Plerixafor for autologous stem-cell mobilization and transplantation for patients in Ontario

MEdical Database AnaLysIS of Japanese multiple myeloma patienTs with apheresis #2 (MEDALIST-2): the impact of plerixafor use on costs and healthcare resources during mobilization and stem cell transplantation

Treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) can involve apheresis to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells for later autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), which can become costly over time. This retrospective claims database study examined healthcare resource use and medical costs associated with plerixafor, a selective CXCR4 inhibitor that mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells and minimizes apheresis times. Medical data were sampled from Japanese MM patients between April 2017 and September 2019, after the Japanese launch of plerixafor. The study population (190 plerixafor users and 180 non-users) was identified from the Medical Data Vision database, and further stratified into those using granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in monotherapy or in combination with cyclophosphamide to trigger apheresis. A descriptive comparison of patient characteristics, healthcare resource use, and medical costs across the mobilization and ASCT phases indicated plerixafor is associated with higher average total medical costs. However, plerixafor-treated patients received fewer concomitant medications and spent less time in apheresis than non-users. A comparison of non-users with a similar analysis conducted pre-plerixafor launch (2013-2017) showed general improvements to treatment independent of plerixafor. The results of this research can inform guidelines for the role of plerixafor in balancing cost-effectiveness and drug efficacy in MM treatment.

Pattern of autologous stem cell transplants at a tertiary care government hospital, with emphasis on transplant outcomes with pre-harvest CD34+ level

Purpose

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an established therapy for many hematological diseases. This study assessed the pattern of ASCTs at a tertiary care center and associated factors, including pre-harvest CD34+ stem cell levels, leading to improved engraftment outcomes.

Methodology

A retrospective study was conducted in India, between February 2009-August 2020. Patients who underwent ASCT for different hematological malignancies (n=65) were included, and the patients' age, sex, type and stage of disease, pre- and post-harvest CD34+ counts, and time to attain platelet/neutrophil engraftment or febrile neutropenia were analyzed. The post-harvest CD34+ dose was calculated. Pre-conditioning was performed using Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GCSF)±Plerixafor. Progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated using relapse/death as the endpoint.

Results

The median age of the cohort (n=65) was 49 years, with a male preponderance. Multiple myeloma was the most common malignancy (70.8% [46/65]), requiring ASCT. The median time to ASCT was 13 months. All patients had received GCSF, while Plerixafor was used in 17 patients with a pre-harvest CD34+ count of <10 cells/μL. The median pre-harvest CD34+ concentration and post-harvest CD34+ cell dose was 27.54 cells/μL (n=26) and 5.23×10⁶ cells/kg body weight (n=65), respectively. The median time to engraftment was 11 and 12 days, for neutrophils and platelets, respectively. One patient did not engraft and was excluded from the analysis. The time required to attain neutrophil engraftment was significantly lower (p=0.02) among freshly harvested stem cells (n=48) than that of cryopreserved products (n=17). Platelet engraftment associated with CD34+ pre- and post-harvest levels was not significant (p=0.06). The time to attain neutropenia and subsequent febrile neutropenia was significantly lower with an adequate post-harvest CD34+ dose (p=0.009). Febrile neutropenia was seen in 83.1% (54/65) patients. The median time for febrile neutropenia was 4 days post-ASCT. Pre- and post-harvest CD34+ concentrations were directly proportional to each other (p<0.001). The median PFS was 112 months (n=65). Survival was better in males (median PFS: 112 months) vs. females (median PFS: 59 months) (p=0.27). Eight patients relapsed, and eight patients had died.

Conclusion

Although unrelated to age or sex, the post-harvest CD34+ dose was inversely related to febrile neutropenia. As pre- and post-harvest CD34+ levels were directly proportional, pre-harvest CD34+ concentrations may be reliably used to assess engraftment outcomes. Rapid neutrophil engraftment was noted in fresh stem cells with PFS of 112 months, and was better among males, the exact reason being unknown. Thus, a larger number of patients should be followed up to obtain an accurate picture.

Successful "on-demand" plerixafor for autologous peripheral blood stem-cells transplantation for relapsed/refractory germ cell tumors

Background

Germ cell tumors represent, among solid cancers, a potentially curable disease even if up to 20% to 30% of patients (pts) relapse after first‐line treatment especially considering intermediate and poor prognosis groups. In this scenario, patients are candidates for high‐dose chemotherapy and autologous stem‐cells transplantation as second‐line treatment even though stem‐cells mobilization potential can be affected by several cycles and regimens of chemotherapy. To date, plerixafor is authorized in poor mobilizer adult pts diagnosed with lymphoma or multiple myeloma and in pediatric solid tumors or lymphoma. Therefore, the use of plerixafor in adult pts with relapsing/refractory GCT is still off label.

