[Mutational features of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the mutational features of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgHV) gene in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) using immunophenotypic and molecular genetic methods. Methods: The laboratory results of 266 CLL patients who underwent IgHV gene examination at Sino-US diagnostics laboratory from February 2020 to February 2021 were analyzed for the IgVH mutational status and presence of specific IgVH fragments. In addition, their immunophenotypic, molecular, chromosomal karyotypic, and FISH profiles were investigated and correlated with the IgVH mutational status. Results: Among 266 patients, 172 were male and 94 were female, with a media age of 67 years (20-82 years).There were more patients with mutated IgHV (m-IgHV) than unmutated IgHV (un-IgHV) (69.2%∶30.8%). There was association of VH family and the presence of gene fragments: the overall incidence of VH families including VH3 family (142/266, 53.4%), VH4 family (75/266, 28.2%), and VH1 family (34/266, 12.8%) was about 95%, among which the proportion of VH4-34 (26/266, 9.8%), VH3-23 (25/266, 9.4%), VH3-7 (24/266, 9.0%), and VH4-39 (16/266, 6.0%) was about 35%. VH3-20 and VH3-49 only occurred in un-IgHV (P<0.05). In addition, the expression rates of CD38 (26.3% vs. 3.0%), CD79b (71.1%∶45.5%) and 11q deletion (25.5%∶5.3%) were higher in un-IgHV, and single trisomy 12 (37.9%∶5.6%) were more commonly found in m-IgHV (P<0.05). MYD88 was one of the major mutation genes in m-IgHV, while ATM had the highest mutation rate in un-IgHV. Conclusion: CLL patients have differential expression in terms of IgHV gene mutations, correlating to their immunophenotype and genetics characteristics.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia: a single-center retrospective of 790 cases]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the data of Chinese patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) to preliminarily discuss the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics. Methods: From February 2004 to June 2020, patients with newly diagnosed APL aged ≥ 15 years who were admitted to the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College were chosen. Clinical and laboratory features were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 790 cases were included, with a male to female ratio of 1.22. The median age of the patients was 41 (15-76) years. Patients aged between 20 and 59 predominated, with 632 patients (80%) of 790 patients classified as low and intermediate risk and 158 patients (20%) of 790 patients classified as high risk. The white blood cell, platelet, and hemoglobin levels at diagnosis were 2.3 (0.1-176.1) ×10(9)/L, 29.5 (2.0-1220.8) ×10(9)/L, and 89 (15-169) g/L, respectively, and 4.8% of patients were complicated with psoriasis. The long-form type of PML-RARα was most commonly seen in APL, accounting for 58%. Both APTT extension (10.3%) and creatinine>14 mg/L (1%) are rarely seen in patients at diagnosis. Cytogenetics was performed in 715 patients with newly diagnosed APL. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities were found in 155 patients, accounting for 21.7%; among which, +8 was most frequently seen. A complex karyotype was found in 64 (9.0%) patients. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 178 patients, and 113 mutated genes were discovered; 75 genes had an incidence rate>1%. FLT3 was the most frequently seen, which accounted for 44.9%, and 20.8% of the 178 patients present with FLT3-ITD. Conclusions: Patients aged 20-59 years are the most common group with newly diagnosed APL. No obvious difference was found in the ratio of males to females. In terms of risk stratification, patients divided into low and intermediate risk predominate. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 21% of 715 patients, in which +8 was most commonly seen. The long-form subtype was most frequently seen in PML-RARα-positive patients, and FLT3 was most commonly seen in the mutation spectrum of APL.

