Early clearance of hairy cell leukaemia in the bone marrow after first-line treatment with cladribine predicts a favourable outcome

First-line purine nucleoside analogues (PNAs) in hairy cell leukaemia (HCL) allow deep and long-lasting responses. We retrospectively analysed 53 HCL patients treated frontline with cladribine and assessed for response at 2 and 6 months after treatment to evaluate the kinetics of response. The estimated median progression-free survival was significantly different according to the degree of residual HCL infiltrate detected by immunohistochemistry at the bone marrow biopsy at 2 months (≤5% vs. >5%, 247 vs. 132 months, respectively, p = 0.033), but not at 6 months (p = 0.79). Our data suggest a favourable prognostic impact of early marrow HCL clearance in patients treated with cladribine.

Genetic landscape of ultra-stable chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has a heterogeneous clinical course. Beside patients requiring immediate treatment, others show an initial indolent phase followed by progression and others do not progress for decades. The latter two subgroups usually display mutated IGHV genes and a favorable FISH profile.

Patients and methods

Patients with absence of disease progression for over 10 years (10-34) from diagnosis were defined as ultra-stable CLL (US-CLL). Forty US-CLL underwent extensive characterization including whole exome sequencing (WES), ultra-deep sequencing and copy number aberration (CNA) analysis to define their unexplored genetic landscape. Microarray analysis, comparing US-CLL with non-US-CLL with similar immunogenetic features (mutated IGHV/favorable FISH), was also carried out to recognize US-CLL at diagnosis.

Results

WES was carried out in 20 US-CLL and 84 non-silent somatic mutations in 78 genes were found. When re-tested in a validation cohort of 20 further US-CLL, no recurrent lesion was identified. No clonal mutations of NOTCH1, BIRC3, SF3B1 and TP53 were found, including ATM and other potential progression driving mutations. CNA analysis identified 31 lesions, none with known poor prognostic impact. No novel recurrent lesion was identified: most cases showed no lesions (38%) or an isolated del(13q) (31%). The expression of 6 genes, selected from a gene expression profile analysis by microarray and quantified by droplet digital PCR on a cohort of 79 CLL (58 US-CLL and 21 non-US-CLL), allowed to build a decision-tree capable of recognizing at diagnosis US-CLL patients.

Conclusions

The genetic landscape of US-CLL is characterized by the absence of known unfavorable driver mutations/CNA and of novel recurrent genetic lesions. Among CLL patients with favorable immunogenetics, a decision-tree based on the expression of 6 genes may identify at diagnosis patients who are likely to maintain an indolent disease for decades.

Ficoll-hypaque separation vs whole blood lysis: Comparison of efficiency and impact on minimal residual disease analysis

INTRODUCTION

The high-throughput era remarkably changed molecular laboratory practice. Actually, the increasing number of processed samples requires to reduce the risk of operator biases, by automating or simplifying as much as possible both the analytical and the pre-analytical phases. Minimal residual disease (MRD) studies in hematology often require a simultaneous processing of many bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from patients enrolled in prospective, multicenter, clinical trials, monitored at several planned time points.

METHODS

In this study, we demonstrate that red blood cell lysis (RBL) pre-analytical procedure can replace the time-consuming Ficoll stratification as cell recovering step. Here, we show a MRD comparison study using both total white blood cells and mononuclear cells recovered by the 2 procedures from 46 follicular lymphoma (FL), 15 multiple myeloma (MM), and 11 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients enrolled in prospective clinical trials.

RESULTS

The experiments were performed in the 4 laboratories of the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) MRD Network and showed superimposable results, in terms of good correlation (R = 0.87) of the MRD data obtained by recovering blood cells by the 2 approaches.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, the FIL MRD Network suggests to optimize the pre-analytical phases introducing RBL approach for cell recovery in the clinical trials including MRD analysis.

The genome of chemorefractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia reveals frequent mutations of NOTCH1 and SF3B1

Next-generation whole-exome sequencing has revealed two novel genes, namely NOTCH1 and SF3B1, whose mutations predict poor outcome and preferentially associate with chemorefractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Analysis of 539 CLL cases documents that NOTCH1 mutations i) represent one of the most frequent cancer gene mutations involved at presentation; ii) cluster with cases harboring trisomy 12 and tend to be mutually exclusive with TP53 disruption among genetic subgroups; iii) identify high-risk patients showing poor survival similar to that associated with TP53 abnormalities; and iv) exert a prognostic role independent of widely accepted clinical and genetic risk factors. Mutations of SF3B1, a splicing factor that is a critical component of the spliceosome, recurrently associate with fludarabine-refractory CLL, occur at a low rate at CLL presentation and have a minor role in Richter transformation, corroborating the notion that CLL histological shift is molecularly distinct from chemorefractory progression without the Richter transformation.

