Classification Of Hematological Malignancies Research Articles

Germline CEBPA mutation in familial acute myeloid leukemia.

Myeloid Neoplasms with germline predisposition become part of 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematological malignancies since 2016. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (CEBPA) is a myeloid transcription factor located in chromosome 19q. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with biallelic mutations of CEBPA AML with recurrent genetic abnormalities according to WHO classification. The inheritance of a germline CEBPA mutation predisposes to the development of AML with autosomal dominant inheritance. Familial CEBPA AML share characteristics with somatic CEBPA AML. However, a higher relapse incidence is reported. We present the case of a 46-years-old male with family history of acute leukemia who was diagnosed with single mutated CEBPA acute myeloid leukemia. The same mutation was found in two of his siblings. The clinical suspicion and proper diagnosis of familial cases is necessary, especially when a related allogenic transplant is indicated in order to select an adequate donor.

Flow Cytometry Immunophenotyping for Diagnostic Orientation and Classification of Pediatric Cancer Based on the EuroFlow Solid Tumor Orientation Tube (STOT).

Simple SummaryPediatric solid tumors are a heterogenous group of diseases that comprise ≈ 40% of all pediatric cancers, early diagnosis being key for improved survival. Here we designed, tested, and validated a single eight-color tube for the diagnostic screening of pediatric cancer—solid tumor orientation tube (STOT)—based on multiparameter flow cytometry vs. conventional diagnostic procedures. Prospective clinical validation of STOT in 149 samples (63 tumor mass, 38 bone marrow, 30 lymph node, and 18 body fluid samples) screened for pediatric cancer, apart from 26 blood specimens that were excluded from analysis, showed concordant results with the final WHO/ICCC-3 diagnosis in 138/149 cases (92.6%). This included correct diagnostic orientation by STOT in 43/44 (98%) malignant and 4/4 (100%) benign non-hematopoietic tumors, together with 28/38 (74%) leukemia/lymphoma cases. The only recurrently missed diagnosis was Hodgkin lymphoma (0/8), which would require additional markers. These results support the use of STOT as a complementary tool for fast and accurate diagnostic screening, orientation, and classification of pediatric cancer in suspicious patients.Early diagnosis of pediatric cancer is key for adequate patient management and improved outcome. Although multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has proven of great utility in the diagnosis and classification of hematologic malignancies, its application to non-hematopoietic pediatric tumors remains limited. Here we designed and prospectively validated a new single eight-color antibody combination—solid tumor orientation tube, STOT—for diagnostic screening of pediatric cancer by MFC. A total of 476 samples (139 tumor mass, 138 bone marrow, 86 lymph node, 58 peripheral blood, and 55 other body fluid samples) from 296 patients with diagnostic suspicion of pediatric cancer were analyzed by MFC vs. conventional diagnostic procedures. STOT was designed after several design–test–evaluate–redesign cycles based on a large panel of monoclonal antibody combinations tested on 301 samples. In its final version, STOT consists of a single 8-color/12-marker antibody combination (CD99-CD8/numyogenin/CD4-EpCAM/CD56/GD2/smCD3-CD19/cyCD3-CD271/CD45). Prospective validation of STOT in 149 samples showed concordant results with the patient WHO/ICCC-3 diagnosis in 138/149 cases (92.6%). These included: 63/63 (100%) reactive/disease-free samples, 43/44 (98%) malignant and 4/4 (100%) benign non-hematopoietic tumors together with 28/38 (74%) leukemia/lymphoma cases; the only exception was Hodgkin lymphoma that required additional markers to be stained. In addition, STOT allowed accurate discrimination among the four most common subtypes of malignant CD45− CD56++ non-hematopoietic solid tumors: 13/13 (GD2++ numyogenin− CD271−/+ nuMyoD1− CD99− EpCAM−) neuroblastoma samples, 5/5 (GD2− numyogenin++ CD271++ nuMyoD1++ CD99−/+ EpCAM−) rhabdomyosarcomas, 2/2 (GD2−/+ numyogenin− CD271+ nuMyoD1− CD99+ EpCAM−) Ewing sarcoma family of tumors, and 7/7 (GD2− numyogenin− CD271+ nuMyoD1− CD99− EpCAM+) Wilms tumors. In summary, here we designed and validated a new standardized antibody combination and MFC assay for diagnostic screening of pediatric solid tumors that might contribute to fast and accurate diagnostic orientation and classification of pediatric cancer in routine clinical practice.

