Role Of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Research Articles

Genetic predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome: Genetic counseling and transplant implications

The development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is influenced by various genetic predispositions. Several important genes contribute to disease susceptibility. This paper explores common genetic predisposition genes in MDS, including DDX41, CEBPA, and SAMD9/SAMD9L, which are linked to hereditary conditions presenting diagnostic and clinical challenges. It delves into hereditary conditions that affect platelet production and count, such as RUNX1, ETV6, and ANKRD26, detailing their clinical features and how they contribute to an increased risk of MDS. The discussion extends to additional genetic syndromes like GATA2 deficiency, telomere biology disorders, Fanconi anemia, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, along with new findings on genes like ERG that offer new insights into disease etiology. The importance of genetic counseling in MDS is underscored, outlining its goals, methods for evaluating family history, risk assessment, and the ethical considerations involved. Furthermore, the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in managing MDS, particularly in patients with germline syndromes, is reviewed, emphasizing the need for optimal donor selection and personalized treatment approaches. This comprehensive overview illustrates the critical role of genetic factors in MDS and highlights the need for continued research and tailored clinical practices to improve patient outcomes.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia: A Single Center Study

Introduction Acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL) comprises 4-15% of all acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnoses in pediatric patients. Unlike patients with Down syndrome who have a >80% expected survival with dose-reduced chemotherapy, the 5-year overall survival (OS) in patients with de novo AMKL is dismal and ranges between 14-49%. While treatment intensification has marginally improved the outcome of these patients over the last few decades, the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in these patients in first complete remission (CR) is often debated. To better define the role of HCT, we evaluated the outcomes of pediatric patients who underwent their first HCT for AMKL at our institution from October 1990 to January 2021. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis using patient, disease, and transplant-related data collected during routine clinical care and evaluated these variables for their prognostic value. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to estimate survival probabilities in pre-specified groups and compared using the log-rank test. Multivariable analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards models to assess the role of various patient and transplant-related factors on survival. The cumulative incidence of relapse (with death as competing risk) was estimated by the Fine-Gray multivariable models and compared using Gray's test. Results Our study included 53 patients. The median age at HCT was 2.3 (range 0.9-19.7) years. The median time of follow-up was 10.3 (range 0.9-346.6) months. At the time of HCT, 56.6% of patients were in CR1, 5.7% were in CR2 and 37.7% had active/refractory disease. Nine (17%) patients received an HCT from a matched sibling donor, 25 (47.2%) from a matched unrelated donor, and 19 (35.8%) from a haploidentical donor. Twenty-two (41.5%) patients relapsed after HCT at a median duration of 2.8 (range 0.6-10.5) months, and 31 (58.5%) patients died at a median duration of 4.3 (range 0.9-15.9) months. The one-year OS estimates trended higher in patients undergoing transplant in more recent decades (1990-2000: 32%, 2000-2010: 46%, 2010-2020: 67%; P = 0.2). Patients who underwent HCT in CR had a significantly higher 1-year OS (57% versus 30%; P < 0.001) and decreased rate of relapse (24% versus 70%; P < 0.001) compared to those who underwent HCT with active/refractory disease. Similarly, in multivariable analysis, being in CR during HCT was associated with improved OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.17, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.07-0.41) and decreased risk of relapse (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.46) after adjusting for other pre-specified variables. Conclusion While the overall outcome of patients who undergo HCT for AMKL has improved in the last few decades, it remains suboptimal. Patients who underwent HCT in CR had superior outcomes. Our data supports the notion that patients with de novo AMKL would benefit from HCT when they first achieve CR while we await novel strategies in treating relapsed or refractory AMKL.