CD52 expression in T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia – Implications for treatment with alemtuzumab

Few reports on the successful treatment of T-cell large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia with the humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab are emerging in the literature. The expression of CD52 by LGLs has not been previously investigated. Using semi-quantitative 2- and 3-color flow cytometry, we documented the expression of CD52 in 100% of abnormal cells in T-cell LGL leukemia (n = 11) and natural killer (NK) cell LGL leukemia (n = 2), and showed no significant difference in CD52 expression between T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL) and T-cell LGL leukemia. Higher CD52 expression has been noted in responders to alemtuzumab in T-cell PLL and in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a B-cell disorder. The strong and consistent expression of CD52 shown here highlights the potential role of alemtuzumab in the treatment of refractory T-cell LGL leukemia and possibly aggressive NK cell leukemia.

IgVH genes mutation and usage, ZAP-70 and CD38 expression provide new insights on B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL)

B-prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) is a rare disease with poor prognosis. To further characterize the biological features of this disease, we analyzed immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgVH) mutations, ZAP-70 and CD38 in 19 cases with de novo B-PLL. Immunoglobulin heavy chain genes analysis showed an unmutated pattern (>98% homology to germ line) in 9/17 cases (53%), with 100% homology in eight. In the remaining, it ranged from 90 to 97.4%, with three cases slightly mutated (98-95%) and five heavily mutated (<95%). All B-PLL utilized members of VH3 (11/17) and VH4 (6/17) families, with V3-23, V4-59 and V4-34 gene accounting for more than half of them, regardless of mutational status. ZAP-70, assessed by flow cytometry, ranged from 1 to 91% cells, being > or =20% in 57% of cases. CD38 ranged from 1 to 99% (median 21%). There was no correlation between IgVH status and ZAP-70 or CD38 expression, but male gender and del(17p) were more common in the unmutated group. Neither IgVH mutations, CD38 expression nor del(17p) influenced patients' outcome. Unexpectedly, ZAP-70+ B-PLL patients survived longer (40 months) than ZAP-70- B-PLL (8 months). B-PLL appears biologically heterogeneous regarding IgVH mutations, ZAP-70 and CD38 expression, showing a pattern distinct from that of other lymphoproliferative disorders.

Prolonged treatment response in aggressive natural killer cell leukemia

We describe a case of natural killer (NK) cell leukemia with acute presentation, systemic symptoms and hepatosplenomegaly. The uniform and aberrant phenotype of NK cells with infiltration of bone marrow and spleen was in keeping with a malignant diagnosis. Aggressive presentation was demonstrated by marked constitutional symptoms and significant tumor burden (liver, spleen, blood, bone marrow). The subsequent clinical course has been indolent, but this may have been influenced by treatment. Treatment consisted sequentially of splenectomy, intravenous pentostatin and the combination of cyclosporine A and recombinant human erythropoietin and has resulted in survival of over 48 months. We discuss the difficulties in the diagnosis of this condition, explore possible causes of cytopenia(s), and highlight the role of immunosuppression in controlling disease manifestations in large granular lymphocyte proliferative disorders.

Allogeneic stem cell transplant from HLA-identical sibling for chronic granulomatous disease and review of the literature

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immunodeficiency caused by an abnormal function of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase in the phagocytic cells, which results in an increased susceptibility to severe bacterial and fungal infections. We report on a 12-year-old boy with X-linked CGD who was successfully treated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling following a conditioning regimen consisting of busulphan (BU, 16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (CY, 200 mg/kg). At >2 years from transplant, the boy is in excellent clinical and hematological condition with full chimerism. Our patient is the 24th case of CGD transplanted from an HLA-identical sibling. A review of the literature revealed that 20 of 24 CGD patients are alive and disease free 1-7 years after transplant. Most of these patients were conditioned with the BUCY combination, which should be considered the recommended regimen.

