Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium Research Articles

The Safety and Adherence To Prophylactic Anticoagulation During Induction Chemotherapy In Adults With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults confers a high risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications with a 34% VTE rate reported in our previous study. We describe the safety and adherence to prophylactic anticoagulation during induction in adults treated on the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL consortium protocol. Methods110 patients (pts) with ALL ages 18-50 years enrolled on a high-risk pediatric treatment regimen through the DFCI ALL Consortium from September 2010 through June 2013. All pts received a multi-agent remission induction regimen including asparaginase (ASP). After initial accrual, a high rate of ASP related toxicity events including VTE led to a protocol amendment with recommended guidelines for prophylactic anticoagulation with enoxaparin, dalteparin, fondaparinux, or unfractionated heparin during induction therapy. Induction therapy was modified so that the first 66 pts received 2500 IU/m2 of PEG-ASP, and the final 44 pts received 25,000 IU/m2 of native E.coli ASP. Data were collected prospectively regarding the use, monitoring, and side effects of prophylactic anticoagulation. Eligible pts included those with Philadelphia-negative ALL who received the induction dose of ASP and were either enrolled pre-amendment (n=47) or participated in prophylactic monitoring post-amendment (n=21). Results21 of 27 (78%) pts enrolled post-amendment received prophylactic anticoagulation during induction. Low molecular weight heparin (dalteparin, n=13 and enoxaparin, n=8) was given once daily in 90% and twice daily in 10% of the pts receiving prophylaxis. 0% (0/21) of pts receiving prophylactic anticoagulation had a VTE during induction; 11% (5/47) without prophylactic anticoagulation prior to the amendment had a VTE (p=0.31). No pts on prophylactic anticoagulation had grade ≥2 bleeding. Of the pts who received prophylactic anticoagulation, the following bleeding complications occurred during induction: excess bruising (n=4), drainage from line site (n=2), grade I rectal bleeding (n=1). While on anticoagulation, platelet (plt) transfusion criteria varied; the majority were transfused to plts ≥ 30 kcells/ul. Anticoagulation was held for procedures (86%), thrombocytopenia< 30 kells/ul (33%), and bleeding (5%). Antithrombin levels were followed in 10 of the 21 subjects with a median nadir on week 2 of induction (median 68%, range 47-124%). Fibrinogen levels also had a median nadir on week 2 of 150 mg/dl (range 97-458 mg/dl). Cryoprecipitate was infused in 2 pts receiving anticoagulation. ConclusionsProphylactic anticoagulation can be administered during multi-agent remission induction to adults with ALL. In this study, there was no increase in number or severity of bleeding events on prophylactic anticoagulation. Continued follow up of these pts on prophylaxis during consolidation chemotherapy will allow for additional safety information. Disclosures:Off Label Use: Low molecular weight heparin for prophylactic anticoagulation during acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy. Silverman:EUSA: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sigma Tau: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.TableThe Incidence of Thrombotic and Bleeding Events Based on Common Toxicity Criteria and Event Reports in Adult ALL patients during Induction Categorized by Asparaginase (ASP) type and with and without Prophylactic AnticoagulationNo Anticoagulation Prophylaxis IV PEG ASP 2500 IU/m2 N (%)Anticoagulation Prophylaxis IM E. coli ASP 2000 IU/m2 N (%)Total Patients4721Thrombotic Events5 (11)0 (0)Bleeding Events17 (36)6 (29)

The Development Of Venous Thromboembolism May Increase The Risk Of Osteonecrosis In Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

