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1.
Rituximab added to conditioning regimen significantly improves erythroid engraftment in major incompatible ABO-group hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Finazzi, M. C., Weber, A., Pavoni, C., Grassi, A., Micò, M. C., Algarotti, A., Lussana, F., Rambaldi, A.
Bone marrow transplantation. 2024
Abstract
ABO-group major incompatibility hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) increases the risk of delayed red cell engraftment and other immunological complications. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of pre-transplant infusion of rituximab in patients with ABO-incompatibility in improving red blood cell engraftment after HSCT, measured by time to reach transfusion independence. We performed a retrospective, single-center study including 131 consecutive patients transplanted with major or bidirectional ABO-incompatible grafts between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2019. Fifty-one patients received an infusion of rituximab during the conditioning regimen, while 80 patients did not receive any additional preventive treatment. Time to transfusion independence was significantly reduced for patients treated with rituximab (1 month, 95% CI, 0.5-2) compared with the control group (3.2 months, 95% CI 1.5-3.2, p = 0.02). By multivariable analysis, rituximab use was associated with a faster red blood cell (RBC) engraftment (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.17-3.03, p = 0.009), while a pre-transplant anti-donor isohemagglutinins titer >1:128 was associated with delayed transfusion independence (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.37-0.99, p = 0.05). Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, the results of this analysis suggest that rituximab added to conditioning regimens is feasible, safe, and able to improve post-transplant red blood cell engraftment.
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2.
High-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant as first salvage treatment for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma in the era of PET-adapted strategies
Viviani, S., Vanazzi, A., Frassoni, S., Rusconi, C., Rossi, A., Romano, A., Patti, C., Schiavotto, C., Sorasio, R., Marasco, V., et al
Leukemia & lymphoma. 2024;:1-12
Abstract
Data on the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients who failed a PET-driven first-line therapy are limited.We retrospectively evaluated 220 adult cHL patients who underwent ASCT from 2009 to 2021 at 11 centers in Italy. Overall, 49.5% had refractory disease, 23.2% relapsed < 12 and 27.3% ≥12 months from the end of first-line chemotherapy. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 73.8% and 89.4%. In univariable analysis for PFS events PET-2+ (HR 2.69, p = .001), anemia (HR 2.22, p = .019), refractory disease (HR 1.76, p = .045), less than CR before ASCT (HR 3.24, p < .001) and >2 lines of salvage therapy (HR 2.52; p = .004) were associated with a higher risk of failure after ASCT. In multivariable analysis, >2 lines of salvage therapy (HR 3.28, p = .004) and RT before ASCT (HR 3.00, p = 0.041) retained significance.ASCT is an effective salvage approach for cHL patients treated in the era of PET-adapted therapies.
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3.
Complex karyotype but not other cytogenetic abnormalities is associated with worse posttransplant survival of patients with nucleophosmin 1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia: A study from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Acute Leukemia Working Party
Moukalled, N., Labopin, M., Versluis, J., Socié, G., Blaise, D., Salmenniemi, U., Rambaldi, A., Gedde-Dahl, T., Tholouli, E., Kröger, N., et al
American journal of hematology. 2024
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
In the 2022 European LeukemiaNet classification, patients with nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were classified in the adverse-risk category in the presence of high-risk cytogenetics (CG). Nonetheless, the impact of various CG aberrations on posttransplant outcomes remains to be unraveled. This registry study analyzed adult patients with NPM1-mutated de novo AML who underwent their first allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the first complete remission from 2005 to 2021. A total of 3275 patients were identified, 2782 had normal karyotype, 493 had chromosomal aberrations including 160 with adverse-risk CG, 72 patients had complex karyotype (CK), and 66 monosomal karyotype (MK). Overall, 2377 (73%) patients had FLT3-ITD. On univariate analysis, only FLT3-ITD, minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) positivity and CK, but not abnormal CG, affected posttransplant outcomes. On multivariable analysis, CK was associated with lower overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.72, p = .009). In the subgroup of 493 patients with aberrant CG, the 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) and OS were around 61% and 68%, respectively. On multivariable analysis for this subgroup, CK and MRD positivity were associated with increased risk of relapse (HR 1.7, p = .025; and 1.99, p = .003 respectively) and worse LFS (HR 1.62, p = .018; and 1.64, p = .011 respectively) while FLT3-ITD, MK, or other CG abnormalities had no significant effect. Importantly, CK negatively affected OS (HR 1.91, p = .002). In the first complete remission transplant setting, CK was found as the only cytogenetic risk factor for worse outcomes in NPM1-mutated AML. Nevertheless, even for this subgroup, a significant proportion of patients can achieve long-term posttransplant survival.
