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A predictive classifier of poor prognosis in transplanted patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia: a study on behalf of the Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire
Meyran, D., Arfeuille, C., Chevret, S., Neven, Q., Caye-Eude, A., Lainey, E., Petit, A., Rialland, F., Michel, G., Plantaz, D., et al
Haematologica. 2024
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive pediatric myeloproliferative neoplasm requiring hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in most cases. We retrospectively analyzed 119 JMML patients who underwent first allogeneic HSCT between 2002 and 2021. The majority (97%) carried a RAS-pathway mutation, and 62% exhibited karyotypic alterations or additional mutations in SETBP1, ASXL1, JAK3 and/or the RAS pathway. Relapse was the primary cause of death, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 24.6% (95%CI: 17.1-32.9). Toxic deaths occurred in 12 patients, resulting in treatmentrelated mortality (TRM) of 9.0% (95%CI: 4.6-15.3). The 5-year overall (OS) and event-free survival were 73.6% (95%CI: 65.7-82.4) and 66.4% (95%CI: 58.2-75.8), respectively. Four independent adverse prognostic factors for OS were identified: age at diagnosis >2 years, time from diagnosis to HSCT >6 months, monocyte count at diagnosis >7.2x109/L, and the presence of additional genetic alterations. Based on these factors, we proposed a predictive classifier. Patients with three or more predictors (21% of the cohort) had a 5-year OS of 34.2%, whereas those with none (7%) had a 5-year OS of 100%. Our study demonstrates improved transplant outcomes compared to prior published data, which can be attributed to the synergistic impacts of a low TRM and a reduced yet still substantial relapse incidence. By integrating genetic information with clinical and hematological features, we have devised a predictive classifier. This classifier effectively identifies a subgroup of patients who are at a heightened risk of unfavorable post-transplant outcomes who would benefit novel therapeutic agents and post-transplant strategies.
PICO Summary
Population
Consecutive children diagnosed with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) in centres in France (n=119)
Intervention
First allogeneic HSCT between 2002 and 2021
Comparison
None
Outcome
The majority (97%) carried a RAS-pathway mutation, and 62% exhibited karyotypic alterations or additional mutations in SETBP1, ASXL1, JAK3 and/or the RAS pathway. Relapse was the primary cause of death, with a 5-year cumulative incidence of 24.6% (95%CI: 17.1-32.9). Toxic deaths occurred in 12 patients, resulting in treatment related mortality (TRM) of 9.0% (95%CI: 4.6-15.3). The 5-year overall (OS) and event-free survival were 73.6% (95%CI: 65.7-82.4) and 66.4% (95%CI: 58.2-75.8), respectively. Four independent adverse prognostic factors for OS were identified: age at diagnosis >2 years, time from diagnosis to HSCT >6 months, monocyte count at diagnosis >7.2x109/L, and the presence of additional genetic alterations. Based on these factors, we proposed a predictive classifier. Patients with three or more predictors (21% of the cohort) had a 5-year OS of 34.2%, whereas those with none (7%) had a 5-year OS of 100%.
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Cytogenetic abnormalities predict survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia: a PDWP/EBMT study
Sharma, A., Galimard, J. E., Pryce, A., Bhoopalan, S. V., Dalissier, A., Dalle, J. H., Locatelli, F., Jubert, C., Mirci-Danicar, O., Kitra-Roussou, V., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2024
Abstract
Poor-risk (PR) cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities generally direct pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). We assessed the predictive value of cytogenetic risk classification at diagnosis with respect to post-HSCT outcomes in pediatric patients. Patients younger than 18 years at the time of their first allogeneic HSCT for AML in CR1 between 2005 and 2022 who were reported to the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry were subgrouped into four categories. Of the 845 pediatric patients included in this study, 36% had an 11q23 abnormality, 24% had monosomy 7/del7q or monosomy 5/del5q, 24% had a complex or monosomal karyotype, and 16% had other PR cytogenetic abnormalities. In a multivariable model, 11q23 (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66, P = 0.03) and other PR cytogenetic abnormalities (HR = 0.55, P = 0.02) were associated with significantly better overall survival when compared with monosomy 7/del7q or monosomy 5/del5q. Patients with other PR cytogenetic abnormalities had a lower risk of disease relapse after HSCT (HR = 0.49, P = 0.01) and, hence, better leukemia-free survival (HR = 0.55, P = 0.01). Therefore, we conclude that PR cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis predict overall survival after HSCT for AML in pediatric patients.