[Characteristics of fusion gene expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To analyze the genetic landscape of 52 fusion genes in patients with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and to investigate the characteristics of other laboratory results. Methods: The fusion gene expression was retrospectively analyzed in the 1 994 patients with de novo ALL diagnosed from September 2016 to December 2020. In addition, their mutational, immunophenotypical and karyotypical profiles were investigated. Results: In the 1 994 patients with ALL, the median age was 12 years (from 15 days to 89 years). In the panel of targeted genes, 15 different types of fusion genes were detected in 884 patients (44.33%) and demonstrated a Power law distribution. The frequency of detectable fusion genes in B-cell ALL was significantly higher than that in T-cell ALL (48.48% vs 18.71%), and fusion genes were almost exclusively expressed in B-cell ALL or T-cell ALL. The number of fusion genes showed peaks at<1 year, 3-5 years and 35-44 years, respectively. More fusion genes were identified in children than in adults. MLL-FG was most frequently seen in infants and TEL-AML1 was most commonly seen in children, while BCR-ABL1 was dominant in adults. The majority of fusion gene mutations involved signaling pathway and the most frequent mutations were observed in NRAS and KRAS genes. The expression of early-stage B-cell antigens varied in B-cell ALL patients. The complex karyotypes were more common in BCR-ABL1 positive patients than others. Conclusion: The distribution of fusion genes in ALL patients differs by ages and cell lineages. It also corresponds to various gene mutations, immunophenotypes, and karyotypes.

[Analysis of fusion gene expression in acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze the genetic landscape of multiple fusion genes in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and investigate the characteristics of immunophenotypes and mutations. Methods: The results of multiple fusion genes from 4192 patients with de novo AML were retrospectively analyzed from 2016 to 2020. In addition, the immunophenotypical data and the mutational results from high-through put method were statistically investigated and correlated as well. Results: ①Among the 52 targets, 29 different types of fusion genes were detected in 1948 patients (46.47%) with AML, which demonstrated an "exponential distribution" . ② As the age increased, the number of patients with fusion gene increased first and then decreased gradually. The total incidence rate of fusion genes and MLL rearrangment in children were significantly higher than those in adults (69.18% vs 44.76%, 15.35% vs 8.36%) . ③The mutations involving FLT3 and RAS signaling pathway contributed most in patients with MLL rearrangment. ④No specific immunophenotypic characteristics were found in AML patients with MLL or NUP98 rearrangements. Conclusion: Nearly half of AML patients were accompanied by specific fusion gene expression, the proportions of different fusion genes in pediatric and adults patients were different by multiple PCR. The gene mutations and immunophenotype of these AML patients have certain rules.

[Dasatinib combined with multi-agent chemotherapy regimen in newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a prospective study from a single center]

目的

评价达沙替尼联合多药化疗方案在Ph染色体阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病（Ph⁺ ALL）患者中的疗效及安全性。

方法

前瞻性、单臂、开放的临床研究。2016年1月至2018年4月中国医学科学院血液病医院收治的30例初诊成人Ph⁺ ALL患者入组。采用多药化疗方案，标准诱导化疗为期4周，自诱导化疗第8天开始口服达沙替尼（商品名依尼舒，正大天晴药业集团股份有限公司产品）100 mg/d，持续应用至整体治疗结束。有条件和意愿进行移植者，可进行异基因造血干细胞移植或自体造血干细胞移植。

结果

所有30例患者在诱导治疗4周后均达到血液学完全缓解（HCR），累积完全分子学反应（MCR）率为70.0％（21/30）。中位随访时间为37.8（32.0～46.6）个月。3年总生存（OS）率为68.1％，3年无血液学复发生存（HRFS）率为61.6％。63.3％的患者在治疗3个月时达到主要分子学反应（MMR）（其中有43.3％患者达到MCR）。6个月时60.0％的患者达到MCR，达到MCR的患者具有更好的OS（P＝0.004）、HRFS（P＝0.049）和EFS（P＝0.001）。15例（50.0％）患者在第1次HCR期内进行移植，移植组患者HRFS（P＝0.030）和EFS（P＝0.010）优于化疗组。

结论

达沙替尼联合多药化疗方案治疗初诊Ph⁺ALL安全有效。

临床试验注册

ClinicalTrials.gov，NCT02523976。

[Investigation and clinical analysis of a family with germline CEBPA mutations in acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

探讨伴CEBPA基因突变的家族性急性髓系白血病（AML）的临床特征、病因及转归，提高对家族性白血病的认识。

方法

调查一个伴CEBPA基因突变AML家系患者的发病年龄、临床特征、转归及预后并绘制家系谱。对先证者采集骨髓及口腔黏膜细胞，与先证者有血缘关系的亲属，采集外周血，通过基因测序技术检测基因突变。

