MDS AML Research Articles

Sequential Cytogenetic Analysis of 322 Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Delineation of Genetic Evolution and Clinical Implications.

INTRODUCTION: Myelodysplastic syndromes are dynamic diseases affecting the stem cell compartment in bone marrow presenting with different clinical courses ranging from stable, indolent disease to rapid progression to acute myeloid leukemias. So far, only 3 studies on karyotype analysis in MDS with a minimum of 30 patients have been published. Most knowledge about genetic evolution in MDS is based on the description of parallely existing subclones within one single examination. Thus, little is known about the real frequency, the time spans and the clinical impact of karyotype evolution.MATERIALS AND METHODS: So far, data from 322 patients with MDS or secondary AML and at least two successfully performed classical cytogenetic analyses are available from four centres of the Competence Network Acute and Chronic Leukemias. As yet, we retrospectively examined 268 patients out of this data set. Karyotype evolution (KE) was defined as acquisition of additional aberrations, expansion of an aberrant clone (>20%) or development of a completely aberrant karyotype after an initial mosaic karyotype.RESULTS: In 44 cases (16%) KE was observed. In the mean 2.8 (range 2–9) cytogenetic examinations have been performed. In 27 cases additional aberrations occurred and in 17 cases the abnormal clone expanded in a subsequent analysis. Compared to stable courses, patients with KE had a tendency towards a shorter survival (p=0.15).In the group of patients with expansion of the aberrant clone the most frequent karyotypes were −7/7q- (4x), complex (3x), 5q- (3x) and +8 (3x). The most frequent karyotypes in which during the course of the disease additional aberrations occurred were complex (4x) and karyotypes with two miscellaneous aberrations (4x). The most frequent additional aberrations were 5q- (3x) and −17/17p- (3x).CONCLUSIONS: In sequential cytogenetic examinations KE is a frequent event. Patients with KE tend to have a shortened survival. In our collective no long-term survivor could be observed in the group displaying KE regardless of the therapy strategies (excluding allogeneic transplantation). In this multicentric study which encompasses the largest data base on sequential analyses in MDS to date, frequency, evolution patterns and prognostic relevance of karyotype changes have been studied allowing a better insight into the genetic dynamics of MDS.

A New Prognostic Disease Specific Model To Predict Survival after Intensive Antileukemic Treatment for Young Patients with Poor-Risk MDS and AML: Results of the CRIANT and AML-10 Studies Conducted by the EORTC/GIMEMA/SAKK/HOVON/EBMT Groups.

The use of intensive antileukemic treatment is less widely accepted in high-risk MDS pts compared to de novo AML, due to the reported inferior results. It is questionable whether the poorer outcome reflects an intrinsic property of the involved stem cell or a higher frequency of poor prognostic factors. The purpose of this analysis is to identify disease-specific prognostic factors for outcome of young (aged <56 years) MDS and AML pts. This analysis combines the data of 591 pts in the AML-10 study and 203 pts with high-risk MDS or secondary AML (sAML) in the CRIANT study. Both groups received identical remission-induction therapy (idarubicin, cytarabine and etoposide), followed by one consolidation course with intermediate dose of cytarabine and idarubicin (IDIA). In both studies post-consolidation therapy consisted of alloSCT if an HLA-identical sibling donor was available. The remaining pts received autoSCT (ASCT) in AML-10 or were randomized between ASCT and a 2nd consolidation course in CRIANT. The CR rate was 68% (AML-10) vs. 59% (CRIANT) (p=0.02). The 4-year survival rates were 35% vs. 33% (p=0.80). DFS at 4 years was 43% (AML-10) vs. 35% (CRIANT) (p=0.18). For overall survival (OS) in both studies, study was not of importance (HR=1.09, p=0.45), but the following variables showed independent prognostic value: cytogenetic risk group (the HR for poor vs intermediate risk was 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.27, p=0.0008), white blood count (WBC) ≥ 100 x 109/l (HR=2.02, 95% CI 1.53–2.68, p<0.0001), age 46–55 yrs (HR=1.39, 95% CI 1.16–1.67, p=0.0004) and performance status (PS) (HR=1.32, 95% CI 1.17–1.49, p <0.0001). For DFS, the following factors were of an independent prognostic importance: cytogenetics (p<0.0001), age 46–55 (HR=1.23, p=0.05), WBC >100 (HR=1.67, p=0.02) and donor availability (HR=0.77, p=0.04). Some variables were of prognostic value for OS in only one of the studies: in the CRIANT study number of cytopenias (3 vs 0–2) and AHD >6 months appeared of prognostic importance for OS, wherease FAB subtype M2/M4 and cytogenetics inv(16)/t(8;21) were prognostic in AML-10. Therefore a specific prognostic score for OS was established for each study, AML-10 (based on cytogenetics, PS, FAB, WBC and age) and CRIANT (based on cytogenetics, nr of cytopenias, age, AHD and WBC). The AML-10 study distinguished 5 groups with an estimated 4-year survival rate of 69%, 40%, 45%, 26% and 17%, resp. The prognostic value of this score has been validated on patients treated in the AML-10 study with mitoxantrone instead of idarubicin: the 4-year survival were 76%, 46%, 41%, 33% and 18%, resp. The CRIANT study distinguished 5 groups with a 4-year survival rates of 72%, 44%, 39%, 12% and 0%, resp. In conclusion: the prognostic scores identify a group of 26% AML and 42% MDS pts, with a 4-year survival less than 20%. Apparently current treatment modalities are unsatisfactory for these poor-risk pts and novel treatment strategies should be offered to these pts in the context of clinical trials. Our finding that different variables are of prognostic importance in MDS/sAML and de novo AML pts supports the hypothesis that these are intrinsically different disorders. The CRIANT-derived score is a valuable alternative for the IPSS in intensively treated high-risk MDS pts.

Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation in Patients with AML and MDS Using Myeloablative Versus Reduced-Intensity Doses of Intravenous Busulfan : The Role of Dose Intensity.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is a potentially curative approach in patients (pts) with AML and MDS. Intravenous busulfan (Busulfex, ivBu) was shown to reduce treatment-related mortality (TRM) and improve outcome after standard ablative conditioning. Reduced-intensity regimens allows SCT in pts not eligible for standard conditioning. It is not yet well established what are the dose intensities of ivBu predicting of better outcome in different settings. Eighty-six pts were included in this analysis; median age 50 years (range, 18–69). Seventy-one had AML; 31 of them had secondary AML following prior MDS (n=19) or prior chemotherapy (n=12, including 6 prior autologous SCT), and 15 had MDS (all with excess of blasts). The donors were HLA-matched siblings (n=42), 1-Ag mismatched relatives (n=6) or matched-unrelated (n=38). Thirty-six pts were in first or second remission at the time of SCT, or with less than 10% marrow blasts, 32 were chemo-refractory, and 18 had untreated MDS or relapsed AML and > 10% marrow blasts. Forty-two pts had myeloablative conditioning with ivBu (12.8 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide. Forty-four pts considered not eligible for myeloablative therapy due to advanced age, comorbidities or extensive prior therapy were given fludarabine and reduced intensity doses of ivBu (6.4–12.8 mg/kg). With a median follow-up of 13 months, the 1-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates of all pts were 47% and 44%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of TRM was relatively low at 17% and relapse rate was 40%. The most important predictive factor for survival in multivariant analysis was chemo-refractory disease at SCT (HR 3.2, p=0.001). Age, gender, secondary AML/MDS, donor type and conditioning regimen used were not significant. In particular there was no difference in survival between pts given different doses of ivBu. The OS and DFS of pts given 12.8 mg/kg (Bu16) (with cyclophosphamide or fludarabine) were 47% and 45%, compared with 50% and 45% in pts given 6.4–9.6 mg/kg (Bu8–12). Pts given Bu16 had higher risk of TRM (21% vs 7%) and lower relapse rate (33% vs 50%), not reaching statistical significance. However, the conditioning regimen had a significant influence when only pts with chemo-refractory disease were analyzed. OS, DFS, TRM and relapse rates were 39%, 38%, 26%, and 36% in pts given Bu16 compared with 0% (p=0.06), 0% (p=0.06), 19% (p=NS), and 81% (p=0.03) after Bu8–12, respectively. ivBu dose intensity did not influence outcome in chemo-sensitive disease. Pts previously untreated with > 10% marrow blasts had similar outcome to pts with chemo-sensitive disease if given Bu16, but similar to refractory disease if given Bu8–12. In conclusion, ivBu containing regimens are well tolerated with relatively low TRM rates, in particular in chemo-sensitive disease, and after reduced intensity conditioning. Busulfan dose intensity is not predictive of outcome in chemo-sensitive disease. However, pts with chemo-refractory or untreated disease could only be salvaged if given myeloablative doses of ivBu. Pts considered not eligible for standard ablative conditioning tolerated fludarabine and myeloablative doses of ivBu relatively well, and could be salvaged with this regimen even when treated for chemo-refractory disease. TRM remains acceptable even in these high-risk settings. Randomized studies will be needed to further determine the best dose-intensity in each setting.

The presence of an HLA-identical sibling donor has no impact on outcome of patients with high-risk MDS or secondary AML (sAML) treated with intensive chemotherapy followed by transplantation: results of a prospective study of the EORTC, EBMT, SAKK and GIMEMA Leukemia Groups (EORTC study 06921).