Pre-Treatment Pulmonary Assessment Have Limited Utility in B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated with Autologous Anti-CD19 CAR T-Cell Therapy

Introduction Pulmonary function tests (PFT) play a pivotal role in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), with routine evaluation in HCT candidates. However, their predictive value in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy outcomes remains uncertain. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective analysis of PFT metrics and pulmonary comorbidity definitions, following the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation-Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI), in B-cell lymphoma patients treated with autologous CD19-CAR-T cell therapy. Patients and Methods In this retrospective analysis, we included adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with B-cell lymphoma who received treatment at a tertiary medical center with commercially available or point-of-care (POC) anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy (Kedmi et al., Transplant Cell Ther. 2022) as their 3rd line of treatment or above, between 2017 and 2022. Patients underwent routine PFT assessment before CAR-T cell therapy, as part of institutional practice, including spirometry, body plethysmography, and single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Patients were categorized into three pre-treatment pulmonary comorbidity groups (normal, moderate, severe) based on HCT-CI definitions for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and DLCO expressed as precent of predicted value (>80%, 66-80%, <66%, respectively). Results A total of 192 patients (median age, 60 [range 46-69]) were included. Aggressive B-cell lymphoma was the predominant diagnosis (n=166, 86%) followed by indolent B-cell lymphoma (n=18, 9.4%), and Mantle cell lymphoma (n=8, 4.2%). Most patients had a good performance status (KPS ≥ 90, 78%), although with high-risk disease features (pre-lymphodepletion LDH was elevated in 108 [56%]). Seventy-eight (41%) patients received bridging therapy. POC CAR-T were used in 56%, while 44% received commercial CAR-T (26% axi-cel, 18% tisa-cel). Pre-CAR-T smoking history was documented in 25% of patients. The median pre-treatment measured-to-predicted DLCO and FEV1 were 96% and 92%, respectively. Seventy-four percent of patients had normal DLCO, and 77% had a normal FEV1. The calculated normal, moderate, and severe pulmonary comorbidity levels, per the HCT-CI, were 64%, 23%, and 13%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 17.6 months (IQR 8.5-29.7), the median overall survival (OS) was not reached, and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.6 months. There was no correlation between pulmonary comorbidity level and the best overall response rate. Categorical PFT results (FEV1 and DLCO) and pulmonary comorbidity (per-HCT-CI) were not associated with reduced OS (p=0.3, p=0.4, p=0.6, respectively) or reduced PFS (p=0.058, p>0.9, p=0.2, respectively) in a univariable Cox regression analysis. However, FEV1 as continuous measure and FEV1 categorized into 2 levels (normal vs. moderate-severe) were associated with reduced PFS ( Figure 1). FEV1 (as a continuous metric) association with PFS remained consistent (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.98-1], p=0.007) in a multivariable Cox regression adjusted for pre CAR T KPS score, elevated LDH level, and co-stimulatory CAR-T domain. Nevertheless, this association is minor, with unclear clinical significance. No association was observed between pulmonary function measures and immune-toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome grade >2 or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity grade > 2. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating the relationship between PFTs and the outcomes of CAR T-cell treatment. Our results indicate that among standard measures of pulmonary assessment, only FEV1 was predictive of poor PFS, though with minor association, with unclear clinical significance. We did not observe any association with overall survival. These findings suggest that pre-CAR-T pulmonary assessment may have limited utility in evaluating CAR-T candidates. Nevertheless, further validation in a multicenter setting is required.

Antiemetics in hematopoietic cell transplantation:

Antiemetics play a key role in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). High-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation (TBI) have a high emetogenic potential, and vomiting and nausea during conditioning regimen and thereafter impair oral intake, which can lead to weight loss, hyperglycemia due to parenteral nutrition, infectious disease, and increased transplant-related mortality. We searched for randomized trials on antiemetics in HCT. Triplet prophylaxis with a 5-HT antagonist, an NK-1 antagonist, and dexamethasone is a common practice in hematopoietic cell transplantation. Prophylaxis is usually given during the conditioning regimen and sometimes up to a few days later. NK-1 antagonist usage is supported by randomized trials. Olanzapine reduces nauseas, based on a randomized trial. Although recommended by the ASCO guideline, the use of dexamethasone should be considered controversial given the higher incidence of adverse events with this medication in a randomized study and given a possible higher risk of infections, and therefore dexamethasone should be used with caution as an antiemetic in hematopoietic cell transplantation. Metoclopramide, diphenhydramine, and lorazepam are other drugs that also have antiemetic activity, have been used in HCT, and can be used in selected cases.

