Cell Transplantation In Older Patients Research Articles

Reduced-toxicity conditioning regimen with low dose post-transplantation cyclophosphamide and low-dose anti-thymocyte globulin as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis for haploidentical stem cell transplantation in older patients.

We retrospectively analyzed outcomes in 55 patients ≥ 55 years of age with hematologic malignancies treated with fludarabine, cytarabine, busulfan, and low-dose cyclophosphamide as the conditioning regimen between January 1, 2019, and November 30, 2023. Neutrophil engraftment was successful in all patients within 28 days, with 54 patients (98.2%) achieving complete donor chimerism. The cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 0% at 30 days, 7.5% at 100 days, and 19% at 1 year. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) was 25% (95%CI, 15-38%), whereas that of grade III-IV aGVHD was 9.1% (95% CI, 3.3-19%). The cumulative incidence of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease at 1 year was 3.6% (95%CI, 0.66-11%). The cumulative incidences of relapse, overall survival, and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival at 1 year were 9.0%, 71.6%, and 67.1%, respectively. An RIC conditioning regimen, including a combination of lower PTCy/ATG as GVHD prophylaxis, followed by haplo-SCT, might be a promising option for appropriately selected older patients.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for older patients with AML with active disease. A study from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT).

Older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) refractory to initial or reinduction chemotherapy have a dismal prognosis if they do not undergo hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT). However, data assessing HCT outcomes from different donors are scarce. We evaluated results from a retrospective analysis on patients aged ≥70 years, with AML not in remission who received an allogeneic HCT from HLA-matched sibling donor (MSD), HLA-10/10 matched unrelated donor (MUD), or T-cell replete haploidentical (Haplo) donor, from 2010 to 2021, reported to the ALWP-EBMT database. A total of 360 patients (median age 72 years, range 70-79) were included in the analysis. Median follow-up for the entire population was 35.5 months. Donors were MSD (n = 58), 10/10 HLA-MUD (n = 228), and Haplo (n = 74). A total of 213 (59.2%) patients were primary induction failures, while 147 (40.8%) were in first or subsequent relapse. Graft source was peripheral blood in 92% of the patients. Patients transplanted from Haplo donors more frequently received marrow grafts (p < 0.01) and presented the combination female donor to male recipient (p < 0.01). The overall 2-year rates of overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) were: 62.4% (95% CI 47.2-74.3) and 47.6% (95% CI 33.1-60.8) for MSD, 43% (95% CI 35.8-49.9), and 37.5% (95% CI 30.7-44.4) for MUD, and 25.9% (95% CI 15.8-37.2), and 26.5% (95% CI 16.3-37.8) for recipients of Haplo transplants. The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (RI) was slightly lower for Haplo recipients at 29.6% (95% CI 19-40.9), for MUD it was 30.2% (95% CI 23.9-36.7), and for MSD 34.9% (95% CI 22-48.2); counterbalanced by a higher incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) of 43.9% (95% CI 31.6-55.6) for Haplo recipients, 32.2% (95% CI 26-33.1) for MUD and 17.5% (95% CI 8.4-29.3) for MSD. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 35.3% (95% CI 22.3-48.5) for MSD, 29.6% (95% CI 23.2-36.2) for MUD, and 19.2% (95% CI 10.7-29.6) for Haplo patients. In the multivariate model, compared to the referent group of MSD recipients, the risk of NRM was higher among patients transplanted from Haplo donors ([hazard ratio] HR 5.1, 95% CI 2.23-11.61, p < 0.001) and MUD (HR 3.21, 95% CI 1.48-0.6.94, p = 0.003). Furthermore, both Haplo and MUD were associated with inferior OS, (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.98-0.6.56, p < 0.001, and HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.37-0.3.88, p = 0.002, respectively), and LFS (HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.31-0.3.84, p = 0.003, and HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04-0.2.60, p = 0.034, respectively). Patients transplanted from Haplo donors were also associated with worse GFRS (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07-2.77, p:0.025) compared with MSD patients. Older adult AML patients with active disease transplanted from MSD experienced prolonged OS and LFS compared to 10/10 MUD and Haplo due to lower NRM. Prospective clinical trials are warranted.

Cost-Effectiveness of Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Older Patients With High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Analysis of BMT CTN 1102.

BMT CTN 1102 was a phase III trial comparing reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (RIC alloHCT) to standard of care for persons with intermediate- or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report results of a cost-effectiveness analysis conducted alongside the clinical trial. Three hundred eighty-four patients received HCT (n = 260) or standard of care (n = 124) according to availability of a human leukocyte antigen-matched donor. Cost-effectiveness was calculated from US commercial and Medicare perspectives over a 20-year time horizon. Health care utilization and costs were estimated using propensity score-matched cohorts of HCT recipients in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse (age 50-64 years) and Medicare (age 65 years and older). EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) surveys of trial participants were used to derive health state utilities. Extrapolated 20-year overall survival for those age 50-64 years was 29% for HCT (n = 105) versus 13% for usual care (n = 44) and 31% for HCT (n = 155) versus 12% for non-HCT (n = 80) for those age 65 years and older. HCT was more effective (+2.36 quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs] for age 50-64 years and +2.92 QALYs for age 65 years and older) and more costly (+$452,242 in US dollars (USD) for age 50-64 years and +$233,214 USD for age 65 years and older) than usual care, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $191,487 (USD)/QALY and $79,834 (USD)/QALY, respectively. For persons age 50-64 years, there was a 29% chance that HCT was cost-effective using a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150K (USD)/QALY and 51% at a $200K (USD)/QALY. For persons age 65 years and older, the probability was 100% at a WTP >$150K (USD)/QALY. Among patients age 65 years and older with high-risk MDS, RIC HCT is a high-value strategy. For those age 50-64 years, HCT is a lower-value strategy but has similar cost-effectiveness to other therapies commonly used in oncology.