Fusion Transcripts without Corresponding Cytogenetic Abnormalities in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Implications for AML Pathogenesis

Chromosomal translocations and inversions that create fusion genes are important causal events in AML. 7 recurrent fusion genes define AML entities in the 2016 revision of the WHO classification of hematologic malignancies. We have developed a comprehensive diagnostic AML platform based on next-generation mRNA sequencing (RNAseq). The adaptable integrated bioinformatic pipeline HAMLET (Human AML Expedited Transcriptomics) analyses the raw data simultaneously for fusion transcripts and for sequence variants and expression levels of genes with relevance to AML pathogenesis, prognosis, or actionability.Poly(A)+ RNA from 100 cryopreserved AML samples with a blast count of 10-99% (median: 75%) from 96 patients (3 diagnosis-relapse pairs, 1 de novo AML and subsequent tAML) was sequenced at a depth of 59x106 paired-end reads/sample with median read length of 126 bp in an ISO17025-accredited Illumina HiSeq 2500 pipeline. Fusion transcripts were called by STAR-Fusion and FusionCatcher. HAMLET detected the recurrent fusion transcripts RUNX1-RUNX1T1, CBFB-MYH11, PML-RARA, ERG-FUS, DEK-NUP214, and KMT2A-MLLT3 plus the variants KMT2A-MLLT4, KMT2A-MLLT1, and KMT2A-MLLT6 with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to metaphase cytogenetics, FISH, and RT-PCR (Griffioen, ASH 2016).In addition, HAMLET identified fusion transcripts from 54 combinations of genes in 57 AML samples that lacked corresponding chromosomal aberrations by metaphase cytogenetics. 14 “unusual” fusions involved genes located on different chromosomes; 40 fusions represented intrachromosomal events. 8 fusions were detected recurrently, i.e. in at least 2 cases (Fig. A). 32 AML carried at least 2 unusual fusions, with a maximum of 9 different fusions in an AML with a complex karyotype (Fig. B). Unusual fusions were not correlated with classical recurrent AML fusion genes. The 5 most prevalent fusions and an ETV6-LYN fusion were successfully validated in a total of 18 AML by RT-PCR. The only fusion that could not be validated was a YWHAZ-KLF10 fusion (2 cases).The most prevalent RT-PCR-validated fusion (seen in 30 AML cases) has been described in ALL (Roberts, 2012; Safavi, 2015) and was an intrachromosomal TPM4-KLF2 fusion between the tropomyosin 4 and an alternative reading frame (ARF) of the transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 genes. Unexpectedly, we detected this fusion in all 3 tested normal bone marrows (BM) but not in EBV-transformed B cells. The hitherto unvalidated C15orf57-CBX3 fusion may be generated by retrotransposition (Schrider, 2013) and was present in 18 AML as well as in 2/3 normal BM and 2/3 EBV B-cells with CBX3 in ARF. The intrachromosomal NCOR2-UBC fusion (9 AML) is listed in the database ChimerDB without further characterization and involves the genes of Nuclear corepressor 2 and Ubiquitin C in the normal reading frame (NRF). The NUP98-NSD1 fusion (3 AML) with NSD1 in NRF is frequently found in hematological malignancies including AML and originates from a cryptic t(5;11) due to telomeric positions of both genes. The PIM3-SCO2 fusion between the serine/threonine kinase PIM3 and an ARF of Cytochrome C oxidase assembly protein can originate from a 0.6 Mb inv(22) in chronic neutrophilic leukemia (Menezes, 2013) and occurs frequently in pediatric AML (Kuhn, 2013). The well-characterized ETV6-LYN fusion (1 AML) fusing the TEL1 oncogene to the SRC family kinase LYN in NRF originates from a complex translocation with inversion involving chromosomes 8 and 12 (Telford, 2016) and has oncogenic activity by activation of STAT5 (Takeda, 2011).Fusion transcripts without recognizable chromosomal abnormalities on metaphase cytogenetics occur frequently in AML and involve actionable targets. The upstream sequence can be fused to the normal or alternative reading frame of the downstream coding sequences and involve potential or validated proto-oncogenes. Apart from cryptic translocations or inversions, trans-splicing is suggested as an alternative mechanism by the presence of some fusion genes in non-malignant hematopoietic cells. Trans-splicing without DNA rearrangement can occur physiologically and alter cellular development towards potential premalignant differentiation (Yuan, 2013). Increasing use of RNAseq technology in routine AML diagnostics, e.g. by HAMLET, will permit to unravel the prognostic significance of unexpected fusion transcripts and to guide novel targeted therapies. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Place of cytology in the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis: A case report

Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous group of rare diseases related to the clonal, neoplastic proliferation of morphologically and immunophenotypically abnormal mast cells, that accumulate in one or more organ systems. Their pathophysiology is dominated by activating mutations in C-Kit (Stem Cell Factor receptor). Several pathological forms have been described ranging from isolated cutaneous mastocytosis affecting mainly children, to aggressive systemic mastocytosis described mainly in adults with bone marrow involvement. According to the WHO 2016 classification of hematological malignancies, systemic mastocytosis appear as a new entity of "myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemias" that combines cytology (abnormal mast cells) with other genetic and molecular criteria. We describe through this observation the practical side of hematological cytology in the diagnostic orientation of this serious, rare and underestimated pathology.

Issue Highlights — May 2021

Issue Highlights — May 2021

Clinical Features of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation According to the French-American-British Classification in Patients With Acute Leukemia and Thrombomodulin Alfa Treatment-A Cohort Study Using a Postmarketing Surveillance Database.

The aims of this study were to analyze the clinical features of a large number of cases with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) associated with acute leukemia and to assess the safety and efficacy of thrombomodulin alfa (TM-α) using the French-American-British (FAB) classification of hematological malignancies. We retrospectively examined 644 patients with acute leukemia in postmarketing surveillance for TM-α. M3, M2, M4, M1, and M5 subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and L2 and L1 subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have been found more frequently among patients with DIC. Bleeding symptoms at baseline were more frequent in M3 and M7 subtypes. Fibrinogen concentrations were lower, and plasmin-plasmin inhibitor complex values were higher in M3 and Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) ALL. Overall DIC resolution rate was 60.2%, higher in L1 and Ph+ ALL, lower in M1, and generally higher in ALL than in AML. Overall survival rate was generally high, at 79.8%, with higher rates in L3, Ph+ ALL, and M3. Regardless of FAB subgroup, TM-α showed improved bleeding symptoms and DIC scores in clinical practice for DIC patients with acute leukemia.

Primary Mediastinal (Thymic) Large B-cell Lymphoma: The Working Diagnosis vs WHO Classification Criteria

Primary mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is an uncommon but distinct entity in the WHO classification of hematologic malignancies. Accurately diagnosing PMBCL is challenging as it is a clinicopathological entity. There are no pathognomonic features. Many characteristics overlap with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS, nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, and so-called “grey-zone” lymphomas. Thus, it is likely that patients are occasionally misdiagnosed as having PMBCL. Accurate diagnosis is critical as it impacts systemic therapy selection and receipt of radiation therapy (RT). We sought to investigate the fidelity between a working diagnosis of PMBCL at our institution and the clinicopathological criteria established within the 2017 WHO classification. Patients treated for stage I-II PMBCL from 1998-2018 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed for clinical and pathological conformity with WHO criteria in collaboration with a hematopathologist who reviewed archival tissue. Patients were characterized as definitely having PMBCL if they had all of the following: an anterior mediastinal mass +/- regional lymph node involvement, no extranodal disease, B-cell antigen expression, and supportive feature(s)- female gender, young age, bulky primary tumor, CD30 weakly positive, compartmentalizing alveolar fibrosis, lack of surface immunoglobulin expression, and MUM1 or CD23 positivity. Patients without supportive features were characterized as equivocal. PMBCL was excluded if they had any of the following: no anterior mediastinal mass, distant lymph node involvement or extranodal disease, lack of B cell antigen expression, or EBV positivity. 63 patients were evaluated. 71% were female. Median age- 35 years (range, 20-73). Stage 1- 51%; stage II- 49%. Median mediastinal mass size- 10 cm (range, 3-20). 48% of patients received R-CHOP, 32% R-EPOCH, and 21% received other chemotherapy regimens; 79% received rituximab; 83% of patients received 6 chemotherapy cycles. 86% of patients had a post chemotherapy PET/gallium response assessment (78% CR; 22% PR). 64% of patients received RT with PR patients more likely to receive RT (83% vs 62%, p = 0.16). Median follow up was 6 years. Overall, 92% of patients met WHO criteria for PMBCL; 5% (n = 3) did not meet criteria, all due to a lack of an anterior mediastinal mass. 3% were equivocal- grey zone lymphoma (n = 1) and lack of supportive features (n = 1). 5-year PFS and OS was 67% (95% CI 54-77%) and 81% (95% CI 68-89%), respectively. Failure to receive rituximab was the only predictor associated with inferior PFS on univariate analysis, HR 2.79 (1.15, 6.78). Despite the complexity of the clinicopathological criteria of PMBCL, most (92%) patients who were treated for stage I-II PMBCL at our institution appear to have been accurately diagnosed. Treatment regimens varied significantly given changes in patterns of care over the time period. The importance of rituximab was confirmed.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ALK-Negative: About a Rare Pediatric Case Report