Risk factors for adverse outcomes following haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation with posttransplant cyclophosphamide: a two-center analysis.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for several malignant hematologic diseases and alternative donors, including haploidentical, play a significant role in HCT. Despite the increasing use of haplo-HCT with PTCy, some questions remain open. The objective of the present study was to investigate risk factors for adverse outcomes after haplo-HCT with PTCy. This is a retrospective study conducted at two Brazilian centers. A total of 103 patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent first allogeneic, haploidentical HCT with PTCy were included. Risk factors for death were age at transplant (HR = 1.03 for each year; p = 0.002) and high/very high disease risk index (DRI; HR = 2.77; p = 0.0007) and mother as the donor compared with other donors (HR = 3.53; p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, PFS was significantly poorer for older patients (HR = 1.02; p = 0.006), high/very high DRI (HR = 2.39; p = 0.003), and mother as the donor compared with other donors (HR = 3.18; p = 0.006). Relapse rate was higher for high/very high DRI (HR = 4.01; p = 0.002) and mother as the donor compared with other donors (HR = 2.52; p = 0.05). NRM was higher for older patients (HR = 1.03 for each year; p = 0.03). Tacrolimus was a protective factor for grades II-IV aGVHD (HR = 0.46; p = 0.04) compared with cyclosporine. Peripheral blood (PBSC) was a risk factor for cGVHD (HR = 3.48; p = 0.006), while tacrolimus was protective (HR = 0.30; p = 0.009). Mother as the donor compared with other donors was also a risk factor for poorer OS, PFS, and relapse, suggesting that this combination should be avoided. Tacrolimus was protective for both grades II-IV aGVHD and cGVHD, suggesting that tacrolimus may be more effective than cyclosporine in preventing GVHD. PBSC was a risk factor for cGVHD without any impact on relapse. Prospective studies comparing tacrolimus with cyclosporine are awaited.

HLA-DQ heterodimers in hematopoietic cell transplantation

AbstractHLA-DQ heterodimers increase the susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, but their role in hematopoietic cell transplantation is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that outcome after HLA-matched and HLA-DQ–mismatched hematopoietic cell transplantation is influenced by HLA-DQ heterodimers. Heterodimers were defined in 5164 HLA-matched and 520 HLA-DQ–mismatched patients and their transplant donors according to well-established crystallographic criteria. Group 1 (G1) heterodimers are any DQA1*02/03/04/05/06α paired with any DQB1*02/03/04β. Group 2 (G2) heterodimers are DQA1*01α paired with any DQB1*05/06β. Multivariable models identified significantly higher relapse risk in G1G2 and G2G2 compared with G1G1 HLA-matched patients with malignant disease; risk increased with an increasing number of G2 molecules. In HLA-DQ–mismatched transplantation for malignant diseases, matching or mismatching for G2 increased relapse risk. G2 lowered disease-free survival after both HLA-matched and HLA-DQ–mismatched transplantation. A paradigm based on HLA-DQ heterodimers provides a functional definition of the hematopoietic cell transplantation barrier and a means to lower risks for future patients.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation for mantle cell lymphoma.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) represents a valuable therapeutic option for younger patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Despite the rarity of this disease, significant research efforts have been undertaken to improve the outcomes, and autologous HCT is currently considered an established treatment for younger patients who respond to induction therapy. The past 20years have seen further progress by incorporating rituximab and high-dose cytarabine into induction therapy and adopting rituximab as posttransplant maintenance therapy. Allogeneic HCT is generally reserved for relapsed/refractory patients because of concerns about high toxicities; however, a fraction of relapsed/refractory patients can be salvaged at the expense of high non-relapse mortality. Although significant advances have been attained over the past decades, MCL treatment still has room for improvement. A risk-adapted approach based on measurable residual disease and genetic information will promote therapeutic optimization and individualization. Moreover, the recent development of molecularly targeted drugs is expected to alter the therapeutic landscape, and the incorporation of novel drugs into the current treatment scheme is another key issue. These ongoing and future advances will change the role of HCT in MCL treatment and contribute to further improvements in outcomes.

