Received Interferon Therapy Research Articles

Clinical features and prognosis of cutaneous melanoma

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of patients with cutaneous melanoma. Methods: The clinical data and follow-up data of 125 patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) treated in the Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology between February 2008 and August 2019 were collected. Kaplan-Meier method and Log rank test were used for survival analysis, and Cox proportional risk regression model was used for impact factor analysis. Results: Among the 125 patients, 12 were stage Ⅰ, 62 were stage Ⅱ, 30 were stage Ⅲ, and 21 were stage Ⅳ; 76 were acral and 49 were non-acral. The median survival time was 44 months, and the 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 85.4%, 63.2% and 38.7%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier univariate survival analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status score, tumor stage, primary site, vascular infiltration, Ki-67, BRAF, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and surgical treatment were related to the prognosis of patients (P<0.05). The median overall survival (OS) time of patients receiving interferon treatment was 53 months, which was better than 40 months of patients not receiving interferon treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.448). Among stage Ⅲ patients, the median OS time of patients receiving interferon therapy was 40 months, which was better than 17 months of patients not receiving interferon therapy (P=0.012). Among stage Ⅱ patients, the 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of acral patients were 97.1%, 84.7%, and 65.8%, and the 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of non-acral patients were 93.3%, 70.0% and 17.0%. The prognosis of patients with stage Ⅱ acral type was better than that of non-acral type (P=0.043). The median survival time of stage Ⅲ patients with acral type was 32 months, better than 17 months of non-acral type, but the difference was not statistical significance (P=0.164). The median survival time of acral type and non-acral type was 8 months and 11 months respectively (P=0.458). Cox multivariate analysis showed that tumor stage and preoperative LDH level were independent prognostic risk factors for cutaneous melanoma. Conclusions: Interferon treatment can improve the prognosis of patients with stage Ⅲ, and stage Ⅱ acral type patients have better prognosis than that of non-acral type patients. Tumor stage and preoperative LDH level were independent prognostic risk factors for cutaneous melanoma.

P11.35.B The clinical course of long-term survivors after the diagnosis of brain metastasis

Abstract Background To asses demographic and clinical parameters, treatment, and course of disease in patients surviving longer ≥ 5 years after the diagnosis of brain metastasis (BM). Material and Methods We retrospectively identified patients who were treated for BM and survived ≥ 5 years after initial BM diagnosis. We analysed and described clinical and treatment related parameters with respect to histology, time to occurrence and systemic/ BM-specific treatment. Results We included 48 patients with a mean age of 55 years (range 33-81, SD 12) at diagnosis of primary tumor and 58 (range 41-84, SD 20) at initial BM diagnosis. Histology was non-small-cell lung cancer in 18 (37.5%), melanoma in 14 (29.2%), breast cancer in 11 (22.9%), renal carcinoma in 2 (4.2%), and small-cell lung cancer, cancer of unknown primary and gastrointestinal cancer in one case each (2.1%). Treatment for primary tumor included resection (83.3%), chemotherapy (43.8%), radiation (33.3%), interferon therapy (18.8%), and immuno-/targeted therapy (25%). Most patients received a combination of latter. The mean interval between primary tumor and BM diagnosis was 36 months (range -2 to 277; SD 57). At the time of BM diagnosis, 50% of patients presented with systemically stable disease, 66.7% showed BM related symptoms, 92% showed a KPS ≥70. Most patients had 1 BM (72.9%), while 20.9% had 2-3 and 6.3% &amp;gt;3. Initial treatment for BM comprised resection (60.4%), stereotactic radiosurgery (27.2%), whole-brain-radiation therapy (8.4%), and interstitial brachytherapy (4.2%). Approximately half of the patients (52.1%) suffered from ≥1 BM relapse at initial treatment site. At the time of the analysis, 13 (27.1%) patients had died; cause of death was mostly unknown, in two patients each, systemic/cerebral cause was confirmed. The mean overall survival (OS) was 131 months (range 64-344, SD 68) and 95 (range 60-246, SD 36) after diagnosis of primary tumor and BM, respectively. All patients suffering from melanoma who had received interferon therapy (n=8) survived. Neither systemic status at BM diagnosis nor the administration of novel treatment agents or chemotherapy after BM diagnosis showed an impact on OS (p=0.642, p=0.177 and p=0.628, respectively). Further survival analysis was omitted due to subgroup sizes. Conclusion Despite the usually fatal course after BM development, some patients show long-term survival. Whether specific genetic parameters have a particular impact in this subgroup of patients, warrants further investigation.