Introduction: Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphomas (ALCL) are rare in childhood but clinically aggressive. The contemporary World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematologic malignancies recognizes two distinct subtypes of systemic ALCL: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK)-negative, and ALK-positive. Case report: We report a rare pediatric observation of cutaneous nodule revealing an Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) ALK - cutaneous, muscular and ganglionic. It was classified according to who classification, treated by polychemotherapy with good outcome. Conclusion: ALCL encompasses several distinct clinicopathologic entities with unique genomic under printing. This rare pediatric observation of ALCL presents a new discussion on a pathology still incompletely known.

Computational analysis of flow cytometry data in hematological malignancies: future clinical practice?

This review outlines the advancements that have been made in computational analysis for clinical flow cytometry data in hematological malignancies. In recent years, computational analysis methods have been applied to clinical flow cytometry data of hematological malignancies with promising results. Most studies combined dimension reduction (principle component analysis) or clustering methods (FlowSOM, generalized mixture models) with machine learning classifiers (support vector machines, random forest). For diagnosis and classification of hematological malignancies, many studies have reported results concordant with manual expert analysis, including B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia detection and acute leukemia classification. Other studies, e.g. concerning diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes and classification of lymphoma, have shown to be able to increase diagnostic accuracy. With respect to treatment response monitoring, studies have focused on, for example, computational minimal residual disease detection in multiple myeloma and posttreatment classification of healthy or diseased in acute myeloid leukemia. The results of these studies are encouraging, although accurate relapse prediction remains challenging. To facilitate clinical implementation, collaboration and (prospective) validation in multicenter setting are necessary. Computational analysis methods for clinical flow cytometry data hold the potential to increase ease of use, objectivity and accuracy in the clinical work-up of hematological malignancies.

Initial flow cytometric evaluation of the Clearllab lymphoid screen.

Flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) is an integral part in the diagnosis and classification of hematologic malignancies. FCI results also influence therapeutic decisions and disease prognosis. ClearLLab LS is a 12-antibody 10-color cocktail provided in dry format designed as a screen for patients suspected of having hematolymphoid disease. A blinded comparison between ClearLLab LS, (CD8-FITC, Kappa-FITC,CD4-PE, Lambda-PE, CD19-ECD, CD56-PE-Cy5.5, CD10-PE-Cy7, CD34-APC, CD5-APC-A700, CD20-APC-A750, CD3-PB, and CD45-KrO), ClearLLab Reagents (five-color, 17-antibodies) and individual Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), was conducted at four laboratories. Evaluation of ClearLLab LS was performed on 210 specimens, compared to the five-color ClearLLab Reagents (IVD and CE-IVD), and a subset (n = 167) to LDTs. ClearLLab LS showed good agreement to ClearLLab Reagents in detecting the absence (104/104) or presence (106/106) of abnormal populations. Of specimens with abnormal populations the ClearLLab LS agreed with the ClearLLab Reagent for neoplasm maturity assessment (70/70 mature and 36/36 immature). Out of 167 specimens with LDTs results, 86 contained abnormal population(s), ClearLLab LS detected 82 (95.3%) of cases. Of the 4 cases not detected by ClearLLab LS, 3 were plasma cell neoplasms and 1 was a mature T cell malignancy. Eighty-one samples with no hematological malignancy as analyzed by LDT were also negative by ClearLLab LS (100% agreement). ClearLLab LS agreed with LDTs assessment of neoplasms' maturity (55/55 mature and 27/27 immature). ClearLLab LS screening tube showed excellent agreement between ClearLLab Reagents and with LDT's. The presence of CD34 and CD10 in the tube allowed the detection of blast populations in several acute leukemias and myeloid neoplasms that were tested. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Clinical, Biological Characteristics and Outcome of Pediatric Follicular Lymphoma at Children's Cancer Hospital - Egypt: A Single Center Experience