A Comprehensive Model for Predicting 1-Year Survival after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Patients

Background: As the number of elderly patients referred to and undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) continues to rise, there is a growing need for a comprehensive risk assessment model to accurately predict transplantation outcomes in this specific patient population. The widely used Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-specific Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) does not fully capture factors influencing transplant outcomes in elderly patients. This study aims to enhance risk stratification for elderly patients undergoing alloHCT by integrating additional functional, nutritional, and clinical indicators. Methods: This is a retrospective study utilizing the data registry of HCT patients who received their treatment at UF Health Cancer Center. The inclusion criteria included all patients age &amp;gt; 65 years, who underwent their first alloHSCT between January 2012 and December 2022, regardless of graft type, conditioning regimen, donor type, or graft source. Patient data were extracted through chart review. The primary endpoint was 1-year Overall Survival (OS). Prognostic significance of each variable was assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. We subsequently used all variables to build a comprehensive prediction model to assess 1-year survival outcomes in elderly patients undergoing alloHCT. The predictive model's performance was measured by the Concordance-statistic (c-statistic). Results: A total of 69 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Median age was 69 years (range 66-81) and 65.2% were male. Unrelated donors were used in 66.6% of patients, while the remainder received grafts from related donors. Most patients received peripheral blood stem cell grafts (91%). Myeloid malignancies comprised the most common indication for alloHCT in this group of patients (89.8%). 59.4% had abnormal cytogenetics. 35 variables were considered in the analysis. In the univariate analysis, variables with impact on 1-year OS post-transplant included creatinine (HR 3.35, CI 1.62-6.91, p=0.001), blood urea nitrogen (HR 1.03, CI 1.01-1.06, p=0.007), estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.93, CI 0.89-0.93, p=0.001), hemoglobin (HR 0.8, CI 0.66-0.97, p=0.02), abnormal cytogenetics (HR 2.27, CI 1.20-4.31, p=0.012) and high and very high disease risk index (HR 0.51, CI 0.27-0.98, p=0.04). Notably, both hemoglobin and cytogenetics demonstrated a c-statistic greater than 0.6 in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, variables impacting 1-year OS included hemoglobin (HR 0.69, CI 0.48-0.99, p=0.04), remission status at the time of transplant i.e., not reached (NR) vs complete remission 1 (CR1) (HR 0.05, CI 0.00-0.71, p=0.027), and abnormal cytogenetics (HR 7.55, CI 2.32-24.58, p=0.001). Interestingly, the HCT-CI did not significantly impact 1-year OS in the univariate analysis (c-statistic 0.51, HR 0.99, CI 0.85-1.15, p=0.896). Our prediction model showed good performance with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82. Conclusion: We developed a comprehensive prediction model to assess 1-year OS in elderly patients undergoing alloHCT to overcome some of the limitations of the HCT-CI in this unique age group. This model holds potential to enhance decision-making regarding candidacy for elderly patients undergoing alloHCT.

Determinants of refined GvHD-free, relapse-free survival after reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with myeloid malignancies

BackgroundOlder patients with AML/MDS have a poor prognosis with alloHCT as the only curative option. However alloHCT is challenging given its high TRM. Recently, a composite endpoint of GRFS was proposed to define transplant success. A single centre retrospective analysis was performed to determine the main variables influencing GRFS. Patients and Methodsmethods91 consecutive patients≥ 60 years (median 64 years, range 60–74) with AML/MDS who received reduced-intensity alloHCT during 2001–2017 analysed. Disease risk index (DRI) at HCT was low/intermediate in 47pts (52%) and high in 44 pts (48%). ResultsAfter median follow-up for survivors of 56 months (range 7–144), 37 (40.6%) patients were alive. The OS, LFS and GRFS were 61.4%, 58.1%, 49.1% at 1 year and 35.5%, 32.3% and 23.1% at 5 years, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year incidences of NRM and relapse were 26.9%, 21.3% and 47.9% and 35.4%, respectively. In univariate analysis, high DRI was the strongest factor for worse OS (HR 2.121; p = 0.049), LFS (HR 1.924; p = 0.0123) and GRFS (HR 2.319; p = 0.0005). The donor age ≥ 62 years had a negative impact on OS (HR 2.110; p = 0.0345) and GRFS (HR 2.014; p = 0.0341). High DRI (HR 2.652; p = 0.0003) and donor age (HR 2.304; p = 0.0257) retained its significance in multivariate analysis for GRFS. ConclusionA significant portion of older patients with myeloid malignancies survive alloHCT without experiencing GRFS event with DRI as the main determinant of outcome. Negative impact of donor age≥ 62 years suggests preference of a young donor, regardless of being related or unrelated.

