Abstract

PURPOSE To develop a prognostic model and cytogenetic risk classification for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 606 CLL patients who underwent RIC allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. RESULTS Based on multivariable models, disease status, comorbidity index, lymphocyte count and white blood cell count at HCT were selected for the development of prognostic model. Using the prognostic score, we stratified patients into low, intermediate, high, and very high risk (4-year progression-free survival (PFS) 58%, 42%, 33%, and 25%, respectively, p<0.0001; 4-year overall survival (OS) 70%, 57%, 54%, and 38%, respectively, p<0.0001). We also evaluated karyotypic abnormalities together with del(17p) and found that del(17p) or ≥5 abnormalities showed inferior PFS. Using a multivariable model, we classified cytogenetic risk into low, intermediate, and high (p<0.0001). When the prognostic score and cytogenetic risk were combined, patients with low prognostic score and low cytogenetic risk had prolonged PFS (61% at 4-year) and OS (75% at 4-year). CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort of previously treated CLL patients who underwent RIC HCT, we developed a robust prognostic scoring system of HCT outcomes and a novel cytogenetic based risk stratification system. These prognostic models can be used for counseling patients, comparing data across studies, and providing a benchmark for future interventions. For future study, we will further validate these models for patients receiving targeted therapies prior to HCT.

Abstract

Relapse of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains a clinical challenge. We studied in a phase II trial whether the addition of peri-transplant rituximab would reduce the relapse risk compared with historical controls (n = 157). Patients (n = 55) received fludarabine and low-dose total body irradiation combined with rituximab on days -3, + 10, + 24, + 36. Relapse rate at 3 years was significantly lower among rituximab-treated patients versus controls (17% versus 31%; P = 0.04). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) were statistically similar: (53% versus 50%; P = 0.8), (44% versus 42%; P = 0.63), and (38% versus 28%; P = 0.2), respectively. In multivariate analysis, rituximab treatment was associated with lower relapse rates both in the overall cohort [hazard ratio (HR): 0.34, P = 0.006] and in patients with high-risk cytogenetics (HR: 0.21, P = 0.0003). Patients with no comorbidities who received rituximab conditioning had an OS rate of 100% and 75% at 1 and 3 years, respectively, with no NRM. Peri-transplant rituximab reduced relapse rates regardless of high-risk cytogenetics. HCT is associated with minimal NRM in patients without comorbidities and is a viable option for patients with high-risk CLL. Clinical trial information: NCT00867529.

Abstract

Although autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) is standard therapy for patients with lymphoma and multiple myeloma (MM), few studies have addressed late effects and quality of life (QOL) for long-term survivors after AHCT. Using long-term follow-up (LTFU) annual questionnaires with self-reported outcomes, we surveyed 665 patients who were ≥5 years after AHCT for the diagnosis of lymphoma or MM. Three-hundred and eighty-nine patients completed the questionnaire (58% response rate) a median of 11 (range 5-30) years after AHCT. The median age (years, range) among 268 lymphoma patients was 63 (22-88), and for 121 multiple myeloma patients was 69 (34-84). The most commonly reported medical conditions (>10% incidence) included: sexual dysfunction, history of shingles, cataracts, osteoporosis or osteopenia, joint replacement, and skin cancer. Current medication use was more frequent in MM patients for: infection prevention/treatment (19% multiple myeloma vs 5% lymphoma, p<.001), hypertension (41% vs. 26%, p=.004), osteoporosis (23% vs. 10%, p=<0.001), and pain (33% vs. 11%, p<.001). Treated hypothyroidism was more common in lymphoma patients. In multivariate analysis combining lymphoma and MM, worse physical functioning was associated with older age, shorter time since AHCT, comorbidities, relapse and treatment for depression and/or pain. Worse mental functioning was associated with younger age and treatment for anxiety, depression or pain. In conclusion, AHCT survivors report generally good QOL but many late effects and symptoms that are potentially amenable to intervention.

Abstract

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is offered to selected patients after chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy and CAR-T therapy have immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory effects that could alter the safety profile of subsequent allo-HCT. We reviewed our experience with 32 adults (acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL], n = 19; B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL]/chronic lymphocytic leukemia [CLL], n = 13) who received an allo-HCT after CAR-T therapy, with a focus on posttransplant toxicities. Myeloablative conditioning (MAC) was used in 74% of ALL patients and 39% of NHL/CLL patients. The median time from CAR-T therapy to allo-HCT was 72 days in ALL patients and 122 days in NHL/CLL patients. Cumulative incidences of grade 3-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD were 25% and 10%, respectively. All patients had neutrophil recovery (median, 18.5 days) and all but 3 had platelet recovery (median, 12 days). Twenty-two percent had viral or systemic fungal infection within 100 days after allo-HCT. The 100-day and 1-year cumulative incidences of NRM were 16% and 21%, respectively, for ALL patients and 15% and 33%, respectively, for NHL/CLL patients. In ALL patients, later utilization of allo-HCT after CAR-T therapy was associated with higher mortality. In NHL/CLL patients, MAC was associated with higher mortality. Toxicities did not exceed the expected incidences in this high-risk population.

