Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index Research Articles

Improvement in the outcomes of mantle cell lymphoma in the last decade: a real-life non interventional study of the Croatian Cooperative Group for Hematologic Diseases

AimTo compare the outcomes of Croatian patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who started treatment in 2007 and 2008 (historical cohort) and of those who started treatment between 2015 and 2017 (recent cohort).MethodsThe historical cohort consisted of 40 patients who started treatment with rituximab in 2007 and 2008. Data on the recent cohort, consisting of 89 patients, were collected retrospectively from the electronic databases of Croatian hospitals with hematology units. Demographic characteristics and data on induction regimens, autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and rituximab maintenance in the first remission, event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) were available for both cohorts, and data on cell morphology, mantle cell international prognostic index (MIPI), and Ki67 expression only for the recent cohort.ResultsThe recent cohort had significantly better two-year EFS and OS (EFS 58% vs 40%, P = 0.014; OS 80% vs 56%, P = 0.009), especially in patients below 65. In univariate analysis, induction regimen, ASCT, and maintenance were significant prognostic factors for EFS and the former two for OS. In the multivariate analysis, only ASCT remained significant. Bendamustine + rituximab (BR) induction improved the outcomes of non-transplantable patients over R-CHOP R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, steroid). Blastoid morphology and high MIPI were adverse prognostic factors for EFS and OS.ConclusionIn the last decade, the outcome of newly diagnosed MCL patients improved. ASCT in the first remission was the main contributor in transplantable patients and BR in non-transplantable. Regularly updated national guidelines may help in a timely adoption of new treatments, thus improving the results.

Autoimmune Diseases and Prognosis across Lymphoma Subtypes

Background: In a large, pooled analysis from the InterLymph Consortium, autoimmune diseases classified as B-cell activating were associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, particularly diffuse large B-cell (DLBCL) and marginal zone (MZL) lymphoma, while autoimmune diseases classified as T-cell activating were only associated with risk of T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Because the role of autoimmune disease in lymphoma prognosis is less well studied, we evaluated lymphoma subtype-specific outcomes by autoimmune history overall as well as by B-cell activating and T-cell activating autoimmune disease groupings.Methods: To evaluate these associations, we used Mayo Clinic cases enrolled in the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic SPORE Molecular Epidemiology Resource (MER), a prospective cohort study. Participants enrolled at Mayo Clinic with self-reported risk factor data on 8 autoimmune diseases were eligible, including 736 DLBCL, 703 follicular lymphoma (FL), 302 MZL, 193 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), 297 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and 186 TCL. Autoimmune conditions were categorized as either B-cell activating (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus, and Hashimoto thyroiditis) or T-cell activating (celiac disease, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis) according to the InterLymph classification. Clinical and treatment data were abstracted, and participants were prospectively followed for outcomes. We defined event-free survival (EFS) as time from diagnosis to progression/relapse, re-treatment, or death, and overall survival (OS) as time from diagnosis to death due to any cause. We used Cox regression analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for the following variables: sex, International Prognostic Index (for DLBCL, MZL and TCL); Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (for MCL); International Prognostic Score (for HL); Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index, FL grade III, and rituximab-based therapy (for FL); and immunochemotherapy treatment (for DLBCL).Results: The prevalence of any of the 8 self-reported autoimmune diseases varied across subtypes, and was highest in MZL (18.2%), followed by TCL (11.9%), MCL (10.4%), DLBCL (12.2%), FL (9.1%) and HL (7.4%). The prevalence of B-cell activating vs. T-cell activating autoimmune disease was higher in DLBCL, FL, MZL, and MCL, similar in HL, and lower in TCL. Although history of any autoimmune disease did not associate with EFS or OS for any lymphoma subtype, there was a positive association of B-cell activating autoimmune disease with inferior EFS in MCL (HR=2.23, 95% CI 1.15-4.34) and HL (HR=2.63, 95% CI 1.04-6.63), which was largely driven by RA (Table). T-cell activating autoimmune disease did not associate with EFS in any subtype, although there were generally a small number of events for this exposure. While there were no statistically significant associations for any of the autoimmune variables with OS, relationships between B-cell activating autoimmune disease and inferior OS in MCL (HR=1.69, 95% CI 0.80-3.56) and HL (HR=2.84, 95% CI 0.85-9.47) appeared to parallel the EFS associations observed in these subtypes.Conclusions: Overall, we found little evidence for an important role of autoimmune disease in lymphoma outcomes, although our results suggest inferior EFS and perhaps OS for MCL and HL with a history of B-cell activating autoimmune disease, particularly RA. Further investigation and validation is needed for self-reported autoimmune diseases, and larger sample sizes are also warranted to fully understand the role of these not-uncommon diseases in the management of lymphoma patients. [Display omitted] DisclosuresWitzig:Novartis: Research Funding; Acerta: Research Funding; Kura: Research Funding; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Nowakowski:pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Nanostring: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genetech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Morphosys: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy; celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Flowers:Janssen Pharmaceutical: Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy; National Institutes Of Health: Research Funding; V Foundation: Research Funding; Millennium/Takeda: Research Funding; Burroughs Welcome Fund: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group: Research Funding; National Cancer Institute: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Acerta: Research Funding; Onyx: Research Funding; Infinity: Research Funding; Prime Oncology: Research Funding; Educational Concepts: Research Funding; Clinical Care Options: Research Funding; Genentech/Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Spectrum: Consultancy; OptumRx: Consultancy; Bayer: Consultancy; Research to Practice: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Research Funding. Cerhan:Janssen: Other: Scientific Advisory Board (REMICADELYM4001); Janssen: Other: Multiple Myeloma Registry Steering .