This report used the framework of a large European study to investigate the outcome of patients with and without an HLA-identical sibling donor on an intention-to-treat basis. After a common remission-induction and consolidation course, patients with an HLA-identical sibling donor were scheduled for allogeneic transplantation and patients lacking a donor for autologous transplantation. In all, 159 patients alive at 8 weeks from the start of treatment were included in the present analysis. In total, 52 patients had a donor, 65 patients did not have a donor and in 42 patients the availability of a donor was not assessed. Out of 52 patients, 36 (69%) with a donor underwent allogeneic transplantation (28 in CR1). Out of 65 patients, 33 (49%) received an autograft (27 in CR1). The actuarial survival rates at 4 years were 33.3% (s.e. = 6.7%) for patients with a donor and 39.0% (s.e. = 6.5%) for patients without a donor (P = 0.18). Event-free survival rates were 23.1% (s.e. = 6.2%) and 21.5% (s.e. = 5.3%), respectively (P = 0.66). Correction for alternative donor transplants did not substantially alter the survival of the group without a donor. Also, the survival in the various cytogenetic risk groups was not significantly different when comparing the donor vs the no-donor group. This analysis shows that patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary acute myeloid leukemia may benefit from both allogeneic and autologous transplantation. We were unable to demonstrate a survival advantage for patients with a donor compared to patients without a donor.

Unrelated bone marrow transplantation in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and secondary acute myeloid leukemia: an EBMT survey. European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group.

The Chronic Leukemia Working Party of the EBMT has collected data on 118 patients of median age 24 years (range 0.3 to 53 years) who underwent an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from unrelated donors for treatment of MDS or secondary AML (RA/RARS, n = 24; RAEB, n = 26; RAEB-t, n = 34; CMML, n = 12; sAML, n = 22) between 1986 and 1996. The data were reported by 49 EBMT centers. Thirty-four of 118 patients are alive, relapse was the cause of death in 19 of 84 patients and the remaining patients died of transplant-related mortality. For the whole group the actuarial probability of survival at 2 years is 28%, disease-free survival 28%, relapse risk 35% and transplant-related mortality is 58%. The transplant-related mortality is significantly influenced by the age of the recipient (<18 years 40%, 18-35 years 61%, >35 years 81%). The relapse rate after BMT is influenced by FAB classification of the disease at BMT. Patients with a low blast count (RA, RAEB) have a lower probability of relapse (13%, 15%) compared to patients with RAEB-t or sAML (29%, 45%). Furthermore, we found evidence of a graft-versus-leukemia effect in MDS/sAML. Patients with acute GVHD, grade II-IV, had a probability of relapse of 26% vs 42% in patients with no acute GVHD or grade I only. Allogeneic transplantation with an HLA-matched, unrelated donor may be offered to younger patients (age <35 years) with poor risk myelodysplasia or secondary AML.

174 Intensive chemotherapy (idarubicin, ARA-C, VP-16) combined with G-CSF-priming yields high remission rates in patients with advanced MDS and high-risk AML

174 Intensive chemotherapy (idarubicin, ARA-C, VP-16) combined with G-CSF-priming yields high remission rates in patients with advanced MDS and high-risk AML

Minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia (AML-M0): a distinct clinico-biologic entity with poor prognosis.

FAB proposals for the diagnosis of AML-M0 represent the formal recognition of a distinct entity which has been described over the past few years by several authors and called minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia. By definition, AML-M0 includes acute leukemias which do not fit morphological and cytochemical criteria for the diagnosis of AML, and for which myeloid lineage assignment can be made by immunological assay showing positivity for MPO, CD13, and CD33 and negativity for lymphoid markers. Involvement of an early myeloid progenitor in the leukemic process is a possible theory hypothesized to explain the existence of such a form. Validity of this assumption has been based on the observation that AML-M0 frequently bears "stem cell" markers such as CD34, HLA-DR, Tdt, CD7, and promiscuous IgH/TCR gene rearrangements, which are thought to occur in uncommitted cells. Finally, AML-M0 very frequently carries cytogenetic abnormalities common to MDS or secondary AML, such as -5/5q- or -7/7q- deletions and or complex karyotype. In our experience, AML-M0 is also very often associated with the MDR phenotype, which in turn has been found strictly linked to "stem cell" features, especially in MDS. These biological aspects, altogether, translate into a very unfavorable prognosis, confirming even from a clinical point of view that AML-M0 is a distinct entity. In conclusion, "stem cell" markers, MDR phenotype, complex chromosome lesions, frequent occurrence in elderly patients, and intrinsic chemoresistance characterize AML-M0 and indicate the need for tailored treatments, possibly involving the use of MDR modulators and/or differentiating agents.