High-dose Chemotherapy Program Research Articles

Molecular Definition of Activated B Cell-like (ABC) DLBCL Identifies Patients Who May Benefit from Front-Line Intensive R-HDS Chemotherapy with ASCT

BackgroundDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous disease in adult patients with respect to clinical presentation, histopathology and molecular-genetic features. While the long-term cure rate after rituximab-containing conventional chemotherapy programs exceeds 80% in young patients with low and low-intermediate risk according to International Prognostic Index (IPI), similar treatments still remain unsatisfactory in patients belonging to high and high-intermediate risk (Pfreundschuh M Lancet Oncol 12:1013-1022, 2011; Coiffier B Blood 116:2040-2045, 2010; Pfreundschuh M Lancet Oncol 7: 379-391, 2006).For these patients the optimization of front-line therapy remains an important objective. Advances in molecular genetics have vastly improved the understanding of the biological diversity in DLBCLs, leading to the discovery of key oncogenic pathways and novel therapeutic targets.In a recently published randomized phase III trial we recruited 246 untreated DLBCL patients with a high-intermediate (56%) or high (44%) IPI score, in order to compare the R-CHOP-14 to the R-HDS plus ASCT therapeutic protocol. In this study the definition of the cell of origin (COO) by immunohistochemistry was unable to discriminate the clinical outcome according to the allocated treatment (Cortelazzo S J Clin Oncol. 2016 33:4015-4022). Herein, we show that a molecular classification of DLBCL may lead to identify patients who most likely benefit from treatment intensification.Methods and PatientsWe were able to run digital multiplex gene expression profiling (Nanostring technology) in 62 of the 246 patients, for whom formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material was available, to classify them into the molecular COO types: ABC (Activated B Cell), GCB (Germinal Center B Cell) or Unclassified.The Nanostring panel contains 28 genes: 20 genes are used to assign COO subtype according to LST algorithm (Scott D Blood 123: 1214-1217, 2014), the remaining 8 genes are employed to assess MYC and BCL2 expression, to quantify TP53 level, to detect potential therapeutic targets (STAT3, NFKB, PTEN and PKI3CA) and to evaluate macrophages infiltrate (CD68).ResultsFirst of all, we confirmed that the distinction of DLBCL into COO categories by gene expression was more accurate than immunohistochemistry (IHC) determination, which failed especially in classifying non-GCB cases (86% of concordance in GCB cases, 53,6% in ABC plus Unclassified group, 22% considering only ABC). Indeed, considering the entire cohort, the Overall Survival (OS) was significantly different comparing GCB to ABC patients, while IHC failed to identify prognostic subgroups (Figure 1a and 1b).Regarding the effects of the two therapeutic treatments on OS, when we analyzed the 62 patients together or only the GCB group, we observed no significant difference between the two arms. Instead, in ABC group we noticed a clear difference in OS between R-HDS, with 83% of cases that survived, and R-CHOP14, after which only 25% of cases survived.Furthermore we investigated a possible correlation between MYC and BCL2 IHC and Nanostring mRNA expression data, we found no linear relationship but we noticed a positive trend. Moreover BCL2 and MYC expression showed a higher predictive OS value than IHC.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the diagnostic FFPE gene expression assay by Nanostring robustly identifies DLBCL subgroups according to the COO. Moreover, yet preliminary, the molecular definition of the COO is able to identify patients at high risk of poor outcome when treated with R-CHOP and who may benefit by intensified high dose chemotherapy programs or experimental new treatments. [Display omitted] DisclosuresRambaldi:Novartis, Amgen, Celgene, Sanofi: Other: Travel, Accomodations, Expenses; Novartis, Roche/Genentech, Amgen, Italfarmaco: Consultancy. Cesano:NanoString Technologies: Employment, Equity Ownership. Pileri:Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Speakers Bureau.

ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTIVENESS OF FLUDARABINE-CONTAINING CHEMOTHERAPY PROGRAMS IN ONCOHEMATOLOGICAL PATIENTS

Purpose: to assess effectiveness of fludarabine-containing chemotherapy programs in treatment of oncohematological patients after relapse or in primary chemoresistance. Material and methods. Within 2006-2013, 11 patients with various oncohematologic disorders were treated using fludarabine-containing high-dose chemotherapy programs FLAG or FLAG-Ida at the Republican Research Center for Radiation Medicine and Human Ecology. Results. The best results of this pilot study were obtained in the chemotherapy program FLAG-Ida. Remission was achieved in younger patients, in contrast to the group of elderly patients with no remission. All the patients who achieved remission were female, and among the 7 patients, who did not achieve remission, more than half were men. Conclusion. Thus, on the whole the fludarabine-containing programs of chemotherapy are effective in the treatment for oncohematological pathology, but further research is needed to develop a more differentiated approach to the application of the programs to improve the effectiveness of the therapy of these diseases.