PICO Summary
Population
Adults with NPM1-mutated de novo AML with known cytogenetic and FLT3-ITD status, reported to the EBMT registry (n=3275)
Intervention
Analysis of the impact of high-risk cytogenetics (CG) on allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in the first complete remission.
Comparison
None
Outcome
Overall, 2377 (73%) patients had FLT3-ITD. On univariate analysis, only FLT3-ITD, minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) positivity and CK, but not abnormal CG, affected posttransplant outcomes. On multivariable analysis, CK was associated with lower overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.72). In the subgroup of 493 patients with aberrant CG, the 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) and OS were around 61% and 68%, respectively. On multivariable analysis for this subgroup, CK and MRD positivity were associated with increased risk of relapse (HR 1.7, p = .025; and 1.99) and worse LFS (HR 1.62, p = .018; and 1.64 respectively) while FLT3-ITD, MK, or other CG abnormalities had no significant effect. Importantly, CK negatively affected OS (HR 1.91). In the first complete remission transplant setting, CK was found as the only cytogenetic risk factor for worse outcomes in NPM1-mutated AML.
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4.
Current incidence, severity, and management of veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in adult allogeneic HSCT recipients: an EBMT Transplant Complications Working Party study
Ruutu, T., Peczynski, C., Houhou, M., Polge, E., Mohty, M., Kröger, N., Moiseev, I., Penack, O., Salooja, N., Schoemans, H., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2023
Abstract
The current incidence, diagnostic policy, management, and outcome of VOD/SOS at EBMT centers were studied. All centers that had performed allogeneic HSCTs in adult patients within one defined year were invited to the study. Seventy-one centers participated with a total of 2886 allogeneic transplantations and 93 cases of VOD/SOS in 2018. The cumulative incidence of VOD/SOS at day 21 was 1.8% and at day 100 2.4%. Of 67 cases with detailed data, 52 were classical and 15 (22%) late onset (>day 21). According to the EBMT criteria, 65/67 patients had at least two VOD/SOS risk factors. The severity grades were: mild 0, moderate 3, severe 29, very severe 35. Fifty-four patients were treated with defibrotide. VOD/SOS resolved in 58% of the patients, 3/3 with moderate, 22/28 with severe, and 12/33 with very severe grade (p < 0.001). By day 100, 57% of the patients were alive; 3/3 with moderate, 22/29 with severe, and 13/35 with very severe VOD/SOS (p = 0.002). In conclusion, the incidence of VOD/SOS was low. Severe and very severe grades dominated. Very severe grade predicted poor outcome compared to severe grade further supporting the concept of early diagnosis and treatment to avoid a dismal outcome.
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5.
Indication and management of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in myelofibrosis: updated recommendations by the EBMT/ELN International Working Group
Kröger, N., Bacigalupo, A., Barbui, T., Ditschkowski, M., Gagelmann, N., Griesshammer, M., Gupta, V., Hamad, N., Harrison, C., Hernandez-Boluda, J. C., et al
The Lancet. Haematology. 2023
Abstract
New options for medical therapy and risk scoring systems containing molecular data are leading to increased complexity in the management of patients with myelofibrosis. To inform patients' optimal care, we updated the 2015 guidelines on indications for and management of allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) with the support of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and European LeukemiaNet (ELN). New recommendations were produced using a consensus-building methodology after a comprehensive review of articles released from January, 2015 to December, 2022. Seven domains and 18 key questions were selected through a series of questionnaires using a Delphi process. Key recommendations in this update include: patients with primary myelofibrosis and an intermediate-2 or high-risk Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System score, or a high-risk Mutation-Enhanced International Prognostic Score Systems (MIPSS70 or MIPSS70-plus) score, or a low-risk or intermediate-risk Myelofibrosis Transplant Scoring System score should be considered candidates for allogeneic HSCT. All patients who are candidates for allogeneic HSCT with splenomegaly greater than 5 cm below the left costal margin or splenomegaly-related symptoms should receive a spleen-directed treatment, ideally with a JAK-inhibitor; HLA-matched sibling donors remain the preferred donor source to date. Reduced intensity conditioning and myeloablative conditioning are both valid options for patients with myelofibrosis. Regular post-transplantation driver mutation monitoring is recommended to detect and treat early relapse with donor lymphocyte infusion. In a disease where evidence-based guidance is scarce, these recommendations might help clinicians and patients in shared decision making.
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6.
