Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Research Articles

Cost-Effectiveness of Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Older Patients With High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Analysis of BMT CTN 1102.

BMT CTN 1102 was a phase III trial comparing reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (RIC alloHCT) to standard of care for persons with intermediate- or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We report results of a cost-effectiveness analysis conducted alongside the clinical trial. Three hundred eighty-four patients received HCT (n = 260) or standard of care (n = 124) according to availability of a human leukocyte antigen-matched donor. Cost-effectiveness was calculated from US commercial and Medicare perspectives over a 20-year time horizon. Health care utilization and costs were estimated using propensity score-matched cohorts of HCT recipients in the OptumLabs Data Warehouse (age 50-64 years) and Medicare (age 65 years and older). EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) surveys of trial participants were used to derive health state utilities. Extrapolated 20-year overall survival for those age 50-64 years was 29% for HCT (n = 105) versus 13% for usual care (n = 44) and 31% for HCT (n = 155) versus 12% for non-HCT (n = 80) for those age 65 years and older. HCT was more effective (+2.36 quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs] for age 50-64 years and +2.92 QALYs for age 65 years and older) and more costly (+$452,242 in US dollars (USD) for age 50-64 years and +$233,214 USD for age 65 years and older) than usual care, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of $191,487 (USD)/QALY and $79,834 (USD)/QALY, respectively. For persons age 50-64 years, there was a 29% chance that HCT was cost-effective using a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150K (USD)/QALY and 51% at a $200K (USD)/QALY. For persons age 65 years and older, the probability was 100% at a WTP >$150K (USD)/QALY. Among patients age 65 years and older with high-risk MDS, RIC HCT is a high-value strategy. For those age 50-64 years, HCT is a lower-value strategy but has similar cost-effectiveness to other therapies commonly used in oncology.

Out-of-Pocket Costs and Financial Hardship Among Participants of the BMT CTN 1102 Study

Introduction The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network 1102 study (BMT CTN 1102, NCT02016781) was a multicenter, biologic assignment trial, where patients aged 50-75 with intermediate-2 or high risk de novo myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) were assigned to reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) or best supportive care (non-alloHCT) based on donor availability. A parallel economic evaluation was performed alongside BMT CTN 1102. Here, we report on the financial impact of the treatment protocol on patients using a prospective cost diary study conducted within the trial. Methods BMT CTN 1102 enrollees were offered the option to participate in the parallel cost diary study at the same time of primary study enrollment. The cost diary survey instrument, comprised of 19 questions, covered the domains of out-of-pocket (OOP) costs of healthcare and financial hardship indicators. Surveys were distributed at 1- (1M), 7- (7M), and 19-months (19M) after enrollment. Study participants were grouped by actual treatment received, rather than group assignment. Responses were analyzed using univariate Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests for association. Results Out of 216 enrollee invitations, 138 patients (64%) returned at least one survey. Total completed surveys at the 1M, 7M, and 19M timepoints were 103 (39%), 93 (35%), and 71 (27%), respectively. 50 (36%) completed only one survey, while 41 (39%) completed surveys at all three timepoints. Of all respondents, median age was 67.7 years (IQR: 64.8-70.3), 88 (64%) were male, 128 (93%) white, and 126 (91%) were non-Hispanic. Among respondents of the 1M, 7M and 19M surveys, 82 (80%), 78 (84%), 65 (92%) received alloHCT, respectively. Mean OOP costs by category are presented in Table 1. While alloHCT patients experienced higher OOP costs compared to non-alloHCT patients across all categories (outpatient services, prescription medications, and accommodations for healthcare), none of the comparisons were statistically significant. However, total OOP costs were significantly higher among alloHCT patients at 1 and 7 months (mean over past 30 days, 1M: $889 vs. $217, p=0.046; 7M: $678 vs. $349, p=0.03; 19M: $328 vs. $103, p=0.15). Financial hardship indicators are presented in Table 2. While alloHCT patients experienced greater financial hardship compared to non-alloHCT patients across all categories (mobilized reserve funds, borrowed money to pay for care, developed debt due to care), none of the comparisons were statistically significant. However, alloHCT patients were significantly more likely to experience at least one of these factors of financial hardship at 7 months (1M: 38% vs. 19%, p=0.13; 7M: 42% vs. 13%; p=0.04; 19M: 37% vs. 0%, p=0.08). Discussion Patients with MDS who received alloHCT incurred substantially more OOP costs overall compared to patients who did not receive alloHCT, most notably for accommodations related to alloHCT. Similarly, alloHCT patients were more likely to develop financial hardship, including mobilizing reserve funds, borrowing money, and developing debt. These findings demonstrate that treatment-related OOP expenditures associated with alloHCT are substantial and may pose significant burdens for some populations receiving alloHCT. Financial navigation and assistance, which have been shown to help patients address cost burden in solid tumor settings, should be considered for MDS patients prior to alloHCT. Small final sample sizes limited our analyses significantly; further research into OOP costs and financial hardship among larger cohorts of alloHCT patients are necessary to confirm these findings. Acknowledgement Support for this study was provided by grants #U10HL069294 and #U24HL138660 to the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

