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BACKGROUND Optimization of chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has led to increase the frequency of cases with complete response (CR). Nonetheless, many MM patients still experience relapse, suggesting that CR represents a suboptimal response criteria, and that new therapeutic strategies are needed after single transplant. However, the role of double autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as new adjunctive strategy remains to be elucidated. Indeed, we investigated the role of minimal residual disease (MRD) and log-reduction of plasma cells (PCs) as predictors of outcome and in quantifying the degree of tumor reduction after any ASCT. METHODS MRD and log-reduction were assessed by a six-color flow cytometry (FC) at different time-points: post induction, post first-, and post-second ASCT. RESULTS A significant difference was evidenced among the three time points for both log-reduction (P < 0.001) and MRD (P = 0.005). MRD levels after double ASCT were lower than MRD levels achieved after single ASCT (P = 0.005) and after induction (P < 0.001). Frequency of MRD positive patients after double ASCT was significantly lower rather than after the first ASCT (P = 0.008) and after induction (P = 0.004). Interestingly, a significant reduction of PFS was observed in patients with an unfavorable-risk cytogenetic (P < 0.001) and patients with MRD over 0.01% (P = 0.001) as well as log-reduction lower than 2.57 (P = 0.018) after double ASCT. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that a better clearance of myeloma cells is observed after the double ASCT, and a longer PFS is associated with a lower MRD. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Introduction: In patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a short course of steroids is routinely given as first-line therapy. However, the response is often transient and additional therapy is usually needed. Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are frequently used as second-line therapy, although there is little clinical guidance on the timing of their administration and on tapering/discontinuation of the drug. To provide clinical recommendations, we used the Delphi technique to obtain consensus for statements regarding administration and on tapering/discontinuation of second-line TPO-RAs among a group of Italian clinicians with expertise in management of ITP. Methods: The Delphi process was used to obtain agreement on five statements regarding initiation and on tapering/discontinuation of second-line TPO-RAs. Agreement was considered when 75% of participants approved the statement. Eleven experts participated in the voting. Results: Full consensus was reached for three of the five statements. The experts held that an early switch from corticosteroids to a TPO-RA has the dual advantage of sparing patients from corticosteroid abuse and improve long-term clinical outcomes. All felt that dose reduction of TPO-RAs can be considered in patients with a stable response and platelet count >100 × 109/L that is maintained for at least 6 months in the absence of concomitant treatments, although there was less agreement in patients with a platelet count >50 × 109/L. Near consensus was reached regarding the statement that early treatment with a TPO-RA is associated with an increase in clinically significant partial or complete response. The experts also agreed that optimization of tapering and discontinuation of TPO-RA therapy in selected patients can improve the quality of life. Conclusion: The present consensus can help to provide guidance on use of TPO-RAs in daily practice in patients with ITP. Plain language summary Second-line administration of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in immune thrombocytopenia There is little guidance on the timing of administration and tapering/discontinuation of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus for five statements. The present consensus among Italian clinicians aims to provide guidance on second-line use of TPO-RAs for patients with ITP in daily practice.

The standard management for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is salvage therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This strategy allows almost 50% of patients to be cured. Post-ASCT maintenance treatment with brentuximab vedotin (BV) confers improved progression-free survival (PFS) to cHL patients at high risk of relapse. We investigated the outcome of 105 cHL patients receiving post-ASCT BV maintenance in the real-life setting of 23 Italian hematology centers. This population included naïve patients and those previously exposed to BV. Median follow-up was 20 months. Patients presented a median of two lines of treatment pre-ASCT, with 51% receiving BV. Twenty-nine percent of patients had at least two high-risk factors (refractory disease, complete response [CR] less than 12 months, extranodal disease at relapse), while 16% presented none. At PET-CT, a Deauville score (DS) of 1-3 was reported in 75% and 78% of pre- and post-ASCT evaluations, respectively. Grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs), mainly peripheral neuropathy, were observed in 16% of patients. Three-year PFS and overall survival (OS) were 62% and 86%, respectively. According to BV exposure, 3-year PFS and OS were 54% and 71%, respectively, for naïve and 77% and 96%, respectively, for previously exposed patients. Refractory disease (hazard ratio [HR] 4.46; p = 0.003) and post-ASCT DS 4-5 (HR 3.14; p = 0.005) were the only two factors significantly associated with PFS reduction in multivariable analysis. Post-ASCT BV maintenance is an effective, safe treatment option for cHL naïve patients and those previously exposed to BV.

