Immunological and clinical effects of post-transplant G-CSF versus placebo in T-cell replete allogeneic blood transplant patients: Results from a randomized double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Immunological and clinical effects of post-transplant growth factor administration have not been well studied. This report describes the outcome and immune functions of a total of 50 HLA-matched related donor allogeneic blood stem-cell transplantation patients who received post-transplant G-CSF (10 microg/kg) or placebo.

METHODS

Immune status, including number of lymphocyte subsets and their functions, and serum immunoglobulin levels and clinical status--including GvHD, rate of relapse, event-free survival, and overall survival--were determined in the patients enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients survived 1 year after transplant, and 15 patients had available results to compare immune function by randomization assignment. At 12 months post-transplant, immune parameters in G-CSF versus placebo groups showed no statistically significant differences in number of circulating lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19 and CD56 in the two groups. There was no significant (NS) difference in immunoglobulin IgG, IgA and IgM levels, NK or LAK cell-mediated cytotoxicity levels, and mitogen-induced proliferation between post-transplant G-CSF and placebo group. In addition, the analyses of immune parameters at earlier time-points on Days 28, 100, 180, and 270 revealed that, except for LAK cytotoxicity at Day 100, there was no differences between the two groups. Fourteen of 26 patients are alive in the G-CSF arm and nine of 24 in the placebo arm. Median follow-up of surviving patients is 43 months. Four year overall and event-free survival in the G-CSF and the placebo group were 53% and 35% (NS), and 44% and 36% (NS) respectively. Bacterial or fungal infections were the cause of six of 12 deaths in the G-CSF arm (all bacterial) and of four of 15 deaths in the placebo arm (two deaths from Aspergillus) (P=0.26). Two patients relapsed in the G-CSF arm and three in the placebo arm. Four year cumulative incidences of relapse were 8% versus 13% in G-CSF versus placebo arms, respectively, (NS). Chronic GvHD developed in 14 of 19 100-day survivors after G-CSF (11 extensive stage), and in 17 of 20 (14 extensive stage) in the placebo arm. The 4-year cumulative incidence of chronic GvHD was 56% [95% confidence interval (CI) 24-88%] after G-CSF and 71% (95% CI 48-94%) after placebo; this difference was not statistically significant (log rank P=0.41).

CONCLUSION

In summary, there were no significant immunological or alterations in clinical benefit of post-transplant G-CSF administration in T-replete allotransplant recipients.

Effect of postremission chemotherapy before human leukocyte antigen-identical sibling transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia in first complete remission

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is an effective postremission strategy for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR). The value of administering consolidation chemotherapy before human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling transplantation is not established. Outcomes of patients with AML in first CR receiving no consolidation therapy, standard-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy, and high-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy before HLA-identical sibling transplantation were compared. Five-year treatment-related mortality rates were 30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 18% to 42%) in patients receiving no consolidation chemotherapy, 22% (95% CI, 17% to 28%) in those receiving standard-dose cytarabine consolidation, and 24% (95% CI, 17% to 31%) in those receiving high-dose cytarabine (P = NS). Five-year cumulative incidences of relapse were 19% (10% to 30%), 21% (16% to 27%), and 17% (11% to 24%), respectively (P = NS). Five-year probabilities of leukemia-free survival were 50% (36% to 63%), 56% (49% to 63%), and 59% (50% to 66%), respectively (P = NS). Five-year probabilities of overall survival were 60% (46% to 71%), 56% (49% to 63%), and 60% (51% to 67%), respectively (P = NS). The data indicate that postremission consolidation with cytarabine before allogeneic transplantation for AML in first CR is not associated with improved outcome compared to proceeding directly to transplantation after successful induction. (Blood. 2000;96:1254-1258)

A randomized, double-blind trial of filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) versus placebo following allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation

Blood stem cell transplantation (BSCT) results in rapid hematopoietic recovery in both the allogeneic and autologous transplant settings. Because of the large numbers of progenitor cells in mobilized blood, the administration of growth factors after transplantation may not provide further acceleration of hematopoietic recovery. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed to determine the effects of filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; G-CSF) administration on hematopoietic recovery after allogeneic BSCT. Fifty-four patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing a related, HLA-matched allogeneic BSCT were randomly assigned to receive daily filgrastim at 10 microg/kg or placebo starting on the day of transplantation. A minimum of 3 x 10(6) CD34(+) cells/kg in the allograft was required for transplantation. All patients received a standard preparative regimen and a standard regimen for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The median time to achieve an absolute neutrophil count greater than 0.5 x 10(9)/L was 11 days (range, 9-20 days) for patients who received filgrastim compared with 15 days (range, 10-22 days) for patients who received placebo (P =.0082). The median time to achieve a platelet count greater than 20 x 10(9)/L was 13 days (range, 8-35 days) for patients who received filgrastim compared with 15.5 days (range, 8-42 days) for patients who received placebo (P =.79). There were no significant differences for red blood cell transfusion independence, the incidence of acute GVHD, or 100-day mortality between the groups. The administration of filgrastim appears to be a safe and effective supportive-care measure following allogeneic BSCT.

Oral chemotherapy agents in the treatment of leukaemia

Oral chemotherapy agents have been an important component of the treatment of leukaemia for many years. Obstacles such as poor or erratic bioavailability and noncompliance have often limited the utility of oral agents in the treatment of leukaemia. However, recent evaluations of new or existing oral agents have expanded the clinician's options and understanding of the use of these drugs in the treatment of leukaemia. One major advance is the use of tretinoin (all-trans retinoic acid) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). Tretinoin, an oral vitamin A derivative that reverses abnormal differentiation in APL is now an essential component of first-line therapy for APL, replacing standard intravenous chemotherapy induction regimens. Other advances include an increased understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of oral chemotherapy agents such as etoposide and high dose busulfan, allowing for modifications or individualisation of administration regimens to enhance efficacy or minimise toxicity. Evaluations of noncompliance with oral agents in the treatment of leukaemia have also provided the clinician with important information on how this obstacle to oral therapy may be overcome or minimised.

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue in the outpatient setting

Intensive outpatient care is rapidly becoming the primary mode of care for selected patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Although the traditional inpatient model of care may still be necessary for high-risk patients, published data suggest that outpatient care is safe and feasible during or after administration of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous PBSC transplant. Blood and marrow transplant (BMT) centers have developed programs to provide more outpatient care under three basic models: an early discharge model, a delayed admission model, and a comprehensive, or total, outpatient model. This review will describe these models of care and address the elements necessary for the development of an outpatient BMT program, including patient selection, staff development, and patient and caregiver education. Available supportive care strategies to facilitate outpatient care will also be highlighted. Clinical outcome data and pharmacoeconomic analyses evaluating various outpatient BMT programs, as well as limited quality-of-life evaluations, will be reviewed.

