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Fludarabine-treosulfan versus fludarabine-melphalan or busulfan-cyclophosphamide conditioning in older AML or MDS patients - A clinical trial to registry data comparison
Beelen, D. W., Iacobelli, S., Koster, L., Eikema, D. J., van Biezen, A., Stölzel, F., Ciceri, F., Bethge, W., Dreger, P., Wagner-Drouet, E. M., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2024
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
A randomized study (acronym: MC-FludT.14/L Trial II) demonstrated that fludarabine plus treosulfan (30 g/m²) was an effective and well tolerated conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). To further evaluate this regimen, all 252 study patients aged 50 to 70 years were compared with similar patients, who underwent allo-HCT after fludarabine/melphalan (140 mg/m²) (FluMel) or busulfan (12.8 mg/kg)/cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) (BuCy) regimens and whose data was provided by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry. In 1:1 propensity-score matched-paired analysis (PSA) of AML patients, there was no difference in 2-year-relapse-incidence after FluTreo compared with either FluMel (n = 110, p = 0.28) or BuCy (n = 78, p = 0.98). However, 2-year-non-relapse-mortality (NRM) was lower compared with FluMel (p = 0.019) and BuCy (p < 0.001). Consequently, 2-year-overall-survival (OS) after FluTreo was higher compared with FluMel (p = 0.04) and BuCy (p < 0.001). For MDS patients, no endpoint differences between FluTreo and FluMel (n = 30) were evident, whereas 2-year-OS after FluTreo was higher compared with BuCy (n = 25, p = 0.01) due to lower 2-year-NRM. Multivariate sensitivity analysis confirmed all significant results of PSA. Consequently, FluTreo (30 g/m²) seems to retain efficacy compared with FluMel and BuCy, but is better tolerated by older patients.
PICO Summary
Population
Adults aged 50-70 years with primary or secondary AML in complete remission or MDS, receiving a peripheral blood allogeneic transplant (n=1220)
Intervention
Participants in the MC-FludT.14/L trial who received fludarabine-treosulfan conditioning (FluTreo, n=252)
Comparison
Propensity-score matched patients identified from the EBMT registry (n=968) who received fludarabine/melphalan (FluMel, n=338) or busulfan/cyclophosphamide (BuCy, n=630) regimens
Outcome
In 1:1 propensity-score matched-paired analysis (PSA) of AML patients, there was no difference in 2-year-relapse-incidence after FluTreo compared with either FluMel (n=110) or BuCy (n=78). However, 2-year-non-relapse-mortality (NRM) was lower compared with FluMel and BuCy. Consequently, 2-year-overall-survival (OS) after FluTreo was higher compared with FluMel and BuCy. For MDS patients, no endpoint differences between FluTreo and FluMel (n=30) were evident, whereas 2-year-OS after FluTreo was higher compared with BuCy (n=25) due to lower 2-year-NRM. Multivariate sensitivity analysis confirmed all significant results of PSA.
