Sequential Transplantation Research Articles

Combined heart-liver transplantation: Indications, outcomes and current experience.

Combined heart-liver transplantation is a rare, life-saving procedure that treats complex and often fatal diseases including familial amyloidosis polyneuropathy and late stage congenital heart disease status-post previous repair. There were 159 combined heart-liver transplantations performed between January 1, 1988 and October 3, 2014 in the United States. A multitude of potential techniques to be used for combined heart and liver transplant including: orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) and orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) on full cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), OHT with CPB and OLT with venovenous bypass (VVB), OHT with CPB and OLT without VVB, en-bloc technique and sequential transplantation. Outcomes of combined heart-liver transplant have been demonstrated to be comparable to outcomes of isolated heart and isolated liver transplant. The liver graft may provide some tolerance of other allografts.

An institutional experience of pre-emptive liver transplantation for pediatric primary hyperoxaluria type 1.

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is an inherited metabolic disease that culminates in ESRF. Pre-emptive liver transplantation (pLTx) treats the metabolic defect and avoids the need for kidney transplantation (KTx). An institutional experience of pediatric PH1 LTx is reported and compared to the literature. Between 2004 and 2015, eight children underwent pLTx for PH1. Three underwent pLTx with a median GFR of 40 (30-46) mL/min/1.73 m(2) and five underwent sequential combined liver-kidney transplantation (cLKTx); all were on RRT at the time of cLKTx. In one case of pLTx, KTx was required eight and a half yr later. pLTx was performed in older (median 8 vs. 2 yr) and larger children (median 27 vs. 7.75 kg) that had a milder PH1 phenotype. In pediatric PH1, pLTx, ideally, should be performed before renal and extrarenal systemic oxalosis complications have occurred, and pLTx can be used "early" or "late." Early is when renal function is preserved with the aim to avoid renal replacement. However, in late (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) ), the aim is to stabilize renal function and delay the need for KTx. Ultimately, transplant strategy depends on PH1 phenotype, disease stage, child size, and organ availability.

Sequential Transplantation of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Followed By Unrelated Cord Blood for Children with Hematologic Malignancies

Backgroud: Post-transplant Cyclophosphamide(PT/Cy) in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(h-HSCT) is a new protocol formulated by NIH. Our center is following this protocol. However, complications can't be reliably predicted such as cytopenia and relapse is hard to avoid. Therefore, we investigated a new prospective study by using cord blood sequential transplantation after haplo-HSCT on the base of PT/Cy.Objects: To explore the efficacy of transplantation of HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell followed by unrelated umbilical cord blood for children with hematological diseases.Method: 46patients with hematological diseases who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with or without cord blood in our center were enrolled in this study. These 46 cases were divided into two groups according to the use of cord blood: One is NF-10 PT/Cyprotocal,only the haploidentical transplantation. The other isprospective study of NF-13-PT/Cy protocal with haploidentical and post-transplant unrelated cord blood. On NF-10-PTCy group, 25 children with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemias(n=13), acute myeloid leukemia(n=7), chronic myeloid leukemia(n=2), lymphoma(n=2) or childhood juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia(n=1) recieved HSCT from®2 HLA mismatched relative donors from June 2009 to November 2012. All patients received conditioning regimen consisted of fludarabine, busulfan, Cy, thiotepa, with or without total-body irradiation and HP Cy(40 or 50 mg/kg i.v on day 3 and day 4 after transplantation).On NF-13-PT/Cy group, with haploidentical and sequential-transplanted cord blood transplantation(n=21) with acute lymphoblastic leukemias(n=6), acute myeloid leukemia(n=9), chronic myeloid leukemia(n=3), lymphoma(n=1) or JMML(n=2) recieved HSCT from®2 HLA mismatched relative donors from December 2012 to May 2015. 2-loci and less mismatched UCB was transplanted on day 6 after haploidentical transplantation(Figure1). Meanwhile, thehaploidentical total nucleated cells(TNC) number is much higher in NF-13-PT/Cy group than in NF-10-PT/Cy group. We compared the overall survive time, disease-free survival time, relapse incidence, the NRM, applications among these two groups.Results: The OS and DFS were significant higher in NF-13-PT/Cy group than NF-10-PT/Cy group(OS 66.7% vs 28%, P=0.013; DFS 57.1% vs 28%, P=0.025, Figure2), 3 patients in NF-13-PT/Cy suffered severe cytopenia beyond day 28 post-transplant(SCB-28PT, WBC < 2G/L for 4 sequence weeks after HSCT) than NF-10-PT/Cy(14.3% vs 40%, P=0.054). Significant difference of NRM was observed in NF-13-PT/Cy and NF-10-PTCy group(40% vs 23.8%, P=0.026, Figure3). TNC number between NF-13-PT/Cy and NF-10-PT/Cy group(Median 42*108/kg vs 7.35*108/kg, P=0.00) were a big different. Platelet number above 20*109/L on continuous three days after transplantaton of NF-13-PT/Cy is shorter than NF-10-PT/Cy (Median time 12 days vs 20.5 days, P=0.035). There is no difference on aGVHD(33% vs 44% P=0.819) and cGVHD(4.8% vs 12%, P=0.116). For NF-13-PT/Cy group patients, final cord blood engrafted in 7 patients; final haploidentical donor engrafted in 9 patients, mixed donor engrafted in 3. No patient rejected his graft.Conclusion: HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell followed by unrelated umbilical cord blood transplantation for children with hematological diseases can overcome the shortcomings in severe GVHD, slow immunologic reconstitution, lower OS, higher cytopenia and TRM. To summarize, this protocol was compatible in clinical application. Meanwhile, High dose of haplo-TNC would not increase the incidence of GVHD. The protocol of NF-13-PT/Cy is advantage to NF-10-PT/Cy. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Advanced Multiple Myeloma: Experience from a Single Center