Efficacy of low-dose dopamine in preventing amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in bone marrow transplant patients and leukemia patients

This study evaluated the efficacy of low-dose dopamine for prevention of amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity in autologous bone marrow transplant and leukemia patients. Seventy-one patients undergoing cytoreductive therapy who required amphotericin B were randomly assigned in an unblinded fashion to a group receiving continuous-infusion low-dose dopamine (3 microgram/kg/min) or a group receiving no dopamine. Amphotericin B was dosed at 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg/day based on computerized tomography scan results or presence of positive blood cultures. No patient received saline boluses. The rate of nephrotoxicity, severity as graded by Southwest Oncology Group toxicity criteria, and time to each grade of nephrotoxicity were compared between the two groups. Eighty percent of the no-dopamine group and 66.7% of the dopamine group developed nephrotoxicity, defined as a 1.5-fold or greater increase in baseline serum creatinine level (P = 0.20). No statistical difference was noted at any grade of nephrotoxicity between the two groups. Thirty-four percent of patients in the no-dopamine group versus 17.6% in the dopamine group had a 2.5-fold or greater increase in serum creatinine level, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.0888). Ten patients developed grade IV nephrotoxicity and were withdrawn from the study, 7 in the no-dopamine group and 3 in the dopamine group (P = 0.19). The time to each grade of nephrotoxicity was also not significantly different for the two groups. Eleven adverse drug reactions were reported in the dopamine group in comparison to one in the no-dopamine group. Thus, dopamine offers little in the way of prevention of nephrotoxicity associated with amphotericin B therapy. Although the significance of drug reactions in the dopamine group is not clearly established due to lack of cardiac monitoring in the no-dopamine group, dopamine therapy is not without complications.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin-3 fusion protein versus granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor after autologous bone marrow transplantation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of a randomized double-blind trial

PURPOSE

A phase III trial to compare PIXY321 with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) following high-dose therapy and autologous bone marrow transplant (ABMT) was conducted to evaluate the time to hematopoietic recovery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-seven patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) receiving ABMT were randomized to receive either PIXY321 750 micrograms/m2/d divided into two subcutaneous (SC) doses or GM-CSF 250 micrograms/m2/d as a 2-hour intravenous (IV) infusion starting on day 0 post-ABMT for a maximum of 28 days.

RESULTS

The median time to reach an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > or = 500/microL in the PIXY321 group was 17 days versus 19 days in the GM-CSF group (P = .07) and the median time to reach platelet transfusion independence in the PIXY321 group was 25 days versus 23 days in the GM-CSF group (P = .30). The toxicity profiles of the two agents appeared to be equivalent with the exception of more patients in the PIXY321 group with a rash (64%) compared with the GM-CSF group (48%) (P = .028). A logistic regression model identified the use of a non-total-body irradiation (TBI) regimen and/or receipt of unpurged marrow and a body-surface area greater than 2.0 m2 as predictive of faster neutrophil engraftment, and those three factors, as well as the receipt of < or = two prior chemotherapy regimens as predictive for rapid platelet engraftment.

CONCLUSION

There was a trend toward a slight improvement in neutrophil engraftment post-ABMT with the PIXY321 administered by an SC route compared with GM-CSF administered by an IV route. However, no differences could be identified between the two agents with respect to the time to platelet transfusion independence. Patient, regimen, and graft characteristics were most predictive of the engraftment tempo.

The outcome of unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation in patients with hematologic malignancies using tacrolimus (FK506) and low dose methotrexate for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis

Initial studies of FK506 combined with methotrexate (MTX) in patients receiving unrelated donor BMT have demonstrated a possible-decrease in the incidence of severe GVHD but high rates of severe stomatitis and nephrotoxicity. With this background, we undertook a pilot study evaluating FK506 in combination with a lower than usual dose of MTX in an attempt to improve the tolerability of this immunoprophylaxis regimen. Between July 1993 and October 1994, 26 consecutive adults receiving unrelated donor BMT at Emory University Hospital were enrolled on this study. All patients received FK506 intravenously at an initial dose of 0.03 mg/kg/day beginning day -1 and continuing until oral FK506 was tolerated. Patients also received MTX intravenously at 5 mg/m2 on days 1, 3, 6, and 11. The preparative regimen administered to all but one patient included cyclophosphamide at 200 mg/kg over 4 days followed by total body irradiation (TBI) at 1400 cGy in twice daily fractions over 4 days. The median age of patients was 31 years (range: 19 to 52). Sixteen donor/recipient pairs were matched for HLA-A, -B, and -DR by serology and molecular typing. Ten paris were minor mismatches at either class I or class II. Twenty-two of 26 patients (85%) completed four doses of MTX on schedule. Nephrotoxicity was the most common adverse event associated with the administration of FK506: 88% of patients experienced a doubling of their serum creatinine. One patient died of central nervous system hemorrhage prior to engraftment. Twenty-four of the remaining 25 patients (96%) engrafted. Fourteen of 24 patients (50%) evaluable developed grades 2-4 acute GVHD. The rate of severe (grades 3-4) acute GVHD was 25%. Chronic GVHD developed in 11 of 20 (55%) evaluable patients. At a median follow-up of 461 days, 14 patients (54%) are alive. All are relapse-free with a median Karnofsky performance status of 90% (range: 70-100%). The cumulative probability of 2-year disease-free survival is 50% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33 to 0.77); for low risk patients 67% (95% CI: 0.47 to 0.95) and for high risk patients 23% (95% CI: 0.049 to 1.00). These preliminary data indicate that FK506-based immunosuppression following unrelated donor BMT is effective in preventing severe acute GVHD and warrants comparison to CSA-based regimens.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation with matched unrelated donors for patients with hematologic malignancies using a preparative regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide and fractionated total body irradiation

