Bortezomib before and after high-dose therapy in myeloma: long-term results from the phase III HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4 trial

The Dutch-Belgian Cooperative Trial Group for Hematology Oncology Group-65/German-speaking Myeloma Multicenter Group-HD4 (HOVON-65/GMMG-HD4) phase III trial compared bortezomib (BTZ) before and after high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM, PAD arm) compared with classical cytotoxic agents prior and thalidomide after HDM (VAD arm) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients aged 18-65 years. Here, the long-term follow-up and data on second primary malignancies (SPM) are presented. After a median follow-up of 96 months, progression-free survival (censored at allogeneic transplantation, PFS) remained significantly prolonged in the PAD versus VAD arm (hazard ratio (HR)=0.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 0.65-0.89, P=0.001). Overall survival (OS) was similar in the PAD versus VAD arm (HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.74-1.08, P=0.24). The incidence of SPM were similar between the two arms (7% each, P=0.73). The negative prognostic effects of the cytogenetic aberration deletion 17p13 (clone size ⩾10%) and renal impairment at baseline (serum creatinine >2 mg dl^-1) on PFS and OS remained abrogated in the PAD but not VAD arm. OS from first relapse/progression was similar between the study arms (HR=1.02, P=0.85). In conclusion, the survival benefit with BTZ induction/maintenance compared with classical cytotoxic agents and thalidomide maintenance is maintained without an increased risk of SPM.

Immune reconstitution and cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: the important impact of in vivo T cell depletion

We analyzed cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection risk factors and immune reconstitution kinetics in 89 patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The use of alemtuzumab for in vivo T cell depletion (TCD) had, besides the donor/recipient CMV serostatus, the strongest influence on the CMV infection risk in univariate and multivariate analyses. In comparison to without use of in vivo TCD, the CMV infection risk [hazard ratio (HR)] was 4.82-fold after TCD with alemtuzumab, but only 1.40-fold after TCD with antithymocyte globulin (ATG). Alemtuzumab strongly depressed CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell reconstitution, whereas ATG only delayed CD4(+) T cell reconstitution. Considering the reconstitution kinetics of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells, NK cells and the IgG concentration, only a low day +60 NK cell count (< or =161 versus >161/microl) was significantly associated with CMV infection development (HR 2.92, p = 0.034). CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells were detected in 57% of patients with a CMV-seropositive donor, but in none of the patients with a CMV-seronegative donor on day +30 (p = 0.01). Our data indicate that the type of in vivo TCD (alemtuzumab or ATG) differentially influences both the CMV infection risk and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell reconstitution kinetics in patients after allo-SCT.

Correlation between the incidence of nosocomial aspergillosis and room reconstruction of a haematological ward

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) represents ~ a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients I with impaired function of the immune system such as in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We investigated the in uence of the patients’ room occu- pancy and the sanitary facilities with regard to the inci- dence of IPA after reconstruction of a haematological ward. This is a retrospective cohort-control study in patients with newly diagnosed AML. Thirty ve patients were treated before and 28 patients in the time after the reconstruction works. The median time of neutropenia was 18.5 days vs. 19.5 days. Twelve patients before and 11 patients after the reconstruction developed IPA (p = 0.794). The incidence of IPA did not decrease after a reduction in the patients’ occupancy and improvement of the sanitary equipment. This study emphasises the presumed importance of optimal physical barriers, e.g. air ltration and/or antimycotic prophylaxis in high-risk patients.

Bendamustine, but not fludarabine, exhibits a low stem cell toxicity in vitro

PURPOSE

We investigated the in vitro toxicity of bendamustine and fludarabine to hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells from healthy donors.

METHODS

Clonogenic agar colony assays, non-clonogenic long-term liquid cultures (LTC) and apoptosis assays were used to assess the cytotoxicity of both the agents.

RESULTS

Total colony-forming units (CFU) were more sensitive to fludarabine than to bendamustine in agar colony assays (IC(50) 0.7 microM/L and 8.5 microM/L, respectively). Using the Bliss independence model and combining the two agents yielded additive inhibition of progenitors. Non-clonogenic assays, including LTC and an apoptosis assay detecting activated caspases showed that stem cells are characterized by low sensitivity to bendamustine. In contrast, fludarabine strongly inhibited the viability and growth of stem cells in LTC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that bendamustine is characterized by lower in vitro toxicity to hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells than fludarabine and might thus be preferable in regimens prior to stem cells apheresis.

Intensified strategies to control vancomycin-resistant enterococci in immunocompromised patients

Increasing colonization and infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in immunocompromised patients are associated with increased mortality. Despite contact precautions for VRE control, rapid limitation of its spread is often impossible. We report on a VRE outbreak in a hematologic/oncologic unit including 33 patients. Although 28 of the patients had only VRE colonization, VRE-related infection was probable in 4 patients, and VRE infection of the bloodstream occurred in 1 case. Two patients were identified by VRE screening on admission, 20 were identified by weekly routine VRE screening, and 6 were identified from specimens taken to clarify infections (eg, urine, bronchoalveolar lavage). Five individuals acquired VRE colonization as inpatients (contact patients). Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) proved that the outbreak was caused by VanA gene-positive Enterococcus faecium belonging to MLVA genogroup C1(MLVA types 1, 7, 12). The outbreak strains exhibited the potential virulence factor esp(enterococcus surface protein). The outbreak was terminated within 2 months by intensified infection-control measures, including quarantine and the cohorting of patients who tested positive for VRE; however, VRE spread recurred after the measures were discontinued but was again limited by resuming the measures. We conclude that intensive infection-control strategies enable the timely termination of VRE outbreaks, even those involving VRE strains with high epidemic potential on "high-risk wards" (eg, hematologic/oncologic units). Premature discontinuation of infection-control measures may cause recurrence of the VRE spread.