Risk Factors for Adverse Outcomes Following Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation with Posttransplant Cyclophosphamide: A Two-Center Analysis

IntroductionAllogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for several malignant hematologic diseases. As only 30% of patients will have a matched related donor, alternative donors play a significant role in HCT. Luznik et al pioneered the use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) based GVHD prophylaxis in haploidentical transplantation (haplo-HCT), which greatly expanded the pool of donors and nearly revolutionized the field. Despite the increasing use of haplo-HCT with PTCy, some questions remain, namely the selection of the best donor, graft source and conditioning regimen, and risk factors for adverse outcomes.MethodsRetrospective study conducted at two Brazilian centers. All patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent first HCT between 2010 and 2021, haploidentical with posttransplant cyclophosphamide, were included. The objective was to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes following haploidentical HCT with PTCy. Independent variables are detailed in table 1. Acute GVHD was graded according to the MAGIC criteria and chronic GVHD was diagnosed according to the NIH consensus criteria. Survival and cumulative incidence curves were built with the Kaplan-Meier and Gray methods, and compared with the logrank and Gray tests, respectively. Multivariate analyses were carried out with Cox models. GVHD, as an independent variable, was included as a time-dependent covariate.ResultsA total of 103 patients were included (table 1). In brief, median age was 39 y/o and most patients were male (58%); 71 patients had low or intermediate disease risk index, while 29 had high or very high-risk disease. Bone marrow was the preferred stem-cell (72%, followed by peripheral blood stem-cells - 28%) and reduced-intensity, the most frequent conditioning regimen (43%). Median follow-up for the whole cohort was 2.6 years.Overall survival at 2 years was 51.7% (95CI 42.4-63.0%, figure 1). Multivariable analyses are in table 2. Risk factors for death were age at transplant (HR = 1.03 for each year; 95CI 1.01-1.05; p = 0.002), high or very high disease risk index (HR = 2.73; 95CI 1.52-4.90; p = 0.0008), and compared with low or intermediate, and mother as the donor (HR = 3.50; 95CI 1.44-8.47; p = 0.006).Progression-free survival at 2 years was 45.8% (95CI 36.6-57.2%). In multivariate analysis (table 2), progression-free survival was significantly poorer for older patients (HR = 1.02; 95CI 1.01-1.04; p = 0.009), high or very high disease risk index (HR = 2.29; 95CI 1.30-4.04; p = 0.004), compared with low or intermediate, and mother as a donor (HR = 3.15; 95CI 1.37-7.22; p = 0.007; figure 2). Two-year relapse rate was 22.2% (95CI 15.2-32.5%). Risk factors for relapse (table 2) were high or very high disease risk index (HR = 3.55; 95CI 1.44-8.74; p = 0.006), compared with low or intermediate, and mother as the donor (HR = 2.85; 95CI 1.12-7.25; p = 0.007). Two-year non-relapse mortality was 32.0% (23.9-42.9%). The only risk factor we found was age at transplantation (HR = 1.03 for each year; 95CI 1.01-1.05; p = 0.02; table 2). We found no effect of GVHD, acute or chronic, on relapse, nor on non-relapse mortality.Rates of grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD and 2y-chronic GVHD were 30.4% (95CI 22.7-40.8%), 6.9% (95CI 3.4-14.1%) and 19.8% (95CI 13.2-29.7%), respectively. The only risk factor (table 2) identified for grades II-IV acute GVHD was tacrolimus (HR = 0.36; 95CI 0.14-0.95; p = 0.04) compared with cyclosporine. We have not carried out multivariate analysis for grades III-IV acute GVHD due to the low number of events (only 7). In multivariable analysis (table 2), peripheral blood graft was a risk factor for chronic GVHD (HR = 3.72; 95CI 1.53-9.01; p = 0.004; figure 3), compared with bone marrow, while tacrolimus was protective (HR = 0.27; 95CI 0.11-0.68; p = 0.005), compared with cyclosporine.ConclusionOur results show that mother as the donor was an important risk factor for poorer OS, PFS and relapse, and mothers might not the best choice of donor. Tacrolimus was protective for both grades II-IV aGVHD and for cGVHD, suggesting that tacrolimus may be more effective than cyclosporine in preventing GVHD. PBSC was a risk factor for cGVHD without any impact on relapse, and this result does not support the systematic use of PBSC in detriment of BM. As expected, age at transplant negatively impacted OS, PFS and NRM as well as high/very high DRI led to poorer OS, PFS and relapse. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation after CD19 Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell-Induced Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Remission Confers a Leukemia-Free Survival Advantage