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-identical sibling donor is effective therapy for patients with bone marrow failure states and those with hematologic malignancies. However, only a minority of them will have an HLA-identical sibling donor; unrelated donors, matched or partially mismatched, have been used successfully for patients lacking a related donor. Even though results with allogeneic transplants using unrelated donors are encouraging, the incidence of complications including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft rejection or late graft failure is increased compared to identical sibling transplants. The combination of cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation (TBI) has been used as an effective preparative regimen for allogeneic transplants, however, the total dosage and dosing schedule of both the cyclophosphamide and TBI has varied significantly among studies. To decrease the rate of graft rejection and late graft failure with volunteer donors, we evaluated a preparative regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg over 4 consecutive days, days -8, -7, -6, -5) followed by fractionated TBI (1400 cGy administered in eight fractions over 4 days, days -4, -3, -2, -1). GVHD prophylaxis included FK506 and methotrexate. From July 1993 to January 1996, 43 adult patients, median age 38 years (range 18-58 years), were treated with this preparative regimen. Seventeen patients had low-risk disease and 26 had high-risk disease. Thirty-one donor/recipient pairs were matched for HLA-A, -B, and -DR by serology and molecular typing. Seven additional pairs were minor mismatched at the HLA-A or HLA-B loci. Four other donor/recipient pairs were HLA-A,-B, and -DR identical by serology but allele mismatched at either DRB1 or DQB. Forty patients were evaluable for myeloid engraftment. Engraftment occurred in all 40 patients at a median of 19 days. There were no cases of graft rejection or late graft failure. Nephrotoxicity was the primary adverse event with 26 patients (60%) experiencing a doubling of their creatinine. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease occurred in seven patients, six of whom had high-risk disease. All patients who had relapsed or refractory disease prior to BMT achieved a complete remission following BMT. Six patients transplanted for high-risk disease relapsed a median of 377 days post-BMT. None of the patients with low-risk disease have relapsed following transplant; the Kaplan-Meier survival for those patients with low-risk disease is 62% and 37% for those patients transplanted with high-risk disease (P = 0.0129). The median Karnofsky performance status is 100% (range 70-100%). Therefore, a preparative regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide and fractionated TBI is an acceptable regimen for patients receiving an allograft from unrelated donors.

Tacrolimus (FK506)-induced cerebral blindness following bone marrow transplantation

Three patients who developed acute onset of cerebral blindness within 5-47 days of BMT using tacrolimus (FK506) as primary GVHD prophylaxis are described. This syndrome has been described with the use of cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506 in solid organ transplant recipients. CsA-induced cerebral blindness has also been noted in BMT recipients but to date there have been no reports of this complication in BMT patients receiving FK506. We have noted a striking similarity in the clinical and radiographic presentations between these patients and those with CsA-associated cerebral blindness. Reversibility within 1-2 weeks of onset and the potential for substitution of CsA for FK506 in these patients is described.

Evaluation of the drug interaction between intravenous high-dose fluconazole and cyclosporine or tacrolimus in bone marrow transplant patients

The purpose of this open-label, prospective study was to compare steady state concentrations and clearances of intravenously administered cyclosporine or tacrolimus with and without concomitant high-dose (400 mg/day) fluconazole in allogeneic BMT patients. Twenty-one patients were evaluable. The mean steady state cyclosporine and tacrolimus concentrations without fluconazole were 320.3 and 18.2 ng/ml and increased to 389.2 and 21.2 ng/ml, respectively, after the addition of fluconazole, corresponding to a 21% (P=0.031) and 16% (P=0.125) increase. The mean steady state clearance of cyclosporine and tacrolimus without fluconazole was 6.82 and 1.28 ml/min/kg, which decreased to 5.57 and 1.10 ml/min/kg with fluconazole, corresponding to a 21% (P=0.031) and 16% (P=0.125) decrease, respectively. The 21% difference in the cyclosporine concentration and clearance was not thought to be clinically significant. These results suggest that fluconazole's interaction with cyclosporine or tacrolimus may be a result of fluconazole's inhibition of gut metabolism, resulting in a greater extent of absorption.

Minimal toxicity and mortality in high-risk breast cancer patients receiving high-dose cyclophosphamide, thiotepa, and carboplatin plus autologous marrow/stem-cell transplantation and comprehensive supportive care

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical toxicity and outcome associated with a comprehensive supportive care approach in poor-risk breast cancer (BrCA) patients with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred twenty-five consecutive patients with stages II, III or metastatic breast cancer received HDC between February 1992 and June 1994. Recipients received 4 days of continuous infusion of cyclophosphamide 1.5 g/m2/d, thiotepa 125 mg/m2/d, and carboplatin 200 mg/m2/d followed by infusion of bone marrow or peripheral-blood stem cells (PBSC) and recombinant human growth factor (rhu-GF) support. Patients received similar supportive care that included administration of prophylactic antibiotics, management of neutropenic fevers, and transfusion support.

RESULTS

There were 38 women with stage II or III (27 patients with > or = 10 lymph nodes), four with stage IIIB, and 83 with metastatic breast cancer. The median age was 44 years (range, 27 to 61). Grade II or greater nonhematologic toxicities included diarrhea (66%), stomatitis (33%), hepatic venoocclusive disease (VOD) (5%), and pulmonary toxicity (4%). Myeloid and platelet engraftment was comparable between bone marrow and PBSC recipients (P > .1). Infectious complications were rare and consisted of gram-negative bacteremia (1.6%), gram-positive bacteremia (1.6%), fungemia (1.6%), and documented or suspected aspergillosis infection (3%). There was one treatment-related death secondary to severe VOD.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive supportive care approach was associated with a low treatment-related mortality rate of less than 1%. With the observed reduction in treatment-related mortality, it is reasonable to evaluate the efficacy of HDC in women with less than 10 positive nodes and stage II disease in well-designed clinical trials.

Use of cytokines in the treatment of acute myelocytic leukemia: a critical review

PURPOSE

The colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have been evaluated in patients with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), both as potential priming agents and during and/or following induction chemotherapy to shorten the period of myelosuppression. The purpose of this review is to evaluate critically the safety and efficacy of the CSFs, primarily granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), in the treatment of patients with AML.

METHODS

All phase III trials that have either been presented or published that used CSFs during and/or following induction chemotherapy in patients with de novo AML are discussed. Relevant background information and future directions are also addressed.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

There have been six phase III trials that used either GM-CSF or G-CSF in induction therapy in patients with AML. It is difficult to compare these trials due to differences in patient age, induction therapy administered, disease characteristics, whether leukemia response or documentation of marrow hypoplasia was required before cytokine use, and the different cytokines administered during the study. In particular, the timing of CSF administration in relation to the chemotherapy may be important due to the different biologic effects these agents may have on leukemia cells, such as leukemia cell recruitment. Most of these studies administered either GM-CSF or G-CSF before or during induction therapy, as well as following completion of chemotherapy until neutrophil recovery. Only one of six trials required documentation of marrow hypoplasia before CSF use. Despite these differences, administration of either GM-CSF or G-CSF was found to be safe without an increase in acute toxicity or an increase in relapse rates. In addition, most trials demonstrated a significant improvement in neutrophil recovery, with several trials demonstrating an improvement in complete remission and overall survival rates. Therefore, the use of selected CSFs may be of benefit following induction chemotherapy in those patients with AML who are at increased risk for early morbidity and mortality.