Introduction Ibrutinib is the only once-daily Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor with significant survival benefit vs chemo- and /or immunotherapy in multiple phase 3 studies of patients (pts) with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It has profoundly changed the treatment landscape of CLL with the longest follow-up. However, seven years (yrs) after ibrutinib was approved in Italy by regulatory agencies for CLL treatment, available data on the patterns of care of such pts in the setting of clinical practice is limited. Herein we present the first interim analysis (IA) of EVIdeNCE (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03720561), a multicenter, observational clinical study designed to describe the current management of pts receiving ibrutinib in real-world setting in Italy in terms of retention rate: the study's primary end point. Methods EVIDENCE 312 treatment-naïve (TN) 38% and relapsed/refractory (R/R) 62% pts with CLL according to the iwCLL diagnosis criteria observed at 39 Italian hematological institutions in the period between November 2018 and October 2019. Inclusion criteria were treatment with ibrutinib according to the European Summary of Product Characteristics as per routine clinical practice started within the previous 3 months. The purpose of this IA is to provide demographics and disease characteristics at baseline and a preliminary evaluation of ibrutinib retention rate after one year of follow-up, along with its safety profile. Results The median age of pts at the time of ibrutinib initiation was 71.0 yrs (range 41.0-89.0), with 60% ≥70 yrs, 63.2% male, and 90% with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance 0-1. Baseline Rai stage 0-I, II, and III-IV accounted for 18.3%, 29.7% and 52.1% pts, respectively. Patients in stage IV were observed in 40% of the R/R and 27% in TN subgroup. Considering 120 pts with known mutational status, del(17p) and/or TP53 mutation were present in 50.0% of pts (TN=52.1%, R/R=48.6%), while IGHV was unmutated in 35.0% (TN=33.3% and R/R=36.15) and mutated in 15.0% (TN=14.6%, R/R=15.3%). At baseline, 62.9% of pts had comorbidities and 30.6% presented with a history of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A CIRS score ≥6 was observed in 28.5% of pts. The median time from CLL diagnosis to the start of ibrutinib was 5.1 yrs (TN 1.75 yrs vs R/R 7.27 yrs). At least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) of any grade was experienced by 70.7% of pts. Frequencies were as follows: infections (30.8%; COVID-19 infections 3.2%), arthralgia (10.8%), neutropenia (9.3%), fatigue (8.4%), diarrhea (7.7%), atrial fibrillation (7.4%; grade 3-4, 4.2%), fever (7.1%), rash (6.4%), anemia (6.1%) and hypertension (4.2%). Mild bleeding TEAEs were reported in 16.1% of pts with no major bleeding event. TEAEs were more frequent in the elderly (≥65 yrs) while no significant differences in the rate of TEAEs were recorded in TN and R/R pts (69.7% vs 71.4%, respectively). Serious TEAEs were reported in 21.9% of pts. Overall in intention to treat (ITT), 32 deaths (10%) were observed (TN=8, R/R=24). The most common causes of death were infections (3.5%) and progressive disease (PD) (1.9%). Permanent discontinuation was observed in 56 (18%) of the pts (TN=17.2%, R/R=18.7%) and it mostly occurred within the first 6 months. Main causes of discontinuation were toxicity (6.1%), PD (3.8%) or death (3.5%). Temporary interruptions (≤ 3 months without therapy and/or dose modifications) during the whole observation period occurred in 30.3% (TN=35.3%, R/R=27.2%) and 37.7% (TN=37.5%, R/R=37.8%) of pts, respectively, mainly determined by toxicity and clinical judgment. Finally, in this first IA after 17.3 months (range 1.1 - 27.0) median follow-up, the ibrutinib retention rate (calculated as the ratio between the number of patients who retained ibrutinib treatment over the total number of patients at risk) at 1-year was 81.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 77.2% - 86.1%] with no difference between TN 83.2% (95% CI, 75.2% - 89.4%) and R/R 81.2% pts (95% CI, 74.9% - 86.4%). Conclusions EVIDENCE is the first real-world study of ibrutinib use in CLL clinical practice in Italy. Ibrutinib retention rate at one-year suggests a better knowledge and expertise of hematologists in the management of ibrutinib-related toxicities that may result in an improved long-term outcome of pts with CLL. Disclosures Molica: Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astrazeneca: Honoraria. Scarfo: Astra Zeneca: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria, Other: Travel grants. Murru: Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: travel and accommodation; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria. Sportoletti: AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria. Frigeri: Celgene: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau. Sanna: Janssen: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy. Coscia: Janssen: Honoraria, Other, Research Funding; AbbVie: Honoraria, Other; AstraZeneca: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria. Reda: Abbvie: Consultancy; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy; Beigene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy. Tafuri: Novartis: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding. Grugnetti: Janssen: Current Employment. Magarotto: Janssen: Current Employment. Mauro: Tskeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are currently indicated for continuous treatment of chronic primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, there is growing evidence that TPO-RAs can also trigger sustained response in 10-30% of cases after treatment tapering and discontinuation. Therefore, at least for selected responding patients, it might be rational to plan TPO-RA interruption to exploit off-treatment response. Intriguingly, complete or partial responses with TPO-RAs are frequently observed when treatments are initiated early, suggesting that unknown immune-related mechanisms may be involved in this phenomenon. The sustained responses observed after interruption of TPO-RAs may be interpreted as a recovery of immunological tolerance; thus, the re-establishment of immunological equilibrium might be primarily responsible for the observed off-treatment effect. Importantly, these findings may indicate that anticipated TPO-RA usage can lead to improved responses, and that optimized tapering and interruption in selected patients can furthermore improve prognoses. On the base of this rationale, a series of real-life considerations have been generated by a panel of Experts to elucidate possible novel criteria and modalities to identify subgroups of patients who can benefit from tapering and/or discontinuation of TPO-RAs. Towards this aim, the results of a survey of ITP experts are herein reported, reflecting a snapshot of current real-life experience on early discontinuation of TPO-RA-based therapy. The present manuscript also highlights the importance of future translational studies on novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers that can stratify patients and facilitate the clinical choice for second-line treatment of ITP.

The PLASMIC score for the prediction of a likelihood of a severe ADAMTS13 deficiency represents a valid pre-test diagnostic tool to identify patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

High-dose chemotherapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard of care for relapsed/refractory (RR) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Given that HDT may cure a sizeable proportion of patients refractory to first salvage, development of newer conditioning regimens remains a priority. We present the results of a novel HDT regimen in which carmustine was substituted by a third-generation chloroethylnitrosourea, fotemustine, with improved pharmacokinetics and safety (FEAM; fotemustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) in 122 patients with RR-HL accrued into a prospective registry-based study. Application of FEAM resulted in a 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) of 73·8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0·64-0·81] with median PFS, overall survival and time to progression yet to be reached. The 2-year risk of progression adjusted for the competitive risk of death was 19·4% (95% CI, 0·12-0·27) for the entire patient population. Most previously established independent risk factors, except for fluorodeoxyglucose ((18) (F) FDG)-uptake, were unable to predict for disease progression and survival after FEAM. Although 32% of patients had (18) (F) FDG-positrin emission tomography-positive lesions before HDT, the 2-year risk of progression adjusted for competitive risk of death was 19·4% (95% CI; 0·12-0·27). No unusual acute toxicities or early/late pulmonary adverse events were registered. FEAM emerges as an ideal HDT regimen for RR-HL patients typically pre-exposed to lung-damaging treatments.

Summary To date, no prospective study on Plerixafor ‘on-demand’ in combination with chemotherapy and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported. We present an interim analysis of the first prospective study in which Plerixafor was administered on-demand in patients affected by multiple myeloma and lymphoma who received high dose cyclophosphamide or DHAP (dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin) plus G-CSF to mobilize peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC). One hundred and two patients were evaluable for response. A cohort of 240 patients receiving the same mobilizing chemotherapy was retrospectively studied. Failure to mobilize CD34+ cells in peripheral blood was reduced by ‘on-demand’ strategy compared to conventional mobilization; from 13·0 to 3·0% (P = 0·004). Failure to harvest CD34+ cells 2 × 106/kg decreased from 20·9 to 4·0% (P = 0·0001). The on-demand Plerixafor strategy also resulted in a lower rate of mobilization failure (P = 0·03) and harvest failure (P = 0·0008) when compared to a ‘bias-adjusted set of controls’. Evaluation of economic costs of the two strategies showed that the overall cost of the two treatments were comparable when salvage mobilizations were taken into account. When in combination with cyclophosphamide or DHAP plus G-CSF, the ‘on-demand’ use of Plerixafor showed, in comparison to conventionally treated patients, a significant improvement in mobilization of PBSC with no increase in overall cost.