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Low rate of nonrelapse mortality in under 4-year-olds with ALL given chemo-conditioning for HSCT: Phase III FORUM study
Bader, P., Poetschger, U., Dalle, J. H., Moser, L. M., Balduzzi, A. C., Ansari, M., Buechner, J., Güngör, T., Ifversen, M., Kriván, G., et al
Blood advances. 2023
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is highly effective for treating pediatric high-risk or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In young children, total body irradiation (TBI) is associated with severe late sequelae. In the FORUM study (NCT01949129), we assessed safety, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) of two TBI-free conditioning regimens in children with ALL <4 years old. Patients received fludarabine (Flu), thiotepa (Thio), and either busulfan (Bu) or treosulfan (Treo) before HSCT. From 2013 to 2021, 191 children were transplanted and observed for ≥6 months (median follow-up: 3 years). 3-year OS was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.52-0.72) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64-0.84) for Flu/Thio/Bu and Flu/Thio/Treo (p = 0.075), respectively. 3-year EFS was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.41-0.61) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.39-0.62), respectively (p = 0.794). Cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse at 3 years were 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.12) versus 0.03 (95% CI: <0.01-0.09) (p = 0.406) and 0.42 (95% CI: 0.31-0.52) versus 0.45 (95% CI: 0.34-0.56) (p = 0.920), respectively. Grade >1 acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) occurred in 29% of patients receiving Flu/Thio/Bu and 17% receiving Flu/Thio/Treo (p = 0.049), while grade 3-4 occurred in 10% and 9% (p = 0.813). 3-year incidence of chronic GvHD was 0.07 (95% CI: 0.03-0.13) versus 0.05 (95% CI: 0.02-0.11), respectively (p = 0.518). In conclusion, both chemo-conditioning regimens were well tolerated and NRM was low. However, relapse was the major cause of treatment failure.
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4.
Recent results of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for thalassemia with busulfan-based conditioning regimen in France: improved thalassemia free survival despite frequent mixed chimerism. A retrospective study from the Francophone Society of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)
Rossi, M., Szepetowski, S., Yakouben, K., Paillard, C., Sirvent, A., Castelle, M., Pegon, C., Piguet, C., Grain, A., Angoso, M., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2023
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5.
Monitoring for virus-specific T-cell responses and viremia in allogeneic HSCT recipients: a survey from the EBMT Cellular Therapy & Immunobiology Working Party
Greco, R., Hoogenboom, J. D., Bonneville, E. F., Anagnostopoulos, A., Cuoghi, A., Dalle, J. H., Weissinger, E. M., Lang, P., Galaverna, F., Martino, M., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2023;:1-4
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6.
[Inborn error of metabolism and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation: Guidelines from the Francophone Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (SFGM-TC)]
Jubert, C., De Berranger, E., Castelle, M., Dalle, J. H., Ouachee-Chardin, M., Sevin, C., Yakoub-Agha, I., Brassier, A.
Bulletin du cancer. 2022
Abstract
Inherited Metabolic Diseases (IMD) are rare genetic diseases, including both lysosomal and peroxisomal diseases. Lysosomal diseases are related to the deficiency of one or more lysosomal enzymes or transporter. Lysosomal diseases are progressive and involve several tissues with most often neurological damage. Among peroxisomal diseases, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a neurodegenerative disease combining neurological and adrenal damage. For these diseases, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and gene therapy represent various possible treatment options, used alone or in combination. The purpose of this workshop is to describe the indications, modalities, and follow-up of allo-HCT as well as the use of ERT peri-transplant. All indications for transplant in these rare diseases are associated with comorbidities and are subject to criteria that must be discussed in a dedicated national multidisciplinary consultation meeting. There are some consensual indications in type I-H mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS-IH) and in the cerebral form of ALD. For other IMDs, no clear benefit from the transplant has been demonstrated. The ideal donor is a non-heterozygous HLA-identical sibling. The recommended conditioning is myeloablative combining fludarabine and busulfan. In MPS-IH, ERT has to be started at diagnosis and continued until complete chimerism and normal enzyme assay are achieved. The pre-transplant assessment and post-transplant follow-up are made according to the published recommendations (PNDS). Standard follow-up is carried out jointly by the transplant and referral teams.
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7.
Management of Chronic Graft-vs.-Host Disease in Children and Adolescents With ALL: Present Status and Model for a Personalised Management Plan
Sobkowiak-Sobierajska, A., Lindemans, C., Sykora, T., Wachowiak, J., Dalle, J. H., Bonig, H., Gennery, A., Lawitschka, A.