Chemoimmunotherapy with R-CHOP or High Dose Sequential Therapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (R-HDS) for High Risk Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphomas Patients: Results of the Randomized R-HDS0305 Trial by Gruppo Italiano Terapie Innovative Nei Linfomi (GITIL)

AbstractAbstract ▪746▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract BackgroundThe clinical benefit of high dose chemotherapy programs in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphomas (DLBCL) with unfavorable presentation (IPI>2) is still matter of debate and several prospective randomized clinical trials have been conducted to address this point. Patients and study designIn year 2005 the cooperative study group GITIL launched a multicenter phase III trial (R-HDS 0305, Clinical Trials.gov.number NCT00355199) in DLBCL patients without CNS involvement and the following inclusion criteria: age between 18–60 years, stage > II B-bulk with ECOG-PS=0-3 and age adjusted IPI (aaIPI) 2–3 or age 61–65 years with ECOG-PS = 0–2 and IPI >3. The control group received 8 courses of the conventional R-CHOP-14 chemotherapy program, followed by IFRT, in patients who achieved at least a partial response (PR) after 4 cycles. Cases refractory to R-CHOP-14 could be rescued by R-HDS. The experimental arm (R-HDS) included: 3 courses of doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy (APO), followed by high-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) 7 g/sqm, Ara-C (2g/sqm every 12 hours for 6 days), etoposide 2 g/sqm plus cisplatin 100 mg/sqm. After R-HDS chemotherapy, a mitoxantrone-melphalan (60 and 180 mg/sqm, respectively) or BEAM conditioning regimen with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) + IFRT, as above. Rituximab (375 mg/sqm) was given for a total of 6 doses, twice after CTX and Ara-C based cycles, as in vivo purging before CD 34+ cells harvest, and twice after ASCT (Tarella C. et al Leukemia 21:1802–1811, 2007). The primary end-point of the study was to test an increase of 2-year Event Free Survival (EFS) from 50% in the R-CHOP arm to 65% in the intensified R-HDS arm. Secondary end-points were Disease Free Survival (DFS), Overall Survival (OS) and toxicity. ResultsFrom June 2005 to June 2011, 248 patients were enrolled in the study (R-CHOP-14=127; R-HDS=121) and 241 were evaluable as to completeness of information. The median age was 51 years (range, 18–65), 32 subjects (13.3%) had> 60 years and the M/F ratio was 1.39. Clinical features were as follows: advanced Ann Arbor clinical stage (93%), BM infiltration (22%), bulky disease (69%), elevated LDH (87%), elevated beta 2-microglobulin (60%), poor ECOG-PS (61%), B-symptoms (57%), ≥2 extranodal sites (71%), IPI 2 (51%) and IPI >3 (49%). The two arms were well balanced for all these features. No significant difference could be detected in the response rates of patients treated with R-CHOP and R-HDS that in detail, were the following: complete response (CR, 76% vs. 76%), partial response (PR, 4.7% vs. 7.9%), progressive disease (PD, 15% vs. 8.8%), stable disease (SD, 1.6% vs. 0.9%), treatment discontinuation for any reason (0 vs. 1.8%), early death (ED, 2.4% vs. 4.4%). On the contrary, the relapse rate was higher in the R-CHOP vs. the R-HDS arm (14% vs. 4.6%, p= 0.025). After a median follow-up of 27.7 months (range 0.3 – 52.5) the 2-year DFS of patients treated with R-CHOP or R-HDS is 83% vs. 93% (p=0.07) while the EFS is 68% vs. 73% (p= 0.345) (Figure 1 and 2). Similarly, with the current follow up, no significant difference could be detected in OS (77% vs. 80%, p= 0.398). The OS was better for patients with IPI 2 in comparison to those with IPI >3 (84% vs. 73%; p= 0.04), but without any significant difference according to treatment arm. Although the rate of death in remission (2% in both arms) was similar, the overall toxicity of the R-HDS arm was higher in terms of hematologic toxicity (CTC G>2) (p<0.001) and infectious complications (p<0.001). So far, no secondary malignancies have been observed. ConclusionIn DLBCL patients with unfavorable presentation a conventional R-CHOP and a more intensive R-HDS chemotherapy achieved the same excellent rate of response. Despite a trend for a better DFS observed in patients treated with R-HDS, the EFS (primary endpoint of the study) and the OS are not different. A longer follow-up is needed in order to definitively rule out the role of intensified R-HDS program as first line treatment for poor-prognosis DLBCL patients. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] Disclosures:Tarella:Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Gianni:Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Pizzolo:Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Rambaldi:Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Serum tumor marker (STM) decline rates during high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) to predict outcome for germ cell tumor (GCT) patients (pts).