Bloodstream infections in neutropenic patients: early detection of pathogens and directed antimicrobial therapy due to surveillance blood cultures

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are frequent infectious complications in neutropenic patients. In order to determine the efficacy of surveillance blood cultures (BCs) to detect BSIs prior to clinical manifestation we performed a prospective trial. One hundred patients with haematological malignancies and long-term neutropenia following intensive cytotoxic therapies were recruited. BCs were taken thrice weekly during neutropenia. Forty-two patients were diagnosed with BSI. In 18 (43%) of those patients surveillance BC results were positive and identified microorganisms prior to onset of fever. In patients with positive surveillance BCs modification of the clinical management (specific antimicrobial therapy, CVC removal) resulted in a shorter time to defervescence (median 1.5 days) compared with patients with BCs positive after onset of fever (median 3.5 days, P = 0.004). In conclusion we detected causative microorganisms in more than one-third of BSIs prior to onset of clinical manifestation. The impact of surveillance BCs on the outcome has to be assessed in randomized studies.

Phase II trial of vaccination with WT1 peptide, GM-CSF, and KLH in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplasia: Final immunological, molecular, and clinical results

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Purpose: A phase II trial of vaccination with the HLA-A2-restricted WT1.126–134 peptide was performed in patients (pts) with AML and MDS and overexpression of WT1 to determine toxicity, immunogenicity, and molecular and clinical activity. Methods: Patients received intra/subcut. vaccinations of 0.2 mg WT1.126–134 peptide (day 3), 62.5 mcg GM-CSF (days 1–4) as DC-stimulant and 1 mg keyhole limpet hemocyanin (day 3) as T helper protein. Vaccination was biweekly x 4 followed by 4-weekly in the first 13 patients and continuously biweekly in the subsequent 13. Early disease progression until vaccine # 6 was allowed, if not requiring chemotherapy. WT1-specific T cell responses were measured by tetramer and cytokine flow cytometry. WT1 levels were assessed by qRT-PCR. Clinical response assessment followed IWG-MDS criteria, capturing stable disease and hematologic improvement. Statistical analysis was performed by frequency tables and exploratory comparisons using Fishers test. Results: Of 29 pts enrolled 25 were evaluable, 23 with AML and 2 with RAEB. 15 AML pts had >5% marrow blasts and 8 had high-risk CR with detectable WT1 mRNA. A median of 11 (range 3 - 25) vaccinations was administered, 3 pts are ongoing. No relevant toxicity occurred. There were no obvious differences in outcome parameters between the 2 vaccination schedules. The percentage of patients with WT1 tetramer response increased from 28% prior to vaccination to 80% at week 10 (p=0.003), while the WT1 peptide specific cytokine response increased from 20% to 57% (p=0.012) of patients. WT1 mRNA-levels increased in 22% of patients, were stable in 26%, and decreased in 52% (2 to>50-fold). One CR (514 days) and 13 SD (99 to 339 days) were observed, 5 SD with >50% blast reduction and 3 with hematologic improvement. The CR and 3 SD occurred after initial PD. The median time to treatment failure (TTF) was 143 days. There was a significant association between decrease in WT1 mRNA levels and TTF (p=0.026). Conclusions: This study proves immunological, molecular and clinical efficacy of WT1 peptide vaccination in AML. Further investigations are indicated in WT1 expressing carcinomas and in combination with agents targeting CTLA4 or PD1.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Engraftment kinetics and hematopoietic chimerism after reduced-intensity conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan before allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Reduced-intensity conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) was introduced several years ago. Although its feasibility has recently been proven, only limited data are available on myelotoxicity, engraftment kinetics, and the significance of hematopoietic chimerism using this novel conditioning regimen. To clarify these open questions, we analyzed 27 patients with various hematological diseases, who received allogeneic SCT preceded by fludarabine/treosulfan conditioning. Further assessment endpoints included graft-vs-host disease (GvHD), mortality, and overall survival (OS). Allogeneic SCT was followed by neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < or = 0.5 x 10(9)/l) and thrombocytopenia (platelets < or = 20 x 10(9)/l) in all patients. All patients showed stable neutrophil engraftment, and all except one had stable platelet engraftment. Grades II-IV acute GvHD was found in 48% of patients, whereas 52% developed chronic GvHD. The treatment-related mortality on day +100, 1 year after SCT, and at the last follow-up was 11, 26, and 33%, respectively. We found complete chimerism rates of 46, 57, and 72% on days +28, +56, and at the last follow-up or before death, respectively. The underlying malignancy tended to relapse more frequently in patients with mixed chimerism than in those with complete chimerism on day +28 as well as on day +56 (not significant). Additionally, no significant association was found between hematopoietic chimerism and donor type, GvHD, or OS, respectively. We conclude that reduced-intensity conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan before allogeneic SCT is myeloablative, provides stable engraftment, and leads to complete chimerism in the majority of patients.

