A Case Report of Kidney Transplantation in a Patient With Pre-existing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The Role of Achieving Molecular Response and Treatment-Free Remission

BACKGROUND

Treatment-free remission (TFR) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is achieved when a patient who has discontinued tyrosine-kinase inhibitor treatment sustains major molecular response (MMR) and does not require restarting therapy. The feasibility of kidney transplantation (KT), and achieving TFR post-transplantation in patients with a pre-existing CML, are currently not well-studied.

METHODS

We describe the clinical course of a 39-year-old Filipino woman with IgA nephropathy who developed CML during treatment. She received nilotinib 600 mg daily and was able to achieve MMR after 5 months. Eight years later, the patient sustained MMR; however, she ultimately underwent KT due to advancing kidney disease. Before the transplant, she was able to achieve deep molecular response. In anticipation of possible drug-to-drug interaction of nilotinib with tacrolimus and everolimus, a shared decision was made to discontinue nilotinib despite not fulfilling the criteria for TFR. Twelve months post-transplant, the patient remains in MMR without nilotinib. Good renal allograft function was maintained, and there were no signs of allograft rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Attempting TFR may be feasible after KT in patients with low-risk chronic phase CML especially if good molecular response is obtained before the transplant. Data regarding the length at which TFR can be maintained after KT is still yet to be determined. In this regard, low-risk chronic phase CML in good disease control may not be considered a contraindication to KT.

Severe spontaneous acute arterial subdural hematoma as an initial symptom of chronic myeloid leukemia

Acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is a rare occurrence in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with only two cases reported in literature. However, sudden severe acute SDH caused by CML has not been reported on. Our patient was admitted for 'sudden unconsciousness for more than 1 hour'. Computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a large amount of acute SDH on the left side. Physical exam showed the patient's left pupil was dilated and signs of cerebral herniation were present. The preoperative coagulation profile was normal. Emergency craniotomy for hematoma clearance and decompression was performed. During the surgery, a ruptured cerebral artery was located in the perisylvian region and hemostasis was achieved through electrocautery. Pre-operative white blood count was 58,100 cell/µl, with post-operative bone marrow examination、cytogenetic analysis and RT-PCR detection revealing a diagnosis of CML, for which hydroxyurea chemotherapy was initiated. Leukocyte count of the patient gradually returned to normal. After 24 days, the patient regained consciousness and on day 30, repeat CT scan showed no SDH recurrence. The patient recovered with no neurological deficits and achieved a good prognosis.

Establishment of a novel mesenchymal stem cell-based regimen for chronic myeloid leukemia differentiation therapy

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the accumulation of malignant and immature white blood cells which spread to the peripheral blood and other tissues/organs. Despite the fact that current tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are capable of achieving the complete remission by reducing the tumor burden, severe adverse effects often occur in CML patients treated with TKIs. The differentiation therapy exhibits therapeutic potential to improve cure rates in leukemia, as evidenced by the striking success of all-trans-retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia treatment. However, there is still a lack of efficient differentiation therapy strategy in CML. Here we showed that MPL, which encodes the thrombopoietin receptor driving the development of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, decreased along with the progression of CML. We first elucidated that MPL signaling blockade impeded the megakaryocytic differentiation and contributed to the progression of CML. While allogeneic human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) treatment efficiently promoted megakaryocytic lineage differentiation of CML cells through restoring the MPL expression and activating MPL signaling. UC-MSCs in combination with eltrombopag, a non-peptide MPL agonist, further activated JAK/STAT and MAPK signaling pathways through MPL and exerted a synergetic effect on enhancing CML cell differentiation. The established combinational treatment not only markedly reduced the CML burden but also significantly eliminated CML cells in a xenograft CML model. We provided a new molecular insight of thrombopoietin (TPO) and MPL signaling in MSCs-mediated megakaryocytic differentiation of CML cells. Furthermore, a novel anti-CML treatment regimen that uses the combination of UC-MSCs and eltrombopag shows therapeutic potential to overcome the differentiation blockade in CML.

[Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Descending Colon Cancer Treated with Imatinib for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia]

A66 -year-old man was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia(CML). Imatinib treatment had been initiated, and a major molecular response(MMR)was achieved. The patient had anemia and was diagnosed with descending colon cancer. The patient was surgically treated, and then received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT/LV. However, imatinib was not administered during that period. The patient could undergo postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for 6 months without acute exacerbation of the CML.

[A Case of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia That Developed Fibrous Pericarditis Owing to Nilotinib Use]

A 64-year-old man was diagnosed with chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia(CML)in May 2009. He was treated with imatinib and achieved complete cytogenetic response(CCyR)in 2 months. After 4 months of treatment, he developed interstitial pneumonia and became intolerant to imatinib. He was then switched to nilotinib from October of the same year. In June 2013, he was diagnosed with drug-induced pericarditis resulting from nilotinib use, and thus, nilotinib was discontinued. Subsequently, he was followed up without specific treatment for CML. In January 2014, he was admitted to the Dept. of Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Medicine at our hospital because of heart failure. After examinations of cardiac function, he was diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis. Therefore, pericardiolysis was performed by the Dept. of Cardiovascular Surgery at our hospital. Pathologic findings showed hyaline-like fibrous tissue proliferation in the pericardium, which was diagnosed as fibrous pericarditis induced by nilotinib. We report a case of chronic myelogenous leukemia that developed fibrous pericarditis owing to nilotinib use.