结果

该家系共有10人诊断为AML，其中男4例，女6例，中位年龄9（3～48）岁。10例患者中，6例死亡，其中4例未进行治疗，1例患者化疗后生存3年复发死亡，1例采取中药及支持治疗生存2年后死亡。4例患者生存，1例接受化疗患者生存达15年，3例患者接受化疗联合造血干细胞移植，至随访截止，生存时间分别为6、9、28个月。对先证者及8名与先证者有血缘关系的亲属进行基因测序，发现5例存在胚系CEBPA TAD p.G36Afs*124突变，其中4例确诊为AML，1例随访至今未发病。

结论

伴CEBPA基因突变的家族性AML多在儿童及青壮年期发病，具有完全或接近完全的外显率，通过积极治疗，大多预后良好。

[Rituximab combined with short-course and intensive regimen for Burkitt leukemia: efficacy and safety analysis]

目的

探讨利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度方案治疗成人Burkitt白血病患者的疗效和安全性。

方法

收集2006年1月30日至2018年9月12日中国医学科学院血液病医院收治的11例Burkitt白血病患者病例资料，分析统计患者的临床特征、完全缓解（CR）率、总生存率、无复发生存率及不良事件。

结果

11例患者中位年龄34（15~54）岁，其中男6例，女5例。发病时中位WBC 12.28（2.21~48.46）×10⁹/L，HGB 113（74~147）g/L，PLT 35（13~172）×10⁹/L，乳酸脱氢酶2 721（803~17 370）U/L，外周血中位原始细胞比例0.40（0.03~0.76），骨髓中位原始细胞比例0.840（0.295~0.945）。10例患者接受利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度化疗，其中2例患者巩固化疗后行自体造血干细胞移植。所有治疗患者1个疗程CR率为100%，4年总生存率为90%，4年无复发生存率为90%。所有治疗患者中，只有1例患者在诱导化疗中出现肿瘤溶解综合征，经血液透析等治疗后肾功能恢复。无治疗相关性死亡病例。

结论

利妥昔单抗联合短疗程、高强度方案治疗成人Burkitt白血病疗效及安全性均较为理想。

[Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms after successful treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia: a report of four cases and literature review]

目的

探讨急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）患者继发治疗相关性髓系肿瘤（t-MN）的临床特点、诊断、治疗及预后。

方法

回顾性分析中国医学科学院血液病医院2012年10月至2019年1月收治的4例APL继发t-MN患者的临床资料，并进行相关文献复习。

结果

4例APL继发t-MN患者均为女性，中位年龄42（40~53）岁，3例接受了以维甲酸（ATRA）+亚砷酸（ATO）为基础联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的前期诱导缓解及巩固治疗方案，1例采用了ATRA联合蒽环/蒽醌类药物±阿糖胞苷的治疗方案，均没有使用烷化剂。在APL获得完全缓解（CR）后40~43个月出现t-MN，其中治疗相关性骨髓增生异常综合征（t-MDS）1例，治疗相关性急性髓系白血病（t-AML）3例，出现t-MN时PML-RARα融合基因均为阴性。3例t-AML患者接受了2~4个疗程再诱导治疗，其中有1例t-AML患者在获得CR后行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），1例t-MDS患者接受了去甲基化治疗。中位随访54.5（48~62）个月，2例t-AML患者死亡，出现t-MN后中位生存期为12（5~18）个月。1989至2018年文献共报道63例APL继发t-MN病例，与本次报道的4例汇总分析，67例患者中男27例，女40例；中位年龄为52.5（15~76）岁；中位潜伏期39（12~168）个月，确诊t-MN后中位生存时间为10（1~39）个月。

结论

APL继发t-MN较为少见，目前缺乏有效的防治措施，预后不佳，在随访过程中（尤其是获得CR后39个月左右）若出现病情变化，应警惕t-MN的发生，对此类患者应尽快明确疾病的变化，给予合理的治疗。

[Myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and FGFR1 rearrangement: 5 cases report and literatures review]