4532 Background: STM decline rates predict outcome for GCT pts during 1st-line conventional-dose chemotherapy. We investigated the importance of STM decline rates during salvage HDCT. Methods: HDCT included an initial low dose (LD) portion (1-2 cycles of paclitaxel plus ifosfamide [TI] + G-CSF) for stem cell collection followed by a high-dose (HD) portion (3 cycles of carboplatin + etoposide or TI + carboplatin). Eligible pts had elevated STM (AFP &gt;15 and/or HCG &gt;2.2) at the start of LD and completed ≥1 HD cycle. Slope and t1/2 were calculated for HCG and AFP for cycles 1-2 of LD and HD starting with the peak value during days (d) 1-6 of LD and HD to avoid interference from lysis. T1/2 for AFP ≤7d and HCG ≤3.5d were categorized as satisfactory (SAT); normalization within 7d was also considered SAT, regardless of t1/2. Pts with elevated AFP and HCG had to have adequate decline in both to be considered SAT. Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared for SAT vs. unsatisfactory (UNSAT) pts using the log-rank test. Results: Of 117 pts (115 male, 105 nonseminoma), the most common primary sites were testis (81) and mediastinum (26). 93, 19, and 5 pts completed 3, 2, and 1 HD cycles, respectively. Overall, 19/117 had SAT decline during LD (19/77 for HCG; 7/57 for AFP). For LD, there was no significant difference in PFS or OS for SAT vs. UNSAT decline. For HD, 17/96 had SAT decline (11/59 for HCG; 9/47 for AFP). SAT overall decline (HCG and AFP) during HD predicted superior PFS (p=0.0025) and OS (p=0.0046) with 2-year (yr) PFS 0.88 (0.59, 0.97) vs. 0.37 (0.26, 0.47) and 3yr OS 0.82 (0.55, 0.94) vs. 0.37 (0.26, 0.48). SAT HCG decline alone also predicted superior PFS (p=0.0018) and OS (p=0.004) with 2yr PFS 0.91 (0.51, 0.99) vs. 0.32 (0.19, 0.46) and 3yr OS 0.91 (0.51, 0.99) vs. 0.35 (0.22, 0.50) whereas only a non-significant trend for improved PFS (p=0.14) and OS (p=0.16) was seen for AFP alone. Conclusions: STM decline rates during the HD portion of salvage HDCT predicts favorable PFS and OS, mostly driven by HCG. However, UNSAT STM decline does not exclude long-term PFS/OS. STM decline rates during the initial LD portion of HDCT programs do not predict outcome; thus, UNSAT LD decline should not prohibit subsequent HDCT.

A phase II trial of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) supported by haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients (pts) with disseminated germ-cell tumors (GCTs) failing chemotherapy and with adverse prognostic factors: The TAXIF II protocol

5028 Background: HDCT using the etoposide-carboplatin ± ifosfamide regimen is able to circumvent resistance in GCT pts, even when used as third-line or later therapy (Lotz, Ann Onco.l 2005 / Einhorn, N Eng J Med. 2007). Pts whose relapses occur more than 4 w after CDDP-based CT are probably the best candidates for HDCT. Epirubicine (E) and paclitaxel (P) possess interesting activity in GCTs. Thiotepa (TTP) and P can be safely combined at HD with good efficacy. The ICE regimen is a well-known worldwide used regimen. Methods: Non-resistant/refractory GCTs pts failing CT and with adverse prognostic factors were planned to receive 2 cycles combining (mg/m2) E (100) and P (250), given on day 1 and 14 supported by filgrastim (F), followed by 3 consecutive HDCTs [1 course combining a 3-d combination of P (360) + TTP (720), followed by 2 ICE regimens (IFM, 12 g/m2, CBDCA, AUC 20, VP16, 1,500 mg/m2), given on 5 days with HSCT and F]. Inclusion criterias were mainly: radiologically and/or biologically mesurable disease, seminomatous GCT in relapse after 2 lines of CT (BEP/VeIP), non-seminomatous GCT in relapse after 1 or 2 lines of CT or in PR after 1 line of CT, primary mediastinal GCT in first relapse. Resistant / refractory pts were excluded. PBSC were collected after the first ± the second courses of EP (aim: 9x10E6 CD34+/kg BW). We report herein on the preliminary results of this multicentric study. Results: From 09/04 to 12/07, 45 pre-treated (BEP ± VeIP) pts with gonadal (89%) or extra-gonadal T (11%) were treated in second-line (27%), 3rd-line (44 %) or more (29 %). Thirty-five pts received 1 HDCT, 29 two HDCTs and 21 pts could receive the whole protocol. At the time of analysis (12/08), the final overall response rate was 47%, 10 pts were in continuous CR (median time, 8 m; range, 1–18), and 37 pts (82%) were alive at a median F/U of 9 m (range, 1–26). The 1-y survival rate was 90%. The 1-y PFS rate was 62%. One pt died of multi-organ failure and 7 died of disease progression. Conclusions: This HDCT program preceded by 2 semi-intensive cycles of E-P is highly effective in non-resistant/refractory pts with disseminated GCTS failing CT and with adverse prognostic factors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Patients with aaIPI 2-3 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Achieve 75% Long-Term Survival Following First-Line Rituximab-Supplemented High-Dose Sequential Chemotherapy and Autograft: Final Results of the Prospective Phase II GITIL (Gruppo Italiano Terapie Innovative nei Linfomi) Trial.