IntroductionThe prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) has improved in the last years due to the important advances in the knowledge of the biology of the disease, the implementation of new drugs and the incorporation of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (autoHSCT). The allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT) continues to be controversial: it offers a curative potential but with the cost of high toxicity, limiting the procedure to those young patients with a high-risk disease. This procedure shall be performed in expert centers and, whenever possible, in the context of a clinical trial. In the following we describe the experience of our center with alloHSCT in advance multiple myeloma patients.Patients and methodsA total of 18 patients were diagnosed with multiple myeloma received an alloHSCT during a 13 year period (1996-2013), with a median age of 46 ± 5.9 years. All of our patients received an allogenic HLA matched sibling donor with reduced-intensity conditioning. The majority of patients were transplanted because of advanced disease, relapse after an autologous transplant or as part of a sequential transplant in patient with a high risk disease. One patient received, in two occasions, an alloHSCT. Around 70% of patients had received more than 3 previous lines of treatment including, in nearly 95%, an autoHSCT. Patient's characteristics can be found on table 1, characteristics of the procedure can be found in table 2. Table 1Patient«s CharacteristicsN (%)GenderMale Female10 (55,5%) 9 (44,4%)Secreted ProteinIgGκ IgG λ IgA κ BJ Plasmocitoma8 (44,4%) 4 (22,2%) 2 (11,1%) 3 (16,7%) 1 (5,6%)Debut DS stageII-A II-B III-A III-B Plasmocitoma5 (27,8%) 1 (5,6%) 8 (44,4%) 3 (16,7%) 1 (5,6%)Cytogentics at diagnosisMissing Unfavorable Favorable10 (55,5%) 6 (33,3%) 2 (11,1%)Previous lines of treatment²2 3-4 ³56 (33,3%) 10 (55,5%) 2 (11,1%)Previous autoHSCTYes No17 (94,5%) 1 (5,6%)Previous radiotherapyYes No8 (44,4%) 10 (55,6%)Disease status at transplantComplete remission Partial remission Relapse9 (50,0%) 3 (16,7%) 6 (33,3%)Table 2Treatment characteristicsN (%)Conditioning regimenMyeloablative Reduced-intensity6 (33,3%) 12 (66.7%)Stem cell sourceBone marrow Peripheral blood4 (22.2%) 14 (77.8%)GVHD prophylaxisCsA+MTXCsA+CSCsA+MMF10 (55.6%) 3 (16.7%) 5 (27.8%)InfectionsYes No16 (88.9%) 2 (11.1%)MucositisYes No12 (66.7%) 6 (33.3%)Acute GVHDYes II-IV III-IV No4 (22.3%) 3 (16.7%) 1 (5.6%) 14 (77.8%)Chronic GVHDNo Limited Extensive8 (44.3%) 5 (27.8%) 5 (27.8%)Results:Transplant related mortality (TRM) before day 100th was one case due to a thromboembolic event. Global TRM was 16.6% (3 cases). The incidence of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) was 22%, controlled on most cases when corticosteroids were initiated. More than half of the patients developed chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD), with an equal distribution on either presentation as limited or extensive. (Table 2)The total number of patients eligible for analysis was 17 (one patient was lost on follow-up). With a median follow up of 11 years, the overall survival (OS) was of 8.06 years [IC 95% 4,33-11,78] (figure 1.) and the estimated progression free survival (PFS) was of 25.83 months [IC 95% 8.87-42.79](figure 2). A total of 5 (29,4%) patients are still alive and 2 (11,7%) of them are in complete remission, of these 1 patient did not have a previous autoHSCT with a follow up of almost 15 years.Conclusions: Our results are similar to those reflected on the literature1-2. However we have to point out that our population is homogenous with advanced MM with more than 3 previous lines of treatment including in most cases auto-HSCT. In spite of this, morbility and mortality in our cohort was acceptable with the limitation of a high rate of cGVHD. There is a need of more studies including more patients to evaluate the role of alloHSCT in the era of new drugs for MM.