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Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients aged 60-79 years in Germany (1998-2018): a registry study
Weller, J. F., Lengerke, C., Finke, J., Schetelig, J., Platzbecker, U., Einsele, H., Schroeder, T., Faul, C., Stelljes, M., Dreger, P., et al
Haematologica. 2023
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Incidences of diseases treated with transplantation frequently peak at higher age. The contribution of age to total risk of transplantation has not been estimated amidst an aging society. We compare outcomes of 1,547 patients aged 70-79 and 9,422 patients aged 60-69 transplanted 1998-2018 for myeloid, lymphoid and further neoplasia in Germany. To quantify the contribution of population mortality to survival, we derive excess mortality based on a sex-, year- and age-matched German population in a multistate model that incorporates relapse and graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD). Overall, relapse-free (RFS) and GvHD-free-relapse-free survival (GRFS) is inferior in patients 70-79, compared to patients 60-69, with 36% [95%CI 34-39%] versus 43% [41-44%], 32% [30-35%] versus 36% [35-37%] and 23% [21-26%] versus 27% [26-28%] three years post-transplant (p<0.001). Cumulative incidences of relapse at three years are 27% [25-30%] (patients 70-79) versus 29% [29-30%] (60-69, p=0.71), yet the difference in non-relapse mortality (NRM, 40% [38-43%] versus 35% [34-36%] in 70-79 versus 60-69 aged patients, p<0.001) translates into survival differences. Median OS of patients surviving >1 year relapse-free is 6.7 (median, 95%CI 4.5-9.4, 70-79) versus 9 (8.4-10.1, 60-69) years since landmark. Three years after RFS of 1 year, excess NRM is 14% [95%CI 12-18%] in 70-79 versus 12% [11-13%] in 60-69, while population NRM is 7% [6-7%] versus 3% [3-3%]. Mortality for reasons other than relapse, GvHD or age is as high as 27% [24-29%] and 22% [22-23%] 4 years after transplantation. In conclusion, survival amongst older patients is adequate after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
PICO Summary
Population
Adults aged 60 years and over, receiving first allogeneic transplant for any malignant disease, identified from the German registry for stem cell transplantation (n=10,969)
Intervention
Transplant aged 70-79 years (n=1,547)
Comparison
Transplant aged 60-69 years (n=9,422)
Outcome
Overall, relapse-free (RFS) and GvHD-free-relapse-free survival (GRFS) is inferior in patients 70-79, compared to patients 60-69, with 36% [95%CI 34-39%] versus 43% [41-44%], 32% [30-35%] versus 36% [35-37%] and 23% [21-26%] versus 27% [26-28%] three years post-transplant. Cumulative incidences of relapse at three years are 27% [25-30%] (patients 70-79) versus 29% [29-30%] (60-69), yet the difference in non-relapse mortality (NRM, 40% [38-43%] versus 35% [34-36%] in 70-79 versus 60-69 aged patients translates into survival differences. Median OS of patients surviving >1 year relapse-free is 6.7 (median, 95%CI 4.5-9.4, 70-79) versus 9 (8.4-10.1, 60-69) years since landmark. Three years after RFS of 1 year, excess NRM is 14% [95%CI 12-18%] in 70-79 versus 12% [11-13%] in 60-69, while population NRM is 7% [6-7%] versus 3% [3-3%]. Mortality for reasons other than relapse, GvHD or age is as high as 27% [24-29%] and 22% [22-23%] 4 years after transplantation.
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3.
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: a position paper and registry outline
Bayas, A., Berthele, A., Blank, N., Dreger, P., Faissner, S., Friese, M. A., Gerdes, L. A., Grauer, O. M., Häussler, V., Heesen, C., et al
Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders. 2023;16:17562864231180730
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
BACKGROUND While substantial progress has been made in the development of disease-modifying medications for multiple sclerosis (MS), a high percentage of treated patients still show progression and persistent inflammatory activity. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) aims at eliminating a pathogenic immune repertoire through intense short-term immunosuppression that enables subsequent regeneration of a new and healthy immune system to re-establish immune tolerance for a long period of time. A number of mostly open-label, uncontrolled studies conducted over the past 20 years collected about 4000 cases. They uniformly reported high efficacy of AHSCT in controlling MS inflammatory disease activity, more markedly beneficial in relapsing-remitting MS. Immunological studies provided evidence for qualitative immune resetting following AHSCT. These data and improved safety profiles of transplantation procedures spurred interest in using AHSCT as a treatment option for MS. OBJECTIVE To develop expert consensus recommendations on AHSCT in Germany and outline a registry study project. METHODS An open call among MS neurologists as well as among experts in stem cell transplantation in Germany started in December 2021 to join a series of virtual meetings. RESULTS We provide a consensus-based opinion paper authored by 25 experts on the up-to-date optimal use of AHSCT in managing MS based on the Swiss criteria. Current data indicate that patients who are most likely to benefit from AHSCT have relapsing-remitting MS and are young, ambulatory and have high disease activity. Treatment data with AHSCT will be collected within the German REgistry Cohort of autologous haematopoietic stem CeLl trAnsplantation In MS (RECLAIM). CONCLUSION Further clinical trials, including registry-based analyses, are urgently needed to better define the patient characteristics, efficacy and safety profile of AHSCT compared with other high-efficacy therapies and to optimally position it as a treatment option in different MS disease stages. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis Substantial progress has been made in the development of disease-modifying medications for multiple sclerosis (MS) during the last 20 years. However, in a relevant percentage of patients, the disease cannot completely be contained. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) enables rebuilding of a new and healthy immune system and to potentially stop the autoimmune disease process for a long time. A number of studies documenting 4000 cases cumulatively over the past 20 years reported high efficacy of AHSCT in controlling MS inflammatory disease activity. These data and improved safety profiles of the treatment procedures spurred interest in using AHSCT as a treatment option for MS. An open call among MS neurologists as well as among experts in stem cell transplantation in Germany started in December 2021 to join a series of video calls to develop recommendations and outline a registry study project. We provide a consensus-based opinion paper authored by 25 experts on the up-to-date optimal use of AHSCT in managing MS. Current data indicate that patients are most likely to benefit from AHSCT if they are young, ambulatory, with high disease activity, that is, relapses or new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. Treatment data with AHSCT will be collected within the German REgistry Cohort of autoLogous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation MS (RECLAIM). Further clinical trials including registry-based analyses and systematic follow-up are urgently needed to better define the optimal patient characteristics as well as the efficacy and safety profile of AHSCT compared with other high-efficacy therapies. These will help to position AHSCT as a treatment option in different MS disease stages. eng
PICO Summary
Population
An expert panel of multiple sclerosis (MS) neurologists in Germany (n=25)
Intervention
Development of a position paper and registry outline on the up-to-date optimal use of autologous transplant in in managing MS
Comparison
None
Outcome
Current data indicate that patients who are most likely to benefit from autologous transplantation have relapsing-remitting MS and are young, ambulatory and have high disease activity. Treatment data with AHSCT will be collected within the German REgistry Cohort of autologous haematopoietic stem CeLl trAnsplantation In MS (RECLAIM).
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4.
Hematopoietic stem cell boost for persistent neutropenia after CAR-T cell therapy: a GLA/DRST study
Gagelmann, N., Wulf, G. G., Duell, J., Glass, B., Heteren, P. V., von Tresckow, B., Fischer, M., Penack, O., Ayuk, F. A., Einsele, H., et al
Blood advances. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Hematotoxicity after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is associated with infection and death but management remains unclear. We report results of 31 patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell boost (HSCB; 30 autologous, 1 allogeneic) for either sustained severe neutropenia of grade 4 (<0.5 x109/l), sustained moderate neutropenia (less than or equal to 1.5 x109/l) and high risk of infection, or neutrophil count less than or equal to 2.0 x109/l and active infection. Median time from CAR-T cell therapy to HSCB was 43 days and median absolute neutrophil count at time of HSCB was 0.2. Median duration of neutropenia prior to HSCB was 38 days (range, 7-151). Overall neutrophil response rate (recovery or improvement) was observed in 26 patients (84%) within a median of 9 days (95% confidence interval, 7-14). Time to response was significantly associated with the duration of prior neutropenia (p=0.007). All non-responders died within the first year after HSCB. One-year overall survival for all patients was 59% and significantly different for neutropenia ≤38 days (85%) versus neutropenia >38 days prior to HSCB (44%; p=0.029). In conclusion, early or prophylactic HSCB showed quick response and improved outcomes for sustained moderate to severe neutropenia after CAR-T.
PICO Summary
Population
Adults with persistent neutropenia after CAR-T cell therapy (n=31)
Intervention
Hematopoietic stem cell boost (HSCB; 30 autologous, 1 allogeneic)
Comparison
None
Outcome
Median time from CAR-T cell therapy to HSCB was 43 days and median absolute neutrophil count at time of HSCB was 0.2. Median duration of neutropenia prior to HSCB was 38 days (range, 7-151). Overall neutrophil response rate (recovery or improvement) was observed in 26 patients (84%) within a median of 9 days (95% confidence interval, 7-14). Time to response was significantly associated with the duration of prior neutropenia. All non-responders died within the first year after HSCB. One-year overall survival for all patients was 59% and significantly different for neutropenia ≤38 days (85%) versus neutropenia >38 days prior to HSCB (44%).
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5.
