European LeukemiaNet 2020 recommendations for treating chronic myeloid leukemia

The therapeutic landscape of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has profoundly changed over the past 7 years. Most patients with chronic phase (CP) now have a normal life expectancy. Another goal is achieving a stable deep molecular response (DMR) and discontinuing medication for treatment-free remission (TFR). The European LeukemiaNet convened an expert panel to critically evaluate and update the evidence to achieve these goals since its previous recommendations. First-line treatment is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI; imatinib brand or generic, dasatinib, nilotinib, and bosutinib are available first-line). Generic imatinib is the cost-effective initial treatment in CP. Various contraindications and side-effects of all TKIs should be considered. Patient risk status at diagnosis should be assessed with the new EUTOS long-term survival (ELTS)-score. Monitoring of response should be done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction whenever possible. A change of treatment is recommended when intolerance cannot be ameliorated or when molecular milestones are not reached. Greater than 10% BCR-ABL1 at 3 months indicates treatment failure when confirmed. Allogeneic transplantation continues to be a therapeutic option particularly for advanced phase CML. TKI treatment should be withheld during pregnancy. Treatment discontinuation may be considered in patients with durable DMR with the goal of achieving TFR.

The 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko observation campaign in support of the Rosetta mission

We present a summary of the campaign of remote observations that supported the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission. Telescopes across the globe (and in space) followed comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko from before Rosetta's arrival until nearly the end of the mission in September 2016. These provided essential data for mission planning, large-scale context information for the coma and tails beyond the spacecraft and a way to directly compare 67P with other comets. The observations revealed 67P to be a relatively 'well-behaved' comet, typical of Jupiter family comets and with activity patterns that repeat from orbit to orbit. Comparison between this large collection of telescopic observations and the in situ results from Rosetta will allow us to better understand comet coma chemistry and structure. This work is just beginning as the mission ends-in this paper, we present a summary of the ground-based observations and early results, and point to many questions that will be addressed in future studies.This article is part of the themed issue 'Cometary science after Rosetta'.

Assessment of global longitudinal strain at low-dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy for the prediction of subsequent cardiotoxicity

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess whether global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured early during treatment with anthracycline (at a cumulative dose of 150mg/m²) can predict subsequent alterations in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighty-six patients suffering from Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or acute leukemia and receiving anthracyclines were prospectively included. They underwent complete echocardiography on four separate occasions: baseline (V1); after reaching a cumulative dose of 150mg/m² (V2); end of treatment (V3); one year follow-up (V4). Six patients developed cardiotoxicity defined by a decrease in LVEF by more than 10 percentage points to a value of at least less than 53% at V4. Both GLS measured at V1 and at V2 were significantly lower in the cardiotoxicity group compared with the control group (P=0.042 and P=0.01, respectively). Compared to GLS at V1, GLS obtained at V2 provided implemental predictive information and appeared to be the strongest predictor of cardiotoxicity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.823). At a threshold of -17.45% for GLS measured at V2, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting cardiotoxicity were 67% (95%CI: [33-100%]) and 97% (95%CI: [94-100%]) respectively.

CONCLUSION

GLS>-17.45%, obtained after 150mg/m² of anthracycline therapy, is a significant predictor of future anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This study should encourage physicians to perform echocardiography earlier during treatment with anthracyclines.

Rapid mobilization of cytotoxic lymphocytes induced by dasatinib therapy

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have potent effects on malignant cells, and they also target kinases in normal cells, which may have therapeutic implications. Using a collection of 55 leukemia patients treated with TKI therapy (chronic myeloid leukemia, n=47; acute lymphoblastic leukemia, n=8), we found that dasatinib, a second-generation broad-spectrum TKI, induced a rapid, dose-dependent and substantial mobilization of non-leukemic lymphocytes and monocytes in blood peaking 1-2 h after an oral intake and the blood counts closely mirrored drug plasma concentration. A preferential mobilization was observed for natural killer (NK), NK T, B and γδ+ T cells. Mobilization was coupled with a more effective transmigration of leukocytes through an endothelial cell layer and improved cytotoxicity of NK cells. Platelet numbers decreased markedly after the drug intake in a proportion of patients. Similar effects on blood cell dynamics and function were not observed with any other TKI (imatinib, nilotinib and bosutinib). Thus, dasatinib induces a unique, rapid mobilization and activation of cytotoxic, extravasation-competent lymphocytes, which may not only enhance antileukemia immune responses but can also be causally related to the side-effect profile of the drug (pleural effusions, thrombocytopenia).

