Features Of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Research Articles

Myeloid neoplasm with concurrent BCR::ABL1 translocation, and JAK2 and SF3B1 co-mutations with severe fibrosis: a case report

Abstract Introduction/Objective Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise from hematopoietic stem cells with somatically altered tyrosine kinase signaling. Classification of MPNs is based on hematologic, histopathologic and molecular characteristics including the presence of BCR::ABL1 and JAK2 V617F. Methods/Case Report We present a 72-year-old male with a myeloid neoplasm and severe fibrosis, with concurrent BCR::ABL1 translocation, and co-mutations in JAK2 and SF3B1. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with anemia, thrombocytosis and folic acid deficiency and was prescribed supplemental folic acid. At follow up, normocytic anemia and thrombocytosis were seen. Bone marrow biopsy showed overtly fibrotic marrow with maturing trilineage hematopoiesis, markedly increased megakaryopoiesis and ring sideroblasts. Chromosome analysis and sequential GTG-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of metaphases using the dual-fusion three color probe BCR/ABL1- ASS1 revealed abnormal results. A t(9;22)(q34;q11.2) was detected along with an atypical FISH signal pattern with a single BCR::ABL1 fusion on the derivative chromosome 22 instead of the typical two fusions, resulting in loss of one BCR::ABL1 fusion signal including loss of the ASS1 on the derivative chromosome 9. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis detected double driver mutations, JAK2 p. Val617Phe and SF3B1 p. Lys700Glu in the patient. JAK2 V617F mutation was further confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) with variant allele frequencies of 39.7%. Additionally, the patient was positive for BCR::ABL1 p190 fusion transcript (10%). The presence of JAK2 and SF3B1 co-mutations along with ring sideroblasts and the patient’s clinical presentation suggests the diagnosis of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with thrombocytosis and SF3B1 mutation. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Although, the detection of t(9;22) by chromosome analysis is a diagnostic feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), our case adds to the limited information on co-existence of BCR::ABL1 and JAK2 V617F with SF3B1 mutations in severe fibrosis. The frequency of co-occurrence, the temporal order of acquisition and clonal relationship of these alterations is poorly understood, and it is also unclear for this case since there is no prior bone marrow biopsy or diagnostic work up. Literature search of these rare cases show that some patients with similar findings progress to myelofibrosis as in this patient. It is possible that the presence of two mutated tyrosine kinase genes accelerates disease progression.

Bilateral cystoid macular edema as the presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia.

Ophthalmic disease may rarely be a presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We report a case of a 53-year-old man with type 1 diabetes mellitus who presented with a rapid onset of bilateral blurred vision. He was noted to have bilateral macular edema and was initially treated for presumed diabetic macular edema (DME) with intravitreal alifbercept injections. One month later, there was complete resolution of his macular edema. Review of his history and imaging revealed features atypical for DME, specifically; the rapid onset of bilateral blurred vision over 2-3 weeks, numerous cotton wool spots within the macula, the absence of any exudates, the symmetrical macular edema with a "vaulted ceiling" appearance (more typical of cystoid macular edema) and the dramatic response to a single intravitreal aflibercept injection. One week after his intravitreal injection, the patient was diagnosed with CML following marked leucocytosis on a routine blood test by his general practitioner. Although uncommon, sudden onset bilateral edema in the absence of other chronic diabetic changes should prompt consideration of an underlying haematological cause. This case highlights the importance of considering CML as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with sudden onset, bilateral cystoid macular oedema. Vigilance is especially important in patients with co-existing diabetic retinopathy as the clinical features of leukemic retinopathy can overlap. Furthermore, the diagnosis of CML in a patient with diabetes mellitus should prompt extra observation for accelerated worsening of diabetic retinopathy.

Oxidative Stress and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Balance between ROS-Mediated Pro- and Anti-Apoptotic Effects of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

The balanced reciprocal translocation t (9; 22) (q34; q11) and the BCR-ABL fusion gene, which produce p210 bcr-abl protein production with high tyrosine kinase activity, are characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia, a myeloproliferative neoplasm. This aberrant protein affects several signaling pathways connected to both apoptosis and cell proliferation. It has been demonstrated that tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in chronic myeloid leukemia acts by inducing oxidative stress and, depending on its level, can activate signaling pathways responsible for either apoptosis or survival in leukemic cells. Additionally, oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species generation also mediate apoptosis through genomic activation. Furthermore, it was shown that oxidative stress has a role in both BCR-ABL-independent and BCR-ABL-dependent resistance pathways to tyrosine kinases, while patients with chronic myeloid leukemia were found to have a significantly reduced antioxidant level. The ideal environment for tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is produced by a favorable oxidative status. We discuss the latest studies that aim to manipulate the redox system to alter the apoptosis of cancerous cells.