BCR-ABL1 transcripts (MR4.5) at post-transplant 3 months as an early predictor for long-term outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify the role of BCR-ABL1 transcript level as a predictor for post-transplant relapse and outcome in patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

Of 101 patients receiving allograft in CML CP, 85 had available quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction data at post-transplant 3 months. These patients were divided into two groups according to molecular response (MR^4.5), defined as a BCR-ABL1 transcript level ≤ 0.0032% on the international scale, at 3 months based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of relapse.

RESULTS

The 4-year overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) were 80.6% and 57.3%, respectively, and the cumulative incidence of relapse at 4 years was 29.6% after a median follow-up of 126.4 months. We performed multivariate analyses including potential variables to evaluate the early predictive role of MR^4.5 at 3 months and found that MR^4.5 at 3 months was associated with a higher EFS (p = 0.028) and showed a trend for a lower relapse rate (p = 0.089).

CONCLUSIONS

our results imply that frequent molecular monitoring and immune suppressive therapy modulation are required for patients without reduction of BCR-ABL1 transcripts to this level after SCT.

Bacterial Pneumonia-induced Persistent Remission of Severe Immune Thrombocytopenia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

A 53-year-old woman with chronic myeloid leukemia received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After neutrophil engraftment, her platelet count exceeded 100,000/μL at day 64. While she was receiving corticosteroid treatment for chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD), her platelets suddenly dropped to 6,000/μL at day 210 and she was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Corticosteroids, intravenous high-dose gamma globulin (IVIg) and a splenectomy failed to increase her platelet count. She developed bacterial pneumonia at day 599 and antibiotic therapy was initiated. Soon after, her platelet count continuously increased. Her GVHD and ITP are now in remission without any ongoing treatment.

Imatinib Mesylate Versus Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

PURPOSE

To compare the relative merits of imatinib and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cohort study was designed to compare the outcomes of imatinib (n=292) versus allo-HSCT (n=141) for CML, the clinical data of these patients being retrospectively analyzed so as to compare the event free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) between these two groups with patients in the chronic phase (CP) and advanced phases, including accelerate (AP) and blast phases (BP).

RESULTS

(1) Patients treated with imatinib (278 in the CP) demonstrated superior EFS, OS, 5-year EFS and 5-year OS rates of 88.5% versus 70.0% (P<0.05), 93.2% versus 80.0% (P<0.05), 84% versus 75.0% (P<0.05) and 92% versus 79.0% (P<0.05), respectively, to those treated with allo-HSCT (120 patients in the CP). (2) Both treatments resulted in similar survival, with EFS and OS rates of 42.9% versus 47.6% (P>0.05), 42.9% versus 57.1% (P>0.05), respectively, for imatinib (14 patients in the AP and BP) and allo-HSCT (21 patients in the AP and BP).

CONCLUSIONS

Imatinib confers signi cant survival advantage (EFS and OS) for CML patients with CP compared with allo-HSCT treatment. However, the outcomes are equally good with both treatments in AP and BP patients.

Lymphoproliferative Disorders in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Single-Center Case Series

Lymphoproliferative disorders presenting simultaneously with or subsequent to the occurrence of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) have rarely been reported. Herein, we report 8 cases of a variety of lymphoproliferative conditions associated with CML at different times during the course of the disease. All 8 patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors at some point during the course of their illness. The literature regarding the uncommon association of these apparently unrelated disorders is reviewed as well as the possible underlying mechanisms that could be associated with this phenomenon.

Total hip arthroplasty in very young bone marrow transplant patients

Concerns remain about total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed in very young patients, especially those with complex medical history such as allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). This study retrospectively reviews the perioperative courses and functional outcomes of ABMT patients <21 years old undergoing primary uncemented THA. Nine THAs were performed in five ABMT patients at an average age of 19.7 years. The interval between ABMT and THA was 73.0 months with clinical follow-up of 25.8 months. Harris Hip Scores (HHS) increased dramatically from preoperatively 44.5 (range, 31.1-53.4) to postoperatively 85.2 (range, 72.0-96.0) and all patients subjectively reported a good (four hips) to excellent (five hips) overall outcome. There was one reoperation for periprosthetic fracture fixation but there were no infections or revisions performed. Despite the history of severe hematopoietic conditions requiring ABMT, these very young patients do appear to have improved pain and function following primary THA with short-term follow-up.

Splenectomy in haematology–A 5-year single centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To define indications and outcome in haematologic cases undergoing splenectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of clinical records from consecutive patients having open or laparoscopic removal of the spleen in an academic centre in the private sector. Endpoints were survival, operating time, spleen size, histopathology, requirements for blood or related products complications and average costs.