Cord blood transplantation for AML: Comparable LFS in patients with de novo versus secondary AML in CR1, an ALWP/EBMT study
Baron, F., Nagler, A., Galimard, J. E., Sanz, J., Versluis, J., Forcade, E., Chevallier, P., Sirvent, A., Anthias, C., Kuball, J., et al
British journal of haematology. 2023
Abstract
We investigated whether secondary versus de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) would be associated with poor outcomes in adult acute AML patients in first complete remission (CR1) receiving unrelated cord blood transplantation (CBT). This is a retrospective study from the acute leukaemia working party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Inclusion criteria included adult at first allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation between 2000 and 2021, unrelated single or double unit CBT, AML in CR1, no ex vivo T-cell depletion and no post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The primary end-point of the study was leukaemia-free survival (LFS). A total of 879 patients with de novo (n = 696) or secondary (n = 183) AML met the inclusion criteria. In multivariable analyses, sAML patients had non-significantly different LFS (HR = 0.98, p = 0.86), overall survival (HR = 1.07, p = 0.58), relapse incidence (HR = 0.74, p = 0.09) and non-relapse mortality (HR = 1.26, p = 0.13) than those with de novo AML. Our results demonstrate non-significantly different LFS following CBT in adult patients with secondary versus de novo AML.
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7.
Pegaspargase-modified risk-oriented program for adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of the GIMEMA LAL1913 trial
Bassan, R., Chiaretti, S., Della Starza, I., Spinelli, O., Santoro, A., Paoloni, F. P., Messina, M., Elia, L., De Propris, M. S. S., Scattolin, A. M., et al
Blood advances. 2023
Abstract
Pediatric-inspired chemotherapy is the standard of care for younger adults with Philadelphia-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (Ph- ALL/LL). The GIMEMA LAL1913 trial tested a modified regimen adding pegaspargase 2000 IU/m2 to courses 1, 2, 5 and 6 of an eight-block protocol for patients 18-65 years, with dose reductions in patients >55 years. Responders were risk-stratified to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) or maintenance according to clinical characteristics and minimal residual disease (MRD). Out of 203 study patients (median age 39.8 years, 68.5% B-lineage), 185 (91%) achieved a complete remission (CR). The 3-year overall survival (OS), event-free (EFS) and disease-free (DFS) survival rates were 66.7% (95% confidence intervals, 64.4-60.1%), 57.7% (51.0-65.3%) and 63.3% (56.3-71.1%), respectively, fulfilling the primary study endpoint of a 2-year DFS >55%. While by intention-to-treat DFS was 74% and 50% in the chemotherapy (n=94) and HCT (n=91) assigment cohorts, a time-dependent analysis proved the value of HCT in eligible patients (DFS HCT 70% vs. no HCT 26%, P<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, age and MRD (n=151) were independent prognostic factors associated with DFS rates of 86% (age less/equal to 40/MRD-negative, n=66), 65% (age >40/MRD-negative, n=48), 64% (age less/equal to 40/MRD-positive, n=17) and 25% (age >40/MRD-positive, n=20) (P<0.0001). Grade 2/greater pegaspargase toxicity was mainly observed at course 1 (41 episodes in 32 patients), contributing to induction death in 2 patients, but was rare and milder thereafter. This pegarspargase-containing risk-oriented program was feasible and improved outcome of Ph- ALL/LL patients up to 65 years in a multicenter national setting. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02067143.
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8.
Significance of Degree of HLA Disparity Using T-cell Replete Peripheral Blood Stem Cells From Haploidentical Donors With Posttransplantation Cyclophosphamide in AML in First Complete Hematologic Remission: A Study of the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT
Kharfan-Dabaja, M. A., Labopin, M., Ayala, E., Bazarbachi, A., Blaise, D., Vydra, J., Bramanti, S., Itälä-Remes, M., Schmid, C., Busca, A., et al
HemaSphere. 2023;7(7):e920
Abstract
Availability of haploidentical donors has broadened utilization of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) are being used with increased frequency in haploidentical allo-HCT. We evaluated extent of HLA disparity (2-3/8 versus 4/8 HLA antigen mismatches) on post-allograft outcomes when using T-cell replete PBSC from haploidentical donors for acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission. Primary objectives entailed assessing cumulative incidence of grade 2-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD (any grade). A total of 645 patients received a haploidentical allo-HCT from a donor with either 2-3 of 8 HLA antigen mismatches (n = 180) or with 4 of 8 HLA antigen mismatches (n = 465). Presence of 2-3 of 8 versus 4 of 8 HLA mismatches did not affect the incidence of acute GVHD (grade 2-4) and chronic GVHD (any grade). Overall survival (OS), leukemia-free survival (LFS) relapse incidence (RI), nonrelapse mortality and the composite endpoint of GVHD-free relapse-free survival were also similar among the groups. Pertaining to HLA-B leader matching effect, our analysis did not discern any difference in aforementioned post-allograft outcomes for this variable. However, in univariate analysis, absence of an antigen mismatch in HLA-DPB1 showed a trend for better OS. Notwithstanding inherent limitations associated with registry data, our results did not show an advantage of selecting a haploidentical donor with 2-3 of 8 HLA antigen mismatches over one with 4 of 8 HLA antigen mismatches when using PBSC as the cell source. Adverse cytogenetics remains a major adverse determinant of inferior OS and LFS and a higher RI. Using reduced-intensity conditioning yielded worse OS and LFS.