Comparison of Characteristics of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Combined with Different Degrees of Myelofibrosis : A Real-World Multicenter Retrospective Study from China

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by excessive proliferation of myeloid cells, which belongs to the group of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Myelofibrosis (MF) is a significant prognostic indicator of CML, and its discovery at the time of diagnosis aids in decisions regarding the patient's course of treatment, according to a descriptive cross-sectional study. Nevertheless, the influence of MF is not clear. Our study is to investigate clinical characteristics and prognosis of CML pantients with different degrees of myelofibrosis, exploring the influence of MF. We retrospectively analyzed 1757 CML patients with bone marrow biopsy results and compared the characteristics of CML combined with different degrees of MF in 44 Chinese institutions from January 2010 to October 2022(ChiCTR2200061208). A total of 1757 CML patients with MF, including 1090 males (62.0%) and 667 females (38.0%) with a median age of 49 (6-92) years. 1757 CML patients were treated with TKIs, as shown in the picture ( Figure A).The median WBC count was 119.8×10 9/L (0.1-910.8×10 9/L) in peripheral blood at diagnosis, the median HB level was 111.5 g/L (12.6-181 g/L), the median PLT count was 512.1×10 9/L (5-4384×10 9/L), the median EOS% was 3.3% (0.0-31.1%), the median BAS% was 4.3% (0.0-19.0%), the median spleen size was 4.10 cm (0.0-26.0 cm). Patients with MF were older (p<0.001); had higher leukocyte counts (p<0.001) and platelet counts (p<0.001); were more prone to anemia (p<0.001), acidophilia (p<0.001), alkalophilia (p<0.001), and splenomegaly (p<0.001); and a higher proportion of peripheral blood blast cells (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the male to female ratio. Patients without MF were more likely to reach 3-month EMR (p<0.001), 6-month BCR::ABL IS ≤ 1% (p<0.001), and 12-month MMR (p<0.001). The proportion of medium / high-risk patients with MF according to the Sokal score (p<0.001), Hasford score (p<0.001), ELTS score (p<0.001) and EUTOS score (p=0.002) was significantly increased ( Figure B). CML patients with MF had lower OS and PFS than patients without MF (p=0.007, p=0.006, Figure D, E). CML patients with MF were more prone to treatment failure with imatinib as the first-line treatment (p<0.001, Figure F). There was no statistically significant difference in treatment failure between first-generation TKI (1G-TKI) and second-generation TKI (2G-TKI) (p=0.222, Figure G).With increasing degree of MF, CML patients had higher leukocyte counts were more susceptible to anemia and splenomegaly, and had more peripheral blood blast cells. However, there was no significant difference in sex ratio, age, platelets, eosinophils, and basophils. CML patients without MF were more likely to achieve 3-month EMR, 6-month BCR::ABL IS ≤ 1%, and 12-month MMR. As the degree of MF increased, the proportion of intermediate / high risk patients according to Sokal score, Hasford score, and ELTS score increased significantly ( Figure C), OS and PFS of CML patients decreased (p<0.001, p<0.001, Figure H, I) and the failure rate of first-line treatment increased (p<0.001, p<0.001, Figure J, K). In conclusion, we performed 1757 CML patients with MF and compared the characteristics of CML combined with different degrees of MF. As the degree of MF increased, the proportion of intermediate / high risk patients according to Sokal score, Hasford score, and ELTS score increased, the efficacy of TKIs was lower, the prognosis of patients was worse. So MF is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients with CML. Acknowledgement: This research was funded by the Key R&D Program of Zhejiang, No. 2022C03137; Public Technology Application Research Program of Zhejiang, China, No. LGF21H080003; Zhejiang Medical Association Clinical Medical Research special fund project, No. 2022ZYC-D09. *Correspondence to: Dr Jian Huang, Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003,Zhejiang, Peoples R China.E-mail: househuang@zju.edu.cn

CML-076 The Downregulation of Both Large E3 Ubiquitin Ligases, HERC1 and HERC2, is a Common and Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

CML-076 The Downregulation of Both Large E3 Ubiquitin Ligases, HERC1 and HERC2, is a Common and Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

POSTER: CML-076 The Downregulation of Both Large E3 Ubiquitin Ligases, HERC1 and HERC2, is a Common and Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

POSTER: CML-076 The Downregulation of Both Large E3 Ubiquitin Ligases, HERC1 and HERC2, is a Common and Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The value of leukapheresis for treatment of priapism as presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia-Case report and review of literature.