Association of busulfan area under the curve with veno-occlusive disease following BMT

Busulfan pharmacokinetics, specifically area under the concentration curve (AUC), have been correlated with the occurrence of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) following BMT. To evaluate the risk of VOD, we studied 66 patients who received pharmacotherapeutically monitored busulfan regimens in combination with CY, etoposide (VP16) and/or Ara-C in preparation for BMT. These patients received a total of 16 doses of busulfan dosed as 1 mg/kg/dose q 6 h beginning at 09.00 (n = 39), 18.00 (n = 2), 21.00 (n = 1) or 24.00 (n = 24) h. With the first dose, blood samples were obtained at baseline, every 15-30 min for 2 h, then every 1-2 h for 4 h. Blood was analyzed for busulfan concentration by high performance liquid chromatography and AUC calculated by the trapezoidal rule. Seventeen patients (25.8%) were not evaluable for AUC calculation due to slow absorption and/or elimination: 13 of 27 (48.1%) received the first dose between 18.00-24.00 vs four of 39 (10.2%) patients who received the first dose at 09.00 (P < 0.001). Eighteen of 51 (35.3%) evaluable patients had an AUC > 1500 mumol x min/l; 10 of whom received doses reduced proportionally to achieve an AUC = 1200 mumol x min/l starting with the 10th to 15th dose. Six of 18 (33.3%) patients with an initial AUC > 1500 mumol x min/l developed VOD vs one of 33 (3.0%) patients with an initial AUC < 1500 mumol x min/l (relative risk = 11.1; P = 0.0056). Other pharmacokinetic parameters, age, gender, type of BMT, previous therapy or pre-transplant liver function tests were not predictive of VOD. A higher incidence of VOD occurred in patients receiving BUCY (4 of 10) compared to those receiving BUCYAra-C (1 of 18) or BUCYVP16 (7 of 38), which could not be attributed to increased busulfan exposure in the BUCY patients. Routine pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of busulfan is recommended with further study to evaluate the impact of earlier and greater overall dose reduction in patients with high initial busulfan exposures.

A phase II trial of autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) in acute leukemia with edelfosine purged bone marrow

Alkyl-lysophospholipid compounds which are selectively cytotoxic to neoplastic cells and relatively sparing of normal marrow progenitor cells are appealing as purging agents to rid remission marrows of residual leukemic cells. A multi-institutional phase II study was conducted in 57 patients with acute leukemia (50 AML and 7 ALL) in which remission marrows were purged in vitro and reinfused after ablative chemotherapy. The median time for granulocyte recovery to 500/microliter was 33 days and for platelet recovery to 25000/microliter was 46 days. The overall DFS and survival was 37% and 46% respectively. Transplantation in first remission gave a better survival than transplant in a subsequent remission.

Randomized trial of loperamide versus dose escalation of octreotide acetate for chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in bone marrow transplant and leukemia patients

This study compares maximal daily doses of loperamide to escalating doses of continuous intravenous (CI) octreotide acetate in bone marrow transplant (BMT) and leukemia patients. Following chemotherapy, BMT and leukemia patients who developed > or = 600 ml of stool volume in a 24-hr period were randomized to receive loperamide 4 mg po q6h or octreotide 150 micrograms mixed in hyperalimentation solution or normal saline and administered CI. Patients were assessed at 48 hr intervals for decrease in stool volume from baseline. Complete response (CR) was defined as > or = 50% from baseline stool volume (BSV). Patients receiving octreotide who did not achieve a CR at 48 hr were dose escalated by doubling the dose to a maximum of 2,400 micrograms with evaluations at 48 hr intervals. Patients receiving loperamide who did not achieve a CR at 48 hr had treatment discontinued. A total of 36 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, all were evaluable for intention to treat, and 31 were evaluable for initial response. Based on intent to treat at the initial 48 hr, patients receiving loperamide had a higher complete response rate (86% vs. 45%, P = 0.033) than did those who received octreotide. By treatment analysis (patients who actually received the drug), patients receiving loperamide had a higher complete response rate (92% vs. 56%, P = 0.0448) than did those who received octreotide at the 150 micrograms dosage level. Additional octreotide patients eventually achieved a CR at a higher dosage level (78%). Loperamide at maximal doses of 4 mg po q6h is more effective than octreotide 150 micrograms CI in treating diarrhea following chemotherapy in BMT and leukemia patients. Higher doses of octreotide may be required in a significant number of patients not responding to lower doses.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura associated with FK506 following bone marrow transplantation

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) have been observed after bone marrow transplantation (BMT), typically occurring 1-6 months following BMT. We describe two patients who developed TTP very early after BMT while receiving intravenous FK506. They were treated with platelet support and plasma exchange (PE) using either fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or cryosupernatant fraction of plasma (CFP), resulting in remission of TTP activity.

Consensus statement: octreotide dose titration in secretory diarrhea. Diarrhea Management Consensus Development Panel

Octreotide is an effective therapeutic option in controlling secretory diarrhea of varied etiology. However, marked patient-to-patient differences in the antidiarrheal effects necessitate titration of octreotide dose in individual patients to achieve optimal symptom control. A consensus development panel established guidelines for octreotide dose titration in patients with secretory diarrhea. Overall, the panel recommended an aggressive approach in selecting the initial octreotide dose and in making subsequent dose escalations in patients with secretory diarrhea due to gastrointestinal tumors (eg, carcinoids, VIPomas), AIDS, dumping syndrome, short bowel syndrome, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. To avoid hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus-associated secretory diarrhea, the panel recommended a low initial octreotide dose and a conservative titration regimen with close monitoring a blood glucose levels. The end point of therapy should focus on a reduction in diarrhea (frequency of bowel movements or stool volume) rather than normalization of hormonal profile. Overall, octreotide is well tolerated; principal side effects are transient injection site pain and gastrointestinal discomfort. For many patients with secretory diarrhea, octreotide therapy is expected to improve the overall health and quality of life and in the long run will lessen health care costs.