Association of red blood cell distribution width and outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma.

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which measures the range of variation of red blood cell volume, has been explored as a prognostic factor in multiple types of cancer. However, the role of RDW in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare type of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma with poor outcomes, remains to be determined. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic role of RDW in MCL. We found that 21 of 76 MCL patients (27.6%) had an abnormally elevated RDW (>15.7%). Abnormally elevated RDW was significantly associated with presence of B symptoms (P = 0.0020), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.0010), higher leukocyte count (P = 0.0345), higher simplified Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (sMIPI) (P = 0.0194), and lower level of hemoglobin (Hb) (P < 0.0001). It was marginally associated with increased C‐reactive protein (P = 0.0862). RDW was significantly correlated with Hb level (r 2 = 0.42) and LDH level (r 2 = 0.19). 15.8% was determined as the best cutoff of RDW in predicting the survival outcome by the X‐tile software. Survival analysis revealed that high RDW (>15.8%) predicted shorter progression‐free survival (PFS) (hazards ratio [HR]: 3.14; P = 0.0005) and shorter overall survival (OS) (HR: 4.04; P < 0.0001). High RDW independently predicted both shorter PFS (P = 0.0493) and OS (P = 0.0118). RDW also improved the prognostic stratification based on sMIPI. In conclusion, our study identified RDW as a novel prognostic factor of clinical feasibility in the prognostication of MCL.

Impact of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Refining the MIPI Index in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)

Impact of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and Refining the MIPI Index in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)

Rituximab, Bendamustine and Cytarabine (RBAC500) As Induction Therapy in Elderly Patients with Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Final Results of a Phase 2 Study from the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi

▪Background: The combination of rituximab (R, 375 mg/m2 intravenously [IV], day 1), bendamustine (B, 70 mg/m2IV, days 2 and 3), and cytarabine (800 mg/m2, IV on days 2 to 4) was highly active in patients with mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) in a phase 2 study [R-BAC; Visco et al, JCO 2013]. This regimen was well tolerated, but hematologic toxicity was quite relevant, especially in terms of transient grade 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia (76% of cycles). Aiming at reducing hematologic toxicity, the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) designed a phase 2 trial adopting the R-BAC schedule, but lowering cytarabine dose to 500 mg/m2 (RBAC500).Materials and Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed MCL, aged 61 to 80 years, not eligible for autologous transplant and fit according to the comprehensive geriatric assessment, were enrolled. Patients presenting with non-nodal leukemic disease were excluded. The primary endpoints were complete remission rate (CR) measured by FDG-PET according to Cheson criteria 2007, and safety. Secondary endpoints included rate of molecular response (MR) by nested-PCR using patient specific IGH or BCL1 based targets, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The study was conducted according to the Bryant and Day two-stage design.Results: From May 2012 to February 2014, 57 patients with MCL from 29 centers were recruited and treated. Central pathology revision was performed in 87% of cases. Median age was 71 years (range 61-79), 75% were males, and 91% had Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease. Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) was low in 15%, intermediate in 40%, high in 45%, Ki-67 was ≥30% in 31%, and 9% had the blastoid cytological variant. Overall, 53 patients (91%) received at least 4 cycles, while 36 (63%) had 6 cycles (median 5.3 cycles per patient). Fifteen patients (26%) discontinued treatment before reaching cycle 6 because of toxicity/adverse events, that mainly consisted of prolonged hemato-toxicity between cycles. Only one patient discontinued due to progressive disease. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were observed in 49% and 52% of administered cycles, respectively. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 6% of cycles. Extra-hematologic toxicity was mainly cardiac (5%). Overall response rate was 96%, and CR was 93%. The MR rate at the end of treatment was 76% on peripheral blood and 55% on bone marrow (BM) samples. With a median follow-up of 34 months (28-52), the 2-years PFS (± confidence interval) was 81%±5% and the OS 85%±4%. Elevated Ki-67 (≥30%), and the blastoid variant were the strongest independent predictors of adverse PFS. Patients with either of these two features (33%), had a significantly inferior PFS (41% vs 97% after 34 months) compared to patients with classical/pleomorphic variants and low proliferative index (p<0.0001, Figure 1).Conclusions: The R-BAC500 regimen can be safely administered as first line therapy to elderly patients with MCL. Hematologic toxicity is substantially reduced compared to our previous experience. With 93% of FDG-PET negative CR, and a 2-years PFS of 81% without maintenance therapy, the R-BAC500 regimen is a highly effective treatment for patients with MCL, and compares favourably with previously reported regimens in this patient population, including R-bendamustine. [Display omitted] DisclosuresVisco:Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Lundbeck: Consultancy; Mundipharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Speakers Bureau. Spina:Mundipharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Speaker Fee; Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Speaker Fee. Di Rocco:Celgene: Honoraria. Carella:Millenium: Speakers Bureau; Genentech: Speakers Bureau. Vitolo:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

The Outcome of Mantle Cell Lymphoma patients after Treatment Failure and Prognostic value of Secondary Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (sec MIPI)