Thalidomide in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: influence of thalidomide treatment on peripheral blood stem cell collection yield

In a phase III randomized, multicenter study, the German-speaking Myeloma-Multicenter Group (GMMG) and the Dutch-Belgian Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group (HOVON) group investigated the influence of thalidomide (Thal) on the outcome of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection in multiple myeloma (MM) before peripheral autologous blood stem cell transplantation (ABSCT). We analyzed the data of 398 myeloma patients after induction with Thal, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (TAD) in comparison with vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (VAD) followed by mobilization with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, dexamethasone (CAD) and PBSC collection. Within both the study groups, patients treated with TAD showed to collect significantly fewer CD34(+) cells compared with VAD (GMMG, TAD: median 9.8 x 10(6)/kg; range 2.0-33.6; VAD: median 10.9 x 10(6)/kg range 3.0-36.0; P=0.02) (HOVON, TAD: median 7.4 x 10(6)/kg; range 2.0-33.0; VAD: median 9.4 x 10(6)/kg; range 0.0-48.7; P=0.009). However, engraftment after peripheral autologous stem cell transplantation showed no difference between Thal and VAD groups. We conclude that Thal as a part of induction regimen is associated with better response rates (GMMG-HD3: CR/PR 79%, VAD: CR/PR 58%; HOVON-50: TAD: CR/PR 81%, VAD: CR/PR 61%), but significantly affects the yield of PBSC collection. Nevertheless, the number of total CD34(+) cells collected was sufficient for double autologous transplantation in 82% of the Thal patients, with at least 2.5 x 10(6)/kg CD34(+) cells.

Reduced-toxicity conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma

In recent years, reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens before allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) are increasingly used in patients not eligible for conventional conditioning. We did a retrospective, multicenter analysis to assess the feasibility of conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan before allogeneic SCT in multiple myeloma patients. Thirty-four patients with a median age of 51.5 years were included in the analysis. All patients underwent myeloablation after conditioning followed by stable engraftment, and 29 of 31 evaluable patients (94%) showed early complete hematopoietic chimerism. Non-hematological toxicities were limited and encompassed mainly fever in neutropenia and infections. Grade II-IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease was observed in 33 and 39%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 708 days (range 60-1729 days), the median progression-free survival was 180 days. The treatment-related mortality was 10% on day 100 and 25% after 1 year. The median overall survival has not yet been reached. Our data indicate that conditioning with fludarabine and treosulfan before allogeneic SCT is feasible in intensively pretreated multiple myeloma patients and leads to stable engraftment and complete hematopoietic chimerism. Randomized trials are warranted to determine if this approach might be incorporated in an algorithm of multiple myeloma treatment.

Long-term follow-up of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from mismatched related and unrelated donors

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is best performed with an HLA-identical sibling donor (matched related donor, MRD) to reduce the risk of early complications such as acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGvHD). However, as only about 30% of recipients have an MRD for this potentially curative approach, the use of family donors with one or two mismatches in the HLA-antigens (mismatch related donor, MMRD) or fully matched unrelated donors (MUD) (''alternative donors'') has been introduced in the allogeneic SCT setting in recent years. To evaluate the feasibility of allogeneic SCT from alternative donors by using peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) we initiated a prospective, phase II study in 1996. From April 1996 to July 1998, 18 patients with various hematological malignancies underwent allogeneic SCT from alternative donors (two patients with MUD and 16 patients with MMRD). All patients received stable engraftment and none of the patients had graft rejection. The rate of aGvHD (grades II-IV) and the relapse rate at last follow-up (seven to nine yr after SCT) were with 40% and 24%, respectively, comparable with those found in patients receiving allogeneic SCT from MRD. However, five yr after allogeneic SCT only 17% were alive, which was mainly due to the treatment-related mortality (TRM) rate of 59%. We conclude that allogeneic PBSC transplantation by using alternative donors is associated with an unsatisfying long-term TRM rate. The significance of TRM and particular late deaths has to be evaluated further in this transplantation setting.

Low-dose liposomal amphotericin B in the prevention of invasive fungal infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia: results from a randomized, single-center trial

BACKGROUND

We performed a prospective, randomized, open-label trial to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) to reduce the incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in patients with hematological malignancies and prolonged neutropenia (>10 days) following intensive chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 219 neutropenic episodes (NE) of 132 patients randomization was performed. Patients received either 50 mg L-AmB every other day (arm A) or no systemic antifungal prophylaxis (arm B).