Characterization of Thy-1 (CDw90) expression in CD34+ acute leukemia

Thy-1 (CDw90) is a phosphatidylinositol-anchored cell surface molecule which, when coexpressed with CD34 in normal human bone marrow, identifies a population of immature cells that includes putative hematopoietic stem cells. To date, the characterization of Thy-1 expression has been confined largely to normal tissues and cell lines. In this study, we evaluated the frequency and intensity of Thy-1 expression as defined by reactivity with the anti-Thy-1 antibody 5E10 in 38 cases of CD34+ acute leukemia (21 acute myelogenous leukemia [AML], 8 chronic myelogenous leukemia [CML] in blast crisis, and 9 acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL]). In 34 of 38 cases (89%) the CD34+ cells lacked expression of the Thy-1 antigen. High-density Thy-1 expression was found in 1 case of CML in lymphoid blast crisis, and low-density Thy-1 expression was identified on a portion of the leukemic cells in 2 cases of AML with myelodysplastic features, and 1 case of CML in myeloid blast crisis, suggesting a possible correlation between Thy-1 expression and certain instances of stem cell disorders such as CML and AML with dysplastic features. In contrast, the dissociation of Thy-1 and CD34 expression in the majority of acute leukemias studied suggests that the development of these leukemias occurs at a later stage than the hematopoietic stem cell. Characterization of Thy-1 expression in acute leukemia may eventually provide insights into the origin of the disease. In addition, separation of leukemic blasts from normal stem cells based on Thy-1 expression may prove useful in assessing residual disease, as well as in excluding leukemic blasts from stem cell preparations destined for autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation.

Encephalopathy is the dose-limiting toxicity of intravenous hepsulfam: results of a phase I trial in patients with advanced hematological malignancies

Hepsulfam is a bisulfamic ester which is similar in structure to busulfan and is believed to act as a bifunctional alkylator inducing both DNA-DNA and DNA-protein crosslinks. Prior studies in patients with refractory solid tumors have identified the dose-limiting toxicity of hepsulfam to be cumulative myelosuppression resulting in prolonged leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. This phase I trial was designed to determine the maximally tolerated dose of hepsulfam administered intravenously in patients with refractory leukemias and other advanced hematologic malignancies. Hepsulfam was administered as a 30-min or 2-h intravenous infusion to 21 patients with advanced leukemia or multiple myeloma. All patients had been extensively treated and had progressive disease. Cycles were repeated every 5 weeks. Cohorts of patients were treated at 360, 480, 640, and 800 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicity of intravenous hepsulfam was severe encephalopathy. The single patient treated at 800 mg/m2 became comatose within 48 h and required 3 weeks for his mental status to return to baseline. There were, however, no irreversible neurological sequelae. Several patients treated at 640 mg/m2 had clinical evidence of toxic deliriums and slowing of alpha rhythm waves on electroencephalograms indicative of a gray-matter encephalopathy. When hepsulfam was infused over 30 min, patients complained of uncomfortable parasthesias, but when the drug was administered over 2 h, these acute symptoms were less common. Myelosuppression was observed in most patients. Among those patients who had some suppression of their leukemia, peripheral blood counts recovered to pretreatment levels after 3-5 weeks. Apart from CNS toxicity, non-hematologic toxicity was minimal. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated rapid clearance of hepsulfam so that the drug was not reliably detected in the plasma after 24 h. The recommended phase II dose of hepsulfam as a single 2-h intravenous infusion is 480 mg/m2, but this dose provided relatively little clinical benefit for patients with refractory leukemia. The dose-limiting toxicity is CNS toxicity with increasingly severe encephalopathy at doses > or = 640 mg/m2. It would be reasonable to investigate further dose escalation of hepsulfam in a divided dose schedule to minimize the peak concentrations which may be related to the encephalopathy. EEG monitoring is recommended for early detection of slowing of alpha rhythm waves. Hematopoietic stem cell support will probably be required at total doses exceeding 800 mg/m2.

Controversies on the role of bone marrow transplantation for patients with hematopoietic malignancies

Over the past decade, bone marrow transplantation has evolved as a treatment modality for patients with hematopoietic malignancies and for patients with responsive solid tumors. In this paper, I review (a) the indications for marrow transplantation, with emphasis on patients with hematopoietic malignancies, including acute and chronic leukemias and lymphomas; (b) the role of the donor, including the rapid expansion of compatible volunteer donors; (c) the role and design of preparative regimens; (d) the procurement of bone marrow, including marrow purging and T-cell depletion, and (e) the care of the transplant patient, including a discussion of the more commonly occurring complications.

New preparative regimens with diaziquone or cytarabine in combination with busulfan and cyclophosphamide

Preparative regimens used prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in patients with malignancies must mediate engraftment and eradicate malignant cells without producing significant extramedullary toxicities. The first agents to be tested in BMT preparative regimens, total body irradiation (TBI) and cyclophosphamide (Cy), were ineffective as single agents, but resulted in long-term disease-free survival in some leukemic patients when combined. However, Cy/TBI regimens are associated with significant acute and chronic toxicities as well as technical constraints involving the administration of radiation. Accordingly, a nonradiation-based regimen consisting of Cy and busulfan (Bu) was developed. Regimens using either a 4-day course (BuCy4) or a 2-day course (BuCy2) of Cy have been shown to have significant antileukemic effects. In general, however, BuCy regimens do not appear to result in greater antileukemic activity or lower treatment-related toxicity than Cy/TBI regimens. New preparative regimens are currently being developed to lower the incidence of disease recurrence after BMT. One such regimen consists of BuCy plus etoposide. At our institution, we are currently testing the efficacy and toxicity of regimens in which cytarabine or diaziquone are administered in combination with Bu and Cy. It is hoped that these new preparative regimens will enhance the antileukemic effects of BMT without significantly increasing treatment-related toxicity.

Role of autologous bone marrow transplantation for patients with acute and chronic leukemias

Autologous bone marrow transplantation has been increasingly used as effective curative therapy for patients with acute myelocytic leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia who are not candidates for allografting. Its potential role for patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia is considered investigational; however, recent advancements in stem cell separation may make autologous transplantation an attractive alternative for this disease as well. The timing of the autologous transplant and the role of marrow purging are discussed in depth. In addition, post-transplant immune modulation and the use of growth factors and other cytokines following autologous reinfusion are currently being investigated.