RESULTS

In the total group (n = 69) there were two deaths. Referrals were for immune thrombocytopaenia (41%), acquired haemolytic anaemia (10%), myeloproliferative syndrome (9%), acute or chronic leukaemia (19%), lymphoma (13%) and a miscellaneous group (8%), comprising cholelithiasis, aplasia or as a diagnostic procedure for otherwise unexplained splenomegaly. An open midline approach was predicated by spleens greater than twice normal size and a history of any bleeding disorder. Here the mean operating time was 83 min (range 40-295) whereas for laparoscopy this was 251 min (range 181-272).

SUMMARY

Careful stratification between the two options facilitated optimum haemostasis and consequently reduced requirement for packed red cells and platelets. Neither underlying pathology nor the choice of treatment influenced morbidity or mortality. Overall local experience is consistent with published international standards of surgical practice. Outcome is directly proportional to the number of each procedure carried out by a single team, observance of consistent protocols for preoperative evaluation and standardized proactive management through the recovery period.

Predictors of neuropsychological change in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

This study examined the course of neuropsychological functioning in patients with chronic myelogeous leukemia (n = 91) or myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 15) who underwent standard treatment for their disease or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at baseline, 12 months, and 18 months post-treatment. At baseline, 23% of the participants (n = 75) in the longitudinal sample had Z-scores on at least one of the neuropsychological tests that were <1.4. Participants in the study showed improvement over baseline at the 12 and 18 months assessments. The average Z-scores for the six cognitive domains in the longitudinal data set over the course of the study ranged from -0.89 to 0.59. Significant predictors of change in neuropsychological test scores included age, with older participants showing less improvement over time. Other predictors included baseline cognitive domains (language, memory, and attention), previous cocaine use, disease status, intelligence quotient, and quality of life measures. Findings support previous studies in patients with hematological malignancies who showed cognitive impairments at baseline prior to HSCT. However, there was little evidence for further cognitive decline over the course of 18 months.

[Therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with chronic myelogenous leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and to analyze the possible prognostic factors.

METHODS

The clinical data of 20 children with CML who had received allo-HSCT was analyzed retrospectively to investigate possible prognostic factors, including age, sex, interval between diagnosis and transplantation, HLA matching between donors and recipients, illness status on transplantation and acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

RESULTS

At the end of follow-up, 13 of the 20 treated children had disease-free survival (DFS) and the rest (7 cases) died. Four died of severe acute GVHD, two of chronic GVHD and its complications, and one of relapse after transplantation. The three-year DFS was (64.6±1.1%). As shown by the univariate analysis, age was the most important prognostic factor in children with CML who had received allo-HSCT (P<0.05), and in children over 10 years, the prognosis was poor. No other of the above factors had a significant impact on prognosis (P>0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis also confirmed age as the only prognostic factor (P<0.01). Severe acute and/or chronic GVHD was the most important cause of patient death. 10/10 HLA-matched donors could improve the transplantation outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Allo-HSCT is an effective treatment for children with CML. To improve the prognosis and treatment outcome, children with CML aged over 10 years should receive allo-HSCT as early as possible. 10/10 HLA-matched donors are preferred in allo-HSCT and GVHD should be prevented.

Functional ramifications for the loss of P-selectin expression on hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells

Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated biological process that relies upon complicated interactions between blood cells and their microenvironment to preserve the homeostatic balance of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs), short-term HSCs (ST-HSCs), multipotent progenitors (MPPs), and differentiated cells. Adhesion molecules like P-selectin (encoded by the Selp gene) are essential to hematopoiesis, and their dysregulation has been linked to leukemogenesis. Like HSCs, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) depend upon their microenvironments for survival and propagation. P-selectin plays a crucial role in Philadelphia chromosome -positive (Ph⁺) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In this paper, we show that cells deficient in P-selectin expression can repopulate the marrow more efficiently than wild type controls. This results from an increase in HSC self-renewal rather than alternative possibilities like increased homing velocity or cell cycle defects. We also show that P-selectin expression on LT-HSCs, but not ST-HSCs and MPPs, increases with aging. In the absence of P-selectin expression, mice at 6 months of age possess increased levels of short-term HSCs and multipotent progenitors. By 11 months of age, there is a shift towards increased levels of long-term HSCs. Recipients of BCR-ABL-transduced bone marrow cells from P-selectin-deficient donors develop a more aggressive CML, with increased percentages of LSCs and progenitors. Taken together, our data reveal that P-selectin expression on HSCs and LSCs has important functional ramifications for both hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, which is most likely attributable to an intrinsic effect on stem cell self-renewal.

[Impact of HLA compatibility on the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of HLA compatibility on the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 121 CML patients including 90 in chronic phase, 8 in accelerated phase and 23 with blast crisis. Of these patients, 85 received related and 36 had unrelated donor allo-HSCT. The conditioning regimens included total body irradiation with cyclophosphamide in 37 patients, and modified BUCY protocol in 84 patients. Cyclosporine A (CsA) and methotrexate (MTX) were used for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in patients undergoing HLA-matched sibling donor transplants. CsA, MTX, antihuman thymocyte globulin and mycophenolate were used in all the patients undergoing HLA-mismatched related donor and unrelated donor transplants. The prognostic factors of CML were evaluated using Cox regression and the cumulative overall survival and the disease-free survival were estimated using Kaplan and Meier survival analysis model.

