Philadelphia Chromosome-negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research Articles

Revisiting Circulating Extracellular Matrix Fragments as Disease Markers in Myelofibrosis and Related Neoplasms.

Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) arise due to acquired somatic driver mutations in stem cells and develop over 10-30 years from the earliest cancer stages (essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera) towards the advanced myelofibrosis stage with bone marrow failure. The JAK2V617F mutation is the most prevalent driver mutation. Chronic inflammation is considered to be a major pathogenetic player, both as a trigger of MPN development and as a driver of disease progression. Chronic inflammation in MPNs is characterized by persistent connective tissue remodeling, which leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately, organ failure, due to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Considering that MPNs are acquired clonal stem cell diseases developing in an inflammatory microenvironment in which the hematopoietic cell populations are progressively replaced by stromal proliferation-"a wound that never heals"-we herein aim to provide a comprehensive review of previous promising research in the field of circulating ECM fragments in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of MPNs. We address the rationales and highlight new perspectives for the use of circulating ECM protein fragments as biologically plausible, noninvasive disease markers in the management of MPNs.

Cancer Immune Therapy for Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. MPN are characterized by chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Of interest, the potent immunostimulatory cytokine interferon-α has been used to treat MPN for decades. A deeper understanding of the anti-cancer immune response and of the different immune regulatory mechanisms in patients with MPN has paved the way for an increased perception of the potential of cancer immunotherapy in MPN. Therapeutic vaccination targeting the driver mutations in MPN is one recently described potential new treatment modality. Furthermore, T cells can directly react against regulatory immune cells because they recognize proteins like arginase and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Therapeutic vaccination with arginase or PD-L1 therefore offers a novel way to directly affect immune inhibitory pathways, potentially altering tolerance to tumor antigens like mutant CALR and mutant JAK2. Other therapeutic options that could be used in concert with therapeutic cancer vaccines are immune checkpoint–blocking antibodies and interferon-α. For more advanced MPN, adoptive cellular therapy is a potential option that needs more preclinical investigation. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about the immune system in MPN and discuss the many opportunities for anti-cancer immunotherapy in patients with MPN.

Do All Patients With Polycythemia Vera or Essential Thrombocythemia Need Cytoreduction?

Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), characterized by expansion of normal blood counts, bleeding, thrombosis, and the potential for transformation to myelofibrosis (MF) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The primary goals of treatment for MPNs are to reduce the risk of thrombosis, alleviate systemic symptom burden (eg, fatigue, pruritus, microvascular symptoms, and symptomatic splenomegaly), and to prevent transformation to MF/AML. Preventing transformation is clearly important, but not expected with current therapies. Currently, cytoreduction is advised based on vascular risk assessments, which include age and thrombosis history, as well as molecular profile in ET. Traditionally, cytoreduction has been advised only in patients with high vascular risk. Recently, a large prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of cytoreduction in patients with ET with less-than-high-risk vascular profiles. A larger question in the MPN field is whether cytoreduction is advisable for all patients with ET and PV, regardless of risk. This article reviews existing data on cytoreduction, evaluating hydroxyurea, interferons, and ruxolitinib in ET and PV. This review evaluates whether evidence supports a more liberal strategy of cytoreduction for all patients with ET and PV.

The Role of Caspase Genes Polymorphisms in Genetic Susceptibility to Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in a Portuguese Population.

Our main aim was to evaluate the role of caspases' genes SNPs in Philadelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (PN-MPNs) susceptibility. A case-control study in 133 Caucasian Portuguese PN-MPNs patients and 281 matched controls was carried out, studying SNPs in apoptosis related caspases: rs1045485 and rs1035142 (CASP8), rs1052576, rs2308950, rs1132312 and rs1052571 (CASP9), rs2227309 and rs2227310 (CASP7) and rs13006529 (CASP10). After stratification by pathology diagnosis for essential thrombocythemia (ET), female gender or JAK2 positive, there is a significant increased risk for those carrying at least one variant allele for CASP9 (C653T) polymorphism (OR 2.300 CI 95% [1.180-4.484], P = 0.014). However, when considered individually, none of the studied caspases polymorphisms was associated with PN-MPNs risk. Our results do not reveal a significant involvement of caspase genes polymorphisms on the individual susceptibility towards PN-MPNs as a whole. However, for essential thrombocythemia (ET), female gender or JAK2 positive, there is a significant increased risk to those carrying at least one variant allele for CASP9. Although larger studies are required to confirm these results and to provide conclusive evidence of association between these and other caspases variants and PN-MPNs susceptibility, these new data may contribute to a best knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and, in the future, to a more rational and efficient choice of therapeutic strategies to be adopted in PN-MPNs treatment.