A pilot study of prophylactic aerosolized amphotericin B in patients at risk for prolonged neutropenia

Invasive aspergillosis continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with prolonged neutropenia. We performed a phase I trial of escalating doses of aerosolized amphotericin B given by a face mask nebulizer system with a disposable bacterial exhale filter. Five, 10, 15, and 20 mg of drug were dissolved in sterile water and inhaled over 10 to 15 minutes twice daily. Tolerance was studied in 26 patients (18 transplant recipients, and 8 leukemia patients). No side effects were observed at any dose level. Prophylactic treatment ended for 14 patients (54%) when intravenous (IV) amphotericin B was begun empirically for antifungal coverage following fevers. Eleven patients (43%) continued inhaled amphotericin B until blood counts recovered. One patient was taken off study when she developed cardiogenic pulmonary edema. No patient developed clinically suspicious or pathologically documented infection with invasive aspergillosis. Prophylactic aerosolized amphotericin B is well tolerated at 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg twice daily dosing. In addition, prophylactic aerosolized amphotericin B does not appear to sensitize patients to the subsequent use of IV amphotericin B. Although this study suggests that prophylactic inhaled amphotericin B is well tolerated and effective, a large scale controlled trial is needed.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia as a complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

We report a patient who underwent two allogeneic bone marrow transplants for chronic myelogenous leukemia, initially in 1984 and again after relapse in 1990, who developed an identical pulmonary syndrome at a similar interval following each transplant. The patient presented with a non-productive cough, bilateral inspiratory crackles, and multiple patchy infiltrates on chest X-ray. Pulmonary function testing revealed a restrictive abnormality but no obstructive defects. The appearance of this pulmonary disorder after each transplant coincided with the development of chronic graft-versus-host disease. In both instances, this pulmonary syndrome completely reversed with corticosteroid therapy. The patient's chest computed tomographic scan and lung biopsy specimens were consistent with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP). While bronchiolitis obliterans has been reported following allogeneic transplant, BOOP has not previously been reported in this setting.

Post-remission therapy of acute myelocytic leukemia in adults: curability breeds controversy

The curability of acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) in adults relies upon two treatment strategies. The first is induction therapy to effectively reduce the patient's leukemia burden and allow for recovery of normal hematopoiesis. Once this is achieved and the patient enters a complete remission, further potentially curative post-remission therapy can be administered. Induction therapy has not changed significantly over the past two decades, relying primarily on conventional-dose cytarabine and an anthracycline combination. Post-remission therapy, on the other hand, has changed with the introduction of more intensive and aggressive cytoreductive treatment as well as utilization of myeloablative regimens followed by either allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The scope of this review is to evaluate the different curative post-remission treatment approaches for adult patients with AML. Discussions will focus on younger patients (less than 65 years) with responsive disease who enter a complete remission and then have post-remission therapy options available to them. Often, decisions concerning post-remission therapies are based solely on age and the availability of compatible donors; however, since understanding of the biology of leukemia has expanded and treatment strategies have improved, our ability to recommend particular treatment approaches has also evolved. We are now in a position to recommend therapeutic options based on disease and host characteristics.

Bone marrow transplantation of chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase: evaluation of risks and benefits

PURPOSE

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is an option for some patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We retrospectively evaluated the effect of various risk factors observed at diagnosis and at transplantation on survival, event-free survival (EFS), and relapse after BMT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-nine patients with CML in chronic phase (CP) were treated with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation followed by BMT. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine (CsA) in most instances or CsA plus the use of lymphocyte-depleted bone marrow (BM).

RESULTS

Survival at 4.5 years was 52%. Stratified by age and GVHD prophylaxis, the actuarial survival was 65% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47% to 78%) in patients aged less than 30 years receiving unmanipulated BM, 33% (95% CI, 12% to 56%) in patients greater than or equal to 30 years old receiving unmanipulated BM, and 38% (95% CI, 14% to 63%) in patients greater than or equal to 30 years old receiving lymphocyte-depleted BM. In univariate analysis, patient age (greater than or equal to 30 years) and the use of lymphocyte-depleted BM negatively influenced EFS. When stratified by age and GVHD prophylaxis, however, ABO incompatibility, cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity, and chronic GVHD significantly reduced the probability of EFS. Factors that have been associated with early death in nontransplanted patients (ie, sex, spleen size, blast and platelet counts at presentation) were not predictive of long-term survival outcome after BMT.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that (1) BMT should be offered early after diagnosis to all patients with CML in CP who have compatible sibling donors regardless of prognostic factors at presentation, (2) GVHD remains the principal cause of mortality after BMT in patients receiving CsA, and (3) T-cell depletion by the physical separation method of counterflow elutriation (CE) is associated with a significant risk of relapse.

Phase I study of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and timed sequential escalating doses of cytarabine followed by bone marrow transplantation

In both animal models and human studies in leukemia, residual disease on day 8 following myelosuppressive therapy is in a proliferative phase and therefore may be sensitive to the S-phase specific drug cytarabine. Based on this concept, 17 patients with refractory or relapsed leukemia or lymphoma undergoing either autologous or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) were treated on a Phase I protocol using high doses of busulfan (16 mg/kg, days -10, -9, -8, -7) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg, days -6, -5) followed by escalating doses of a 48-h continuous infusion of cytarabine (starting dose 1000 mg/m2/48 h, days -3, -2). Ten patients received autologous transplants (two with Hodgkin's disease, seven with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, one with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blast phase). Seven received allogeneic BMT (two with refractory acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), one with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing a second BMT, one with Burkitt's-type leukemia, one with ALL in fifth relapse and two with CML in accelerated/blast phase). Two of these patients received a T cell-depleted haploidentical transplant. The maximum tolerated dose of cytarabine was 1500 mg/m2/48 h; a pulmonary syndrome including dyspnea, hypoxemia, and interstitial infiltrates which responded to aggressive diuresis was the dose limiting toxicity. Of the 10 patients who received cytarabine doses of 2000 or 2500 mg/m2/48 h, five patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with three patients requiring intubation; two recovered. Of the nine patients with lymphoma, seven responded with complete tumor clearance (CTC) with two patients tumor-free 13 and 15 months post-BMT, one remained refractory and one died too early to evaluate (TETE).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cyclophosphamide Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for Use in Autologous Transplantation after High-Dose Chemotherapy: Clinical Results in Patients with Contaminated or Hypocellular Bone Marrow

Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) can be used for hematopoietic reconstitution in patients who have received high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Previously, we reported 18 such patients who had nonmobilized PBSC harvested in steady state. We have now performed PBSC reinfusion in 24 patients with hypocellular or tumor-involved marrow who received cyclophosphamide (Cy) mobilization (4 grams/m2) prior to PBSC collection. The PBSC were collected upon rebound hematopoietic recovery by continuous-flow leukapheresis and subsequently cryoproserved. A median of 3.17 x 10(8) mononuclear cells/kg (range 1.47-3.95 x 10(8)) were collected. Patients underwent a median of 6 apheresis procedures (range 5-12). To date all 24 patients have undergone PBSC reinfusion after HDC. Fourteen patients received post-reinfusion granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Granulocyte recovery (> 500 x 10(6)/ml) has occurred at a median of 13.5 days (range 7-39) and platelet recovery (> 50 x 10(9)/ml without transfusion support) has occurred in 20 patients at a median of 33 days (range 7-121 days). Four other patients have platelet counts of greater than 20K and are transfusion independent, but have still not achieved counts of 50K. PBSC collection after Cy mobilization is feasible and effective for hematopoietic reconstitution after HDC and reinfusion. All 24 patients demonstrated trilineage engraftment. Although neutrophil recovery was not significantly hastened (as compared with our nonmobilized or steady-state data), time to platelet engraftment was foreshortened.

