Determining the impact of current Canadian stem cell registry policy on donor availability via dynamic registry simulation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

When a haematopoietic stem cell registry size is constrained by limits on recruiting, as in Canada, identifying the right person to recruit is a critical determinant of effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes to donor recruitment effort, within ethnic groups, on the matching effectiveness of the Canadian registry as it evolves over time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Simulation methods are applied to create a cohort of donor recruits and patients over a 10-year time horizon. New recruits are added to the registry each year, while some existing donors 'age-out' upon reaching their 36th birthday. In a similar fashion, simulated patient lists are created. At the end of each simulated year, simulated patients are matched against the simulated registry.

RESULTS

There are increased matches in non-White populations when diverse registrants are preferentially recruited, but there are larger decreases in the number of matches for Caucasian patients. Additionally, ethnic communities that have limited registrants in the Canadian registry in 2021 do not benefit from increased recruiting efforts as much as communities with a larger initial number of registrants.

CONCLUSION

Preferentially recruiting from non-Caucasian populations reduces the number of matches from Canadian sources because increases in non-Caucasian populations will not fully counterbalance decreases to Caucasian patient matches. Nevertheless, more than 80% of all matches are for Caucasian patients, regardless of the donor recruiting effort within ethnic groups.

Canadian Blood Services traceback investigation of a suspected case of transfusion-transmitted malaria

BACKGROUND

A 4-month-old infant hospitalized since birth received multiple blood transfusions. In March 2022, Plasmodium falciparum was confirmed with nucleic acid testing. As the mother was assessed as unlikely to be the source of infection, the blood operator initiated a traceback investigation for a potential blood donor source. The patient had received 13 red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (aliquoted from 11 donors), 4 apheresis platelet (PLT) transfusions and 16 buffy coat pooled PLT transfusions. The blood operator medical team developed a supplementary malaria infection risk questionnaire to identify donors at highest risk of life-time malaria infection, based on birthplace, residence, or travel in malaria-endemic regions.

RESULTS

With 79 donors initially implicated, initial focus was on donors of RBC components. The 11 RBC donors were contacted and assessed using the supplementary questionnaire. Three donors, all of whom met current malaria-related donor eligibility criteria, were deemed high risk of prior malaria infection. These donors consented to P. falciparum serology and nucleic acid testing (NAT). One donor who was born and had resided in an endemic West African country for 14 years, was positive for P. falciparum by serology (indirect fluorescent antibody test) and NAT-(Ct ≥32). Lookback of this donor's transfused fresh co-components and prior donation identified no other malaria cases.

CONCLUSION

This was a probable transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) case from an eligible donor who in retrospect was found to have unrecognized, asymptomatic, semi-immune malaria infection, and who was potentially infectious. Blood donor lack of recall of prior malaria infection does not negate the risk of TTM from those who have lived in malaria-endemic countries.

Demand and usage of unrelated donor products for allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Canadian Blood Services Stem Cell Registry analysis

Background and Objectives

Understanding changes in the demand and usage of unrelated allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) donors during the COVID‐19 pandemic is needed to optimize pandemic preparedness of registry and donor collection services. The aim of this study was to understand the extent to which the pandemic has impacted the demand and usage of unrelated donors and cord blood units (CBUs) at Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

Materials and Methods

Data regarding stem cell donor interest and product usage for unrelated allogeneic HCT were retrieved from the database at CBS using de‐identified anonymous information.

Results

Unrelated donor searches for Canadian patients remained unchanged by the pandemic, reflecting stable demand. The number of unrelated allogeneic transplants performed within Canada also remained stable, while the number of cord blood transplants increased, chiefly for paediatric patients. Requests for donor verification typing, a first signal of potential interest, increased from domestic centres during the first 6 months of the pandemic and decreased from international centres, before returning to baseline levels. The proportion of transplants for Canadian patients who used stem cell products procured from Canadian donors increased between 3 and 6 months after the start of the pandemic before returning to baseline and appears to be increasing again more than 1 year after the start of the pandemic. Use of CBUs for Canadian paediatric patients increased and remains elevated.

Conclusion

Demand for unrelated adult HCT donors has remained stable despite the evolving pandemic with a transient and recurring increased interest and usage of domestic adult donors. Use of CBUs for paediatric patients has increased and remains elevated. Registries and donor collection centres should maintain the capacity to expand services for domestic donor collection during pandemics to offset threats to international donor usage.