RESULTS

In the first NE of each patient the incidence of proven or probable IFI (primary end point) was five of 75 patients (6.7%) in arm A and 20 of 57 patients (35%) in arm B (P=0.001). Invasive aspergillosis occurred less frequently in patients receiving L-AmB-prophylaxis (P=0.0057), whereas the reduction of invasive candidiasis did not reach statistical significance (P=0.0655). In all NE the incidence of IFI was five of 110 NE (4.6%) in arm A versus 22 of 109 NE (20.2%) in arm B (P<0.01). Adverse events, possibly related to L-AmB, were observed in five NE (4.6%) and L-AmB was discontinued in three NE (2.8%). No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Antifungal prophylaxis with low-dose L-AmB proved to be feasible and effective in our trial.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation following conditioning with 90Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) of relapsed lymphoma is gaining increasing importance. Especially the commercially available anti-CD20 antibody 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan is currently under investigation in various trials including dose escalation and autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell support. It is not clear, however, whether the implementation of this radiolabeled antibody into another treatment option for relapsed or poor risk lymphoma patients-allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation-interferes with or delays successful engraftment. This study reports encouraging results with 2 relapsed lymphoma patients (1 transformed marginal zone lymphoma and 1 mantle cell lymphoma) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from HLA-matched donors. The conditioning regimen consisted of Rituximab 250 mg m(-2) on days -21 and -14, 0.4 mCi kg(-1) body weight 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan on day -14 and fludarabine (30 mg m(-2)) plus cyclophosphamide (500 mg m(-2)) on days -7 to -3. The data demonstrate that engraftment is fast and reliable with leukocytes >1 x 10(9) L(-1) on day 12 and platelets >50 x 10(9) L(-1) on day 10. Thus, the incorporation of radioimmunotherapy into allogeneic transplant protocols combines established modalities with proven anti-lymphoma activity and, hence, offers an attractive new therapeutic option for relapsed lymphoma patients.

Stem cell mobilization in multiple myeloma patients: Do we need an age-adjusted regimen for the elderly?

The upper age limit for autologous progenitor cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients is increasing continuously. We examined whether this shift in the age of pretreated myeloma patients requires modification of mobilization regimen. We compared retrospectively 21 consecutive progenitor cell mobilizations in 15 pts < 60 years (median age 56, range 37-59) with 33 consecutive mobilizations in 23 pts > 60 years (median age 65, range 60-73) of age. The number of CD34 positive circulating cells before scheduled leukapheresis was a mean of 67,935 cells/mL (SEM +/- 17,614) in the younger population and a mean of 19,069 (SEM +/- 5,396) for older pts (P = 0.0027). In patients >60 years, 13/33 mobilizations (including 2 patients with 2 failing attempts) were not successful (39%), compared to 6/21 mobilizations (29%, including 1 patient with 3 failing attempts) in the younger population. The increased number of progenitor cells in the grafts of younger patients led to a more rapid regeneration of leukocytes and platelets after stem cell infusion. Our data show that stem cell mobilization in older multiple myeloma patients is inferior compared to a younger patient population. There is a trend towards more leukapheresis until the target stem cell dose has been collected, and the decreased number of progenitor cells in the actual graft delays engraftment of leukocytes and platelets. The overall number of unsuccessful mobilization attempts, however, did not differ significantly between both age groups. A special "age-adjusted" increase in the dose of growth factors seems unjustified. Improvements in timing of leukapheresis, growth factor application, and mobilizing chemotherapy regimen as well as the use of alternative cytokines should be investigated for both age groups.

Successful treatment of extracranially metastasized pineal gland germinoma with high-dose methotrexate

Germinoma of the pineal gland is a rare disease usually confined to the brain which responds well to radiotherapy. Spinal seeding occurs in approximately 4% of cases and distant metastases are extremely rare. We report on a 27-year-old female with an intracranially metastasized pineal gland germinoma, meningeal carcinomatosis and distant bone metastases. Treatment was initiated with intrathecal methotrexate (MTX) and continued with high-dose intravenous MTX. The therapy was very well tolerated apart from reversible hepatic toxicity requiring a dose reduction. The patient was in complete remission after three courses followed by two consolidation cycles; the patient has now been in continuous complete remission for more than 22 months. This is the first report to show that MTX is a potent drug in treating pineal gland germinoma. Long-term side effects of radiotherapy such as reduced mental function or hypopituitarism can probably be avoided. Single-agent high-dose MTX may provide high efficacy with limited adverse effects, especially at a more advanced tumor stage with spinal seeding and extracranial disease.

Analysis of chimerism during the early period after allogeneic peripheral stem cell transplantation

As there are few reports on early evaluation of chimerism, we assessed fluorescence short tandem repeats (STR) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to analyse donor and recipient characteristics at early time points after peripheral stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Peripheral blood of 13 patients was analysed in 1- to 2-day intervals starting from the day of PBSCT. Donor and recipient allelic patterns were determined by a commercially available multiplex STR assay that simultaneously evaluates four or five gene loci. Mixed chimerism appeared in all patients during days 1-9 after transplantation and preceded haematologic engraftment for 3-12 days. Even patients without myeloablative conditioning therapy (n=4) revealed donor allelic patterns within 1-5 days. Nine patients changed during the following days to a complete donor allelic pattern and had an uncomplicated post-transplant disease course. Four patients did not consistently retain complete donor chimerism; two of them relapsed within the next 3 months, one died from septicemia within 7 days, and the fourth, transplanted for aplastic anaemia, is still in complete remission. Overall, STR analysis using a simple and comparatively cheap multiplex system permits the detection of chimerism very early after transplantation and may provide relevant information that correlates with the clinical follow-up.