Calcified Double J Stent after Sequential Liver and Renal Transplantation Associated to Primary Oxalosis: Case Report

AbstractHyperoxaluria type I (HPI) is a metabolic disorder secondary to liver alanine glyoxylate aminotransferase deficiency. Renal failure occurs due to the excessive production and precipitation of oxalate in the kidney. Combined liver-renal transplantation is the correct treatment for this condition when end-stage renal failure occurs since in renal transplantation alone the risk of recurrence of the same pathology in the transplanted kidney would be high.We determined the calcification surrounding the double J stent inserted to the transplant ureter in a short time in a 22-year-old patient who underwent sequential liver and renal transplantation with the diagnoses of oxalosis. In the literature we have not found papers on calcification of double J stent following combined or sequential transplantation. Although after the sequential transplantation the calcification, nephrocalcinosis, and renal stones were practically not of great concern, these patients should be followed up more carefully in terms of stent calcification during the early post-transplant period.

The landscape of treatment of chronic kidney disease in hereditary ATTR amyloidosis

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal dominant disease, caused by mutations in the TTR gene, the most prevalent being V30M. Although each TTR variant has a different involvement, peripheral neuropathy and cardiomyopathy are predominant. Kidney deposits are well recognized since the original description of the disease as well as a renal phenotype is also likely. Kidney involvement with proteinuria and progressive renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ATTR amyloidosis. However, kidney impairment is not as common as in AA or AL amyloidosis. Epidemiological studies from Portugal and Sweden reveal that approximately one third of the patients display varying degrees of albuminuria and renal dysfunction. Dialysis improves the prognosis and survival, but morbidity and mortality are higher than in other populations given this treatment. The low level of proteinuria or slight renal impairment does not suppose a so heavy glomerular and vascular deposition of amyloid as in ATTR, particularly in V30M mutation. Moreover, severity of renal amyloid deposition did not consistently parallel that of myelinated nerve fiber loss, with dissociation between kidney and neurological involvement. These are pitfalls that motive troublesome criteria for therapy in ATTR nephropathy. Twenty five years ago, liver transplantation (LT) was introduced as a treatment of ATTR, since this suppresses the production of circulating mutant TTR and theoretically stops the amyloid formation and disease progression, but uncertainties remain about its role on kidney deposits. Renal dysfunction pre LT and acute renal injury post LT are risk factors for chronic renal disease development after LT. The approach for stage 4 or 5 kidney disease remains the combined or sequential liver-kidney transplantation in eligible patients. However, in the majority of patients, hemodialysis is the unique option even in the presence of a well-functioning liver graft. Tafamidis, a TTR stabilizing drug, was described as having a benefit effect on albuminuria and renal function. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed efficacy stabilizing ATTR in early forms of amyloid neuropathy. However, studies with diflunisal noted decline in eGFR even with exclusion of patients with significant renal impairment. RNA interference (RNAi) is an endogenous cellular mechanism for controlling gene expression with application to ATTR neuropathy. The therapeutic value in kidney disease with successfully silenced intraglomerular genes in mouse models was proved, raising the possibility of a future role for renal ATTR amyloidosis. Antisense oligonucleotides are also under clinical trials; renal epithelial cells efficiently take up oligonucleotides without apparent degradation, rendering the kidney an excellent target for site-directed antisense therapy, but also a site of antisense toxicity. Other several natural products that inhibit TTR amyloid fibril formation where progressively investigated to stop neuropathy, but the specificity for renal disease was never evaluated. Until now, doubts remain about the role of new therapies in nephropathy, if there are preferential indications for a specific one and if dialysis patients should be included in a particular treatment.

Pediatric combined liver-kidney transplantation: a 2015 update.

The experience of combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) is limited in pediatric populations. This strategy is, however, required in specific diseases such as metabolic diseases (namely primary hyperoxaluria type one and methylmalonic acidemia), autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, miscellaneous ciliopathies and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Different series and registry studies have confirmed the feasibility of pediatric CLKT with encouraging results in the long term, even in the youngest and smallest patients, provided that highly trained multidisciplinary teams are involved in this global management. As such, the long-term outcomes after CLKT are currently comparable to that of isolated liver or kidney transplantations, even though the immediate postoperative period remains challenging. Some questions remain nevertheless unanswered, such as the respective place of combined versus sequential liver-kidney transplantation, especially in primary hyperoxaluria and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. The aim of this review was therefore to provide a 2015 update on pediatric CLKT. In the future, international collaborative studies and registries may help to improve our knowledge of this rare and still highly challenging technique.