Background: The most important drawback of clinical trials of high-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in lymphomas is the high heterogeneity of histological entities. Therefore, the statistical power is reduced, and data are not conclusive. We previously demonstrated the safety of a new conditioning regimen with bendamustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BeEAM) prior to ASCT in resistant/relapsed lymphoma patients. This combination of drugs was able to induce a high CR rate in a population that did not have an opportunity of being cured with other therapies. However, that study enrolled both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. Aims: We designed a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy of the BeEAM conditioning in resistant/relapsed diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. Patients and methods: The study was registered at European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (EudraCT) N. 2011-001246-14. Until now, 61 patients (median age 54 years, range 19-69) with resistant/relapsed DLBCL were enrolled. The primary end-point of the study is to evaluate the 1-year complete remission rate. Results: Briefly, 46/61 patients had advanced stage disease (III-IV); 20 were primary refractory and 41 had relapsed after a median number of 2 lines of therapy (range: 1-3). Twenty-one patients had 1 or more relevant comorbidities (range: 1- 5). 30 patients were in II or subsequent CR after salvage therapy, whereas 27 were in PR and 4 had stable or progressive disease. A median number of 5.72x106 CD34+/kg cells (range 2.21-10.60) collected from peripheral blood was reinfused to patients. All patients engrafted, with a median time to ANC>0.5x109/l of 10 days. Median times to achieve a platelet count >20x109/l and >50x109/l were 12 and 17 days respectively. Twenty-two out of 61 patients presented a fever of unknown origin (36%), whereas 24 patients (39%) presented a clinically documented infection. All patients received G-CSF after transplant for a median time of 8 days (range: 8-13). One patient died due to an incomplete hematological recovery after transplant, producing an overall transplant related mortality of 2.7%. Fifty-seven patients are evaluable for response: 48/57 (84%) obtained a CR, 3/57 (5%) a PR, whereas 6/57 (11%) did not respond to therapy. After a median follow-up of 10.5 months after transplant (range 3-37), 6/57 (11%) patients were refractory, 12/57 (21%) relapsed and 39/57 (68%) are still alive, in continuous CR. Conclusion: Our clinical trial was designed to closely resemble real-world treatment for these patients. During the study, we transplanted a similar proportion of the patients that would have received ASCT in a real-world scenario. While we cannot make sound comparisons without head-to-head trials, results from previous studies using HDT regimens in DLCBL have not been as encouraging as ours. Accordingly, our data preliminary provide the evidence that the Benda-BEAM regimen is safe and has promising high efficacy in resistant-relapsed aggressive DLBCL patients. Acknowledgments: The study was supported in part by AIL Pesaro Onlus. Mundipharma Italy is grateful acknowledged for providing Bendamustine free of charge. Disclosures Patriarca: Janssen-Cilag, Celgene, Merck Sharp & Dohme: Honoraria. Zinzani:Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; J&J: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background: Ibrutinib is a first-in-class oral inhibitor of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) approved for the treatment patients with CLL who have received at least one prior therapy (R/R) or Treatment Naïve (TN) with del17p. Ibrutinib has been showed to improve progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) even in presence of del17p. Moreover there is a good tolerability profile such as to not lead to frequent and permanent interruption of therapy.Methods: In 131 CLL/SLL patients (including previously treated and untreated with del17) from eight different hematologic centers of REP (Rete Ematologica Pugliese) Ibrutinib 420 mg once daily was administrated until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. PFS, OS and Overall response rate (ORR) were calculated. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate PFS/OS and differences in survival times between groups were assessed with a log-rank test.Results: Among 131 pts, 9 (6.9%) received Ibrutinib as first line therapy (TN) and 122 (R/R) received prior therapies before Ibrutinib (39.7% BR, 18.3% FCR and other treatments); 90% (1-2) lines of therapy, 8% (3-4) lines and 2% more than 5. Median age of the 131 pts with CLL/SLL was 65 y (range, 28-84) with 50% ≥65 y.ECOG Performance Status was observed in 108 pts (0, 56%; 1, 40%; 2, 4%). FISH analysis was performed in 85/131 pts (65%) and some patients had more than one deletion. Among these, 42% had del17p (TN 100% and R/R 36%) and for the remaining R/R was 16% del13q, 4% del11q, 7% trisomy12 and in the others no abnormalities were found. Unmutated and mutated IGVH was performed in 78/131 patients (60%), 63% and 37% respectively. The ORR was 80% (complete response [CR], 10%) for all-treated pts (TN: 86%, R/R: 77%) and for R/R pts with del17p the ORR was 61%.With a median time on study of 17 months (range, 1-45), median PFS was not reached for all TN or R/R patients and the estimated PFS at 30 months was 66,7% for R/R patients. We exclude from our further analysis 9 TN patients because of the small sample size and the lack of events in a median follow up of 15 months (range, 3-24). In 122 R/R pts, median PFS was 39 months for pts with del17p and median PFS was not reached for pts without abnormality (overall logrank p=0.543). At 30 m the estimated PFS was 65.1% for del17p pts and 80.4% for no abnormality pts . Median OS was not reached for 122 R/R patients and the estimated PFS at 30 months was 72.7%. Median OS was not reached in pts with and without del17p (overall logrank p=0.807) with an estimated OS at 30 months of 81.7% and 90.2% respectively.In 47% of all treated patients adverse events (AEs) with grade ≥3 were neutropenia (16%), hypertension (12%), atrial fibrillation (3%), anemia (3%), diarrhea (2%). With a median follow up of 17 months 80% of pts remain on Ibrutinib treatment.Conclusions: In our real life experience with data from REP, Ibrutinib single agent demonstred to be effective. In R/R patients, with a median time on study of 17 months, the estimated PFS at 30 m was 66.7%. The differences in PFS between patients with and without del17p was not statistically significant (p=0.543) but at 30 months the estimated PFS was lower in del17p pts than in no abnormality pts (65.1% vs 80.4%).The treatment was well tolerated with AEs of grade ≥3 in a low percentage (36%) that did not result in treatment interruptions in the most of cases. Clearly, these results will require longer follow up time to be further confirmed. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Thirty-seven anaemic subjects with low-to-intermediate risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) received the highly glycosylated, long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating molecule darbepoetin-alpha (DPO) at the single, weekly dose of 150 microg s.c. for at least 12 weeks. Fifteen patients (40.5%) achieved an erythroid response (13 major and two minor improvements, respectively, according to International Working Group criteria). Such results are currently maintained after 7-22 months in 13 of the responders, one of whom required iron substitutive therapy during the treatment. One patient relapsed after 4 months. Another responder died after 5 months because of causes unrelated to the treatment. No relevant side-effects were recorded. At multivariate analysis, significant predictive factors of response were baseline serum levels of endogenous erythropoietin

Background. The therapeutic approach in thrombocythemic patients with Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph- MPN), in order to result cost-effective (primum non nocere), is commonly driven by the risk factors considered in the gradually updated guidelines. However, no studies were addressed to evaluate if and how the real-life therapeutic approach changed in the last decades. Objective. To evaluate, in a large series of thrombocythemic patients with Ph- MPN, the impact of clinical and biological characteristics at diagnosis on the therapeutic approach adopted before and after the publication of the Italian guidelines for essential thrombocythemia therapy [1]. Methods. The analysis considered, in the patients of the Registro Italiano Trombocitemie (RIT), the clinical and biological characteristics at diagnosis, and the treatment ongoing after 3, 6, 12, and >12 months from diagnosis (antiplatelet alone [AntiPLT]; cytoreductive alone [CYT]; CYT+AntiPLT). Results. The