570 - Geriatric Assessment and Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Patients

570 - Geriatric Assessment and Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Patients

Autologous versus allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for older patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. An analysis from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) with reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) is an option for elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We retrospectively compared results of RIC-allo-HCT from either a matched sibling donor (MSD, n = 209) or matched unrelated donor (MUD, n = 209) with autologous (auto, n = 142) HCT for patients aged 55 years or more treated in first complete remission (CR1) between 2000 and 2018. The probabilities of leukemia-free survival (LFS) at 5 years were 34% for RIC-allo-HCT versus 39% for auto-HCT (p = 0.11) while overall survival (OS) rates were 42% versus 45% (p = 0.23), respectively. The incidence of relapse (RI) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 41% versus 51% (p = 0.22) and 25% versus 10% (p = 0.001), respectively. In a multivariate model, using auto-HCT as reference, the risk of NRM was increased for MSD-HCT (Hazard ratio [HR] = 2.1, p = 0.02) and MUD-HCT (HR = 3.08, p < 0.001), which for MUD-HCT translated into a decreased chance of LFS (HR = 1.55, p = 0.01) and OS (HR = 1.62, p = 0.008). No significant associations were found with respect to the risk of relapse. We conclude that for patients with ALL in CR1, aged above 55 years, auto-HCT may be considered a transplant option alternative to RIC-allo-HCT, although its value requires verification in prospective trials.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Analysis of Outcomes and Contemporary Trends Spanning 10 Years

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a highly effective consolidation strategy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Non-myeloablative and reduced-intensity (NMA/RIC) conditioning regimens have expanded the use of SCT to older patients (pts) (age ≥ 60 years). Age alone no longer appears to be a barrier for successful SCT, with reported 3-year overall survival (OS) rates in the 45-50% range (Maakaron 2022). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study spanning 10 years to evaluate SCT-related outcomes in older AML. All pts ≥ 60 years presenting to our institution with newly-diagnosed (ND) AML were included. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was excluded. Median OS and relapse-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan Meier method. A landmark analysis was performed to evaluate time-to-event endpoints in pts who underwent SCT in first response compared to those who did not. Results: Between 7/19/2012 and 11/17/2021, we identified 1073 pts ≥ 60 years with ND-AML. The median age at diagnosis was 71 years (range 60-94), 622 (58%) were male, 189 (18%) had prior myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, and 220 (21%) had therapy-related AML. ELN 2017 risk was favorable in 215 (20%), intermediate in 234 (22%), and adverse in 538 (50%) pts (86 with data missing). Most pts (84%) were treated with low-intensity (LOW) regimens. Only 16% were treated with intensive (INT) chemotherapy (intermediate or higher dose cytarabine). Venetoclax (VEN) was included in 34% of the regimens. The CR/CRi rate was 60% in the overall cohort. The CR/CRi rate was 74%, 48%, and 72% in pts treated with INT, LOW, and LOW + VEN therapies, respectively. The median OS and RFS were 11.2 and 10.6 months for the full cohort, respectively. The rate of referral to the SCT service was 38% (413/1073) and increased over time (31% in 2012-2013, 52% by 2020-2021). This occurred in parallel to increasing rates of CR/CRi (53% in 2012-2013, 66% by 2020-2021), likely reflecting increased efficacy of VEN-containing regimens in the later years. We identified 198/1073 pts (18%) who underwent SCT at some point during therapy, 152/198 (77%) in first response (CR/CRi/MLFS) after frontline therapy, and 46/198 (23%) following one or more salvage regimens. Of all ND-AML pts, the SCT rate was 37%, 10%, and 22% in pts treated with INT, LOW, and LOW + VEN, respectively. The rate of undergoing SCT increased over time (15% in 2012-2013, 27% by 2020-2021). Clinical/SCT characteristics for the pts who underwent SCT are shown in table 1. The rate of grade 3/4 acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) was 11% and 19% of pts experienced chronic GVHD of any grade. Following SCT, 24% of pts experienced relapse of AML and 21% died without disease relapse. The 100-day mortality following SCT was 13%. We then performed a landmark analysis (using median time to SCT [4.3 months] as the landmark) comparing pts undergoing SCT in first response following frontline therapy at our institution (n=139) to responding pts who did not receive SCT in first response and who were alive and without relapse at the landmark (n=353). Both the median OS (31.0 vs 18.9 months, p=0.0208, figure 1) and median RFS (23.2 vs 10.0 months, p<0.0001) were superior in the pts who underwent SCT compared to those who did not. Pts undergoing SCT in first response were younger (median age 66 vs 72 yrs) and had better performance status (PS 2-4 in 10% vs 22%) compared to no-SCT pts. Distribution of ELN risk categories and best response (CR/CRi/MLFS) were similar in the SCT and no-SCT groups. In pts who responded to initial therapy and were referred for SCT, but ultimately did not undergo SCT in first response (n=161), the most common documented reasons for forgoing SCT were social reasons (pt preference, financial/insurance/caregiver issues) in 29%, disease relapse in 29%, being deemed unfit due to comorbidities in 22%, active uncontrolled infections in 11%, and other reasons in 11%. An adequate donor was documented in 66% of these pts. Conclusions: Our results support the use of SCT as a consolidative strategy in older AML pts. Pts who undergo SCT have superior OS and RFS compared to those who do not. However, fewer than 20% of pts undergo the procedure mostly due to inadequate disease control, comorbidities, and a variety of social reasons. Recent trends indicate higher rates of SCT referral and completion as more effective anti-leukemic therapies are allowing a greater proportion of older AML pts to undergo SCT. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Outcomes of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Data for outcomes after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (auto-HCT) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients ≥70 years are limited. Auto-HCT is feasible in older DLBCL patients. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we compared outcomes of auto-HCT in DLBCL patients aged 60 to 69 years (n = 363) versus ≥70 years (n = 103) between 2008 and 2019. Non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse/progression (REL), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were modeled using Cox proportional hazards models. All patients received BEAM conditioning (carmustine, etoposide, cytosine arabinoside and melphalan). On univariate analysis, in the 60 to 69 years versus ≥70 years cohorts, 100-day NRM was 3% versus 4%, 5-year REL was 47% versus 45%, 5-year PFS 40% versus 38% and 5-year OS 55% versus 41%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, patients ≥70 had no significant difference in NRM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85-2.39), REL (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.79-1.56), PFS (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.92-1.63) compared to patients 60 to 69 years. Patients ≥70 years had a higher mortality (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.05-1.85, p=0.02), likely because of inferior post-relapse OS in this cohort (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.27-2.61, P = .001). DLBCL was the major cause of death in both cohorts (62% versus 59%). Older patients should not be denied auto-HCT solely on the basis of chronological age.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients Aged 50 Years or Older with Severe Aplastic Anaemia: Results from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplant and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research

