Pseudotumor Cerebri in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Patients on Intergroup Protocol 0129: Clinical Description and Recommendations for New Diagnostic Criteria

Long-term experience in treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia in Mexican children in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare myeloid leukemia subtype affecting adult and pediatric populations. APL constitutes 15-20% of all childhood AML in Latin America, compared to 7% in the non-Latino population. This leukemia has unique characteristics, such as its association with chromosomal translocations involving the retinoid acid receptor α (RARA) gene on chromosome 17. In addition, APL is also distinct from other AML subtypes due to its response to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), which induces terminal granulocytic differentiation of blasts. Overall 5-year survival rates are generally reported to be greater than 80%.

Materials and methods

A study was conducted from January 2008 to December 2022 applying the IC-APL 2006 treatment protocol. This case series reports the clinical results of 22 children with APL. In all cases, the diagnosis was made by bone marrow aspiration and evaluation of the t(15:17) or t(11:17) transcripts.

Results

We identified 22 patients with APL, of whom 10 were female and 12 were male. Twelve patients debuted with coagulation abnormalities. The doses of anthracyclines varied according to the risk, with an average of 496.8 mgm2. The cardiological assessment was performed before and after chemotherapy, finding 2/22 patients with moderate sisto-diastolic dysfunction and one with mild pulmonary insufficiency at the end of treatment. There were 6/22 patients with complications related to ATRA treatment, the most frequent being pseudotumor cerebri. All complications were transitory and treated immediately without complications. In this series of cases, an overall survival of 90.6% and a relapse-free survival of 90.6% were recorded. The follow-up mean was 9.1 ± 3.8 years.

Conclusion

APL is a highly curable disease when combined with ATRA and anthracyclines. In this series of cases, good long-term results were observed with the IC-APL 2006 protocol. However, in Latin America, the availability of drugs such as arsenic trioxide as the first line of treatment is an unresolved challenge.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia in childhood and adolescence: treatment results of a modified AIDA protocol at a Brazilian center

INTRODUCTION

Acute promyelocytic leukemia currently presents an excellent chance of cure with protocols based on all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and anthracycline or only differentiation agents. However, high early mortality rates continue to be reported METHODS: Between 2000 and 2018, patients were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed by medical records. A modified AIDA protocol, with a 1-year shortening of the treatment duration, reduction in the number of drugs and a strategy to reduce early mortality by the postponement of the initiation of anthracyclines were employed. Overall and event-free survival rates and toxicity were analyzed RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were enrolled, of whom 56% were female, with a median age of 12 years and 34% belonged to the high-risk group. Two patients had the hypogranular variant and three had another cytogenetic alteration, in addition to the t(15;17). The median start of the first anthracycline dose was 7 days. There were two early deaths (6%) due to central nervous system (CNS) bleeding. All patients achieved molecular remission after the consolidation phase. Two children relapsed and were rescued by arsenic trioxide and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The presence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) at diagnosis (p = 0.03) was the only factor with survival impact. The five-year event-free survival (EFS) was 84% and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 90% CONCLUSION: The survival results were comparable to those found in the AIDA protocol, with a low rate of early mortality in relation to the Brazilian reality.

Chemotherapy-free treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia: the pediatric view of a revolutionary tale

The addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to the standard anthracycline-base chemotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) over the last decades, becoming a model for precision medicine. The protocols based on the combination of ATRA and chemotherapy allowed obtaining excellent response rates both for children and adults. However, the persistence of anthracycline chemotherapy as a backbone was a matter of concern for both acute and long-term complications. Efforts in reducing anthracycline cumulative dose or even eliminating anthracycline have been pursued in more recent pediatric protocols thanks to the introduction of arsenic trioxide (ATO). The impressive results of the ATRA/ATO combinations led to the introduction of protocols completely chemotherapy-free for standard-risk adult patients as the standard of care, whereas pediatric chemo-free protocols are still currently under evaluation. In this Review, we will critically retrace the history of this unique revolution in precision medicine, discussing the peculiar advantages for pediatric patients with APL.

Papilledema and idiopathic intracranial hypertension due to the possible potentiation of ATRA by posaconazole in a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) (pseudotumor cerebri) is a rare side effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). IIH cases have been observed after the concomitant use of ATRA with azole group antimicrobials such as fluconazole and voriconazole. Here, we discuss about the diagnosis and treatment process of the IIH emerging in a young acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) case with the ATRA impact, which can be increased by posaconazole.

CASE

A 19-year-old male patient was diagnosed with APL. Headache and blurred vision were developed on the 12^th day of the AIDA (ATRA, 45 mg/m2/day, oral and idarubicin 12 mg/m2, on days 2, 4, 6, 8, intravenous) protocol and posaconazole proflaxis. He was diagnosed IIH along with the existing eye findings and imagings.