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9.
Comparative study of treosulfan plus Fludarabine (FT14) with busulfan plus Fludarabine (FB4) for acute myeloid leukemia in first or second complete remission: An analysis from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP)
Gavriilaki, E., Labopin, M., Sakellari, I., Salmenniemi, U., Yakoub-Agha, I., Potter, V., Berceanu, A., Rambaldi, A., Hilgendorf, I., Kröger, N., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2022
Abstract
Different doses of treosulfan plus fludarabine have shown advantage over reduced intensity regimens. However, data comparing higher doses of treosulfan to myeloablative busulfan are limited. Thus, we compared outcomes between FT14 (fludarabine 150/160 mg/m(2) and treosulfan 42 g/m(2), or FT14) over FB4 (fludarabine 150/160 mg/m(2) and busulfan 12.8 mg/kg). We retrospectively studied patients from European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation registry: a) adults diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), b) recipients of first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from unrelated or sibling donor (2010-2020), c) HSCT at first or second complete remission, d) conditioning with FT14 or FB4. FT14 recipients (n = 678) were older, with higher rates of secondary AML, unrelated donors, peripheral blood grafts, and adverse cytogenetics, but lower percentage of female donor to male recipient compared to FB4 (n = 2025). Analysis was stratified on age. In patients aged < 55 years, FT14 was associated with higher relapse incidence (RI) and lower Leukemia-Free Survival (LFS). In patients aged≥55 years, acute GVHD CI was higher in FB4, without significant differences in other outcomes. Although FT14 has been used for higher-risk HSCT patients, our large real-world multicenter study suggests that FB4 is associated with better outcomes compared to FT14 in younger patients.
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10.
Myeloablative conditioning with thiotepa-busulfan-fludarabine does not improve the outcome of patients transplanted with active leukemia: final results of the GITMO prospective trial GANDALF-01
Bonifazi, F., Pavoni, C., Peccatori, J., Giglio, F., Arpinati, M., Busca, A., Bernasconi, P., Grassi, A., Iori, A. P., Patriarca, F., et al
Bone marrow transplantation. 2022
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Editor's Choice
Abstract
The outcome of refractory/relapsed (R/R) acute leukemias is still dismal and their treatment represents an unmet clinical need. However, allogeneic transplantation (allo-HSCT) remains the only potentially curative approach in this setting. A prospective study (GANDALF-01, NCT01814488; EUDRACT2012-004008-37) on transplantation with alternative donors had been run by GITMO using a homogeneous myeloablative conditioning regimen with busulfan, thiotepa and fludarabine while GVHD prophylaxis was stratified by donor type. The study enrolled 101 patients; 90 found an alternative donor and 87 ultimately underwent allo-HSCT. Two-year overall survival of the entire and of the transplant population (primary endpoint) were 19% and 22%, without significant differences according to disease, donor type and disease history (relapsed vs refractory patients). Two-year progression-free survival was 19% and 17% respectively. The cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality were 49% and 33% at two years. Acute grade II-IV and chronic GVHD occurred in 23 and 10 patients. Dose intensification with a myeloablative two-alkylating regimen as sole strategy for transplanting R/R acute leukemia does seem neither to improve the outcome nor to control disease relapse. A pre-planned relapse prevention should be included in the transplant strategy in this patient population.
PICO Summary
Population
People with refractory/relapsed leukaemia for whom an unrelated donor search at the IBMDR was activated at any time (n=101)
Intervention
Alternative donor transplantation with myeloablative conditioning regimen of busulfan, thiotepa and fludarabine (Patients undergoing transplant, n=87)
Comparison
Outcome
Two-year overall survival of the entire and of the transplant population (primary endpoint) were 19% and 22%, without significant differences according to disease, donor type and disease history (relapsed vs refractory patients). Two-year progression-free survival was 19% and 17% respectively. The cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality were 49% and 33% at two years. Acute grade II-IV and chronic GVHD occurred in 23 and 10 patients.