目的

分析罕见疾病伴嗜酸性粒细胞增多和FGFR1重排的髓系/淋系肿瘤（即8p11骨髓增殖综合征，EMS）的临床特征、诊断及治疗。

方法

总结中国医学科学院血液病医院2014年1月至2018年5月收治的5例确诊EMS患者的临床表现、实验室特征、诊治经过及转归。

结果

5例EMS患者外周血白细胞计数均明显升高，伴有嗜酸性粒细胞绝对值增高（均值18.89×10⁹/L）；骨髓髓系极度增生，原始细胞均<5%，嗜酸性粒细胞比例增高（均值17.24%）。5例患者染色体核型各不相同，但FISH检查均存在FGFR1基因重排。发病至确诊平均时间为4.8个月，中位生存期仅14个月。

结论

EMS是一种罕见病，恶性程度高，对常规化疗反应差，生存期短，且易发生误诊漏诊，细胞遗传学及分子生物学检查有助于早期诊断。

[A single-center, randomized controlled trial of PEG-rhG-CSF and common rhG-CSF to promote neutrophil recovery after induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia]

目的

比较初诊急性髓系白血病（AML）患者诱导化疗后骨髓抑制期应用聚乙二醇化重组人G-CSF（PEG-rhG-CSF）与普通重组人G-CSF（rhG-CSF）促进中性粒细胞或白细胞恢复的时间。同时比较两种药物对患者感染发生率、住院时间的影响。

方法

采用前瞻性随机对照研究方法，将2014年8月至2017年12月间符合入组条件的初诊AML患者诱导治疗后按1∶1比例随机分成两组：PEG-rhG-CSF组和rhG-CSF组。对比分析两组患者中性粒细胞计数（ANC）或WBC恢复时间、感染发生率和住院时间。

结果

共入组初诊AML患者60例，PEG-rhG-CSF组30例，rhG-CSF组30例。两组患者除性别构成外，在年龄、化疗方案、化疗前ANC、WBC、诱导化疗疗效方面差异均无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。PEG-rhG-CSF组患者与rhG-CSF组患者的ANC、WBC恢复中位时间分别为19（14~35）d、19（15~26）d，差异无统计学意义（t=0.580，P=0.566）。PEG-rhG-CSF组、rhG-CSF组患者骨髓抑制期感染的发生率分别为90.0%、93.3%，差异无统计学意义（P=1.000）。两组患者的中位住院时间分别为20.5（17~49）d、21（19~43）d，差异无统计学意义（P=0.530）。

结论

AML患者诱导治疗后应用PEG-rhG-CSF与rhG-CSF无论在ANC或WBC恢复时间，还是在感染的发生率及住院时间均相当。

[Application of immunophenotypic analysis and molecular genetics in the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia]

目的

研究免疫表型分析及分子遗传学在急性早幼粒细胞白血病（APL）诊断中的应用价值。

方法

对2012年5月–2017年12月门诊或住院的798例APL患者的流式细胞术（FCM）免疫分型、染色体核型及染色体荧光原位杂交（FISH）进行回顾性分析，并深入研究FCM免疫表型及分子遗传学在APL诊断中的应用价值。

结果

FCM诊断APL敏感性为91.9%，特异性为98.7%。APL具有独特免疫表型特点：典型APL的表型为侧向（SSC）偏大，CD34和HLA-DR表达缺失，表达或强表达CD33，均一表达CD13、CD9、CD123，可伴有CD56、CD7、CD2的表达。约10%的患者为非典型APL表型，一般伴有CD34和（或）HLA-DR表达，SSC减小，经常伴有CD2表达，而FCM免疫分型很难明确诊断为APL，需要依赖遗传学或者分子生物学检查结果。约1/3的患者除存在t（15;17）（q22;q21）外，还存在额外染色体异常；伴有t（15；17）的复杂核型、变异易位或者t（11;17）、t（5;17）等变异型的APL，FCM表型与单纯t（15；17）APL差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。

结论

FCM能够快速诊断APL，伴有额外染色体异常患者和单纯t（15；17）患者FCM免疫表型没有明显差异。遗传学是诊断APL的金标准，免疫分型中约10%的患者依赖于分子遗传学来确诊。

[Impact of duration of antibiotic therapy on the prognosis of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who had Gram-negative bloodstream infection in consolidation chemotherapy]