Background The outcome of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLB-CL) has been definitely improved by the addition of the anti-CD20 rituximab to conventional chemotherapy. However, despite the advantages offered by rituximab, results are still disappointing in patients presenting with adverse prognostic factors. For these patients, rituximab-supplemented intensive programs with autograft might represent a suitable option. Thus, a prospective multicenter study has been performed using first-line the Rituximab-supplemented high-dose sequential chemotherapy program delivered with multiple autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) support (R-HDS-maps regimen), in DLB-CL patients with score 2 or 3 according to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (aaIPI). Preliminary results have been already reported (ASH 2005; Leukemia 2007, 21: 1802). Updated results after a prolonged follow-up are here presented.Methods. R-HDS-maps includes:i.3 APO courses;ii.sequential administration of hd-cyclophosphamide (CY), hd-Ara-C, both supplemented with Rituximab, hd-etoposide/Cisplatin, with PBPC harvests following hd-CY and hd-Ara-C;iii.hd-Mitoxantrone/L-Pam + 2 further Rituximab doses;iv.involved-field radiotherapy.PBPC rescue was scheduled following Ara-C, etoposide/Cisplatin and Mitoxantrone/L-Pam. Six GITIL Centers participated in the multicenter study, with patients enrolled between November 1999 and September 2004.Results. Overall, 112 consecutive patients (74 score 2, 38 score 3) entered the study protocol. There were 5 early toxic deaths (3 sepsis, 1 pneumonia, 1 JC-virus leucoencephalopathy) + one late toxic death due to pneumonia, at 10 mos.; two more patients died for secondary myelodysplastic syndrome at 3.4 and 3.6 yrs. As reported in Figures 1–2, at a median follow-up of 59 mos., 86 patients (77%) are alive; 79 (70%) are in continuous CR, with a 5-yr event-free survival (EFS) projections of 69%; no significant differences in OS and EFS between subgroups with Germinal-Center and Activated B-cell phenotype were observed.Conclusions. R-HDS-maps regimen:i.is feasible in a multicenter setting, with a toxicity similar to that of other dose-intense/high-dose regimens;ii.offers prolonged survival to most patients with aaIPI 2–3 DLB-CL.Its comparative efficacy versus R-CHOP-14 is being tested in an ongoing GITIL phase III study. [Display omitted] [Display omitted]

Melphalan: old and new uses of a still master drug for multiple myeloma

The treatment of multiple myeloma has seen significant changes from the initial use of melphalan to the introduction of stem cell transplantation and, most recently, to the era of novel targeted agents. Melphalan still remains as a reference drug for combination regimens, including emerging newer therapeutic options, either used at a standard dose for initial or salvage treatments in patients who are not eligible for more intensive therapies, or in conjunction with new molecules within high-dose chemotherapy programs. In this review, the authors analyze old and novel regimens, including melphalan for the treatment of newly diagnosed or relapsed/resistant patients with multiple myeloma in the clinical settings of standard chemotherapy, as well as autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Benefit of Rituximab Addition to High-Dose Programs with Autograft for B-Cell Lymphoma: A Multicenter GITIL Survey on 957 Patients.

Background: The outcome of B-cell lymphoma has definitely improved since the introduction of the anti-CD20 Rituximab, which can be effectively combined into conventional chemotherapy regimens. Rituximab can also be added to high-dose chemotherapy programs with autograft. However, the clinical benefit of combining Rituximab and autograft-based programs has not been proved yet. This issue is addressed in the present study.Patients and Methods: Data have been retrospectively collected on 957 B-cell lymphoma patients receiving a high-dose sequential (HDS) chemotherapy program, at 10 Italian Centers associated to GITIL (Gruppo Italiano Terapie Innovative nei Linfomi). Although the HDS schedule has been introduced almost 20 yrs. ago, most patients were treated in the last decade. They received most frequently either the HDS scheme adapted for follicular lymphoma (Tarella C et al. Leukemia 2000) or the hd-Ara-C-supplemented scheme developed for mantle-cell and diffuse large cell lymphoma (Magni M et al, Blood 2000; Cuttica A et al., Cancer 2003); overall, Rituximab was added to HDS (R+) in 483 (50.5%) patients, the remaining 474 (49.5%) received Rituximab-free HDS (R−). All patients entered the HDS-protocols due to high-risk prognostic features, their median age was 49 yrs. (range 17–70). The series included 403 patients (232 R+) with low-grade and 554 (251 R+) with intermediate/high grade B-cell lymphoma subtypes; HDS was delivered to 542 (259 R+) patients at diagnosis and to 415 (224 R+) at first or subsequent relapse.Results: at a median follow-up of 5 yrs, the 5-yr Overall Survival (OS) and Event-free Survival (EFS) projections were 66% and 55%, respectively, with a significantly better outcome for patients treated at diagnosis (5-yr OS: 72%, EFS: 61%) compared to patients at relapse (5-yr OS: 56%, EFS: 45%). In all instances, Rituximab addition was associated with significant improvements; in particular, the 5-yr EFS projections were:patients at diagnosis: 68% for R+ vs. 57% for R−;patients at relapse: 59% for R+ vs. 34% for R−;low-grade subtypes: 65% for R+ vs. 41% for R− (Figure 1A);intermediate/high-grade subtypes: 64% for R+ vs. 52% for R− (Figure 1B).In the Cox multivariate survival analysis, two factors had a significant impact on the EFS, i.e. relapse status at HDS (HR: 1.74, c.i.: 1.43–2.13) and Rituximab addition to HDS (HR: 0.60, c.i.: 0.49–0.75).Conclusions: the addition of Rituximab to high-dose programs with autograft may improve response and long-term outcome in high-risk B-cell lymphoma patients. [Display omitted]