Family Caregiver Experiences in the Inpatient and Outpatient Reduced-Intensity Conditioning Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Settings: A Qualitative Study

Caregivers (ie, family and friends) are essential in providing care and support for patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and throughout their recovery. Traditionally delivered in the hospital, HCT is being increasingly provided in the outpatient setting, potentially heightening the burden on caregivers. Extensive work has examined the inpatient HCT caregiving experience, yet little is known about how caregiver experiences may differ based on whether the HCT was delivered on an inpatient or outpatient basis, particularly during the acute recovery period post-HCT. This study explored the similarities and differences in caregiver experiences in the inpatient and outpatient settings during the early recovery from reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic HCT. We conducted semistructured interviews (n = 15) with caregivers of adults undergoing RIC allogeneic HCT as either an inpatient (n = 7) or an outpatient (n = 8). We recruited caregivers using purposeful criterion sampling, based on the HCT setting, until thematic saturation occurred. Interview recordings were transcribed and coded through thematic analysis using Dedoose v.9.0. The study analysis was guided by the transactional model of stress and coping and the model of adaptation of family caregivers during the acute phase of BMT. Three themes emerged to describe similar experiences for HCT caregivers regardless of setting: (1) caregivers reported feeling like they were a necessary yet invisible part of the care team; (2) caregivers described learning to adapt to changing situations and varying patient needs; and (3) caregivers recounted how the uncertainty following HCT felt like existing between life and death while also maintaining a sense of gratitude and hope for the future. Caregivers also reported distinct experiences based on the transplantation setting and 4 themes emerged: (1) disrupted routines: inpatient caregivers reported disrupted routines when caring for the HCT recipient while simultaneously trying to manage non-caregiving responsibilities at home and work, and outpatient caregivers reported having to establish new routines that included frequent clinic visits with the patient while altering or pausing home and work responsibilities; (2) timing of caregiver involvement: inpatient caregivers felt more involved in care after the patient was discharged from the HCT hospitalization, whereas outpatient caregivers were already providing the majority of care earlier in the post-transplantation period; (3) fear of missing vital information: inpatient caregivers worried about missing vital information about the patient's care and progress if not physically present in the hospital, whereas outpatient caregivers feared overlooking vital information that may warrant contacting the care team as they monitored the patient at home; and (4) perceived adequacy of resources to meet psychosocial and practical needs: inpatient caregivers reported having adequate access to resources (ie, hospital-based services), whereas outpatient caregivers felt they had more limited access and needed to be resourceful in seeking out assistance. Inpatient and outpatient HCT caregivers described both similar and distinct experiences during the acute recovery period post-HCT. Specific interventions should address caregiver psychosocial needs (ie, distress, illness uncertainty, communication, and coping) and practical needs (ie, community resource referral, preparedness for home-based caregiving, and transplantation education) of HCT caregivers based on setting.

Determinants of refined GvHD-free, relapse-free survival after reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with myeloid malignancies

BackgroundOlder patients with AML/MDS have a poor prognosis with alloHCT as the only curative option. However alloHCT is challenging given its high TRM. Recently, a composite endpoint of GRFS was proposed to define transplant success. A single centre retrospective analysis was performed to determine the main variables influencing GRFS. Patients and Methodsmethods91 consecutive patients≥ 60 years (median 64 years, range 60–74) with AML/MDS who received reduced-intensity alloHCT during 2001–2017 analysed. Disease risk index (DRI) at HCT was low/intermediate in 47pts (52%) and high in 44 pts (48%). ResultsAfter median follow-up for survivors of 56 months (range 7–144), 37 (40.6%) patients were alive. The OS, LFS and GRFS were 61.4%, 58.1%, 49.1% at 1 year and 35.5%, 32.3% and 23.1% at 5 years, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year incidences of NRM and relapse were 26.9%, 21.3% and 47.9% and 35.4%, respectively. In univariate analysis, high DRI was the strongest factor for worse OS (HR 2.121; p = 0.049), LFS (HR 1.924; p = 0.0123) and GRFS (HR 2.319; p = 0.0005). The donor age ≥ 62 years had a negative impact on OS (HR 2.110; p = 0.0345) and GRFS (HR 2.014; p = 0.0341). High DRI (HR 2.652; p = 0.0003) and donor age (HR 2.304; p = 0.0257) retained its significance in multivariate analysis for GRFS. ConclusionA significant portion of older patients with myeloid malignancies survive alloHCT without experiencing GRFS event with DRI as the main determinant of outcome. Negative impact of donor age≥ 62 years suggests preference of a young donor, regardless of being related or unrelated.