Is Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Using Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide Feasible in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Identifying a suitable volunteer unrelated donor (UD) in South Africa is challenging due to the highly diverse ethnic groups and mixed-race populations in this region. Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haploHCT) is thus an attractive procedure for patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies. This study was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of haploHCT in South Africa. We retrospectively analyzed the outcome of 134 patients with hematologic malignancies who received unmanipulated haploHCT with post-transplantation cyclophosphamide at 2 high-volume HCT centers between 2014 and 2019. We assessed overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse incidence (RI), and incidence of acute GVHD. The median recipient age was 44 years (range, 15 to 73 years) and the median donor age was 36 years (range, 9 to 68 years). Acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (AML/MDS) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were the most common indications for haploHCT (61.2%). The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation risk score was ≥5 in 44 patients (32.8%). Seventy-seven patients (57.4%) received a myeloablative conditioning regimen. The majority of patients received a sex-matched transplant (57.4%) and had peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) as the stem cell source (70.9%). Sixteen patients (11.9%) had an incongruent cytomegalovirus serostatus at transplantation. The median duration of follow-up was 10.8 months (range, 0.36 to 70.8 months). OS was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47% to 64%) at 1 year and 37% (95% CI, 28% to 47%) at 3 years. DFS was 47% (95% CI, 38% to 55%) at 1 year and 32% (95% CI, 24% to 41%) at 3 years. The 100-day and 3-year cumulative incidence of NRM was 18% (95% CI, 11% to 25%) and 41% (95% CI, 32% to 50%), respectively, and the 1- and 3-year cumulative RI was 16% (95% CI, 11% to 24%) and 21% (95% CI, 14% to 29%), respectively. The 1-year OS was 55% (95% CI, 40% to 67%) for the patients with AML/MDS versus 41% (95% CI, 21% to 60%) for those with ALL. Forty-five patients (41.7%) developed acute GVHD by day +100; of these, 80% had grade I-II disease. Fifty patients (37.5%) developed cytomegalovirus infection that required therapy. On multivariable analysis, older donor age was an independent risk factor for lower DFS. RI was higher for diagnoses other than acute leukemia/MDS (relative risk [RR], 2.62; 95% CI, 1.12 to 6.15; P = .027), decreased for PBSC versus bone marrow (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.95; P = .038) and decreased for offspring donors (RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.67; P = .006). These data support the feasibility of haploHCT and suggest that unmanipulated haploHCT using a younger parent or offspring donor is a viable option for adults in sub-Saharan Africa with acute leukemia and MDS who lack a suitable related or unrelated donor.

Impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on outcomes of adult Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a study by the Acute Leukemia Working Committee of the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research

Cytogenetic risk stratification at diagnosis has long been one of the most useful tools to assess prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To examine the prognostic impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, we studied 1731 adults with Philadelphia-negative ALL in complete remission who underwent myeloablative or reduced intensity/non-myeloablative conditioning transplant from unrelated or matched sibling donors reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. A total of 632 patients had abnormal conventional metaphase cytogenetics. The leukemia-free survival and overall survival rates at 5 years after transplantation in patients with abnormal cytogenetics were 40% and 42%, respectively, which were similar to those in patients with a normal karyotype. Of the previously established cytogenetic risk classifications, modified Medical Research Council-Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score was the only independent prognosticator of leukemia-free survival (P=0.03). In the multivariable analysis, monosomy 7 predicted post-transplant relapse [hazard ratio (HR)=2.11; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04-4.27] and treatment failure (HR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.20-3.24). Complex karyotype was prognostic for relapse (HR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.06-2.69), whereas t(8;14) predicted treatment failure (HR=2.85; 95% CI: 1.35-6.02) and overall mortality (HR=3.03; 95% CI: 1.44-6.41). This large study suggested a novel transplant-specific cytogenetic scheme with adverse [monosomy 7, complex karyotype, del(7q), t(8;14), t(11;19), del(11q), tetraploidy/near triploidy], intermediate (normal karyotype and all other abnormalities), and favorable (high hyperdiploidy) risks to prognosticate leukemia-free survival (P=0.02). Although some previously established high-risk Philadelphia-negative cytogenetic abnormalities in ALL can be overcome by transplantation, monosomy 7, complex karyotype, and t(8;14) continue to pose significant risks and yield inferior outcomes.

Inferior Access to Allogeneic Transplant in Disadvantaged Populations: A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is offered in a limited number of medical centers and is associated with significant direct and indirect costs. The degree to which social and geographic barriers reduce access to alloHCT is unknown. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) were integrated to determine the rate of unrelated donor (URD) alloHCT for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) performed between 2000 and 2010 in the 612 counties covered by SEER. The total incidence of AML, ALL, and MDS was determined using SEER, and the number of alloHCTs performed in the same time period and geographic area were determined using the CIBMTR database. We then determined which sociodemographic attributes influenced the rate of alloHCT (rural/urban status, median family size, percentage of residents below the poverty line, and percentage of minority race). In the entire cohort, higher levels of poverty were associated with lower rates of alloHCT (estimated rate ratio [ERR], .86 for a 10% increase in the percentage of the population below the poverty line; P < .01), whereas rural location was not (ERR, .87; P = .11). Thus, patients from areas with higher poverty rates diagnosed with ALL, AML, and MDS are less likely patients from wealthier counties to undergo URD alloHCT. There is need to better understand the reasons for this disparity and to encourage policy and advocacy efforts to improve access to medical care for all.

Country-Level Macroeconomic Indicators Predict Early Post-Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A CIBMTR Analysis

For patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) offers a potential cure. Life-threatening complications can arise from alloHCT that require the application of sophisticated health care delivery. The impact of country-level economic conditions on post-transplantation outcomes is not known. Our objective was to assess whether these variables were associated with outcomes for patients transplanted for ALL. Using data from the Center for Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, we included 11,261 patients who received a first alloHCT for ALL from 303 centers across 38 countries between the years of 2005 and 2013. Cox regression models were constructed using the following macroeconomic indicators as main effects: Gross national income per capita, health expenditure per capita, and Human Development Index (HDI). The outcome was overall survival at 100 days following transplantation. In each model, transplants performed within lower resourced environments were associated with inferior overall survival. In the model with the HDI as the main effect, transplants performed in the lowest HDI quartile (n = 697) were associated with increased hazard for mortality (hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.64 to 3.57; P < .001) in comparison with transplants performed in the countries with the highest HDI quartile. This translated into an 11% survival difference at 100 days (77% for lowest HDI quartile versus 88% for all other quartiles). Country-level macroeconomic indices were associated with lower survival at 100 days after alloHCT for ALL. The reasons for this disparity require further investigation.