BackgroundOsteonecrosis (ON) is a severely disabling complication of anti-leukemic therapy, specifically long-term corticosteroid use. A hypercoagulable state is thought to underlie corticosteroid-related ON. Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are also at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), indicating underlying hypercoagulability in this disease entity. Hence, we explored the relationship between ON and VTE, along with the association of ON with other variables, including age and asparaginase (ASP) therapy, in children with ALL. MethodsHealth records of children (< 18 yrs.) with de novo ALL treated at McMaster Children's Hospital from 1992 to 2010 were reviewed. Patients were treated according to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Protocols. Data regarding demographics, leukemia diagnosis and therapy, development and characteristics of ON and VTE, and thrombophilia work-up, if any, were collected from computer records and chart review.Osteonecrosis was diagnosed by plain X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and/or technetium-99m (99mTc) bone scan. We included ON diagnosed during therapy and/or at any point during post-treatment follow-up.Standard radiological measures, including venous Doppler ultrasound and/or venography (conventional, CT, MR), confirmed VTE. We included only clinically significant thromboembolic events, defined as symptomatic VTE, or asymptomatic VTE requiring anticoagulation, developing during ALL therapy.Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify possible predictors of ON. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and corresponding p-values were determined. ResultsMean age of the study cohort (n = 208) was 5.4 years and male/female ratio 1.2:1. Seventy-eight (37.5%) patients had high-risk (HR) ALL and 127 (61.1%) received dexamethasone (DEX) as post-induction steroid. One hundred and sixty-two (77.9%) patients received E. coli ASP, 19 (9.1%) Erwinia ASP, and 27 (13.0%) PEG ASP.Twenty-one (10.1%) children developed ON. Joints affected by ON included the ankle in 11 subjects, knee in 10, hip in 8, and heel in one. Fourteen of the 21 patients (66.7%) had involvement of more than one joint. All patients were diagnosed with ON during ALL treatment, with the average being 69.2 weeks following ALL diagnosis.Forty-two (20.2%) subjects had a VTE while receiving therapy at an average of 29.4 weeks after ALL diagnosis. Nine patients had cerebral sinovenous thrombosis, 7 deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and one pulmonary embolism (PE). Twenty-six patients developed a central venous line (CVL)-related VTE.Results of univariate logistic regression analyses for osteonecrosis are presented in Table 1. VTE strongly predicted development of ON – OR 8.85 (95% CI 3.37–23.25, p< 0.001). Thirteen (31.0%) patients with VTE developed ON compared to 8 (4.8%) of 166 subjects without VTE. In 10 of 13 (76.9%) patients who developed both VTE and ON, the diagnosis of VTE preceded that of ON.Table 1Univariate logistic regression for ONFactorTotal nON, n (%)OR95% CIp-valueAge (yrs.)< 1017710 (5.6)>= 103111 (35.5)9.183.47–24.32< 0.001GenderM1158 (7.0)F9313 (14.0)2.170.86–5.490.10Risk-categorySR13010 (7.7)HR7811 (14.1)1.970.80–4.880.14SteroidPRED815 (6.2)DEX12716 (12.6)2.190.77–6.230.14ASPE. coli16213 (8.0)Erwinia191 (5.3)0.640.08–5.160.67PEG277 (25.9)4.011.43–11.24< 0.01Cranial radiationN11310 (8.8)Y877 (8.0)0.900.33–2.470.84VTEN1668 (4.8)Y4213 (31.0)8.853.37–23.25< 0.001Given that older age is a known risk factor for both VTE and ON, we conducted a multivariate analysis, which confirmed that age, ASP type, and VTE were independent, significant risk factors for ON (Table 2).Table 2Multivariate logistic regression for ONFactorOR95% CIp-valueAge (>= 10 yrs.)6.112.11–17.72< 0.001ASP (PEG vs. E. coli)3.831.19–12.310.02VTE (Y)5.692.00–16.140.001 ConclusionIn addition to the known impact of older age, we identified VTE and type of ASP as independent risk factors for ON in children with ALL. These observations suggest overlap in the etiopathogenesis of ON and VTE. We recommend larger, prospective studies to confirm the association of VTE and PEG ASP with ON and to assess the impact of hypercoagulability on the development of ON. This in turn may help develop preventive strategies (e.g., thromboprophylaxis) for ALL-associated ON. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Postinduction Dexamethasone and Individualized Dosing of Escherichia Coli L-Asparaginase Each Improve Outcome of Children and Adolescents With Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From a Randomized Study—Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01

We assessed the toxicity and efficacy of dexamethasone and a novel dosing method of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase (EC-Asnase) in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Patients achieving complete remission (CR) on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01 were eligible for random assignment to 1) dexamethasone or prednisone, administered as 5-day pulses, every 3 weeks, and 2) weekly EC-Asnase, administered as a 25,000 IU/m(2) fixed dose (FD) or individualized dose (ID) starting at 12,500-IU/m(2), adjusted every 3 weeks based on nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) determinations. Between 2000 and 2004, 492 evaluable patients (ages 1 to 18 years) enrolled; 473 patients (96%) achieved CR. Four hundred eight patients (86%) participated in the corticosteroid randomization and 384 patients (81%) in the EC-Asnase randomization. With 4.9 years of median follow-up, dexamethasone was associated with superior 5-year event-free survival (EFS; 90% v 81% for prednisone; P = .01) but higher rates of infection (P = .03) and, in older children, higher cumulative incidence of osteonecrosis (P = .02) and fracture (P = .06). ID EC-Asnase had superior 5-year EFS (90% v 82% for FD; P = .04), but did not reduce the frequency of asparaginase-related toxicity. Multivariable analysis identified both dexamethasone and ID EC-Asnase as independent predictors of favorable EFS. There was no overall difference in skeletal toxicity by corticosteroid type; dexamethasone was associated with more infections and, in older children, increased incidence of osteonecrosis and fracture. There was no difference in asparaginase-related toxicity by EC-Asnase dosing method. Dexamethasone and ID EC-Asnase were each associated with superior EFS. Monitoring NSAA during treatment with EC-Asnase may be an effective strategy to improve outcome in pediatric ALL.