Improving Safety and Outcomes After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience

The implementation of dual T-cell depletion comprising 4.5 mg/kg of antithymocyte globulin (ATG), post-transplantation cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine A for reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) independent of donor source in 2015 significantly improved graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) control at our Institution. Further advances were made between 2017 to 2020 in supportive care of allogeneic HCT recipients and were the subject of this study, with 651 adults included. Transplant outcomes were compared between patients who underwent transplantation during Period 1 (2017–2018) and Period 2 (2019–2020). Main changes implemented during the study period were reduction of ATG dose from 4.5 to 2 mg/kg in matched unrelated donor transplants, abandoning of dual T-cell depletion in matched related donor transplants, combining dual T-cell depletion with myeloablative conditioning for selected patients, and reduction of the target therapeutic cyclosporine level from 200 to 400 ng/L to 150 to 250 ng/L. Other improvements included addition of ursodiol until day 100, implementation of a double responsible physician model, and personalized patient supportive care plan focused on activity and calorie intake. The reduction in intensity of GVHD prophylaxis provided comparable acute GVHD and moderate-severe chronic GVHD between both time periods. Altogether the described improvements in transplant methodology and supportive care showed that compared to Period 1, patients transplanted in Period 2 had superior 1-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, and non-relapse mortality and showed a trend toward better GVHD- and relapse-free survival, without an increase in relapse risk. This study reports the results of outcomes-directed improvements in transplantation design, GVHD prophylaxis, and supportive care, highlighting how transplantation outcomes can be improved through careful modifications in response to meticulously monitored outcomes.

Assessment Of The Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index In Older Patients Receiving Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

BackgroundAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established therapy for malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disorders. Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens have expanded the use of HSCT to elderly and higher risk patients. However, HSCT still remains associated with a significant mortality and morbidity and the careful assessment of risks and benefits before transplantation is essential. Major factors which influence non-relapse mortality (NRM) and overall survival (OS) after HSCT are diagnosis, type of transplant, remission status and the patient's risk profile, which includes age and presence of comorbidities. The use of the hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index (HCT-CI) has been proposed to predict the probability of NRM and OS following HSCT. However, the HCT-CI usefulness for older patients receiving a reduced intensity allogeneic HSCT remains unclear. MethodsA retrospective medical record review was performed to collect data from patients who underwent an allogeneic HSCT at a large, urban, NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center during a five year period (January 2005 to December 2010). Patients 55 years and older who were transplanted using RIC for a hematologic malignancy were selected to be analyzed. Comorbidities and test results were collected to determine the HCT-CI score and other clinical data collected included disease and remission status at time of transplant. Results85 patients aged >55 years old who received a RIC HSCT for hematologic malignancies between January 2005 to December 2010 were analyzed. The median patient age at the time of transplantation was 63 years (range: 55-75 years). The patient diagnoses included AML (39%), NHL (29%), MM (9%), MDS (11%), CLL (8%), ALL (4%). The median pre-transplantation HSCT-CI score was 2 (range: 0-9). Among 85 patients, OS at 2 years was 44%. The 2 yr OS was 31%, 37% and 44% in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk HSCT-CI groups (p = 0.61), respectively. The corresponding NRM at 2 years was 25%, 17% and 18% (p = 0.91). We found no predictive value of HSCT-CI for either OS or NRM in older patients having an allogeneic HSCT with reduced-intensity condition. Stratification of age (55-59, 60-64, and 65+) showed no significant impact on 2 yr OS or NRM. However, there was a trend towards a better 2 yr OS for patients who had achieved a CR versus no CR at time of transplant (48% vs 41%). ConclusionOlder patients with hematologic malignancies represent a highly selected cohort, with the prospect of an allogeneic HSCT often considered too high-risk. A method to reliably stratify these older HSCT candidates is greatly needed. However, the HCT-CI score in this retrospective analysis did not help predict their NRM or 2 year OS for patients 55 years and older with hematologic malignancies receiving a reduced intensity HSCT. Further research is warranted into what combination of factors may provide a reliable predictive score for older patients with hematologic malignancies. Disclosures:Mehta:Millennium: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau.