Dasatinib dose-optimization study in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP): Three-year follow-up with dasatinib 100 mg once daily and landmark analysis of cytogenetic response and progression-free survival (PFS)

7007

Background: The recommended dosing regimen of dasatinib for CML-CP is now 100 mg once daily (QD) (previously 70 mg twice daily [BID]), based upon a phase III dose-optimization study (CA180–034) that enrolled patients (pts) with CML-CP with resistance, intolerance, or suboptimal response to imatinib. While therapeutic milestones have been established for pts with CML-CP treated with imatinib, they have not been well established for pts treated with second-line TKIs. Methods: Pts were randomized using a 2 × 2 factorial design to one of four treatment arms: 100 mg QD (n = 167), 70 mg BID (n = 168), 140 mg QD (n = 167), or 50 mg BID (n = 168). Details of study design and endpoints have been described previously. Results: After a minimum of 24 months of follow-up, the 24-month PFS rate with 100 mg QD was 80% (vs. 75%-76% in other arms) and the overall survival rate was 91% (vs. 88%-94%). In all arms, high response rates were achieved in pts with or without a baseline BCR-ABL mutation. Dasatinib 100 mg QD was well tolerated and rates of key side effects showed only a minimal increment from 12 to 24 months. Among the four treatment arms, significant differences were observed in rates of drug-related pleural effusion (all grades: p = 0.049) and cytopenia (p = 0.003 for grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia), with lowest rates observed for 100 mg QD. Dasatinib 100 mg QD treatment resulted in the lowest rates of treatment interruption, reduction, and discontinuation. In addition to providing 36-month follow-up, the likelihood of achieving long-term endpoints based on cytogenetic status at 6, 12, and/or 18 months will be presented. Conclusions: Dasatinib 100 mg once daily remains the optimal dosing schedule for pts with CML-CP. The landmark analyses to be presented should provide useful information to clinicians treating imatinib-resistant, -suboptimally responding, or -intolerant CML-CP pts with dasatinib 100 mg once daily based on cytogenetic response at key intervals.

[Table: see text]

Persistence of complete molecular remission in chronic myeloid leukemia after imatinib discontinuation: Interim analysis of the STIM trial

7084

Background: Imatinib (IM) has greatly improved survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, IM must be continued for an indefinite period of time. A multicenter trial “Stop Imatinib” (STIM) was initiated in July 2007, in order to evaluate the persistence of complete molecular remission (CMR) after stopping IM and determine factors associated with CMR persistence. Methods: Inclusion criteria were IM treatment duration ≥3 years and sustained CMR, defined as BCR-ABL transcripts below a detection threshold of a 5-log reduction (undetectable by RQ-PCR) for ≥2 years. Molecular relapse was defined as RQ-PCR positivity confirmed on 2 successive occasions. In case of relapse, pts were rechallenged with IM at 400 mg daily. Molecular monitoring was performed according to international recommendations. Results: Sixty-nine pts were recruited among which 60 with a follow-up >1 month, including 22 males and 38 females. Median age was 62 (29–80), 31 pts had been treated with IFN prior to IM and 29 with IM frontline (de novo). Median follow-up was 5 months (1–16). Relapse occurred in 37 pts within 6 months of IM discontinuation. Only 1 pt relapsed after 6 months (M7). All patients in molecular relapse were sensitive to IM reintroduction. At last follow-up in December 2008, CMR was sustained in 8 pts at M14 and 3 pts at M16. No differences in terms of demography, duration of IM treatment and CMR duration were found between pts who relapsed and those who did not. At M9, the probability of persistent CMR was 46% (95% CI: 32–59%), 53% (95% CI: 33–69%) for previously IFN-treated pts and 39% (95% CI: 20–58%) for de novo pts (p = 0.54). A trend for a lower probability of relapse in low Sokal score pts was observed. Conclusions: Our data confirm that CMR can be long-lasting after discontinuation of IM. Using stringent criteria, it is possible to stop IM in patients with sustained CMR, even in those treated with IM as a single agent. Updated follow-up will be presented.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Dasatinib 50 mg or 70 mg BID compared to 100 mg or 140 mg QD in patients with CML in chronic phase (CP) who are resistant or intolerant to imatinib: One-year results of CA180034

7004

Background: Previous data with dasatinib (SPRYCEL®), a short-acting oral multitargeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC family kinases, have shown the safety and efficacy of the 70 mg BID dose in CP-CML patients. Surprisingly, phase-I data (NEJM 2006;354:2531) demonstrated complete hematologic (CHR) and major cytogenetic responses (MCyR) among CP-CML patients at total daily doses (TDD) of 100 mg and 140 mg in both the BID and QD schedule, despite the achievement of only transient inhibition of BCR-ABL by dasatinib when administered once daily. Methods: Patients with CP-CML resistant or intolerant to imatinib were randomized to one of 4 dasatinib arms: 1) 100 mg QD; 2) 50 mg BID; 3) 140 mg QD; 4) 70 mg BID. In this randomized, prospective, open-label trial, the primary objective compared the CyR rate among the BID and QD arms. Secondary objectives included comparison of the CyR rate between TTDs of 100 and 140 mg and the safety among the 4 arms. Results: 662 patients were randomized from July 2005 to March 2006 and received treatment. Response rates, with a median duration of treatment of 8 months, are shown below. Duration of CyR and progression-free survival were similar across all 4 arms. There was significantly less grade (Gr) 3–4 neutropenia (P=0.035), thrombocytopenia (P=0.001), anemia (P=0.032), and pleural effusions (P=0.028) in the 100-mg QD arm compared to the other 3 arms combined. No differences were seen across the 4 arms in the rates of other adverse events. There were fewer interruptions and reductions and the least number of patients discontinuing treatment for drug-related toxicity in the 100-mg QD arm. Conclusions: Dasatinib 100 mg QD offers the most favorable benefit-risk ratio in CP-CML. This trial provides the first evidence that intermittent kinase inhibition can achieve deep clinical remissions and is associated with an improved safety profile. One-year follow-up on all subjects, molecular response rates, and BCR-ABL mutation data will be presented.