Economic evaluation of rituximab in addition to standard of care chemotherapy for adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

AIMS

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive form of leukemia with a poor prognosis in adult patients. The addition of the monoclonal antibody rituximab to standard chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in adults with ALL. However, it is unknown whether the addition of rituximab is cost-effective. The objective was to determine the economic impact of rituximab in addition to standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy vs SOC alone in newly-diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-negative, CD20-positive, B-cell precursor ALL.

METHODS

A decision analytic model was constructed, based upon the Canadian healthcare system. It included the following health states over a lifetime horizon (max ≈60 years): event-free survival (EFS), relapsed/resistant disease, cure, and death. SOC was either hyper-CVAD or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL consortium. EFS, overall survival, and serious adverse event (SAE) rates were derived from a large randomized controlled trial. Costs of the model included: first-line treatment and administration, disease management, second-line and third-line treatment and administration, palliative care, and SAE-related treatments. Inputs were sourced from provincial and national public data, the literature, and cancer agency input.

RESULTS

Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) increased by 2.20 QALYs with rituximab in addition to SOC. The resulting mean Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was C$21,828/QALY. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of C$100,000/QALY, the probability of being cost-effective was 98%. Decision outcomes were robust to the probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses, including the SOC backbone as either hyper-CVAD or DFCI.

LIMITATIONS

The results of this analysis are limited by generalizability of the chemotherapy backbone to Canadian practice.

CONCLUSIONS

For adults with ALL, rituximab in addition to SOC was found to be a cost-effective intervention, compared to SOC alone. The addition of rituximab is associated with increased life years and increased QALYs at a reasonable incremental cost.

Efficacy and safety of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy in patients with haematological and solid malignancies: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with relapsed or refractory malignancies have a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells redirects a patient's immune cells against the tumour antigen. CAR-T cell therapy has demonstrated promise in treating patients with several haematological malignancies, including acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia and B-cell lymphomas. CAR-T cell therapy for patients with other solid tumours is also being tested. Safety is an important consideration in CAR-T cell therapy given the potential for serious adverse events, including death. Previous reviews on CAR-T cell therapy have been limited in scope and methodology. Herein, we present a protocol for a systematic review to identify CAR-T cell interventional studies and examine the safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with haematology malignancies and solid tumours.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search MEDLINE, including In-Process and Epub Ahead of Print, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1946 to 22 February 2017. Studies will be screened by title, abstract and full text independently and in duplicate. Studies that report administering CAR-T cells of any chimeric antigen receptor construct targeting antigens in patients with haematological malignancies and solid tumours will be eligible for inclusion. Outcomes to be extracted will include complete response rate (primary outcome), overall response rate, overall survival, relapse and adverse events. A meta-analysis will be performed to synthesise the prevalence of outcomes reported as proportions with 95% CIs. The potential for bias within included studies will be assessed using a modified Institute of Health Economics tool. Heterogeneity of effect sizes will be determined using the Cochrane I ² statistic.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The review findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed journal publication and presented at relevant conferences and scientific meetings to promote knowledge transfer.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017075331.

Assessment of Impact of HLA Type on Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy with many highly effective therapies. Chemorefractory disease, often characterized by deletion of chromosome 17p, has historically been associated with very poor outcomes, leading to the application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for medically fit patients. Although the use of allo-HCT has declined since the introduction of novel targeted therapy for the treatment of CLL, there remains significant interest in understanding factors that may influence the efficacy of allo-HCT, the only known curative treatment for CLL. The potential benefit of transplantation is most likely due to the presence of alloreactive donor T cells that mediate the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. The recognition of potentially tumor-specific antigens in the context of class I and II major histocompatibility complex on malignant B lymphocytes by donor T cells may be influenced by subtle differences in the highly polymorphic HLA locus. Given previous reports of specific HLA alleles impacting the incidence of CLL and the clinical outcomes of allo-HCT for CLL, we sought to study the overall survival and progression-free survival of a large cohort of patients with CLL who underwent allo-HCT from fully HLA-matched related and unrelated donors at Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research transplantation centers. We found no statistically significant association of allo-HCT outcomes in CLL based on previously reported HLA combinations. Additional study is needed to further define the immunologic features that portend a more favorable GVL effect after allo-HCT for CLL.

Donor Experiences of Second Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection Mirror the First, but CD34+ Yields Are Less

Little is known about the experiences of individuals donating peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) or marrow for a second time. To study this, unrelated donors making a second donation through the National Marrow Donor Program between 2004 and 2013 were evaluated. Experiences of second-time donors giving marrow (n = 118: first donation was PBSC in 76 and marrow in 42) were compared with those making only 1 marrow donation (n = 5829). Experiences of second-time donors giving PBSCs (n = 602) (first donation was PBSCs in 362; marrow in 240) were compared to first-time PBSC donors (n = 16,095). For donors giving a second PBSC or marrow donation there were no significant differences in maximum skeletal pain, maximum symptoms measured by an established modified toxicity criteria, and recovery time compared with those who donated only once. Notably, the yield of marrow nucleated cells and PBSC CD34⁺ cells with second donations was less. As previously noted with single first-time donations, female (PBSCs and marrow) and obese donors (PBSCs) had higher skeletal pain and/or toxicity with a second donation. PBSC donors who experienced high levels of pain or toxicity with the first donation also experienced high levels of these symptoms with their second donation and slower recovery times. In conclusion, for most donors second donation experiences were similar to first donation experiences, but CD34⁺ yields were less. Knowledge of the donor's first experience and stem cell yields may help centers decide whether second donations are appropriate and institute measures to improve donor experiences.