Therapy for acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults

Using intensive induction chemotherapy, primarily with combinations of an anthracycline and cytarabine, complete remission rates of greater than 70% are now achieved in patients with acute myeloid leukemia under the age of 60 years. The treatment of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia is difficult and remains controversial. The prognosis for both adults and children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia has improved as more extensive chemotherapy regimens have been used. Recently, a group of leukemias have been identified that have features of both acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, and these are referred to as biphenotypic or hybrid leukemias. These hybrid leukemias represent an important subgroup, which appears to have a worse outcome regardless of the therapy administered.

Prognostic importance of immunophenotyping in adults with acute myelocytic leukaemia: the significance of the stem-cell glycoprotein CD34 (My10)

A series of 23 monoclonal antibodies reactive with normal lymphoid and myeloid cells at various stages of differentiation were used to characterize 96 adult patients with acute myelocytic leukaemia (AML), concentrating on the possible role the expression of these antigens may have in predicting response to intensive chemotherapy. Only the expression of CD34 (P = 0.008) and HLA-DR (P = 0.035) was significant in predicting response to therapy; patients with leukaemic cells expressing CD34 (My10) had a complete remission (CR) rate of 59% compared to 87% for those with blasts not expressing the antigen. In a multivariate analysis predicting for CR, the expression of CD34, the disease category (de novo AML versus secondary AML [SAML] or a history of antecedent haematological disorder [AHD]), and WBC were significant covariates. Adjusting for disease category and WBC, patients with CD34-positive AML were one-third as likely to enter CR as with those with disease not expressing the antigen (P = 0.066). Comparison of clinical characteristics between the 58 patients whose leukaemia expressed CD34 and the 33 which were CD34-negative found that patients with CD34-positive AML had a higher incidence of SAML and AHD, a lower WBC at diagnosis, and a more frequent incidence of chromosomal abnormalities involving chromosomes 5 and/or 7. Twenty-eight of these patients also had immunophenotyping performed at relapse. Patients who presented with CD34-positive AML, and entered remission, and then relapsed all recurred with CD34-positive leukaemia; there was no case of CD34-positive AML at diagnosis relapsing with CD34-negative disease. In addition, there were patients presenting with CD34-negative AML and then relapsing with CD34-positive AML. These results suggest that intensive cytoreductive therapy is ineffective against CD34-positive AML. Patients who present with CD34-positive AML may require different therapeutic approaches to completely eradicate their disease.

Cure of acute myelocytic leukemia in adults: a reality

Adult acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is a curable disease in responsive patients with aggressive treatment in remission. Over the past decade at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center, AML has been treated with either allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or with intensive timed sequential treatment using high dose cytarabine in remission. With either treatment modality comparable cure rates were obtained. The role, if any, of randomized trials to adequately determine the preferred treatment for appropriate patients has yet to be defined.

Cures of leukemia with aggressive postremission treatment: an update of timed sequential therapy (Ac-D-Ac)

A cure rate can be obtained with intensive cytoreductive treatment given to a subset of patients with acute myelocytic leukemia in bone marrow remission. This report updates our experience with postremission timed sequential therapy using cytarabine and daunorubicin (Ac-D-Ac) and compares it with other brief, aggressive strategies including bone marrow transplantation. The median disease-free survival (DFS) of all patients treated in remission is 2.5 years with a greater than 40% probability of DFS at 8 years. These results are similar to those achieved with bone marrow-ablative and other intensive but nonablative treatment plans.

A two-step timed sequential treatment for acute myelocytic leukemia

Since 1980, adults with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) have been treated on two clinical studies using intensive timed sequential therapy. All patients ages 16 to 80, including those with secondary AML (SAML) and those with AML preceded by a hematologic disorder (AHD), were treated, regardless of medical complications at the time of diagnosis. The first study combined high doses of cytarabine (ara-C, AC) and daunorubicin (DRN, D) in sequence (Ac2-D-Ac) and resulted in a complete remission rate of 55%. A group of these patients selected by functional status was able to receive a second course of therapy in remission, which resulted in a disease-free survival (DFS) of greater than 40% at 7 years. Because of toxicity in that study, 114 patients were entered on a second trial initiated 4 years ago, using a less aggressive first course, with amsacrine, to achieve a stable remission (Ac2-D-Amsa). This first treatment was followed by a more intensive second course (Ac6-D-Ac). With this two-step approach, a higher complete remission (CR) rate (76% for de novo AML and 54% for SAML-AHD) was achieved, and more patients were able to receive the second course of therapy. At the current median follow-up of 26 months, the median duration of DFS and overall survival are 11 and 14 months for patients with de novo AML. Age less than or equal to 55 is the most significant prognostic factor for both prolonged DFS and overall survival, with median durations of 17 and 18 months, respectively, for these younger patients. Patients with SAML-AHD remain relatively refractory to treatment despite aggressive chemotherapy, with median durations of DFS and overall survival of 9 months and 5 months, respectively.

Successful in vitro graft-versus-tumor effect against an Ia-bearing tumor using cyclosporine-induced syngeneic graft-versus-host disease in the rat

Lethally irradiated LouM rats reconstituted with syngeneic bone marrow and then treated with cyclosporine (CsA) for 40 consecutive days following transplant developed a graft-v-host disease (GVHD)-like syndrome after CsA cessation. This model of GVHD was used to define and characterize a graft-v-tumor (GVT) effect against a syngeneic plasmacytoma CRL1662 cell line which expresses class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen (Ia). Nylon wool-nonadherent spleen cells from animals who developed syngeneic GVHD were capable of significant lysis against chromium-labeled tumor target cells in a four-hour chromium released cell mediated lympholysis assay; maximum lysis occurred five days following cessation of CsA when clinical signs first appeared. Cytolytic activity declined to baseline as GVHD symptoms resolved. Fractionation of splenocytes into lymphocyte subsets demonstrated that cytolytic lymphocytes (CTLs) of the OX8 phenotype (non-helper T) were capable of significant lysis against tumor target cells. Lysis of tumor cells was blocked by preincubation with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for the rat anti-class II MHC antigen but not with MoAb against class I. Incubation of tumor cells with gamma-interferon increased expression of tumor class II MHC antigens and significantly increased their susceptibility to lysis by nylon wool-nonadherent splenocytes from animals with syngeneic GVHD. These studies have demonstrated an in vitro GVT of syngeneic GVHD against an Ia-bearing tumor; the effector cell is a CTL of the OX8 phenotype specific for the class II MHC antigen.