34 Eosinophilic myocarditis in patients on dobutamine therapy: an underappreciated and not uncommon phenomenon

Background The phenomenon of eosinophilic myocarditis in explanted hearts was first reported in a series in 1991. The phenomenon remains under-recognised and the incidence uncertain, current published estimates ranging widely from 7 to 22%. Aims We sought to ascertain the incidence of eosinophilic myocarditis in our transplant centre and to assess if presence of an eosinophilic infiltrate was associated with dobutamine therapy prior to explant. Methods 76 sequential heart transplant recipients over a 9 year period were included. Clinical records were examined to detail any exposure to inotropic support prior to transplantation as well as presence or absence of peripheral blood eosinophilia. Pathology reports of explanted hearts as well as any pre-transplant endomyocardial biopsies were reviewed and the presence or absence of eosinophils on histology was documented. Results 28 patients (36.8%) of the group received dobutamine therapy prior to transplantation. Of these, 7 patients (25% of those receiving dobutamine, 9.2% of the total cohort) were found to have evidence of an eosinophilic infiltrate on myocardial histology (6 on explant, 1 on pre-transplant endomyocardia biopsy). All 7 patients had prolonged exposure to dobutamine prior to diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis. The duration of inotropic support ranged from 1 to 19 weeks; and the final maintenance dose of dobutamine ranged from 2.5 to 12.5 mcg/kg/min. One patient had a significant persistent peripheral blood eosinophilia for the duration of dobutamine therapy, 1.22 × 10 9 /L at peak (normal range 0.04 0.4 × 10 9 /L). A further 5 patients had short-lived ( 9 /L) in peripheral eosinophil count. Eosinophil count in these cases returned to normal without change in dobutamine dose or discontinuation. The patient with eosinophil infiltration on pre-transplant biopsy had dobutamine discontinued and histology of the explanted heart revealed complete resolution of the myocarditis. No eosinophilic infiltrates were identified in dobutamine-nave explants in the cohort, including 22 patients on prolonged therapy with intravenous milrinone. Conclusions One in four patients exposed to prolonged dobutamine therapy in this series developed eosinophilic myocarditis. Additionally, complete resolution of eosinophilic myocarditis after discontinuation of dobutamine was detailed in vivo in one case. The clinical impact of this process in a heart failure cohort is not clearly understood. Specific attention may need to be paid to peripheral blood eosinophil count in patients requiring prolonged inotropic support.

Immunomodulatory Strategies Directed Toward Tolerance of Vascularized Composite Allografts.

Achieving tolerance of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) would improve the risk-to-benefit ratio in patients who undergo this life-enhancing, though not lifesaving, transplant. Kidney cotransplantation along with a short course of high-dose immunosuppression enables tolerance of heart allografts across a full major histocompatibility complex (MHC) mismatch. In this study, we investigated whether tolerance of VCAs across full MHC disparities could be achieved in animals already tolerant of heart and kidney allografts. Miniature swine that were tolerant of heart and/or kidney allografts long term underwent transplantation of myocutaneous VCA across the same MHC barrier. Before VCA transplant, group 1 (n = 3) underwent class I-mismatched kidney transplantation; group 2 (n = 3) underwent 2 sequential class I-mismatched kidney transplantations; group 3 (n = 2) underwent haploidentical MHC-mismatched heart/kidney transplantation; and group 4 (n = 2) underwent full MHC-mismatched heart/kidney transplantation. All 3 animals in group 1 and 2 of 3 animals in group 2 showed skin rejection within 85 days; 1 animal in group 2 showed prolonged skin survival longer than 200 days. Animals in groups 3 and 4 showed skin rejection within 30 days and regained in vitro evidence of donor responsiveness. This is the first preclinical study in which hearts, kidneys, and VCAs have been transplanted into the same recipient. Despite VCA rejection, tolerance of heart and kidney allografts was maintained. These results suggest that regulatory tolerance of skin is possible but not generally achieved by the same level of immunomodulation that is capable of inducing tolerance of heart and kidney allografts. Achieving tolerance of skin may require additional immunomodulatory therapies.

Bone Marrow Homing Enriches Stem Cells Responsible for Neogenesis of Insulin-Producing Cells, While Radiation Decreases Homing Efficiency.