Treatment guidelines for older patients with severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) are incompletely developed. In particular, there is a paucity of data relating to outcomes among older patients with SAA who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) from HLA-matched sibling (MSD) or unrelated donors (MUD). SCT is usually performed as second line treatment and it has been postulated that with improvements in conditioning protocols and supportive care, results in older patients would have improved over time. We analysed transplant outcomes in 538 patients aged 50 years and older with SAA who were transplanted between 2005 and 2016.275 patients (51%) received grafts from MSD, 224 (42%) from 8/8 HLA-matched MUD and 39 (7%) from 7/8 HLA-matched MUD. Median age at SCT was 58 years (range 50-77yrs,), of whom 347 were aged 50-59 years, 174 were aged 60-69yrs and 17 were aged ≥70yrs. 205 patients (38%) reported a performance score less than 90% and the median time from diagnosis to SCT was 10 months. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) with ATG or Cy with fludarabine and ATG were the predominant conditioning regimens for MSD SCT, whereas for MUD SCT, Cy with TBI 200 cGy and ATG or Cy, TBI 200 cGy, fludarabine with ATG were mostly used. 53% of the patients received bone marrow graft and 75% received calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) containing GVHD prophylaxis; 9% received alemtuzumab as part of GVHD prophylaxis.The day-28 cumulative incidence of neutrophil recovery was 84% (95% CI 81-87) and did not differ by patient age. Overall survival (OS) at 3 years for the entire cohort at 3 years was 56% (95% CI 51-60%) (Figure 1). Multivariate analysis confirmed higher mortality for patients with performance score less than 90% (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.02-1.82; p=0.04) or who received a MUD SCT (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.02-2.13, p=0.04). No other patient, disease or transplant characteristic was associated with survival. There were no significant differences in mortality risks for patients aged 65-78 versus those aged 50-64 years (HR1.20, 95% CI 0.08-1.74, p=0.36). However, age was significantly associated with grade II-IV acute GVHD; patients aged 65-78 years were at higher risk (HR 1.80, 95% CI 1.18-2.77, p=0.007). On univariate analysis, stem cell source (bone marrow versus peripheral blood) had no impact on acute (p=0.47) or chronic GVHD (p=0.12). Chronic GVHD risks were lower with CNI plus methotrexate (MTX) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.79, p =0.002) and alemtuzumab containing regimens (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.48, p,0.001) than with CNI plus mycophenolate (MMF) GVHD prophylaxis. The group of patients who received alemtuzumab had the lowest rate of acute GVHD: 4% (95% CI: 0-10%) compared with 33% (95% CI: 25-42%) with CNI+MMF, 24% (95% CI: 19-30%) with CNI+MTX and 16% (95% CI:8-25%) with other GVHD prophylaxis (non-CNI containing regimens) (p=0.001). The corresponding 2-year rates of chronic GVHD were 11% (95% CI: 1-21%) with alemtuzumab, 50% (95% CI: 40-60%) with CNI+MMF, 32% (95% CI: 26-39%) with CNI+MTX and 21% (95% CI:10-33%) with other GVHD prophylaxis (p<0.001) (Figure 2). Infection was the predominant cause of death accountiing for 40% of deaths.These data support the feasibility of MSD or MUD SCT in SAA patients aged 50 years and older. However, the data need to be interpreted with caution since the selection of patients very likely has been biased. The importance of the performance status for outcome only underscores that concern. Acute and chronic GVHD adds to the burden of morbidity. Alemtuzumab-containing regimens deserve further study in this patient population. [Display omitted] DisclosuresPetersen:Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hallek:Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; F. Hoffmann-LaRoche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Potter:Jazz: Honoraria; Pfizer: Other: Advisory board. Peffault De Latour:Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Toxicities of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with lymphoma