Priapism is a rare presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in male patients. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and to prevent erectile dysfunction. Several treatment modalities exist, however no standard treatment is recommended. We evaluated literature concerning different treatment approaches and evaluate the value of leukapheresis in treatment of priapism. The literature search resulted in 57 included articles, consisting of 53 studied patients. Patients had a mean age of 25.3years, average time from onset to presentation at the hospital was 2 days, and mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 344 × 109/L. Most patients (67.9%) were treated with a combined approach (different modalities were radiological, urological, and oncological treatment). Twelve patients, with a mean WBC count of 365 × 109/L, received leukapheresis. Only two of them reported erectile dysfunction after treatment. Priapism is an urological emergency requiring urgent multidisciplinary treatment. We highlight the importance of local urological therapy combined with systemic therapy for CML. Therapeutic leukapheresis should be applied when available and with no other contraindications.

The Downregulation of Both Giant HERCs, HERC1 and HERC2, Is an Unambiguous Feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, and HERC1 Levels Are Associated with Leukemic Cell Differentiation.

Large HERC E3 ubiquitin ligase family members, HERC1 and HERC2, are staggeringly complex proteins that can intervene in a wide range of biological processes, such as cell proliferation, DNA repair, neurodevelopment, and inflammation. Therefore, mutations or dysregulation of large HERCs is associated with neurological disorders, DNA repair defects, and cancer. Though their role in solid tumors started to be investigated some years ago, our knowledge about HERCs in non-solid neoplasm is greatly lagging behind. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a model onco-hematological disorder because of its unique and unambiguous relation between genotype and phenotype due to a single genetic alteration. In the present study, we ascertained that the presence of the BCR-ABL fusion gene was inversely associated with the expression of the HERC1 and HERC2 genes. Upon the achievement of remission, both HERC1 and HERC2 mRNAs raised again to levels comparable to those of the healthy donors. Additionally, our survey unveiled that their gene expression is sensitive to different Tyrosine Kinases Inhibitors (TKIs) in a time-dependent fashion. Interestingly, for the first time, we also observed a differential HERC1 expression when the leukemic cell lines were induced to differentiate towards different lineages revealing that HERC1 protein expression is associated with the differentiation process in a lineage-specific manner. Taken together, our findings suggest that HERC1 might act as a novel potential player in blood cell differentiation. Overall, we believe that our results are beneficial to initiate exploring the role/s of large HERCs in non-solid neoplasms.

Massive retinal infiltrates as the presenting sign of chronic myeloid leukemia: Clinical and imaging features of leukemic retinopathy.

To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features of two cases with bilateral diffuse retinal infiltrates as the only presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) on initial diagnosis and upon relapse. We reported two patients with CML, one at initial diagnosis and one in remission who presented with bilateral subacute visual impairment. Fundal examination revealed bilateral symmetrical leukostatic appearance with increased vascular tortuosity, diffuse retinal infiltrates with size up to 6 disk diameters, retinal hemorrhages, and Roth's spots. OCT showed multiple intra-retinal hyper-reflective foci corresponding to intra-retinal hemorrhages, and outer retinal hyper-reflective foci in area corresponding to retinal infiltrate. The different retinal layers were relatively preserved and distinguishable. White cell count (WCC) were elevated in both patients ranging from 544 to 810 × 109/L. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CML in the patient without prior diagnosis and relapse of CML in another patient. Cytogenetic test detected Abelson murine leukemia (ABL) - breakpoint cluster region (BCR) fusion transcript in both cases. Both patients were started on oral imatinib, subsequently WCC returned to within normal values in both cases. Vision and OCT abnormalities improved and reduction in retinal hemorrhages and infiltrates were observed in follow up. This report highlights the important role of ophthalmologists and detailed fundus examination in making a prompt diagnosis of leukemia in patients with visual complaints. Appropriate systemic investigation and hematologist referrals for prompt treatment of CML may improve survival rate and preserve vision.