Small-sized adult bone marrow cells isolated by counterflow centrifugal elutriation and depleted of lineage markers (Fr25lin(-)) have the capacity to differentiate into insulin-producing cells and stabilize glycemic control. This study assessed competitive migration of syngeneic stem cells to the bone marrow and islets in a murine model of chemical diabetes. VLA-4 is expressed in ∼ 25% of these cells, whereas CXCR4 is not detected, however, it is transcriptionally upregulated (6-fold). The possibility to enrich stem cells by a bone marrow homing (BM-H) functional assay was assessed in sequential transplants. Fr25lin(-) cells labeled with PKH26 were grafted into primary myeloablated recipients, and mitotically quiescent Fr25lin(-)PKH(bright) cells were sorted from the bone marrow after 2 days. The contribution of bone marrow-homed stem cells was remarkably higher in secondary recipients compared to freshly elutriated cells. The therapeutic efficacy was further increased by omission of irradiation in the secondary recipients, showing a 25-fold enrichment of islet-reconstituting cells by the bone marrow homing assay. Donor cells identified by the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and a genomic marker in sex-mismatched transplants upregulated PDX-1 and produced proinsulin, affirming the capacity of BM-H cells to convert in the injured islets. There was no evidence of transcriptional priming of freshly elutriated subsets to express PDX-1, insulin, and other markers of endocrine progenitors, indicating that the bone marrow harbors stem cells with versatile differentiation capacity. Affinity to the bone marrow can be used to enrich stem cells for pancreatic regeneration, and reciprocally, conditioning reduces the competitive incorporation in the injured islets.

Faecal microbiota transplantation plus selected use of vancomycin for severe-complicated Clostridium difficile infection: description of a protocol with high success rate.

Severe and severe/complicated Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) can result in ICU admission, sepsis, toxic megacolon and death. In this setting, colectomy is the standard of care but it is associated with a 50% mortality. To evaluate safety and efficacy of a sequential faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and antibiotic protocol in severe and severe/complicated CDI patients who are at high risk for colectomy. All patients with severe and severe/complicated CDI refractory to oral vancomycin ± rectal vancomycin and intravenous metronidazole therapy were offered FMT. Treatment consisted of sequential FMTs via colonoscopy with the need for repeat FMT and continued vancomycin guided by clinical response and pseudomembranes at colonoscopy. A total of 29 patients underwent FMT between July 2013 and August 2014. The overall treatment response of endoscopic sequential FMT was 93% (27/29), with 100% (10/10) for severe CDI and 89% (17/19) for severe/complicated CDI. A single FMT was performed in 62%, two FMTs were performed in 31% and three FMTs in 7% of patients. The use of non-CDI antibiotics predicted repeat FMT (odds ratio = 17.5). The 30-day all-cause mortality after FMT was 7%, and the cumulative 3-month survival was 76%. Of the two patients who died within 30 days, one underwent colectomy and succumbed to sepsis; the other died from septic shock related to CDI. The success of a treatment protocol for severe and severe/complicated involving faecal microbiota transplantation and continued vancomycin in selected patients was high, and it warrants further evaluation.

Living-donor Sequential ABO-incompatible Kidney Transplantation after Liver Transplantation in a Patient with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis and End-stage Renal Disease

A 47-year-old man developed chronic alcoholic liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease. He underwent blood-type-compatible liver transplantation with a graft from his daughter. After 8 months, sequential ABO-incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation was performed, with his brother as the donor (A to O). The patient had anti-A antibody titers (1:256). We performed pretransplant desensitization, including administration of rituximab, mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and prednisolone 2 weeks before the scheduled transplantation, and plasmaphresis (PP) and administered an intravenous immunoglobulin injection. The patient un- derwent PP before kidney transplantation until the anti-A antibody titer was <1:8. The patient achieved normal renal function within 4 posttransplantation days. Postoperative bleeding (diffuse hemorrhage) requiring additional blood transfusions and radio- logical intervention (drainage procedure) occurred 9 days after transplantation. The patient was discharged on day 20 of hospitalization. Nine months after the kidney transplantation, the recipient's and donor's liver and kidney functions were normal. ABOi renal transplantation after liver transplantation can be successfully performed in patients with high baseline anti-ABO anti- body titers after preconditioning with rituximab and PP, and quadruple immunosuppressive therapy. However, caution is required regarding an increased risk of bleeding complications.

A genealogical and clinical study of the phenotypical variation within the Swedish transthyretin His88Arg (p. His108Arg) amyloidosis family