Long-term results of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) supported by hematopoietic circulating (ASCT) or bone marrow (BMT) stem cell autografting as first salvage treatment for refractory or relapsed Hodgkin’s lymphoma

7567 Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate with a long follow-up the efficacy of HDCT + ASCT or ABMT for refractory or relapsed HL. Methods: Data were collected from 99 pts who failed or relapsed after first-line CT± radiotherapy and were treated with HDCT+ASCT or ABMT between Oct 1984 and Dec 2003. Thirty-two pts had late relapse (CR≥12 months), 31 had early relapse (CR&lt;12 months), while 36 had primary refractory (IF) HL.The main pts characteristics at relapse/progression were as follows: M/F: 50/49; median age 28 years; stage III-IV:54%; B symptoms: 33%; bulky disease 22%; extranodal ± nodal disease 54%; IPI≥3 39%. HDCT program consisted in a debulking phase with sequential high-dose chemotherapy (Cyclophosphamide 7gr/mq followed by ASC or BM harvest, Methotrexate 8 gr/mq+ Vincristine 1.4 mg/mq, VP16 2 gr/mq) in 71 cases; 3–4 courses of Ifosfamide (3gr/mq × 4 days)+ Vinorelbine (25mg/mq day 1+5) in 28 cases. Final myeloablative course was BEAM (63%), or high-dose Melphalan combined with high-dose Mitoxantrone (11%) or with high-dose Carmustine (9%) or TBI (17%) followed by ABMT or ASCT. Results: Ninety-two pts (93%) completed the HDCT program, while seven pts (7%) progressed during debulking CT. Early and late toxicity were mild. After a median follow-up of 66 months both 10-year freedom from second progression (FF2P) and overall survival (OS) were 61% for all pts. FF2P and OS were respectively 70% and 66% for pts with late relapse; 64% and 60% for pts with early relapse; 52% and 56% for primary refractory pts. Multivariate analysis showed that prognostic factors for FF2P were stage III-IV vs I-II (HR 2.09; p=0.04), response to first-line CT: CR≥12 vs CR&lt;12 vs IF (HR 2.19; p=0.058) and bulky vs non bulky (HR 1.96; p=0.07). Prognostic factors for OS were response to first-line CT (HR 2.59; p=0.05), stage III-IV vs I-II (HR 1.37; p=0.39) and bulky vs non bulky (HR 2.06; p=0.06).Conclusion: These long-term results confirm that HDCT + ASCT or ABMT was feasible, safe and very effective for the treatment of relapsed/refractory HL.Our data support the use of this strategy for the salvage therapy even in the unfavourable group of primary refractory pts. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Incidence of late-relapse germ cell tumor and outcome to salvage chemotherapy: Ronnen EA, Kondagunta GV, Bacik J, Marion S, Bajorin DF, Sheinfeld J, Bosl GJ, Motzer RJ, Department of Medicine, Genitourinary Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

To define the incidence, clinical features, and outcome to salvage chemotherapy in patients with late-relapse germ cell tumor (GCT) after a complete response to first-line chemotherapy. Two patient populations were examined. First, retrospective analysis of 246 patients treated on a clinical trial with salvage chemotherapy was performed; 29 patients with late-relapse GCT were identified and evaluated for treatment outcome and survival. Salvage regimens included paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin, single agents, or a high-dose chemotherapy program. Second, the incidence of late relapse was assessed by retrospective analysis of 551 patients after a complete response (CR) to first-line chemotherapy. Twenty-nine patients received salvage chemotherapy on a clinical trial for late relapse GCT. The median survival was 23.9 months. At a median follow-up of 50.6 months, there were nine survivors. The chemotherapy regimens varied, but the only CRs were observed in patients treated with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin. Seven (50%) of 14 patients treated with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin achieved a continuous CR. Among the second population of 551 patients who had previously achieved a CR to a first-line chemotherapy trial, 17 were identified as having a late relapse (3%). The median time to relapse for these 17 patients was 7.8 years. Late-relapse GCT is uncommon and is associated with a poor prognosis resulting from a high degree of resistance to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin followed by surgery may be effective in patients with late-relapse GCT who are not considered candidates for primary surgery.

Incidence of Late-Relapse Germ Cell Tumor and Outcome to Salvage Chemotherapy

To define the incidence, clinical features, and outcome to salvage chemotherapy in patients with late-relapse germ cell tumor (GCT) after a complete response to first-line chemotherapy. Two patient populations were examined. First, retrospective analysis of 246 patients treated on a clinical trial with salvage chemotherapy was performed; 29 patients with late-relapse GCT were identified and evaluated for treatment outcome and survival. Salvage regimens included paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin, single agents, or a high-dose chemotherapy program. Second, the incidence of late relapse was assessed by retrospective analysis of 551 patients after a complete response (CR) to first-line chemotherapy. Twenty-nine patients received salvage chemotherapy on a clinical trial for late relapse GCT. The median survival was 23.9 months. At a median follow-up of 50.6 months, there were nine survivors. The chemotherapy regimens varied, but the only CRs were observed in patients treated with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin. Seven (50%) of 14 patients treated with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin achieved a continuous CR. Among the second population of 551 patients who had previously achieved a CR to a first-line chemotherapy trial, 17 were identified as having a late relapse (3%). The median time to relapse for these 17 patients was 7.8 years. Late-relapse GCT is uncommon and is associated with a poor prognosis resulting from a high degree of resistance to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin followed by surgery may be effective in patients with late-relapse GCT who are not considered candidates for primary surgery.