[Table: see text] [Table: see text]

[Salivary nitrates. New perspectives concerning the physiological function of saliva]

For many years, nitrate ions have been thought to be "toxic agents", but scientific reality seems very different. The source of nitrate ions is double: exogenous and endogenous, and the metabolism of nitrates is partly salivary. The strong concentration of nitrate ions in saliva has many beneficial physiological effects. Salivary nitrate has anti-infectious effects on the oral cavity and all along the digestive tract. They give cardiovascular protection, are instrumental in the adaptive relaxation of the stomach by acting on smooth stomach muscles and have a protective action on the gastric mucosa.

Mutation status and clinical outcome of 89 imatinib mesylate-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia patients: a retrospective analysis from the French intergroup of CML (Fi(phi)-LMC GROUP)

The emergence of ABL point mutations is the most frequent cause for imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients and can occur during any phase of the disease; however, their clinical impact remains controversial. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the predictive impact of 94 BCR-ABL kinase domain mutations (18 T315I, 26 P-loop, 50 in other sites) found in 89 imatinib-resistant CML patients. At imatinib onset, 64% of patients (57/89) were in chronic phase (CP), 24% (21/89) in accelerated phase (AP) and 12% (11/89) in blastic phase (BP). T315I and P-loop mutations were preferentially discovered in accelerated phase of BP CML, and other types of mutations in CP (P=0.003). With a median follow-up of 39.2 months (6.3-67.2), since imatinib initiation, overall survival (OS) was significantly worse for P-loop (28.3 months) and for T315I (12.6 months), and not reached for other mutations (P=0.0004). For CP only, multivariate analysis demonstrated a worse OS for P-loop mutations (P=0.014), and a worse progression-free survival (PFS) for T315I mutations (P=0.014). Therefore, P-loop and T315I mutations selectively impair the outcome of imatinib-resistant CML patients, in contrast to other mutations, which may benefit from dose escalation of imatinib, able to improve or stabilize disease response.

Obstruction urétérale d’origine endométriosique

Endometriosis frequently affects women with genital activity and exceptionally involves the urinary tract, and the ureter in particular. From a case report of a female consulting for renal colic pain related to an intrinsic-type pelvic ureteral endometriosis, we report the difficulty in diagnosing this pseudotumoral obstruction and finding therapeutic options with a review of the literature. Ureteral endometriosis is marked by non-specific symptoms liable to delay preoperative diagnosis with a risk of deterioration of renal function due to the obstruction. Regarding the therapeutic approach, the surgical treatment associated or not with GNRH agonists seems best.

A phase I dose-finding and pharmacokinetic study of subcutaneous semisynthetic homoharringtonine (ssHHT) in patients with advanced acute myeloid leukaemia

To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities and pharmacokinetic of semisynthetic homoharringtonine (ssHHT), given as a twice daily subcutaneous (s.c.) injections for 9 days, in patients with advanced acute leukaemia, 18 patients with advanced acute myeloid leukaemia were included in this sequential Bayesian phase I dose-finding trial. A starting dose of 0.5 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ was explored with subsequent dose escalations of 1, 3, 5 and 6 mg m⁻² day⁻¹. Myelosuppression was constant. The MTD was estimated as the dose level of 5 mg m⁻² day⁻¹ for 9 consecutive days by s.c. route. Dose-limiting toxicities were hyperglycaemia with hyperosmolar coma at 3 mg m⁻², and (i) one anasarque and haematemesis, (ii) one life-threatening pulmonary aspergillosis, (iii) one skin rash and (iv) one scalp pain at dose level of 5 mg m⁻² day⁻¹. The mean half-life of ssHHT was 11.01±3.4 h, the volume of distribution at steady state was 2±1.4 l kg⁻¹ and the plasma clearance was 11.6±10.4 l h⁻¹. Eleven of the 12 patients with circulating leukaemic cells had blood blast clearance, two achieved complete remission and one with blast crisis of CMML returned in chronic phase. The recommended daily dose of ssHHT on the 9-day schedule is 5 mg m⁻² day⁻¹.

Dasatinib (D) in patients (pts) with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in myeloid blast crisis (MBC) who are imatinib-resistant (IM-R) or IM-intolerant (IM-I): Results of the CA180006 ‘START-B’ study

