology Department (2 vs. 5 days; pvalue= 0.004), first contact with a GP - treatment (6 vs. 12 days, p-value=0.001), diagnosis - treatment (1 vs. 3 days, p-value=0.003). In the case of patients suffering from lymphomas, the results were similar. The analyzed time intervals were significantly shorter in the pediatric group than in the AYA group: first contact with a GP- diagnosis (21 vs. 40.5 days, p-value<0.0001), first contact with a GP - treatment (27 vs. 65 days, p-value<0.0001). Trend analysis showed that the longer patients had presented symptoms before contacting the primary care physician, the longer they waited for the beginning of treatment both in ALL and lymphomas groups (p-values=0.0129 and 0.0038 respectively).

Discussion

As the diagnostic and treatment processes are longer for AYA patients, actions must be undertaken in order to ensure equality and improve the healthcare system in Poland and possibly other countries.

Using Teamwork to Bridge the Adolescent and Young Adult Gap

PURPOSE

Individuals diagnosed with cancer age between 15 and 39 years (adolescents and young adults [AYAs]) have not seen improvement in survival compared with children or older adults; clinical trial accrual correlates with survival. Unique unmet needs among AYAs related to psychosocial support and fertility preservation (FP) are associated with health-related quality of life.

METHODS

We enhanced existing structures and leveraged faculty/staff across pediatric/adult oncology to create novel teams focused on AYA (age 15-39 years) care at a single center, with minimal dedicated staff and no change to revenue streams. We aimed to influence domains shown to drive survival and health-related quality of life: clinical trial enrollment, physician/staff collaboration, psychosocial support, and FP. We captured metrics 3 months after patients presented to the institution and compared them before/after Program implementation using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Among 139 AYAs (age 15-39 years) from the pre-Program era (January 2016-February 2019: adult, n = 79; pediatric, n = 60), and 279 from the post-Program era (February 2019-March 2022: adult, n = 215; pediatric, n = 64), there was no change in clinical trial enrollment(P ≥ .3), whereas there was an increase in the proportion of AYAs referred for supportive care and psychology (pediatric: P ≤ .02; adult: P ≤ .001); whose oncologists discussed FP (pediatric: 15% v 52%, P < .0001; adult: 37% v 50%, P = .0004); and undergoing FP consults (pediatric: 8% v39%, P < .0001; adult 23% v 38%, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

This team-based framework has effected change in most targeted domains. To affect all domains and design optimal interventions, it is crucial to understand patient-level and facility-level barriers/facilitators to FP and clinical trial enrollment.

Treatment-related toxicities associated with hospitalization in children, adolescents, and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: population level analysis

Treatment-related toxicities (TRTs) are a potential cause of survival disparities in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We aimed to identify the most frequent TRTs associated with hospitalizations at a population level in children, adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We used the California Cancer Registry linked to a statewide hospital discharge database to identify children and AYAs with TRTs within 3 years of diagnosis. We assessed the frequency of TRTs, length of stay (LOS), admission rates associated with TRTs and TRTs impact on survival. Febrile neutropenia, hypertension, and thrombocytopenia were the most common TRTs for both children and AYAs. AYAs had longer median LOS compared to children for most toxicities. AYAs at non-specialized cancer centers (SCCs) had higher frequency of admissions associated with TRTs compared to non-SCC. Cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, and infectious TRTs were associated with worse survival. This study demonstrates the burden of TRTs in patients with ALL.

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Asparaginase-Understanding and Overcoming Toxicities in Adults with ALL

The adoption of pediatric-inspired regimens in young adults with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has significantly improved their survival outcomes. Pediatric-inspired regimens in ALL rely profoundly on delivering adequate dosing of non-myelosuppressive drugs of which asparaginase, a bacterial derived agent, is a key component. Asparaginase therapy is associated with a spectrum of unique toxicities that are observed more frequently in adult patients compared to children with ALL, and this observation has contributed to the reluctance of adult oncologists to administer the drug to their patients. Understanding the breadth of asparaginase toxicity and the associated risk factors may help in preventing severe manifestations and allow safer treatment for adults with ALL. In this review, we will discuss the different formulations of asparaginase and the appropriate dosing in adults with ALL. We will further discuss the frequency and risk factors for individual toxicities of asparaginase along with strategies for their prevention and management.