Frontiers in pediatrics. 2022;10:808103
Abstract
Herein we review current practice regarding the management of chronic graft-vs.-host disease (cGvHD) in paediatric patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Topics covered include: (i) the epidemiology of cGvHD; (ii) an overview of advances in our understanding cGvHD pathogenesis; (iii) current knowledge regarding risk factors for cGvHD and prevention strategies complemented by biomarkers; (iii) the paediatric aspects of the 2014 National Institutes for Health-defined diagnosis and grading of cGvHD; and (iv) current options for cGvHD treatment. We cover topical therapy and newly approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors, emphasising the use of immunomodulatory approaches in the context of the delicate counterbalance between immunosuppression and immune reconstitution as well as risks of relapse and infectious complications. We examine real-world approaches of response assessment and tapering schedules of treatment. Furthermore, we report on the optimal timepoints for therapeutic interventions and changes in relation to immune reconstitution and risk of relapse/infection. Additionally, we review the different options for anti-infectious prophylaxis. Finally, we put forth a theory of a holistic view of paediatric cGvHD and its associated manifestations and propose a checklist for individualised risk evaluation with aggregated considerations including site-specific cGvHD evaluation with attention to each individual's GvHD history, previous medical history, comorbidities, and personal tolerance and psychosocial circumstances. To complement this checklist, we present a treatment algorithm using representative patients to inform the personalised management plans for patients with cGvHD after HSCT for ALL who are at high risk of relapse.
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A Prospective, Multicenter Study of Closed System Extracorporeal Photopheresis for Children With Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Kitko, C. L., Abdel-Azim, H., Carpenter, P. A., Dalle, J. H., Diaz-de-Heredia, C., Gaspari, S., Gennery, A. R., Handgretinger, R., Lawitschka, A.
Transplantation and cellular therapy. 2022
Abstract
BACKGROUND Steroid-refractory (SR) acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) therapy involves intensive immunosuppression, which is associated with significant infectious risk. Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is used to treat SR-aGvHD and is considered to be more immunomodulatory than immunosuppressive. However, pediatric data are mostly retrospective and often involve multi-step ECP that includes apheresis followed by separate photosensitizing/reinfusion on another device. OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-device ECP system in children with SR-aGvHD. STUDY DESIGN Open-label, multicenter, phase 3 study of the THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System in children/young adults aged 1 to 21 years with SR-aGvHD. Patients were treated 3 times per week for 4 weeks, then twice weekly through week 12 while maintaining standard aGvHD prophylaxis. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving overall response (OR) at day 28 without the addition of next-line systemic treatment. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving OR at weeks 8 and 12; the mean weekly steroid dose at weeks 4, 8, and 12; and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). RESULTS Twenty-nine children (median age, 8 years) were enrolled. OR was 55% by day 28, 74% by week 8, and 79% by week 12. Progressive improvements were observed in the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Mean steroid dose decreased from 1.54 mg/kg/day at baseline to 0.90 mg/kg/day at week 4; 35% of patients achieved >50% steroid dose reduction at week 4 and 75% achieved >50% steroid dose reduction at week 12. Of 168 TEAEs reported among 25 patients (86%), 28 (17%) events were infections and 14 (8%) events were considered to be probably treatment related (all nonserious). Of 627 ECP treatments administered in children/young adults, 68% required blood priming. Treatment-related AEs, including hypotension, hypocalcemia, central line infection, and catheter-site bruising, were rare (1 event each). Three deaths occurred and were deemed unrelated to ECP by the investigators. CONCLUSION Use of the THERAKOS® CELLEX® Photopheresis System was effective in children with SR-aGvHD, with more than half experiencing improvement by day 28 and further responses observed over 12 weeks. Very few TEAEs were attributable to ECP, and no new safety signals were observed.
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9.
Reduced-toxicity myeloablative conditioning regimen using fludarabine and full doses of intravenous busulfan in pediatric patients not eligible for standard myeloablative conditioning regimens: Results of a multicenter prospective phase 2 trial
Rialland, F., Grain, A., Labopin, M., Michel, G., Gandemer, V., Paillard, C., Pochon, C., Clement, L., Brissot, E., Jubert, C., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Data regarding the safety and efficacy of reduced-toxicity conditioning regimen (RTC) prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) to treat hematological malignancies in pediatric patients are limited. This prospective multicenter, phase 2 trial investigated a RTC regimen based on the combination of intravenous busulfan (3.2 mg/kg/d x 4 days), fludarabine (30 mg/m(2)/d x 5 days) and antithymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin®, Genzyme; 5 mg/kg total dose) with the aim of delivering high dose myeloablation that would allow optimal disease control while minimizing toxicity, in a subgroup of children at very high risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM). The primary endpoint was NRM at 1 year after allo-SCT. A total of 48 high risk patients were included (median age, 13 years; range, 3-24). At 1 year, the cumulative incidence of recurrence/disease progression and NRM were 33% and 8%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 23 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 1 year were 69% and 58%, respectively. We conclude that the RTC regimen used in this prospective trial is safe, with a < 10% NRM rate noted among high-risk children and adolescents, paving the way for larger phase 3 trials incorporating novel agents pre- and post-allo-SCT.(ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01572181).