analyzed patients were 2418, 914 (38%) males and 1504 (62%) females, with a diagnosis (PVSG or WHO criteria) performed before and after 2005 in 51% and 49% of cases, respectively. The rate of ongoing treatment with AntiPLT, CYT, and CYT+AntiPLT increased as follows: at 3rd month 16%, 12%, and 31%; at 12th month 17%, 14%, and 39%; after 12 months 19%, 16%, and 55%, respectively. Patients treated with CYT or CYT+AntiPLT did not significantly differ in their characteristics at diagnosis. The analysis of data at the 3rd month (initial phase) showed that: 1) CYT±AntiPLT treatment, ongoing in 43% of patients, was significantly related, in univariate analysis, to male gender, older age, prior thrombosis, higher thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, higher HCT level, CVRFs, comorbidities, symptoms, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and bone marrow fibrosis grade >0 (no relationship with JAK2 V617F mutation, and prior hemorrhage); in multivariate analysis, it was significantly related to age >60 y, age 40-60 y, prior thrombosis, PLT >1000 x109/L, PLT 700-1000 x109/L, symptoms, and comorbidities. 2) patients with standard high risk (age >60 y, and/or prior thrombosis, and/or PLT >1500 x109/L ) were receiving CYT±AntiPLT (59%), AntiPLT (7%), and no treatment (34%). 3) patients with standard low risk were receiving CYT±AntiPLT (22%), AntiPLT (27%), and no treatment (51%). Low risk patients receiving CYT±AntiPLT had age 40-60 y (73%), CVRFs (59%), symptoms (53%), comorbidities (42%), PLT 1000-1500 x109/L (35%), PLT 700-1000 x109/L (42%), JAK2 V617F mutation (30%), WBC >10 x109/L (22%). 4) in patients receiving CYT±AntiPLT, the initial cytoreductive drug and the median age were: hydroxycarbamide (80%, 68 y), anagrelide (6%, 49 y), interferon alpha (9%, 42 y), pipobroman (2%, 72 y), busulfan (3%, 70 y). The AntiPLT drug mostly used was low dose ASA (86-90% of cases, at any age). 5) Patients diagnosed after 2005, compared with those diagnosed before, showed a higher rate of CYT±AntiPLT treatment when at standard high risk ( 64% vs 53 % p Conclusion. The initial (within the 3rd month) therapeutic approach in the thrombocythemic Ph- MPN patients of the RIT was after 2005 relatively compliant with the 2004 Italian guidelines. In fact, the rate of CYT±AntiPLT treatment in patients with standard high risk was higher than before (64% vs 53%, p [1] Barbui T et al. Haematologica 2004; [2] Harrison C et al. NEJM 2005; [3] Gisslinger H et al. NEJM 2013; [4] Passamonti F et al. Blood 2012; [5] Barbui T et al. Blood 2012 *The RIT is a project of the GIMEMA Foundation Disclosures Gugliotta: Shire : Honoraria.

Background: the Registro Italiano Trombocitemie (RIT) was activated mainly to evaluate the diagnosis and therapy appropriateness in the thrombocythemic patients with Ph-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) observed in the adhering centers. Objective: to evaluate how the diagnostic and therapeutic approach changed in the RIT patients diagnosed with thrombocythemic MPN in the last two decades. Methods: the RIT centers registered by a web-based system during the years 2005-2014 their thrombocythemic MPN patients, and semesterly updated their follow-up data. For patients diagnosed before 2005, the data on diagnosis and prior follow-up were retrospectively collected. The diagnostic process and the initial treatment (started into the first year after diagnosis) were comparatively analyzed in the patients diagnosed before and after 2005. Results: the RIT centers registered 2629 patients. 2388 of them, object of this analysis, were diagnosed between1995 and 2014: 1098 (46%) in the decade 1995-2004 (Group I), and 1290 (54%) in the decade 2005-2014 (Group II). The diagnostic process in the patients of Group II and Group I included bone marrow biopsy (BMB, performed into 1 year and before any cytoreduction): 85% vs 80%, p The patients of Group II, as compared with those of Group I, showed a similar gender distribution (M/F ratio 0.61 vs 0.65, p 0.452), and had at diagnosis: a higher age (median 60 vs 57 years, p 60 years in 50% vs 45% of cases, p Moreover, they had: a lower platelet (PLT) count (median 737 vs 775 x 109/L, p 10 x 109/L in 28% vs 26% cases); a similar median levels of hematocrit (HCT %, in females 41.4 vs 41.0; in males 44.7 vs 44.6) and hemoglobin (Hb g/dL, in females 13.8 vs 13.6; in males 15.0 vs 14.9). The BMB, revised according to the WHO 2008 criteria, showed