Consolidative hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is frequently performed for patients with refractory/ relapsed B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, there is controversy regarding the role of HCT following remission attainment. We evaluated the effect of consolidative HCT on leukemia-free survival (LFS) in pediatric and young adult subjects following CD19 CAR T cell induced remission. We evaluated the effect of consolidative HCT on LFS in pediatric and young adult subjects treated with a 41BB-CD19 CAR T cell product on a phase 1/2 trial, Pediatric and Young Adult Leukemia Adoptive Therapy (PLAT)-02 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02028455), using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards statistical model. Fifty of 64 subjects enrolled in PLAT-02 phase 1 and early phase 2 were evaluated, excluding 14 subjects who did not achieve remission, relapsed, or died before day 63 post-CAR T cell therapy. An improved LFS (P=.01) was observed in subjects who underwent consolidative HCT after CAR T cell therapy versus watchful waiting. Consolidative HCT improved LFS specifically in subjects who had no prior history of HCT, with a trend toward significance (P=.09). This benefit was not evident when restricted to the cohort of 34 subjects with a history of prior HCT (P=.45). However, for subjects who had CAR T cell functional persistence of 63 days or less, inclusive of those with a history of prior HCT, HCT significantly improved LFS outcomes (P=.01). These data support the use of consolidative HCT following CD19 CAR T cell-induced remission for patients with no prior history of HCT and those with short functional CAR T cell persistence.

FLT3 Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Key Concepts and Emerging Controversies.

The FLT3 receptor is overexpressed on the majority of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts. Mutations in FLT3 are the most common genetic alteration in AML, identified in approximately one third of newly diagnosed patients. FLT3 internal tandem duplication mutations (FLT3-ITD) are associated with increased relapse and inferior overall survival. Multiple small molecule inhibitors of FLT3 signaling have been identified, two of which (midostaurin and gilteritinib) are currently approved in the United States, and many more of which are in clinical trials. Despite significant advances, resistance to FLT3 inhibitors through secondary FLT3 mutations, upregulation of parallel pathways, and extracellular signaling remains an ongoing challenge. Novel therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance, including combining FLT3 inhibitors with other antileukemic agents, development of new FLT3 inhibitors, and FLT3-directed immunotherapy are in active clinical development. Multiple questions regarding FLT3-mutated AML remain. In this review, we highlight several of the current most intriguing controversies in the field including the role of FLT3 inhibitors in maintenance therapy, the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in FLT3-mutated AML, use of FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3 wild-type disease, significance of non-canonical FLT3 mutations, and finally, emerging concerns regarding clonal evolution.

Role of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Patients with Myelofibrosis in the JAK Inhibitor Era

Role of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in Patients with Myelofibrosis in the JAK Inhibitor Era

Role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia.

The use of all trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide combination as the induction regimen for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has revolutionized the management and outcomes of this disease. Modern risk-adapted frontline therapy has provided excellent therapeutic results. However, significant numbers of APL patients relapse after frontline therapy, and the optimal management strategy for relapsed APL, specifically the role and type of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are still to be defined. Both autologous and allogeneic HCTs are associated with durable remission and prolonged survival when utilized in appropriate disease settings. Once remission has been achieved, consolidation with autologous HCT for APL patients with negative minimal residual disease (MRD) status, and with allogeneic HCT for APL patients with positive MRD status appear to offer the best long-term outcomes. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of existing literature on the efficacy of HCT in treatment of relapse/refractory APL and we discuss the appropriate use of this modality.