Background: Pediatric follicular lymphoma is a rare entity that had been provisionally included in the WHO classification of hematologic malignancies. Unlike adults, pediatric follicular lymphoma patients usually presents with localized nodal disease, are translocation (14; 18) and BCL2 negative. It shows different clinical behavior and thus distinct outcome. We analyzed the three pediatric follicular lymphoma cases presented to Children's Cancer Hospital- Egypt (CCH-E) during the period from July 2007 to December 2014.Results: All patients presented with localized stage II disease, responded well to R-CHOP chemotherapy (Rituximab target therapy with conventional CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone). One of them received involved field radiotherapy in addition. All patients are in continuous complete remission. The first case: A male patient 7 years old who presented with left upper deep cervical lymph node with B symptoms (fever and night sweets). Biopsy was taken, partial effacement of the nodal structure and obliteration of the sub-capsular sinus by confluent follicles, intermediate and large cells were seen microscopically. Immunohistochemical staining showed positivity to CD20 and BCL6 and negative reaction to CD3 and BCL2. MIB-1 index was high (80%). The diagnosis of diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma in 40% of cells and pediatric follicular lymphoma grade 3a in the remaining 60% was made. The patient received 8 cycles of R-CHOP and placed under follow up from July 2011 till now.He is in complete remission. The second case: A male patient 8 years old who presented in March 2013 with recurrent right pre-auricular lymph node. Repeated biopsies were done, all revealed atypical lymphoid hyperplasia. The patient was placed under follow up till April 2014 when he presented with large right parotid mass from which another biopsy was taken. Microscopic examination revealed effaced nodal architecture by evenly distributed large uniform, crowded follicles & nodules, populated by centroblasts intermixed with centrocytes consistent with grade 3a follicular lymphoma. Some foci displayed diffuse pattern with evident extra nodal extension. Immunohstochemical staining showed positive reaction to CD20 and BCL6 while negative reaction to BCL2 and low expression of Ki-67. The diagnosis of pediatric follicular NHL, predominantly grade 3a was made. He received 6 cycles of R-CHOP, evaluation post 3rd cycle was in complete remission by CT and PET scan He completed 6 courses of R-CHOP followed by involved field radiotherapy. He is under follow up since April 2015 till now ; alive and in complete remission. The third case is also for a male patient 12 years old who presented with left parotid and bilateral cervical lymph node enlargement. Initial PET-CT was negative. Cervical lymph node biopsy showed partial effacement of lymph node architecture with observed vague follicular pattern as well as diffuse infiltrate dominantly composed of centroblastic neoplastic lymphoid cells admixed with centrocytes . Immunohostochemical staining revealed positive reaction to CD20 in the neoplastic large cells. BCL2 highlighted mainly the neoplastic cells mainly of diffuse pattern. BCL6 and CD10 highlighted the deformity of neoplastic follicles by growth of neoplastic cells. CD21 stained admixed follicular dendritic cells. Ki-67 labeling index was high (60%). The diagnosis of follicular NHL, mixed follicular and diffuse, grade 3 a was made. He received 6 cycles of R-CHOP, was in complete remission post the third cycle by CT evaluation and is currently under follow up since March 2015.In conclusion, pediatric follicular lymphoma patients presented to our center had localized disease, responded well to R-CHOP chemotherapy and had durable complete remission. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Cytogenetics in the management of acute myeloid leukemia: an update by the Groupe francophone de cytogénétique hématologique (GFCH).

The karyotype is critical for the evaluation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at diagnosis. Cytogenetic abnormalities detected in AML are one of the most powerful independent prognostic factors. It impacts on the choice of treatment in clinical trials. All chromosomes can be targeted, common chromosomal abnormalities are recurrent and may be associated with a cytological well-defined type. In 40% of the cases, the karyotype is normal and must be associated with molecular biology studies that can refine the prognosis. The usefulness of the karyotype is more limited during the follow-up of the patient due to its limited sensitivity, but it is still useful in the clinical management of relapse. Since 2001, the WHO (World Health Organization) classification of hematological malignancies integrates cytogenetic data in the classification of AML. Karyotype is therefore mandatory in the diagnosis of AML.