Serum Vascular Endothelial Gowth Factor Correlates with Hasford Score in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Introduction and Aim Increased angiogenesis in BM is one of the characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) implicated in its progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) one of the most potent regulator of angiogenesis is increased in CML. The prognostic impact of serum VEGF in CML is largely unknown with sparse literature from India. So the present study aimed to measure serum VEGF levels in different phases of CML and to assess its prognostic significance using Hasford score. Methods Forty Ph + patients of CML were enrolled in the study. Complete clinical history and physical examination was done. Hemogram was done by Beckman Coulter LH 500. Peripheral smear (Wright's stain) was done by microscopy. Serum VEGF (plain vial) using ELISA was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20. Results The mean serum VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). The patients in accelerated/blast phase demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum VEGF (mean 151pg/mL) than those in the chronic phase (mean 90.87pg/mL) (p = 0.02). Serum VEGF levels showed a significant positive correlation with the overall Hasford prognostic score (p = 0.023). Conclusion Serum VEGF levels can serve as an independent prognostic marker in CML patients irrespective of phase of CML. Also, S. VEGF levels can be used to monitor patients on imatinib therapy and identify those who might benefit from antiangiogenesis therapy. However, larger studies are needed with a larger number of patients in different phases of CML to validate our findings and thus pave the way for future research.

Differential Regulation of Telomeric Complex by BCR-ABL1 Kinase in Human Cellular Models of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia-From Single Cell Analysis to Next-Generation Sequencing.

Telomeres are specialized nucleoprotein complexes, localized at the physical ends of chromosomes, that contribute to the maintenance of genome stability. One of the features of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells is a reduction in telomere length which may result in increased genomic instability and progression of the disease. Aberrant telomere maintenance in CML is not fully understood and other mechanisms such as the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) are involved. In this work, we employed five BCR-ABL1-positive cell lines, namely K562, KU-812, LAMA-84, MEG-A2, and MOLM-1, commonly used in the laboratories to study the link between mutation, copy number, and expression of telomere maintenance genes with the expression, copy number, and activity of BCR-ABL1. Our results demonstrated that the copy number and expression of BCR-ABL1 are crucial for telomere lengthening. We observed a correlation between BCR-ABL1 expression and telomere length as well as shelterins upregulation. Next-generation sequencing revealed pathogenic variants and copy number alterations in major tumor suppressors, such as TP53 and CDKN2A, but not in telomere-associated genes. Taken together, we showed that BCR-ABL1 kinase expression and activity play a crucial role in the maintenance of telomeres in CML cell lines. Our results may help to validate and properly interpret results obtained by many laboratories employing these in vitro models of CML.

Super-Enhancer-Associated Hub Genes In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Identified Using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis.

PurposeSuper-enhancer (SE)-associated oncogenes extensively potentiate the uncontrolled proliferation capacity of cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to identify the SE-associated hub genes associated with the clinical characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).MethodsEigengenes from CML clinical modules were determined using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Overlapping genes between eigengenes and SE-associated genes were used to construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and annotate for pathway enrichment analysis. Expression patterns of the top-ranked SE-associated hub genes were further determined in CML patients and healthy controls via real-time PCR. After treatment of K562 cells with the BRD4 inhibitor, JQ1, for 24 hrs, mRNA and protein levels of SE-associated hub genes were evaluated using real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. H3K27ac, H3K4me1 and BRD4 ChIP-seq signal peaks were used to predict and identify SEs visualized by the Integrative Genomics Viewer.ResultsThe yellow module was significantly related to the status and pathological phase of CML. SE-associated hub candidate genes were mainly enriched in the cell cycle pathway. Based on the PPI networks of hub genes and the top rank of degree, five SE-associated genes were identified: specifically, BUB1, CENPO, KIF2C, ORC1, and RRM2. Elevated expression of these five genes was not only related to CML status and phase but also positively regulated by SE and suppressed by the BRD4 inhibitor, JQ1, in K562 cells. Strong signal peaks of H3K27ac, H3K4me1 and BRD4 ChIP-seq of the five genes were additionally observed close to the predicted SE regions.ConclusionThis is the first study to characterize SE-associated genes linked to clinical characteristics of CML via weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Our results support a novel mechanism involving aberrant expression of hub SE-associated genes in CML patients and K562 cells, and these genes will be potential new therapeutic targets for human leukemia.