No difference in graft-versus-host disease, relapse, and survival comparing peripheral stem cells to bone marrow using unrelated donors

The clinical results in 107 patients receiving a peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft mobilized by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) from HLA-A, -B, and -DR-compatible unrelated donors were compared to 107 matched controls receiving unrelated bone marrow (BM) transplants. Engraftment was achieved in 94% of the patients in both groups. The PBSC graft contained significantly more nucleated cells, CD34(+), CD3(+), and CD56(+) cells (P <.001), and resulted in a significantly shorter time-to-neutrophil (15 versus 19 days) and platelet engraftment (20 versus 27 days), compared to the BM control group (P <.001). Probabilities of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II to IV were 35% and 32% (not significant [NS]) and of chronic GVHD 61% and 76% (NS) in the PBSC and BM groups, respectively. There was no difference between the 2 groups in bacteremia, cytomegalovirus reactivation or disease, and fungal infection. The 3-year transplant-related mortality (TRM) rates were 42% in the PBSC group and 31% in the BM controls (P =.7) and the survival rates were 46% and 51%, respectively. The probability of relapse was 25% and 31% in both groups (NS), resulting in disease-free survival rates of 43% in the PBSC group and 46% in the BM controls (NS). In the multivariate analysis, early disease, acute GVHD grade 0 to I, and presence of chronic GVHD were independent factors associated with a better disease-free survival in this study. PBSC from HLA-compatible unrelated donors can be used safely as an alternative to BM for stem cell transplantation.

Treatment of steroid refractory acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease with daclizumab

Competitive inhibition of interleukin 2-dependent lymphocytes by daclizumab demonstrates some beneficial effects in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Sixteen patients with steroid refractory GVHD received daclizumab (1 mg/kg BW) on d 1, 2 (-5), 7, 14 and 21. Twelve patients suffered from grade III-IV acute GVHD and four patients from extensive chronic GVHD. Responses were observed in nine patients (six acute, three chronic GVHD). Fourteen out of 16 patients acquired infections during daclizumab treatment and three deaths were infection related. Daclizumab demonstrates limited activity and is associated with an increased incidence of infectious complications.

Toxoplasmosis, a severe complication in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: successful treatment strategies during a 5-year single-center experience

Toxoplasmosis is a rare but often fatal complication that occurs after patients undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. At our institution, toxoplasmosis was diagnosed in 8 of 301 patients who received stem cell transplants. Disseminated toxoplasmosis with a rapid fatal course was observed in 2 patients. Six patients had cerebral toxoplasmosis diagnosed on the basis of neurological signs and observation of the patients' mental confusion, seizures, and typical lesions (which were assessed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or both). Seroconversion of antitoxoplasma immunoglobulin and a discovery of toxoplasma deoxyribonucleic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid (confirmed by use of polymerase chain reaction) were documented in all patients. Treatment consisted of clindamycin therapy (for 2 patients) and of pyrimethamine-clindamycin therapy, sulfadiazine therapy, or both (for 5 patients). Patients showed improvement after therapy, as assessed by clinical and radiological means. Three of 8 patients survive-1 without any residual neurological symptoms and 2 with minimal neurological symptoms.

Feasibility and safety of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors: results of a single-center study

We compared the outcomes in patients receiving unrelated peripheral blood stem cell transplants (PBSCT) with those receiving bone marrow transplants (BMT) in a matched pair analysis. Seventy-four patients with hematological malignancies with HLA-matched (77%) and mismatched (23%) donors were analyzed in this study. Thirty-four patients (45%) were considered as high risk patients. Sixty-eight patients received standard conditioning regimens with Bu/Cy or TBI/Cy. Six patients received an intensified conditioning regimen with the addition of etoposide, thiotepa or melphalan. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of prednisolone, cyclosporine and methotrexate. Groups were matched for patient, donor, transplant characteristics and HLA compatibility. Peripheral blood stem cell collection led to the collection of a higher number of CD34+ and CD3+ cells in comparison to bone marrow collection. Leukocyte engraftment in the PBSCT group occurred in 14 days (median; range 6-26 days) and in the BMT group in 19 days (range 9-29 days; P < 0.02). The time of platelet engraftment did not differ significantly. The incidence of grades II-lV acute GVHD in the group of HLA-identical patients was 35% in the PBSCT group and 25% in the BMT group (P < 0.33, log-rank). However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05, log-rank) in incidence and time to onset of acute GVHD II-IV comparing all patients, including the 17 mismatched transplants. Disease-free survival was 51% (19 patients) with a median of 352 days and 59% (21 patients) with a median of 760 days for PBSC and BMT transplants, respectively. In conclusion, our results indicate that allogeneic PBSCT led to significantly faster leukocyte engraftment but is associated with a higher incidence and more rapid onset of severe acute GVHD comparing all patients, including the 17 mismatched transplants. However, the incidence of severe acute GVHD in HLA-identical patients was not different between the PBSCT and BMT groups.