a not different distribution (p 0.21) of ET (64% vs 61%), ep-PMF (16% vs 17%), PMF (3% vs 2%), PV (4% vs 4%), and U-MPN (13% vs 16%. The JAK2 V617F mutation in patients of Group II (at diagnosis) and of Group I (after diagnosis) was found in 62% and in 58% of tested cases (p 0.054), respectively. The patients at high standard thrombotic risk were 58% vs 52%, p 0.004. In the patients of Group II and Group I the distribution of the treatment started into the first year was significantly different (p The treatment CYT ± AntiPLT was started in the patients at high standard thrombotic risk with a rate of 81% vs 80%, respectively, and in the patients at low standard thrombotic risk in 37% vs 43% of cases, respectively. The initial treatment CYT±AntiPLT was related, in multivariate analysis, both in patients of Group II and Group I, with older age (>60 and 40-60 vs 1000 and 700-1000 vs Conclusion: in the studied thrombocythemic MPN patients the real-life diagnostic approach was improved after 2005 not only due to the routine use of JAK2 tests, but also due to the higher rate of BMB done (85% vs 80%). The appropriateness of the cytoreductive treatment (CYT±AntiPLT started into one year from diagnosis) remained high in patients at high standard thrombotic risk (over 80% of cases were treated). Concomitantly, the inappropriate use of the cytoreductive drugs in patients at low standard thrombotic risk appreciably decreased (from 43% to 37% of cases). Moreover, it has to be remarked that the therapeutic approach was significantly influenced not only by older age and prior thrombosis, but also by thrombocytosis (PLT count >700 x 109/L), disease-related symptoms, and inconstantly by leukocytosis and CVRFs. Table Table. Disclosures Gugliotta: SHIRE Co.: Honoraria. Gugliotta:Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Desferrioxamine (DFO) has been suggested to improve erythropoiesis in end-stage renal failure independently of its aluminium (Al)-chelating effect. A possible synergistic effect of DFO and recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEpo) could be very useful in treating anaemia of chronic renal failure.In order to verify whether a synergistic action of DFO and r-HuEpo exists, we enrolled 11 patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis and r-HuEpo treatment. All had a negative DFO test, very low serum Al levels (20 microg/l), ferritin100 ng% and iPTH200 pg/l. Samples were drawn for a basal erythroid precursor (burst-forming unit-Erythroid, BFU-E) evaluation. After isolation by Ficoll Hypaque, a 14 day incubation was carried out with: (i) r-HuEpo 3 U/ml; (ii) r-HuEpo 30 U/ml; and (iii) r-HuEpo 30 U/ml + DFO 167 microg/ml. Patients then received 5 mg/kg DFO infused during the last hour of each dialysis session for 12 weeks. New BFU-E evaluations were performed after 2, 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. BFU-E colonies were counted in duplicate with an inverted microscope after 14 days. Haemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, transferrin, reticulocytes, hypochromic erythrocytes, soluble transferrin receptor and serum erythropoietin were also evaluated at the same time.High dose r-HuEpo achieved greater proliferation than low dose r-HuEpo cultures during all phases of the study. At baseline, r-HuEpo and DFO culture had a greater number of colony units than high dose r-HuEpo culture ( 103.7 +/- 50.2 vs 95.1 +/- 50.5, NS). This increase became significant after 2 weeks (145 +/- 59.3 vs 122.9 +/- 59.6, P0.02), and remained so at 6 (167.4 +/- 60.3 vs 149 +/- 55.6, P0.01) and 12 weeks (191 +/- 64.5 vs 155.1 +/- 56.3, P0.01). An increased proliferation was observed after DFO therapy in all culture studies: low dose r-HuEpo culture increased from 69.4 +/- 38.2 to 86.6 +/- 48.5, 115 +/- 39 and 123 +/- 46; high dose r-HuEpo culture increased from 95.1 +/- 50.5 to 122.9 +/- 59, 149 +/- 55.6 and 155.1 +/- 56.3 and r-HuEpo plus DFO culture from 103.7 +/- 50.2 to 145 +/- 59.3, 167 +/- 60.3 and 191 +/- 64.5 at 2, 6 and 12 weeks, respectively (all P0.01 by ANOVA). Haemoglobin, reticulocytes and soluble transferrin receptor were slightly increased, while ferritin decreased. Hypochromic erytrocytes were variable.DFO increases erythroid precursor proliferation and has a synergistic in vivo effect with r-HuEpo in patients with chronic renal failure. Further investigations are needed to evaluate whether such an effect may have clinical application.