High-dose sequential chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation in relapsed and refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: results of a multicenter phase II study

Combination chemotherapy can cure patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), but those who suffer treatment failure or relapse still have a poor prognosis. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can improve the outcome of these patients. We evaluated an intensified high-dose sequential chemotherapy program with a final myeloablative course. Inclusion criteria were age 18-65 years, histologically proven primary progressive or relapsed aggressive NHL and eligibility for HDCT. The therapy consists of two cycles DHAP: dexamethasone 40 mg (day 1-4), high-dose cytarabine 2 g/m2 12q (day 2), cisplatin 100 mg/m2 (day 51); patients with partial (PR) or complete remission (CR) received cyclophosphamide 4 g/m2 (day 37), followed by peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest; methotrexate 8 g/m2 (day 1) plus vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 (day 51); and etoposide 500 mg/m2 (day 58-62). The final myeloblative course was BEAM: cytarabine 200 mg/m2 12q (day 81-84), etoposide 150 mg/m2 12q (day 81-84), melphalan 140 mg/m2 (day 80), carmustin 300 mg/m2 (day 80) followed by PBSCT. Fifty-seven patients (median age 43 years, range 24-65) were enrolled: 23 (40%) patients were refractory to primary therapy and 34 (60%) patients had relapsed NHL. The response rate (RR) after 2 cycles of DHAP was 72% (9% CR, 63% PR) and at the final evaluation (100 days post transplantation) 43% (32% CR, 11% PR). Toxicity was tolerable. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 1-76 months). Freedom from second failure (FF2F) and overall survival (OS) at 2 years were 25% and 47% for all patients, respectively. FF2F at 2 years for patients with relapse and for patients refractory to primary therapy were 35% and 9% (P=0.0006), respectively. OS at 2 years for patients with relapse and for patients refractory to primary therapy were 58% and 24% (P=0.0044), respectively. We conclude that this regimen is feasible, tolerable and effective in patients with relapsed NHL. In contrast, the results in patients with progressive disease are unsatisfactory. This program is currently being modified by addition of rituximab for patients with relapsed aggressive NHL.

Salvage radiotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma after chemotherapy failure

To assess the results of salvage radiotherapy (SRT) alone, or with conventional dose salvage chemotherapy (SCT), for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) following chemotherapy failure. Patients eligible for this retrospective study had failure of ≥1 chemotherapy regimen for HL, and received SRT to all sites of disease to a planned dose of ≥25Gy, with or without conventional dose SCT. Patients with disease in a previously irradiated field, and patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy were excluded. Between 1974 and 2001, 80 eligible patients were treated: 65 received SRT alone, and 15 received SRT plus SCT. Salvage chemotherapy was delivered prior to SRT in 13 patients, and following SRT in 2 patients. The median age was 29 years, and 58% were male. Prior to commencing salvage therapy, extent of relapsed/refractory disease was stage I- 21 (26%), II- 45 (56%), III- 12 (15%), IV- 2 (3%). At the time of SRT, B-symptoms were present in 20 patients (25%), bulky disease in 12 patients (15%) and extra-nodal disease in 18 (23%). Histology was nodular-sclerosing 71%, mixed cellularity 16%, lymphocyte-depleted 4%, lymphocyte predominant 1%, unknown 8%. The number of failed chemotherapy regimens prior to salvage therapy, was 1 regimen in 54 patients, 2 in 18 patients and ≥3 in 8 patients. Prior chemotherapy regimens included MOPP/MOPP-like (45%), ABVD (5%), both MOPP and ABVD (45%), and other (5%). The response to first-line chemotherapy was complete response (CR) in 41 patients, partial response/stable disease in 27, progressive disease in 6, and unknown response in 6 patients. Of the 41 patients who had a CR to first line chemotherapy, the duration of remission was <12 months in 25 patients (61%). Median follow-up was 12.5 (0.2 to 23.8) years following SRT. Twenty-seven patients (34%) remained failure-free, with length of follow-up from 2.5 to 23.8 years. Seven patients (9%) had persistent disease following SRT. Forty-six patients (58%) relapsed following SRT: the sites of relapse in these patients were in-field in 13 patients, marginal in 3, and distant in 40. In-field failures occurred in sites receiving 10.8 to 49.7Gy. The actuarial median failure-free survival (FFS) and overall survival (OS) were 2.7 years and 9.9 years respectively. Actuarial 5 year FFS and OS were 36% and 57% respectively. Salvage radiotherapy produced high rates of in-field control, and long-term remissions in a proportion of patients with HL after prior chemotherapy failure. These results support the use of SRT, either alone or with conventional dose SCT, in the management of patients with relapsed or chemo-refractory HL who are considered unsuitable for high dose chemotherapy (HDCT). The optimal integration of SRT into HDCT programs warrants further exploration