Treating Depression in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: The Role and Implications of Poorly Controlled Symptoms and Psychosocial Factors

Background:The Philadelphia chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferativeneoplasms (MPNs) including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera(PV), and myelofibrosis (MF) are a group of diseases of myeloid clonal lineage with significant symptom burden. MPN patients have also been found to have a high likelihood of mood disturbance related to their MPN, including symptoms of depression and anxiety (BMC Cancer. 201616:167). To date, the relationship between disease factors and depressive symptoms among MPN patients has not been well characterized.Methods:We have previously published the results of a 70-item internet-based survey which evaluated fatigue-relieving strategies among MPN patients (Cancer. 2016 Feb 1;122(3):477-85). Surveyed data included mental health questionnaires including a measure of symptoms of depression, the PHQ-2, (Ann Fam Med. 2010. 8(4): 348-353), a measure of positive and negative moods the POMS-short form (J Nerv Ment Dis. 1979;167(10):612-4) and a measure of symptoms of depression and anxiety, the MHI-5 (J Consult Clin Psychol. 1983. 51;730-742). This abstract is a secondary analysis of data collected among this cohort.Data:DemographicsA total of 1788 individuals diagnosed with an MPN participated in the survey. 1389 patients answered questions regarding mood and psychological comorbidities. Many MPN patients reportedthat they had been seen by a health provider for care or diagnosis of depression (32%), anxiety (29.5%), stress (26.2%), or grief(15.0%). Overall, 24.0% of ET, 22.2% of PV, and 22.9% of MF patients endorsed symptoms of depression based on their score of greater than or equal to 3 on the PHQ-2.Demographic and Psychosocial CorrelatesYounger patients were significantly more likely to have PHQ-2 score of equal to or greater than three (57.0 years vs 59.5 years, p=0.0006). Gender, race, and country of origin did not significantly correlate with screening positive for symptoms of depression. Higher BMI was associated with a higher likelihood of screening positive for symptoms of depression (BMI 26.2 vs 24.6, p=0.005). Not surprisingly, having received treatment for mood problems in the last 6 months (p<0.0001) along with medications for mood disorders (p=0.03) were significantly associated with increased symptoms of depression. Specifically, the use of psychostimulants (p<0.0001), antidepressants (p<0.0001), anti-anxiety medications (p=0.0005) and prescription pain medications (p<0.001), were significantly associated with elevated PHQ-2 score. Individuals with lower educational attainment were more likely to endorse depressive symptoms (p=0.0001) as well as those who were unable to work from home due to a medical disability (p<0.0001). Tobacco use was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p=0.0002).Symptom and Mental Health CorrelatesIncreased MPN-SAF TSS (MPN-10) score and all individual symptom items in the MPN-SAF were significantly associated with symptoms of depression (p<0.0001, Table 1). Increased POMS-B Subscales scores and total score along with lower MHI score was associated with positive depression screening. When asking patients what interventions they had tried to reduce fatigue, those who endorsed volunteer activities (18% vs 25.4%, p= 0.0062) and exercise (19.7% vs 32.2, p<0.0001) were significantly less likely to screen positive for symptoms of depression.Prognostic Risk Scoring CorrelatesFor MF, PV and ET prognostic risk scoring did not significantly correlate with PHQ score (for all, P>0.005).ConclusionsDepression and mood disorders among individuals with malignancy represent a particular challenge for health care providers, particularly in MPN patients who have been found to have a higher risk of depression than the general population. In our cohort, prognostic risk did not correlate with risk of depression. Based on these findings, it is critical that physicians who see MPN patients should closely monitor these patients for signs of depression and provide appropriate treatment when needed. Continued investigation into treatment of mood disorders among MPN patients is warranted, as patients may benefit from both symptom-directed therapies as well as traditional therapies. Encouragement of volunteering and exercise activities should be considered for thesepatientsas participation may be associated with improved mood status. [Display omitted] DisclosuresHarrison:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Shire: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Baxaltra: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte Corporation: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Mesa:Galena: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; CTI: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Ariad: Consultancy; Celgene: Research Funding.

Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up

A. M. Vannucchi1, T. Barbui2, F. Cervantes3, C. Harrison4, J.-J. Kiladjian5, N. Kroger6, J. Thiele7 & C. Buske8 on behalf of the ESMO Guidelines Committee* Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence; Hematology and Foundation for Research, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; Department of Hematology, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Haematology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Centre d’Investigations Cliniques (INSERM CIC1427), Hopital Saint-Louis and Paris Diderot University, Paris, France; Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg; University of Cologne, Cologne; Comprehensive Cancer Center Ulm, Institute of Experimental Cancer Research, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany

Desregulação da apoptose em neoplasias mieloproliferativas crônicas

ABSTRACTPhiladelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are clonal hematologic diseases characterized by hematopoietic progenitor independence from or hypersensitivity to cytokines. The cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of myeloproliferative neoplasms have not yet been fully clarified. Pathophysiologic findings relevant for myeloproliferative neoplasms are associated with genetic alterations, such as, somatic mutation in the gene that codifies JAK-2 (JAK V617F). Deregulation of the process of programmed cellular death, called apoptosis, seems to participate in the pathogenesis of these disorders. It is known that expression deregulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes promotes cell resistance to apoptosis, culminating with the accumulation of myeloid cells and establishing neoplasms. This review will focus on the alterations in apoptosis regulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms, and the importance of a better understanding of this mechanism for the development of new therapies for these diseases.

Targeted Therapy in Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Targeted Therapy in Philadelphia Chromosome-Negative Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Hydroxyurea‐related toxicity in 3,411 patients with Ph'‐negative MPN

Hydroxyurea (Hydroxycarbamide; HU) is commonly used for the long-term treatment of patients with Philadelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). It is considered a first-choice agent for the treatment of these disorders as underlined by the European Leukemia Net Consensus Conference [1], although it is formally approved for this indication in some countries only. The drug is reportedly well tolerated in the large majority of subjects, although systemic and/or localized toxicities have been reported. Consensus criteria for definition of "intolerance" to HU have been described;patients who develop intolerance are candidate for second-line therapy and, more recently, for investigational drugs. However, no epidemiologic information about the occurrence of the most clinically significant HU-associated adverse events is yet available. In this study, the authors report on a multicenter series of 3,411 patients who were treated with HU among which 184, accounting for 5% of total, developed significant drug-related toxicities. These data provide an estimate of the frequency and a detailed characterization of clinically significant HU-related toxicities; these information have relevance for the management of MPN patients who require second-line therapy after developing HU-related intolerance.

A Highly Sensitive Quantitative Real-Time PCR Assay for Determination of Mutant JAK2 Exon 12 Allele Burden

Mutations in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene have become an important identifier for the Philadelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. In contrast to the JAK2V617F mutation, the large number of JAK2 exon 12 mutations has challenged the development of quantitative assays. We present a highly sensitive real-time quantitative PCR assay for determination of the mutant allele burden of JAK2 exon 12 mutations. In combination with high resolution melting analysis and sequencing the assay identified six patients carrying previously described JAK2 exon 12 mutations and one novel mutation. Two patients were homozygous with a high mutant allele burden, whereas one of the heterozygous patients had a very low mutant allele burden. The allele burden in the peripheral blood resembled that of the bone marrow, except for the patient with low allele burden. Myeloid and lymphoid cell populations were isolated by cell sorting and quantitative PCR revealed similar mutant allele burdens in CD16+ granulocytes and peripheral blood. The mutations were also detected in B-lymphocytes in half of the patients at a low allele burden. In conclusion, our highly sensitive assay provides an important tool for quantitative monitoring of the mutant allele burden and accordingly also for determining the impact of treatment with interferon-α-2, shown to induce molecular remission in JAK2V617F-positive patients, which may be a future treatment option for JAK2 exon 12-positive patients as well.