6529

Background: Dasatinib (D) (BMS-354825) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Bcr-Abl and SRC with activity against IM-R cell lines. In a phase I study, there was preliminary evidence that D was active in MBC-CML patients (pts). Methods: START B is an open-label study of D in IM-R or IM-I MBC carried out in 46 sites worldwide. From December 2004 to May 2005, 124 MBC pts were accrued. D was given orally at 70 mg twice a day (BID) with dose escalation to 100 mg BID for poor initial response or dose reductions to 50 mg and 40 mg BID for toxicity. Pts had weekly blood counts and monthly bone marrow evaluations, including cytogenetics. The primary endpoint was confirmed (minimum 4 weeks duration) major hematologic response (MaHR). Results: Data are currently available on the first 74 pts (68 IM-R, 6 IM-I). Median age was 55 years, 55% were male. Other prior therapy included interferon in 55% of pts and bone marrow transplant (BMT) in 12%. Prior IM dose was >600 mg/day in 49% of pts and 47% of pts received IM for > 3 years. At baseline, the WBC count was ≥20 × 103/mm3 in 46%, the platelet count was < 100 × 103/mm3 in 72% of pts and 35% of pts had ≥ 50% bone marrow blasts. Mutations in the BCR-ABL domain were found in 27/63 (43%) pts. Median duration of therapy was 3.5 months. D doses were reduced in 35% pts, temporarily interrupted in 58% pts, and escalated in 41% pts. With a minimum of 6-month follow-up, hematologic response was seen in 39 (53%) pts: confirmed MaHR in 24 (32%) pts, Complete in 18 (24%) and No Evidence of Leukemia in 6 (8%). Major cytogenetic responses were documented in 22 (30%) pts and was complete in 20 (27%). The median time to MaHR was 56 days. There was no loss of response in pts with MaHR; the duration of MaHR ranged from 1.2+ to 7.8+ months. The median PFS had not been reached. Severe myelosuppression was very common. Non-hematologic toxicities were usually mild to moderate. Most common Grade 3–4 toxicities included diarrhea in (7%), pleural effusion (9%), nausea (4%). Peripheral edema was reported in 14% of pts (0% Grade 3–4), and rash in 11% of the pts (0% Grade 3–4). Conclusions: Dasatinib was highly effective in IM-R pts with MBC with durable MaHR. Data on all 124 pts will be presented at the meeting.

[Table: see text]

Dasatinib (D) vs high dose imatinib (IM) in patients (pts) with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) resistant to imatinib. Results of CA180017 START-R randomized trial

6507

Background: High dose imatinib (800 mg/day) has been shown to have efficacy in a subset of CML patients with resistance to IM, although the durability of responses is not well-established. Dasatinib (BMS-354825) is a novel, highly potent, oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor of BCR-ABL and SRC with activity against 18/19 imatinib resistant BCR-ABL mutants tested in vitro. Methods: START-R is a multicenter randomized (2:1 ratio) trial of D 70 mg twice daily (bid) and IM 800 mg/day in pts with CP-CML resistant to prior IM 400 to 600 mg/day. Cross-over was allowed for lack of response or intolerance (grade 3–4 non hematologic toxicity). D dose escalation to 90 mg bid was allowed for inadequate response at 12 wks, and dose reduction to 50 or 40 mg bid for drug toxicity. IM dose reduction to 600 mg/day was allowed. Evaluations consisted of weekly blood counts for the first 12 wks, bone marrow cytology and cytogenetics every 12 wks. The primary endpoint was major cytogenetic response (MCyR) rate at wk 12. Results: From February 2005 to November 2005, 150 pts were randomized of whom the first 36 pts (D 22, IM 14) are reported. Median age was 57 yrs, with 12 males and 24 females. Treatment groups were balanced with respect to CML characteristics; median time from initial diagnosis was 61 months for D and IM; prior interferon 64% and 79%; no prior CyR on IM 36% and 57%. BCR-ABL mutations were documented in 10 D pts and 1 IM pt. Dose reductions were required in 8 D pts and 1 IM pt. Complete hematologic response was documented in 21 D and 13 IM pts. MCyR rate at 12 wks was 45% for D and 21% for IM (7 complete for D and 1 for IM). With a 95% CI on the difference between D and IM was - 9.9 to +51.2. Two (9%) D and 11 (79%) IM pts crossed over for intolerance (1 D and 6 IM) or no MCyR (1 D and 5 IM). Grade 3–4 neutropenia or thrombopenia occurred in 8 and 9 dasatinib pts and in 8 and 2 IM pts. Most common grade 1–2 non-hematologic toxicities in D and IM groups were diarrhea (7 and 1 pts), nausea (7 and 7 pts), and facial/peripheral edema (8 and 7 pts). Conclusions: Dasatinib was effective in pts with CP-CML resistant to IM 400 to 600 mg/day. Preliminary data suggest that D is more effective and better tolerated than high dose IM. An updated analysis of all randomized pts will be presented.

[Table: see text]

Telomerase targeting by retinoids in cells from patients with myeloid leukemias of various subtypes, not only APL

Numerous strategies have been proposed to specifically inhibit telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)) but to date only a few are clinically relevant in anticancer therapy. Recently, we have shown that long-term treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a compound clinically approved for differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), represses hTERT in differentiation-resistant APL cell lines leading to telomere shortening and death. This signaling requires the co-activation of the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha) and the retinoic X receptor (RXR). In contrast to differentiation-therapy, which is only successful in this subtype of leukemia, the telomerase-targeted pathway could also be of use in non-APL. Here, we demonstrate that repression of hTERT occurs in fresh blasts cells from patients with myeloid leukemias of various subtypes exposed ex vivo to ATRA or synthetic retinoids. These results support the idea that, by hTERT targeting, retinoids can induce telomere shortening and cell death and their integration in therapy protocols for myeloid leukemias refractory to maturation should be considered.