Priapism: a rare presentation in chronic myeloid leukemia

Priapism is a rare presenting feature of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). It is an urological emergency which requires urgent treatment to prevent long term complications, in particular erectile dysfunction. Author report a case of 18 year old male presenting with persistent painful erection of penis for around 14 hours. The patient underwent immediate irrigation and decompression of priapism in emergency and was started on cytoreductive therapy. During hospitalization, peripheral blood smear and bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of CML.

S882 OPTIMIZATION OF TKI TREATMENT IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH PH+ CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKEMIA AND STABLE MR3.0 OR MR4.0: 1ST YEAR RESULTS OF THE ITALIAN MULTICENTRIC PHASE-III RANDOMIZED OPTKIMA STUDY

Background: Family planning is important in patients (pts) with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who can have a near normal lifespan in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) era. Management of CML on conceptions and pregnancies is not defined as cases are rare and data are scarce. To investigate this issue a multicenter retrospective and prospective observational study of conception/pregnancy in CML pts was initiated within the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) from February 2014 till present. All ELN centers and participants from other countries were invited and received the study's protocol which was adopted in agreement with specific national laws. Aims: The main goal was to describe CML pts in terms of pregnancy/conceptions management and outcome. Secondary goals included demographics, characteristics of CML, management during pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes and characteristics of children. Methods: Adult pts aged ≥18 years with Ph+ positive CML and pregnancy were included after signing a written informed consent. Data were collected either in the coordinating centers in Moscow (Russia) and Rome (Italy) followed by the analyses of the entire data set. A total 305 pregnancy cases in 234 CML female pts from 15 centers of 13 countries worldwide were analyzed (Table 1). Results: Chronic phase at diagnosis was in 217/221(98%) pts. In 50 (21%) pts CML was diagnosed during pregnancy, while 184 (67%) got pregnant after diagnosis. Median (Me) time from CML diagnosis to pregnancy was 59 months (range 1–203). The outcomes of 305 pregnancies were as follows: labor 234 (77%), induced abortion 42 (14%), spontaneous abortion 21 (7%) and ongoing pregnancy or unknown outcome 8 (2%). Labor at full term was in 141 (75%) of 187 cases fully reported (Table 2). Molecular response (MR) evaluations at the start of pregnancy were recorded in 249/305 cases. Deep MR (DMR or BCR-ABL≤0,01% IS), major MR (MMR or BCR-ABL≤0,1%> >0,01% IS), MR2 (BCR-ABL>0,1%> ≤1% IS) and no MR2 (BCR-ABL>1% IS) was observed in 80 (32%), 31 (12%), 32 (13%) and 106 (43%) cases respectively. In 182 (71%) of 257 pregnancies with known data pts conceived while on TKI: 77% under imatinib (IM) and 23% TKI 2nd/3rd generation. TKIs were usually stopped early in 1st trimester (4–5 week of gestation) when the pregnancy was discovered. In 82 pregnancies pts were treated during 2nd-3rd trimester, after placental formation, until labor with IM: 33 (40%) of cases), nilotinib (NIL): 8 (9%), interferon (IFN): 23 (28%, 1 PEG-IFN), hydroxyurea: 6 (7%). IM was used throughout pregnancy in 13 (16%). One case of leukaferesis was recorded. The number of born children in 226 fully reported labors was 233 (including twins). Congenital abnormalities were recorded in 4 (1,7%) cases as follows: polydactyly (1), hypospadias (1) and non-closed foramen ovale of interatrial septum (2). None of the abnormalities were severe or life threatening, relationship to TKI use was considered unlikely by physicians. Low birth weight was recorded in 13 children with IM or NIL exposure at late pregnancy. The follow-up of all children was uneventful, with Me age at follow-up of 5 years (range 2 months-17 years).Summary/Conclusion: Most pregnancies in CML female pts resulted in normal childbirth with no increased rate of birth abnormalities in spite of TKI use at conception even if treatments were mostly early stopped at implant (4–5 weeks). Different therapies were used during pregnancy when needed. The results in terms of conception/pregnancy may be valuable for the development of CML treatment schemes particularly considering the variety of disease status.