The Role of Hematopoietic Cell Transplant in the Glycoprotein Diseases.

The glycoprotein disorders are a group of lysosomal storage diseases (α-mannosidosis, aspartylglucosaminuria, β-mannosidosis, fucosidosis, galactosialidosis, sialidosis, mucolipidosis II, mucolipidosis III, and Schindler Disease) characterized by specific lysosomal enzyme defects and resultant buildup of undegraded glycoprotein substrates. This buildup causes a multitude of abnormalities in patients including skeletal dysplasia, inflammation, ocular abnormalities, liver and spleen enlargement, myoclonus, ataxia, psychomotor delay, and mild to severe neurodegeneration. Pharmacological treatment options exist through enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for a few, but therapies for this group of disorders is largely lacking. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) has been explored as a potential therapeutic option for many of these disorders, as HCT introduces functional enzyme-producing cells into the bone marrow and blood along with the engraftment of healthy donor cells in the central nervous system (presumably as brain macrophages or a type of microglial cell). The outcome of HCT varies widely by disease type. We report our institutional experience with HCT as well as a review of the literature to better understand HCT and outcomes for the glycoprotein disorders.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Updated 2019 Evidence-Based Review from the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is reviewed and critically evaluated in this systematic evidence-based review. Specific criteria were used for searching the published literature and for grading the quality and strength of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations. A panel of ALL experts developed consensus on the treatment recommendations based on the evidence. Allogeneic HCT offers a survival benefit in selected patients with ALL, and this review summarizes the standard indications as well as the areas of controversy. There is now greater experience with pediatric-inspired chemotherapy regimens that has transformed upfront therapy for adult ALL, resulting in higher remission rates and overall survival. This in turn has increased the equipoise around decision making for ALL in first complete remission (CR1) when there is no measurable residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction and/or consolidation. Randomized studies are needed for adults with ALL to compare allogeneic HCT in CR1 with pediatric-inspired chemotherapy alone. Indications for transplantation in the evolving landscape of MRD assessments and novel targeted and immune therapeutics remain important areas of investigation.

What is the Role of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in the Age of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CART) Therapy?

CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies, especially B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. As CART immunotherapy expands from clinical trials to FDA-approved treatments, a consensus among oncologists and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) physicians is needed to identify which patients may benefit from consolidative HCT post-CART therapy. Here, we review CD19 CART therapy and the outcomes of published clinical trials, highlighting the use of post-CART HCT and the pattern of relapse after CD19 CART. At this time, the limited available long-term data from clinical trials precludes us from making definitive HCT recommendations. However, based on currently available data, we propose that consolidative HCT post-CART therapy be considered for all HCT-eligible patients and especially for pediatric patients with KMT2A-rearranged B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Pharmacotherapy in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment option for both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Success of the procedure mainly depends on disease control and treatment-related complications. Pharmacotherapy plays a major role in HCT and significantly impacts the outcomes. Main drug use within HCT includes conditioning, GvHD prophylaxis, and prevention/treatment of infections.Increasing evidence suggests individualized dosing in (pediatric) HCT may improve outcome. Dose individualization may result in a better predictable drug treatment in terms of safety and efficacy, including timely immune reconstitution after HCT and optimal tumor or disease control, which may result in improved survival chances.

Stop and go: hematopoietic cell transplantation in the era of chimeric antigen receptor T cells and checkpoint inhibitors.

For several decades, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been considered the standard curative therapy for many patients with hematological malignancies. In addition to the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapy and radiation used in the conditioning regimen, the benefits of HCT are derived from a reset of the immune system and harnessing the ability of donor T cells to eliminate malignant cells. With the dawn of the era of immunotherapies in the form of checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, the role of HCT has evolved. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors is increasingly being used for relapsed Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous HCT. Checkpoint inhibitors are also being tested after allogeneic HCT with observable benefits in treating hematological malignancies, but with a potential risk of increased graft versus host disease and transplant-related mortality. Immunotherapy with Cluster of differentiation 19 CAR T cells are powerful options with aggressive B-cell malignancies both for therapy and as induction leading to allogeneic HCT. Although immunotherapies with checkpoint inhibition and CAR T cells are increasingly being used to treat hematological malignancies, HCT remains a standard of care for most of the diseases with the best chance of cure. Combination of these therapies with HCT has the potential to more effectively treat hematological malignancies.