Review of comparative studies between conventional and liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome) in neutropenic patients with fever of unknown origin and patients with systemic mycosis

Fungal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Treatment with amphotericin B is the main therapeutic approach. However, this treatment is limited by the substantial toxicity. We present the data of the first randomized prospective comparative trial in adults (134 patients with fever of unknown origin) with conventional amphotericin B and a liposomal formulation of amphotericin B (AmBisome, published in 1997 by Prentice et al. (Br. J. Haematol. 98, 711-718) and the data of adults with documented fungal infections (59 patients), treated in this trial. Patients received either conventional amphotericin B 1 mg kg-1 per day, liposomal amphotericin B 1 mg kg-1 per day or liposomal amphotericin B 3 mg kg-1 per day. Patients were entered if they had fever of unknown origin (FUO), defined as temperature of 38 degrees C or more, not responding to 96 h of systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, and neutropenia (< 0.5 x 10(9) l-1). Efficacy of treatment was assessed, with success defined as resolution of fever for three consecutive days (< 38 degrees C) in the group of patients with FUO and the freedom of clinical signs and/or the elimination of fungus in the group of patients with documented fungal infections. The safety of treatment and renal and hepatic toxicity of liposomal and conventional amphotericin B were compared. No statistically significant difference was found in the treatment efficacy in the three study arms. However, there is a tendency of better treatment results in the two groups of patients, who received liposomal amphotericin B. Thirty-five per cent of patients with documented fungal infections and 46% of patients with FUO responded to amphotericin B. In the patients group, that received 1 mg kg-1 liposomal amphotericin B it was 63 and 49%, in the group of patients that received 3 mg kg-1 liposomal amphotericin B it was 47 and 64%. Evidence of toxicity due to amphotericin B was seen in 50 patients (83%), toxicity due to liposomal amphotericin B, 1 mg kg-1, was seen in 35 patients (50%), and due to liposomal amphotericin B 3 mg kg-1 in 34 patients (54%). This was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). It was concluded that liposomal amphotericin B was safer than conventional amphotericin B, but both formulations are equivalent in treatment efficacy. The prophylactic use of amphotericin B in these immunocompromised patients is discussed.

Faster engraftment of neutrophils and platelets with peripheral blood stem cells from unrelated donors: a comparison with marrow transplantation

Engraftment was achieved in 43/45 (95%) recipients of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from HLA-compatible unrelated donors (n = 45), compared to all 45 patients in matched controls receiving bone marrow and 14/18 (78%) recipients of CD34-selected PBSC (P < 0.01). The time to reach ANC >0.5 x 10(9)/l was a median of 16 days in the PBSC and CD34 groups, compared to 20 days in the bone marrow controls (P < 0.001 vs PBSC). The time to reach platelets >50 x 10(9)/l was a median of 23 days in the PBSC group and 24 days in the CD34 group, which was significantly faster than 29 days in the bone marrow controls (P < 0.01). Acute GVHD grades II-IV developed in 30% in the PBSC group, 20% in the recipients of bone marrow and 18% in the CD34 group. The corresponding figures for chronic GVHD were 59%, 85% and 0% (P < 0.01) in the three groups, respectively. The probability of non-relapse death was 27% in the recipients of PBSC, 21% in the bone marrow controls and 60% in the CD34 group (NS). The 2-year leukaemia-free survival was 46% in the PBSC group, 41% in the bone marrow group and 25% in the CD34 group (NS).

A comparative study of peripheral blood stem cell vs bone marrow transplantation from unrelated donors (MUD): a single center study

Peripheral blood stem cell transplants (PBSCT) from unrelated donors (n = 37) were compared with bone marrow transplants (BM, bone marrow group, n = 37) in a matched pair analysis. Ten patients (2, class 1) in the alloPBSCT group and seven patients (2, class 1) in the BM group had one HLA locus mismatch donor, respectively. The following factors were matched: HLA-compatibility, diagnosis, disease stage, age and gender. The median age in the PBSC group was 37 years (19-56, excluding one 6-year-old child) and in the BM group 37 years (18-53). The BM group consisted of 12 females and 25 males, 17 females and 20 males were in the PBSC group. Twelve patients in the BM and 11 patients in the PBSC group were diagnosed with AMI,; 7/7, ALL; 15/15, CML; 2/3, MDS; 1/1, NHL. Thirty-four (14/20) of the 74 patients (45%) were considered as high risk patients. The conditioning regimen was BU/CY for standard risk patients with myeloid diseases (31 patients) and TBI/CY for ALL and NHL patients (36 patients); six patients received intensified conditioning with VP16 (2 patients), thiotepa (2 patients) or melphalan (1 patient). The GVHD prophylaxis regimen was used according to the Seattle protocol. DFS was 51% (19 patients) with a median of 352 days and 59% (21 patients) with a median of 760 days, in PBSC and BM transplants, respectively. The median time to leukocyte engraftment in PBSC patients was 14 days (range 6-26 days) and in the BM group 19 days (range 9-29 days; P < 0.02). The time of platelet engraftment did not differ significantly between the groups. The incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 40% (four patients died, 13%) in the PBSC group and 20)% (three patients died, 8%) in the BM group, respectively (P < 0.05, log-rank). No signs of aGVHD were found in 19% of the patients in the PBSC and 27% in the BM group. Our results indicate that allogeneic PBSCT does lead to a significantly faster leukocyte engraftment. The significant increase with regard to the incidence and shorter time of onset of severe aGVHD in PBSC patients, compared to marrow transplant patients, need to be confirmed in a randomised trial.