CML patients presenting with priapism: Is there any disparity in outcome?

e18545 Background: Priapism, a urological emergency that needs prompt treatment, is an uncommon presenting feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). CML frequently occurs in younger males and adolescents in developing countries. Occurrence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in this particular age group can severely decrease the quality of life. It is known that immediate treatment of priapism preserves erectile function. The data on the outcome of priapism in CML patients from developing world is limited. Methods: We analysed the CML patients treated at PGIMER Chandigarh from January 2003 to December 2018. Baseline spleen and liver size, hematological parameters, Sokal and Hasford score were documented. Duration of priapism, treatment received by the patients, and response to Imatinib were recorded. The severity of ED was assessed by SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) score. Results: Twenty-three patients (1.7%) out of total 1350 male CML-CP patients had priapism at diagnosis. The median age was 24 years (range 13 – 50 years); 60.8% patients belonged to 21 – 40 years age group. Median duration of priapism was 8 days (range 2 – 25 days). Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly were found in 91.3% and 56.5% patients, respectively. Baseline median hemoglobin was 9.9 g/dL; TLC was 283000/mm3 and platelet count was 352000/mm3. Based on Sokal score, 4/23, 16/23 and 3/23 patients belonged to low, intermediate and high risk categories, respectively. According to Hasford score, 7/23, 14/23 and 2/23 patients belonged to low, intermediate and high risk categories, respectively. All patients received cytoreductive therapy [hydroxyurea and Imatinib]; 21 patients underwent penile aspiration, 13 patients underwent therapeutic leucapheresis and 8 patients underwent distal penile shunt surgery. Majority of the patients (78.2%) achieved CHR at 6 weeks and 21 patients achieved MMR at 12 months. ED could be assessed in 14 patients on follow up. As per SHIM score, 2/14 and 12/14 patients had moderate and severe ED, respectively. The occurrence and severity of ED was unaffected by leucapheresis or shunt surgery. Conclusions: We found severe ED on follow up among majority of CML-CP patients with priapism at presentation. Despite favourable response to Imatinib, long duration of symptoms and hyperleucocytosis probably contributed to ischemic priapism and severe ED in the study cohort. We conclude that prolonged and untreated priapism in CML-CP patients is a major risk factor for ED. There is a need to sensitise the primary care physicians and surgeons in the developing world regarding this grave complication in CML patients.

Unique characteristics of leukocyte volume, conductivity and scatter in chronic myeloid leukemia

BackgroundModern automated hematology analyzers provide quantitative data on leukocyte size and structure that may be useful to distinguish reactive from neoplastic cellular proliferations. We compared leukocyte volume, conductivity and scatter (VCS) characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), bcr-abl1-positive patients with those of non-neoplastic neutrophilia. Materials and methodsComplete blood counts and VCS data (LH750 hematology analyzers, Beckman Coulter) from 38 newly-diagnosed CML patients, 65 CML on imatinib mesylate therapy, 58 patients with elevated age-specific neutrophil counts due to varied causes, 100 pregnant women and 99 healthy controls were collated and compared. Receiver-operating-characteristic curves, logistic regression models and classification trees were studied for their abilities to distinguish various groups. ResultsUntreated CML had higher mean neutrophil volume and mean monocyte volume (MNV and MMV), mean lymphocyte scatter (MLS) and higher standard deviations of the mean neutrophil volume and conductivity (MNV-SD and MNC-SD) over all other groups (p < 0.0001 for all). MNV, MNC-SD and MLS distinguished CML from reactive neutrophilia + pregnancy groups (sensitivities 89.5%, 94.7%, 94.7% and specificities 90.6%, 95.6% and 94.0% respectively). Combination of MNV>163.0 AND MNC-SD>12.69 was 89.5% sensitive and 100% specific for CML. Two algorithmic classification-tree approaches using VCS parameters alone (i.e. without the aid of blood count parameters) correctly separated 100% cases of untreated CML from all others. ConclusionSuccessful distinction of untreated but not post-imatinib CML patients from subjects who were either normal, pregnant or had reactive neutrophilia by automated analyzer-derived cell-population data opens possibilities for their applications in diagnosing and understanding the pathogenesis of CML.