Continuous Versus Bolus Infusion of Doxorubicin in Children With ALL: Long-term Cardiac Outcomes

Doxorubicin, effective against many malignancies, is limited by cardiotoxicity. Continuous-infusion doxorubicin, compared with bolus-infusion, reduces early cardiotoxicity in adults. Its effectiveness in reducing late cardiotoxicity in children remains uncertain. We determined continuous-infusion doxorubicin cardioprotective efficacy in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 91-01 enrolled pediatric patients between 1991 and 1995. Newly diagnosed high-risk patients were randomly assigned to receive a total of 360 mg/m(2) of doxorubicin in 30 mg/m(2) doses every 3 weeks, by either continuous (over 48 hours) or bolus-infusion (within 15 minutes). Echocardiograms at baseline, during, and after doxorubicin therapy were blindly remeasured centrally. Primary outcomes were late left ventricular (LV) structure and function. A total of 102 children were randomized to each treatment group. We analyzed 484 serial echocardiograms from 92 patients (n = 49 continuous; n = 43 bolus) with ≥1 echocardiogram ≥3 years after assignment. Both groups had similar demographics and normal baseline LV characteristics. Cardiac follow-up after randomization (median, 8 years) showed changes from baseline within the randomized groups (depressed systolic function, systolic dilation, reduced wall thickness, and reduced mass) at 3, 6, and 8 years; there were no statistically significant differences between randomized groups. Ten-year ALL event-free survival rates did not differ between the 2 groups (continuous-infusion, 83% versus bolus-infusion, 78%; P = .24). In survivors of childhood high-risk ALL, continuous-infusion doxorubicin, compared with bolus-infusion, provided no long-term cardioprotection or improvement in ALL event-free survival, hence provided no benefit over bolus-infusion.

Combination of Dexamethasone and Asparaginase Induces Prothrombotic State in Children Receiving Multiagent Chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