Association Between Baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes and Complications of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for hematologic malignancies, but it often results in significant toxicities and impaired quality of life (QOL). Although the value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is increasingly recognized in HCT, data are limited regarding the relationship between PROs and HCT complications. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 250 patients who were hospitalized for autologous or allogeneic HCT at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2011 through 2016. We assessed QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and fatigue (FACT-Fatigue) at baseline. We abstracted from the Electronic Health Record (1) hospitalization during the first 100 days after HCT, (2) days alive and out of the hospital in the first 100 days after HCT, and (3) cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) among allogeneic HCT recipients. We assessed the association of baseline PROs with HCT complications using multivariable models adjusting for patient and transplant characteristics. Overall, 44.4% (111/250) of patients underwent an autologous HCT, 25.2% (63/250) received a myeloablative allogeneic HCT, and 30.4% (76/250) underwent a reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT. In multivariable logistic regression, higher anxiety (odds ratio [OR]=1.14, P=.004) was associated with higher likelihood of rehospitalization within 100 days after HCT. In multivariable Poisson regression, lower fatigue (β=0.003, P=.015) was associated with increased days alive and out of the hospital in the first 100 days post-HCT. In multivariable logistic regression, lower baseline QOL (OR=0.97, P=.034), higher fatigue (OR=0.95, P=.004), and higher depression (OR=1.15, P=.020) were associated with increased likelihood of acute GVHD. Baseline PROs are associated with health care utilization after HCT and risk of acute GVHD in allogeneic HCT recipients. These findings underscore the potential utility of pretransplantation PROs as important prognostic factors for HCT.

A New Standard in Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis? An Introduction to Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network 1703

Effective immunosuppressive regimens to prevent the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are essential to the success of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). After revolutionizing haploidentical transplantation, post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is now being evaluated for HCT performed from related and unrelated donors. In this setting, 2 recent randomized studies have demonstrated lower rates of GVHD and superior GVHD-free, relapse-free survival with PTCy compared with conventional GVHD prophylaxis. The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) is currently conducting a large, randomized phase III, multicenter trial (BMT CTN 1703) comparing PTCy/tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil to tacrolimus/methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis regimens in reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT. Here we review the ongoing study, highlight its importance to the field, and explore the possible implications of its results on clinical practice.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Veno-Occlusive Disease/Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome after Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

fludarabine with intravenous busulfan at doses of 3.2 mg/kg (Flu/Bu1) or 6.4 mg/kg (Flu/Bu2). Hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) that is felt to be triggered, at least in part, by damage to the liver sinusoidal endothelium from cytotoxic conditioning regimens. Accordingly, the incidence of VOD/SOS after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) HCT is low compared with myeloablative transplantation, and the natural history, risk factors, and outcomes of VOD/SOS after RIC have not been well characterized. We retrospectively reviewed 1583 consecutive patients receiving RIC HCT at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute between 2007 and 2017 and ascertained 26 cases of VOD/SOS. The median day of VOD/SOS onset was 26 days (range, 5 to 48) and the cumulative incidence at day 50 was 1.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1% to 2.4%). Day 100 nonrelapse mortality rate was 23% in the VOD/SOS cohort compared with 6.4% in patients without VOD/SOS (P=.006). Cumulative incidence of VOD/SOS at day 50 was 3.1% after RIC regimen with Flu/Bu2 ± ATG (fludarabine with two doses of busulfan, total dose 6.4 mg/kg, with or without anti-thymocyte globulin), compared with 0.15% after Flu/Bu1 ± ATG (fludarabine with single busulfan dose 3.2 mg/kg, with or without anti-thymocyte globulin) (P=.0002); the incidence rate was 2.1% after RIC HCT with sirolimus-containing graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, compared with 0.8% for RIC without sirolimus (P=.06). Significant risk factors identified in multivariable analysis for the development of VOD/SOS were sirolimus use (hazard ratio [HR], 5.1; 95% CI, 1.8 to 14.2; P=.002) and RIC regimen with Flu/Bu2 ± ATG (HR, 34; 95% CI, 4.5 to 252; P < .001) or other (HR, 32; 95% CI, 3.9 to 257; P=.001) compared with Flu/Bu1 ± ATG. Rising serum tacrolimus or sirolimus levels, new acute kidney injury, and increasing platelet transfusion requirements were significant early predictors of onset in the week preceding prior VOD/SOS diagnosis. When compared with a previously published cohort of 76 patients with VOD/SOS who developed VOD/SOS after myeloablative HCT in the same time period, VOD/SOS after RIC occurred later and was associated with a lower peak bilirubin level and better overall survival. The variability in presenting features for RIC VOD/SOS highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for this entity in RIC HCT.