Hyper-CVAD-Based Stem Cell Microtransplant as Post-Remission Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Post-remission strategies for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are limited to the multiagent chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT), and cellular therapies are seldom involved. Although chemotherapy combined with mismatched granulocyte colony-stimulating factor mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cell infusion (microtransplant, MST) has been studied in patients with acute myeloid leukemia, its efficacy in ALL is still undetermined. We enrolled 48 patients receiving hyper-CVAD-based MST between July 1, 2009, and January 31, 2018. No acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in patients receiving MST. Four-year overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) were 62% and 35%, respectively, and the 4-year relapse rate was 65%. No patient experienced non-relapse mortality. Subgroup analysis showed that OS rates were comparable between groups with different age, risk stratification, minimal residual disease status prior to MST and immunophenotype. Adult patients tended to achieve better 4-year LFS (62% vs. 26%, P = .058) and lower hematologic relapse rate (38% vs. 74%, P = .058) compared with adolescent and young adult patients. Donor chimerism/microchimerism was detectable ranging from 0.002% to 42.78% in 78% (42/54) available samples within 14 days after each infusion and at 3 months or one year after the last cell infusion. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that white blood cells <30 × 109/L at diagnosis and sufficient hyper-CVAD cycles were prognostic factors for better 4-year OS and LFS, while the B-cell phenotype and higher number of infused CD34+ cells in the first cycle were predictors for favorable 4-year LFS. The hyper-CVAD-based MST was a feasible strategy for treating ALL patients with mild toxicity.

The current treatment approach to adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AYA-ALL): challenges and considerations

INTRODUCTION

AYA-ALL differs from pediatric ALL in terms of clinical, biological, psychosocial factors and access to care and has an inferior outcome. It is now being recognized that pediatric-inspired protocols are superior to adult protocols for this cohort, but given the lack of randomized trials, several questions remain unanswered.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we discuss how AYA-ALL is different from the pediatric ALL population, compare AYA ALL with ALL in middle and older age adults, review the studies that have enrolled the AYA cohort, summarize risk-stratified and response-adapted approaches, describe the biological subtypes, and review the novel agents/approaches under evaluation.

EXPERT OPINION

AYA-ALL is a complex and challenging disease that needs multidisciplinary and focused care. Well-designed clinical trials that focus on this cohort are needed to further improve the outcomes.

[Support and Challenges for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients]

The current adolescent and young adult (AYA) generation represents a unique age group, among whom life changes dramatically due to living environments including school, seeking employment, marriage, and pregnancy, and due to lack of a social support system for cancer during the AYA years. The 3rd term of the Basic Plan for Cancer Control Promotion has stimulated increased momentum toward medical community involvement with AYA generation cancer patients, leading to the establishment of a Department of Cancer in the AYA Generation at our hospital. While promoting provision of highest quality team-based medical care, we have also been working to provide the best daily life/social life support, using our abundance of treatment experience, and taking into consideration various problems peculiar to AYA individuals, including anxiety about the future, a desire to preserve fertility, and a need for reproductive support. Pharmacists are involved in pharmacotherapy as part of medical treatments for AYA patients, aiming to provide optimal pharmacotherapy based on the practice of accurate pharmaceutical management. We foster collaborations between various clinical departments to tackle AYA-specific issues including preservation of fertility. Future challenges to address include long-term follow-up on such issues as late-stage disorders and endocrine disorders after AYA patient cancer treatment. Under current circumstances, our time for face-to-face interaction with patients as members of the hospital's medical staff is limited. Currently, we are involved in the operation of a breast cancer salon that aims to improve breast cancer patients' quality of life by supporting these patients during diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adolescents and Young Adults in Malawi

There are limited data on treatment and outcomes for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe a prospective observational cohort in Malawi.