Abstract

Importance: Maintenance therapies are often considered as a therapeutic strategy in patients with lymphoma following autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) to mitigate the risk of disease relapse. With an evolving therapeutic landscape, where novel drugs are moving earlier in therapy lines, evidence relevant to contemporary practice is increasingly limited. The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT), Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), and European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) jointly convened an expert panel with diverse expertise and geographical representation to formulate consensus recommendations regarding the use of maintenance and/or consolidation therapies after auto-HCT in patients with lymphoma. Observations: The RAND-modified Delphi method was used to generate consensus statements where at least 75% vote in favor of a recommendation was considered as consensus. The process included 3 online surveys moderated by an independent methodological expert to ensure anonymity and an in-person meeting. The panel recommended restricting the histologic categories covered in this project to Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and follicular lymphoma. On completion of the voting process, the panel generated 22 consensus statements regarding post auto-HCT maintenance and/or consolidation therapies. The grade A recommendations included endorsement of: (1) brentuximab vedotin (BV) maintenance and/or consolidation in BV-naive high-risk HL, (2) rituximab maintenance in MCL undergoing auto-HCT after first-line therapy, (3) rituximab maintenance in rituximab-naive FL, and (4) No post auto-HCT maintenance was recommended in DLBCL. The panel also developed consensus statements for important real-world clinical scenarios, where randomized data are lacking to guide clinical practice. Conclusions and Relevance: In the absence of contemporary evidence-based data, the panel found RAND-modified Delphi methodology effective in providing a rigorous framework for developing consensus recommendations for post auto-HCT maintenance and/or consolidation therapies in lymphoma.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Initial treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) incorporating autologous stem cell transplantation affords long-term remissions, but relapses still occur. Optimal pretransplant therapy will afford high complete response rates and not impair stem cell collection. Incorporation of bortezomib represents a natural evolution of pretransplant therapy, given its proven first-line efficacy and minimal impact on stem cell collection. PATIENTS AND METHODS At the University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, we developed modified VR-CAP/R+ara-C (bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone, alternating with rituximab and high-dose cytarabine), for transplant-eligible patients with MCL. This regimen was administered as standard-of-care, pretransplant therapy to consecutive patients with MCL from April 2015 to the present. RESULTS A total of 37 patients were treated with this regimen, including 18 at the University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and 19 at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Most patients had intermediate- or high-risk disease by both (mantle-cell lymphoma international prognostic index (MIPI)-B and MIPI-C category. Complete response to induction was achieved in 32 (86%) of 37 evaluable patients; 2 achieved partial response, and 3 had primary refractory disease. Stem cell collection was successful in 1 attempt in 30 of 32 patients. The median follow-up of survivors measured from start of treatment is 17.4 months. Five patients have progressed, and 4 have died (2 owing to lymphoma, 2 from toxicity). CONCLUSION Modified VR-CAP/R+ara-C is feasible pretransplant therapy for patients with MCL and is associated with a high rate of complete response and eligibility for autologous stem cell transplantation.

Abstract

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) consolidation has become a standard approach for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), yet there is little consensus on the role of total body irradiation (TBI) as part of high-dose transplant conditioning. We analyzed 75 consecutive MCL patients that underwent ASCT at our institution between 2001-2011 with either TBI-based (n=43) or carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan (n=32; BEAM) high-dose conditioning. Most patients (97%) had chemosensitive disease and were transplanted in first remission (89%). On univariate analysis, TBI conditioning was associated with a trend toward improved PFS (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.28-1.00; p=.052) and similar OS (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.26-1.35; p=.21), with a median follow-up of 6.3 and 6.6 years among TBI and BEAM patients, respectively. PFS at 5 years was 66% versus 52% (TBI versus BEAM); OS was 82% versus 68%, respectively. However, on multivariate analysis, TBI-based conditioning was not significantly associated with PFS (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.24-1.34; p=.20), after controlling for age, disease status at ASCT, and receipt of post-transplant rituximab maintenance. Likewise, early toxicity, non-relapse mortality, and secondary malignancies were similar between groups. Our data suggest that both TBI and BEAM-based conditioning regimens remain viable conditioning options for MCL patients undergoing ASCT. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Abstract

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard therapy for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) in remission after induction chemotherapy, with the best results for patients in complete remission (CR). We hypothesized that evaluation of minimal residual disease (MRD) before ASCT could further stratify outcomes for these patients. Patients with MCL who underwent ASCT in clinical CR between 1996 and 2011 with pretransplantation MRD testing were eligible. Presence of a clonal IgH rearrangement, t(11; 14) by PCR or positive flow cytometry from blood or bone marrow, was considered positive. An adjusted proportional hazards model for associations with progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed. Of 75 MCL patients in CR, 8 (11%) were MRD positive. MRD positivity was associated with shorter OS and PFS. The median OS for MRD-negative patients was not reached, with 82% survival at 5 years, whereas for the MRD-positive patients, median OS was 3.01 years (hazard ratio [HR], 4.04; P = .009), with a median follow-up of 5.1 years. The median PFS for MRD-negative patients was not reached with 75% PFS at 5 years, whereas for MRD-positive patients, it was 2.38 years (HR, 3.69; P = .002). MRD positivity is independently associated with poor outcomes after ASCT for MCL patients in CR. Copyright © 2016 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.