Anemia and epoetin alfa in high-dose chemotherapy programs for breast cancer patients

Breast cancer patients undergoing therapeutic regimens of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with circulating progenitor cell support often develop anemia. As a general consideration in the transplantation setting, red blood cell transfusions are normally required in patients who have passed the myeloablative phase after HDCT. In the initial 30-day period immediately following HDCT, the number of red blood cell units that are transfused will usually depend on a number of factors, including whether the transplantation was allogeneic or autologous. Observations and results from clinical studies have shown that the establishment of normal erythropoiesis varies depending on the source of the transplanted cells, resulting in different transfusion requirements. Several studies support the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) after HDCT to ameliorate anemia and reduce transfusion requirements. Studies have also shown that administration of epoetin alfa prior to the myeloablative phase is an effective method for reducing red blood cell transfusion requirements in breast cancer patients receiving HDCT. Epoetin alfa in combination with other cytokines has been shown to positively affect the mobilization phase of hematopoietic progenitor cells for autografting. Furthermore, treatment with epoetin alfa could prove useful in bone marrow transplant recipients who experience delayed anemia. Recent studies that have addressed these topics in breast cancer indicate that, when used in the appropriate setting, epoetin alfa may play a role as a tool to decrease the need for red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing HDCT plus autologous circulating progenitor cell support. Semin Oncol 29 (suppl 8):21-25. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Anemia and epoetin alfa in high-dose chemotherapy programs for breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer patients undergoing therapeutic regimens of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with circulating progenitor cell support often develop anemia. As a general consideration in the transplantation setting, red blood cell transfusions are normally required in patients who have passed the myeloablative phase after HDCT. In the initial 30-day period immediately following HDCT, the number of red blood cell units that are transfused will usually depend on a number of factors, including whether the transplantation was allogeneic or autologous. Observations and results from clinical studies have shown that the establishment of normal erythropoiesis varies depending on the source of the transplanted cells, resulting in different transfusion requirements. Several studies support the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO, epoetin alfa) after HDCT to ameliorate anemia and reduce transfusion requirements. Studies have also shown that administration of epoetin alfa prior to the myeloablative phase is an effective method for reducing red blood cell transfusion requirements in breast cancer patients receiving HDCT. Epoetin alfa in combination with other cytokines has been shown to positively affect the mobilization phase of hematopoietic progenitor cells for autografting. Furthermore, treatment with epoetin alfa could prove useful in bone marrow transplant recipients who experience delayed anemia. Recent studies that have addressed these topics in breast cancer indicate that, when used in the appropriate setting, epoetin alfa may play a role as a tool to decrease the need for red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing HDCT plus autologous circulating progenitor cell support.

Detection of breast cancer cell contamination in leukapheresis product by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Identification of sensitive techniques for breast cancer cell detection might be relevant for high-dose chemotherapy programs with autologous stem cell transplantation. We investigated the feasibility of Maspin, Mammaglobin and c-ErbB-2 amplification by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) for the detection of breast cancer cells in leukaphereses. Expression of the three markers was determined in primary breast cancers and cell lines. Peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow (BM), and leukapheresis samples from patients with malignancies other than breast cancer were used as controls. Sensitivity was evaluated by dilution of primary tumors and cell lines with mononuclear blood cells. We found expression of the three markers in all primary tumors and most cell lines. No blood specimen from control patients had the Maspin transcript, while only one was positive for Mammaglobin. Weak c-ErbB-2 expression was detectable in most PB, all BM and all leukapheresis samples from controls. We observed a low sensitivity of Maspin RQ-PCR and a sensitivity of Mammaglobin RQ-PCR up to one tumor cell in 10(6) mononuclear cells. One out of 18 leukaphereses from breast cancer patients screened for the presence of Mammaglobin mRNA was positive. We conclude that Mammaglobin RQ-PCR might be a useful tool for detection of leukapheresis contamination.

Cardiac and pulmonary toxicity in patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy for lymphoma and breast cancer: prognostic factors.

We sought to define risk factors predisposing breast cancer and lymphoma patients to cardiac and pulmonary toxicity when undergoing high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous stem cell rescue (ASCR). Additionally, we evaluated in depth the predictive value of the ejection fraction measured prior to HDC in determining cardiac toxicity. In this retrospective analysis, 24 variables were examined in 138 patients undergoing HDC and ASCR from 1990 until 1995. Logistic regression models were used to model the probability of experiencing cardiac and pulmonary toxicity as a function of the 24 prognostic covariates. Cardiac toxicity occurred in 12% of patients and pulmonary toxicity in 24% of patients. Bivariate analyses showed that patients with lymphoma (as opposed to breast cancer) and those with a higher cardiac risk factor score were more likely to experience cardiac toxicity. Multivariate logistic regression models predicted lymphoma and older age to be risk factors for cardiac toxicity. History of an abnormal ejection fraction and higher doses of anthracyclines prior to HDC may also contribute to cardiac toxicity. Pulmonary toxicity occurred more commonly in lymphoma than breast cancer patients, likely due to the busulfan used in the HDC regimen. No other risk factors for pulmonary toxicity were identified. We conclude that older patients with lymphoma should be carefully evaluated prior to being accepted for HDC programs. Older patients with breast cancer may tolerate this procedure well. There is a trend towards cardiac toxicity in patients with a past history of low ejection fraction, although seemingly poor cardiac risk patients may fare well with HDC if carefully selected with the aid of a thorough cardiac evaluation.