目的

分析巩固化疗期间伴发革兰阴性菌（G⁻菌）血流感染的急性髓系白血病（AML）患者抗感染疗程对感染转归的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2010年9月至2016年1月入组“依据危险度分层对急性髓系白血病优化治疗的研究”临床试验的591例AML（非急性早幼粒细胞白血病）患者的血流感染资料，将其中巩固化疗期间发生G⁻菌血流感染且持续发热时间<7 d的114例次血流感染（89例患者）纳入研究，分析抗感染疗程对感染转归的影响。

结果

114例次血流感染发生时，患者中位ANC为0（0~5.62）×10⁹/L，中性粒细胞缺乏（粒缺）持续的中位时间为9（3~26）d，抗感染治疗的中位时间为7（4~14）d。抗感染疗程≤7 d与>7 d组比较，停药后3 d内再发热比例、再次发生相同菌株血流感染比例分别为1.2%对3.0%、18.5%对21.2%，差异均无统计学意义（P=0.522，OR=0.400，95%CI 0.024~6.591；P=0.741，OR=0.844，95%CI 0.309~2.307）。同时，两组患者均未发生7 d及30 d内感染相关死亡。且倾向性评分平衡患者特征及用药差异因素后，抗感染疗程≤7 d较>7 d组再次发生相同菌株血流感染比例仍无明显增高（P=0.525，OR=0.663，95%CI 0.187~2.352）。

结论

对于巩固化疗期间伴发G⁻菌血流感染的AML患者，若发热时间<7 d，敏感抗菌药物治疗7 d后停药并不增加停药后3 d内再发热，粒缺期再次出现相同菌株血流感染及感染相关7 d、30 d内死亡风险。提示短疗程抗感染方案可以成为巩固化疗伴发G⁻菌血流感染AML患者感染控制情况下合理的治疗选择。

[Screening of adult Ph-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia by multiplex real-time quantitative PCR]

目的

探讨多重实时荧光定量PCR法早期、快速筛查Ph样急性淋巴细胞白血病（ALL）的可行性，了解Ph样ALL的临床特征及预后。

方法

2010年10月至2016年3月收治的118例初诊成人B-ALL患者纳入研究，利用多重实时荧光定量PCR法检测其中58例BCR-ABL融合基因和MLL重排均阴性患者Ph样相关融合基因及细胞因子受体样因子2（CRLF2）表达情况。比较分析Ph样融合基因阳性和（或）CRLF2高表达患者的临床特征、疗效和预后。

结果

检出Ph样融合基因阳性患者9例（9/58，15.5%），CRLF2高表达患者10例（10/58，17.2%）。Ph样融合基因阳性和（或）CRLF2高表达组、Ph阳性组、MLL重排阳性组以及其他患者组在年龄、WBC、免疫分型、细胞遗传学、危险度分组方面差异有统计学意义（P值均<0.01）。四组患者的2年总生存率分别为65%、47%、64%、74%（P=0.043），2年无复发生存率分别为51%、39%、62%、70%（P=0.010）。

结论

采用多重实时荧光定量PCR法筛查Ph样ALL患者可行，Ph样ALL患者预后较差。

[Primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole plays a pivotal role during chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs during remission induction chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole. Methods: Clinical records from newly diagnosed AML patients above 15 years old in one single center from February 2014 to January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed, excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia. The incidence of IFI and usage of intravenous antifungal drugs were investigated between control group (not receiving any broad spectrum antifungal prophylaxis) and treatment group (receiving posaconazole as primary prophylaxis). Results: A total of 147 newly diagnosed AML patients were enrolled. Of them, 81 received prophylaxis with posaconazole, and 66 did not receive broad-spectrum antifungal treatment. 7 IFI occurred in posaconazole group, and all were possible cases; 19 IFI occurred in control group (3 proven, 4 probable, 12 possible). The incidence of IFI was significantly lower in treatment group than that in control group (8.6% vs 28.8%, χ(2)=10.138, P=0.001). Usage of intravenous antifungal drugs was significantly decreased in posaconazole group (18.5% vs 50.0%, χ(2)=16.390, P<0.001). Conclusion: Prophylaxis with posaconazole coulf prevent IFI and reduce usage of intravenous antifungal drugs significantly during remission induction chemotherapy in AML patients.