Materials and methods

In our study, we describe mobilization and collection of peripheral blood stem cells for 10 pts with germ cell tumors. Six patients underwent plerixafor administration since classified as poor mobilizers based on WBC count (>5.000/μL) and CD34+ cell count (<15/μL) the day before apheresis procedure.

Results

On the first day of apheresis, plerixafor administration in poor mobilizers made possible a remarkable boost of CD34+ cells in such a way to overlap that of good mobilizers' (32/μL vs 35/μL, respectively, P > .05).

Conclusion

Therefore, in our experience, plerixafor made a good fraction of poor mobilizer patients eligible for mobilization and collection and able to undergo the predicted autologous stem‐cells transplantation; thus, the lack of access to the use of plerixafor in this setting of patients risks jeopardizing an effective treatment, especially in case of poor prognosis.

Shutting the gate: targeting endocytosis in acute leukemia

Endocytosis entails selective packaging of cell surface cargos in cytoplasmic vesicles, thereby controlling key intrinsic cellular processes as well as the response of normal and malignant cells to their microenvironment. The purpose of this review is to outline the latest advances in the development of endocytosis-targeting therapeutic strategies in hematological malignancies.

Gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin (GDP) is an effective and well-tolerated mobilization regimen for relapsed and refractory lymphoma: a single center experience

Background/aim

Gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin (GDP) is a well-established salvage regimen for relapsed and refractory lymphomas. In this study, we aimed to share our experience with the patients who received GDP/R-GDP (rituximab-gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin) for stem cell mobilization.

Materials and methods

Data of 69 relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients who received GDP/R-GDP as salvage chemotherapy in our center between July 2014 and January 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. After the evaluation of response, 52 patients had a chemosensitive disease and underwent mobilization with GDP/R-GDP plus G–CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor). Collected CD34+ stem cells and related parameters were compared in terms of diagnosis of HL and NHL, early and late stage, patients who did not receive RT and those who received RT, and patients aged under 60 and over 60.

Results

On the 15th day on average (range 11–20), a median number of 8.7 × 106 /kg (4.1–41.5) CD34+ stem cells were collected in 51 (98%) of our 52 chemosensitive patients and 1 (2%) patients failed to mobilize. We observed acceptable hematological and nonhematological toxicity. The targeted amount of 2 × 106 /kg CD34+ stem cells was attained by 98% (n: 51) patients, and all of them underwent autologous stem cell transplantation. Moreover, low toxicity profiles provide outpatient utilization option clinics with close follow-up and adequate supportive care.

Conclusion

We suggest that GDP/R-GDP plus G-CSF can be used as an effective chemotherapy regimen for mobilizing CD34+ stem cells from peripheral blood in relapsed and refractory lymphoma patients due to low toxicity, effective tumor reduction, and successful stem cell mobilization. It can also be assumed that the GDP mobilization regimen may be more effective, especially in patients with early-stage disease and in HL patients.

A multicenter report on the safety and efficacy of plerixafor based stem cell mobilization in children with malignant disorders

BACKGROUND

Pleraxifor for peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization in children with malignancies is often given following failure of standard mobilization (SM) rather than as a primary mobilizing agent.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter study, we report the safety of plerixafor-based PBSC mobilization in children with malignancies and compare outcomes between patients who received plerixafor upfront with SM (Group A) with those who received plerixafor following failure of SM (Group B). In the latter pleraxifor was given either following a low peripheral blood (PB) CD34 (<20 cells/cu.mm) (Group B1) or as a second collection process due to an unsuccessful yield (CD34 + < 2 × 106 /kg) (Group B2) following failed SM and first apheresis attempts.

RESULTS

The study cohort (n = 47) with a median age of 8 (range 0.6-21) year, comprised 19 (40%) Group A and 28 (60%) Group B patients (B1 = 12 and B2 = 16). Pleraxifor mobilization was successful in 87.2% of patients, similar between Groups A and B (84.2% vs 89.2%) and resulted in a median 4-fold increase in PB CD34. Median number of apheresis attempts was 2 in Groups A and B1 but 4 in Group B2. In Group B2, median total CD34+ yield post-plerixafor was 9-fold higher than after SM (P = .0013). Mild to moderate transient adverse events affected 8.5% of patients. Among patients who proceeded to autologous transplant (n = 39), all but one engrafted.