AbstractAbstract 3536 Background:Concomitant administration of asparaginase (ASP) and steroids, backbone of front line acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy, are shown to increase the risk of thromboembolism (TE). On Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium studies occurrence of TE is frequent during ASP intensification phase where pulse steroids are administered for 5 days at the start of a 3-week multiagent chemotherapy cycle (Grace et al, 2011). The DFCI ALL 05–001 trial randomized children to PEG ASP (2500IU/m2 intravenous every 14 days) or E. coli ASP (25000 IU/m2 intramuscular every 7 days) for 30 weeks. Aims:We undertook an exploratory study to investigate changes in hemostatic factors from baseline to after administration of ASP with and without dexamethasone (Dex) (standard risk: 6mg/m 2/day, high risk: 18mg/m 2/day × 5 days), and the influence of type of ASP, if any, in children receiving consolidation II therapy on the 05–001 protocol. Methods:Children (>1 to ≤18 years of age) in remission following consolidation I therapy, with no history of TE or allergy to ASP, were eligible to participate. Blood samples were collected at 3 time points: prior to the first post-induction dose of ASP (“baseline”), at a week 2 (effects of ASP and Dex therapy) and prior to subsequent week 1 (effect of ASP only). Samples were analyzed for procoagulant factors [F VIII:C, vonWillebrand Factor (vWF) antigen], markers of natural anticoagulant factors [antithrombin (AT), protein C (PC), free protein S (PS)], fibrinolytic proteins [plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator antigen (tPA-Ag), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1antigen (PAI-1Ag), D-Dimer] and endogenous thrombin generation [prothrombin activation fragment (F1.2)]. Baseline parameters were compared to parameters after ASP and Dex therapy, and after ASP only therapy, using paired t-tests. Change in parameters were also compared for patients receiving PEG versus E coli ASP using Student’s t-test. Results:Of the 20 participants (mean age of 5.8 years; 11 male; 5 high risk), 10 were randomized to PEG ASP. Although significant reduction in AT and PS occurred following ASP alone therapy, the values were within normal range. Type of ASP had no effect on hemostatic parameters except protein S (significant reduction) and PAI-1 Ag (significant increase) in patients treated with PEG ASP compared to E. coli ASP. Compared to baseline FVIII and vWF were significantly increased only after ASP-Dex therapy (Table 1). D-dimer and plasminogen decreased with ASP-Dex and ASP only therapy. There was significant increase in F1.2 following ASP therapy, but more so after ASP-Dex therapy. Limitations:Small sample size and exploratory, single institution study, undertaken within the context of multi-agent chemotherapy, are limitations of this study. Conclusion:Concomitant Dex and ASP, administered in conjunction with multiagent chemotherapy, induces prothrombotic state compared to baseline or that following ASP alone, with resultant increases in procoagulant factors (FVIII, vWF), reduction in fibrinolytic potential as indicated by decrease in plasminogen and D-Dimer, and increase in endogenous thrombin generation reflected by increase in F1.2. This may explain clinical observations of increased prevalence of TE in patients receiving concomitant ASP and steroids.Table 1Change in hemostatic parameters from baseline to after administration of ASP with and without DEXAsparaginase + DexamethasoneAsparaginaseParametersPre (Mean)Post (Mean)% Change*Significance (<0.05) (2-tailed)Pre (Mean)Post (Mean)% Change*Significance (<0.05) (2-tailed)FVIII1.041.70+ 63<0.0011.051.07+ 290.591vWF1.231.65+ 340.0051.261.20− 40.482AT1.161.03− 110.0711.030.77−33<0.001Protein C0.871.20+ 370.0150.870.73− 160.056Protein S0.890.81− 90.3030.920.74−200.004tPA Ag7.5910.13+ 330.0018.3110.79+ 300.072PAI-1 Ag25.6929.98+ 170.53227.6336.25+ 310.254Plasminogen0.840.62−26<0.0010.850.49−44<0.001D-Dimer551.06399.44−280.015570.94367.69−360.003F1.2106.45165.38+ 550.003105.17141.04+ 340.012*(+) = % Increase or (-) = % Decrease from baseline Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Neurobehavioral side effects of corticosteroids during active treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children are age‐dependent: Report from Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00‐01

Although corticosteroids remain a mainstay of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), they can cause troublesome neurobehavioral changes during active treatment, especially in young children. We evaluated acute neurobehavioral side effects of corticosteroid therapy in preschool versus school-age children by obtaining structured reports weekly for 1 month. Parents of 62 children (2-17 years) treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01 participated during the continuation phase of treatment. Patients received cyclical twice-daily 5-day courses of prednisone (PRED; 40 mg/m(2) /day) or dexamethasone (DEX; 6 mg/m(2) /day). Parents completed behavior rating scales about their child weekly during one steroid cycle [baseline (Day 0), active steroid (Day 7), post-steroid (Days 14 and 21)]. Behavioral side effects increased significantly (P < 0.001) during the steroid week for preschool children (<6 years) on measures of emotional control, mood, behavior regulation, and executive functions, returning to baseline during the two "off-steroid" weeks. In contrast, school-age children (≥ 6 years) did not demonstrate an increase in side effects during the steroid week. Steroid type (PRED vs. DEX) was not a significant predictor of neurobehavioral side effects. Preschool children are at greater risk for neurobehavioral side effects during active steroid treatment for ALL than school-age children and adolescents. DEX was not associated with more neurobehavioral side effects than PRED. Counseling of families about side-effects should be adapted according to age. The observed effects, moreover, were transient, reducing concerns about longer-term neurobehavioral toxicities.

Intravenous PEG-asparaginase during remission induction in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia

AbstractOver the past several decades, L-asparaginase, an important component of therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), has typically been administered intramuscularly rather than intravenously in North America because of concerns regarding anaphylaxis. We evaluated the feasibility of giving polyethylene glycosylated (PEG)–asparaginase, the polyethylene glycol conjugate of Escherichia coli L-asparaginase, by intravenous infusion in children with ALL. Between 2005 and 2007, 197 patients (age, 1-17 years) were enrolled on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 05-01 and received a single dose of intravenous PEG-asparaginase (2500 IU/m2) over 1 hour during remission induction. Serum asparaginase activity more than 0.1 IU/mL was detected in 95%, 88%, and 7% of patients at 11, 18, and 25 days after dosing, respectively. Toxicities included allergy (1.5%), venous thrombosis (2%), and pancreatitis (4.6%). We conclude that intravenous administration of PEG-asparaginase is tolerable in children with ALL, and potentially therapeutic enzyme activity is maintained for at least 2 weeks after a single dose in most patients. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00400946.