In 2005 we reported the first case of transthyretin His88Arg (p. His108Arg) amyloidosis, a mutation characterised by cardiomyopathy. Six additional gene carriers of whom five have clinical symptoms of disease have now been identified in Sweden, and we have been able to identify a possible founder and to characterise the Swedish phenotype of the transthyretin (TTR) His88Arg mutation. Genealogical studies of church records were used to identify the individuals with the disease and their families. Routine clinical investigations of neurological and heart manifestation of the disease were utilised. We found that genealogically all seven individuals were related and originated from the same region in Sweden. Amyloid deposits were demonstrated in biopsies and the TTR His88Arg mutation was identified in all patients. Patients had a late onset disease (≥50 years of age) and all exhibited a severe amyloid cardiomyopathy. A pronounced peripheral axonal neuropathy was with certainty demonstrated in one patient only, who also was operated for a magnetic resonance confirmed spinal stenosis, however, without any effect on his neurological symptoms. Five of the patients had carpal tunnel syndrome. The first reported case is now deceased from cardiac failure. One patient has had a sequential heart and liver transplantation. One gene carrier had no symptoms or findings of disease on latest evaluation at the age of 44. In conclusion: the Swedish TTRHis88Arg patients all have a common Swedish founder. Cardiomyopathy with heart failure, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and spinal stenosis were early signs of disease; but peripheral neuropathy was present in one patient before symptoms of cardiomyopathy so the phenotypical presentation of this mutation is variable.

P568. Alterations of Intestinal Microbiota in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated with Sequential Antibiotic Combination and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation

P568. Alterations of Intestinal Microbiota in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Treated with Sequential Antibiotic Combination and Faecal Microbiota Transplantation

Successful Treatment of Multifocal Histiocytic Sarcoma Occurring after Renal Transplantation with Cladribine, High-Dose Cytarabine, G-CSF, and Mitoxantrone (CLAG-M) Followed by Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare, aggressive malignancy. Lesions previously called HS were typically non-Hodgkin lymphomas, not HS. As such, chemotherapy directed at lymphoid neoplasms was frequently successful, but it is unclear if these regimens are ideal for HS. We present a 33-year-old African gentleman who underwent sequential renal transplants for glomerulonephritis. He subsequently developed HS of the upper airway and multiple cutaneous sites. The patient received cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) followed by salvage ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) but had continuous progression of cutaneous involvement. Cladribine, high-dose cytarabine, G-CSF, and mitoxantrone (CLAG-M) yielded a partial response with near resolution of disease. Ultimately, the patient achieved a complete remission after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. HS occurring after solid organ transplant raises the possibility of HS as a potential posttransplant malignancy. The use of CLAG-M has not been reported in HS. In this case, histiocyte-directed chemotherapy with CLAG-M was superior to lymphoma-directed regimens.

High Doses of Antimetabolites Followed By High-Dose Sequential Chemoimmunotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplant in Patients with Systemic B-Cell Lymphoma and Secondary Central Nervous System Involvement: Final Results of a Multicenter Phase II Trial

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Secondary central nervous system (CNS) dissemination is a lethal event in patients (pts) with aggressive lymphomas. A few studies focused on the treatment of this condition are available, confirming the dismal prognosis and the high rate of severe neurotoxicity in pts managed with radiotherapy-based induction. Thus, the most effective treatment for secondary CNS lymphoma remains an important, unmet clinical need. Herein, we report the final results of a multicenter phase II trial addressing a new treatment in pts with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and CNS involvement (NCT00801216). Experimental treatment is based on the encouraging experiences with high doses of antimetabolites in pts with primary CNS lymphoma (Ferreri et al. Lancet 2009), and with high-dose sequential chemotherapy combined with rituximab (R-HDS) and supported by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in pts with relapsed aggressive B-cell lymphoma (Tarella et al. JCO 2008). METHODS: Selection criteria were: 1) histological diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma blastoid variant (MCLb) or grade-3 follicular lymphoma (FL); 2) secondary CNS involvement at diagnosis or relapse; 3) age 18-70 years; 4) ECOG PS ≤3; 5) absence of HIV infection; 6) adequate organ functions. Pts with primary CNS lymphoma (exclusive CNS disease at diagnosis) were excluded. Experimental treatment consisted of an induction phase with 2 courses of methotrexate 3.5 g/m2 d1 + cytarabine 2 g/m2 x2/d d2-3, followed by an intensification phase with R-HDS (cyclophosphamide 7 g/m2 d1; cytarabine 2 g/m2 x2/d d22-25; pts with residual extra-CNS disease received also etoposide 2 g/m2 d43) and a consolidation phase with BCNU-thiotepa conditioning + ASCT (figure). Treatment included 8 doses of rituximab and 4 of intrathecal liposomal cytarabine. The primary endpoint was 2-year PFS; the planned accrual was 38 pts. RESULTS: 39 pts were registered (age 32-70 ys, median 59; M/F ratio 1.5): 33 had DLBCL, 3 MCLb, 3 FL. CNS disease (brain 21, meninges 5, spinal cord 2, multiple 11) was detected at diagnosis in 16 pts (all with extra-CNS disease) and at relapse in 23 (8 with extra-CNS disease). The median TTP from the previous treatment line was 3 months (range 0-77 months). Thirty-four pts completed the induction phase; 73 (93%) of 78 planned courses were actually delivered; G4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were recorded in 77%, 63% and 5% of courses, G3-4 febrile neutropenia in 16%, CMV reactivation in 3 pts. Transient G4 transaminases increase (3% of courses) was the only G4 non-hematological toxicity. Drugs dose reduction was indicated in 3 pts. Response after induction phase was complete in 11 pts and partial in 19 (ORR= 77%; 95%CI=64-90%). Thirty pts were referred to intensification phase (figure); 58 (97%) of 60 planned courses were actually delivered; G4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were recorded in 67%, 60% and 7% of courses, G3-4 febrile neutropenia in 22%, G4 sepsis in 8%. CMV reactivation was diagnosed in 4 pts, pulmonary aspergillosis in 1. No cases of G4 extra-hematological toxicity were recorded. Response after intensification phase (before conditioning) was complete in 22 pts and partial in 2 (ORR= 62%; 95%CI=47-77%). ASCs were collected in 21/22 (95%) pts (median 9.5 x 106/kg; range 6-19); 20 pts underwent ASCT. Response at the end of the whole program was complete in 23 pts and partial in 1 (ORR= 62%, 95%CI= 47-77%), 1 pt had SD, 10 experienced PD (all in the CNS), and 4 died of toxicity (sepsis 2, stroke, acute tracheal obstruction). Importantly, no pt was irradiated to the brain to achieve lymphoma remission, and no evidence of neurotoxicity was recorded in pts with a survival longer than 3 years. One pt was referred to sibling-donor transplant due to sMDS, and is alive and NED at 91 months of follow-up. At a median follow-up of 42 months, 16 pts remain relapse-free, with a 2-yr PFS of 42±8%. Sixteen pts are alive, with a 2-yr OS of 42±8%; 2-yr OS of transplanted pts was 72±11%. Extra-CNS and/or meningeal disease did not affect outcome, and survival was similar in both pts treated at presentation or at relapse. CONCLUSION: This radiotherapy-free combination of high doses of antimetabolites, R-HDS and ASCT is feasible and effective in pts ≤70 ys with secondary CNS lymphoma. Toxicity is usually haematological and manageable. Survival benefit is attainable also in pts with meningeal and/or concomitant extra-CNS disease. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Synergy of Unrelated Donor and Full Intensity Conditioning Breaks the Control of Graft Versus Host Disease By Alemtuzumab