Impact of conditioning regimen intensity on outcomes of second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for secondary acute myelogenous leukemia
Nagler, A., Peczynski, C., Dholaria, B., Labopin, M., Valerius, T., Dreger, P., Kröger, N., Reinhardt, H. C., Finke, J., Franke, G. N., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Limited data is available on factors impacting the outcomes of second hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT2) in patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). This study aimed to assess HCT2 outcome for sAML comparing reduced-intensity (RIC) to myeloablative (MAC) conditioning. Two hundred and fifteen patients were included: RIC (n = 134), MAC (n = 81). The median follow-up was 41.1 (95% CI: 26.7-69.3) and 28.5 (95% CI: 23.9-75.4) months, respectively. At two years, the relapse incidence (RI) was 58.3% versus 51.1% in RIC and MAC, respectively. The 2-year leukemia free survival (LFS) was 26.6% versus 26%, and the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 16.4% versus 12.1%, while OS was 31.4% and 39.7%, for RIC and MAC respectively. MVA showed a significantly lower RI [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46 (95% CI, 0.26-0.8, p = 0.006)] and improved LFS [HR = 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39-0.98, p = 0.042)] with MAC versus RIC. The choice of conditioning regimen did not impact non-relapse mortality [HR = 1.14 (95% CI, 0.52-2.5, p = 0.74)], overall survival (OS) [HR = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.44-1.17, p = 0.18)] or GRFS [HR = 0.89 (95% CI, 0.59-1.36, p = 0.6)]. In conclusion, MAC was associated with a lower RI and superior LFS. These results support the use of MAC for eligible patients with sAML who are being considered for HCT2.
PICO Summary
Population
Adult patients with relapsed secondary acute leukaemia (sAML) receiving a second hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT2) from mulitple centre registries across Europe (n=215)
Intervention
Reduced-intensity pre-HCT2 conditioning (RIC, n=134)
Comparison
Myeloablative pre-HCT2 conditioning (MAC, n=81)
Outcome
Median follow-up was 41.1 (RIC, 95% CI: 26.7-69.3) and 28.5 (MAC, 95% CI: 23.9-75.4) months. At two years, the relapse incidence (RI) was 58.3% versus 51.1% in RIC and MAC, respectively. The 2-year leukemia free survival (LFS) was 26.6% versus 26%, and the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 16.4% versus 12.1%, while OS was 31.4% and 39.7%, for RIC and MAC respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly lower RI [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46 (95% CI, 0.26-0.8)] and improved LFS [HR = 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39-0.98)] with MAC versus RIC. The choice of conditioning regimen did not impact non-relapse mortality [HR = 1.14 (95% CI, 0.52-2.5)], overall survival (OS) [HR = 0.72 (95% CI, 0.44-1.17)] or GRFS [HR = 0.89 (95% CI, 0.59-1.36)].
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6.
Thiotepa-fludarabine-treosulfan conditioning for 2nd allogeneic HCT from an alternative unrelated donor for patients with AML: a prospective multicenter phase II trial
Finke, J., Schmoor, C., Stelljes, M., Burchert, A., Dreger, P., Hegenbart, U., Wagner-Drouet, E. M., Bornhäuser, M., Sohlbach, K., Schub, N., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Therapeutic options for patients with AML relapsing after allogeneic HCT range from chemotherapy or hypomethylating agents with or without donor lymphocyte infusions to a 2nd allogeneic HCT. Available data are based on retrospective single center or registry studies. The aim of this multicenter trial was to investigate prospectively intensive conditioning with Thiotepa, Fludarabine and Treosulfan (TFT) for 2nd allogeneic HCT from an alternative unrelated donor in patients with AML relapse > 6 months after a 1st allogeneic HCT. Primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) at one year after 2nd HCT. 50 patients median age 53.5 years, in CR/PR (34%) or active relapse (66%) were included. 33 of 38 patients (86.8%) with available data achieved CR 100 days post transplant. 23 patients were alive and free of relapse at primary endpoint one year after 2nd HCT (DFS rate 0.46, 95%-CI (0.32-0.61). Three-year rates of DFS, relapse, non-relapse mortality, and overall survival were 0.24, 95%-CI (0.13-0.36); 0.36 (0.25-0.52); 0.40 (0.29-0.57); and 0.24 (0.13-0.37). Second HCT with TFT conditioning is feasible and has high anti-leukemic efficacy in chemosensitive or refractory AML relapse after prior allogeneic HCT. Still, relapse rates and NRM after 2nd allogeneic HCT remain a challenge. The trial is registered in the German Clinical Trials Registry (number DRKS00005126).