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation is an effective consolidation therapy in lymphoma; however, its use in elderly patients has been limited because of concerns for greater toxicity in this group. We investigated the toxicities of carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in 346 patients in 2 age groups: 279 patients aged 60 to 69 years and 67 patients aged ≥70 years. The majority developed severe toxicities; the most common were febrile neutropenia, gastrointestinal, infections, and cardiovascular. Older patients were at higher risk for grade ≥3 cardiovascular toxicities (hazard ratio [HR], 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.25-5.00; P < .001) and skin toxicities (HR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.08-5.54, P = .032). In the older group, nonrelapse mortality at 100 days and at 2 years was 2.99% (95% CI, 0.55-9.32) and 6.2% (95% CI, 1.97-13.95), respectively, vs 1.79% (95% CI, 0.68-3.92) and 2.91% (95% CI, 1.37-5.42), respectively, in the younger group. When adjusting for the number of grade ≥3 toxicities within the first 100 days, older patients had a 1.71-fold (95% CI, 1.08-2.71) increased risk for progression or death relative to younger patients. Although BEAM followed by AHCT is effective, it is associated with significant organ toxicities, especially in patients aged ≥70 years. Interventions to mitigate toxicities while maintaining efficacy are much needed.

489 - Trends and Outcomes in Australia and New Zealand in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma: An Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry Study

489 - Trends and Outcomes in Australia and New Zealand in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma: An Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry Study

Trends in Outcomes in Australia and New Zealand in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma: An Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry Study

Trends in Outcomes in Australia and New Zealand in Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Multiple Myeloma: An Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry Study

Long-term results of reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a retrospective analysis of 10-year follow-up data.

The long-term outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) remain inconclusive. To address this issue, we conducted a nationwide registry-based study of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) age 50 years or older who underwent allogeneic HCT in complete remission using RIC (n = 284) or myeloablative conditioning (MAC, n = 190) between 2002 and 2007. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 10.1 years for RIC recipients and 10.4 years for MAC recipients. The 10-year probabilities of overall survival, relapse, and non-relapse mortality were 36.4%, 30.0%, and 35.7% for RIC recipients, and 39.8%, 26.3%, and 35.5% for MAC recipients, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the conditioning intensity did not affect overall mortality (P = 0.184), relapse (P = 0.904), or non-relapse mortality (P = 0.387). For the 218 patients qualifying for propensity score-matched pairing (109 pairs), RIC was found to be associated with similar survival (P = 0.095) and relapse (P = 0.467), and significantly lower non-relapse mortality (P = 0.046) compared with MAC. Our results confirm the long-term efficacy of RIC allogeneic HCT for older patients with AML and mitigate concerns over an increase in late relapse.

Utilization of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma

Historically, high-dose therapy in combination with autologous stem cell transplants (ASCT) for multiple myeloma (MM) was reserved for younger patients. In more recent years, the use of ASCT has expanded in the older population. However, there is still limited data on the utilization and efficacy of ASCT in older patients, particularly those over the age of 75. To further evaluate this issue, we retrospectively analyzed all patients with newly diagnosed MM between the ages of 75-78, the institutional cutoff for ASCT eligibility, that were referred to the stem cell transplant unit at our institution for consultation from the years 2012-2018. Baseline characteristics, anti-myeloma treatments, and patient outcomes were abstracted through chart review. Seventy-five patients were referred to our institution. 71% were male, 29% female. 39% patients were considered ineligible for ASCT by the consulting transplant physician. Most patients were considered transplant ineligible due to comorbidities or poor performance status. Of the 46 patients eligible for ASCT, 52% underwent the procedure during their first-line therapy. The majority of those patients received reduced intensity melphalan (140 mg/m2) while 2 patients received conventional dosing (200 mg/m2). The other 22 patients eligible for ASCT declined or elected to defer the procedure and to be treated with conventional therapy. The characteristics of these three groups were similar and are detailed in Table 1. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 25% of the patients had expired. Estimated median overall survival (OS) was 71.3 months (unable to quantitate 95% CI) for all patients. Compared to transplant eligible patients, regardless of transplant receipt, those who were transplant ineligible had a 186% increase risk for death (HR 2.86; 95% CI 1.12-7.35; p = 0.029). There was also a notable trend for longer OS in those who underwent ASCT compared to those who were eligible but declined the procedure, but it was not statistically significant (HR 0.36; 95% CI 0.10-1.28; p = 0.114). At a transplant center, two-thirds of patients referred for newly diagnosed MM between the ages 75-78 were considered eligible for ASCT and one-third underwent the procedure. Outcomes were better for patients eligible for ASCT, regardless of whether they underwent the procedure. There was also a trend for better OS in patients who underwent the procedure compared to those who declined. While small sample sizes and the retrospective nature of the study limit our ability to draw conclusions, it appears that ASCT has an OS benefit among patients age 75-78. Disclosures Fiala: Incyte: Research Funding. Stockerl-Goldstein:AbbVie: Equity Ownership; Abbott: Equity Ownership. Vij:Genentech: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Wildes:Janssen: Research Funding; Carevive: Consultancy.