High-dose imatinib mesylate combined with vincristine and dexamethasone (DIV regimen) as induction therapy in patients with resistant Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib combined with high-dose chemotherapy is now becoming the gold standard for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute leukemias. However, in all studies imatinib dosage was tapered to 400-600 mg per day. We decided to initiate a clinical trial to evaluate an opposite strategy based on high-dose imatinib (800 mg per day) combined with a less intensive chemotherapeutic regimen (vincristine and dexamethasone), which we called the DIV induction regimen. Thirty-one patients (18 relapsing or refractory Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemias and 13 lymphoid blast crisis chronic myelogenous leukemias) were enrolled. Complete remission (CR) was obtained in 28 out of 30 assessable patients. The median bcr-abl/abl ratio after the induction course was 0.1%. Median time to neutrophil recovery was 21 days. Fungus infections were observed in six patients out of 31 and possibly related to dexamethasone. Neuropathy due to vincristine was noted in 14 cases. Nine out of 19 patients under 55 years received allogenic stem cell transplantation after a median time of 78 days post-CR. Patients older than 55 years experienced a 90% CR rate without additional toxicities, suggesting the DIV regimen may also be proposed as a front line therapy in older patients.

Charon's size and an upper limit on its atmosphere from a stellar occultation

Pluto and its satellite, Charon (discovered in 1978; ref. 1), appear to form a double planet, rather than a hierarchical planet/satellite couple. Charon is about half Pluto's size and about one-eighth its mass. The precise radii of Pluto and Charon have remained uncertain, leading to large uncertainties on their densities. Although stellar occultations by Charon are in principle a powerful way of measuring its size, they are rare, as the satellite subtends less than 0.3 microradians (0.06 arcsec) on the sky. One occultation (in 1980) yielded a lower limit of 600 km for the satellite's radius, which was later refined to 601.5 km (ref. 4). Here we report observations from a multi-station stellar occultation by Charon, which we use to derive a radius, R(C) = 603.6 +/- 1.4 km (1sigma), and a density of rho = 1.71 +/- 0.08 g cm(-3). This occultation also provides upper limits of 110 and 15 (3sigma) nanobar for an atmosphere around Charon, assuming respectively a pure nitrogen or pure methane atmosphere.

A clinical and pharmacological study of arsenic trioxide in advanced multiple myeloma patients

We previously showed that arsenic trioxide (ATO) and melarsoprol may inhibit the growth of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro and in vivo. We report here the administration of arsenic derivatives in 12 relapsing or refractory secretory MM patients. A total of 10 patients received ATO (eight in a continuous schedule, two discontinuously) and two received melarsoprol. The melarsoprol arm was prematurely closed due to toxicity. In the ATO arm, median duration of treatment was 38 days (9-54). Hepatic toxicity was grade 3 and 2 in one and eight patients, respectively. Other toxicities included neuropathy (n=2, grade 2), encephalitis (n=1, grade 3) and leuconeutropenia (n=4, grade 3). At 2 weeks after treatment initiation, mean serum concentration of arsenic was 1.11+/-0.16 micromol/l. No complete or partial remission was observed. A minor response (25-49% reduction of M protein in serum) and a stabilization of the M-protein level were observed in three and four patients, respectively. After ATO discontinuation, these responses were of short duration in all cases. ATO as a single agent did not produce any significant response in advanced MM patients despite sufficient arsenic exposure. Strategies to improve biodistribution, pharmacokinetic and efficacy of the drug as well as treatment combinations are needed.

Report of 34 patients with clonal chromosomal abnormalities in Philadelphia-negative cells during imatinib treatment of Philadelphia-positive chronic myeloid leukemia

Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), an inhibitor of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, was introduced recently into the therapy of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Several cases of emergence of clonal chromosomal abnormalities after therapy with imatinib have been reported, but their incidence, etiology and prognosis remain to be clarified. We report here a large series of 34 CML patients treated with imatinib who developed Philadelphia (Ph)-negative clones. Among 1001 patients with Ph-positive CML treated with imatinib, 34 (3.4%) developed clonal chromosomal abnormalities in Ph-negative cells. Three patients were treated with imatinib up-front. The most common cytogenetic abnormalities were trisomy 8 and monosomy 7 in twelve and seven patients, respectively. In 15 patients, fluorescent in situ hybridization with specific probes was performed in materials archived before the initiation of imatinib. The Ph-negative clone was related to previous therapy in three patients, and represented a minor pre-existing clone that expanded after the eradication of Ph-positive cells with imatinib in two others. However, in 11 patients, the new clonal chromosomal abnormalities were not detected and imatinib may have had a direct effect. No myelodysplasia was found in our cohort. With a median follow-up of 24 months, one patient showed CML acceleration and two relapsed.

Defective blood dendritic cells in chronic myeloid leukemia correlate with high plasmatic VEGF and are not normalized by imatinib mesylate

Human blood dendritic cells (DC) comprise plasmacytoid DC (PDC) and myeloid DC (MDC), which both prime antitumor T-cell responses. We prospectively monitored blood DC in 30 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients before and after imatinib mesylate therapy. We found a dramatic reduction in PDC and MDC prior treatment. This reduction was associated with high plasmatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a central regulator of angiogenesis which also participates to tumor-associated immune deficiencies. Phenotypic analysis of DC revealed in some patients a deficient expression of BDCA-4/neuropilin-1 on PDC, a molecule involved in angiogenesis and DC-T-cell interactions. High VEGF correlated to an altered Th1/Th2 balance in vivo and shifted PDC-induced T-cell polarization towards Th2 in vitro. Upon imatinib treatment, plasmatic VEGF rapidly decreased and a normal BDCA-4 expression was restored. PDC and MDC increased but did not reach the levels observed in healthy individuals. We conclude that VEGF may be a key player in blood DC deficiency in CML and we show that imatinib inhibits VEGF overproduction. Incomplete recovery of blood DC under imatinib despite VEGF normalization suggests a negative impact of this drug on dendritopoiesis in vivo and may result in a sustained defect in DC-mediated anti-CML responses.