PICO Summary
Population
Participants with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) relapsing after allogeneic transplant, from fourteen centres in Germany (n=50)
Intervention
Second allogeneic transplant from an alternative donor >6 months after 1st allogeneic transplant
Comparison
None
Outcome
50 patients median age 53.5 years, in CR/PR (34%) or active relapse (66%) were included. 33 of 38 patients (86.8%) with available data achieved CR 100 days post transplant. 23 patients were alive and free of relapse at primary endpoint one year after 2nd HCT (DFS rate 0.46, 95%-CI (0.32-0.61). Three-year rates of DFS, relapse, non-relapse mortality, and overall survival were 0.24, 95%-CI (0.13-0.36); 0.36 (0.25-0.52); 0.40 (0.29-0.57); and 0.24 (0.13-0.37). Second HCT with TFT conditioning is feasible and has high anti-leukemic efficacy in chemosensitive or refractory AML relapse after prior allogeneic HCT.
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7.
Comparison of autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation strategies in patients with primary plasma cell leukemia, with dynamic prediction modelling
Lawless, S., Iacobelli, S., Knelange, N. S., Chevallier, P., Blaise, D., Milpied, N., Foà, R., Cornelissen, J. J., Lioure, B., Benjamin, R., et al
Haematologica. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Primary Plasma Cell Leukaemia (pPCL) is a rare and challenging malignancy. There is limited data regarding optimum transplant approaches. Therefore we undertook a retrospective analysis from 1998-2014 of 751 patients with Primary Plasma Cell Leukaemia (pPCL) undergoing one of four transplant strategies; single autologous transplant (single-auto), single allogeneic transplant (allo-first) or a combined tandem transplant either auto-allo or auto-auto. To avoid time bias multiple analytic approaches were employed including Cox models with time dependent covariates and dynamic prediction by landmarking. Initial comparisons were made between patients undergoing allo-first (n=70) versus auto first (n=681), regardless of subsequent administration of second transplant. The allo-first group had lower relapse rate (45.9%, 95%CI 33.2-58.6 vs. 68.4%, 64.4-72.4) but higher NRM (27%, 95%CI 15.9-38.1 vs 7.3%, 5.2-9.4) at 36 months. Allo-first had remarkably higher risk in the first 100 days for both OS and PFS. Autoallo (n=122) had no increased risk in the short term and significant benefit in PFS post-100 days compared to single auto (HR 0.69, 95%CI: 0.52-0.92, p=0.012). Auto-auto (n=117) was an effective option for patients achieving CR prior to first transplant, whereas in patients without CR prior to transplant our modelling predicted that auto-allo was superior. This is the largest retrospective study reporting on transplant in pPCL to date. We confirm significant mortality risk within the first 100 days for allo-first and suggest that tandem transplant strategies are superior. Disease status at time of transplant influences outcome, this knowledge may help guide clinical decisions on transplant strategy.
PICO Summary
Population
Adults with primary plasma cell leukaemia reported to the EBMT registry (n=751)
Intervention
Single allogeneic transplant (allo-first, n=70)
Comparison
Single autologous transplant (auto first, n=681). Then proceeding on to either a combined tandem transplant: auto-allo (n=122) or auto-auto (n=117), or no further transplant (auto only, n=442)
Outcome
Initial comparisons were made between patients undergoing allo-first (n=70) versus auto first (n=681), regardless of subsequent administration of second transplant. The allo-first group had lower relapse rate (45.9%, 95%CI 33.2-58.6 vs. 68.4%, 64.4-72.4) but higher non relapse mortality (27%, 95%CI 15.9-38.1 vs 7.3%, 5.2-9.4) at 36 months. Allo-first had remarkably higher risk in the first 100 days for both overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS). Auto-allo (n=122) had no increased risk in the short term and significant benefit in PFS post-100 days compared to single auto (HR 0.69, 95%CI: 0.52-0.92). Auto-auto (n=117) was an effective option for patients achieving complete response (CR) prior to first transplant, whereas in patients without CR prior to transplant our modelling predicted that auto-allo was superior.