Long-term results of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium protocols for children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (1985–2000)

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium has been conducting multi-institutional clinical trials in childhood ALL since 1981. The treatment backbone has included 20–30 consecutive weeks of asparaginase during intensification and frequent vincristine/corticosteroid pulses during the continuation phase. Between 1985–2000, 1457 children aged 0–18 years were treated on four consecutive protocols: 85-01 (1985–7), 87-01 (1987–91), 91-01 (1991–5) and 95-01 (1996–2000). The 10-year event-free survival (EFS) ± standard error by protocol was 77.9 ± 2.8% (85-01), 74.2± 2.3 (87-01), 80.8 ± 2.1% (91-01) and 80.5 ± 1.8% (95-01). Approximately 82% of patients treated in the 1980s and 88% treated in the 1990s were long-term survivors. Both EFS and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly higher for patients treated in the 1990s compared with the 1980s (p=0.05 and 0.01, respectively). On the two protocols conducted in the 1990s, EFS was 79–85% for T-ALL patients and 75–78% for adolescents (age 10–18 years). Results of randomized studies revealed that dexrazoxane prevented acute cardiac injury without adversely impacting EFS or OS in high-risk patients and frequently-dosed intrathecal chemotherapy was an effective substitute for cranial radiation in standard-risk patients. Current studies continue to focus on improving efficacy while minimizing acute and late toxicities.

Erwinia asparaginase after allergy to E. coli asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Escherichia coli asparaginase is an important component of treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, hypersensitivity develops in up to 30% of patients. We assessed the nadir enzyme activity and tolerability of Erwinia asparaginase, an alternative preparation, in E. coli asparaginase-allergic patients. Between 2000 and 2002, 215 children with newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 00-01 and were to receive 30 weekly doses of intramuscular E. coli asparaginase. If E. coli asparaginase allergy developed, patients were switched to twice-weekly intramuscular Erwinia asparaginase (25,000 IU/m(2)). Nadir serum asparaginase activity (NSAA) was measured every 3 weeks. Forty-two patients (20%) developed E. coli asparaginase allergy and switched to Erwinia. Of 38 patients with evaluable samples, 34 (89%) Erwinia-treated patients had at least one therapeutic NSAA (> or =0.1 IU/ml). The median NSAA was 0.247 IU/ml 3 days and 0.077 IU/ml 4 days after an Erwinia dose. Associated toxicities included allergy in 14 (33%) and pancreatitis in 3 patients (7%). At a median follow-up of 5.4 years, event-free survival (+/-standard error) of the 42 patients who switched to Erwinia was 86 +/- 5% compared with 81 +/- 3% for the 170 patients without E. coli asparaginase allergy (P = 0.55). Twice-weekly Erwinia asparaginase was well tolerated and achieved a therapeutically effective NSAA in most E. coli asparaginase-allergic patients. Development of E. coli allergy and subsequent treatment with twice-weekly Erwinia did not adversely impact event-free survival. Erwinia asparaginase should be considered for E. coli asparaginase-allergic patients.

Absence of Secondary Malignant Neoplasms in Children With High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated With Dexrazoxane

Dexrazoxane is a drug used to prevent anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. A recent report found an association between the use of dexrazoxane and the risk of developing secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs) in children with Hodgkin's disease. We report the absence of an association of SMNs in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01. Two hundred five children with high-risk (HR) ALL were randomly assigned to receive doxorubicin alone (n = 100) or doxorubicin with dexrazoxane (n = 105) during the induction and intensification phases of multiagent chemotherapy. We compared incidence of SMNs in these two groups. With a median follow-up of 6.2 years, no differences in the incidence of SMNs were noted between the group that received dexrazoxane and the group that did not (P = .66). One SMN (a melanoma located outside of the cranial radiation field) occurred in a patient who was randomly assigned to doxorubicin alone. No SMNs were observed in patients randomly assigned to receive dexrazoxane. Dexrazoxane was not associated with an increased risk of SMNs in children treated for HR ALL. Given the potential importance of dexrazoxane as a cardioprotectant, we recommend that dexrazoxane continue to be used and studied in doxorubicin-containing pediatric regimens.