RESULTS

The incidence of II-IV acute GVHD was 26.1% in HLA-matched and 53.3% in HLA-mismatched cases (P=0.006), with a 5-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD of 47.4% and 49.6%, respectively (P=0.947). The 5-year cumulative incidences of disease relapse was 16.7% in the total patients, with a 5-year cumulative overall survival (OS) of 70.5% and disease-free survival (DFS) of 63.4%. The 5-year OS was 78.2% in HLA-matched cases, as compared with 47.6% in HLA-mismatched cases. Multivariate analysis with Cox regression model identified HLA mismatch, II-IV acute GVHD, and advanced phase as the risk factors affecting the OS.

CONCLUSION

HLA mismatch can significantly increase the incidence of II-IV acute GVHD following allo-HSCT and decrease the long-term survival rate, which is not related to the donor source.

[Preliminary analysis of therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with advanced chronic myeloid leukemia]

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) at advanced and blastic phase is a disease with poor prognosis, for which allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the only treatment choice with curative potential. This study was purposed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of allo-HSCT and prognosis of advanced CML patients. The 28 cases of CML in accelerated phase or blast crisis received allo-HSCT were analysed retrospectively in terms curative efficacy, basic characteristics before transplant and prognosis, therapeutic strategy before transplant and prognosis, events after transplant and prognosis. The results indicated that 10 out of 28 patients were in complete remission, showing a 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rate of 34.9% and 35.7% respectively; 18 patients died. Univariate analysis revealed that the clonal evolution and blast amount are baseline risk factor of poor prognosis, and combination of them can be used to predict the outcome of patients; application of imatinib before transplant and achievement of complete hematologic remission could not improve the prognosis; severe aGVHD among post-transplant events was proven to be a negative prognostic factor. It is concluded that for advanced CML patients received allo-HSCT, clonal evolution and blast percentage are prognostic factors, and the pre-transplant use of imatinib did not influence the outcome.

[Prognostic significance of EBMT score for chronic myeloid leukemia patients in allogeneic stem cell transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the risk factors of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in an attempt to avoid transplant risks.

METHODS

A total of 121 CML patients received allo-SCT were analyzed retrospectively. The risk analysis was based on the EBMT score (gratwohl score) which included donor type, age of patients, disease status before transplantation, donor/recipient sex match and time interval between diagnosis to allo-SCT. Patients were divided into 3 risk groups based on their EBMT score: low risk (score 0-2), intermediate risk (3-4) and high-risk (5).

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 37 (1 - 126) months. The estimated 5-year overall survival (5 y-OS), non-relapse mortality (5 y-NRM) and relapse rate (5 y-RR) were (56.8 ± 5.0)%, (35.6 ± 4.9)% and (12.9 ± 3.7)%, respectively. The 5y-OS, NRM and RR were (66.0 ± 6.1)%, (28.8 ± 6.0)% and (7.8 ± 3.3)% in the low risk group being significantly superior to both intermediate-risk \[(47.2 ± 8.7)%, (43.6 ± 8.5)% and (18.7 ± 8.1)%\] and high-risk group \[(16.8 ± 15.2)%, (66.7 ± 25.5)% and (50.0 ± 25.0)%\] (P = 0.0015, 0.045 and 0.0053 for OS, NRM and RR respectively).

CONCLUSION

The EBMT risk score can effectively predict the overall outcome, relapse and transplant-related mortality of allo-SCT for CML patients.

Challenges for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chronic myeloid leukemia in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Following the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) scene in CML has changed dramatically. The number of patients receiving HSCT in first chronic phase (CP) has declined rapidly, as allogeneic HSCT in CP is now performed in these patients only in case of failure or intolerance of TKIs. Second, those CML patients who undergo allogeneic HSCT represent a selection of high-risk patients due to more advanced disease with high rates of accelerated or blast phase (being associated with an increased relapse risk), advanced age and relevant co-morbidities. Efforts at meeting these special challenges are being developed: treatment with TKIs aims to improve the pre-transplant remission status before HSCT. Dose-reduced conditioning protocols were introduced to decrease transplant-related mortality in patients with co-morbidities or older age. In the post-transplant period, TKIs may be administered for prophylaxis and for treatment of post-transplant relapse. Still, the outcome of patients in advanced CML phases remains guarded, and requires an improvement in current transplant strategies.

Challenges for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chronic myeloid leukemia in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Following the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) scene in CML has changed dramatically. The number of patients receiving HSCT in first chronic phase (CP) has declined rapidly, as allogeneic HSCT in CP is now performed in these patients only in case of failure or intolerance of TKIs. Second, those CML patients who undergo allogeneic HSCT represent a selection of high-risk patients due to more advanced disease with high rates of accelerated or blast phase (being associated with an increased relapse risk), advanced age and relevant co-morbidities. Efforts at meeting these special challenges are being developed: treatment with TKIs aims to improve the pre-transplant remission status before HSCT. Dose-reduced conditioning protocols were introduced to decrease transplant-related mortality in patients with co-morbidities or older age. In the post-transplant period, TKIs may be administered for prophylaxis and for treatment of post-transplant relapse. Still, the outcome of patients in advanced CML phases remains guarded, and requires an improvement in current transplant strategies.