Umbilical cord blood transplant from unrelated HLA-mismatched donors in children with high risk leukemia

In the last 3 years, 14 children with high-risk leukemia (11 ALL, 2 AML and 1 CML) underwent cord blood transplantation from unrelated HLA-mismatched donors at a median of 99 days from the start of search. Eight patients were transplanted in second CR, one in accelerated phase, three at relapse and two patients in first CR. Conditioning regimen (fractionated TBI, etoposide, CY and anti-lymphocyte serum) and prophylaxis of GVHD (CsA and 6-methylprednisolone) were identical for all patients. Neutrophils >0.5x10(9)/l were reached at a median of 33 days from transplant, but in four cases we observed an autologous hematopoietic reconstitution (three spontaneous, one after autologous BM rescue). Acute and chronic GVHD were observed in 10/14 and 3/8 evaluable cases, respectively. Three patients died of transplant-related toxicity and three patients relapsed. The probabilities of event-free, disease-free and overall survival were 50, 53 and 64%, respectively. Cord blood transplant from HLA-mismatched unrelated donor is a valid option for the treatment of children with high-risk leukemia. With our eligibility criteria, conditioning regimen and prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease, the main obstacles to successful transplant were represented by graft failure and fatal acute GVHD.

A single high dose of idarubicin combined with high-dose ARA-C (MSKCC ALL-3 protocol) in adult and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Experience at the University "La Sapienza" of Rome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The anthracycline analogue idarubicin, either alone or in combination with other antineoplastic drugs, has shown antileukemic activity in relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In an attempt to minimize the non-hematologic toxicity and obtain a potent antileukemic effect, MSKCC activated a pilot study in previously treated adult ALL, using HD-ARA-C combined with idarubicin administered as a single high-dose infusion. We herein report our experience with a series of pediatric and adult high risk ALL and NHL patients treated with the protocol above, which confirms its feasibility, response rate and individual compliance.

METHODS

In a clinical phase II study, the combination of a single high dose (HD) of idarubicin and HD cytosine-arabinoside (ARA-C), as designed at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, was applied to 70 adults and children with refractory or early relapse acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Therapy consisted of HD-ARA-C 3 g/m2/d on days 1-5, idarubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 3, prophylactic intrathecal methotrexate on days 1 and 4, and G-CSF 5 mg/kg/d s.c. from day 7 to hematopoietic reconstitution (PMN > 0.5 x 10(9)/L).

RESULTS

Fifty-five of the 70 patients (78%) achieved complete remission (CR), four died in aplasia due to infection and 11 were non-responders. Recovery of blood counts occurred at a median of 21 days from the start of treatment. Non-hematologic side effects were extremely limited and consisted predominantly of infections.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

In view of the highly unfavorable series of patients selected, this study confirms the feasibility and antileukemic activity of the HD-idarubicin + HD-ARA-C combination in patients with refractory and early relapse ALL and NHL. The excellent tolerance to this regimen does not preclude bone marrow transplantation as post-remission treatment.

A single high dose of idarubicin combined with high-dose ABA-C (MSKCC ALL-3 protocol) in adult and pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Experience at the University La Sapienza of Rome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The anthracycline analogue idarubicin, either alone or in combination with other antineoplastic drugs, has shown antileukemic activity in relapsed and refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In an attempt to minimize the non-hematologic toxicity and obtain a potent antileukemic effect, MSKCC activated a pilot study in previously treated adult ALL, using HD-ARA-C combined with idarubicin administered as a single high-dose infusion. We herein report our experience with a series of pediatric and adult high risk ALL and NHL patients treated with the protocol above, which confirms its feasibility, response rate and individual compliance.

METHODS

In a clinical phase II study the combination of a single high dose (HD) idarubicin and HD cytosine-arabinoside (ARA-C), as designed at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, was applied to 70 adults and children with refractory or early relapse acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Therapy consisted of HD-ARA-C 3 g/m2/d on days 1-5, idarubicin 40 mg/m2 on day 3, prophylactic intrathecal methotrexate on days 1 and 4, and G-CSF 5 mg/kg/d s.c. from day 7 to hematopoietic reconstitution (PMN > 0.5 x 10(9)/L).

RESULTS

Fifty-five of the 70 patients (78%) achieved complete remission (CR), four died in aplasia due to infection and 11 were non-responders. Recovery of blood counts occurred at a median of 21 days from the start of treatment. Non-hematologic side effects were extremely limited and consisted predominantly of infections.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

In view of the highly unfavorable series of patients selected, this study confirms the feasibility and antileukemic activity of the HD-idarubicin + HD- ARA-C combination in patients with refractory and early relapse ALL and NHL. The excellent tolerance to this regimen does not preclude bone marrow transplantation as post-remission treatment.