Prognostic significance of FLT3 internal tandem repeat in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia treated with reinforced courses of chemotherapy

FLT3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITDs) are present in nearly 25% of patients with AML and have been associated with poor response to conventional therapy and poor outcome. We retrospectively evaluated the effect of reinforced courses of chemotherapy on the prognostic value of FLT3-ITDs in 159 AML patients prospectively enrolled in the ALFA-9000 trial, which randomly compared three reinforced induction regimens (standard 3+7 including high-dose daunorubicin, double induction, and timed-sequential therapy). FLT3-ITD was present in 40/159 (25%) blast samples and associated with high WBC (P = 0.002) and cytogenetics (P < 0.001) with a higher incidence (35%) in patients with a normal karyotype. There was no difference in CR rate between FLT3-wt and FLT3-ITD patients (80% vs 78%). Relapse-free survival (RFS) was similar in both groups (5-year RFS, 33% vs 32%; P = 0.41), even after adjustment for age, sex, WBC, cytogenetics, and treatment arm. A trend to a worse survival was observed in the FLT3-ITD group (estimated 5-year OS, 23% vs 37%; P = 0.09), mainly in patients with a normal karyotype. This was associated with a dramatic outcome in relapsing FLT3-ITD patients (estimated 3-year post-relapse survival, 0% vs 27%; P = 0.04). These results suggest that the bad prognosis associated with FLT3-ITDs in AML might be partly overcome using reinforced chemotherapy. Early detection of FLT3 mutations might thus be useful to intensify induction as well as post-remission therapy in FLT3-ITD patients.

Functional G-CSF pathways in t(8;21) leukemic cells allow for differentiation induction and degradation of AML1-ETO

INTRODUCTION

Efficacy of differentiating agents requires that their specific cellular targets are still expressed and functional in the leukemic cells. One hypothesis to target sensitive cells is to select leukemic clones which harbor disrupted transcription factors. CBFalpha and CBFbeta are core-binding proteins which have been identified as transcription regulators of hematopoietic genes and shown to be altered in numerous leukemias. In M2 AML, the t(8;21) translocation, CBFalpha (AML1) is altered and produced as the AML1-ETO fusion protein. The fusion protein blocks transcription and differentiation mediated by G-CSF. Interestingly, AML1-ETO leukemic cell lines are sensitive to numerous cytokines in vitro and can be induced to differentiate in the presence of G-CSF and PMA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As in the APL differentiation model, primary culture provides a useful tool for therapeutic screening of differentiation inducers, we analysed the in vitro sensitivity of 10 fresh M2 AML t(8;21) leukemic samples to G-CSF and the functionality of G-CSF intracellular pathways. In vitro data were compared with in vivo data from four patients treated with rhG-CSF at the dosage of 5 microg/kg/day i.v. for two to three weeks before the initiation of AML induction chemotherapy and immunophenotypic analysis performed weekly to monitor in vivo differentiation.

RESULTS

In vitro, an increase in CD34+ cells expressing differentiation antigens (CD11b, CD13 or CD15) was noted along with a decrease of immature CD34+/differentiation antigen negative cells. After two weeks of a daily rhG-CSF administration in vivo, a significant, albeit transient, decrease of blast count was achieved, concomitant with an increase in differentiated leukemic cells suggesting that in vivo differentiation occurs. Fresh t(8;21) leukemic cells possess functional G-CSF signaling pathways as normal activity and kinetics of STAT1 and STAT3 binding was observed. Furthermore, differentiation induction leads to a subsequent degradation of the AML1-ETO oncoprotein.

CONCLUSION

The data presented here supports the claim that G-CSF can induce in vitro and in vivo differentiation of M2 AML t(8;21) cells.

Results of a phase II trial of a combination of oral cytarabine ocfosfate (YNK01) and interferon alpha-2b for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients in chronic phase

Cytarabine ocfosfate (YNK01) is a prodrug analogue of cytarabine which is resistant to systemic deamination after oral administration. Following initial studies indicating significant anti-tumour activity of YNK01 a phase II trial was initiated in order to assess the tolerability and efficacy of a combination of this agent with interferon alpha-2b (IFN-alpha2b) in recently diagnosed chronic phase CML patients (n = 98). The treatment was subdivided into cycles consisting of 4 weeks of continuous administration of IFN-alpha-2b (3 MU/m(2)/day 1st week and then 5 MU/m(2)/day) and 14 days of oral YNK01 (600 mg/day 1st cycle). At the end of each cycle the dose of YNK01 was adjusted according to the blood count observed during the previous 4 weeks. The median time from diagnosis to inclusion in the trial was 2 months (range 6 days to 7.5 months). At 12 weeks, 62 patients (63%; 95% CI, 54-73) achieved a complete hematological response. At 24 weeks, of 98 patients, two achieved a complete cytogenetic response, 14 a partial response (16% major cytogenetic response rate; 95% CI, 9-24) and 34 a minor response; 19 patients were not evaluable for cytogenetic response. During the trial, 20 patients progressed to accelerated (6) or blastic phases (14). The median time to progression was 15 months (range 2-38 months). At 3 years the overall survival was 79% (95% CI, 70-88). Although the complete hematological response rate compared favorably with the 40% response rate previously obtained with the subcutaneous formulation of Ara-c, the cytogenetic response rate was less than expected. Most of the patients experienced side-effects and all permanently stopped YNK01. Although the combination seems attractive the initial dose of 600 mg per day is probably too high and should be reconsidered in further trials.