Many variables influence the risk of graft versus host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Comparison between preparative regimens is hampered by the use of many different combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, varying intensity of conditioning, use of T cell depletion and donors who are either siblings or unrelated volunteers. Many reduced intensity regimens also incorporate enhanced GVHD prophylaxis with in vivo T cell depletion. Here we describe a cohort of patients prepared in a modular fashion with either reduced or full intensity conditioning combined with a uniform GVHD prophylaxis regimen for all transplants with sibling donors (alemtuzumab 30mg) and for all with unrelated donors (UD; alemtuzumab 60mg). Thus it was possible to dissect independently the effect of conditioning intensity and sibling or UD type upon GVHD risk in this settig of in vivo T cell depletion.Patients and analysis: the study was a retrospective analysis of 258 sequential transplants performed in adults with hematological malignancy between September 2005 and September 2013 at a single UK institution. Reduced intensity conditioning (n = 221) included fludarabine 150mg/m2 plus melphalan 140mg/m2 or fludarabine 150mg/m2 plus busulfan 9.6mg/kg. Full intensity transplants (n = 37) received 12Gy TBI plus melphalan 140mg/m2, 12Gy TBI plus cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg, or busulfan 16mg/kg plus cyclophosphamide 120mg/kg. All patients with sibling donors received 30mg alemtuzumab and those with UD received a 60mg of alemtuzumab. UD matching was similar in both reduced intensity and full intensity cohorts (92.2% and 86.5% 10/10 matches, respectively) but patients receiving reduced intensity were older than those receiving full intensity conditioning (median age 51 vs 31; p < 0.001). Outcome was analyzed according to EBMT guidelines. Relapse, non-relapse mortality and cGVHD were treated as competing risks and analysed as cumulative incidence.Outcome: the incidence of acute GVHD grades I-IV was comparable between reduced intensity and full intensity sibling transplants (45% vs 45%; p = NS) indicating a lack of effect of conditioning intensity upon GVHD risk in this setting. There was a slight increase in the risk of GVHD between reduced intensity UD compared with reduced intensity sibling donor transplants (57% vs 45%; p = NS) but a marked synergistic increase between UD transplants performed with full intensity compared with reduced intensity conditioning (100% vs 57%; p = < 0.001). The incidence of grades III-IV acute GVHD was also higher in full intensity UD transplants (16%) compared with reduced intensity UD transplants (5%). The incidence of chronic GVHD was also highest in full intensity UD transplants but both conditioning intensity and UD contributed in an additive manner: the rate of chronic GVHD progressed from 33% to 44% in reduced intensity and full intensity sibling transplants respectively and from 57% to 75% for reduced and full intensity UD transplants, respectively. Two year overall survival was comparable in all groups, ranging from 55% to 70%. In keeping with the higher rates of acute GVHD in full intensity transplants performed with UD, this group experienced the lowest relapse risk (15% vs 29% for all the other groups combined; p = 0.04) but the highest non-relapse mortality, reaching 41% at 2 years compared with 28% for all the other groups combined (p = 0.08).Conclusion: these results show that alemtuzumab provides good protection from acute GVHD in reduced intensity transplantation from sibling and UD. In sibling transplants given identical GVHD prophylaxis, full intensity conditioning does not increase the risk of GVHD. In contrast, a slight increase in GVHD risk with UD transplants seen with reduced intensity conditioning, is amplified in a synergistic manner by full intensity conditioning. This is associated with a high non-relapse mortality, even though the median age of full intensity patients is more than 20 years younger than those receiving reduced intensity conditioning. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