▪Background: MCL is a distinct lymphoma entity with improved outcome achieved by the introduction of rituximab, high dose Ara-C and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) into the first line therapy. The outcome of the relapsed patients (pts) remain however poor and there is little data on the outcome after subsequent relapses and there is no information on secondary MIPI prognostic value.Aim: To analyze the outcome of the MCL patients after first line treatment failure and to evaluate the prognostic role of the sec MIPI which is MIPI calculated at the time of relapse/progression.Methods: This analysis is a part of the Lymphoma project in which consecutive lymphoma patients are registered since the year 1999. Altogether 519 newly diagnosed MCL patients were registered in 5 university centers and 9 regional departments between 1999 and 2011. Patients who were treated with rituximab as part of the first line treatment (n=388) were included into the analysis. The diagnoses were confirmed according to WHO classification in the reference pathology centers. The median follow up is 4.5 years.Results: The whole cohort consists of 261 males and 127 females (2.1:1) with median age 65 y (28-87), the majority of pts had advanced disease (CS IV in 81.6% pts), PS ECOG ≥ 2 in 23.6% pts, elevated LDH in 52.5% of pts. The MIPI risk profile was as follows: low risk 21.7%, intermediate risk 27.2% and high risk in 51.1%. All pts received rituximab as part of the induction, 48.7% pts received CHOP, 5.7% alternation of CHOP and HD Ara-C, 26.2% intensive induction with HD Ara-C, 10.3% CVP, 6.4% FC. High dose therapy with ASCT was performed in 23.9% of pts. The ORR was 89.0% with 63.8 CR/CRu, 6.3% had stable disease and 4.9% were primary progressive. The PFS and OS were 2.9 y and 5.5 y with significant impact of MIPI risk (p<0.0001) for both PFS and OS. There were observed 179 relapses/progressions (R/P) and 70 deaths not related to subsequent progression. The cohort of patients with 1st R/P consisted out of 125 males and 54 females (2.3:1) with median age 68 years (38-89). The sed MIPI at the time of 1st R/P was low in 12.7% pts, intermediate in 32.1% and high 59.8% pts. Rituximab was used in 69.5% of patients, DHAP or ESHAP was used in 25.1% cases, FC in 22.8% of cases, CHOP like regimen in 9.4%, HD Ara-C in 11.8%, only 4.7% were treated with targeted therapy temsirolimus or lenalidomide. Altogether 77.2% pts were treated with the polychemotherapy and 22.8 with monotherapy. ASCT and AlloSCT were performed in 5.5% and 8.7% pts resp. During follow up there were observed 74 deaths not related to subsequent progression and 53 2nd R/Ps. The median of 2nd PFS and 2nd OS from the date of 1st R/P was 1.0 and 1.3 years resp. The sec MIPI low vs. intermediate vs. high risk had significant prognostic impact on 2nd PFS: 5.8 vs 1.7 vs 0.9 years (p<0.0001) (fig 1) as well as on OS : 5.8 vs 3.4 vs 1.1 years (p<0.0001) (fig 2). The cohort of 53 pts with 2nd R/P had median age 68 (38-85) yers, male/female ratio was 1.4. Rituximab was used in 45.9% of treated patients and 48.3% of pts were treated with single drug. During follow up 11 pts developed 3rd R/P and other 30 pts died due to current progression, toxicity or in remission. The median of 3rd PFS from the time of 2nd R/P was 6.8 m and OS 7.4 months. Pts who were treated for 3rd R/P recieved rituximab in 50% of cases and the majority (81.2%) were treated with other single drug. The median of 4th PFS from 3rdR/P was 4.9 m and OS 5.5 months .Conclusions: Our analysis of relapsed MCL patients shows that 1: Median PFS from the Dg was 2.9 y but each subsequent relapse resulted in significantly shorter PFS median 12.1, 6.8 and 4.9 months resp. 2: The median OS from Dg was 5.5y but after each relapse it became shorter - 15.7 m, 7.4 m and 5.5 months resp. 3: The sec MIPI at the time of relapse discriminates the groups with significantly different prognosis. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Phase I trial of rituximab, cladribine, and temsirolimus (RCT) for initial therapy of mantle cell lymphoma

We conducted this trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of temsirolimus added to an established regimen comprised of rituximab and cladribine for the initial treatment of mantle cell lymphoma. A standard phase I cohort of three study design was utilized. The fixed doses of rituximab and cladribine were 375 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1 and 5 mg/m(2)/day i.v. days 1-5 of a 28-day cycle, respectively. There were five planned temsirolimus i.v. dose levels: 15 mg day 1; 25 mg day 1; 25 mg days 1 and 15; 25 mg days 1, 8 and 15; and 25 mg days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Seventeen patients were treated: three each at levels 1-4 and five at dose level 5. The median age was 75 years (52-86 years). Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) scores were low in 6% (1), intermediate in 59% (10), and high in 35% (6) of patients. Five patients were treated at level 5 without dose limiting toxicity. Hematologic toxicity was frequent: grade 3 anemia in 12%, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 41%, grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 24%, grade 3 neutropenia in 6%, and grade 4 neutropenia in 18% of patients. The overall response rate (ORR) was 94% with 53% complete response and 41% partial response. The median progression-free survival was 18.7 months. Temsirolimus 25 mg i.v. weekly may be safely added to rituximab and cladribine at 375 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1 and 5 mg/m(2)/day i.v. days 1-5 of a 28-day cycle, respectively. This regimen had promising preliminary activity in an elderly cohort of patients with mantle cell lymphoma. NCT00787969.