Effect of Treatment in a Specialized Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Setting on 5-Year Survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Simple Summary

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a worse prognosis than children. In addition to differences in biology—such as higher incidence of unfavorable genetic alterations in the AYA population—this might be related to the fact that ALL patients under a certain age (often 18 years) are generally treated in special pediatric hemato-oncology settings, which is associated with improved survival, while patients above that age are treated in adult hemato-oncology care settings. Based on previous research, adult treatment settings have increasingly adopted pediatric-inspired protocols, which appear to have led to increased survival of adolescent ALL patients. This study aims to assess whether there remains an effect of treatment of ALL patients in a specialized pediatric hemato-oncology setting on 5-year survival. This study provides insight into the effects of such treatment for ALL patients, and may stimulate further research into causal relationships in other oncological conditions.

Abstract

Survival rates of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are inferior to those of pediatric ALL patients. In part, this may be caused by differences in treatment setting. Generally, children are treated in specialized pediatric hemato-oncology settings, whereas AYAs are treated in adult hemato-oncology settings. Since 2005, adult treatment protocols have included pediatric-inspired chemotherapy, which has been the standard of care for AYAs from 2008 onwards. This study aims to assess whether, despite protocols in both settings having become more similar, there remains an effect of treatment in specialized pediatric hemato-oncology settings on 5-year survival for ALL patients in the Netherlands. We used nationwide registry data (2004–2013) on 472 ALL patients aged between 10 and 30 years old. A fuzzy regression discontinuity design was applied to estimate the treatment effect using two-stage least squares regression with the treatment threshold at 17 years and 7 months of age, adjusting for sex, age at diagnosis, and immunophenotype. We found a risk difference of 0.419 (p = 0.092; 95% CI = −0.0686; 0.907), meaning a 41.9 percentage point greater probability of surviving five years after diagnosis for ALL patients treated in specialized pediatric hemato-oncology settings. Our results suggest that ALL patients around the threshold could benefit from increased collaboration between pediatric and adult hemato-oncology in terms of survival.

Asparaginase in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Adults: Current Evidence and Place in Therapy

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a rare hematologic malignancy resulting in the production of abnormal lymphoid precursor cells. Occurring in B-cell and T-cell subtypes, ALL is more common in children, comprising nearly 30% of pediatric malignancies, but also constitutes 1% of adult cancer diagnoses. Outcomes are age-dependent, with five-year overall survival of greater than 90% in children and less than 20% in older adults. L-asparaginase, an enzyme not found in humans, depletes serum levels of L-asparagine. As leukemic cells are unable to synthesize this amino acid, its deprivation results in cell death. The success of asparaginase-containing regimens in the treatment of pediatric ALL, and poor outcomes with conventional cytotoxic regimens in adults, have led to trials of pediatric or pediatric-inspired regimens incorporating asparaginase in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) and adult populations. Initially purified from Escherichia coli, newer formulations of asparaginase have been developed to address short half-life, high immunogenic potential, and manufacturing difficulties. Unfamiliarity with asparaginase use and management of its unique toxicities may result in treatment-decisions that negatively impact outcomes. In this review, we address the current use of asparaginase in the treatment of ALL, with an emphasis on its role in the treatment of adults, key clinical trials, recognition and management of toxicities, and ongoing directions of study.

Innovative Approaches to the Management of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Across the Age Spectrum

Adults compose nearly half of all patients diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and historically have had poor survival compared with pediatric patients. Recently approved therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, CAR T-cell constructs, and next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have improved survival in relapsed and refractory ALL, and studies are now examining incorporating these treatments and others into the upfront setting. In adolescent and young adult patients, use of pediatric-based regimens has already improved survival compared with historical controls, and the addition of monoclonal antibodies, such as inotuzumab ozogamicin and blinatumomab, may further enhance this survival benefit. In older adults, approaches have centered on minimizing conventional chemotherapy to decrease toxicity by incorporating monoclonal antibodies and other novel therapies to increase efficacy. With the addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to chemotherapy for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, survival of this once poor-prognosis ALL subtype now approaches or exceeds outcomes of other subtypes of adult ALL. Further refinements in the backbone treatment regimen and optimal consolidation approaches will likely improve survival further. Although allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant was previously routinely used as consolidation for adults with ALL, incorporation of measurable residual disease and other risk stratification strategies has enabled better identification of patients who will benefit from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Ongoing clinical trials investigating these approaches will continue the evolution of treatment approaches for adults with ALL, with further improvement in outcomes anticipated.