Autologous (auto) versus matched sibling donor (MSD) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in follicular lymphoma (FL) patients (pts) with early chemoimmunotherapy failure (ECF): A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) analysis.

7508 Background: Contrary to most FL, high-risk FL pts with ECF (i.e. relapse within 2 yrs of frontline chemoimmunotherapy) have a 5 yr OS of only 50%. (Casulo, JCO 2015). We used the CIBMTR database to compare autoHCT versus either MSD or MUD alloHCT as the first transplant approach in FL pts with ECF. Methods: Adult FL pts (age ≥18) undergoing autoHCT or alloHCT between 2002-2014 and receiving first line rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapies with evidence of ECF (defined as disease relapse or progression within 2 yrs of treatment initiation) were included. The primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Results: 440 pts had ECF (auto = 240, MSD = 105, MUD = 95) (Table 1). The 5 yr adjusted probabilities (AjP) of NRM were significantly lower with autoHCT (5%), versus MSD (17%) or MUD (33%) HCT (p<0.0001). 5 yr AjP of relapse were significantly lower with MSD (31%) or MUD HCT (23%), versus autoHCT (58%; p<0.0001). AjP of 5 yr PFS following auto, MSD and MUD HCT were 38%, 52% and 43% (p=.006) respectively. The AjP of 5 yr OS was significantly higher following autoHCT (70%) or MSD HCT (73%) versus MUD HCT (49%; p=0.004). Conclusions: AutoHCT for FL pts with ECF has low NRM and 5 yr OS rates (70%) that are provocatively higher than historical data (~50%). MSD HCT had the lowest relapse rate with similar survival. A prospective trial confirming the role of HCT in ECF FL is warranted. [Table: see text]

The evolving role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with high-risk markers such as del(17p) or those who have relapsed after multiple lines of therapy have a poor prognosis and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) has historically been the best opportunity for achieving long-term disease control. Recently, several new highly efficacious and well-tolerated small molecules targeting the B cell receptor (BCR) pathway and Bcl-2 have been approved or are in the late stages of development. These new agents are altering therapeutic paradigms in CLL, but unlike with alloHCT, information on long-term disease control is lacking. Here, we provide an overview of the data supporting the use of HCT in CLL and the promising results with the novel agents. We discuss the evolving role of alloHCT for CLL in the novel agent era, including identifying the patients most likely to benefit from transplantation and optimal transplantation timing, as well the use of novel agents in the post-transplantation setting.

Advances in unrelated and alternative donor hematopoietic cell transplantation for nonmalignant disorders.

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in non-malignant disorders has increased exponentially with the recognition that multiple diseases can be controlled or cured if engrafted with donor-derived cells. This review provides an overview of advances made in alternative donor transplants for nonmalignant disorders. Stem cell sources, novel transplant methods, and sophisticated supportive care have simultaneously made giant strides toward improving the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic cell transplantation. This has led to the utilization of marrow, cord, peripheral blood stem cell and haploidentical stem cell sources, and novel reduced toxicity or reduced intensity conditioning regimens to transplant non-malignant disorders such as immune dysfunctions, marrow failure syndromes, metabolic disorders and hemoglobinopathies. Transplant complications such as graft rejection, infections, and graft versus host disease are better combated in this modern era of medicine, achieving better survival with decreased late effects. These aspects of transplant for non-malignant disorders are discussed. This review presents the progress made in the realm of hematopoietic cell transplantation for non-malignant disorders. It advocates the consideration of alternative donor transplants in the absence of human leukocyte antigen matched siblings when indicated by disease severity. The ultimate goal is to provide curative transplant options for more patients that can benefit from this intervention, prior to detrimental outcomes.