Increasing use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients aged 70 years and older in the United States

In this study, we evaluated trends and outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in adults ≥70 years with hematologic malignancies across the United States. Adults ≥70 years with a hematologic malignancy undergoing first allogeneic HCT in the United States between 2000 and 2013 and reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research were eligible. Transplant utilization and transplant outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were studied. One thousand one hundred and six patients ≥70 years underwent HCT across 103 transplant centers. The number and proportion of allografts performed in this population rose markedly over the past decade, accounting for 0.1% of transplants in 2000 to 3.85% (N = 298) in 2013. Acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes represented the most common disease indications. Two-year OS and PFS significantly improved over time (OS: 26% [95% confidence interval (CI), 21% to 33%] in 2000-2007 to 39% [95% CI, 35% to 42%] in 2008-2013, P < .001; PFS: 22% [16% to 28%] in 2000-2007 to 32% [95% CI, 29% to 36%] in 2008-2013, P = .003). Two-year TRM ranged from 33% to 35% and was unchanged over time (P = .54). Multivariable analysis of OS in the modern era of 2008-2013 revealed higher comorbidity by HCT comorbidity index ≥3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.27; P = .006), umbilical cord blood graft (HR, 1.97; P = .0002), and myeloablative conditioning (HR, 1.61; P = .0002) as adverse factors. Over the past decade, utilization and survival after allogeneic transplant have increased in patients ≥70 years. Select adults ≥70 years with hematologic malignancies should be considered for transplant.

Reduced intensity conditioned allograft yields favorable survival for older adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Older adults with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) have poor survival. We examined the effectiveness of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) in adults with B-ALL age 55 years and older and explored prognostic factors associated with long-term outcomes. Using CIBMTR registry data, we evaluated 273 patients (median age 61, range 55-72) with B-ALL with disease status in CR1 (71%), >CR2 (17%) and Primary Induction Failure (PIF)/Relapse (11%), who underwent RIC HCT between 2001 and 2012 using mostly unrelated donor (59%) or HLA-matched sibling (32%). Among patients with available cytogenetic data, the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph+) was present in 50%. The 3-year cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and relapse were 25% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 20-31%) and 47% (95% CI: 41-53%), respectively. Three-year overall survival (OS) was 38% (95% CI: 33-44%). Relapse remained the leading cause of death accounting for 49% of all deaths. In univariate analysis, 3 year risk of NRM was significantly higher with reduced Karnofsky performance status (KPS <90: 34% (95% CI: 25-43%) versus KPS ≥90 (18%; 95% CI: 12-24%, P = 0.006). Mortality was increased in older adults (66+ vs. 55-60: Relative Risk [RR] 1.51 95% CI: 1.00-2.29, P = 0.05) and those with advanced disease (RR 2.13; 95% CI: 1.36-3.34, P = 0.001). Survival of patients in CR1 yields 45% (95% CI: 38-52%) at 3 years and no relapse occurred after 2 years. We report promising OS and acceptable NRM using RIC HCT in older patients with B-ALL. Disease status in CR1 and good performance status are associated with improved outcomes. Am. J. Hematol. 92:42-49, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Burkitt's Lymphoma and B-Cell Lymphoma Unclassifiable With Features Intermediate Between Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Burkitt's Lymphoma in Patients With HIV: Outcomes in a South African Public Hospital

Purpose

Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) is a common HIV-associated lymphoma in South Africa. B-cell lymphoma unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL/DLBCL) also occurs in HIV infection. Outcomes of HIV-infected patients with BL or BL/DLBCL in a resource-constrained setting are not defined.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of HIV-positive patients with BL or BL/DLBCL treated from 2004 to 2012 with curative intent at a publically funded academic medical center in South Africa. Differences between BL and BL/DLBCL, survival outcomes, and factors associated with survival were analyzed.

Results

There were 35 patients with either HIV-associated BL (24) or BL/DLBCL (11) who met study criteria. Median CD4⁺ T-lymphocyte count at lymphoma diagnosis was 188 cells/μL (range, 10 to 535 cells/μL). Patients with BL/DLBCL were significantly older and had less bone marrow involvement and lower baseline serum lactase dehydrogenase than patients with BL. Eighty-nine percent of patients presented with advanced disease, and 25% had baseline CNS involvement. Chemotherapy regimens consisted of cytoreduction with low-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone followed by induction with vincristine, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (LMB 86; 57%); hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, methotrexate, and cytarabine (hyper-CVAD; 20%); cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone and high-dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue on day 10 with accompanying prophylactic IT chemotherapy (Stanford regimen; 14%); and cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP-like; 9%) regimens. Twenty-three patients received CNS treatment or prophylaxis, and 31 received concurrent combination antiretroviral therapy. Two-year overall survival was 38% (95% CI, 22% to 54%) and 2-year event-free survival was 23% (95% CI, 11% to 38%), with no difference between histologic subtypes. Common causes of death were infection (41%) and CNS disease progression or systemic relapse (41%).

Conclusion

Cure of HIV-associated BL and BL/DLBCL with intensive regimens is possible in resource-limited settings, but lower toxicity regimens, improved CNS prophylaxis, and increased resources for supportive care are required.