Treatment of primary progressive Hodgkin's and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: is there a chance for cure?

To determine differences in prognosis between primary progressive Hodgkin's disease (HD) and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), we retrospectively analyzed patients with progressive lymphoma who were treated with different salvage chemotherapy regimens including high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous stem-cell support (ASCT). One hundred thirty-one patients with primary progressive lymphoma (HD, n = 67; NHL, n = 64) were enrolled. Primary progressive disease was defined as disease progression during first-line chemotherapy or only transient response (complete or partial response lasting </= 90 days) after induction treatment. Patients 60 years or younger with progressive lymphoma were eligible to receive HDCT with ASCT. The overall response rate after salvage chemotherapy for patients with primary progressive HD and NHL was 33% and 15%, respectively. Twenty-five HD patients (37%) received HDCT. Most patients with NHL had progressive disease under salvage treatment, with only six patients (10%) receiving HDCT. Of those, only two patients were alive and in continuous complete remission 3 and 12 months after HDCT. No patient with NHL survived longer than 26 months after first diagnosis. Actuarial OS after 5 years was 19% for all HD patients; 53% for HD patients receiving HDCT, and 0% for patients who did not receive HDCT. In HD patients, multivariate regression analysis identified chemosensitive disease on salvage treatment (P =.0001) and HDCT (P =.031) as significant prognostic factors for freedom from treatment failure. Significant prognostic factors for OS are chemosensitive disease (P =.0005), HDCT (P =.039), and B symptoms at the time of progress (P =.046). There are striking differences in the prognosis of patients with progressive HD and aggressive NHL. The prognosis of progressive NHL patients is dismal. Most patients have rapidly progressive disease after salvage treatment and are, therefore, excluded from HDCT programs. In contrast, progressive HD patients can achieve long-term survival after HDCT.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: Role of high-dose therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most frequent Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma entity seen in the westera world, over 30% of all cases. Furthermore, the disease incidence is increasing in most western countries. Although it is a curable disease most patients will eventually die due to disease accounting for relapse. Despite many attempts during the last three decades to increase the cure rate of 35 to 40%, we have not yet succeeded in improving the results significantly since CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy was introduced in the 1970s [1]. Second and third generation regimens as compared to the first generation CHOP failed to demonstrate an advantage over the CHOP regimen [2,3]. More recently, attempts to improve treatment outcome have focused on increasing the dose intensity of cytotoxic drugs by applying high-dose chemotherapy, with or without involved field or total body irradiation, supported by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Autologous bone marrow and, more recently, autologous haematopoietic stem cells collected from peripheral blood after mobilisation from bone marrow have both been used to assure haematopoietic reconstitution after high-dose myeloablative chemotherapy. The availability of haematopoietic growth factors has facilitated both the mobilisation of haematopoietic stem cells into the peripheral blood and the application of high-dose chemotherapy programs [4-8]. Furthermore efficient purging procedures of stem cells before reinfusion is an other important step towards improving treatment results. Important clinical and biological prognostic factors as well as molecular therapeutic targets have been identified and are instrumental in further improving our treatment strategy. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support in relapsed patients

Circulating progenitor cell release and functional characterization after topotecan plus G-CSF and erythropoietin in small cell lung cancer patients.

Topotecan is a new antineoplastic agent active in ovarian cancer, with promising activity in small cell lung cancer and predictable toxicity. As a part of our ongoing attempt to optimize the use of disease-specific drugs as circulating progenitor cell (CPC) priming in solid tumors, we have evaluated the effects on CPC release of single-agent Topotecan followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) + human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO), together with the cell cycle status of the collected CD34+ cells. Ten pretreated patients with small cell lung cancer received Topotecan (1 mg/m2, i.v. for 5 consecutive days) followed by G-CSF (5 microg/kg/day, s.c.) + rhEPO (10,000 I.U. daily, s.c.), starting 24 h after Topotecan. The combination was well tolerated and no relevant side-effects were recorded. On day +10 (range +9 to +11) after the last dose of Topotecan, the median WBC count and the CD34+ cell peak were 8.2 x 10(3) microl (range 4.9-13.9) and 55 microl (range 28-75), respectively. Using flow cytometry, a detailed cell cycle analysis was performed on these CD34+ cells. The cell cycle distribution was determined by DNA content coupled with bromodeoxyuridine incorporation analysis. Apoptosis was evaluated by quantitating DNA strand breaks. The percentage of CD34+ cells in active S-phase was 10.2+/-5%, while early apoptotic CD34+ cells were detected in a low percentage (5.5+/-3%). Topotecan followed by G-CSF + rhEPO mobilizes CPCs effectively. This sequence exerts a stimulation on CD34+ cell cycle with a protective effect from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Taken together, these data could be of value for the incorporation of Topotecan, as well as of the combination of G-CSF and rhEPO, into high-dose chemotherapy programs with CPC support.