[Application of imatinib in BCR- ABL positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment in the real world]

目的

探讨真实世界中伊马替尼(IM)联合化疗治疗BCR-ABL阳性急性淋巴细胞白血病(ALL)的疗效及相关预后因素。

方法

2003年4月至2015年8月收治的209例治疗中包含IM的BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者纳入研究，106例患者接受造血干细胞移植(HSCT)。对患者的疗效和预后影响因素进行分析。

结果

初诊患者诱导完全缓解(CR)率为97.9%。初诊时WBC≥100×10⁹/L是总生存(OS)的不良预后因素(P=0.043)。未接受HSCT、诱导治疗4周内未达CR和治疗过程中未达到分子生物学完全缓解(CMR)是OS(P值分别为<0.001、0.009和<0.001)和无复发生存(RFS)(P值均<0.001)的不良预后因素。接受异基因HSCT和自体HSCT的患者，其OS和RFS的差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05)。首次诱导治疗时联用IM的患者较未联用者显示出更高的5年RFS率(37.0％对24.0%，P= 0.005)。在治疗过程中持续规律服用酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(TKI，40例患者由于复发、转录本水平下降不理想或出现突变换用其他TKI)的患者生存情况最佳，其次为骨髓抑制期间断停用TKI的患者，不规律服用TKI的患者生存情况最差，三组5年OS率分别为46.0%、28.0%、17.0%(P=0.004)，5年RFS率分别为38.0%、28.0%、17.0%(P<0.001)。

结论

TKI联合化疗获得CMR，序贯以HSCT可改善BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者预后，持续规律地联用TKI有助于BCR-ABL阳性ALL患者疗效的提高。

[Spectrum of somatic mutations and their prognostic significance in adult patients with B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the spectrum of gene mutations in adult patients with B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and to analyze the influences of different gene mutations on prognosis. Methods: DNA samples from 113 adult B-ALL patients who administered from June 2009 to September 2015 were collected. Target-specific next generation sequencing (NGS) approach was used to analyze the mutations of 112 genes (focused on the specific mutational hotspots) and all putative mutations were compared against multiple databases to calculate the frequency spectrum. The impact of gene mutation on the patients' overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS) was analyzed by the putative mutations through Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression methods. Results: Of the 113 patients, 103 (92.0%) harbored at least one mutation and 29 (25.6%) harbored more than 3 genes mutation. The five most frequently mutated genes in B-ALL are SF1, FAT1, MPL, PTPN11 and NRAS. Gene mutations are different between Ph+ B-ALL and Ph- B-ALL patients. Ph- B-ALL patients with JAK-STAT signal pathway related gene mutation, such as JAK1/JAK2 mutation showed a poor prognosis compared to the patients without mutation (OS: P=0.011, 0.001; RFS: P=0.014,<0.001). Patients with PTPN11 mutation showed better survival than those without mutation, but the difference was not statistically significant (P value > 0.05). Besides, in Ph+ B-ALL patients whose epigenetic modifications related signaling pathway genes were affected, they had a worse prognosis (OS: P=0.038; RFS: P=0.047). Conclusion: Gene mutations are common in adult ALL patients, a variety of signaling pathways are involved. The frequency and spectrum are varied in different types of B-ALL. JAK family gene mutation usually indicates poor prognosis. The co-occurrence of somatic mutations in adult B-ALL patients indicate the genetic complex and instability of adult B-ALL patients.