Eight Cycles of ABVD Versus Four Cycles of BEACOPPescalated Plus Four Cycles of BEACOPPbaseline in Stage III to IV, International Prognostic Score ≥ 3, High-Risk Hodgkin Lymphoma: First Results of the Phase III EORTC 20012 Intergroup Trial

PURPOSE

To compare patients with high-risk stage III to IV Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in the phase III European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 20012 Intergroup trial (Comparison of Two Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Hodgkin's Lymphoma) who were randomly assigned to either doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD) or to bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (BEACOPP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with clinical stage III or IV HL, International Prognostic Score of 3 or higher, and age 60 years or younger received ABVD for eight cycles (ABVD8) or escalated-dose BEACOPP (BEACOPPescalated) for four cycles followed by baseline BEACOPP (BEACOPPbaseline) for four cycles (BEACOPP4+4) without radiotherapy. Primary end points were event-free survival (EFS), treatment discontinuation, no complete response (CR) or unconfirmed complete response (CRu) after eight cycles, progression, relapse, or death. Secondary end points were CR rate, overall survival (OS), quality of life, secondary malignancies, and disease-free survival in CR/CRu patients.

RESULTS

Between 2002 and 2010, 549 patients were randomly assigned to ABVD8 (n = 275) or BEACOPP4+4 (n = 274). Other characteristics included median age, 35 years; male, 75%; stage IV, 74%; "B" symptoms, 81%; and International Prognostic Score ≥ 4, 59%. WHO performance status was 0 (34%), 1 (48%), or 2 (17%). Median follow-up was 3.6 years. CR/CRu was 82.5% in both arms. At 4 years, EFS was 63.7% for ABVD8 versus 69.3% for BEACOPP4+4 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.15; P = .312); disease-free survival was 85.8% versus 91.0% (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.33 to 1.06; P = .076), and OS was 86.7% versus 90.3% (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.21; P = .208). Death as a result of toxicity occurred in six and five patients, early discontinuation (before cycle 5) in 12 and 26 patients, treatment crossovers in five and 10 patients, and secondary malignancies in eight and 10 patients in the ABVD8 and BEACOPP4+4 arms, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ABVD8 and BEACOPP4+4 resulted in similar EFS and OS in patients with high-risk advanced-stage HL. Because BEACOPP4+4 did not demonstrate a favorable effectiveness or toxicity ratio compared with ABVD8, treatment burden, immediate and late toxicities, and associated costs must be considered before selecting one of these regimens on which to build future treatment strategies.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with leukemic presentation: 10-Color flow cytometry diagnosis and HyperCVAD therapy

Few studies describe the comprehensive immunophenotypic pattern of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in the bone marrow and its treatment. This retrospective analysis evaluates the diagnostic flow cytometry (FCM) pattern and outcome of nine patients diagnosed with BPDCN. A four-tube 10-color FCM panel used for diagnosis of acute leukemia (AL), showed cells in the blast gate (CD45dim/low SSC) and were positive for CD4(bright), CD33(dim), CD56(heterogenous), CD123(bright), CD36, CD38, HLA-DR, CD71. Seven patients received front-line induction therapy with HyperCVAD with an overall response rate of 86%. Five of six responders underwent planned allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). For a median follow up of 13.3 months, the 1-year disease free survival and overall survival were 56 and 67%, respectively. An accurate diagnosis of BPDCN can be made by 10-color FCM using a four-tube AL panel demonstrating a characteristic pattern of antigen expression. Front-line induction chemotherapy with HyperCVAD can yield high remission rates, but allo-HCT is required for long-term durable remissions.

Comparing Outcomes with Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood Stem Cells as Graft Source for Matched Sibling Transplants in Severe Aplastic Anemia across Different Economic Regions

Bone marrow (BM) is the preferred graft source for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) compared with mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). We hypothesized that this recommendation may not apply to those regions where patients present later in their disease course, with heavier transfusion load and with higher graft failure rates. Patients with SAA who received HSCT from an HLA-matched sibling donor from 1995 to 2009 and reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research or the Japan Society for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation were analyzed. The study population was categorized by gross national income per capita and region/countries into 4 groups. Groups analyzed were high-income countries (HIC), which were further divided into United States-Canada (n = 486) and other HIC (n = 1264); upper middle income (UMIC) (n = 482); and combined lower-middle, low-income countries (LM-LIC) (n = 142). In multivariate analysis, overall survival (OS) was highest with BM as graft source in HIC compared with PBSCs in all countries or BM in UMIC or LM-LIC (P < .001). There was no significant difference in OS between BM and PBSCs in UMIC (P = .32) or LM-LIC (P = .23). In LM-LIC the 28-day neutrophil engraftment was higher with PBSCs compared with BM (97% versus 77%, P = .002). Chronic graft-versus-host disease was significantly higher with PBSCs in all groups. Whereas BM should definitely be the preferred graft source for HLA-matched sibling HSCT in SAA, PBSCs may be an acceptable alternative in countries with limited resources when treating patients at high risk of graft failure and infective complications.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation as Curative Therapy for Patients with Myelofibrosis: Long-Term Success in all Age Groups

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are chronic marrow disorders with variable prognoses. Most patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, or even primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are successfully treated with conservative strategies for years or even decades, and recent data suggest that even in patients with high-risk disease, in particular those with PMF, life expectancy can be extended by treatment with janus kinase (JAK2) inhibitors. However, none of those modalities are curative, and after marrow failure develops, the disease "accelerates," or transforms to acute leukemia, the only option able to effectively treat and, in fact, cure MPN is allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Outcome is superior if HCT is performed before leukemic transformation occurs. Several reports document survival in unmaintained remission beyond 10 years. The most recent analyses show reduced regimen-related mortality (less than 10% or even 5% at day 100) and progressively improved survival with both HLA-identical sibling and unrelated donors. The development of low/reduced-intensity conditioning regimens has contributed to the improved success rate and has allowed successful HCT in patients in their seventh and even eighth decade of life. We propose, therefore, that HCT should be offered to fit patients in these age groups and should be covered by their respective insurance carriers.