The Design of a Phase 2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b (P1101) in Chinese Patients with Polycythemia Vera Resistant or Intolerant to Hydroxyurea (HU)

▪Background: Polycythemia vera (PV) is the most common type of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). PV is a long-term debilitating and life-threatening cancer that is associated with the risk of thrombosis, hemorrhage, and a long-term risk of developing myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia. Early intervention with a disease-modifying treatment that can eradicate the mutated clones is needed to prevent disease progression and transformation. To date, therapeutic options for PV are limited and they only address the signs and symptoms. Most low-risk patients with PV are treated with phlebotomy and low-dose aspirin to manage increased blood viscosity and reduce the risk of vascular events, whereas high-risk and certain low-risk patients are treated with cytoreductive agents. Several cytoreductive agents are available such as hydroxyurea (HU) which is commonly used as a first-line therapy. Ruxolitinib, a JAK2 inhibitor, is also used. While interferon alfa agents have been used off label in clinical practice for more than three decades, their use has been limited due to the tolerability concerns.Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (P1101), a long-acting, mono-pegylated proline interferon, was developed for the treatment of MPNs, including PV. The novel formulation of P1101 improves its pharmacokinetic properties allowing treatment every 2 weeks with improved tolerability and convenience. P1101 was evaluated for the treatment of PV in the phase 3 PROUD-PV trial and its extension study CONTINUATION-PV. In the PROUD-PV study, due to the slow P1101 titration schedule, the maximum P1101 dose was not reached until week 28 and the primary analysis was done at 52 weeks. In CONTINUATION-PV, when patients were on their effective doses, a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with P1101 achieved a complete hematologic response (CHR) with improved disease burden compared to HU-treated patients. At 48 months there was a significant reduction in allelic burden from a baseline of 37.3% to 9.8% with 13.8% of patients achieving a complete molecular response (CMR). The molecular response rates (complete + partial) at 60 months was 69.1%. P1101 was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2019 and the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration in 2020 as monotherapy in adults for the treatment of PV without symptomatic splenomegaly. Here, we describe a phase 2 study of P1101 in Chinese patients with PV utilizing an accelerated P1101 dose titration schedule.Study Design and Methods: This phase 2, multicenter, single-arm study is designed to evaluate safety and efficacy of P1101 in Chinese patients with PV utilizing a 250-350-500 ug P1101 dose titration schedule. The primary analysis will be conducted at 24 weeks. The study will recruit approximately 49 subjects in 15-20 sites in China. Key eligibility criteria include diagnosis of PV according to the 2016 WHO criteria, and resistance or intolerance to prior HU according to 2020 guidelines of CSCO. Patients who previously received interferon therapy have to be anti-P1101 binding antibody negative during the screening visit to be eligible. The study excludes patients with symptomatic splenomegaly.Eligible patients receive subcutaneous administration of P1101. Patients will receive an initial dose of 250 µg at Week 0, 350 µg at Week 2, and then 500 µg at Week 4. The dose is maintained at the highest dose that can be tolerated and delivers the best disease response. The maximum recommended dose is 500 μg every 2 weeks. Low-dose aspirin is administered during the 52 weeks of study treatment, unless contraindicated. The primary efficacy endpoint is the phlebotomy-free CHR rate at Week 24. Secondary endpoints include changes in hematocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count; time requiring no phlebotomy; time to first response; and duration of response. All patients will continue receiving treatment until week 52 to provide long-term follow-up information (blood parameters, molecular and cytogenetic data, safety parameters, and optional bone marrow data).This study has been granted IND approval by China CDE on Apr2021. Recruitment is expected to begin in early September 2021 with trial results expected in Q3 2022.Figure： Study Design [Display omitted] DisclosuresZagrijtschuk: PharmaEssentia U.S.A. Corp.: Current Employment. Urbanski: PharmaEssentia Corporation: Current Employment. Qin: PharmaEssentia Corp.: Current Employment.

Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients on Interferon Therapy

Objective: to record the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in chronic HCV cases receiving interferon therapy Methodology: A total of 100 patients with a diagnosis of chronic Hepatitis C between 35-70 years of either sex with normal Thyroid function test at the time of commencement of therapy were included. This trial was conducted during the period 2021-22 at Services Hospital Lahore. Interferon alfa 3 million units were administered to patients three times per week, along with oral ribavirin 1000 mg or 1200 mg every day (depending on their weight) for 24 weeks. During therapy, these individuals had clinical evaluations every 2, 4, and 6 months. The presence and severity of adverse events were evaluated at each visit, along with standard laboratory tests. TSH levels were used to assess patients for thyroid illness every 2, 4, and 6 months. Results: Mean age was calculated as 48.57+11.35 years, 52(52%) were male and 48(48%) were females, frequency of thyroid dysfunction in Chronic HCV cases receiving interferon therapy was recorded in 19(19%) of the cases. Conclusion: The incidence of thyroid dysfunction in individuals taking interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection is not very high. However, we recommend that those who are currently receiving treatment for chronic hepatitis C should be evaluated for thyroid dysfunction. Keywords: Chronic Hepatitis C infection, Interferon therapy, Thyroid Dysfunction,

Impact of Interferon on the Prognosis of Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients with a Sustained Virological Response -An Additional Comparison Between Preoperative and Postoperative Sustained Virological Response.