Correction: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed acute myeloid leukemia in ETO positive with reduced-intensity conditioning.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22612.].

Cognitive Functioning After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Hematologic Malignancy: Results From a Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Purpose Cognitive impairment is well-recognized after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, cognitive functioning after reduced-intensity allogeneic or autologous HCT remains unclear. Methods A total of 477 HCT recipients (236 autologous, 128 reduced-intensity allogeneic, 113 myeloablative allogeneic) underwent standardized neuropsychologic testing before HCT and at 6 months and 1, 2, and 3 years after HCT. Ninety-nine frequency-matched healthy controls underwent testing at commensurate time points. Primary outcomes of the study were practice effect-adjusted domain-specific T scores and global deficit scores. Piecewise generalized estimating equation models were used to compare groups and to identify associated variables and post-HCT trends of cognitive impairment. Results Median age was 52 years (range, 18 to 74 years) for HCT recipients and 55 years (range, 19 to 73 years) for controls. Post-HCT scores were comparable between controls and autologous and reduced-intensity HCT recipients. Myeloablative HCT recipients had significantly lower ( P < .001) post-HCT scores than controls for executive function, verbal speed, processing speed, auditory memory, and fine motor dexterity. Pre-HCT to 6 months post-HCT scores did not change after reduced-intensity HCT but declined significantly for fine motor dexterity ( P < .001) after myeloablative HCT. However, pre-HCT to 3 years post-HCT scores declined significantly ( P < .003) in reduced-intensity HCT recipients for executive function, verbal fluency, and working memory. Older age, male sex, and lower education, income, and cognitive reserve were associated with post-HCT cognitive impairment. At 3 years post-HCT, global cognitive impairment was present in 18.7% of autologous and 35.7% of allogeneic HCT recipients. Conclusion Myeloablative allogeneic HCT recipients showed significant cognitive decline compared with healthy controls. Reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT recipients showed evidence of delayed decline. Cognitive functioning in autologous HCT recipients generally was spared. The study identified vulnerable subpopulations that could benefit from targeted interventions.

A Phase II Study of Dasatinib and Dexamethasone As Primary Therapy Followed By Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Adults with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: CALGB Study 10701 (Alliance)