New strategies in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease

GVHD continues to be a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation even when the recipient is given immunosuppression for the prophylaxis of this severe disease. There have been many advances in the prevention and treatment of GVHD, using compounds such as cyclosporine, FK506, mycophenolate mofetil or monoclonal IL-2 receptor antagonist. New strategies seem to include sequential therapy involving the blocking of both endogenous cytokines and alloreactive donor cells. However, further clinical and laboratory studies are needed in order to improve the therapy of established GVHD.

Mycophenolate mofetil in stem cell transplant patients in relation to plasma level of active metabolite

OBJECTIVES

To investigate mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) plasma levels and impact on acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) after stem cell transplantation (SCT).

METHODS

SCT patients (n = 14) with aGvHD (>/= II) receiving MMF (1-3 g/d) in addition to cyclosporine, prednisolone, and methotrexate for aGvHD prophylaxis were investigated. Plasma levels of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and its glucuronide metabolite (MPAG) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Overall median steady state pre-dose plasma MPA concentration was 0.47 mg/L and increased within 75 min after administration to 1.64 mg/L. In comparison to patients with skin aGvHD, patients with gut aGvHD had lower MPA concentrations, both pre-dose (p = 0.16) and after 75 min, (p = 0.02). All 7 patients with skin aGvHD but only 2 patients with gut aGvHD responded to MMF. Overall, the pre-dose plasma MPA concentration was significantly (p = 0.007) greater in responders (n = 9) than in non-responders (n = 5).

CONCLUSION

MMF seems to be an effective treatment for aGvHD in SCT patients particular in those patients without gut involvement.

Lenograstim-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells in volunteer donors: an open label randomized split dose escalating study

Mobilization of peripheral blood cell progenitor cells was investigated in 36 healthy sibling donors using three different split doses of glycosylated rhG-CSF (lenograstim). The donors were randomized into three groups: group 1 was given lenograstim at 8, group 2 at 11 and group 3 at 15 micrograms/kg/day in two split doses, subcutaneously for 4 and 5 days, respectively. Leukapheresis was performed on day 4 or 5 depending on the WBC and CD34+ cell count. We were able to demonstrate that there was a significant correlation between circulating CD34+ cells on the day of harvest and CD34+ cells in the apheresis products in all three groups. The number of CD34+ cells pre-apheresis was inversely correlated with age in group 1 and group 2. However, in group 3, the number of CD34+ cells pre-apheresis did not correlate with age. There was also a difference between the number of progenitor cells mobilized in the three dose groups regarding the time of harvest. Apheresis was performed in groups 1 and 2 on day 5 of mobilization in order to obtain a sufficient number of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. In contrast, with the split dose of 15 micrograms/kg/day, harvest could be routinely performed on day 4 of stimulation. We conclude that lenograstim given twice a day at doses of 8, 11 and 15 micrograms/kg/day provided different CD34+ cell yields in normal donors, in particular, with regard to the time of harvest. The number of CD34+ cells pre-apheresis was not correlated with age in the group of donors mobilized with a split dose of 15 micrograms/kg/day, indicating that this dosage might also be suitable for older donors.

Second allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as treatment for leukemia relapsing following a first transplant

We report 27 patients with relapsed acute or chronic leukemia who underwent a second hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) from a related or unrelated donor. Seventeen patients were diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), six with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and four with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Ages ranged from 22 to 49 years (median 37); 13 patients were female and 14 male. Relapse was diagnosed between 1 and 45 months after the first HSCT. Sixteen patients who relapsed had received an autologous transplant initially and 11 an allogeneic transplant. Ten patients relapsed within 6 months and 17 patients later than 6 months. Chemotherapy was used as reinduction for relapse after HSCT in 16 patients who had received an autologous transplant and in three who had received an allogeneic transplant, since the latter did not respond to reduction of immunosuppression to induce a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reaction. Five of these 19 patients (26%) achieved complete remission (CR), seven patients did not respond to chemotherapy and seven achieved a partial remission (PR). The stem cell source for the second HSCT included bone marrow (n = 12) and PBSC (n = 4) from genotypically identical unrelated donors, PBSC (n = 7) and bone marrow (n = 3) from related donors. Currently eight of the 27 patients are alive and disease-free after the second HSCT. One patient is alive and disease-free after two allogeneic transplants (day +1538), eight patients, who relapsed after an autologous transplant followed by an allogeneic transplant (days +248 to +1140), acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 6) and chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 2) are alive and disease-free. The overall disease-free survival is 30% (8/27). The overall disease-free survival of autologous transplant patients subsequently undergoing an allogeneic transplant is 43% (P = 0.049). It is suggested that a second HSCT is possible for patients with leukemia relapse following the first autologous transplant. A second transplant might also be offered to patients relapsing after the first allogeneic HSCT. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 25, 41-45.

Peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors: a comparison with marrow transplantation

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplants from HLA-A, -B, and -DR compatible unrelated donors (n = 45) were compared with bone marrow (BM; BM group, n = 45). Eighteen patients received CD34-selected PBSC (CD34 group). The PBSCs contained more mononuclear cells, CD34(+), CD3(+), and CD56(+) cells compared with marrow (P <.001). Engraftment was achieved in all 45 patients in the BM group, in 43 of 45 (95%) in the PBSC group, and in 14 of 18 (78%) in the CD34 group (P <.01). In multivariate analysis, a short time to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) equal to 0.5 x 10(9)/L was associated with the PBSC/CD34 groups (P <.001) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment (P =.017). A short time to platelets equal to 50 x 10(9)/L was associated with PBSC (P =. 003) and no methotrexate (P =.015). Grades II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 20% in the BM controls, 30% in the PBSC group, and 18% in the CD34 group (not significant [NS]). The probability of chronic GVHD was 85% in the BM group, 59% in the PBSC group, and 0% in the CD34 group (P <.01). One-year transplant-related mortality was 21% and 27% and survival was 53% and 54% in the BM and PBSC groups, respectively (NS). The 2-year relapse-free survival was 41% and 46% in the two groups, respectively.

A second unrelated bone marrow transplant: successful quantitative monitoring of mixed chimerism using a highly discriminative PCR-STR system

A second bone marrow transplant (BMT) might be considered as an option in patients with leukaemia with graft failure after BMT. We report the successful treatment of a patient with graft failure by a second stem cell transplant from another unrelated donor. We evaluated the usefulness of an unrelated donor as the source of the second BMT in this clinical setting. In addition to this, a penta PCR-STR system was tested and shown to be sensitive for monitoring of marrow engraftment. The conditioning regimen for the first transplantation consisted of busulfan and cyclophosphamide while anti-thymocyte globulin and CY were used for the second BMT. The patient successfully engrafted at day +11 after second BMT.

Chronic eosinophilic leukemia: successful treatment with an unrelated bone marrow transplantation

The optimal treatment of eosinophilic leukemia is still uncertain. We report the successful treatment of a 21-year-old patient with eosinophilic leukemia, without cytogenetic abnormalities, by bone marrow transplantation from an unrelated donor. The conditioning regimen for the transplantation consisted of fractionated total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide. Acute GVHD, grade I, post-transplantation was successfully treated. No other severe complications occured. The patient is alive in complete remission 21 months after unrelated bone marrow transplantation.

A second unrelated bone marrow transplant with an unrelated donor marrow: treatment of a patient with relapsed leukemia

A second bone marrow transplant might be considered as an option in patients with leukemia relapsing after bone marrow transplantation. We report the successful treatment of a patient with relapsed ALL with a second BMT from the same unrelated donor. We evaluated the usefulness of an unrelated donor as the source of the second BMT in this clinical setting. The conditioning regimen for the first transplantation consisted of BU and CY while fractionated TBI and CY were used for the second BMT. Acute skin GVHD, grade III which developed after second BMT, was successfully treated with the use of a new immunosuppressive drug, mycophenolate mofetil. Hemorrhagic cystitis and a CMV infection developed as complications during the second BMT and were successfully treated. The patient was alive and well after the second BMT with limited chronic skin GVHD up to day +170.

[Antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic cancer patients and in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation]

Severe and prolonged neutropenia and fungal colonization during the long term administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics are well known factors increasing the risk of invasive fungal infections. This is in particular true in patients undergoing allgeneic bone marrow transplantation due to the intensity of the conditioning regimen, the immuno-suppressive effect of allografting and the administration of immunosuppressive agents to prevent graft-versus-host-disease. Therefore, strategies in the prevention of fungal infections decreasing the morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies need to be developed. In this review, we discussed fungal infections an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological disorders and attempted to provide some insights in the current status of antifungal prophylaxis.

Sensitivity of CFU-GM from normal human bone marrow and leukaemic clonogenic cells (CFU-L) from blood of patients with myelogenous leukaemia to 3'-deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine in comparison to 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine

3'-Deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine (FT), a thymidine analogue highly effective against HIV 1 in vitro was investigated as to its in vitro effect on normal human bone marrow CFU-GM (agar colony assay) and on human peripheral myeloid leukaemic clonogenic cells (CFU-L, colony assay in methylcellulose). For comparison, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), structurally related and used in AIDS treatment, was included in the study. Both compounds inhibit the formation of clusters and colonies from bone marrow stem cells with an [IC]50 between 10(-6) and 10(-5)M. In concentrations only 5-10 times lower than the [IC]50, FT begins to stimulate cluster and colony formation. AZT and FT also inhibit the formation of clusters and colonies from CFU-L. Compared to CFU-GM, CFU-L were more sensitive to FT, and a stimulation was not seen. It is concluded that similar side effects on bone marrow could be expected for possible use of FT against AIDS as have been found for AZT and that both compounds are potential candidates for anti-leukaemic drugs.