Next Generation Flow (NGF): A High Sensitive Technique to Detect Circulating Peripheral Blood (PB) Clonal Plasma Cells (cPC) in Patients with Newly Diagnosed of Plasma Cell Neoplasms (PCN)

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that cPC can be detected in PB by conventional flow cytometry (FC) in around 70% of multiple myeloma (MM) and 37% of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients at diagnosis. Its presence in MGUS has been associated with a higher risk of malignant transformation. We here investigated the utility and sensitivity of the EuroFlow-IMF NGF-MM minimal residual disease (MRD) approach for detecting circulating cPC in PB of patients with PCN. Methods: A total of 137 samples (including 71 PB and 66 bone marrow -BM- paired samples) from 71 newly-diagnosed PCN patients (37 MGUS; 21 MM; 5 SMM and 8 solitary plasmacytomas -SP-), plus 6 PB samples from healthy controls, were studied. Samples were processed following the EuroFlow Bulk Lysis Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) and stained with the EuroFlow-IMF MM MRD panel (Tube 1:CD138BV421/CD27BV510/CD38FITC/CD56PE/CD45PerCP-Cy5.5/CD19PE-Cy7/CD117APC/CD81APC-C750, and; Tube 2: identical to Tube 1 except for CyKappaAPC/CyLambdaAPC-C750). A median of 10.6 x106 events (range: 1.7 x106 - 15.7x106) were measured for PB samples using a FACSCanto II (BD Biosciences, San Jose, USA) instrument. Data were analyzed using the Infinicyt software (version 1.8.0RC6; Cytognos SL, Salamanca, Spain). Risk stratification of MGUS patients was established by the Mayo Clinic index. ROC analysis was used to define a cut-off to distinguish between MM and MGUS cases according to the percentage and absolute number of circulating PB cPC. Results: Overall, cPC were detected in the PB of all MM and SMM cases studied (100%) and more than half of MGUS patients (60%; p=0.005), while constantly absent in the eight patients with SP. Upon classifying MGUS patients according to the Mayo Clinic Index (n=32), positive PB samples were found in 25%, 62% and 73% of cases with scores of 0, 1 and 2, respectively. Median (range) percentage and absolute cPC numbers (per µL) were of 13 to 16 and 10 to 200 times lower (p 60% of cPCs within the PC BM compartment (R2 = 0.75; n=66). The cut-off obtained to distinguish between MM and MGUS cases according to the percentage and absolute number of cPCs circulating in PB was of 0.0009% and 0.055 cPC/µL with a sensitivity of 93% and 86%, and a specificity of 75% and 75% for relative and absolute numbers, respectively. Conclusions: The EuroFlow-IMF NGF-MM MRD panel and approach are well-suited for high sensitive detection of circulating cPC in the PB of virtually every newly-diagnosed MM and SMM patient and the majority of MGUS cases, particularly among MGUS at higher risk of malignant progression; interestingly in both patients groups, the presence of PB involvement and its levels were closely associated with the degree of involvement of the BM PC compartment by cPC. * Both authors have contributed similarly to this work and they should both be considered as first author. Disclosures Paiva:EngMab AG: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Binding Site: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; BD Bioscience: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy. Puig:Janssen: Consultancy; The Binding Site: Consultancy. Mateos:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Janssen-Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria. Durie:Celgene: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy. van Dongen:BD Biosciences (cont9d): Other: Laboratory Services in the field of technical validation of EuroFlow-OneFlow antibody tubes in dried format. The Laboratory Services are provided by the Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Dept. of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, NL; Cytognos: Patents & Royalties: Licensing of IP on Infinicyt software, Patents on EuroFlow-based flowcytometric Diagnosis and Classification of hematological malignancies, Patents on MRD diagnostics, and Patents on PID diagnostics. ; Cytognos (continued): Patents & Royalties: Royalty income for EuroFlow Consortium. The Infinicyt software is provided to all EuroFlow members free-of-charge.Licensing of Patent on detection of IgE+ B-cells in allergic diseases. Royalties for Dept. of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, NL; DAKO: Patents & Royalties: Licensing of IP and Patent on Split-Signal FISH. Royalties for Dept. of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, NL; InVivoScribe: Patents & Royalties: Licensing of IP and Patent on BIOMED-2-based methods for PCR-based Clonality Diagnostics.. Royalty income for EuroClonality-BIOMED-2 Consortium ; Immunostep: Patents & Royalties: Licensing of IP and Patents on immunobead-based dection of fusion proteins in acute leukemias and other tumors. Royalties for Dept. of Immunology, Erasmus MC and for EuroFlow Consortium ; BD Biosciences: Other: Educational Services: Educational Lectures and Educational Workshops (+ related travelling costs). The lectures and workshops fully focus on the scientific achievements of the EuroFlow Consortium (No advertisement of products of BD Biosciences). , Patents & Royalties: Licensing of IP and Patent on EuroFlow-based flowcytometric Diagnosis and Classification of hematological malignancies; Royalty income for EuroFlow Consortium.; Roche: Consultancy, Other: Laboratory Services in the field of MRD diagnostics, provided by the Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Dept. of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, NL.. San Miguel:Janssen-Cilag: Honoraria; Onyx: Honoraria; Millennium: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Sanofi-Aventis: Honoraria.