Allogeneic transplant compared to pediatric-inspired therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-negative adolescent and adult ALL in first complete remission

BACKGROUND

Pediatric-inspired non-transplant regimens for adolescent and adult ALL patients are becoming standard in many institutions. We aimed to compare a cohort of patients receiving a pediatric-inspired protocol to a cohort of patients treated with adult type ALL therapy followed by allografting after achieving CR1.

METHOD

Eighty-five adolescent and adult ALL patients treated with CALGB 19802 protocol who received MSD transplant in CR1 were retrospectively compared to a matched cohort of 72 adolescent and adult ALL patients treated with a modified version of Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 1900 protocol.

RESULTS

The five years OS in the allo-HCT cohort was 63.1% compared to 80.2% in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy arm (P = 0.03). The five years EFS in the allo-HCT arm was 58.8% compared to 61.6% in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy arm (P = 0.07). The five years DFS in the allo-HCT arm was 58.8% as compared to 71.9% in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy arm (P = 0.07). The relapse rate in the allo-HCT cohort was 30.58% compared to 21.68% in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy arm (P = 0.16). The NRM in the allo-HCT cohort was 10.59 as compared to 6.45 in the pediatric-inspired chemotherapy arm (P = 0.3).

CONCLUSION

For adolescent and adult patients with Ph-negative ALL, pediatric-inspired chemotherapy resulted in higher OS compared to allo-HCT.

Controversies in the Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults with Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been increasing steadily in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population. In this review article focused on the management of AYAs with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) B-ALL, we examine topics of clinical interest and identify areas of controversy in need of further investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS

We explore four areas of active investigation: pediatric-inspired front-line treatment regimens, the optimal time of measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment, the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplant and the optimal salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory B-ALL in AYAs. There has been rapid advancement in the management of ALL in the AYA patient population, which has resulted in improved outcomes. We must build on the successes by continuing to promote multi-center innovative clinical research with clinical trial populations reflecting the AYA ALL patient spectrum. The incorporation of novel targeted immunotherapy into front-line treatment will be transformative and redefine treatment paradigms in the coming years.

Pharmacotherapeutic management of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults: an update of the literature

INTRODUCTION

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare but potentially life-threatening heterogeneous hematologic malignancy that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by hematologists. So far, therapeutic advances have been achieved in the management of this disease mainly by adopting pediatric-like regimens, and cure rates are significantly worse than in childhood. In T-ALL, less than 70% of adults achieve long-term survival. The prognosis after relapse is still very poor. Hence, there is urgent need to improve therapy of T-ALL by testing new compounds and combinations for the treatment of this disease.

AREAS COVERED

This review provides a comprehensive update on the most recent treatment approaches in adults with de novo and relapsed/refractory adult T-ALL.

EXPERT OPINION

Intensifying chemotherapy may reduce the incidence of recurrent disease in adult patients, but it has not come without a cost. Novel agents with selective T-ALL activity (e.g. nelarabine) may improve survival in some patient subsets. Due to modern genomic and transcriptomic techniques, various novel potential targets might change the treatment landscape in the next few years and will, hopefully alongside with cellular therapies, augment the therapeutic armamentarium in the near future.

The global burden of adolescent and young adult cancer in 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

In estimating the global burden of cancer, adolescents and young adults with cancer are often overlooked, despite being a distinct subgroup with unique epidemiology, clinical care needs, and societal impact. Comprehensive estimates of the global cancer burden in adolescents and young adults (aged 15-39 years) are lacking. To address this gap, we analysed results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019, with a focus on the outcome of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), to inform global cancer control measures in adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

Using the GBD 2019 methodology, international mortality data were collected from vital registration systems, verbal autopsies, and population-based cancer registry inputs modelled with mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIRs). Incidence was computed with mortality estimates and corresponding MIRs. Prevalence estimates were calculated using modelled survival and multiplied by disability weights to obtain years lived with disability (YLDs). Years of life lost (YLLs) were calculated as age-specific cancer deaths multiplied by the standard life expectancy at the age of death. The main outcome was DALYs (the sum of YLLs and YLDs). Estimates were presented globally and by Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintiles (countries ranked and divided into five equal SDI groups), and all estimates were presented with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). For this analysis, we used the age range of 15-39 years to define adolescents and young adults.