Treosulfan or busulfan plus fludarabine as conditioning treatment before allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation for older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (MC-FludT.14/L): a randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial

Further improvement of preparative regimens before allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an unmet medical need for the growing number of older or comorbid patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conditioning with treosulfan plus fludarabine compared with reduced-intensity busulfan plus fludarabine in this population. We did an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial in 31 transplantation centres in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, and Poland. Eligible patients were 18-70 years, had acute myeloid leukaemia in first or consecutive complete haematological remission (blast counts <5% in bone marrow) or myelodysplastic syndrome (blast counts <20% in bone marrow), Karnofsky index of 60% or higher, and were indicated for allogeneic HSCT but considered at an increased risk for standard myeloablative preparative regimens based on age (≥50 years), an HSCT-specific comorbidity index of more than 2, or both. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either intravenous 10 g/m2 treosulfan daily applied as a 2-h infusion for 3 days (days -4 to -2) or 0·8 mg/kg busulfan applied as a 2-h infusion at 6-h intervals on days -4 and -3. Both groups received 30 mg/m2 intravenous fludarabine daily for 5 days (days -6 to -2). The primary outcome was event-free survival 2 years after HSCT. The non-inferiority margin was a hazard ratio (HR) of 1·3. Efficacy was assessed in all patients who received treatment and completed transplantation, and safety in all patients who received treatment. The study is registered with EudraCT (2008-002356-18) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00822393). Between June 13, 2013, and May 3, 2016, 476 patients were enrolled (240 in the busulfan group received treatment and transplantation, and in the treosulfan group 221 received treatment and 220 transplanation). At the second preplanned interim analysis (Nov 9, 2016), the primary endpoint was met and trial was stopped. Here we present the final confirmatory analysis (data cutoff May 31, 2017). Median follow-up was 15·4 months (IQR 8·8-23·6) for patients treated with treosulfan and 17·4 months (6·3-23·4) for those treated with busulfan. 2-year event-free survival was 64·0% (95% CI 56·0-70·9) in the treosulfan group and 50·4% (42·8-57·5) in the busulfan group (HR 0·65 [95% CI 0·47-0·90]; p<0·0001 for non-inferiority, p=0·0051 for superiority). The most frequently reported grade 3 or higher adverse events were abnormal blood chemistry results (33 [15%] of 221 patients in the treosulfan group vs 35 [15%] of 240 patients in the busulfan group) and gastrointestinal disorders (24 [11%] patients vs 39 [16%] patients). Serious adverse events were reported for 18 (8%) patients in the treosulfan group and 17 (7%) patients in the busulfan group. Causes of deaths were generally transplantation-related. Treosulfan was non-inferior to busulfan when used in combination with fludarabine as a conditioning regimen for allogeneic HSCT for older or comorbid patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. The improved outcomes in patients treated with the treosulfan-fludarabine regimen suggest its potential to become a standard preparative regimen in this population. medac GmbH.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Older Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Analysis of the Francophone Society for Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy

Background: Nowadays acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients above the age of 60 years are often candidates for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). However, little is known about the outcomes of HSCT in this particular population, due to the low number of HSCT with robust follow-up, the heterogeneity between centers, as well as reports usually mixing AML and other diseases such as myelodysplastic syndrome. We used the database of the Francophone society for stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy to address this question in a large cohort of patients in a recent time period.Patients and methods: 1167 consecutive patients aged ≥60 years with AML in complete remission (CR), transplanted between January 1st 2006 and January 1st 2016, reported to ProMISe (Project Manager Internet Server), an internet-based system shared by 36 Francophone transplantation centers, were reviewed. Classical post-HSCT endpoints were studied such as engraftment, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM), relapse rate, leukemia free survival (LFS) as well as overall survival (OS). Cytogenetic risk was assessed according to the European Leukemia Network 2017 for patients in first complete remission. Data were analyzed using proportional hazards models and proportional sub-distribution hazards models in presence of competing risks.Results: Patients' Characteristics are detailed in Table 1. The median age at HSCT was 62.9 years (Interquartile range -IQR 61.9-66.1). Patients aged ≥60 years but less of 65 represented 63.8% of the population with 68.2% of patients transplanted in the recent period (2011-2016). Most patient had de novo AML (91.6%), in first CR (76.9%) with intermediate risk (83.8%) according to ELN-2017 classification. A matched unrelated donor (MUD) was used in 45 % of transplants and the majority of patients received peripheral blood stem cells (83.7%). Half of the patients received fludarabine and 2 days busulfan as conditioning regimen. The majority of patients (70.9%) received anti-thymocyte globuline (ATG). Engraftment occurred in 1089 patients (93.3%; 95%CI, 91.9-94.8). Day 100 cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD was 24.6% (15.7% grade II; 5.8% grade III; 3% grade IV). At last follow up, 378 patients had developed chronic GVHD (severe in 37.2% of them; 95%CI, 34.0-40.3). With a median follow-up of 3.5 years (95%CI, 3.1-3.7 years), overall survival (OS) and LFS probabilities at 3 years were 50.7% (95%CI, 47.7-54.0) and 44.8% (95%CI, 41.8-48.1), respectively. In multivariable analysis, the only factor associated with worse OS was the use of a mismatched unrelated donor compare to MUD [Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.35 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.80), p=0.04]. At 3 years, relapse incidence was 34.4% (95% CI, 31.5-37.4). The use of a sibling donor compared to MUD [Sub-distribution Hazard Ratio (SHR): : 1.49 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.87), p<0.001], poor risk AML in CR1 according to ELN classification [SHR: 1.49 (95% CI, 1.10 to 2.02), p=0.01], as well as the use of ATG in the conditioning regimen [SHR: 1.57 (95% CI, 1.21 to 2.05), p<0.001] were associated with a higher risk of relapse. During the study, 534 patients died (main causes of death was relapse, 53%); leading to a CI of NRM of 20.7% at 3 years (95%CI, 18.2-23.2). A karnofsky score above 90% [SHR: 0.74 (95% CI, 0.56 to 0.98), p=0.04] and the use of a sibling donor compare to MUD [SHR : 0.43(95% CI, 0.30 to 0.63), p<0.001] were associated with reduced NRM.Conclusion: With more than 3 years follow-up, which is long enough for our results to be considered to be robust, the use of a mismatched unrelated donor was the only factor associated with worse overall survival in this population of AML patients aged of 60 years or more. Relapse appeared as the first cause of death, independently related to AML ELN poor risk classification, but also to the use of a sibling donor and of ATG in the conditioning regimen. This study highlights the major role of alloreactivity in this particular population, where modulation of T-cell alloreactivity as well as donor choice should be urgently addressed in well-designed prospective trials. [Display omitted] DisclosuresPeffault De Latour:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Chalandon:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel costs.

High Cure Rate By Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Myelofibrosis Patients Aged 65 or Older

IntroductionMyelofibrosis (MF) is predominantly a disease of the elderly with a median age of 65 years at diagnosis. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), which is associated with substantial treatment-related morbidity and mortality, is the only potentially curative option so far. The development of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens has enabled transplant to be performed successfully in older patients. To evaluate the outcome of transplantation among elderly patients, we conducted a retrospective analysis of results in 46 patients, aged 65 years or older, who were transplanted between 2002 and 2018 at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany.Patients and methodsRetrospective data from 46 patients with primary or secondary MF, who underwent ASCT, were collected. Median age at ASCT was 67 years (r: 65-74). 76% of patients were classified as MF-3 according to the WHO criteria. DIPSS risk status was intermediate-1 in 4% of patients, intermediate-2 in 61% and high in 33%. 70% of patients had mutation in JAK2, 17% in CALR and 9% in MPL. All patients received peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) as graft source. Stem cell donor was related in 9% of patients, unrelated in 91%; 74% of patients had a completely HLA-matched donor, whereas 26% had at least 1 allele or antigen mismatch. 85% of patients received busulfan 10 mg/kg orally (or 8 mg/kg intravenously) plus fludarabine (150 mg/m2) reduced intensity conditioning regimen, whereas 15% received myeloablative conditioning with busulfan 16 mg/kg orally (or 12.8 mg/kg intravenously) plus fludarabine (150 mg/m2). 96% of the patients received anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (Grafalon®, Neovii, Germany) at a cumulative dose of 30 mg/kg for matched related donor (MRD) transplants and 60 mg/kg for matched/mismatched unrelated donor (MUD/MMUD) transplants. Further GVHD prophylaxis consisted of cyclosporine A and mycophenolate from day +1 to +28.ResultsEngraftment rate was 94%, with a median time to neutrophil engraftment of 13 days (r: 10-19). Two patients (4%) experienced primary graft failure (PGF), one received a second ASCT with successful engraftment, while the other had further PGF after second ASCT and died of infection after third ASCT. Platelet engraftment rate was 87% and was reached in a median time of 21 days (r: 10-293). Five patients (11%) developed secondary poor graft function and four received CD34+ selected PBSC boost, two achieving complete remission (CR) and one obtaining CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp).52% of patients experienced acute GVHD grade I to IV, while the overall rate of chronic GVHD was 56%, which was moderate disease in 24% and severe disease in 13%.After a median follow-up of 4 years, 6-year estimated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 60% (95% CI: 42-78) and 64% (95% CI: 48-80), respectively. In the univariate analysis, male donor sex was the only significant factor for improved OS and PFS at 6 years (P=.001 and P=.003, respectively). A positive impact on OS was observed for mutation in CALR (P=.05), as previously reported. Interestingly, survival was not significantly different in patients aged 65-70 years compared with those aged 71-74 years.Cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (NRM) was 29% at 4 years (95% CI: 13-45). Major causes of death were infections (n=4) and GVHD (n=3). The only significant factor for lower NRM in the univariate analysis was male donor sex vs female (NRM 17% vs 58%, P=.004). No NRM occurred in CALR-mutated patients (p=0.00).Cumulative incidence of relapse at 6 years was 10% (95% CI: 0-22): one patient durably restored molecular response after early tapering of cyclosporine, one died because of GVHD without any further treatment, one achieved a long-lasting CR after donor lymphocytes infusions (DLI), while two patients underwent a second ASCT after DLI alone in one case and DLI plus azacitidine in the other, with long-term CR in the former.ConclusionOur results show that RIC regimen followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation in older patients with myelofibrosis is a curative treatment option. These results are encouraging for older MF patients with minimal comorbidities. In addition to Hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI), a comprehensive geriatric assessment could be a useful tool for a better selection of patients with the aim to further reduce NRM. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Functional Status Is Associated with Outcomes after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Older Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