Secondary acute myelocytic leukemia after adjuvant therapy for early-stage breast carcinoma. A new complication of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil therapy

The occurrence of treatment-related hematologic malignancies after adjuvant therapy with alkylating agents for gastrointestinal cancers, ovarian carcinoma, and breast cancer and after treatment for Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, germ-cell tumors, and multiple myeloma has been well documented. Adjuvant chemotherapy is frequently used for the treatment of early stage breast cancer, and to date there has been no increase in the incidence of secondary myelodysplastic syndromes or acute leukemia after cyclophosphamide-based regimens when compared with surgical controls. This report describes two patients who developed acute myelocytic leukemia only after exposure to cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil adjuvant therapy. These two cases of acute leukemia, which developed 3 years after diagnosis of breast cancer and initiation of chemotherapy, were characterized by trilineage dysplasia and pancytopenia, and had abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and 7: characteristics consistent with treatment-related leukemia. Many women are diagnosed with early stage breast cancer each year who are potential candidates for adjuvant therapy. Although certain subgroups of patients have been shown to benefit from adjuvant therapy, continued efforts must be directed at identifying responders so that others will not be exposed to the additional risks of chemotherapy.

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation after high-dose busulfan and cyclophosphamide in patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

Ninety-nine patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) received HLA-identical bone marrow transplants (BMTs) from sibling donors after preparation with high doses of busulfan and cyclophosphamide. Forty-nine patients were transplanted in first complete remission (CR), and 50 patients were transplanted in second and third CR and early relapse. Fifty-three received one of three regimens containing primarily low-dose cyclophosphamide (group I) for graft-v-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis; since March 1983, 46 patients received intravenous (IV) cyclosporine (group II). After December 1983, only cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative blood products were used in appropriate patients, and since April 1984 patients seropositive for herpes-simplex virus (HSV) and CMV received high-dose acyclovir prophylaxis. For patients transplanted in first CR, there was a significantly lower incidence of acute GVHD (P = .005) and deaths related to GVHD and interstitial pneumonitis (P = .001) in patients in group II. This was reflected in an improved Kaplan-Meier probability of disease-free survival (DFS) in the 22 patients transplanted in group II as compared with the 27 patients in group I (64% +/- 10% v 30% +/- 9%, P = .017). The probability of remaining in remission was slightly lower in group II (82% +/- 9% v 94% +/- 6%, P = .479). For patients transplanted in second and third CR and early relapse, the incidence of acute GVHD (P = .026) and deaths related to GVHD and interstitial pneumonitis was significantly lower in group II (P = .029); the probability of remaining in remission was also less (47% +/- 15% v 91% +/- 15%, P = .022). However, the probability of DFS was not significantly different between the two groups (26% +/- 10% v 35% +/- 18%, P = .957). We conclude that transplantation for patients in first CR who received IV cyclosporine therapy is effective treatment; patients with more refractory disease treated with the same cyclosporine regimen (group II) had a lower incidence of GVHD than those treated in group I, but survival did not improve because of an increase in the number of relapses and other nonleukemic complications.

Induction of graft-versus-host disease after autologous bone marrow transplantation

To induce graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT), five consecutive patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease in resistant relapse were treated with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation or busulphan and cyclophosphamide, followed by autologous BMT. The patients received cyclosporin 1 mg/kg per day intravenously for 28 days after BMT. Histologically proven grade II acute GvHD of the skin developed in all the patients at a median of 11 days (range 9-13) after BMT. One patient died and the GvHD resolved in 1-3 weeks in the four remaining patients--spontaneously in two and with corticosteroid treatment in two. Lymphocytes from one patient obtained at the time of GvHD were cytotoxic for the patient's own pretransplant lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity was blocked by antibodies directed against class II histocompatibility (HLA-DR or Ia) antigens. Cyclosporin-induced GvHD after autologous BMT resembles mild GvHD after allogeneic grafting. This syndrome appears to be mediated by autoreactive Ia-specific lymphocytes.

Successful marrow transplantation for acute myelocytic leukemia following therapy for Hodgkin's disease

Five patients with acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) after combined modality therapy for Hodgkin's disease (HD) were treated with cyclophosphamide and busulfan followed by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Four patients received allogeneic transplants from histocompatibility locus antigen (HLA)-compatible siblings and the fifth patient received an autologous marrow treated with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide. Two patients died of complications of acute graft-v-host disease (GVHD) despite prophylaxis with either low-dose cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine. The remaining three patients were alive and disease-free 382, 617, and 620 days after transplant. These initial results are encouraging and more patients with treatment-related AML need to be evaluated with both allogeneic and autologous BMT to fully elucidate the potentially curative role of this intensive therapy in an otherwise fatal hematologic malignancy.

Cyclo(L-prolylglycyl)3 and its sodium, potassium, and calcium ion complexes: a Raman spectroscopic study

Raman spectra of the cyclic hexapeptide cyclo-(L-prolylglycyl)3 and its Na+, K+, and Ca2+ complexes are reported for the solid state and for samples in solution. Model compounds and N-deuteration were used to aid mode identification. Spectra of the uncomplexed ionophore in solution are consistent with previously proposed solution conformations and permit the identification of spectral lines characteristic of proline-containing peptide bonds in the trans and the cis conformations. Upon cation complexation the prolyl carbonyl stretch bands sharpen and upshift 20-30 cm-1 (to 1690-1700 cm-1). The glycyl carbonyl stretch band is unaffected by Na+ complexation, upshifted approximately 15 cm-1 by K+ complexation, and downshifted approximately 20 cm-1 (to 1619 cm-1) by Ca2+ complexation. Arguments supporting the involvement of prolyl carbonyl groups in cation complexation are noted. Spectra of the Na+ complex of the tetramer cyclo(L-prolylglycyl)4 suggest an asymmetric structure.