FINDINGS

There were 1·19 million (95% UI 1·11-1·28) incident cancer cases and 396 000 (370 000-425 000) deaths due to cancer among people aged 15-39 years worldwide in 2019. The highest age-standardised incidence rates occurred in high SDI (59·6 [54·5-65·7] per 100 000 person-years) and high-middle SDI countries (53·2 [48·8-57·9] per 100 000 person-years), while the highest age-standardised mortality rates were in low-middle SDI (14·2 [12·9-15·6] per 100 000 person-years) and middle SDI (13·6 [12·6-14·8] per 100 000 person-years) countries. In 2019, adolescent and young adult cancers contributed 23·5 million (21·9-25·2) DALYs to the global burden of disease, of which 2·7% (1·9-3·6) came from YLDs and 97·3% (96·4-98·1) from YLLs. Cancer was the fourth leading cause of death and tenth leading cause of DALYs in adolescents and young adults globally.

INTERPRETATION

Adolescent and young adult cancers contributed substantially to the overall adolescent and young adult disease burden globally in 2019. These results provide new insights into the distribution and magnitude of the adolescent and young adult cancer burden around the world. With notable differences observed across SDI settings, these estimates can inform global and country-level cancer control efforts.

FUNDING

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, St Baldrick's Foundation, and the National Cancer Institute.

Differences in the approaches of cancer specialists toward adolescent and young adult cancer care

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the medical care of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and compared approaches toward AYA cancer care by pediatric and adult cancer specialists.

METHODS

An Internet survey was conducted among 1,305 specialists (192 pediatric and 1,109 adult) in 2016.

RESULTS

The rate of awareness of the term "AYA" was lower for adult specialists than for pediatric specialists. The departments that are responsible for caring for AYA cancer patients change when they reach 20 years of age. For the treatment of AYA patients, both pediatric and adult specialists preferred a multidisciplinary team as a top priority issue. A special ward or hospital rooms for AYA was required mostly for AYA patients under 24, and the needs for special wards or rooms for AYA was higher in pediatric specialists than in adult specialists. However, for AYA patients over 25, about 60% of adult specialists and 35% of pediatric specialists believed that no special care was required. As for desirable follow-up protocols for pediatric cancer AYA survivors, half of the specialists considered that they should be conducted mainly by pediatric specialists in cooperation with adult specialists, and 30% to 40% of the specialists considered that transition to the corresponding adult medicine department would be preferable.

CONCLUSIONS

There were obvious differences in medical care and support for AYA cancer patients according to their age, particularly under the age of 20 or 24, and according to whether the onset of disease occurred during the AYA period or whether it was secondary to pediatric cancers. For each aspect, appropriate programs would require close cooperation between pediatric and adult specialists.

Increased survival disparities among children and adolescents & young adults with acute myeloid leukemia: A Dutch population-based study

For many cancers, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have a poorer prognosis than pediatric patients. Our study evaluates survival outcomes of children (0‐17 years) and AYAs (18‐39 years) diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the Netherlands between 1990 and 2015 (N = 2058) utilizing the population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry, which includes information on therapy and site of primary treatment. Five‐ and 10‐year relative (disease‐specific) survival were estimated for all patients, children and AYAs. Multivariable analyses were performed using generalized linear models (excess mortality) and logistic regression (early mortality). AYAs with AML had a substantially lower 5‐ and 10‐year relative survival than children (5‐year: 43% vs 58%; 10‐year: 37% vs 51%). The gap in 5‐year relative survival was largest (nearly 20 percent‐points) in 2010 to 2015, despite survival improvements over time across all ages. The multivariable‐adjusted excess risk of dying was 60% higher in AYAs (95% CI: 37%‐86%). Early mortality (death within 30 days of diagnosis) declined over time, and did not differ between children and AYAs. In conclusion, AYAs diagnosed with AML in the Netherlands had a worse prognosis than pediatric patients. The survival gap seemed most pronounced in recent years, suggesting that improvements in care resulting in better outcome for children have not led to equal benefits for AYAs.