MANAGEMENT & OUTCOME

ATRA treatment and posaconazole were interrupted. Systemic acetazolamide and dexamethasone treatment were initiated. After significant clinical response was observed, ATRA treatment was resumed without posaconazole and a similar clinical condition did not recur.

DISCUSSION

The combined use of ATRA and azole group drugs increases the risk of developing IIH. Patients with APL who developed IIH during the concomitant use of ATRA and fluconazole or voriconazole have been reported. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first APL case with a IIH who treated with ATRA-based therapy and used posaconazole. In case of development of side effects, drugs should be interrupted and this combination should be avoided if possible after appropriate approach and clinical improvement.

Neurologic complications of acute myeloid leukemia. Diagnostic approach and therapeutic modalities

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a heterogeneous group of aggressive blood malignancies that arise from clonal expansion of malignant hematopoietic precursor cells in the bone marrow. Neurologic manifestations of these malignancies are manifolds. AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults and this review describes the neurologic complications in this age group. Neurologic symptoms and signs may develop in AML either from a direct neoplastic involvement of the central or the peripheral nervous system or as an indirect effect of the disease process. Direct involvement of the nervous system includes invasion of the central or the peripheral nervous system (parenchymal and leptomeningeal dissemination, myeloid sarcoma, neuroleukemiosis). Thrombotic and hemorrhagic events are common manifestations of indirect involvement of the nervous system and they are the outcome of hyperleukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Many neurologic complications are iatrogenic and include diverse categories such as lumbar puncture and intrathecal or systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapies, radiotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Most neurologic manifestations require urgent treatment and confer a poor prognosis. This review describes the neurologic complications of acute myeloid malignancies in the era of contemporary treatment. Those manifestations require expert consideration of their origin as they are being identified with increasing frequency as patients survive longer.

High Risk Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia - An Enigma for Hematologists: Optimizing Treatment with APML-4 Protocol

Management of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) has improved drastically after the introduction of ATRA (All-trans-retinoic acid) and Arsenic trioxide (ATO). The use of APML-4 protocol has shown its effectiveness in Australian population. We know that high-risk APML represents a subset with poor outcomes. There is scarcity of literature reporting outcomes of high-risk APML from India. We present a 5-year retrospective analysis of the safety and efficacy of APML-4 protocol in our 28 high-risk patients. Of 28 patients, there were 8(28.5%) early deaths; all 20 patients (100%) who were alive achieved hematologic complete remission post-induction and molecular complete remission post-consolidation. The 5-year disease free survival, failure free survival (FFS) and overall survival were 100%, 69% and 69% respectively. Factors affecting FFS were age > 45 years (p = 0.008), baseline ECOG-PS > 1 (p < 0.0001), and grade 3-4 differentiation syndrome (p = 0.008). APML-4 protocol in high-risk patients is capable of achieving excellent disease control with less toxicities. While early induction deaths in high-risk APML still remain an issue, protocol modifications (for steroid and anthracyclines) are important considering high frequency of infections at baseline and during induction therapy in our population.

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in Children: A Model of Precision Medicine and Chemotherapy-Free Therapy

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) represents a paradigm of precision medicine. Indeed, in the last decades, the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) completely revolutionized the therapeutic approach to this previously highly fatal disorder. This entirely chemotherapy-free treatment, which provided excellent survival rates, has been initially validated in adults and, recently, translated in the pediatric setting. This review summarizes currently available data on the use of ATRA and ATO combination in pediatric APL, providing a particular focus on peculiar issues and challenges, such as the occurrence of pseudotumor cerebri and death during induction (early death), as well as the advantage offered by the ATO/ATRA combination in sparing long-term sequelae.

When Poisons Cure: The Case of Arsenic in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Arsenic has been known for centuries for its double-edged potential: a poison and at the same time a therapeutic agent. The name "arsenikon," meaning "potent," speaks itself for the pharmaceutical properties of this compound, questioned and analyzed for at least 2000 years. In the last decades, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has evolved from a highly fatal to a curable disease, due to the use of all-trans-retinoic acid and, more recently, arsenic trioxide combinations. The success of these entirely chemo-free regimens increased the awareness of APL and reduced the prevalence of early deaths, which was an impending issue in this disease. Further improvements are expected with the next use of oral arsenic formulations, which will allow a complete outpatient approach, at least in the post-induction settings, further improving patients' quality of life. The wide use of standardized approaches in APL will also help unravel long-standing open questions, including the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of the differentiation syndrome and of short-term organ toxicities. In the long term, the study of survivorship issues, such as fertility and organ-related and psychological damages, in the increasing number of survivors will help further improve their life after APL.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of All-Trans Retinoic Acid-induced Pseudotumor Cerebri in a Child With Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), also known as idiopathic or benign intracranial hypertension, is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure without any evidence of organic central nervous system disorders. PTC is a rare but well-known adverse event associated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) treatment. Persistent blindness in about 10% of affected patients is caused by PTC; therefore, prompt and accurate diagnosis is required. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, including empty sella, flattening of the posterior aspect of the globe, and distention of the perioptic subarachnoid space, have been found to be of high diagnostic value in PTC, but there apparently have been no reports about MRI findings in ATRA-induced PTC. We report here an 11-year-old boy with acute promyelocytic leukemia who developed ATRA-induced PTC during leukemia treatment. MRI findings beneficial for the diagnosis of PTC were observed.