Combination of Rituximab, Bendamustine, and Cytarabine for Patients With Mantle-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Ineligible for Intensive Regimens or Autologous Transplantation

The combination of bendamustine (B) and rituximab (R) is efficacious, with favorable toxicity in mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). In this phase II study, we combined cytarabine with R and B (R-BAC) in patients with MCL age ≥ 65 years who were previously untreated or relapsed or refractory (R/R) after one prior immunochemotherapy treatment. In stage one, we established the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of cytarabine in R-BAC. In stage two, patients received R (375 mg/m(2) intravenously [IV] on day 1), B (70 mg/m(2) IV on days 2 and 3), and cytarabine (MTD IV on days 2 to 4) every 28 days for four to six cycles. The primary end point (overall response rate [ORR]) was evaluated by positron emission tomography. Secondary end points included safety, progression-free survival (PFS), response duration, and overall survival. Forty patients (median age, 70 years; 20 previously untreated patients) were enrolled; 93% had Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease; 49% had high Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index scores, with 15% blastoid histology. All R/R patients (35% refractory) had previously received R-containing regimens. The cytarabine MTD used in stage two was 800 mg/m(2), and R-BAC was well tolerated, with an 85% treatment completion rate. The major toxicity was transient grades 3 to 4 thrombocytopenia (87% of patients); febrile neutropenia occurred in 12%. The ORR was 100% (95% complete response [CR]) for previously untreated and 80% (70% CR) for R/R patients. The 2-year PFS rate (± standard deviation) was 95% ± 5% for untreated and 70% ± 10% for R/R patients. R-BAC is well tolerated and active against MCL.

Consolidative therapy with stem cell transplantation improves survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma after any induction regimen

Intensive induction regimen followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT) is frequently used to improve outcomes in patients with mantle-cell lymphoma. The comparative impact of conventional vs intensive induction regimen before transplantation is unknown. Forty-eight patients with mantle-cell lymphoma receiving SCT at our institution between January 2000 and December 2010 were included in this study. At the time of initial presentation, 43 (89.5%) had stage IV disease and 18 (37.5%) received more than one chemotherapy regimen before transplantation. Forty patients underwent auto-SCT and 7 had allogeneic SCT (allo-SCT); 1 patient had an allo-SCT for relapsed disease after auto-SCT. At the time of this analysis (median follow-up of 6 years from diagnosis and 4 years from transplantation), 40 patients (88%) were alive with a 5-year disease-free survival of 74.8%. Age, disease stage, number of regimens pre-SCT, pre-SCT disease status, and type of SCT had no impact on long-term outcomes. Importantly, there were no differences among the types of induction regimen on outcomes in this cohort receiving SCT. Based on our data, we believe that future studies should focus on strategies to prevent disease relapse rather than comparing induction regimens before stem cell transplantation.

The Pre-Transplant Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index Predicts Overall and Progression-Free Survival Following High-Dose Therapy and Autologus Stem Cell Transplant for Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Abstract 2026 Background:High-dose therapy (HDT) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is frequently employed to improve outcomes in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), yet results after transplant vary widely. We and others have shown that the Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) measured at diagnosis can predict overall survival (OS) after HDT and ASCT (Geisler, Blood 2010; Budde JCO 2011). Unfortunately, this approach is often limited at the time of transplant by the lack of available MIPI data from the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, the MIPI at diagnosis does not take into account other disease-related data that may be present at transplant. We hypothesized that the MIPI measured immediately before initiation of HDT could be attainable and predictive of outcomes after ASCT and explored the contribution of this measure along with other clinical factors to OS and progression-free survival (PFS). Methods:Records of consecutive MCL patients undergoing HDT and ASCT at our centers were reviewed under an IRB approved minimal risk protocol. Patients undergoing planned tandem autologus-allogenic transplants were excluded. MIPI elements, simplified MIPI score, and other clinical data were collected from the period immediately prior to initiation of conditioning and evaluated for their independent association with OS and PFS. Results:Between November 1995 and May 2011 190 MCL pts meeting the above criteria underwent HDT and ASCT at our centers, of these 186 (98%) had all available pretransplant MIPI data and were included in the analysis. Pretransplant MIPI scores of 0–1, 2, 3, 4, and 5–7 were seen in 27 (15%), 61 (33%), 60 (32%), 21 (11%), and 17 (9%) patients, respectively. Other baseline pretransplant characteristics included: median age 57 years (range 35–71years), elevated LDH = 48 (26%), median WBC = 4.51/μL (range 0.7 –42.43/μL), performance score 0 = 103 (55%), median prior regimens = 2 (range 1–9), blastoid variant = 16 (8%), leukemic variant = 6 (3%), chemosensitive disease = 157 (86%), and administration of rituximab (R) within 3 months prior to transplant = 139 (75%). The 8-year estimates of OS and PFS for the entire cohort were 43% (95% CI 27 – 57%) and 31% (95% CI 16 – 48%), respectively with 3 years median follow up for survivors. The pretransplant MIPI was highly associated with OS when modeled as a continuous (p=0.008) or categorical variable (p=0.002). Survival at 2 years was 88% (95% CI 78 – 93%) for MIPI 0–2, 73% (61 – 82%) for MIPI 3 or 4, and 65% (34 – 84%) for MIPI 5 or greater (Figure). Of the MIPI elements, age (hazard ratio [HR] for death 1.5 for every 10 yrs, p=0.03) and performance score (HR 1.6 for score >1, p=0.08) had the greatest independent impact on OS. In addition, chemosensitive disease (HR 0.3, p<0.001), number of prior regimens (p<0.001), and R within 3 months prior to transplant (HR 0.6, p=0.05) were all independently associated with OS after adjusting for the pretransplant MIPI.The pretranplant MIPI score was also predictive of PFS, but less so than with OS (global and categorical p=0.02) with age providing the greatest independent association (HR for death or progression 1.3 for every 10 years, p=0.08). Again, non-MIPI factors including number of prior regimens (p<0.001), blastoid variant (HR=2.1, p=.05), chemosensitive disease (HR 0.3, p<0.001), and R within 3 months prior to transplant (HR=0.4, p=0.001) independently added to predictive ability of the MIPI for PFS. Conclusions:Our data suggest that the simplified MIPI score measured immediately prior to HDT and ASCT is a readily available and robust predictive tool for OS and PFS in MCL pts undergoing transplant. This score along with other clinical factors can be utilized to counsel patients and to compare results between various treatment options. The independent association of pretransplant R with improved outcomes supports its use in this setting. [Display omitted] Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Addition of Rituximab to Fludarabine and Cyclophosphamide (FC) Improves Overall Survival in Newly Diagnosed Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL): Results of the Randomised UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Trial