Clinical characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia with T315I mutation and the efficacy of ponatinib

To analyze the clinical features of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with T315 I mutation (CML-T315I) and compare the effectiveness of different treatments. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data and outcomes of 19 patients with CML-T315I receiving different treatments. The T315 I mutations in these patients were detected by examination of BCR-ABL kinase domain (KD) mutation by RTQ-PCR and Sanger sequencing. The relapse following the treatments, defined as hematological, cytogenetic and molecular biological recurrences, were analyzed in these patients. Of the 19 patients with CML-T315I, 14 (73.7%) were in CML-CP stage at the initial diagnosis, and 13 (81.2%) were high-risk patients based on the Sokal scores. All the 19 patients were treated with TKI after the initial diagnosis, and during the treatment, 15 (78.9%) patients were found to have additional chromosomal aberrations, and 10 (52.6%) had multiple mutations; 13 (68.4%) of the patients experienced disease progression (accelerated phase/blast crisis) before the detection of T315I mutation, with a median time of 40 months (5-120 months) from the initial diagnosis to the mutation detection. After detection of the mutation, 12 patients were treated with ponatinib and 7 were managed with the conventional chemotherapy regimen, and their overall survival rates at 3 years were 83.3% and 14.2%, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). CML patients resistant to TKI are more likely to have T315I mutations, whose detection rate is significantly higher in the progressive phase than in the chronic phase. These patients often have additional chromosomal aberrations and multiple gene mutations with poor prognoses and a high recurrence rate even after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Long-term maintenance therapy with ponatinib may improve the prognosis and prolong the survival time of the patients.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Italian Multicenter Observational Study (CML-IT-MOS): Clinical Characteristics of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Patients Treated in Real-Life between 2012 and 2016 in 66 Italian Hematology Centers of the Gimema Study Group

Background: The advent of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) totally changed the outcome of patients affected by Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). Most of informations about the clinical characteristics of CML patients are based on data derived from clinical trials, that often exclude patients not fitting with strict inclusion criteria. In real life may be important to know the characteristics of the entire CML patients' population and this is better reflected by registries studies including all consecutive patients.Aim: To provide a robust and updated information on clinical, hematologic characteristics and treatment response in non-selected Italian patients with CML in each phase of the disease.Methods:We retrospectively and prospectively recorder in a web-based database clinical, hematological, cytogenetic and biological informations about all new diagnosis of CML patients referred to Italian Hematology Centers of the GIMEMA Study Group from January 2012 to June 2016.Results:Our study covered 1051 patients newly diagnosed with CML and treated between January 2012 and June 2016 in 66 Italian centers. Median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range 47-71) and 60.8% were males. At diagnosis among 908 patients 899 (99%) patients were in chronic phase, 7 (0.8%) patients in accelerate phase and 2 (0.2%) in blastic crisis. Among 1051 patients, 148 (14%), 351 (33%), 318 (30.3%) were high, intermediate and low risk by Sokal with 234 (22.2%) missing; 54 (5%), 418 (40%), 342 (32.5%) high, intermediate and low risk by EURO with 237 (22.6%) missing; 55 (5%) and 797 (76%) high and low risk by EUTOS with 199 (18.9%) missing; 96 (9%), 208 (20%), 533 (51%) high, intermediate and low risk by ELTS with 214 (20.4%) missing, respectively. The median follow-up was 36 months and 36 patients died (10 CML related). At cytogenetic analysis, there were 887 available informations: 809 (77%) without additional cytogenetic aberrations (ACA), 49 (5%) with major route and 29 (2.8%) with minor route ACA respectively. BCR-ABL transcripts among 873 data available were: b2a2 in 303 (34.7%), b3a2 in 493 (56.5%), b2a2+b3a2 in 61 (7%), e1a2 in 12 (1.4%), e19a2 in 2 (0.2%) b3a2+e1a2 in 2 (0.2%) patients respectively. ECOG performance status among 801 patients was 0, 1, or ≥ 2 in 585 (73%), 181 (22.6%) and 35 (4.4%) cases respectively. According to co-morbidity and excluding CML diagnosis as parameter, among 995 cases the Charlson comorbidity index, was 0, 1, 2 or ≥3 in 771 (73.4%), 115 (11%), 60 (5.7%) and 49 (4.7%) patients respectively; among 556 patients cardiovascular, lung, metabolic and oncologic diseases were observed in 283 (24%), 108 (10.3%), 77 (7.3%) and 88 (8.4%) patients respectively. Five hundred-ten (48.5%) and 541 (51.4%) patients were treated in first-line with imatinib (IMA) and with II generation TKI (IIGen-TKI) respectively. Three hundred twenty-one (30%) cases were pretreated with hydroxyurea. Molecular responses data at 3th month were available in 728 patients and of these 102 (14.01%) obtained at least Major Molecular Response IS (MR) MR3, 29 (3.98%) MR4, 27 (3.71%) MR4.5, 13 (1.79%) MR5 and 11 (1.5%) undetectable BCR-ABL1transcript, respectively. At 6thmonth, among 731 data available, at least 292 patients (39,57%) obtained MR3, 90 (12,19%) MR4, 75(10.16%) MR4.5, 35 (4.74%) MR5 and 29 (3.97%) undetectable BCR-ABL1transcript, respectively. At 12thmonth among 709 molecular responses available, 425 patients (59.94%) achieved at least MR3, 203 (28,63%) MR4, 171 (24.12%) MR4.5, 90 (12.69%) MR5 and 78 (11%) undetectable BCR-ABL1transcript, respectively. As showed in table 1, the IIGen-TKI were able to obtain a higher, earlier and deeper molecular response at 3th, 6thand 12thmonth than IMA. Data analysis about responses at 24thmonth are ongoing. Overall survival at 5 years was 93.4% (95% IC 90.1-95.6).Conclusions:Our preliminary results of this observational epidemiologic study suggest that collection of clinical data of CML patients treated out of strictly clinical trials represent an essential tool for long/term treatment, able to observe setting strategies based on the clinical characteristics, the degree of response obtained, and the toxicity related to the therapy in overall CML population. We are planning to continue to analyze all these endpoints to estimate the response and toxicity according to ELN guidelines, and feasibility of treatment sequence in a cohort of patients treated in real-life. [Display omitted] DisclosuresCastagnetti:Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Bristol Meyers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria. Breccia:BMS: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria. Pane:AMGEN: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Speakers Bureau.