Several studies have reported that interferon (IFN) therapy improves the prognosis of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for patients who have achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). We retrospectively evaluated the clinicopathological outcomes of patients who acquired an SVR through IFN therapy pre- or post-hepatectomy for treatment naïve HCC. Among the 305 HCV-related HCC patients entered in this study, 59 patients (SVR group) achieved an SVR after IFN therapy and received hepatectomy either after or before achieving an SVR (n=36 and n=23, respectively), while the remaining 179 patients (control group) did not receive IFN therapy, or did not achieve an SVR through IFN therapy (n=67). In the SVR group, the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were significantly higher than in the control group. We evaluated the prognosis of patients with an SVR achieved pre- or post-hepatectomy separately. There were no significant differences in OS and DFS. This result suggests that the prognosis of naïve HCC may be improved by additional INF therapy to achieve SVR status after hepatectomy.

A Study on Quality of Life and Cognitive Impairment in Hepatitis C Positive Patients Receiving Interferon Therapy

A Study on Quality of Life and Cognitive Impairment in Hepatitis C Positive Patients Receiving Interferon Therapy

Analysis of treatment and prognosis of 59 cases of vulvar melanoma

Objective: To assess the treatment and prognosis of vulvar melanoma. Methods: A total of 59 cases of primary vulvar melanoma admitted to Cancer Hospital of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 1st, 1981 to November 30th, 2019 were collected. The clinical characteristics, treatment, survival and prognostic factors of vulvar melanoma were analyzed retrospectively. The end date of follow-up was January 15th, 2020.The median follow-up time was 26.0 months (range:2-198 months). Results: (1) Clinical characteristics: the median age of 59 patients with vulvar melanoma was 56 years old (range:18-83 years old). According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage manual, there were 18, 7, 26 and 8 cases of stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ respectively. The lesion of 38 cases was single and the other 21 cases were multiple. The largest diameter of the tumor ranged from 0.3 to 17.0 cm.The surface of the lesion was ulcerated in 17 cases. (2) Treatment: a total of 59 cases with vulvar melanoma, 56 patients received surgery, 36 cases of them received radical resection of vulva and 20 received local extended resection of vulvar tumor due to unilateral vulva lesion. Three patients did not receive surgery,one received chemotherapy combined with interferon, one received interferon, and one received radiotherapy. Lymph node management: among the 56 patients treated by surgery, 37 patients received inguinal lymphadenectomy, 24 (65%, 24/37) of whom were confirmed with inguinal lymph node metastasis by postoperative pathological examination. Inguinal lymph nodes enlargement were not found in 19 cases by preoperative imaging and clinical examination. In these 19 patients, three patients received inguinal lymph node biopsy, among them, one (1/3) patient was confirmed with inguinal lymph node metastasis by postoperative pathological examination, and the remaining 16 patients did not receive inguinal lymph node surgery. Postoperative adjuvant treatment: among the 56 patients who received surgery, 31 received adjuvant chemotherapy，one received adjuvant radiotherapy, four received interferon therapy, 17 received combination therapy including chemotherapy, and three did not receive postoperative adjuvant therapy. (3) Survival:during the follow-up period, the median survival time of 59 patients with vulvar melanoma was 30.0 months (range:2.0-198.0 months). The 3-year survival rate was 42.5%, and the 5-year survival rate was 23.8%. The median survival time of stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were 72.0, 45.0, 24.0 and 23.0 months, respectively. The difference among stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ and stage Ⅲ, Ⅳ were statistically significant （P<0.01）. The median survival time of patients undergoing radical resection of the vulva (35.0 months) and local enlarged tumor resection (29.0 months) were significantly longer than that of patients without surgery (9.0 months, P<0.01). The median survival time of the patients who underwent inguinal lymphadenectomy, lymph node biopsy and those who did not undergo surgery were 35.0, 32.0 and 30.0 months, respectively. There were no significant differences among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The median survival time of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy patients (49.0 months) were significantly longer than that of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy, interferon,and combination therapy including chemotherapy (9.0, 14.0 and 26.0 months, respectively, all P<0.01). (4) Prognostic factors: the univariate analysis showed that stage, vulvar operation and postoperative adjuvant treatment were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that stage alone was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma (P<0.01). Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with vulvar melanoma is poor, and stage is an independent prognostic factor.Surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may achieve relatively good results.

Conventional Chemotherapy Treatment Induces Unique Patterns of Clonal Evolution in a North American Adult T Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Cohort