Abstract 440▪▪This icon denotes a clinically relevant abstract Background:Rituximab is widely used in combination with chemotherapy for treating B cell lympho-proliferative disorders. In MCL, two randomised trials explored the addition of Rituximab to standard initial therapy. Neither demonstrated a significant improvement in either PFS or OS. In 2002 the NCRN initiated a phase II randomised trial of FC chemotherapy with or without Rituximab to evaluate response rates. In 2006 this was extended to a phase III study with overall survival as the primary end point. Trial:Newly diagnosed patients with MCL requiring therapy received up to 8 cycles of oral FC (Fludarabine 40mg/m2 and Cyclophosphamide 250mg/m2 both daily × 3) given every 4 weeks with a randomisation to the addition of Rituximab 375mg/m2 on day 1. There was no age limit to the study, no risk stratification and no consolidation of responses with transplantation or maintenance therapy. Results:370 patients were randomised. Median age was 66 years (range 36 – 88) with 76% male patients. The arms were well balanced by Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI); 77% in the FCR arm and 71% in the FC arm were in the intermediate or high risk groups. 78% and 72% respectively received 4 or more cycles of FCR/FC. At the end of treatment the ORR was 90.6% in the FCR arm and 79.8% in the FC arm (p = 0.01) with CR + CRu rates of 64.7% and 46.9% (p = 0.002) respectively. 5.8% of patients in the FCR arm and 11.9% in the FC arm had PD at the end of treatment. Patients in the FCR arm had longer progression free and overall survival with HRs of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.43–0.73, p < 0.001) and 0.72 (95% CI: 0.54–0.97, p = 0.03) respectively. At a median follow up of 38.8 months the median PFS is 30.6 months in the FCR arm and 16.1 months in the FC arm. The median OS is 45.7 months for FCR and 37 months for FC. The major toxicities were haematological. Significantly more patients in the FCR arm experienced grade 3 or 4 Leucopoenia and Thrombocytopenia however the numbers of grade 4 were not significantly different. Combined grade III/IV toxicity showed 23.3% thrombocytopenia, 45.8% leucopoenia, 12.9% anaemia and 51.4% neutropenia. 11.8% of patients had significant infections. Renal toxicity was modest. 1 patient experienced grade III but there was no grade IV toxicity.Lymphoma was the commonest cause of death, but 29% of patients in the FCR arm and 24% in the FC arm died of other causes, of which almost half were infection related. An additional 11 patients died of a second malignancy, 4 of whom had AML. 14% of patients in the FCR arm and 10% in the FC arm died without evidence of disease progression. Conclusion:The addition of Rituximab to FC chemotherapy leads to a significant improvement in both PFS and OS with an acceptable level of additional toxicity. A significant number of patients treated with FC based chemotherapy die whilst in remission of non lymphoma related causes. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] Disclosures:Rule:Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding. Off Label Use: Rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma. Follows:Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria. Hillmen:Roche Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKine: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Genzyme: Research Funding; MundiPharma: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Walewski:Janssen-Cilag: ; Hoffman La Roche: Honoraria, Institutional/personal grants, travel/accommodation expenses; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria.

Is There a Role for “Watch and Wait” in Patients With Mantle Cell Lymphoma?

Up to one third of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) may be observed for a period of months to years before developing indications for therapy. Importantly, observational studies suggest that this approach has no apparent negative impact on their overall survival. Although there is broad agreement on which patients require early therapy, identification of patients with less aggressive disease can be challenging. Clinical tools such as the Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) and Ki67 are effective at predicting survival but may not always correspond with indications for treatment. Research tools such as the proliferative signature are attractive but have yet to be evaluated in this context. Physicians, therefore, must make decisions regarding therapy based on the best available evidence. In the absence of evidence that treatment necessarily influences long-term survival, it may be reasonable to observe selected patients for a period of time prior to making definitive treatment-related decisions. Collaborative efforts are required to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease and potentially identify patients amenable to "watch and wait." Similarly, patients with less aggressive MCL may be an ideal group in which to evaluate novel treatment approaches.