Management of acquired thrombophilic disorders in 2011: focus on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, antiphospholipid syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Arterial and venous thrombosis are interrelated disorders at the interplay of platelets and fibrin. Arterial thrombi are platelet-rich and occur at sites vulnerable to atherosclerotic plaque rupture where blood shear rates are high; on the contrary, venous thrombi occur in association with slow blood flow and shear rates. These differences may underlie why anti-platelet agents are more effective in prevention of arterial thrombosis, while anticoagulants are preferred for venous thrombosis. Although some common thrombophilic disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, etc.) are almost exclusively associated with venous thromboembolism, there are several disorders that are important to consider when caring for patients with both arterial and venous thromboembolism. This article will review the evidence-based management of heparin induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome and catastrophic anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombohemorrhagic manifestations of Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis, as well as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

The myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated JAK2 46/1 haplotype is not overrepresented in chronic myelogenous leukemia

Dear Editor, Philadelphia-chromosome negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis [1]. In 2005, a point mutation in JAK2 (JAK2V617F) was shown to occur in almost all patients with PV and in ≈60% of ET or PMF [2]. A genetic predisposition to developing MPNs has been long suggested by finding clusters of MPNs in kindreds as well as by recent results of a large registry-based epidemiological study performed in Sweden. In this analysis, almost 25,000 relatives of 11,039 patients with MPNs were evaluated. There was a significantly increased relative risk (RR) of developing MPN among first-degree relatives in the order of 5.7, 7.4, and 7.5 for PV, ET, and not otherwise specified MPN, respectively, compatible with a model of autosomal recessive inheritance [2]. While an increased RR for PMF could not be demonstrated, possibly because of the relatively low number of cases observed, an almost statistically significantly higher RR of developing Ph’-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was found (RR 1.9, 95% confidence interval 0.9–3.8, P=0.09). Recently, the genetic basis for predisposition to MPNs has been partially clarified by the discovery that the JAK2V617F mutation is acquired preferentially on a specific constitutional JAK2 haplotype. This haplotype, which is called 46/1 or GGCC, is a common, very low penetrance predisposition allele estimated to account for 50% of the population-attributable risk of developing a MPN. In three independent studies, 46/1 has been identified as a germline haplotype block that is strongly associated (3 to 4 odds ratio) with JAK2V617Fmutated MPN [3–5]. Subsequent studies showed association of this haplotype also with JAK2 exon 12-mutated PV [6], JAK2-wild type ET [7], and MPLW515-mutated PMF or ET [8], suggesting that the haplotype increases the risk of developing an MPN regardless of the acquisition of the V617F mutation. However, in another recent study, no such association with MPL mutations was reported [9]. We therefore asked whether the increased risk of developing CML in MPN relatives found in the epidemiological study could be similarly attributed to an increased prevalence of the 46/1 haplotype compared with control subjects. This study reports on two different patients series with Ph’-positive CML collected in Florence (Italy) and in Mannheim (Germany) and analyzed independently using two 46/1 tag SNPs. In the Italian series, the 46/1 tag rs12343867 (with the “C” allele standing for 46/1 haplotype) was analyzed by allelic discrimination using Applied Biosystems SNP genotyping assay; in the German series, the rs12340895 SNP (with “G” allele standing for 46/1 haplotype) was analyzed in Salisbury laboratory by pyrosequencing as described [3]. As control populations, we used 235 healthy volunteers living in Florence for the A. Spolverini : L. Pieri :A. M. Vannucchi (*) UF di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Area Critica Medico-Chirurgica, Universita di Firenze, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy e-mail: amvannucchi@unifi.it

Recent advances in diagnosis and treatment of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms

The Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have recently been the focus of tremendous advances in basic knowledge of disease pathophysiology following the recognition of mutations in JAK2 and MPL. These discoveries also led to refinement of the criteria employed for diagnosis. The prognostic roles of the JAK2 V617F mutation and of leukocytosis as independent risk factors for thrombosis, which represents the leading cause of death in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, are supported by retrospective studies. A new risk stratification approach to the patient with primary myelofibrosis allows clinicians to distinguish categories of patients with significantly different expected survival. Finally, new drugs are currently being tested for MPNs, and molecular discoveries could ultimately lead to the development of a specific targeted therapy. Overall, significant advances in diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment have taken place in the last couple of years in the field of MPNs.