From epidemiology and neurometabolism to treatment: Vitamin D in pathogenesis of glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) and a proposal for Vitamin D + all-trans retinoic acid + Temozolomide combination in treatment of GBM

Here we review tumoricidal efficacy of Vitamin D analogues in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and potential synergisms with retinoic acid and temozolomide based on epidemiological and cellular studies. Epidemiological data suggest that winter birth is associated with higher risk of GBM, and GBM debulking in the winter enhanced mortality, which may relate with lower exposure to sunlight essential to convert cholecalciferol to Vitamin D. Comparative studies on blood bank specimens revealed that higher prediagnosis levels of calcidiol are associated with lower risk of GBM in elderly men. Supplemental Vitamin D reduced mortality in GBM patients in comparison to nonusers. Expression of Vitamin D Receptor is associated with a good prognosis in GBM. Conversely, Vitamin D increases glial tumor synthesis of neutrophins NGF and NT-3, the low affinity neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, IL-6 and VEGF, which may enhance glioma growth. Antitumor synergisms between temozolomide and Vitamin D and Vitamin D with Vitamin A derivatives were observed. Hence, we hypothesize that Calcitriol + ATRA (All-Trans Retinoic Acid) + Temozolomide - CAT combination might be a safer approach to benefit from Vitamin D in the management of high-grade glial tumors. Adding acetazolomide to this protocol may reduce the risk of pseudotumor cerebri, as both Vitamin D and Vitamin A excess may cause intracranial hypertension; this approach may provide further benefit as acetazolomide also exhibits anticancer activity.

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in Children: A Single Centre Experience from Turkey

Background and objectives

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), is a distinct subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by a tendency to hemorrhage and excellent response to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the incidence, clinical symptoms, toxicities, and outcome of children with APL in our center.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children (age < 18 years) diagnosed with APL in our pediatric hematology department between January 2006-December 2016.

Results

Pediatric APL represents 20.5% of AML cases in this cohort. Most of the cases presented as classical M3, albeit hypogranular variant was described in 12% of the cohort. Patients with hypogranular variant APL were differed from classical APL by co-expression of CD2 and CD34. About ¾ of APL patients had hemorrhagic findings at admission or the induction treatment. Severe bleeding manifested as intracranial hemorrhage was present in three patients and intracranial arterial thrombosis was present in one. Six patients showed side effects of ATRA such as pseudotumor cerebri, differentiation syndrome resulting in dilated cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary infiltrates. Five-year overall survival (OS) and early death rate were found to be 82.5% and 12% respectively.

Conclusions

A high frequency (20.5%) of APL was noted among children with AML in this single-center study. The overall mortality rate was 17.5%. Since the induction death rate was 12% and life-threatening bleeding was the primary problem, awareness and urgent treatment are critical factors to reduce early losses.

RXRα ligand Z-10 induces PML-RARα cleavage and APL cell apoptosis through disrupting PML-RARα/RXRα complex in a cAMP-independent manner

The major oncogenic driver of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is the fusion protein PML-RARα originated from the chromosomal translocation t(15;17). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide cure most patients by directly targeting PML-RARα. However, major issues including the resistance of ATRA and arsenic therapy still remain in APL clinical management. Here we showed that compound Z-10, a nitro-ligand of retinoid X receptor α (RXRα), strongly promoted the cAMP-independent apoptosis of both ATRA- sensitive and resistant NB4 cells via the induction of caspase-mediated PML-RARα degradation. RXRα was vital for the stability of both PML-RARα and RARα likely through the interactions. The binding of Z-10 to RXRα dramatically inhibited the interaction of RXRα with PML-RARα but not with RARα, leading to Z-10's selective induction of PML-RARα but not RARα degradation. Z-36 and Z-38, two derivatives of Z-10, had improved potency of inducing PML-RARα reduction and NB4 cell apoptosis. Hence, RXRα ligand Z-10 and its derivatives could target both ATRA- sensitive and resistant APL cells through their distinct acting mechanism, and are potential drug leads for APL treatment.