Cladribine plus rituximab is an effective therapy for newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is incurable with standard chemotherapy. There is no consensus on the best initial therapy, especially for elderly patients, who are not candidates for aggressive treatment approaches. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) treatment guidelines include rituximab (R) plus cladribine for the initial treatment of MCL. However, few data are available to substantiate this recommendation. Therefore, to further define the role of R-cladribine for the initial treatment of MCL, we performed a retrospective chart review of 31 patients with MCL (median age, 67) treated with R-cladribine. The majority of responding patients also received R maintenance. The overall response rate was 87%, with 61% of patients achieving a complete remission (CR/CRu). The estimated median follow-up was 32.5 months, median PFS was 37.5 months, and median OS was 85.2 months. One of 19 (5.3%) subjects in CR/CRu relapsed (median follow-up of 23 months). CR/CRu was associated with improved survival (p < 0.0001), while a high mantle cell international prognostic index (MIPI) was associated with worse survival (p = 0.05). There was one toxic death (neutropenic pseudomonal sepsis) related to treatment. R-cladribine is an effective therapy for previously untreated MCL, and these results validate the use of R-cladribine for the initial treatment of MCL.

Combination of rituximab with chlorambucil as first line treatment in patients with mantle cell lymphoma: a highly effective regimen

The optimal treatment approach for patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is not well defined. Intensive therapeutic regimens result in high response rates and prolonged progression-free survival but at the expense of significant toxicity. We report here our results of the administration of rituximab plus chlorambucil (R-Chl) as first line treatment in patients with MCL. Twenty consecutively diagnosed patients were treated with this combination in which an induction and a maintenance arm were included. During induction, rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/m2 on day 1, while chlorambucil was given afterward at a dose of 10 mg/day for 10 consecutive days for eight cycles and then as a single agent for an additional four cycles. Maintenance consisted of rituximab administration every 2 months for 1 year. Most patients had indolent disease features such as a low mantle-cell international prognostic index (MIPI) score. The overall response rate was 95% (90% CR, 5% PR). Among patients in CR, 78% presented a molecular remission. The 3-year progression-free survival was 89%. There were no serious side effects. These results show that the R-Chl combination could be an effective therapeutic option as first line treatment in MCL, especially for patients with indolent disease characteristics.

Ten‐year follow‐up after intense chemoimmunotherapy with Rituximab‐HyperCVAD alternating with Rituximab‐high dose methotrexate/cytarabine (R‐MA) and without stem cell transplantation in patients with untreated aggressive mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has a poor overall survival after treatment with conventional chemotherapy. Intense chemoimmunotherapy without consolidation stem cell transplantation is a potential therapeutic option. We report on a prospective Phase II study with rituximab in combination with fractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and dexamethasone (R-Hyper-CVAD) alternating with rituximab in combination with high-dose methotrexate-cytarabine (R-MA) in untreated patients with diffuse and nodular MCL and their blastoid variants. Ninety-seven patients were treated, of whom 97% responded and 87% achieved a complete remission. At 10 years of follow up (median 8 years), the median overall survival (OS) for all patients had not been reached and the median time to failure (TTF) for all patients was 4.6 years, without a plateau in the curves. For the group of patients aged 65 years or younger, the median OS had not been reached and the median TTF was 5.9 years. Multivariate analysis revealed pre-treatment serum levels of beta(2) microglobulin, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score and mantle cell IPI (MIPI) score, as predictive of both OS and TTF. We conclude that intense chemoimmunotherapy without stem cell transplantation is effective for untreated aggressive MCL.

Prognostic impact of proliferative index determined by quantitative image analysis and the International Prognostic Index in patients with mantle cell lymphoma

BackgroundThe proliferative index (PI) is a powerful prognostic factor in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL); however, its utility is hampered by interobserver variability. The mantle cell international prognostic index (MIPI) has been reported to have prognostic importance. In this study, we determined the prognostic value of the PI as determined by quantitative image analysis in MCL. Patients and methodsEighty-eight patients with adequate tissue were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with one of two treatment programs: sequential therapy with high-dose therapy consolidation or radioimmunotherapy followed by combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone. Patients were divided into four groups based on PI (<10%, 10%–29.9%, 30%–49.9%, and >50%), and outcomes were analyzed. ResultsThirty percent was identified as the optimal cut-off for PI. By univariate analysis, intensive treatment and a low PI were associated with a superior progression-free survival (PFS); only PI was associated with overall survival. By multivariate analysis, both intensive treatment and PI correlated with PFS. The MIPI had no prognostic impact. ConclusionsPI is the most important prognostic factor in MCL. The cut-off of 30% is clinically meaningful and can be used to tailor the intensity of therapy in future clinical trials.

Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) Is a Strong Predictor of the Outcome of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in the Rituximab (R) Era.