Neuropsychological Outcomes From a Randomized Trial of Triple Intrathecal Chemotherapy Compared With 18 Gy Cranial Radiation As CNS Treatment in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Findings From Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium Protocol 95-01

We evaluated late neuropsychological toxicity in children treated for standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were randomly assigned to receive either cranial radiation therapy (CRT) with double intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy or intensive triple IT chemotherapy (no CRT) as CNS-directed therapy. Between 1996 and 2000, 164 children with standard-risk ALL treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Consortium Protocol 95-01 were randomly assigned to receive either 18 Gy CRT delivered in twice daily fractions (0.9 [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] Gy) with double IT therapy (methotrexate and cytarabine) or intensive triple IT drug (methotrexate, cytarabine and hydrocortisone) without CRT. Neuropsychological testing was completed at a median 6 years postdiagnosis for 79 children (CRT, n = 39; triple IT, n = 40), all of whom were in continuous complete remission. Cognitive function for both groups was solidly in the average range, with no consistent group differences in basic cognitive skills. Children treated on the CRT plus double IT arm did, however, exhibit less fluent output and were less effective at modulating their behavior by parent report. This randomized trial revealed only subtle differences 6 years after diagnosis between children who received CNS therapy as CRT plus double IT drug or as intensive triple IT drug. In most situations where comparable therapeutic efficacy can be achieved without CRT, it is preferable to do so. Where therapeutically necessary, however, CRT at lower doses may not add risk for significant neurotoxicity.

Favorable Outcome for Adolescents With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Consortium Protocols

Historically, adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have had inferior outcomes when compared with younger children. We report the outcome of adolescents treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI; Boston, MA) ALL Consortium Protocols conducted between 1991 and 2000. A total of 844 patients aged 1 to 18 years, with newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled onto two consecutive DFCI-ALL Consortium Protocols. We compared outcomes in three age groups: children aged 1 to 10 years (n = 685), young adolescents aged 10 to 15 years (n = 108), and older adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (n = 51). With a median follow-up of 6.5 years, the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) for those aged 1 to 10 years was 85% (SE, 1%), compared with 77% (SE, 4%) for those aged 10 to 15 years, and 78% (SE, 6%) for those aged 15 to 18 years (P = .09). Adolescents were more likely to present with T-cell phenotype (P < .001) and less likely to have the TEL-AML1 fusion (P = .05). The incidence of pancreatitis and thromboembolic complications, but not asparaginase allergy, was higher in patients 10 years of age compared with those younger than 10 years. However, there was no difference in the rate of treatment-related complications between the 10- to 15-year and 15- to 18-year age groups. Adolescents were more likely to present at diagnosis with biologically higher risk disease (T-cell phenotype and absence of the TEL-AML1 fusion) and more likely to experience treatment-related complications than younger children. However, the 5-year EFS for older adolescents was 78% +/- 6%, which is superior to published outcomes for similarly aged patients treated with other pediatric and adult ALL regimens. Based on this experience, we currently are piloting our regimen in patients aged 18 to 50 years.

Outcome of adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium Protocols, 1991–2000