Expression of high Km 5'-nucleotidase in leukemic blasts is an independent prognostic factor in adults with acute myeloid leukemia

Cytarabine (ara-C) requires activation into its triphosphorylated form, ara-CTP, to exert cytotoxic activity. Cytoplasmic 5'-nucleotidase (5NT) dephosphorylates ara-CMP, a key intermediate, preventing accumulation of ara-CTP and may reduce cellular sensitivity to the cytotoxic activity of ara-C. To determine whether the level of expression of 5NT is correlated with clinical outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with ara-C, this study analyzed the levels of messenger RNA expression of high Km 5NT by real-time polymerase chain reaction at diagnosis in blast cells of 108 patients with AML. High Km 5NT was expressed at diagnosis in the blast cells of 54% of patients. In univariate analysis, (1) patients whose blast cells contained high levels (values greater than the median value for total population) of high Km 5NT at diagnosis had significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS) than patients with low levels of high Km 5NT (11 months versus 17.5 months, P =.02) and (2) high levels of high Km 5NT also predicted significantly shorter overall survival (15.7 months versus 39 months, P = .01) in young patients (< or = 57 years; median value for the entire population). In a multivariate analysis taking into account age, karyotype risk, and other factors found to have prognostic significance in univariate analysis, (1) high Km 5NT expression was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and (2) high levels of high Km 5NT also predicted significantly shorter overall survival in young patients. These results demonstrate that the expression of high levels of high Km 5NT in blast cells is correlated with outcome in patients with AML.

Relationship between environmental fungal contamination and the incidence of invasive aspergillosis in haematology patients

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a major opportunistic infection in haematology patients. Spore inhalation is the usual route of Aspergillus infection, suggesting a determining role of environmental contamination by spores in the epidemiology of IA. We prospectively examined the relationship between environmental contamination by Aspergillus and other fungal species and the incidence of invasive nosocomial aspergillosis (INA) in a bone marrow transplantation unit and two haematology wards. During a four-year period, levels of air and surface fungal contamination were determined bi-monthly in patients' rooms (some equipped with HEPA filters and LAF systems), and various common sites in each ward (corridors, nursing stations, etc.). Results were compared to the incidence of INA. A total of 3100 air and 9800 surface samples were collected, and 79 cases of IA were diagnosed, of which 64 were probably or possibly INA. Patterns of fungal contamination were comparable in the three wards, with a gradient ranging from high levels in common sites to a virtual absence in rooms equipped with HEPA filters and LAF systems. Using a regression model, a significant relationship was found between the incidence of INA and the degree of fungal contamination of air and surfaces in conventional patient rooms (not equipped with HEPA) and common sites. This study shows that in a non-epidemic setting, there is a significant relationship between environmental fungal contamination in haematology wards and the incidence of INA. Our findings underline the importance of environmental surveillance and strict application of preventive measures.

[Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: a rare pathologic entity]

Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma is an unusual tumor, affecting primarily young adults who develop local disease with favorable prognosis. This contrasts with the aggressive natural history of malignant fibrohistiocytoma. We report case of a 9-year-old girl who presented with a tumor mass of soft tissues with an unusual deep location, thereby with non distinctive clinical features. Surgical treatment was performed.

[Pseudotumoral presentation of cat scratch disease]

BACKGROUND

A frequent cause of chronic benign lymphadenopathy, cat-scratch disease (CSD) occurs mainly in children and young adults. Bartonella henselae is the agent responsible for CSD. The most common symptoms of the disease are regional lymphadenopathy and fever. Atypical forms occur in about 10% of patients; among them, CSD may initially present as a tumor.

CASE REPORT

A 4-year-old child developed a 'tumor' of the arm with fever. The values of white blood cell count and CRP were normal. Ultrasonography, MRI and arteriography did not contribute to the diagnosis, which was established on histologic examination and serologic test for infection with B. henselae. The outcome was favorable with antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

In case of tumor of the limbs, cat-scratch disease should be searched for.

Primary plasma cell leukaemia: a report of 18 cases

Primary plasma cell leukaemia (P-PCL) is a variant of multiple myeloma (MM) first diagnosed in the leukemic phase, with >2000/mm(3) circulating plasma cells (PCs) and plasmacytosis >20% of the white cell count. We investigated the clinical characteristics, therapy, immunophenotype and prognosis factors of 18 patients. Common features at diagnosis were asthenia (seven patients), renal insufficiency (ten patients), bone pain (seven patients), splenomegaly or hepatomegaly (five patients). Hypercalcemia was present at diagnosis in seven patients and was the most potent poor prognosis factor (P<0.05). Most patients (16 out of 18) were treated with an anthracyclin containing regiment; complete remission was attained in one patient and partial remission in 11 patients while six patients had no response. The median survival time from diagnosis was 7 months (2--12, 95% confidence interval), but response to treatment had favorable predictive value (P<0.05). The PCs were usually positive for mature B-cell markers (PCA-1, CD38). They expressed integrins which may increase their binding to endothelial cells and thus participate in PCL physiopathology by favoring plasmocyte extramedullary spread.