Mechanistic studies of PEG-asparaginase-induced liver injury and hepatic steatosis in mice

PEGylated-l-asparaginase (PEG-ASNase) is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Its use is avoided in adults due to its high risk of liver injury including hepatic steatosis, with obesity and older age considered risk factors of the injury. Our study aims to elucidate the mechanism of PEG-ASNase-induced liver injury. Mice received 1500 U/kg of PEG-ASNase and were sacrificed 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after drug administration. Liver triglycerides were quantified, and plasma bilirubin, ALT, AST, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured. The mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in hepatic fatty acid synthesis, β-oxidation, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, and white adipose tissue (WAT) lipolysis were determined. Mice developed hepatic steatosis after PEG-ASNase, which associated with increases in bilirubin, ALT, and AST. The hepatic genes Ppara, Lcad/Mcad, Hadhb, Apob100, and Mttp were upregulated, and Srebp-1c and Fas were downregulated after PEG-ASNase. Increased plasma NEFA, WAT loss, and adipose tissue lipolysis were also observed after PEG-ASNase. Furthermore, we found that PEG-ASNase-induced liver injury was exacerbated in obese and aged mice, consistent with clinical studies of ASNase-induced liver injury. Our data suggest that PEG-ASNase-induced liver injury is due to drug-induced lipolysis and lipid redistribution to the liver.

T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Current Concepts in Molecular Biology and Management

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an uncommon, yet aggressive leukemia that accounts for approximately one-fourth of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases. CDKN2A/CDKN2B and NOTCH1 are the most common mutated genes in T-ALL. Children and young adults are treated with pediatric intensive regimens and have superior outcomes compared to older adults. In children and young adults, Nelarabine added to frontline chemotherapy improves outcomes and end of consolidation measurable residual disease has emerged as the most valuable prognostic marker. While outcomes for de-novo disease are steadily improving, patients with relapsed and refractory T-ALL fare poorly. Newer targeted therapies are being studied in large clinical trials and have the potential to further improve outcomes. The role of allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is evolving due to the increased use of pediatric-inspired regimens and MRD monitoring. In this review we will discuss the biology, treatment, and outcomes in pediatric and adult T-ALL.

Outcomes in adolescent and young adult patients (16 to 30 years) compared to younger patients treated for high-risk B-lymphoblastic leukemia: report from Children's Oncology Group Study AALL0232

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients 16-30 years old with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR-ALL) have inferior outcomes compared to younger HR-ALL patients. AALL0232 was a Phase 3 randomized Children's Oncology Group trial for newly diagnosed HR B-ALL (1-30 years). Between 2004 and 2011, 3154 patients enrolled with 3040 eligible and evaluable for induction. AYA patients comprised 20% of patients (16-21 years, n = 551; 22-30 years, n = 46). 5-year event-free survival and overall survival was 65.4 ± 2.2% and 77.4 ± 2.0% for AYA patients compared to 78.1 ± 0.9% and 87.3 ± 0.7% for younger patients (p < 0.0001). Five-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 18.5 ± 1.7% for AYA patients and 13.5 ± 0.7% for younger patients (p = 0.006), largely due to increased marrow relapses (14.0 ± 1.5% versus 9.1 ± 0.6%; p < 0.0001). Additionally, induction failure rate was higher in AYA (7.2 ± 1.1% versus 3.5 ± 0.4%; p < 0.001) and post-induction remission deaths were significantly higher in AYA (5.7 ± 1.0% versus 2.4 ± 0.3%; p < 0.0001). AALL0232 enrolled the largest number of AYA B-ALL patients to date, demonstrating significantly inferior survival and greater rates of treatment-related toxicities compared to younger patients. Although treatment intensification has improved outcomes in younger patients, they have not been associated with the same degree of improvement for older patients.