9023 Background: Historically, adolescents with ALL have had inferior outcomes compared with younger pediatric patients (pts). Recent studies suggest that older adolescents treated on pediatric protocols have better outcomes than similarly aged pts treated on adult protocols. We report the outcome of adolescents enrolled on two consecutive DFCI ALL Consortium protocols conducted between 1991–2000. Methods: Pts aged 1–18 years (yrs) with newly diagnosed ALL were enrolled on two consecutive protocols, 91–01 (1991–1995) and 95–01(1995–2000). All adolescent pts received 20–30 weeks asparaginase (post-remission consolidation), 18 Gy cranial radiation and doxorubicin (cumulative dose 300 mg/m2). Results: 847 pts were enrolled. Median follow-up was 6.5 yrs. Presenting characteristics and outcome of pts according to age are displayed in the table below. Older pts (age ≥ 10 yrs) were more likely to experience pancreatitis (p=0.007) and thromboembolic complications (p&lt;0.001) from asparaginase, but had similar rates of asparaginase-related allergic events (p=0.21) compared to younger pts. Conclusions: Older adolescents (aged 15–18 yrs) with ALL are more likely to present with T-cell phenotype and TEL/AML1-negative disease than younger children. Despite these biologic differences, older adolescents (aged 15–18 yrs) fared relatively well on DFCI ALL Consortium protocols, with a 5-year EFS of 75 ± 6%. This EFS rate compares favorably to published outcomes for older adolescents treated on other childhood ALL protocols. Although adolescents had an increased risk of asparaginase-related toxicity, this therapy was well-tolerated overall. Based on this experience, we are currently piloting our treatment regimen in adults aged 18–50 yrs. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute acute lymphoblastic leukemia consortium experience.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) accounts for 10% to 15% of newly diagnosed cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Historically, T-ALL patients have had a worse prognosis than other ALL patients. We reviewed the outcomes of 125 patients with T-ALL treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium trials between 1981 and 1995. Therapy included four- or five-agent remission induction; consolidation therapy with doxorubicin, vincristine, corticosteroid, mercaptopurine, and weekly high-dose asparaginase; and cranial radiation. T-ALL patients were treated the same as high-risk B-progenitor ALL patients. Fifteen patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma were also treated with the same high-risk regimen between 1981 and 2000. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate for T-ALL patients was 75% +/- 4%. Fourteen of 15 patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma were long-term survivors. There was no significant difference in EFS comparing patients with T-ALL and B-progenitor ALL (P =.56), although T-ALL patients had significantly higher rates of induction failure (P <.0001), and central nervous system (CNS) relapse (P =.02). The median time to relapse in T-ALL patients was 1.2 years versus 2.5 years in B-progenitor ALL patients (P =.001). There were no pretreatment characteristics associated with worse prognosis in patients with T-ALL. T-ALL patients fared as well as B-progenitor patients on DFCI ALL Consortium protocols. Patients with T-ALL remain at increased risk for induction failure, early relapse, and isolated CNS relapse. Future studies should focus on the identification of and treatment for T-ALL patients at high risk for treatment failure.

Improved outcome for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of Dana-Farber Consortium Protocol 91-01

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Consortium Protocol 91-01 was designed to improve the outcome of children with newly diagnosed ALL while minimizing toxicity. Compared with prior protocols, post-remission therapy was intensified by substituting dexamethasone for prednisone and prolonging the asparaginase intensification from 20 to 30 weeks. Between 1991 and 1995, 377 patients (age, 0-18 years) were enrolled; 137 patients were considered standard risk (SR), and 240 patients were high risk (HR). Following a 5.0-year median follow-up, the estimated 5-year event-free survival (EFS) +/- SE for all patients was 83% +/- 2%, which is superior to prior DFCI ALL Consortium protocols conducted between 1981 and 1991 (P =.03). There was no significant difference in 5-year EFS based upon risk group (87% +/- 3% for SR and 81% +/- 3% for HR, P =.24). Age at diagnosis was a statistically significant prognostic factor (P =.03), with inferior outcomes observed in infants and children 9 years or older. Patients who tolerated 25 or fewer weeks of asparaginase had a significantly worse outcome than those who received at least 26 weeks of asparaginase (P <.01, both univariate and multivariate). Older children (at least 9 years of age) were significantly more likely to have tolerated 25 or fewer weeks of asparaginase (P <.01). Treatment on Protocol 91-01 significantly improved the outcome of children with ALL, perhaps due to the prolonged asparaginase intensification and/or the use of dexamethasone. The inferior outcome of older children may be due, in part, to increased intolerance of intensive therapy.

Incidence of TEL/AML1 Fusion in Children With Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

AbstractThe TEL/AML1 fusion associated with t(12;21)(p13;q22) is the most common gene rearrangement in childhood leukemia, occurring in approximately 25% of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and is associated with a favorable prognosis. For example, a cohort of pediatric patients with ALL retrospectively analyzed for theTEL/AML1 fusion treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium protocols between 1980 to 1991 demonstrated a 100% relapse-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients with a median of 8.3 years of follow-up. However, two recent studies analyzing pediatric patients with relapsed ALL have reported the same incidence of the TEL/AML1 rearrangement as in patients with newly diagnosed ALL, suggesting that TEL/AML1 positivity is not a favorable prognostic indicator. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, 48 pediatric patients treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) protocols with ALL at first or second relapse were tested forTEL/AML1 using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The TEL/AML1 fusion was identified in only 1 of 32 analyzable relapsed ALL patients, in concordance with our previous reports of improved disease-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients. The low frequency of TEL/AML1-positive patients at relapse is significantly different than that reported in other studies. Although there are several potential explanations for the observed differences in TEL/AML1-positive patients at relapse, it is plausible that relapse-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients may be changed with different therapeutic approaches. Taken together, these results support the need for prospective analysis of prognosis in TEL/AML1-positive patients.