Abstract 2928Poster Board II-904 Introduction:A new prognostic clinical index (MIPI) and a biological one with cell proliferation (Ki-67) evaluation (MIPIb), were defined specifically for MCL to give a more reliable estimation of outcome (Hoster 2008). Aim of our analysis was to test MIPI and MIPIb on a retrospective series of MCL patients treated with R-chemotherapy. Patients and methods:Between 1999 and 2008, 136 MCL at diagnosis consecutively treated in five institutions entered into the study. Histology was centrally reviewed. Clinical characteristics were: median age 62 (37-84) years, 78% stage IV, 73% with bone marrow involvement and 15% with blastoid variant. First-line treatments were: R-high-dose chemotherapy with Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (R-HDC) in 48 patients, R-Fludarabine based chemotherapy in 22, R-CHOP-like in 50 and other R containing regimens in 16. Ki-67 evaluation was performed in 93 patients; 43 were not, due to inadequate pathological materials. Overall Survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) curves were estimated both overall and stratified by MIPI, MIPIb and IPI score. Differences between curves were tested using the 2-tailed log-rank test. In order to quantify the predictive discrimination of MIPI, MIPIb and IPI scores, in a subgroup of 84 patients fulfilled MIPI, MIPIb and IPI scores, a Cox's model analysis and univariate logistic models (with death and failure event as binary outcomes) were fitted and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (c-index) was estimated. Results:Prognostic index stratification was as follows: according to MIPI 45 patients (33%) were at low-risk (LR, 0-3), 36 (26%) at intermediate-risk (IR, 4-5), 43 (32%) at high-risk (HR, >5) and 12 missing; according to MIPIb 70 patients (51%) were at LR (0-5.699), 7 (5%) at IR (5.7-6.499), 16 (12%) at HR (>6.5) and 43 missing; according to IPI 38 patients (28%) were at LR, 41 (30%) at LIR, 47 (35%) at IH-HR and 10 missing. Responses were as follows: complete 74, partial 29, no response 22, not yet evaluable 11. With a median follow-up of 28 months, 2-year OS was 80% (95% CI:71%-86%) and 2-year FFS was 60% (95%CI: 51%-69%). 2-year OS and 2-year FFS rates according to MIPI, MIPIb and IPI were shown in table 1. Eighty-four patients had all the factors to accurately calculate MIPI, MIPIb and IPI; in this subgroup, an univariate logistic model and a Cox's model including the time at the event were performed. The c-index and Cox-index for death event were 73% and 77% for MIPI, 72% and 73% for MIPIb, 67% and 65% for IPI respectively; the c-index and Cox-index for failure event were 66% and 72% for MIPI, 66% and 65% for MIPIb, 67% and 64% for IPI respectively. A further analysis for death event was performed to adjust the effect of MIPI for other known risk factors (Ann-Arbor stage, Bone Marrow involvement, blastoid variant, number of extranodal sites). In a Cox model, MIPI score and number of extranodal sites were confirmed as independent predictors of death event: adjusted hazard ratio was 8.75 (95%CI: 3.14-24.4, p=<.0001) for MIPI-HR group vs MIPI-LR, and 5.97 (95%CI: 0.80-44.59, p=.082) for at least one extranodal site. Discussion:MIPI score was confirmed as a strong predictor of death event in MCL retrospective patients treated with R-chemotherapy regimens. New therapeutic strategies are warranted to improve the outcome of MCL namely in MIPI-HR group.2-year OS (%)p2-year FFS (%)pLRIRHRLRIRHRMIPI (n=124)958851<.00001796335.0002MIPIb (n=93)956942.0001775422<.00001IPI (n=126)889160.0002728033.0018 Disclosures:Ladetto:CELGENE: Honoraria; JANSSEN-CILAG: Research Funding. Vitolo:Roche:.

Validation of the Mantle Cell Lymphoma Prognostic Index (MIPI): A Valuable Tool for Risk Stratification in Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Abstract 2703Poster Board II-679 Introduction:Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable disease with a highly variable course. Improvements in therapy have been impeded by the lack of a universal prognostic model, making risk stratification and comparisons across clinical trials difficult. The International Prognostic Index (IPI) and Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) have been applied but show limitations in MCL, especially in distinguishing low and intermediate-risk patients (pts).The MIPI (Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index) was developed to overcome these limitations, and is based on WBC, age, and LDH (analyzed as continuous variables) and ECOG performance status.1 However, the MIPI has yet to be independently validated, and failed to predict outcome of MCL pts treated with Hyper-CVAD.2 To examine the prognostic capacity of the MIPI, we reviewed outcomes of pts diagnosed with MCL from 1998–2008 at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute (CCTCI). Methods:Cases of MCL diagnosed at CCTCI were identified from our pathology database, yielding 85 unique pts. These subjects were retrospectively analyzed with approval of our Institutional Review Board. A total of 48 pts with advanced stage disease who underwent immediate treatment (within 90 days of diagnosis), and for whom adequate data for assignment of both MIPI and IPI existed, were the subject of review. Survival was identified from medical records and confirmed using a public social security database. Outcomes were compared using log-rank analysis of Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and MIPI was calculated in accordance with the initial publication.1 Results:Pt characteristics at diagnosis were: median age 62 (range 39–85), 73% male, 75% ECOG performance status of 0-1, 96% stage IV disease, 52% elevated LDH, and 40% had extranodal involvement other than bone marrow (23% with GI involvement). Six pts had the blastoid variant of MCL. IPI scores at diagnosis were as follows: low (17%)/ low-intermediate (31%)/ high-int (25%)/ high (27%). MIPI scores at diagnosis were: low (33%) / int (25%)/ high(42%).Initial treatment included an anthracycline in 71% and rituximab in 60%. HyperCVAD was given 33%, and 23% underwent upfront (CR1/PR1) autologous transplantation.Median follow-up of survivors is 5.7 years. Median OS and RFS for all pts is 3.9 and 2.5 years, respectively. The IPI distinguished low and high-risk groups, but low-int and high-int groups were closely approximated (Figure 1). On the other hand, the MIPI distinguished 3 separate groups (Figure 2), including a high risk group with a 5-year survival of 11%. The MIPI maintained its prognostic capacity even in HyperCVAD-treated pts (log rank p=.01 for low/int/high MIPI among 16 pts, figure not shown.) The use of regimens including rituximab was not associated with improved OS (log rank p=0.21, comparing rituximab at any time vs none, figure not shown). [Display omitted] [Display omitted] Conclusions:Based on long-term follow-up of 48 pts diagnosed with MCL at CCTCI from 1998–2008, we verified the accuracy and ease of application of the MIPI for determining prognosis in MCL. On further analysis, rituximab did not impact OS of MCL pts. Clinical trials in MCL should employ the MIPI as a risk-stratification tool, and novel approaches are urgently needed for pts in the high-risk group. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Outcome of Deferred Initial Therapy in Mantle-Cell Lymphoma