Impact of genomic risk factors on outcome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Non-HLA gene polymorphisms have been shown to influence outcome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Results were derived from heterogeneous, small populations and their value remains a matter of debate.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we assessed the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes for interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN), interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), interferon (IFNG), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the cell surface receptors tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNFRSFIB), vitamin D receptor (VDR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in a homogeneous cohort of 228 HLA identical sibling transplants for chronic myeloid leukemia. Three good predictors of overall survival, identified via statistical methods including Cox regression analysis, were investigated for their effects on transplant-related mortality and relapse. Predictive power was assessed after integration into the established European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) risk score.

RESULTS

Absence of patient TNFRSFIB 196R, absence of donor IL10 ATA/ACC and presence of donor IL1RN allele 2 genotypes were associated with increased transplantation-related mortality and decreased survival. Application of prediction error and concordance index statistics gave evidence that integration improved the EBMT risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-HLA genotypes were associated with survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. When three genetic polymorphisms were added into the EBMT risk model they improved the goodness of fit. Non-HLA genotyping could, therefore, be used to improve donor selection algorithms and risk assessment prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Results of hematopoietic stem cell transplant in Shiraz: 15 years experience in southern Iran

OBJECTIVES

Over the past 2 decades, hematopoietic stem cell transplant has evolved from an experimental procedure to the standard of care, and it is integrated into the management of many diseases. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant was established at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 1993. Here, we describe 15 years experience with stem cell transplant at our center in southern Iran. We provide information on indication, donor type, conditioning chemotherapy regimen, outcome, survival, and long-term follow-up in our stem cell activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From May 1993 to October 2008, 423 patients underwent allogeneic (n=311) and autologous (n=112) stem cell transplants at our center. For allogeneic stem cell transplant, the conditioning chemotherapy regimen comprised busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin for thalassemic patients; busulfan and cyclophosphamide for leukemia patients; and cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin for patients with aplastic anemia.

RESULTS

During this period, 155 B-thalassemia major patients (mean age, 9.5 years; range, 2-20 years) underwent allogeneic marrow transplant. Of 155 patients with a diagnosis of thalassemia major, 112 are alive (72%) with full engraftment after a median follow-up of about 8.1 years (range, 12-184 months). During this time, 127 leukemia patients including acute myelogenous leukemia (n=68), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n=30) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (n=29), received allogeneic stem cell transplant. In this group, long-term, disease-free survival (cure rate) was 67%, 60%, and 62%.

CONCLUSIONS

These data reflect the important role of hematopoietic stem cell transplant in improving survival for a variety of hematopoietic system disorders at our center in Southern Iran. In patients with B-thalassemia major hematopoietic stem cell transplant seems to be the treatment of choice, because it leads to a cure in all classes (Lucarelli risk group, I-III). Based on high success rates in patients with class II and III thalassemia with the addition of the antithymocyte globulin to conditioning regimen of stem cell transplant, we also recommend using this new method of conditioning in transplant of thalassemia patients.

Subdural Hematomas during CML Therapy with Imatinib Mesylate

Seven of one hundred twenty-one patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib mesylate developed subdural hematomas. All had advanced disease and were treated initially at a dose of 600 mg per day. Three patients had thrombocytopenia (platelet < 10 x 10(9)/l), one had leukocytosis (white blood cell count > 150 x 10(9)/l) and three had neither around the time of diagnosis of the subdural hematomas. Four patients required surgical evacuation. One patient, in blast crisis, died as a consequence of the subdural hematoma. Three patients survived but died of progressive CML. The remaining three patients having recommenced imatinib, are alive and well, and one has achieved a major cytogenetic response. Subdural hematomas must be considered even in mildly symptomatic patients receiving imatinib regardless of their peripheral blood counts. Patients who survive can be cautiously restarted on imatinib. Further studies are required to study the potential relationship between imatinib mesylate and subdural hematomas.

[Chronic myeloid leukemia in the 21st century: biology and treatment]

Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is a clonal disease, originated at the level of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) and characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome and its oncogenic product p210(BcrAbl). Such a protein has been shown to be essential for malignant transformation, since it is capable of altering cell adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis. Historically, CML has been treated by using different approaches: arsenic (in the early days), a variety of chemical agents (busulfan, hydroxyurea, cytarabine), cytokines (IFN-alpha, IFNalpha-PEG), hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT), and more recently drugs generated by design (imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib). All these molecules exert specific effects on HSC and lead to a variety of clinical and biological responses. In this article, we present an overview about hematopoiesis in CML and its implications in the treatment of this disease.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation with alemtuzumab-based conditioning for patients with advanced chronic myelogenous leukemia