Background:Potent inhibitors of BCR-ABL1have improved remission results and altered post-remission therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Dasatinib plus dexamethasone followed by hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) promises high response rates, reduced toxicity, and durable remissions.Methods:We conducted a Phase II trial at 17 U.S. centers with the primary objective being to estimate the 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with Ph+ ALL treated with dasatinib and dexamethasone for remission induction and intensification, central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis, consolidation with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic HCT, autologous HCT, or etoposide and cytarabine, and dasatinib-based maintenance. Eligible patients had untreated Ph+ ALL, were ≥18 years old, and had normal cardiac function. Induction (Course I) used dasatinib 140 mg oral daily and dexamethasone 10 mg/m2/day oral or intravenous (IV) days 1-7. For patients with ≤20% blasts in the Course I, Day 15 bone marrow biopsy, intensification (course II) continued daily dasatinib with another 7 days of dexamethasone. Those with >20% lymphoblasts also received vincristine (VCR) and daunorubicin (DNR). Patients (n=3) not in CR/CRi after Course II received a second induction (Course III) with dasatinib, cyclophosphamide, VCR, DNR, and dexamethasone. After Course II or III, CNS prophylaxis (Course IV) consisted of IV VCR and IV, oral, and intrathecal methotrexate (MTX). Dasatinib was restarted at serum [MTX] <0.05 microM. Course V consisted of HCT or chemotherapy. Patients aged 18-70 years with an HLA-matched donor underwent RIC allogeneic HCT; otherwise they underwent autologous HCT. Allogeneic HCT conditioning used fludarabine 30 mg/m2/day IV day -7 through -3, alemtuzumab 20 mg/day IV day -7 through -3, and melphalan 140 mg/m2 once on day -2. GVHD prophylaxis with tacrolimus began day -2. Patients undergoing autologous HCT received etoposide 10 mg/kg/day (age >65 years, 5 mg/kg/day) continuous IV for 4 days and cytarabine 2 g/m2 (age >65 years, 1 g/m2) IV every 12 hours for 8 doses (EA) then G-CSF for mobilization. Autologous HCT conditioning used melphalan 100 mg/m2/day on days -2 and -1. Patients >70 years or unable to undergo HCT received EA alone. Dasatinib maintenance (Course VI) began on day 30 of Course V and continued for 12 months and until 2 consecutively negative bone marrow BCR-ABL1RT-PCR assays 3 months apart or until relapse. Dasatinib levels were measured on day 15 of induction.Results:Sixty-six patients enrolled from 12/15/2010 to 11/14/2014; 65 received dasatinib and are evaluable. Median age was 60 years (22-87); 49% were male. Median presenting WBC count was 23.1 x 103/ul (0.3-453.6). No deaths occurred during induction or intensification. CR or CRi occurred 31 patients (48%) by Day 15 of induction and in 62 patients overall (95%; CR 86%). Median dasatinib levels in serum and CSF on Day 15 of induction were 30.3 ng/mL (<3-308) and 0.29 ng/mL (<0.2-1.37), respectively suggesting approximately 1% of plasma dasatinib penetrates into the CSF, less than the unbound fraction (6%). Fifty-four patients started Course IV, 38 Course V, and 37 Course VI. Fourteen patients continue on protocol therapy. Of 38 patients receiving Course V, 22 had allogeneic HCT, 6 had autologous HCT, and 10 had EA chemotherapy. Median age of allogeneic HCT recipients was 61 years (31-69). Robust autologous stem cell mobilization was observed [median CD34+ cell count, 90 x 106/kg (31-166, n=6)]. Dasatinib maintenance was feasible after allogeneic HCT, autologous HCT, and chemotherapy alone with no missed doses in 59%, 83%, and 63% of cycles, respectively. Ten patients have relapsed with one isolated CNS relapse. No relapses have occurred after allogeneic HCT with 3 relapses after autologous HCT and one after Course V EA alone. Median follow up for survivors is 22.8 months (longest, 51 months). There have been 23 deaths: 5 treatment-related (4 after allogeneic HCT, 1 after course V EA), 16 disease-related and 2 unrelated.Conclusions:Dasatinib with dexamethasone yields CR rates comparable to those reported with tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with conventional chemotherapy. Post-remission therapy with reduced-intensity allogeneic HCT, autologous HCT, or chemotherapy followed by dasatinib maintenance is feasible. Survival follow up is maturing. DisclosuresStock:Sigma-Tau: Honoraria, Research Funding; Royalties for a chapter in Up to Date: Patents & Royalties; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Honoraria. Beumer:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Stone:Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy; Juno Therapeutics: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Celator: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy; Jansen: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; ONO: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; Seattle Genetics: Consultancy; Xenetic Biosciences: Consultancy. Larson:Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy, Research Funding.

GvHD-free, relapse-free survival after reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with myeloid malignancies.

GvHD-free, relapse-free survival after reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with myeloid malignancies

Cytomegalovirus Status and the Outcome of T Cell–Replete Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus of donor and recipient are frequently used in algorithms of donor selection, whereas the impact of CMV reactivation on transplantation-related mortality, leukemia control, and overall survival (OS) remains controversial. Therefore, we retrospectively studied the impact of latent or active CMV infections on the outcome and occurrence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 294 patients during the period from 2004 to 2010. CMV viral load was routinely monitored in plasma using a quantitative PCR. Preemptive antiviral therapy was initiated when the viral load in plasma exceeded a predefined threshold. In a proportional hazards model, a seropositive recipient was significantly associated with increased occurrence of acute GVHD. However the CMV serostatus of both recipient and donor and the presence of active CMV infection was not associated with the occurrence of relapses, chronic GVHD, or OS. We conclude that in the presence of viral load monitoring and preemptive treatment, latent or active CMV infection does not substantially affect the OS after T cell–replete RIC allogeneic SCT.