Incidence of TEL/AML1 Fusion in Children With Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The TEL/AML1 fusion associated with t(12;21)(p13;q22) is the most common gene rearrangement in childhood leukemia, occurring in approximately 25% of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and is associated with a favorable prognosis. For example, a cohort of pediatric patients with ALL retrospectively analyzed for theTEL/AML1 fusion treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ALL Consortium protocols between 1980 to 1991 demonstrated a 100% relapse-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients with a median of 8.3 years of follow-up. However, two recent studies analyzing pediatric patients with relapsed ALL have reported the same incidence of the TEL/AML1 rearrangement as in patients with newly diagnosed ALL, suggesting that TEL/AML1 positivity is not a favorable prognostic indicator. To clarify this apparent discrepancy, 48 pediatric patients treated on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) protocols with ALL at first or second relapse were tested forTEL/AML1 using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The TEL/AML1 fusion was identified in only 1 of 32 analyzable relapsed ALL patients, in concordance with our previous reports of improved disease-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients. The low frequency of TEL/AML1-positive patients at relapse is significantly different than that reported in other studies. Although there are several potential explanations for the observed differences in TEL/AML1-positive patients at relapse, it is plausible that relapse-free survival in TEL/AML1-positive patients may be changed with different therapeutic approaches. Taken together, these results support the need for prospective analysis of prognosis in TEL/AML1-positive patients.

Second malignancies in patients treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Second malignant neoplasms (SMN) are devastating late complications of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment. We evaluated the incidence and type of SMN diagnosed before leukemic relapse in a large series of patients with ALL. We reviewed the outcome of all patients treated for childhood ALL between 1972 and 1995 on Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and DFCI ALL Consortium protocols. The follow-up time from diagnosis of ALL to induction failure, relapse, remission death, or SMN, whichever occurred first, ranged from 0 to 24.0 years (median, 7.6 years; mean, 6.7 years). Thirteen SMNs were diagnosed among 1,597 patients. Eight tumors occurred in a radiation field (five in the CNS and three in the head and neck), two occurred outside of a radiation field (one adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon and one epithelioid sarcoma of the chest wall), and three were hematopoietic malignancies. The median time to occurrence was 6.7 years (range, 1.0 to 17.2 years) and the cumulative incidence of second malignancy before another first event was 2.7% (95% confidence interval, 0.7 to 4.7). The risk of a first event, which included induction failure, relapse, or remission death, was 31.0% (95% confidence interval, 28.5 to 33.5). We found a more than 10-fold risk of other first events when compared with SMN. Thus, we conclude that SMN before first relapse is a relatively uncommon occurrence among survivors of childhood ALL. Future therapeutic regimens must focus on reducing leukemia relapse and enhancing quality of life, as well as preventing SMNs.

Growth and body composition in response to chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Severely malnourished children afflicted by acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), particularly in developing countries, have reduced tolerance to chemotherapy and a compromised prospect for survival. We investigated the prevalence and severity of alterations in growth and nutritional status in children with ALL from population-based referral areas in Canada. All children were treated with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ALL Consortium protocols. First, the relative impact of cranial irradiation (CI) and chemotherapy on growth was studied in 116 children at diagnosis and at 6-month intervals during treatment. We observed a decline in height standard deviation (SD) score in the first year in all children, and a further decline in height SD score during the second year only in the children who received CI. Weight reduction occurred in the first year, but during the second year there was a disproportionate increase in weight compared with height, suggesting that children treated with ALL have a tendency toward obesity. Both chemotherapy and CI contribute to the altered growth observed in children treated for ALL. Second, intestinal functional integrity was assessed in 16 children during post-induction chemotherapy. Nutrient intake was adequate and there was minimal evidence of malabsorption: fat malabsorption occurred in only 1 child (after treatment-related pancreatitis), abnormal D-xylose absorption occurred in 2 children at 6 months of therapy (returning to normal 6 months later) and abnormal lactose absorption occurred in 4 children. Third, weight, height, whole body lean and fat mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and serum albumin were determined at diagnosis and at 6-month intervals throughout therapy in 19 children with ALL. Height SD scores decreased significantly during treatment. Serum albumin was abnormally low in 6/19 at diagnosis and 14/18 during intensive consolidation therapy. The mean change in the ratio of lean mass to total body weight showed a 5% reduction by 6 months of therapy. Body fat increased from a mean of 22% at diagnosis to 28% at completion of therapy. The majority of children treated for ALL thus have significant changes in nutritional status manifested by reductions in growth, alterations in lean and fat body mass and abnormally low serum proteins during intensive therapy.