Adult T cell leukemia / lymphoma is a rare neoplasm with dismal cure rates and poor response to chemotherapy. The genetic basis of refractoriness against conventional agents is not known. We follow one of the largest cohorts of ATLL in the US and recently showed that North American ATLL (NA-ATLL) has a distinct mutational profile from Japanese ATLL (J-ATLL) with a higher incidence of epigenetic mutations (Shah et al, Blood, 2018; 132(14):1507-1518). Here, we analyze the mutational landscape of ATLL clones at diagnosis and at relapse in a pilot study of 7 NA-ATLL patients using deep targeted sequencing of 236 recurrently mutated genes. Our goal was to examine clonal evolution patterns that may result as a consequence of the selective pressure of chemotherapy by determining changes in mutational profiles as well as clonal abundance on patients with aggressive ATLL [acute and lymphomatous] (Table 1). All patients were treated with EPOCH (Etoposide, Prednisone, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide and Doxorubicin) chemotherapy after initial diagnosis except one patient who received interferon therapy. Distinct patterns of clonal evolution were observed in patients with primary refractory disease when compared to those who relapsed after an initial remission. Group 1 has 3 cases (Pts 1 to 3), all of which experienced early relapse and showed mutation patterns suggestive of clonal replacement by a new emerging clone at relapse. Group 2 has 3 patients (Pts 4-6) that are characterized by worsening of primary refractory disease. Mutation patterns in the before-and-after sample pairs suggest linear progression from a previously existing clone during therapy. The clonal evolution status was not resolved in our third group (Pt#7) indicating that mutations outside the 236 genes evaluated might have been present. Frequent epigenetic mutations were found in both diagnostic and refractory/relapsed samples. Surprisingly, 4 epigenetic mutations (KMT2D, EP300, SPEN, SETBP1) identified in 4 cases were confirmed or suspected of germline origin. This suggests that ancestral genomic differences between the Caribbean and Japanese populations could contribute to the mutational and clinical disparities between NA- and J-ATLL. Multiple mutations with similar variant allele frequencies (VAF) at the time of relapse were identified, suggesting simultaneous acquisition of several mutations during clonal evolution. Clonal replacement by an emerging clone (Group 1) such as GATA3 (Pt#3) or KMT2D (Pt#1) (either germline or founding mutation) was observed in patients who achieved an initial response. On the other hand, in primary refractory disease (Group 2), relapse was driven by dominant TBL1XR1 mutations in 2 out of the 3 cases either alone (Pt#6) or in combination with mutated SMARCB1 (Pt#5). The protein encoded by TBL1XR1 is a negative regulator of the nuclear receptor corepressor (NCoR) /histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) complex. Therefore, TBL1XR1 inactivation is expected to result in hyper-activity of NCoR/HDAC3, an epigenetic abnormality targetable by HDAC inhibitors. SMARCB1 is also an epigenetic regulator associated with several malignancies and has been targeted with alisertib. A subclonal expansion of EP300 (a histone acetyltransferase) appears to drive relapse in the other case of this group (Pt#4). Therefore, our primary refractory cases show that epigenetic mutations seem to be of utmost importance not only at diagnosis as we have previously shown, but as the driving force behind chemotherapy refractoriness and subsequent relapse. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first mutation-based clonal evolution study aimed to examine dynamic changes induced by chemotherapy among NA-ATLL patients. Early relapse appears to be driven by the emergence of new mutant clones. On the other hand, primary refractory disease appears to have epigenetic drivers that convey chemotherapy refractoriness and evolve from linear progression of a previously existing clone. Serial mutational testing can provide critical information on clonal architecture and identify actionable molecular vulnerabilities in a cohort without effective therapeutic options and a dismal prognosis. Disclosures Sica: Physician's Education Resource (PER): Honoraria. Shah:Physicians' Education Resource: Honoraria. Steidl:Aileron Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Stelexis Therapeutics: Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Scientific Co-Founder; Pieries Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; BayerHealthcare: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy. Verma:Stelexis: Equity Ownership, Honoraria; Acceleron: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; BMS: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding.

Interferon-a-2b As a Maintenance Therapy Significantly Improves Disease-Free Survival in Patients with Low-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Background: Interferon-𝜶has a world-widely acknowledged anti-tumor activity and immunoregulatory function. Rare of the previous study reported significant efficacy of IFN-𝜶in AML (high, medium and low risk) patients. Although cytotoxic chemotherapy significantly improved the survival of low-risk AML, the reported low-risk AML 5-year OS was only 34-65%.Whether Interferon-𝜶-2b(IFN-𝜶-2b) could reduce recurrence and improve DFS in the maintenance therapy of low-risk AML subtypes has not been verified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IFN-𝜶-2b in the maintenance of low-risk acute myeloid leukemia, in order to provide suggestions for clinical practice. Method: This study retrospectively analyzed 31 patients with low-risk AML who were treated with IFN-𝜶-2b maintenance therapy from March 2015 to March 2018 at the Peking University Institute of Hematology. The control group consisted of 1:1 matched 31 patients with low-risk AML. The pairing factors were age, gender, diagnostic time and subtype, induction and consolidation courses, and minimal residual disease (MRD) at the end of chemotherapy. Both groups of patients were AML patients who underwent 1-2 therapeutic induction chemotherapy for complete hematologic remission (CR) and completed 5-7 courses of consolidation chemotherapy. The interferon group was administered with 3 million U ofIFN-𝜶-2b three times a week; the control group was only observed and followed up after consolidation chemotherapy. We compared the treatment efficacy and prognostic improvement in low-risk AML by comparing MRD, disease-free survival (DFS), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: The median age of the 31 patients in the interferon group was 50 (21-67) years. Themolecular biological characteristicsof the interferon group were NPM1+/FLT3-ITD-8 cases; CEBPA double mutation 9 cases; CBFβ-MYH11+/C-KIT-5 cases; and ETO+/C-KIT- 9 cases. The median age of the control group was 44 (26-70) years old, and the molecular biological characteristics were paired with the interferon group. The median follow-up time of the 31 patients with low-risk AML in the interferon group and the control group was 14.5 (4-34) months and 16 (5.5-35) months, respectively. The median duration of treatment in the interferon group was 10(1-24) months. In interferongroup, patients with negative or positive MRD status were 16 and 15, respectively. Whereas, in control group, patients with negative or positive MRD status were 20 and 11, respectively. In interferon group, patients with original MRD, 10/15 (66.67%) showed MRD conversion after the median time of 5 (1-14.5) months IFN-𝜶-2b treatment, while in control group 3/11 (27.3%) of the patients showed MRD negative-positive conversion. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of MRD conversion between the two groups (X2=3.939, P=0.047). The interferon group significantly decreased the rate of MRD compared with the control group. The conversion rate of the interferon group and the control group was (66.67%) vs (27.3%). In addition, the 2-year EFS of the interferon group was significantly higher than that of the control group (81.6±7.5) % vs (50.0±10.9) %, P=0.041(Figure 1.A). With refer to recurrence, 3 patients had hematologic recurrence in the interferon group, compared with 10 in the control group. Each group has 2 persistent MRD positive patients and MRD level increased more than 2 log-fold. 1 patient in control group had negative MRD converted to positive. The 2-year DFS of the interferon group was significantly higher than that of the control group (81.2±8.8)% vs (56.7±9.9)%, P=0.042 (Figure 1.B). There was no significant difference between the interferon group and the control group at 2 years of OS, which was (91.4±5.8)% vs (78.7±10.8)% (P=0.587) (Figure 1.C).In terms of safety, 24/31 (77.4%) had grade 1-2 fever after IFN-𝜶-2b therapy. 4/31 patients (12.9%) developed grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity, all of which were thrombocytopenia. Conclusion:IFN-𝜶-2b as maintenance therapyfor CR1 patients with low-risk AML significantly improved the rate of MRD conversion compared with patients without it. DFS and EFS were higher than those without it. Patients receiving interferon therapy have a low incidence of adverse reactions. Interferon therapy is safe and well-tolerated. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