Research progress of reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) is likely to be the optimum method to cure international prognostic scoring system (IPSS) intermediate and high-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS). However, patients suffered with MDS are usually too old to undergo myeloablative conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation(MAC-HSCT). On account of its advantages of higher efficiency and lower toxicity, reduced intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation(RIC-HSCT) is widely applied in the treatment of MDS patients. Currently, fludarabine plus alkylating regimens are widely applied, but the clinical outcomes are different from each regimen. Although RIC-HSCT has unique advantages in treating intermediate and high-risk elder MDS compared with MAC-HSCT and non-HSCT therapy, whether the outcome is influenced by factors such as tumor burden, recipient age, IPSS risk stratification, type of allo-HSCT, and comorbidity before transplantation is still unclear. In this article, we review literatures on RIC-HSCT in treatment of MDS. Key words: Myelodysplastic syndrome; Transplantation conditioning; Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Molecular Remission One Year Following Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Predicts Relapse-Free and Overall Survival: A Multi-Institutional Landmark Analysis

▪Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells typically carry one or more clonally rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig) genes. The specific sequence of an Ig rearrangement, or clonotype, can serve as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) in blood or bone marrow samples. The clonoSEQ assay (Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp) employs a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based MRD quantification method that uses consensus primers to amplify and then sequence the entire repertoire of Ig genes in a clinical sample. Each Ig clonotype, including the one marking a patient's CLL, can then be individually quantified with high precision. We previously demonstrated the utility of this NGS approach for predicting relapse-free survival in a single-institution cohort of CLL patients undergoing reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (RIC alloHCT). In this landmark analysis, we now assess the prognostic utility of molecular MRD quantification one year following RIC alloHCT in a multi-institution cohort.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes and MRD status of patients surviving without relapse to one year after RIC alloHCT for CLL. Patients were assessable for MRD based on availability of a tumor specimen from which to determine the CLL-associated Ig heavy chain (IgH) clonotypes and a cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) aliquot obtained one year post-HCT. Forty-six patients underwent conditioning with total lymphoid irradiation and anti-thymocyte globulin (TLI/ATG) and 56 were conditioned with fludarabine and busulfan (Flu/Bu) regimens. Clonal IgH rearrangements were identified by NGS-based IgH profiling in CLL-bearing blood or marrow samples obtained prior to HCT and these clonotypes were quantified in the IgH repertoire of PBMC samples from one year (+/- 90 days) post-HCT.Results: One hundred two patients were assessable for outcomes beyond the one year post-HCT landmark. Amongst 97 patients with a diagnostic sample available, the IgH clonotype calibration rate was 90%. Five archived diagnostic samples yielded insufficient DNA to proceed with clonotype identification. 87/102 (85%) patients had paired tumor and one year PBMC samples suitable for MRD quantification. Patients receiving TLI/ATG or Flu/Bu conditioning had similar clinical characteristics. Median relapse-free survival (RFS) from the one year landmark was 4.7 years with TLI/ATG and 6.8 years with Flu/Bu (p=0.08; Figure 1A), and overall survival was not significantly different (Figure 1B). Acute GVHD (grades 2-4) occurred in 15.6% with TLI/ATG and 37.5% with Flu/Bu. Chronic GVHD occurred in 53% and 77%, respectively, with less extensive grade chronic GVHD using TLI/ATG (39%) compared with Flu/Bu (73%). Amongst patients alive and in remission one year after RIC alloHCT, peripheral blood MRD <10-6 was associated with more favorable outcomes, with just 5.3% relapsing within 7 years post transplant, compared with 59% relapse in those with ≥10-6 MRD (HR 11, 95% CI 4.3-28, p<0.0001; Figure 1C). MRD negativity one year post-HCT was also associated with improved long term overall survival (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.4, p=0.03; Figure 1D).Conclusions: In this non-randomized retrospective analysis of outcomes after RIC alloHCT for high-risk CLL, use of TLI/ATG or Flu/Bu conditioning regimens were associated with similar RFS, though a trend toward earlier relapse with TLI/ATG is observed. Flu/Bu was associated with substantially higher rates of acute and chronic GVHD and higher rates of death in remission. Irrespective of conditioning regimen used, molecular MRD quantification at one year post-HCT provides strong positive and negative predictive value for subsequent relapse. Identification of MRD positive patients at risk for relapse may permit the implementation of post-HCT immune modulation or maintenance treatment to reduce relapse risk for those in need, but spare MRD negative patients from the potential for additional toxicity. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLogan:Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Herrera:Genentech: Research Funding; Sequenta, Inc.: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Rezvani:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Kong:Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp: Employment, Equity Ownership. Faham:Adaptive Biotechnologies Corp.: Employment, Other: Stockholder. Miklos:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding.

Outcome of reduced-intensity allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.