[HBME-1 immunostaining in thyroid pathology]

The aim of this study was to evaluate wether HBME-1 immunohistochemical analysis can reliably differentiate benign thyroid lesions from thyroid carcinomas. Fifty benign and 87 malignant lesions were analyzed. All papillary carcinomas (67/67) were HBME-1 positive, as well as 14 of 20 follicular well-differentiated carcinomas and 13 of 29 atypical follicular adenomas and 4 out of 21 goiters were weakly and focally positive. HBME-1 highlighted micronests of papillary carcinomas. The reactivity of HBME-1 in the tall-cell variant of papillary carcinomas was apical and stronger than in classical papillary carcinomas. Positive HBME-1 immunostaining is in support of the diagnosis of the follicular variant of papillary carcinoma and highlights micropapillary carcinomas. HBME-1 may be of additional value in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy.

Expression and prognostic significance of survivin in de novo acute myeloid leukaemia

Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis (programmed cell death) overexpressed in various human cancers, but undetectable in normal differentiated tissues. A potential distribution and prognostic significance of survivin in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was investigated. By immunofluorescence of bone marrow specimens and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, survivin was detected in 75 out of 125 interpretable AML cases (60%), with reactivity in 50-90% of AML cells. Survivin expression correlated with a lower white blood cell count (WBC) (P = 0.008 by the Mann-Whitney test) and was associated, in the 55 cases of FAB M0/M1/M2, with leukaemic granulocytic maturation (one out of five M/L0, 11 out of 22 M/L1 and 23 out of 28M/L2; P = 0.007 by the Fisher test). In 69 patients treated with the Acute Leukaemia French Association (ALFA) 9000 protocol, survivin expression was significantly associated with a lower WBC (P = 0.03 by the Mann-Whitney test) and favourable/intermediate cytogenetics (P= 0.03 by the Fisher test). There was no significant difference in complete remission rate or overall survival between survivin-positive and survivin-negative AML patients (P = 0.15 by the log-rank test). However, survivin expression became an independent negative prognostic factor for survival when adjusted with the Cox model for established prognostic factors in AML (cytogenetics, age and WBC) or for the ALFA 9000 treatment arm (RR = 2.8 and P = 0.026, by the likelihood-ratio test). These data suggest that survivin expression may be considered as a new unfavourable prognostic factor of de novo AML and suggest a role for apoptosis inhibition in influencing disease outcome.

Myelodysplasias and leukemias after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies

The incidence of secondary myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukemia (MDS/AL) was reported for 395 patients autografted for Hodgkin's disease (HD) (n = 96) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (n = 299) between 1987 and 1998. Eleven patients developed secondary MDS/AL (crude rate at 2.8%) including two lymphoblastic AL cases. The mean time of occurrence was at 32 months after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and 71 months after diagnosis. The estimated actuarial incidence at 10 years was at 6.3% (+/-4%). Karyotyping revealed complex chromosomal aberrations in only one patient, and two translocations [t(8;21) and t(8;16)]. No features of topoisomerase II inhibitor-related leukemia were found. Only one patient had received ASCT in first remission. The remaining 10 patients had received multiple courses of chemotherapy before stem cell collection and four had relapsed after ASCT and before the occurrence of secondary MDS/AL. Five of 11 patients had received localized radiotherapy and five others received TBI in their conditioning regimen. Ten patients died despite chemotherapy and/or supportive care and only one patient is alive and well after genoidentical allogeneic transplantation. We suggest a cumulative leukemogenic role of pre-ASCT radiation and chemotherapy in the occurrence of these secondary MDS/AL more than the high-dose therapy itself.

Restaging with gallium scan identifies chemosensitive patients and predicts survival of poor-prognosis mediastinal Hodgkin's disease patients

Following treatment of mediastinal Hodgkin's disease (HD), residual masses are frequent and gallium scanning has proven to be of value in the evaluation of their specificity (fibrosis or active disease). This study assessed, for relapse and survival, the predictive value of restaging gallium scan of patients with a residual mass on computed tomography scan after induction chemotherapy. Between 1/89 and 12/97, in 53 newly diagnosed HD patients with a residual mediastinal mass, a gallium scan was performed after chemotherapy (3 or 4 courses) and always before consolidative radiotherapy. Characteristics at diagnosis were: nodular sclerosis histology, 89%; bulky mediastinal disease, 79%; B-symptoms, 51%.

RESULTS

gallium scan was positive in 16 patients (30%) and negative in 37 (70%). At median follow-up period of 36 months, freedom-from-progression rate was 86% versus 19% (P<0.0001) for patients with negative vs positive gallium scans, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 68% and differed significantly (P<0.0001) between negative (91%) and positive (25%) gallium scanning groups. The specificity of gallium scanning was 91% and the sensitivity 72% with a positive predictive value of 81% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Evaluation with gallium scan after induction chemotherapy identifies chemosensitive patients among those with poor-prognosis mediastinal HD. Although relapse may occur in patients with negative gallium scan, a postive gallium scan is highly predictive of failure and poor outcome, and treatment should thus be modified.