[Characteristics and prognosis in adult acute myeloid leukemia patients with MLL gene rearrangements]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics, and prognosis of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with MLL gene rearrangements. Methods: The medical records of 92 adult AML patients with MLL gene rearrangements from January 2010 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: 92 cases (6.5%) with MLL gene rearrangements were identified in 1 417 adult AML (Non-M(3)) patients, the median age of the patients was 35.5 years (15 to 64 years old) with an equal sex ratio, the median WBC were 21.00(0.42-404.76)×10(9)/L, and 78 patients (84.8%) were acute monoblastic leukemia according to FAB classification. Eleven common partner genes were detected in 32 patients, 9 cases (28.1%) were MLL/AF9(+), 5 cases (15.6%) were MLL/AF6(+), 5 cases (15.6%) were MLL/ELL(+), 2 cases (6.3%) were MLL/AF10(+), 1 case (3.1%) was MLL/SETP6(+), and the remaining 10 patients' partner genes weren't identified. Of 92 patients, 83 cases with a median follow-up of 10.3 (0.3-74.0) months were included for the prognosis analysis, the complete remission (CR) rate was 85.5% (71/83), the median overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were 15.4 and 13.1 months, respectively. Two-year OS and RFS were 36.6% and 29.5%, respectively. Of 31 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), two-year OS and RFS for patients received and non-received allo-HSCT were 57.9% and 21.4%, 52.7% and 14.9%, respectively (P<0.001). Among patients with partner genes tested, 9 of 32 cases (28.1%) were MLL/AF9(+), the median follow-up was 6.0(4.1-20.7) months. 3 patients with MLL/AF9 underwent allo-HSCT. 23 cases (71.9%) were non- MLL/AF9(+), the median follow-up was 7.8 (0.3-26.6) months. 14 patients (60.1%) with non-MLL/AF9 underwent allo-HSCT. One-year OS for patients with MLL/AF9 and non-MLL/AF9 were 38.1% and 55.5%, respectively (P=0.688). Multivariate analysis revealed that high WBC (RR=1.825, 95% CI 1.022-3.259, P=0.042), one cycle to achieve CR (RR=0.130, 95% CI 0.063-0.267, P<0.001), post-remission treatment with allo-HSCT (RR=0.169, 95% CI 0.079-0.362, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors affecting OS. Conclusions: AML with MLL gene rearrangements was closely associated with monocytic differentiation, and MLL/AF9 was the most frequent partner gene. Conventional chemotherapy produced a high response rate, but likely to relapse, allo-HSCT may have the potential to further improve the prognosis of this group of patients.

[Prognostic significance of flow cytometric minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia during aplasia]

Objective: To investigate the impact of minimal residual disease (MRD) by multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC) during aplasia on efficacy and prognosis of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (non M(3)) patients. Methods: The MRD data by 8-color MPFC during aplasia (day 14-15 of induction therapy) in 85 de novo AML (non M(3)) patients and the MRD impact on efficacy and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Data of 85 patients, including 42 males (49.4%) and 43 females (50.6%) , were collected, with a median age of 35 (15-54) years. The median MRD by MPFC during aplasia was 0.58% (0-81.11%) , and 70 (82.4%) patients achieved complete remission (CR) after first induction chemotherapy. The cutoff of MRD by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was 2.305% (Se= 0.867, Sp=0.800) . The CR rate after one course was significantly higher in patients with MRD<2.305% [96.6% (56/58) ]than in patients with MRD≥2.305%[51.9% (14/27) ] (χ(2)=22.348, P<0.001) ; no significant difference with respect to relapse-free survival rate (χ(2)=1.08, P=0.299) or overall survival rate (χ(2)=0.42, P=0.516) could be demonstrated for the comparison of the two groups. Multivariates analysis showed MRD divided by 2.305% was the only independent prognostic factor for CR after one course (OR= 21.560, 95% CI 4.129-112.579, P<0.001) . Conclusion: Flow cytometric MRD divided by 2.305% during aplasia could be a predictor of efficacy after first induction therapy in AML patients.

[Prediction of outcome in acute myeloid leukemia by measurement of WT1 expression as a basic marker of minimal residual disease]