We retrospectively evaluated single-institute outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen consisting of fludarabine (125 mg/m²) and melphalan (140 mg/m²) for multiple myeloma. Twenty-three patients (median age: 46 years) were evaluated. Stem cell sources were bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells from siblings (n = 4) and bone marrow from unrelated donors (n = 19). For graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, cyclosporine A or tacrolimus with short-term methotrexate was given. Disease status at time of transplant was complete response in four patients, very good partial or partial response in 13, and stable or progressive disease in six. The median follow-up period of 7 survivors at analysis was 73.2 months (range 46.0-158.9 months). During the follow-up, disease recurrence or progression was observed in 21 patients, and was primary causes of death in 88% of the patients. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 38.6% (95% CI 19.3-57.7%) and 5.4% (95% CI 0.4-21.6%), respectively. Although allo-HSCT with this conditioning could be safely performed, further refinement of this approach aiming at more effective eradication of myeloma cells is clearly warranted.

Higher Tacrolimus Concentrations Early Post-Transplant Reduce the Risk of Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease in Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

s / Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 21 (2015) S355eS373 S369 be more economically responsible in a small group of patients will have a large impact on drug expenditures. As the price of thiotepa continues to rise and alternative regimens are utilized more frequently, there remains a responsibility for the practitioner to report and determine the most effective, safe, and economically responsible pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant conditioning regimen.

Impact of Serotherapy on Immune Reconstitution and Survival Outcomes after Stem Cell Transplantations in Children: Thymoglobulin Versus Alemtuzumab

Abstract The outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is strongly affected by the kinetics of reconstitution of the immune system. This study compared the effects of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and alemtuzumab on various outcome parameters after HSCT. The study cohort consisted of 148 children, with a median age of 9.6 years (range, .4 to 19.0), who underwent HSCT for malignant and benign hematological disorders in a single HSCT unit. Conditioning included ATG (n = 110) or alemtuzumab (n = 38). Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that alemtuzumab significantly delayed the recovery of CD3+ T cells and CD4+as well as CD8+ T cell subsets (P ≤ .001) and natural killer (NK) cells (P = .008) compared with ATG. In both ATG- and alemtuzumab-treated patients, shorter drug exposure lead to significantly faster recovery of T cells. Alemtuzumab was associated with lower donor chimerism 3 and 6 months after transplantation and a higher risk of disease relapse (P = .001). The overall survival and event-free survival risks were significantly lower for alemtuzumab-treated patients (P = .020 and P

Encouraging Outcomes of Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Second Complete Remission

[Background] We have been performing reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation (RIST) to avoid preconditioning-related complications. However, the effectiveness of RIST in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains to be clarified.[Methods] We retrospectively reviewed 37 pediatric patients with ALL in second complete remission (CR2) who underwent first allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) between 1993 and 2012 in our institute. We compared the outcomes of RIST with those of myeloablative stem cell transplantation (MAST).[Results] The median age at allo-SCT was 9 years (range, 1 to 18 years). There were 33 B-lineage ALL, 3 T-lineage ALL, 1 lineage unknown ALL, and none of Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL. Sixteen patients received HLA-matched bone marrow (7 related; 9 unrelated), 12 HLA-mismatched bone marrow (11 unrelated; 1 HLA haploidentical related), 4 cord blood, and 5 CD34 positive peripheral blood stem cells (HLA haploidentical related). In all patients, the 5-year overall survival (5y-OS) rate and the 5-year event free survival (5y-EFS) rate were 75.1% and 56.5%, respectively.Seven patients underwent RIST and 30 patients underwent MAST. The median follow-up durations of RIST and MAST groups were 3.3 years (range, 0.9 to 8.2 years) and 11.3 years (range, 0 to 21.2 years), respectively. The 5y-OS rates in RIST and MAST groups were 85.7% and 59.8%, and the 5y-EFS rates were 71.4% and 53.3%, respectively. The 5-year cumulative transplant-related mortality (TRM) rates in RIST and MAST groups were 0% and 31.0%, and the 5-year cumulative relapse rates were 28.6% and 24.3%, respectively.[Discussion] In our series, the cumulative relapse rate in RIST group was similar with that in MAST group, and the cumulative TRM rate in RIST group was lower than that of MAST group. Therefore, both of the 5y-OS and the 5y-EFS rates in RIST group seem to be better than those in MAST group. The outcomes of RIST in our series do not seem to be poorer. Although further studies are needed because of the small size of patients and short follow-up duration, RIST can be considered as the first transplantation for pediatric patients with ALL in CR2. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.