Outcomes of patients with therapy-related AML/myelodysplastic syndrome (t-AML/MDS) following hematopoietic cell transplantation

We studied outcomes of 65 consecutive patients with therapy-related AML/myelodyplastic syndrome (t-AML/MDS) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Previously published scores of HCT-CI, CIBMTR, EBMT and Comorbidity-age index were also evaluated. Median follow-up of survivors was 72 months (range 16-204). At 2 years, overall survival (OS) was 34% (95% confidence interval (CI) 23-45). Nineteen patients (29%) had monosomal karyotype (MK). Patients with MK had an OS of 21% (95% CI 7-41) at 2 years. Abnormal adverse cytogenetics, unrelated donor, bone marrow graft and CIBMTR score were significant risk factors for OS on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, abnormal adverse cytogenetics (hazard ratio (HR) 2.7; 95% CI 1.02-7.2; P-value=0.02) and unrelated donor (HR 2.7; 95% CI 1.5-5.0; P-value=0.0013) were independent factors for survival. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 2 years was 31% (95% CI 15-47). Donor type was the only factor that was significant for NRM with matched related donors having an NRM of 20% (95% CI 0-42) whereas unrelated donors had NRM of 60% (95% CI 40-80; P-value=0.0007). In conclusion, patients with t-AML/MDS have poor OS. Unrelated donor is a significant risk factor for both higher NRM and decreased OS. Cytogenetics are predictive for OS.

Mycophenolate-based graft versus host disease prophylaxis is not inferior to methotrexate in myeloablative-related donor stem cell transplantation

We retrospectively reviewed 242 patients who received related donor myeloablative peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation. We compared patients who received mycophenolate (MMF)/cyclosporine (CSA) (n = 71), to historical controls who received methotrexate (MTX)/CSA (n = 172). There were no differences in overall survival, nonrelapse mortality, and relapse. The MMF/CSA group had significantly faster neutrophil and platelet engraftment: medians of 13 versus 18 days and 10 versus 14 days, respectively (P = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) (Grades, 2-4) was significantly lower in the MMF/CSA group (45.1 vs. 74.4%, P < 0.001). The MMF/CSA group showed a lower incidence of skin (51.5 vs. 72.1%, P < 0.001) and liver acute GVHD (11.3 vs. 54.2%, P < 0.001) and a higher incidence of lung (42.2 vs. 19.0%, P = 0.045), eye (59.7 vs. 30.1%, P < 0.001), and mouth (72.8 vs. 56.4%, P = 0.001) chronic GVHD but only eye chronic GVHD was confirmed in propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia was higher in the MMF/CSA group (55.8 vs. 39.6%, P < 0.001) but this was not confirmed in PSM analysis. MMF/CSA was identified as an independent favorable factor for acute GVHD (P < 0.001, hazard ratio, 0.41) but as a possible adverse risk factor for CMV viremia as this was not found to be statistically significant in PSM analysis. MMF/CSA in myeloablative matched related donor peripheral blood stem cell transplant is not inferior as GVHD prophylaxis in comparison with MTX/CSA and is associated with faster engraftment but a potentially higher risk of CMV viremia.

Impaired T cell responsiveness to interleukin-6 in hematological patients with invasive aspergillosis

Invasive mold infections (IMI) are among the most devastating complications following chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with high mortality rates. Yet, the molecular basis for human susceptibility to invasive aspergillosis (IA) and mucormycosis remain poorly understood. Herein, we aimed to characterize the immune profile of individuals with hematological malignancies (n = 18) who developed IMI during the course of chemotherapy or HSCT, and compared it to that of hematological patients who had no evidence of invasive fungal infection (n = 16). First, we measured the expression of the pattern recognition receptors pentraxin 3, dectin-1, and Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in peripheral blood of chemotherapy and HSCT recipients with IMI. Compared to hematological controls, individuals with IA and mucormycosis had defective expression of dectin-1; in addition, patients with mucormycosis had decreased TLR2 and increased TLR4 expression. Since fungal recognition via dectin-1 favors T helper 17 responses and the latter are highly dependent on activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, we next used phospho-flow cytometry to measure the phosphorylation of the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3 in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-6, respectively. While IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling was similar between groups, naïve T cells from patients with IA, but not those with mucormycosis, exhibited reduced responsiveness to IL-6 as measured by STAT3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, IL-6 increased Aspergillus-induced IL-17 production in culture supernatants from healthy and hematological controls but not in patients with IA. Altogether, these observations suggest an important role for dectin-1 and the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in protective immunity against Aspergillus.

Allotransplantation for patients age ≥40 years with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: encouraging progression-free survival

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) disproportionately affects older patients, who do not often undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We analyzed Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research data on 1248 patients age ≥40 years receiving reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) or nonmyeloablative (NMA) conditioning HCT for aggressive (n = 668) or indolent (n = 580) NHL. Aggressive lymphoma was more frequent in the oldest cohort 49% for age 40 to 54 versus 57% for age 55 to 64 versus 67% for age ≥65; P = .0008). Fewer patients aged ≥65 had previous autografting (26% versus 24% versus 9%; P = .002). Rates of relapse, acute and chronic GVHD, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 1 year post-HCT were similar in the 3 age cohorts (22% [95% confidence interval (CI), 19% to 26%] for age 40 to 54, 27% [95% CI, 23% to 31%] for age 55 to 64, and 34% [95% CI, 24% to 44%] for age ≥65. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 years was slightly lower in the older cohorts (OS: 54% [95% CI, 50% to 58%] for age 40 to 54; 40% [95% CI, 36% to 44%] for age 55 to 64, and 39% [95% CI, 28% to 50%] for age ≥65; P < .0001). Multivariate analysis revealed no significant effect of age on the incidence of acute or chronic GVHD or relapse. Age ≥55 years, Karnofsky Performance Status <80, and HLA mismatch adversely affected NRM, PFS, and OS. Disease status at HCT, but not histological subtype, was associated with worse NRM, relapse, PFS, and OS. Even for patients age ≥55 years, OS still approached 40% at 3 years, suggesting that HCT affects long-term remission and remains underused in qualified older patients with NHL.