Comparison Between First-Generation 4-Color Vs. Second-Generation 8-Color Multiparameter Flow Cytometry (MFC) to Monitor Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Comparison Between First-Generation 4-Color Vs. Second-Generation 8-Color Multiparameter Flow Cytometry (MFC) to Monitor Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Analytical Validation of Patient-Specific PCR-Based MRD Assessment for Use As a Primary Endpoint in CLL Clinical Trials

Analytical Validation of Patient-Specific PCR-Based MRD Assessment for Use As a Primary Endpoint in CLL Clinical Trials

Next Generation Flow (NGF) for High Sensitive Detection of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Next Generation Flow (NGF) for High Sensitive Detection of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Multiple Myeloma (MM)

A Model for Predicting Effect of Treatment on Progression-Free Survival Using Minimal Residual Disease As a Surrogate Endpoint in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

A Model for Predicting Effect of Treatment on Progression-Free Survival Using Minimal Residual Disease As a Surrogate Endpoint in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Flow cytometry in hematological nonmalignant disorders.

Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) has become an integral part of the diagnosis and classification of hematological malignancies. However, several nonmalignant or premalignant disorders may benefit from this technology in hematology laboratories. This review provides information on the normal immunophenotypic characteristics of peripheral blood leukocyte subsets and their modifications in several clinical conditions. The usefulness of MFC and the specific markers that can be investigated in hyperlymphocytosis, infection, hypereosinophilia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and large granular lymphocyte disorders is described. Mention is also made of the developments of MFC for analyses of red blood cells or platelets.

B-Cell Lymphoma Unclassified, Intermediate Between Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma and Burkitt Lymphoma: A Single Center Experience of Intensive Chemotherapy with and without Auto-SCT