Clinico-pathologic features of chronic myeloid leukemia and risk stratification according to Sokal score.

To compile the clinical and haematological parameters of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and risk stratification according to Sokal score in our population. A descriptive analysis. The Aga Khan University Hospital, during the period from August 1997 to August 2005. All patients with diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia treated as outpatient in haematology clinic, or admitted in haem-oncology wards in The Aga Khan University Hospital were included. Records were retrospectively analyzed for clinicopathologic features. Risk groups were assigned as per Sokal scoring. During the 8 years study period, 245 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia were analyzed, the median age of presentation was 35 years (range 11-73); with male to female ratio 1.69:1. At the time of diagnosis, 178 patients (72.6%), 48 (19.7%) and 17 (7.8%) of patients were in chronic, accelerated and blast phase of the disease respectively. Abdominal fullness was the frequent clinical presentation followed by fever. Laboratory parameters revealed mean hemoglobin 10.0 g/dl (range 4.6-15), mean total leukocyte count 168 x 10(9)/L (35-959) and mean platelets 408 x 10(9)/L (range 30-2335). The mean size of spleen at the time of presentation was 9.2 cm below the left subcostal margin. A large number of patients (46.2%) were in high risk group according to Sokal score i.e. > 1.2. CML occurred more commonly at younger age in this series. Most of these patients were in high risk group according to Sokal score.

Pattern of chronic myeloid leukemia in the Congo

Objectives: Chronic myeloid leukemia is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder caused by reciprocal translocation t (9;22) that induces tyrosin kinase protein. Imatinib is a selective inhibitor of this protein. Aim of this study is to describe, the clinical and biological feature of chronic myeloid leukemia in the Congo. Material and Methods: The study is a retrospective study which conducted in Clinical Hematology unit of teaching hospital in Brazzaville, Congo on newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. A total of 25 males and 14 females with a mean age of 36 years (16 and 69 years) at time of the diagnosis were enrolled in the study. Results: The mean duration of the illness at the time of the diagnosis was 11.4 months (0.5 and 50 months). Patients presented with a splenomegaly, mean leukocytosis rate at 168.5g/l (14.6-381 g/l), moderate anemia at 8.4 g/dl (3.1 and 12.8 g/dl) and normal platelet rate at 415.4 g/dl (164 and 998 g/l). Thirty eight on thirty nine patients (97.43 %) presented at chronic phase and the Sokal score was high in 46.2%. Imatinib induced complete hematologic response at 3 months in all patients. Complete cytogenetic response was achieved in 20.51%. The median follow up period was months. The Overall Survival was 86.6% at 26 months and Progression Free Survival was 91.8% at 12 months. Conclusion: This meta analysis report represents the clinical and biological pattern of chronic myeloid leukemia in the Congo .