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who have failed or are intolerant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Myeloablative conditioning regimens have been associated with high treatment-related mortality (TRM) rate in such patients, and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens are often preferred but have high rates of disease recurrence and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). We report our experience with nine CML patients (four chronic phase and five with accelerated phase or blast crisis) who failed TKI and underwent allo-HSCT using an alemtuzumab-based RIC regimen. The conditioning regimen was well tolerated and induced engraftment in all patients, and complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR) in eight of nine. Four patients, all with a history of accelerated phase or blast crisis, died. Four of the five remaining patients had a cytogenetic relapse a median of 10 months after transplantation. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), TKI or both induced a CCyR in all cases. With a median follow-up of 47 months, five patients, including all those transplanted in first or second chronic phase, are alive and in remission. Allo-HSCT with an alemtuzumab-based conditioning regimen induces remission in patients with CML that have failed TKI therapy and has a low incidence of GVHD. Disease recurrence is frequent but responds to DLI. In some cases, restoration of susceptibility to TKI was observed. Outcomes may improve with the routine administration of post-transplant TKI.

Risk factors for acute graft-versus-host disease after human leukocyte antigen-identical sibling transplants for adults with leukemia

PURPOSE

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) causes substantial morbidity and mortality after human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling transplants. No large registry studies of acute GVHD risk factors have been reported in two decades. Risk factors may have changed in this interval as transplant-related techniques have evolved.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Acute GVHD risk factors were analyzed in 1,960 adults after HLA-identical sibling myeloablative transplant for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) reported by 226 centers worldwide to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research from 1995 to 2002. Outcome was measured as time from transplant to onset of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD, with death without acute GVHD as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Cumulative incidence of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD was 35% (95% CI, 33% to 37%). In multivariable analyses, factors significantly associated with grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD were cyclophosphamide + total-body irradiation versus busulfan + cyclophosphamide (relative risk [RR] = 1.4; P < .0001), blood cell versus bone marrow grafts in patients age 18 to 39 years (RR = 1.43; P = .0023), recipient age 40 and older versus age 18 to 39 years receiving bone marrow grafts (RR = 1.44; P = .0005), CML versus AML/ALL (RR = 1.35; P = .0003), white/Black versus Asian/Hispanic race (RR = 1.54; P = .0003), Karnofsky performance score less than 90 versus 90 to 100 (RR = 1.27; P = .014), and recipient/donor cytomegalovirus-seronegative versus either positive (RR = 1.20; P = .04). Stratification by disease showed the same significant predictors of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD for CML; however, KPS and cytomegalovirus serostatus were not significant predictors for AML/ALL.

CONCLUSION

This analysis confirmed several previously reported risk factors for grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD. However, several new factors were identified whereas others are no longer significant. These new data may facilitate individualized risk estimates and raise several interesting biologic questions.

[Detection of bcr/abl fusion gene changes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia after allo-HSCT by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and its significance]

This study was aimed to detect the changes of bcr/able gene level in ph+ CML patients at different stages after allo-HSCT by real-time quantitative PCR and to evaluate the significance of this detection. The serial detection of bcr/abl fusion gene levels in 21 cases of CML treated with allo-HSCT was performed by RQ-PCR. The results showed that the bcr/able fusion gene could not be detected in 7 out 21 CML cases with positive fusion gene after allo-HSCT, while the bcr/abl fusion gene of different levels could be detected in 14 cases within 1-6 months. Dynamic detection indicated that the bcr/abl fusion gene levels in 9 cases were lower with relative value 0.0074%-0.088% and then could not be detected within 3-7 months after allo-HSCT. The bcr/abl fusion gene levels in 5 cases diagnosed as molecular relapse were between 0.077%-75%. The bcr/abl fusion gene levels in 1 out of 5 cases were 0.95%, 1.5%, and 0.16% in month 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and turned to negative in the month 4 without any treatment after allo-HSCT. 2 cases received the donor peripheral blood stem cell infusion, and then their bcr/abl mRNA levels could not be detected in bone marrow. Another 2 cases developed to the hematologic relapse, 1 out of 2 cases reached CR again after infusion of donor peripheral blood stem cells and chemotherapy, the other one died. It is concluded that serial quantifications of bcr/abl mRNA levels by RQ-PCR are reliable and can be used to detect the MRD, to monitor the outcome and to predict the relapse.

[Tolerability of imatinib for patients with chronic myelogeneous leukemia (CML)]

The adequate dose of imatinib has not been defined for the Japanese population. Indeed, about half of patients experience mild to moderate adverse events due to this drug, some of which result in intolerance. We reviewed a patients' cohort treated with imatinib in our hospital in 2007 for chronic myelogeneous leukemia (CML). The cohort included 14 patients (5 men and 9 women) whose median age was 53 (range 16-81). The disease status at onset was chronic phase in 13 patients and accelerated phase in 1. During the 2-year observation period, 2 patients (14%) failed to respond and 6 (42%) became intolerant to imatinib. After the appearance of the intolerance, 5 of the 6 patients were treated with a reduced dose of imatinib (300 mg/day in 4, 200 mg/day in 1). In 4 of these 6 intolerant cases, CR was maintained 2 years after the start of imatinib therapy. Nevertheless, 42% of patients were intolerant to imatinib therapy through 2 years, and progression-free survival was 86%. In conclusion, an adjusted dose exerting minimal toxicity and showing a favorable outcome should be researched in Japanese patients including the elderly.

Chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is typified by robust marrow and extramedullary myeloid cell production. In the absence of therapy or sometimes despite it, CML has a propensity to progress from a relatively well tolerated chronic phase to an almost uniformly fatal blast crisis phase. The discovery of the Philadelphia chromosome followed by identification of its BCR-ABL fusion gene product and the resultant constitutively active P210 BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, prompted the unraveling of the molecular pathogenesis of CML. Ground-breaking research demonstrating that BCR-ABL was necessary and sufficient to initiate chronic phase CML provided the rationale for targeted therapy. However, regardless of greatly reduced mortality rates with BCR-ABL targeted therapy, most patients harbor quiescent CML stem cells that may be a reservoir for disease progression to blast crisis. While the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) origin of CML was first suggested over 30 years ago, only recently have the HSC and progenitor cell-specific effects of the molecular mutations that drive CML been investigated. This has provided the impetus for investigating the genetic and epigenetic events governing HSC and progenitor cell resistance to therapy and their role in disease progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that the acquired BCR-ABL mutation initiates chronic phase CML and results in aberrant stem cell differentiation and survival. This eventually leads to the production of an expanded progenitor population that aberrantly acquires self-renewal capacity resulting in leukemia stem cell (LSC) generation and blast crisis transformation. Therapeutic recalcitrance of blast crisis CML provides the rationale for targeting the molecular pathways that drive aberrant progenitor differentiation, survival and self-renewal earlier in disease before LSC predominate.

Prognostic significance of the histomorphometric features of bone marrow trephine biopsies in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To study the correlation of histomorphometric data of bone marrow trephine biopsies at the time of initial diagnosis in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with the patient prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 40 CML patients were divided equally in group I (developed accelerated phase or blast crisis within 18 months of initial diagnosis of chronic phase of CML) and group II (developed accelerated phase or blast crisis > 30 months after initial diagnosis of chronic phase of CML). The clinical, hematologic and histomorphometric data were compared in the 2 groups of CML patients.

RESULTS

The percentage of bone marrow promyelocytes was significantly increased in group I. On morphometry, the number of blasts per square millimeter, the area of reticulin fibers per square millimeter and the percentage area occupied by reticulin fibers were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

There seems to be grounds for hope for predicting prognosis of CML patients at initial diagnosis based on histomorphometric findings. The percentage area of reticulin fibers and the number of blasts per square millimeter are important prognostic predictors in histomorphometry data.

Allogeneic serum eye drops for the treatment of severe dry eye in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease

PURPOSE

To describe the use of allogeneic serum eye drops to treat 2 patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-induced severe ocular surface disease.

METHODS

Small case series.

RESULTS

Conventional therapy failed to control the ocular symptoms of 2 patients with GVHD who presented with severe dry eye syndrome. Because autologous serum was unavailable in these cases, we used allogeneic serum eye drops as an alternate option for treating their ocular surface disease. Both donors had serologic tests performed before donation. Use of the allogeneic serum eye drops had a beneficial clinical effect, with marked attenuation of the patients' symptoms. This therapy proved to be safe during 10 months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Allogeneic serum eye drops may be a good alternative treatment for patients with severe dry eyes caused by GVHD.

Complete vaginal obstruction with hematometra after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has become a curative treatment modality for many patients with malignant hematologic diseases. Despite impressive advances in the management of allo-HSCT, graft vs. host disease (GvHD) is a frequent complication that significantly contributes to the morbidity and mortality associated with transplantation and is a significant obstacle to overcome.

CASE

An unusual case of hematocolpometra secondary to vaginal stenosis occurred as a manifestation of chronic GvHD.

CONCLUSION

Management of vaginal stenosis and stricture formation as a manifestation of chronic GvHD consists of surgery with lysis of adhesions. Return of anatomic distortion to normal is followed by vaginal dilatation. Later, local estrogen cream and sexual activity help to avoid further adhesion formation.

Novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy before allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: no evidence for increased transplant-related toxicity

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are increasingly likely to have received a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor (NTKI) after failing imatinib mesylate. It is unknown whether the use of these NTKIs before HSCT increases transplant-related toxicity.

METHODS

The outcome of 12 patients with CML (1 in chronic phase, 6 in the accelerated phase, and 5 in the blastic phase) who received dasatinib (n = 2), nilotinib (n = 7), or both (n = 3) before HSCT were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The median time on treatment was 134 days, and the median time from the end of NTKI therapy to HSCT was 34 days. The preparative regimen was ablative in 8 patients and nonablative in 4. All patients engrafted within 13 days. There was no significant early transplant-related toxicity. One patient developed secondary graft failure after 6 months from the first HSCT that required a second HSCT. Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was observed in 7 and 6 patients, respectively. Nine patients achieved a molecular response: 4 complete and 5 major (quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction <0.05%). Three patients had disease progression by Day 30 after HSCT. Two patients developed disease recurrence after a median of 12 months. After a median follow-up of 10 months, 7 patients were alive in molecular response and 5 patients had died, 4 of disease progression and 1 of extensive chronic GVHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous treatment with NTKI did not increase transplant-related toxicity in this preliminary experience. Further follow-up and a larger number of patients will be necessary to confirm these observations.