Introduction:Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) has historically been reserved for younger, fit patients with hematologic malignancies. With the introduction of non-myeloablative conditioning regimens and improved supportive care, alloHCT has been increasingly offered to older adults.Objectives:To determine the association between functional status as measured by a cancer-specific comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and post-transplant outcomes in an older alloHCT patient population.Methods:We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients aged 50 or older who underwent alloHCT at the University of California San Francisco between October 2011 and September 2017. A cancer-specific CGA (1) was administered prior to alloHCT, which included measures of functional status such as Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Physical Health scale, and patient-reported Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Post-transplant outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS), non-relapse mortality (NRM), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).Results:A total of 148 patients were included in the analysis. The median age at transplant was 62 (range 50-76). Disease types included acute myeloid leukemia (43%), myelodysplastic syndrome (26%), myeloproliferative neoplasm (12%), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (10%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (5%), multiple myeloma (1%), and other (3%); 68% received non-myeloablative conditioning. Median follow-up was 16.3 months (range 0.9-72.7 months). Median PFS and OS were 22.9 months and 47.6 months, respectively. At baseline, 39% had at least one IADL deficit, and 88% had at least one MOS Physical Health scale deficit. The mean patient-KPS was 82.4 and mean provider-KPS was 91.6; these were weakly correlated (Spearman's r=0.39, p<0.001).In univariate analysis, the presence of any IADL deficit was associated with inferior PFS (HR 1.78, p=0.01) and OS (HR 1.68, p=0.04) (Figure). MOS Physical Health score was associated with increased NRM (HR 1.06 per 1-point change in 20-point scale, p=0.04), inferior OS (HR 1.05, p=0.04), increased LOS (difference 0.63 days, p=0.007), but not with PFS (HR 1.04, p=0.06). Neither patient- nor provider-KPS was associated with NRM, PFS, or OS, but lower patient-KPS was associated with increased LOS (difference 1.94 days, p=0.01). In this study, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), disease risk by American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) classification, and conditioning intensity were not associated with NRM, PFS, or OS.Notably, chronologic age was not associated with NRM, PFS, or OS (Figure). In addition, age was not associated with baseline IADL score (r=-0.02, p=0.26) or MOS Physical Health score (r=-0.13, p=0.06).Conclusion:IADL impairment was associated with inferior PFS and OS, supporting previous studies (2, 3) identifying IADL as an important predictor for alloHCT. In univariate analysis, IADL was a stronger predictor of post-transplant outcomes than traditional prognostication tools such as age, HCT-CI, and provider-KPS. MOS Physical Health score was associated with multiple poor outcomes including NRM and LOS, suggesting a primary impact on alloHCT toxicity. Multivariate analyses, as well as examination of other CGA variables, are ongoing.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in the elderly is complex and has a poor prognosis, often characterized by higher risk cytogenetic and molecular features compared to that in younger patients. Rates of transplant have been limited by concern related to non-relapse mortality, as older patients have historically been considered medically unfit for the transplantation process. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been shown to provide similar efficacy to myeloablative methods, with decreased non-relapse mortality in the elderly and improved efficacy over non-transplant approaches with cytotoxic chemotherapy alone. Targeted non-cytotoxic and modified cytotoxic agents have emerged to further improve transplant outcomes for older AML patients. Validated comorbidity indices are useful tools to assess an individual's fitness for undergoing HSCT rather than chronological age alone. We believe HSCT is the primary curative treatment approach for many older AML patients, taking into account risk and comorbidities, particularly given the tendency of leukemia in this population to harbor an unfavorable disease profile. We use RIC and advocate for the addition of targeted agents if applicable. With continuing data in support of transplant for older AML patients, we anticipate that transplant rates in this population will continue to rise.