Does total body irradiation conditioning improve outcomes of myeloablative human leukocyte antigen-identical sibling transplantations for chronic lymphocytic leukemia?

An allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from an HLA-identical donor after high-dose (myeloablative) pretransplantation conditioning is an effective therapy for some people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Because CLL is a highly radiosensitive cancer, we hypothesized that total body irradiation (TBI) conditioning regimens may be associated with better outcomes than those without TBI. To answer this, we analyzed data from 180 subjects with CLL receiving myeloablative doses of TBI (n = 126) or not (n = 54), who received transplants from an HLA-identical sibling donor between 1995 and 2007 and reported to the Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research. At 5 years, treatment-related mortality was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39% to 57%) versus 50% (95% CI, 36% to 64%); P = NS. Relapse rates were 17% (95% CI, 11% to 25%) versus 22% (95% CI, 11% to 35%); P = NS. Five-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 34% (95% CI, 26% to 43%) versus 28% (95% CI, 15% to 42%); P = NS and 42% (95% CI, 33% to 51%) versus 33% (95% CI, 19% to 48%); P = NS, respectively. The single most common cause of death in both cohorts was recurrent/progressive CLL. No variable tested in the multivariate analysis was found to significantly affect these outcomes, including having failed fludarabine. Within the limitations of this study, we found no difference in HLA-identical sibling transplantation outcomes between myeloablative TBI and chemotherapy pretransplantation conditioning in persons with CLL.

Effect of postremission therapy before reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission

The impact of pretransplant (hematopoietic cell transplantation [HCT]) cytarabine consolidation therapy on post-HCT outcomes has yet to be evaluated after reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning. We analyzed 604 adults with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission (CR1) reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research who received a reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning HCT from an HLA-identical sibling, HLA-matched unrelated donor, or umbilical cord blood donor from 2000 to 2010. We compared transplant outcomes based on exposure to cytarabine postremission consolidation. Three-year survival rates were 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29% to 43%) in the no consolidation arm and 42% (95% CI, 37% to 47%) in the cytarabine consolidation arm (P = .16). Disease-free survival was 34% (95% CI, 27% to 41%) and 41% (95% CI, 35% to 46%; P = .15), respectively. Three-year cumulative incidences of relapse were 37% (95% CI, 30% to 44%) and 38% (95% CI, 33% to 43%), respectively (P = .80). Multivariate regression confirmed no effect of consolidation on relapse, disease-free survival, and survival. Before reduced-intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning HCT, these data suggest pre-HCT consolidation cytarabine does not significantly alter outcomes and support prompt transition to transplant as soon as morphologic CR1 is attained. If HCT is delayed while identifying a donor, our data suggest that consolidation does not increase transplant treatment-related mortality and is reasonable if required.

Better leukemia-free and overall survival in AML in first remission following cyclophosphamide in combination with busulfan compared with TBI

Cyclophosphamide combined with total body irradiation (Cy/TBI) or busulfan (BuCy) are the most widely used myeloablative conditioning regimens for allotransplants. Recent data regarding their comparative effectiveness are lacking. We analyzed data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research for 1230 subjects receiving a first hematopoietic cell transplant from a human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling or from an unrelated donor during the years 2000 to 2006 for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR) after conditioning with Cy/TBI or oral or intravenous (IV) BuCy. Multivariate analysis showed significantly less nonrelapse mortality (relative risk [RR] = 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39-0.86; P = .007), and relapse after, but not before, 1 year posttransplant (RR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08-0.65; P = .006), and better leukemia-free survival (RR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55-0.88; P = .003) and survival (RR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.52-0.88; P = .003) in persons receiving IV, but not oral, Bu compared with TBI. In combination with Cy, IV Bu is associated with superior outcomes compared with TBI in patients with AML in first CR.

Epidemiology of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) occurs worldwide although there is notable geographical variation in incidence and subtype distribution. These differences are due to a combination of demographic, environmental and other unidentified factors. A dramatic increase in NHL incidence was seen starting around 1970, with subsequent stabilization 10 years ago. Despite this plateau, the number of new cases in many countries will increase significantly in coming years due primarily to aging populations. In the majority of cases, strong risk factors are not identifiable. There is significant epidemiological heterogeneity between NHL subtypes, yet cancer registries have tended to consider NHL as a single entity. This is one of several epidemiological obstacles discussed.

Outcome of lower-intensity allogeneic transplantation in non-Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous transplantation failure

We studied the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after lower-intensity conditioning regimens (reduced-intensity conditioning and nonmyeloablative) in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma who relapsed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Nonrelapse mortality, lymphoma progression/relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival were analyzed in 263 patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. All 263 patients had relapsed after a previous autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and then had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a related (n = 26) or unrelated (n = 237) donor after reduced-intensity conditioning (n = 128) or nonmyeloablative (n = 135) and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 1996 and 2006. The median follow-up of survivors was 68 months (range, 3-111 months). Three-year nonrelapse mortality was 44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37%-50%). Lymphoma progression/relapse at 3 years was 35% (95% CI, 29%-41%). Three-year probabilities of PFS and overall survival were 21% (95% CI, 16%-27%) and 32% (95% CI, 27%-38%), respectively. Superior Karnofsky Performance Score, longer interval between transplantations, total body irradiation-based conditioning regimen, and lymphoma remission at transplantation were correlated with improved PFS. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after lower-intensity conditioning is associated with significant nonrelapse mortality but can result in long-term PFS. We describe a quantitative risk model based on pretransplantation risk factors to identify those patients likely to benefit from this approach.