PS1193 CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES OF THE TREATMENT PATIENTS WITH T315I MUTATION CML

Background:Resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is frequently caused by point mutations in the BCR‐ABL kinase domain, including the gatekeeper mutant T315I, which confers a high degree of resistance to all currently approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors except ponatinib.Aims:To evaluate the results of different treatments in CML patients with mutation T315I.Methods:Retrospective analysis of 79 BCR‐ABLT315I ‐positive CML patients (pts) was done. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo‐HSCT) was made in 20 pts, 59 pts received only pharmacological therapy (41 pts received TKI as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs, 10‐ α‐IF, other 8 pts received hydroxyurea or chemotherapy). At the time of allo‐HSCT 6 pts were in CP 1, 7‐ CP≥2, 6 pts had AP and 3 pts were in BC. Median (Me) age at the time of mutation detected was 42 years (13–75) (38 years in HSCT‐group). In allo‐HSCT group 13 pts had unrelated donors, 13(65%) pts received more than 2 lines TKIs before HSCT. The number of points on EBMT scale: 3–4 points ‐ 16 pts, 5–7 points ‐ 6 pts. Conditioning regimen in 13 (70%) pts had reduced intensity. Me time to HSCT after T315I detection was 7 months (0–72).Results:Me follow‐up time after T315I detection was 21 months (1–100). 5‐years OS in whole group was 42%. According to multivariate analysis only CML phase at the time of mutation detection significantly affect to survival in whole group. All pts in BC (n = 7), 3 in HSCT group and 4 in non‐HSCT group, died within first year after T315I indication wherein Me survival time was 1,3 month. 5‐years OS in non‐HSCT group (n = 59) was 42% with Me survival time 2,8 years. 5‐years OS after allo‐HSCT (n = 20) was 37% with Me survival time 5 months. However, 7 pts live more than 2 years after allo‐HSCT, 2 ‐ more than 6 years. All living patients after allo‐HSCT are in deep molecular response. Pts in the 2nd CP have OS 47% (CI 95% 29–53%), p = 0.46. There was no significant difference in 5‐years OS between TKI (n = 41) and non‐TKI (n = 18) pharmacological therapy (non‐HSCT) groups (42% and 47% respectively, p = 0,53). In the group that received α‐interferon in the combination with other drugs (n = 10), the 5‐year OS is higher than in the group that did not receive interferon therapy (n = 49), 72% vs 45%, respectively (p = 0.21).Summary/Conclusion:Detection of T315I mutation in TKI‐resistant patients is extremely unfavorable factor for survival, and it is a great reason for switching to ponatinib or other new potential investigated drugs if possible. Allo‐HSCT is an effective method of treatment for this group of patients in case of good selection taking into consideration transplant risk, especially for patients in CP ≥2. The administration of pharmacological therapy in the 1st CP is an effective method of treatment, which allows to control the disease for a long time.