Background: According to current data B-cell lymphoma unclassified (BCLU), intermediate between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma represents a highly aggressive type of lymphoma with dramatically bad response for chemotherapy. Cases with translocation of two genes (MYC and BCL2 or BCL6) are divided into double-hit lymphomas (DHL). We need to estimate risk factors to intensify treatment and manage indications for autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) according to individual characteristics.Aim: To evaluate results of BCLU treatment according to LB-M-04±R protocol in adults younger than 60 years old and CHOP-like regimens in elderly patients (≥60 years old) with auto-SCT in high risk patients group.Patients and Methods: 21 pts observed in National Research Center for Hematology (Moscow) between 2004 and 2014 years were included in a current study. All of them were convenient to BCLU diagnosis criteria according to WHO classification of hematological malignancies (2008). Genetic analysis included: standard karyotyping in 7 pts (6 – lymph nodes samples, 1 sample of cerebrospinal fluid). FISH analysis was performed in 21 pts (in 7 cases on tumor cells; on imprints of tumor in 4 cases, on histologic slides from paraffin blocks - in 10 cases). Taking into account heterogeneity of a common group we divided all pts into 2 subgroups: DHL and non-DHL cases (7 vs. 14 respectively).Pts younger than 60 years old (17 pts) were treated according to LB-M-04±R protocol which included A-C-A-C courses. Course A consisted from dexamethasone 10 mg/m2 i.v. 1-5 ds, methotrexate 1500 mg/m2 12-hours infusion 1st d, ifosfamide 800 mg/m2 1-5 ds, vincristine 1 mg/m2 1st d, doxorubicine 50 mg/m2 3rd d, cytarabine 150 mg/m2 4-5 ds, etoposide 100 mg/m2 4-5 ds; course C included dexamethasone 10 mg/m2 i.v. 1-5 ds, methotrexate 1500 mg/m2 12-hours infusion 1st d, vinblastine 5 mg/m2 1st d, cytarabine 2000 mg/m2 twice a day 2-3 ds, etoposide 150 mg/m2 3-5 ds. Rituximab were indicated before chemotherapy in dosage 375 mg/m2. CNS prophylaxis was made by intrathecal administration of prednisolone 30 mg, cytarabine 30 mg, methotrexate 15 mg in 1st day of each course. When complete remission (CR) was achieved after 2 courses, treatment lasted 4 courses. When tumor regression was diagnosed after 4 courses, treatment continued till 6 courses. 4 pts ˃60 years were managed by CHOP-like regimens ±R. We performed auto-SCT in non-DHL group with signs of poor prognosis (bone marrow involvement, multiple extranodal sites, CR after 6 courses) and in DHL when CR had been achieved after 4 courses. Pts with DHL after auto-SCT received 2 R-EPOCH courses more. As a conditional regimen BEAM was used. An overall survival (OS) as a primary endpoint and event-free survival (EFS) were assessed with using the Kaplan-Meier method (with log-rank test) to estimate an efficacy of treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with SAS 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC).Results: Studying group included 9 males and 12 females. Comparing pts according DH and non-DH status, DHL group (n=7) consisted of 2 males and 5 females, median age 48 years (30-74), ECOG status was 2.6 (95%CI 1.3-3.9) and non-DH group consisted of 7 male and 7 female, median age was 46 (23-76), ECOG status was 2.4 (95%CI 1.8-3.1). DHL pts had stage II of lymphoma according to Ann-Arbor classification in 1 case, III in 1 case, IV in 5 cases. Non-DHL pts had stage II of lymphoma in 2 cases and IV in 12 cases. Bone marrow involvement was revealed in 2 cases in DHL group and in 5 cases in non-DHL group. More than 1 extranodal site took place in 3 cases of DHL and 8 cases of non-DHL. Survival rates of groups were comparable because they were not significantly different of these characteristics. The 2-year OS and EFS rates were less for DHL pts compared with non-DHL pts: OS: 43 vs. 75%, P=0.24 and EFS: 29 vs. 66%, P=0.09 respectively (Figures 1and 2). Auto-SCT was performed in 2 pts with DHL treated by LB-M-04±R protocol (both pts still be alive) and in 3 pts with non-DHL (1 pt treated by LB-M-04±R and 1 treated by CHOP-like regimen+R are alive in CR and 1 pt treated by LB-M-04±R protocol developed a relapse).Conclusions: Low OS and EFS in BCLU group are caused particularly by DHL cases. We need to enlarge an observation group to confirm benefits of auto-SCT in BCLU pts with signs of poor prognosis. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

IPI In Selecting Patients With Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in Rituximab Era

Nowadays, goal of treatment approach in diffuse large B cell lymphoma is cure and first step towards it is to achieve complete remission. DLBCL is a potentially curable disease, with curability highly dependent on clinical and biological features. According to the WHO classification of Hematological Malignancies, the entity of DLBCL is characterized by rapidly growing mature B cell tumors with large or relatively large cells and /includes a number of disease variants/entities / encompassing several distinct clinopathologic diseases, several different histologic variants and clinical subtypes. There is no unique treatment for all patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Different subgroup of patients with DLBCL needs different treatment. In the pre-rutuximab era International Prognostic Index (IPI) was considered to be the most important prognostic factor for survival and the strongest indicator for identification of high-risk patients, who are unlikely to be cured with standard chemotherapy. Having in mind that IPI is based on 5 clinical characteristics (age, performance status, stage, extranodal involvement, LDH level) and it is constructed in the pre-rituximab is clear that R-IPI should be tested in rituximab era to provide any information of its validity.We retrospectively analyzed unselected population of 80 patients with confirmed diagnose of diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated at University hematology department in the period of 2005-2010. All patients were uniformly treated with R-CHOP regiment as initial treatment with curative intent. There were 80 patients with mean age 54, 5 years (15-84), male 35 and female 45. Older than 60 years were 29 patients (36, 25%). More than half of the patients (42) were diagnosed in advanced stage of the disease. We analyzed five prognostic factors: age, performance status, stage, extranodal involvement, LDH level and through the multifactorial analyses we selected two groups of patients. One with 0 to 2 factors as patients with low risk. Patients with more than 3 factors are considered as high risk. There is statistically significant difference in overall survival between two groups with five –years overall survival 70% for low risk patients and 47% for high risk. High-risk patients may be candidates for autologous transplantation as initial treatment, having in mind that in the rituximab era relapses occur very early in the first year and are difficult to be treated.R-IPI score is significant predictor and should be used for risk stratification of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma. However, these findings should be validated prospectively in an independent population of patients. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.