Publication bias in blood and marrow transplantation

Only a small proportion of abstracts lead to full publication. Abstracts with "positive" results are more likely to be published than other abstracts, leading to publication bias. To date, this issue has not been examined in the blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) literature. We hypothesized that because BMT centers are often based at academic centers, the proportion of abstracts leading to publication will be high. All abstracts presented at the Canadian Blood and Marrow Transplant Group biannual meetings in 2002, 2004, and 2006 were reviewed and categorized by study type, funding source, single-center or multicenter study, form of presentation, and positive or negative results, using the authors' definitions. To determine publication, each reference was searched on multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL) by first, second, and final author names. Two authors performed abstract categorization and searching, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Of the 141 abstracts reviewed, only 43 were published (30.4%). Twenty-one studies were published from 2002 (36.8%), compared with 12 from 2004 (24.0%) and 10 from 2006 (29.4%) (P = .35). Neither positive results nor the number of involved centers were associated with the likelihood of publication. Clinical studies (retrospective or prospective) were more likely to be published than nonclinical studies (P = .014). Funded studies and oral presentations were more likely to be published (P = .009 and .004, respectively). A low rate of publication is seen in the field of BMT. Studies with clinical outcomes, externally funded studies, and studies presented orally were more likely to be published. However, there was no publication bias in favor of studies with positive results. Publication bias should be evaluated further at larger BMT meetings, and efforts should be made to encourage full publication of scientific abstracts.

Race and outcomes of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for multiple myeloma

Blacks are twice as likely to develop and die from multiple myeloma (MM), and are less likely to receive an autologous hematopoietic-cell transplant (AHCT) for MM compared to Whites. The influence of race on outcomes of AHCT for MM is not well described. We compared the probability of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease progression, and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) among Black (N=303) and White (N=1892) recipients of AHCT for MM, who were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) from 1995 to 2005. The Black cohort was more likely to be female, and had better Karnofsky performance scores, but lower hemoglobin and albumin levels at diagnosis. Black recipients were younger and more likely to be transplanted later in their disease course. Disease stage and treatment characteristics prior to AHCT were similar between the 2 groups. Black and White recipients had similar probabilities of 5-year OS (52% versus 47%, P=.19) and PFS (19% versus 21%, P=.64) as well as cumulative incidences of disease progression (72% versus 72%, P=.97) and NRM (9% versus 8%, P=.52). In multivariate analyses, race was not associated with any of these endpoints. Black recipients of AHCT for MM have similar outcomes compared to Whites, suggesting that the reasons underlying lower rates of AHCT in Blacks need to be studied further to ensure equal access to effective therapy.

Second autologous stem cell transplantation for relapsed lymphoma after a prior autologous transplant

We determined treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) after a second autologous HCT (HCT2) for patients with lymphoma relapse after a prior HCT (HCT1). Outcomes for patients with either Hodgkin lymphoma (HL, n = 21) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL, n = 19) receiving HCT2 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) were analyzed. The median age at HCT2 was 38 years (range: 16-61) and 22 (58%) patients had a Karnofsky performance score <90. HCT2 was performed >1 year after HCT1 in 82%. The probability of treatment-related mortality at day 100 was 11% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3%-22%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year probabilities of PFS were 50% (95% CI, 34%-66%), 36% (95% CI, 21%-52%), and 30% (95% CI, 16%-46%), respectively. Corresponding probabilities of survival were 65% (95% CI, 50%-79%), 36% (95% CI, 22%-52%), and 30% (95% CI, 17%-46%), respectively. At a median follow-up of 72 months (range: 12-124 months) after HCT2, 29 patients (73%) have died, 18 (62%) secondary to relapsed lymphoma. The outcomes of patients with HL and NHL were similar. In summary, this series represents the largest reported group of patients with relapsed lymphomas undergoing SCT2 following failed SCT1, and with long-term follow-up. Our series suggests that SCT2 is feasible in patients relapsing after prior HCT1, with a lower treatment-related mortality than that reported for allogeneic transplant in this setting. HCT2 should be considered for patients with relapsed HL or NHL after HCT1 without alternative allogeneic stem cell transplant options.

The role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in advanced Hodgkin Lymphoma

Primary therapy of Hodgkin Lymphoma is generally successful. However, for the relatively small numbers of patients with relapsed or primary progressive disease, outcomes are not optimal. It is now recognized that high dose chemotherapy and autoSCT may be curative in a proportion of these patients. Nevertheless, survival even following autoSCT remains unsatisfactory, with relapse remaining the major concern. In particular, patients with primary progressive disease, those who fail to respond to salvage therapy, and those who are ineligible for autoSCT carry a relatively poor prognosis. In these groups of patients, clinical trials are examining tandem autologous stem cell transplantation or reduced intensity allogeneic transplantation. The latter procedure is promising in terms of its relatively low toxicities and its possibility of inciting a Graft-versus-Hodgkin Lymphoma effect. Further prospective clinical trials are required to clarify the role of allogeneic transplantation in poor risk Hodgkin Lymphoma.