Treatment of mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) is nonstandardized, though patients are commonly treated immediately at diagnosis. Because data on observation, or "watch and wait," have not been previously reported, we analyzed the outcome of deferred initial therapy. Inclusion criteria in this retrospective analysis were a diagnosis of MCL between 1997 and 2007 and known date of first treatment. Hospital and research charts were reviewed for prognostic and treatment-related information. Date of death was derived from hospital records and confirmed using an online Social Security death index. Of 97 patients with MCL evaluated at Weill Cornell Medical Center, 31 patients (32%) were observed for more than 3 months before initial systemic therapy, with median time to treatment for the observation group of 12 months (range, 4 to 128 months). The observation group (median follow-up, 55 months) had a median age of 58 years (range, 40 to 81 years). Prognostic factors in assessable patients included advanced stage (III/IV) in 75%, elevated lactate dehydrogenase in 25%, and intermediate- or high-risk Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index in 54%. Better performance status and lower-risk standard International Prognostic Index scores were more commonly present in those undergoing observation. Although time to treatment did not predict overall survival in a multivariate analysis, the survival profile of the observation group was statistically superior to that of the early treatment group (not reached v 64 months, P = .004). In selected asymptomatic patients with MCL, deferred initial treatment ("watch and wait") is an acceptable management approach.

Validation of Mantle Cell International Prognostic Index (MIPI) in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in a Retrospective Single Institution Series

Introduction: The clinical course of MCL is characterized by a continuous pattern of relapse and a poor long term outcome with a median Overall Survival (OS) of four years and a 15% of long term survivors. Recently a new clinical prognostic score (MIPI), including performance status, age, LDH level and leukocyte count has been reported. This score allows a more reliable estimation of individual clinical course. We retrospectively applied the MIPI score to patients with MCL.Patients and methods: Between 1999 and 2007, 40 patients with MCL diagnosed and treated in a single institution entered into the study. Clinical characteristics were as follows: median age 56 years (range 37–81), 80% male; 82% stage IV; 78% bone marrow involvement and 15% MCL with blastoid variant. First line treatments were: high dose chemoimmunotherapy including Rituximab (R) with autologous stem cell transplantation (R-HDC) in 26 patients and Rituximab-CHOP like chemotherapy (R-CHOP) in 14. Crude Kaplan-Meier OS and progression-free survival (PFS) curves were estimated both overall and stratified by MIPI and International Prognostic Index (IPI) score. Differences between curves were tested using the 2-tailed log-rank test. In order to quantify the predictive discrimination of MIPI and IPI scores, univariate logistic models (with death and progression event as binary outcomes) were fitted and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (c index) was estimated.Results: According to MIPI score 17 patients (43%) were at low risk (LR, score 0–3), 13 patients (32%) at intermediate risk (IR, score 4–5) and 10 patients (25%) at high risk (HR, score >5). According to IPI score 14 patients (35%) were at low risk (LR), 16 patients (40%) at low-intermediate risk (LIR) and 10 patients (25%) at intermediate-high and high risk (IH-HR). At the end of the treatment, 30 patients achieved a CR, five a PR and five did not respond. Relapses occurred in 17 patients and seven of them died of lymphoma. With a median follow-up (FU) of 29 months, OS was 85% (95% CI: 66%–93%); with a median FU of 21 months, PFS was 70% (95% CI: 51%–83%). Twenty-nine months OS rates for MIPI score were: LR 100%, IR 81%, HR 66% respectively (p=.07) and for IPI score were: LR 92%, LIR 94%, IH-HR 65% respectively (p=.09). Twenty-one months PFS rates for MIPI score were: LR 92%, IR 59%, HR 45% respectively (p=.006) and for IPI score were: LR 73%, LIR 87%, IH-HR 44% respectively (p=.09). MIPI score was more predictive than IPI score for the death event and for the progression event: the c index was 74% and 73% for MIPI compared to 72% and 69% for IPI respectively. In a subgroup analysis performed on 26 R-HDC patients, OS and PFS rates stratified for MIPI were: for OS, LR 100% vs IR 80% vs HR 69% (p=.4) and for PFS, LR 91% vs IR 80% vs HR 57% (p=.04) respectively.Discussion: in our retrospective series of patients, MIPI prognostic score discriminates among patients with different PFS. Relapses remain the most important issue for all patients affected by MCL, namely in HR group according to MIPI. New therapeutic strategies are warranted to improve the prognosis of MCL.