CONCLUSION

Plerixafor-based PBSC collection was safe and effective in our cohort and supports consideration as a primary mobilizing agent in children with malignancies.

The Efficacy and Safety of Plerixafor in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization in Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and Hodgkin Lymphoma Who Failed Mobilization with Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factor Alone: A Single-Center Experience

Plerixafor is a CXCR4 antagonist which is administered along with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells in patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or multiple myeloma (MM), who failed the mobilization with G-CSF alone.

This was a single-center, retrospective study of the efficacy of the plerixafor and G-CSF in 32 patients with NHL (n = 11), MM (n = 11), and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (n = 10) who failed mobilization with G-CSF alone.

A median number of 1.21 × 106, 1.32 × 106, and 6.73 × 106 CD34 + cells were mobilized in patients with MM, NHL, and HL, respectively. Overall, 31 (96.8%) patients mobilized more than 2 × 106 CD34 + stem cells and 21 (33.75%) patients mobilized more than 5 × 106 CD34 + stem cells. All 32 (100%) patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. There were no adverse drug events reported.

This retrospective study shows that plerixafor is an effective and safe mobilization agent in patients with NHL, MM, and HL who have failed mobilization with G-CSF alone.

Third time's a charm? Mobilization of autologous peripheral blood stem cells in patients with two previous failed mobilizations with plerixafor

BACKGROUND

Patients who respond inadequately to plerixafor salvage during autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection are frequently remobilized with plerixafor to collect additional stem cells. However, in patients who fail remobilization, it is unclear whether additional mobilization efforts with plerixafor are useful.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined the PBSC collections of 15 consecutive patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma who underwent three mobilizations with plerixafor.

RESULTS

Of the 821 patients who underwent autologous stem cell collections, 15 patients were mobilized three times with plerixafor (1.8%), which enabled 11 (73.3%) patients to reach 2.0 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg or greater. Among patients who eventually collected successfully the median yields from the three collection attempts were 0.46, 0.76, and 1.54 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg, respectively. Among those who collected less than 2.0 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg cumulatively, the median yields were 0.14, 0.33, and 0.22 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg from the three collection attempts. The combined collection yields from the first two mobilization attempts were significantly lower (p = 0.003; range, 0.09-0.73 vs. 0.63-1.84; median, 0.51 vs. 1.36) in those who failed collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority (73.3%) of patients who underwent three mobilization attempts were eventually able to collect enough cells to permit autologous transplantation. Extremely low peripheral blood CD34+ count after the first dose of plerixafor and collection yields during the first two attempts were associated with a poor collection yield on the third attempt. The risks and benefits of a third mobilization should be weighed to facilitate judicious use of resources.

Efficacy and safety of stem cell mobilization following gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin (GDP) salvage chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) remains a cornerstone of treatment in relapsed/refractory (R/R) aggressive-histology lymphomas. This retrospective study examined efficacy and safety of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization using cyclophosphamide/etoposide and GCSF (CE + GCSF, n = 129) versus gemcitabine, dexamethasone and cisplatin and GCSF (GDP + GCSF, n = 210). All patients received first salvage with GDP. Patients mobilized with CE + GCSF required fewer days of leukapheresis (median 1 vs 2 day; p = .001) and achieved higher total CD34+ yield than GDP + GCSF patients (8.5 vs 7.1 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg, p = .001). Rates of febrile neutropenia and CD34+ collection ≥5 × 10⁶ CD34+ cells/kg were similar (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.54-2.6, p = .66). In multivariable analysis, days to engraftment and admission duration were not statistically different between the two mobilization strategies. While CE + GCSF appeared more efficacious for mobilization after GDP salvage, this did not translate to significant differences in clinical outcomes.

Benefits of Pre-harvest Peripheral Blood CD34 Counts Guided Single Dose Therapy with PLERIXAFOR in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Institute in India

Peripheral blood is a convenient source of stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, in autologous transplants, the harvest failure rates are high because of inadequate mobilization using G-CSF alone. Plerixafor is a potent mobilizer when used with G-CSF. However, its routine use is limited by high cost. This is a retrospective study done at a tertiary care oncology centre in India. All the harvest records were analyzed between Jan 2015 and Nov 2017. May 2016 onwards pre-harvest peripheral blood CD34 count was done in all cases of autologous transplants on day 4 of G-CSF therapy and they were given a single dose of Plerixafor if counts were < 20 cell per cumm. The results were compared amongst various groups. A total of 321 cases were analyzed. 172/321 were allogenic transplant cases of which 5% (n = 7) failed to achieve a target live stem cell dose of > 2 million per kg of the recipient. The overall failure rate in autologous group (n = 149) was 27% (n = 41) (p ≤ 0.001 auto vs. allo). The failure rate was higher (36%, n = 28/77) when no intervention with Plerixafor was done. The overall failure rate in the group treated with pre-harvest 34 count based single dose therapy of Plerixafor was 18% (n = 13/72, p = 0.01). However, within this intervention group, the patients who had pre-harvest peripheral blood CD34 above the desired cutoff had a higher failure rate of 21% (p = 0.13). Pre-harvest CD34 count based intervention with Plerixafor help optimizing the cost.

Autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization and collection in adult patients presenting with multiple myeloma and lymphoma: A position-statement from the Turkish Society of Apheresis (TSA)

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is a routinely used procedure in the treatment of adult patients presenting with multiple myeloma (MM), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and various subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in upfront and relapsed/refractory settings. Successful hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization (HPCM) and collection are the rate limiting first steps for application of AHCT. In 2015, almost 1700 AHCT procedures have been performed for MM, HL and NHL in Turkey. Although there are recently published consensus guidelines addressing critical issues regarding autologous HPCM, there is a tremendous heterogeneity in terms of mobilization strategies of transplant centers across the world. In order to pave the way to a more standardized HPCM approach in Turkey, Turkish Society of Apheresis (TSA) assembled a working group consisting of experts in the field. Here we report the position statement of TSA regarding autologous HPCM mobilization strategies in adult patients presenting with MM and lymphoma.

Current practice of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization in adult patients with multiple myeloma and lymphoma: The results of a survey from Turkish hematology research and education group (ThREG)

Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is an established treatment option for adult patients presenting with multiple myeloma (MM), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and various subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in upfront and/or relapsed/refractory disease settings. Although there are recently published consensus guidelines addressing critical issues regarding autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell mobilization (HPCM), mobilization strategies of transplant centers show high variability in terms of routine practice. In order to understand the current institutional policies regarding HPCM in Turkey and to obtain the required basic data for preparation of a national positional statement on this issue, Turkish Hematology Research and Education Group (ThREG) conducted a web-based HPCM survey. The survey was designed to include multiple-choice questions regarding institutional practice of HPCM in adults presenting MM, HL, and NHL. The representatives of 27 adult HCT centers participated to the study. Here we report the results of this survey shedding light on the real-world experience in Turkey in terms of autologous HPCM mobilization strategies in patients presenting with MM and lymphoma.

Chemical Stability of Plerixafor after Opening of Single-Use Vial

BACKGROUND

The addition of the immunostimulant plerixafor to the current standard-of-care regimens of granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factor with or without chemotherapy has improved clinical results in terms of successful stem cell mobilization and the outcomes of stem cell transplant in various settings. With this medical innovation has come an added financial cost for institutions where stem cell transplants are routinely performed, and there may be a further financial burden when the contents of partial vials of the drug are wasted, given that plerixafor vials (Mozobil, Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc) are currently deemed suitable only for single use.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the portion of plerixafor remaining in an opened vial of the Mozobil product after administration of a single dose is chemically stable, by comparison with the original product.

METHODS

Stability testing of partial drug contents of an opened vial, stored at room temperature or under refrigeration (4°C), was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The mean concentration of plerixafor (μmol/L), standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and bias were determined on days 2, 3, 11, 17, 24, and 31. Method validation included determination of precision, sensitivity, recovery, dilution linearity, and carryover.

RESULTS

Throughout the 4-week testing period, measured plerixafor concentration in aliquots stored at room temperature and under refrigeration, tested in series over time, appeared similar. The mean residual drug concentration after initial opening was slightly, but not significantly, higher for the sample designated for storage at room temperature than the one designated for refrigerated storage (40.4 versus 39.9 μmol/L; p = 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Residual plerixafor after initial opening of a vial of the Mozobil product remained chemically stable for at least 2 weeks both at room temperature and under refrigeration. The results of this study provide in vitro evidence to support multiple uses, instead of single use, of vials of this drug in an aseptic, controlled environment.

New Treatment Methods in Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma accounts for 10% of the hematologic malignancies and is characterized by a single clone of plasma cells producing a monoclonal protein. The aim of this review is to summarize the current treatment methods of multiple myeloma. In the last 15 years, the incidence of myeloma has increased in patients younger than 65 years, thus treatment became even more important in order to obtain a long lasting remission or plateau phase. The treatment of this disease is complex and focuses not only on increasing the patients’ survival, but also improving their quality of life.