Gut toxicity during hemopoietic stem cell transplantation may predict acute graft-versus-host disease severity in patients

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the primary complication of allogeneic, hemopoietic, stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Murine models suggest that gut toxicity, induced by the intensive chemotherapy preceding hematopoietic stem cell infusion, aggravates systemic GVHD. In HSCT patients gut toxicity correlates with chemotherapy intensity. The present study investigates acute GVHD severity and intestinal toxicity in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT. In 38 patients intestinal permeability was assessed before and after chemotherapy (on days -1, +4, +7 and +14 as related to the stem cell infusion). Cumulative acute GVHD (days 0-100) and clinical intestinal toxicity (days 0-14) were evaluated in parallel. Patients with mild, acute GVHD (grades 0-I) had better-preserved intestinal barrier function (P=0.04) and less pronounced cumulative clinical intestinal toxicity (P=0.02) compared with patients with more severe acute GVHD (grades II-IV). Gut toxicity predicts acute GVHD severity. Therefore, gut protective strategies may diminish GVHD severity in allogeneic HSCT patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatric chronic myelogenous leukemia cases: Hacettepe experience

Recently, there are emerging reports on the beneficial effect of imatinib mesylate for pediatric CML patients; however, the general recommendation is that high-risk CML patients with a human leukocyte antigen-identical donor should be transplanted within the first 12 months after diagnosis. Herein, the data of 16 allogeneic HSCT in 14 children with CML were analyzed retrospectively. In the present study, three-yr EFS was 54.1+/-10.8% and three-yr OS was found as 80.7+/-12.5%.

Successful interim therapy with imatinib prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVES

Imatinib (Glivec, STI571) has been successfully used in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph). We used imatinib interim therapy for four consecutive patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We monitored the patient status for minimal residual disease by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Imatinib was administered on an interim schedule after each chemotherapy course. After the first imatinib cycle, all patients remained in sustained complete hematologic remission (CHR) with a decrease in the breakpoint cluster region of the Abelson oncogene locus transcript. All patients received a second imatinib cycle following consolidation and showed sustained CHR, including two cases with complete molecular remission. All cases underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in favorable condition, and are still alive with a leukemia-free status at 6, 6, 9, and 25 months after HSCT.

CONCLUSIONS

As a first-line interim therapy, imatinib appears to be a useful treatment strategy to provide a bridge to HSCT in patients with Ph+ AML. Further studies with a larger patient population and longer follow-up are needed for accurate assessment of the impact of imatinib on the long-term outcome of transplantation for patients with Ph+ AML.

Inv (11)(p15q21) in donor-derived Ph-negative cells in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia in relapse successfully treated with imatinib mesylate post allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is the standard first-line treatment for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Surprisingly, 2-15% of patients achieving a complete cytogenetic response develop cytogenetic abnormalities in Philadelphia (Ph)-negative cells. Following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), IM induces complete molecular responses (CMR) in approximately 70% patients with relapsed CML, and no IM-related cytogenetic abnormalities in Ph-negative donor-derived cells have been described after HSCT. We report a 56-year-old female who presented with a relapse from CML in September 2002. She had received a matched related HSCT for CML in chronic phase. Donor lymphocyte infusion was given 3 years post-HSCT for a relapse. Sustained CMR was achieved within 3 months of initiation of IM. In October 2005, routine evaluation demonstrated continuous CMR, full male donor engraftment and an inv (11) on donor cells. Evaluation of the donor demonstrated no dysplasia or cytogenetic abnormalities. This observation reinforces the possibility that IM therapy may be casually linked to the phenomenon of secondary cytogenetic changes in diploid cells.

[Effect of recombinant human interleukin 11 on the platelet after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect and toxicity profile of recombinant human interleukin 11(rhIL-11) on the platelet after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with acute or chronic leukemia treated by allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) were randomly divided into a test group and a control group. The patients in the test group were treated with rhIL-11 since the 13th day after PBSCT (1.5mg/d),while the control group were given symptomatic treatment.

RESULTS

The average time for the platelet to recover to the level of 20 x 10(9)/L was 20.8 days in the test group, and 26.0 days in control group respectively, there was significant difference (P<0.01). The average time for the platelet to recover to the level of 50 x 10(9)/L was 25.7 days in the test group, and 32.3 days in the control group respectively, there was also significant difference (P<0.01). The average time for the platelet transfusion was 2.2 in the test group, 4.1 in the control group, and there was significantly different (P<0.01). The average number of megakaryocytes was 12.2 in the test group, 4.8 in the control group on 30th day after the transplantation,and there was significant difference(P<0.01). The main side effects of rhIL-11 were nausea, vomit, debility, headache, dizzy and pain of injection site, and the degree was all Iapproximately II grade.

CONCLUSION

rhIL-11 has definite recuperative effect on the recovery of the platelet after PBSCT. There is little side effect, and it can be accepted.