PICO Summary
Population
Children and adolescents with haematological malignancies, but not eligible for standard myeloablative conditioning regimens, in 16 centres in France (n=48)
Intervention
30 mg/m2/d fludarabine for 5 consecutive days (day -6 to -2), 3.2 mg/kg/day IV Busulfan administered four times daily in a 2 h infusion for 4 consecutive days (day -5, -4, -3, and -2), and 2.5 mg/Kg/d antithymocyte globulin for 2 consecutive days (day -2 and -1).
Comparison
None
Outcome
At 1 year, the cumulative incidence of recurrence/disease progression and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 33% and 8%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 23 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) at 1 year were 69% and 58%, respectively.
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10.
Ibrutinib treatment of pediatric chronic graft-versus-host disease: primary results from the phase 1/2 iMAGINE study
Carpenter, P. A., Kang, H. J., Yoo, K. H., Zecca, M., Cho, B., Lucchini, G., Nemecek, E. R., Schultz, K. R., Stepensky, P., Chaudhury, S., et al
Transplantation and cellular therapy. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) is a potentially life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clinical data surrounding cGVHD therapies in younger children is limited and critically needed. OBJECTIVES Primary endpoints were to determine the recommended pediatric equivalent dose (RPED) and assess PK and safety. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR; complete response and partial response) per 2014 NIH criteria at 24 weeks, overall survival, and duration of response (DOR). STUDY DESIGN We present the primary results from the open-label, multicenter, international phase 1/2 iMAGINE study (PCYC-1146-IM), which evaluated pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and efficacy of ibrutinib in patients aged ≥1 to <22 years with treatment-naive (TN) or relapsed/refractory (R/R) moderate/severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). Patients aged <12 years received once-daily ibrutinib starting at 120 mg/m(2) and escalating to 240 mg/m(2) (full adult dose equivalent) after 14 days if free from ibrutinib-related grade ≥3 toxicity; patients aged ≥12 years received once-daily ibrutinib 420 mg. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients (12 TN and 47 with R/R cGVHD; median age 13 years [range 1-19]) were enrolled. Plasma concentration-time profiles for ibrutinib 240 mg/m(2) (RPED) were comparable to those observed in adults with cGVHD at a dose of 420 mg/day. Safety was consistent with the known profile of ibrutinib in cGVHD. ORR by 24 weeks was 64% (38/59): 83% (10/12) for the TN subgroup and 60% (28/47) for R/R. Among 46 responders (median follow-up, 20 months [range 2-32]), 12-month DOR (95% confidence interval) for each subgroup was 60% (25-83%) in TN and 58% (35-75%) in R/R. CONCLUSIONS Responses were durable, with the rates numerically higher than previously observed with ibrutinib in adults, demonstrating that ibrutinib provides clinically meaningful activity with acceptable safety in children with moderate/severe cGVHD.
PICO Summary
Population
Children aged ≥1 to <22 years with treatment-naive (TN) or relapsed/refractory (R/R) moderate/severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) enrolled in the iMAGINE study (n=59)
Intervention
Children aged <12 years: once-daily ibrutinib starting at 120 mg/m(2) and escalating to 240 mg/m(2) (full adult dose equivalent) after 14 days if free from ibrutinib-related grade ≥3 toxicity; Children aged ≥12 years: once-daily ibrutinib 420 mg.
Comparison
None
Outcome
Plasma concentration-time profiles for ibrutinib 240 mg/m(2) (RPED) were comparable to those observed in adults with cGVHD at a dose of 420 mg/day. Safety was consistent with the known profile of ibrutinib in cGVHD. ORR by 24 weeks was 64% (38/59): 83% (10/12) for the TN subgroup and 60% (28/47) for R/R. Among 46 responders (median follow-up, 20 months [range 2-32]), 12-month DOR (95% confidence interval) for each subgroup was 60% (25-83%) in TN and 58% (35-75%) in R/R.