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8.
Determinants of survival in myelofibrosis patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Hernandez-Boluda, J. C., Pereira, A., Kroger, N., Beelen, D., Robin, M., Bornhauser, M., Angelucci, E., Vitek, A., Blau, I. W., Niittyvuopio, R., et al
Leukemia. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the determinants of survival in myelofibrosis patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and to describe factors predicting the main post-HCT complications. This retrospective study by the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation included 2916 myelofibrosis patients who underwent first allo-HCT from an HLA-identical sibling or unrelated donor between 2000 and 2016. After a median follow-up of 4.7 years from transplant, projected median survival of the series was 5.3 years. Factors independently associated with increased mortality were age ≥ 60 years and Karnofsky Performance Status <90% at transplant, and occurrence of graft failure, grades III-IV acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD), and disease progression/relapse during follow-up. The opposing effects of chronic graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) on non-relapse mortality and relapse incidence resulted in a neutral influence on survival. Graft failure increased in unrelated donor recipients and decreased with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and negative donor/recipient cytomegalovirus serostatus. Risk of grades III-IV aGVHD was higher with unrelated donors and decreased with MAC. Relapse incidence tended to be higher in patients with intermediate-2/high-risk DIPSS categories and to decrease in CALR-mutated patients. Acute and chronic GVHD reduced the subsequent risk of relapse. This information has potential implications for patient counseling and clinical decision-making.
PICO Summary
Population
Myelofibrosis patients (n=2916)
Intervention
First allo-HCT from an HLA-identical sibling or unrelated donor between 2000 and 2016
Comparison
None
Outcome
After a median follow-up of 4.7 years from transplant, projected median survival of the series was 5.3 years. Factors independently associated with increased mortality were age >/= 60 years and Karnofsky Performance Status <90% at transplant, and occurrence of graft failure, grades III-IV acute graft-vs.-host disease (aGVHD), and disease progression/relapse during follow-up. The opposing effects of chronic graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) on non-relapse mortality and relapse incidence resulted in a neutral influence on survival. Graft failure increased in unrelated donor recipients and decreased with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and negative donor/recipient cytomegalovirus serostatus. Risk of grades III-IV aGVHD was higher with unrelated donors and decreased with MAC. Relapse incidence tended to be higher in patients with intermediate-2/high-risk DIPSS categories and to decrease in CALR-mutated patients. Acute and chronic GVHD reduced the subsequent risk of relapse.
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9.
CAR T cells or allogeneic transplantation as standard of care for advanced large B-cell lymphoma: an intent-to-treat comparison
Dreger, P., Dietrich, S., Schubert, M. L., Selberg, L., Bondong, A., Wegner, M., Stadtherr, P., Kimmich, C., Kosely, F., Schmitt, A., et al
Blood advances. 2020;4(24):6157-6168
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell treatment has evolved as standard of care (SOC) for multiply relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL). However, its potential benefit over allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) remains unclear. We compared outcomes with both types of cellular immunotherapy (CI) by intention to treat (ITT). Eligble were all patients with R/R LBCL and institutional tumor board decision recommending SOC CAR T-cell treatment between July 2018 and February 2020, or alloHCT between January 2004 and February 2020. Primary end point was overall survival (OS) from indication. Altogether, 41 and 60 patients for whom CAR T cells and alloHCT were intended, respectively, were included. In both cohorts, virtually all patients had active disease at indication. CI was recommended as part of second-line therapy for 21 alloHCT patients but no CAR T-cell patients. Median OS from indication was 475 days with CAR T cells vs 285 days with alloHCT (P = .88) and 222 days for 39 patients for whom alloHCT beyond second line was recommended (P = .08). Of CAR T-cell and alloHCT patients, 73% and 65%, respectively, proceeded to CI. After CI, 12-month estimates for nonrelapse mortality, relapse incidence, progression-free survival, and OS for CAR T cells vs alloHCT were 3% vs 21% (P = .04), 59% vs 44% (P = .12), 39% vs 33% (P = .97), and 68% vs 54% (P = .32), respectively. In conclusion, CAR T-cell outcomes were not inferior to alloHCT outcomes, whether measured by ITT or from CI administration, supporting strategies preferring CAR T cells over alloHCT as first CI for multiply R/R LBCL.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with multiply relapsed/refractory (R/R) large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) (n=101)
Intervention
CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy (CI, n=41)
Comparison
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT, n=60)
Outcome
. In both cohorts, virtually all patients had active disease at indication. CI was recommended as part of second-line therapy for 21 alloHCT patients but no CAR T-cell patients. Median OS from indication was 475 days with CAR T cells vs 285 days with alloHCT and 222 days for 39 patients for whom alloHCT beyond second line was recommended. Of CAR T-cell and alloHCT patients, 73% and 65%, respectively, proceeded to CI. After CI, 12-month estimates for nonrelapse mortality, relapse incidence, progression-free survival, and OS for CAR T cells vs alloHCT were 3% vs 21%, 59% vs 44%, 39% vs 33%, and 68% vs 54%, respectively.