Antidepressant use and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C who had received interferon therapy: A population-based cohort study

Background: Using data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) of Taiwan, we conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study to investigate the association between antidepressant (ATD) use and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who had received interferon (IFN) therapy. Methods: This study included a total of 274,952 HCV-infected patients without hepatitis B virus infection who were enrolled in the NHI program between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2013. Among these patients, only 10,713 (age ≥18 years) had received IFN therapy between 2004 and 2008. Among the patients who had received IFN therapy, 2014 had received ATDs, and 8684 had not. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was applied after adjusting for age, sex, income, urbanization, medical comorbidity, and medication use. Results: Compared with non-ATD-treated patients, ATD-treated patients were more likely to receive a diagnosis of alcohol-related disease, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. ATD-treated patients had a significantly lower incidence of HCC than non-ATD-treated patients (P = 0.0019). Female, older (age ≥50 years), and non-DM patients who had received cumulative high doses of ATDs had a significantly lower risk of HCC than non-ATD-treated patients. After adjustment, only high-dose selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use was inversely associated with HCC risk (adjusted hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.71, P = 0.0027). Conclusions: Our study showed that ATD use, especially a relatively high cumulative dose of SSRIs, in HCV-infected patients who had received IFN was associated with reduced HCC risk. Future clinical studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and to apply them to newer direct-acting antiviral agent treatments.

Peginterferon alfa-2a plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for hepatitis D (HIDIT-II): a randomised, placebo controlled, phase 2 trial

Hepatitis D is the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Treatment guidelines recommend 1 year of peginterferon alfa, which is effective in 25-30% of patients only. Whether prolonged therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a for 96 weeks and combination therapy with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) would increase hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA suppression is unknown. We aimed to explore whether prolonged treatment of HDV with 96 weeks of peginterferon would increase HDV RNA response rates and reduces post-treatment relapses. We did two parallel, investigator-initiated, multicentre, double-blind randomised, controlled trials at 14 study sites in Germany, Greece, Romania, and Turkey. Patients with chronic HDV infection and compensated liver disease who were aged 18 years or older were eligible for inclusion. All patients were HBsAg positive for at least 7 months, anti-HDV positive for at least 3 months, and HDV-RNA positive at the local laboratory at the screening visit. Patients were ineligible if alanine aminotransferase levels were higher than ten times above the upper limit of normal and if platelet counts were lower than 90 000 per μL, or if they had received interferon therapy or treatment with a nucleoside and nucleotide analogue within the preceding 6 months. Patients were randomly assigned by blinded stratified block randomisation (1:1) to receive 180 μg of peginterferon alfa-2a weekly plus either TDF (300 mg once daily) or placebo for 96 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with undetectable HDV RNA at the end of treatment assessed by intention to treat. The trials are registered as NCT00932971 and NCT01088659. Between June 24, 2009, and Feb 28, 2011, we randomly assigned 59 HDV RNA-positive patients to receive peginterferon alfa-2a plus TDF and 61 to receive peginterferon alfa-2a plus placebo, including 48 (40%) patients with cirrhosis to the two treatment groups (23 in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus TDF group and 25 in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus placebo group). The primary endpoint was achieved in 28 (48%) of 59 patients in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus TDF group and in 20 (33%) of 61 patients in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus placebo group (odds ratio 1·84, 95% CI 0·86-3·91, p=0·12). We recorded 944 adverse events (459 in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus TDF group and 485 in the peginterferon alfa-2a plus placebo group). The most common adverse events were haematological, behavioural (eg, fatigue), musculoskeletal, influenza-like syndromes, and psychiatric complaints. Addition of TDF resulted in no significant improvement in HDV RNA response rates at the end of treatment. These findings highlight that alternative treatment options are needed for hepatitis D. The HepNet Study-House (a project of the German Liver Foundation founded by the German Liver Foundation, the German Ministry for Education and Research, and the German Center for Infectious Disease Research), Hoffmann-La Roche, and Gilead Sciences.

Prognostic value of B7-H1, B7-H3 and the stage, size, grade and necrosis (SSIGN) score in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

IntroductionWe compared the potential prognostic impact of B7-H1 and B7-H3 glycoprotein expressions with the Mayo Clinic Stage, Size, Grade, and Necrosis (SSIGN) score in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) during a long term follow-up.Material and methodsWe investigated 44 mccRCC patients, who underwent radical nephrectomy between 1995 and 2006 at a single tertiary academic center and received interferon therapy (IFNT) for at least three months. The SSIGN score was applied as a validated prediction outcome model. Representative tumor sections were immunostained with anti-B7-H3 and anti-B7-H1 antibodies. Hereafter, positive antigen-antibody reactions were measured using the Positive-Pixel-Count Algorithm of the Aperio-Technology Image Scope software.ResultsIn total, 48% of patients were treated with cytoreductive nephrectomy and postoperative IFNT due to synchronous mccRCC, whereas 52% received IFNT after developing metachronous mccRCC. The SSIGN score was independently associated with a higher mortality risk. Patients with a SSIGN score ≤9 showed an extended 'nephrectomy to start of INFT'-interval (p = 0.02), less synchronous clinical metastases (p = 0.0002), as well as an increased median overall – (OS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, B7-H3 expression levels of ≤16% were associated with an improved OS or CSS and correlated with a more frequent pathologic grade 1–2, as well as a longer 'nephrectomy to start of IFNT'-interval, respectively. B7-H1 expression patterns did not correlate with survival.ConclusionsThe SSIGN score demonstrated the best prognostic performance. In contrast, B7-H3 expression patterns showed a low association with histopathological parameters, but predicted the cut-off-dependent impaired survival and in the future may define a cut-off to indicate checkpoint-inhibitor treatment.