How we manage autologous stem cell transplantation for patients with multiple myeloma

AbstractAn estimated 22 350 patients had multiple myeloma diagnosed in 2013, representing 1.3% of all new cancers; 10 710 deaths are projected, representing 1.8% of cancer deaths. Approximately 0.7% of US men and women will have a myeloma diagnosis in their lifetime, and with advances in therapy, 77 600 US patients are living with myeloma. The 5-year survival rate was 25.6% in 1989 and was 44.9% in 2005. The median age at diagnosis is 69 years, with 62.4% of patients aged 65 or older at diagnosis. Median age at death is 75 years. The rate of new myeloma cases has been rising 0.7% per year during the past decade. The most common indication for autologous stem cell transplantation in the United States is multiple myeloma, and this article is designed to provide the specifics of organizing a transplant program for multiple myeloma. We review the data justifying use of stem cell transplantation as initial management in myeloma patients. We provide selection criteria that minimize the risks of transplantation. Specific guidelines on mobilization and supportive care through the transplant course, as done at Mayo Clinic, are given. A review of the data on tandem vs sequential autologous transplants is provided.

Sequential myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation and reduced intensity allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is safe and feasible in children, adolescents and young adults with poor-risk refractory or recurrent Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The outcome of children, adolescents and young adults (CAYA) with poor-risk recurrent/refractory lymphoma is dismal (⩽30%). To overcome this poor prognosis, we designed an approach to maximize an allogeneic graft vs lymphoma effect in the setting of low disease burden. We conducted a multi-center prospective study of myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and autologous stem cell transplantation (AutoSCT), followed by a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (AlloHCT) in CAYA, with poor-risk refractory or recurrent lymphoma. Conditioning for MAC AutoSCT consisted of carmustine/etoposide/cyclophosphamide, RIC consisted of busulfan/fludarabine. Thirty patients, 16 Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and 14 non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), with a median age of 16 years and median follow-up of 5years, were enrolled. Twenty-three patients completed both MAC AutoSCT and RIC AlloHCT. Allogeneic donor sources included unrelated cord blood (n=9), unrelated donor (n=8) and matched siblings (n=6). The incidence of transplant-related mortality following RIC AlloHCT was only 12%. In patients with HL and NHL, 10 year EFS was 59.8% and 70% (P=0.613), respectively. In summary, this approach is safe, and long-term EFS with this approach is encouraging considering the poor-risk patient characteristics and the use of unrelated donors for RIC AlloHCT in the majority of cases.

Do we need a different organ allocation system for kidney transplants using donors after circulatory death?

BackgroundThere is no national policy for allocation of kidneys from Donation after circulatory death (DCD) donors in the UK. Allocation is geographical and based on individual/regional centre policies. We have evaluated the short term outcomes of paired kidneys from DCD donors subject to this allocation policy.MethodsRetrospective analysis of paired renal transplants from DCD’s from 2002 to 2010 in London. Cold ischemia time (CIT), recipient risk factors, delayed graft function (DGF), 3 and 12 month creatinine) were compared.ResultsComplete data was available on 129 paired kidneys.115 pairs were transplanted in the same centre and 14 pairs transplanted in different centres. There was a significant increase in CIT in kidneys transplanted second when both kidneys were accepted by the same centre (15.5 ± 4.1 vs 20.5 ± 5.8 hrs p < 0.0001 and at different centres (15.8 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 5.5 hrs p = 0.0008). DGF rates were increased in the second implant following sequential transplantation (p = 0.05).ConclusionsPaired study sequential transplantation of kidneys from DCD donors results in a significant increase in CIT for the second kidney, with an increased risk of DGF. Sequential transplantation from a DCD donor should be avoided either by the availability of resources to undertake simultaneous procedures or the allocation of kidneys to 2 separate centres.