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10.
A randomized phase 3 trial of auto vs. allo transplantation as part of first-line therapy in poor-risk peripheral T-NHL
Schmitz, N., Truemper, L. H., Bouabdallah, K., Ziepert, M., Leclerc, M., Cartron, G., Jaccard, A., Reimer, P., Wagner-Drouet, E. M., Wilhelm, M., et al
Blood. 2020
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
Standard first-line therapy for younger patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma consists of six courses of CHOP or CHOEP consolidated by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (AutoSCT). We hypothesized that consolidative allogeneic transplantation (AlloSCT) could improve outcome. 104 patients with nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma except ALK+ ALCL, 18 to 60 years of age, all stages and IPI scores except stage 1 and aaIPI 0, were randomized to receive 4 x CHOEP and 1 x DHAP followed by high-dose therapy and AutoSCT or myeloablative conditioning and AlloSCT. The primary endpoint was event-free survival (EFS) at three years. After a median follow-up of 42 months, 3-year EFS of patients undergoing AlloSCT was 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 29%; 57%) as compared to 38% (95% CI: 25%; 52%) after AutoSCT. Overall survival at 3 years was 57% (95% CI: 43%; 71%) versus 70% (95% CI: 57%; 82%) after AlloSCT or AutoSCT, without significant differences between treatment arms. None of 21 responding patients proceeding to AlloSCT as opposed to 13 of 36 patients (36%) proceeding to AutoSCT relapsed. Eight of 26 patients (31%) and none of 41 patients died due to transplant-related toxicity after allogeneic and autologous transplantation, respectively. In younger patients with T-cell lymphoma standard chemotherapy consolidated by autologous or allogeneic transplantation results in comparable survival. The strong graft-versus-lymphoma effect after AlloSCT was counterbalanced by transplant-related mortality. CHO(E)P followed by AutoSCT remains the preferred treatment option for transplant-eligible patients. AlloSCT is the treatment of choice for relapsing patients also after AutoSCT.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients with nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma except ALK+ ALCL (n=103)
Intervention
4 x CHOEP and 1 x DHAP followed by high-dose therapy and (AutoSCT, n=54)
Comparison
Myeloablative conditioning and allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT, n=49)
Outcome
After a median follow-up of 42 months, 3-year event-free survival (EFS) of patients undergoing AlloSCT was 43% as compared to 38% after AutoSCT. Overall survival at 3 years was 57% versus 70% after AlloSCT or AutoSCT, without significant differences between treatment arms. None of 21 responding patients proceeding to AlloSCT as opposed to 13 of 36 patients (36%) proceeding to AutoSCT relapsed. Eight of 26 patients (31%) and none of 41 patients died due to transplant-related toxicity after allogeneic and autologous transplantation, respectively. In younger patients with T-cell lymphoma standard chemotherapy consolidated by autologous or allogeneic transplantation results in comparable survival. The strong graft-versus-lymphoma effect after AlloSCT was counterbalanced by transplant-related mortality.