Interferon May Help Control the Recurrence of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after Discontinuation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have improved the survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).Many patients have deep molecular responses(DMR), a prerequisite for TKIs therapy discontinuation. Many clinical studies have been done in discontinuation of TKIs worldwide. We aimed to explore the appropriate criteria for failure of TKIs discontinuation; and to observe the effect of interferon on patients with continuous low level positive BCR-ABL1 after TKIs discontinuation.Therefore, we analyzed the clinical data of 40 CML patients with DMR who have withdrawn TKIs from Match 2013 to January 2018. Eligible CML patients had received any TKI for at least 3 years, and had a confirmed deep molecular response for at least 2 year. The molecular relapse(MR) was defined as loss of major molecular response (MMR; BCR-ABL1 >0.1% on the International Scale). The patients with MR would be prescribed TKI, and patients with 0.0032% <BCR-ABL1IS <0.1% would be suggested to try interferon.Of these 40 patients, male/female was 24/16, the median age was 50 (13,70) years, and 2 cases were accelerated phase, while the rest were chronic phase at diagnosis. It was feasible for Sokal score in 35 cases, including 18 cases with low risk, 12 with intermediate risk and 2 with high risk. The median time to MR4.5 was 18 (6,82) months, and the median duration of MR4.5 before TKIs discontinuation was 52 (27,115) months. Thirty-two patients had been taking imatinib and eight had been taking second-generation TKIs. The median duration of TKIs was 83.7 (37.5, 125.4) months. After drug withdrawal, median follow-up was 17.6 (6,65) months. 17 patients eventually lost MMR.TFR was 65% (95%CI (47.6%, 82.4%) at 12 months. A total of 14 patients restarted TKI treatment, 1 lost the visit, and 13 patients regained MMR or MR4.5 within 3 months after taking the medicine. There were 23 patients without losing MMR, 10 of whom maintained CMR. There were 5 cases with single positive BCR-ABL1 that did not lose MR4.Eight cases were positive for BCR-ABL1 more than twice, of which four lost MR4 (3 received interferon treatment) and four did not lose MR4 (1 received interferon treatment).Of the 21 patients with BCR-ABL1 positive for more than 2 times after discontinuation (4 patients were excluded for loss of MMR in first positive test), 6 patients by follow-up did not lose the MR4, in 15 cases losing MR4, 12 cases eventually lose the MMR, 3 cases of follow-up did not lose the MMR (2 cases received interferon treatment), TFR for two groups was statistically difference (P = 0.026).In these 21 patients, 3 cases were non continuous positive, 18 cases of low level 2 consecutive positive, the median follow-up of 15.75 (6,55.5) months, 7 cases received interferon therapy, median follow-up after application of interferon was 9 (3, 20) months, in which 2 cases eventually lose the MMR, 11 cases treated without interferon, 10 cases eventually lose the MMR, TFR was statistically different between the two groups (71.4% vs 9.1%, P < 0.001).Among them, 2 female patients lost MMR 4 months after drug withdrawal, and because of pregnancy they did not take TKI again, they were given interferon treatment, and obtained and maintained MMR 2 months after interferon treatment. Patients with interferon are well tolerated.After the discontinuation of TKI in CML patients, early intervention should be conducted if MR4 is lost, and interferon treatment may help maintain MMR and prolong the survival without TKI treatment. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-based antiviral therapy

Background and study aimsOccult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is known to be mostly prevalent in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and OBI reactivation might be life-threatening in patients undergoing interferon (IFN)-free direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. As previous studies have revealed a relationship between OBI and non-response to IFN-based antiviral therapy, the aim of the current study was to determine if there was a higher prevalence of OBI in IFN non-responders than responders. Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in CHC patients who had previously received IFN-based antiviral therapy. Serum samples of 100 HBsAg negative CHC patients were tested for HBV DNA, anti-HBc IgG, anti-HBs, ALT and AST. The presence of OBI was compared between 50 IFN responders and 50 IFN non-responders. Patients with a history of previous HBV infection, patients with evidence of cirrhosis and patients who had received IFN therapy within the last one year were excluded from the study. ResultsAnti-HBc IgG positivity was determined in 53% of the patients. HBV DNA positivity, indicating OBI was determined in 1 (1%) patient. This patient was anti-HBc IgG positive, anti-HBs negative, ALT and AST levels were normal. The HBV DNA and anti-HBc IgG positivity rates were higher in the non-responder group than in the responder group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.31 and p = 0.07 respectively). ConclusionAccording to the results of this study, the prevalence of OBI is lower than expected amongst CHC patients in Turkey and it may not be necessary to apply routine screening to IFN non-responders for OBI infection before DAA therapy. However, there is a need for multicentre studies with larger patient series.

Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on long-term mortality after acute myocardial infarction: a nationwide population-based, propensity-matched cohort study in Taiwan

IntroductionThe influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the impact of HCV...

Molecular Characterization of HCV NS5A in Patients Receiving Interferon Therapy

Molecular Characterization of HCV NS5A in Patients Receiving Interferon Therapy

A longitudinal study of psychiatric consequences of hepatitis C virus patients receiving interferon therapy

A longitudinal study of psychiatric consequences of hepatitis C virus patients receiving interferon therapy

Expression and role of interleukin 35-producing B cells and interleukin 35 from peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To explore the level of interleukin 35-producing B cells (i35-Breg) as well as its effect factors, interleukin-35 (IL-35), in peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and their relationship with hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA and liver inflammatory degree. Methods A total of 35 treatment-naive CHB patients, 17 interferon (IFN)-treated HBeAg-positive CHB patients and 15 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The levels of i35-Breg and IL-35 in peripheral blood were tested by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorption assay (ELISA). Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcox rank sum test and two variables correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The percentage of i35-Breg cells as well as IL-35 level in peripheral blood of naive CHB patients were 3.05% (0.89%, 4.97%) and 2.81 μg/L (0.30 μg/L, 12.33 μg/L), respectively, which were both significantly higher than those in HC group, which were 0.17% (0.13%, 0.45%) and 0.17 μg/L(0, 1.93 μg/L), respectively. The difference were statistical significant (Z=-3.309 and -2.419, respectively, P=0.001 and 0.016, respectively). The peripheral level of i35-Breg was negatively correlated with the viral load in treatment-naive CHB patients (r=-0.529, P=0.008), while there was no correlation between the peripheral level of IL-35 and the viral load in treatment-naive CHB patients (r=0.11, P=0.54). The levels of i35-Breg and IL-35 in HBeAg positive CHB patients were 3.16% (1.34%, 5.62%) and 4.58 μg/L (0.79 μg/L, 22.37 μg/L), respectively, which were both higher than those in HC group. The difference was statistically significant (F=3.39 and 3.37, respectively, both P<0.01). Compared to HC group, the IL-35 levels in peripheral blood of CHB patients with ALT and AST levels less than 300 U/L were 3.03 μg/L (0.74 μg/L, 22.37 μg/L) and 3.25 μg/L(0.83 μg/L, 22.35 μg/L), respectively, with statistically significant difference (F=2.868 and 3.114, respectively, both P<0.01). Compared to HC group, the peripheral level of i35-Breg in treatment-naive CHB patients with ALT levels less than 300 U/L was 3.14% (1.03%, 4.65%), with statistically significant difference (F=3.219, P=0.004). The IL-35 level showed a decreased trend in CHB who received IFN therapy, but there was no statistically significant difference (χ2=1.45, P=0.48). Furthermore, the baseline IL-35 level in patients who developed sustained viral response (SVR) was 0 (0, 13.33 g/L), which was lower than that in patients who developed partial or primary no response 0.61 μg/L (0, 24.72 μg/L). However, there was no statistical difference (F=0.75, P=0.68). Conclusions i35-Breg as well as its effect factor, IL-35, are involved in the progression of chronic HBV infection. The percentage of i35-Breg cells as well as IL-35 level in peripheral blood of treatment-naive CHB patients are increased. The peripheral level of i35-Breg is negatively correlated with the viral load, while there is no correlation between the peripheral level of IL-35 and the viral load. The percentage of i35-Breg cells as well as IL-35 level in CHB patients with low inflammatory degree are increased. Key words: Hepatitis B, chronic; Interleukin-35; IL-35-producing B cells

Acute Graft Rejection and Formation of De Novo Donor-Specific Antibodies Triggered by Low Cyclosporine Levels and Interferon Therapy for Recurrent Hepatitis C Infection After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report

BackgroundWe report a case of acute rejection of a liver graft, together with the occurrence of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSAs), in a 53-year-old Japanese man who had undergone deceased-donor liver transplantation. MethodsThe graft rejection was triggered by low cyclosporine levels and pegylated interferon treatment for the recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection 18 months after transplantation. Although the graft was ABO-compatible, pre-formed DSA B51 was detected; therefore, total plasma exchange was performed and intravenous rituximab (500 mg/body) was administered before transplantation. ResultsDSA was absent 6 months after transplantation. HCV recurrence was treated with pegylated interferon-α-2a. Renal function deteriorated with this anti-HCV therapy, with serum cyclosporine levels decreasing to 50 ng/mL. A rapid virologic response was achieved, but liver function deteriorated after 3 months of anti-HCV therapy, with histologic evidence of acute cellular rejection and formation of de novo DSAs. Anti-thymocyte globulin was administered for 5 days, which led to immediate improvement in liver function. However, renal function declined, warranting hemodialysis. The patient recovered 2 months after acute rejection, although de novo DSAs persisted. ConclusionsCareful immunologic monitoring may be required for patients receiving interferon therapy for HCV infection to maintain sufficient blood levels of immunosuppressive agents and to prevent acute liver graft rejection.