Objective: To probe the potential utility of Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to estimate the relapse-predicting cut-off value. Methods: Quantitative assessment of bone marrow WT1 mRNA level was preformed using real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-RT-PCR) assay. The expression levels of WT1 dynamically measured with RQ-RT-PCR were retrospectively analyzed in 121 AML cases (not including acute promyelocytic leukemia) achieving complete remission (CR) after induction therapy followed by consolidation therapy. By comparing WT1 levels of patients with different post-therapy outcomes, the investigators used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine WT1 threshold so as to predict their clinical relapses. Then prognoses and the significance of intervention were analyzed between WT1 positive and negative patients according to the cut-off value of WT1. Results: According to ROC curve, WT1 level higher than 2.98% predicted the possibility of relapse. For simplicity and clinical application, 3.00% was used as the cut-off value of WT1 level for relapse. WT1 levels in 41 patients at diagnosis were detected, meanwhile 3 patients whose WT1 levels at diagnosis below 3.00% were excluded, then the median WT1 level of the rest 38 patients at diagnosis was 44.09% (range 7.19%-188.06%) . The median WT1 level in remission was 0.48% (352 samples, range 0-8.41%) . The median WT1 level at diagnosis was higher than that in remission. Excluding the 3 patients with WT1 level at diagnosis under 3.00%, the relapse rate of WT1 positive group (>3.00% during consolidation phase and follow-up) and WT1 negative group (≤3.00%) was 70.0% (14/20) and 12.2% (12/98) respectively (P<0.001) . The median time from WT1 positivity to clinical relapse was 58 days. Conclusions: WT1 expression level above 3.00% was associated with markedly high risk of relapse, which could be as a useful marker for monitoring MRD following consolidation therapy.

[Clinical features and prognosis in CD10(-) pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

目的

分析CD10阴性的前B急性淋巴细胞白血病（CD10⁻pre B-ALL）患者的临床特征和预后。

方法

对6例成人CD10⁻ pre B-ALL患者的临床和实验室资料进行回顾性分析，结合文献复习明确该类型患者的临床特征及预后。

结果

CD10⁻pre B-ALL占ALL的1.5%（6/409），占B-ALL的1.8%（6/343），占pre B-ALL的11.5%（6/52）。6例患者均为男性，中位年龄为33.5岁，起病时中位WBC为101.78×10⁹/L，所有患者均伴有MLL-AF4融合基因表达。5例患者经1个疗程诱导化疗即获得完全缓解（CR），1例患者经3个疗程化疗后才获得CR。2例患者在CR₁期行异基因造血干细胞移植（allo-HSCT），1例患者CR后短期内即复发，在CR₂期行allo-HSCT。1例患者正在等待移植。2例未移植患者1例复发死亡，1例尚处于缓解状态。

结论

CD10⁻pre B-ALL是一类具有独特临床特征的成人ALL亚型，发生率较低，常见于男性，起病时白细胞水平较高，MLL-AF4融合基因表达率高，常规化疗具有较高的缓解率，但易复发，allo-HSCT有可能改善其预后。

[Homoharringtonine in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment: a prospective, randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and toxicities of combining homoharringtonine (HHT)±daunorubicin (DNR) with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) based therapy and DNR plus ATRA based therapy in newly diagnosed low/intermediate risk acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).

METHODS

A total of 96 newly diagnosed patients with APL were randomized to HHT group, DNR group and HHT+ DNR group prospectively. The complete remission (CR) rate, the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of three groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 31 patients in HHT group, 33 patients in DNR group and 32 patients in HHT+ DNR group. The baseline characteristics of three groups were similar. No patient died during induction therapy. The morphologic CR rate was 100.0%. The median time to peak WBC counts in HHT+DNR group (4 days, range: 1-23 days) was significantly shorter than that in HHT group (9 days, range: 1-27 days) (P=0.008) and DNR group (7 days, range: 1-27 days) (P=0.240). There was no difference among three groups about the incidence of differentiation syndrome, the median interval to achieve CR, peak WBC counts and transfusions (P >0.05). All patients achieved complete molecular remission (CMR) during consolidation therapy. The interval to achieve CMR was no significantly difference among three groups (P >0.05). The 3-year OS rates for HHT group, DNR group and HHT+DNR group were 95.0%, 100.0% and 91.0%, respectively (P=0.595). The 3-year EFS rates for three groups were 93.0%, 90.0% and 85.0% (P=0.382). No difference was found in the incidence of adverse events among three groups (P >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to DNR plus ATRA based therapy, HHT plus ATRA based induction and consolidation therapy should be one of highly-efficient treatment options for newly diagnosed APL. Clinical trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-12002628.