The failure of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) mobilization and harvest is a critical issue for multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy. Plerixafor (PLX) is an effective mobilizing agent; however, its use for every MM patient undergoing high-dose chemotherapy has led to a notable increase in costs. We designed a highly specific and sensitive algorithm for identifying patients likely to fail PBSC mobilization after chemotherapy and G-CSF (Blood Transfusion 2013.11:94). The use of this algorithm thereby allows selective administration of PLX to patients predicted to fail mobilization after chemotherapy and G-CSF (on-demand PLX) and may reduce failure rate of PBSC mobilization while limiting cost. We performed a multicenter phase II prospective study of on-demand PLX used according to our algorithm for patients with lymphoma or MM, who were mobilized by cyclophosphamide and G-CSF. The study was powered to demonstrate a reduction in mobilization failure from 14% to 7% for the entire population of treated patients. Here, we report the final results for MM patients. The inclusion criteria for MM patients were as follows: diagnosis of symptomatic MM, age 18-70 yr, achievement of any response after first-line treatment administered for 4-8 months, first mobilization attempt, cardiac and pulmonary function adequate for high-dose chemotherapy. Mobilization schedule was cyclophosphamide (CTX, 4 g/m2) and G-CSF (5-10 mcg/Kg), PLX (240 mcg/Kg) was administered only to patients selected by the algorithm. Estimation of costs was performed according to a previously reported study (BJH 2014, 164, 113). There were 111 patients with MM who underwent treatment. Successful CD34+ cell mobilization (>20×109 cells/mL in PB) was achieved for 97.2% (108/111) of patients, and failure of mobilization occurred in the remaining 3 (2.8%); minimal apheretic harvest success (>2.0×106 CD34+ cells/Kg) was achieved for 97.2% (108/111); and optimal harvest success (=/>4.0×106 CD34+ cells/Kg) was achieved for 84.6% (94/111). On-demand PLX was needed for 8.2% of patients (9/111). After autologous hematopoietic transplantation, neutrophil (N) engraftment (N>0.5x109 cells/L) was reached at day +11.8 (range day +8 to +24). We compared these prospective results with the mobilization results obtained retrospectively in a control group of 183 MM patients who received the same mobilization schedule without PLX. After the two groups were adjusted for unbalanced factors, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that on-demand PLX treatment according to the algorithm led to significant increases in the probabilities of achieving a successful minimal apheretic harvest (p=0.006; hazard ratio [HR] 5.624, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.168-19.548) and optimal harvest (p=0.02; HR 2.121, 95% CI 1.118-4.025). The mean cost increase for the first mobilization in the PLX-on-demand prospective study, in respect to control group, was 615 €/patient. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated as: (cost1-cost2)/(result1-result2). ICER was 47 €/1% increase in probability of a minimal apheretic harvest while it was 68 €/1% increase in probability of an optimal apheretic harvest. In conclusion, the final analysis of our study found that on-demand PLX for MM patients, which was added to the mobilization schedule of CTX (4 g/m2) + G-CSF (5-10 mcg/Kg), allowed a successful harvest from the first mobilization treatment in > 97% of patients, with 85% of patients achieving a harvest sufficient for two rounds of high-dose chemotherapy. These results indicate that on-demand PLX added to mobilization chemotherapy is a significant improvement over the same type of mobilization chemotherapy without PLX. The limited use of PLX in this study allowed for a favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of this expensive agent. On-demand PLX used according to a validated algorithm in addition to CTX plus G-CSF may be considered a new standard for PBSC mobilization and harvest in patients with MM. Table 1.Failure of CD34+ Mobilization in PB Failure of Minimal Harvest Failure of Optimal Harvest Cost per PatientICER (Minimal Harvest)ICER (Optimal Harvest)PLX on Demand (n 111)2.8%2.8%15.4%3,969 €47 €/ 1% increase in probability of a Minimal Harvest68 €/ 1% increase in probability of an Optimal HarvestControl Cohort (n 183)7.6%15.8%24.4%3,354 €P (adjusted for comparisons)NS0.0060.02 Disclosures Milone: Sanofi: Consultancy. Martino:Sanofi: Consultancy. Olivieri:Sanofi: Consultancy.

Background. In patients with Ph-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) the molecular pattern, beside other characteristics at diagnosis, has been related to the disease prognosis. Aim. To compare clinical and biological features at diagnosis and during the follow-up in gender/age-matched MPN patients showing different molecular pattern. Material and methods. The Registro Italiano Trombocitemie (RIT) is a web-based registry that includes thrombocythemic MPN patients diagnosed according to PVSG or WHO criteria, registered after 2005, and then prospectically followed. The JAK2 V617F mutation (JAK2+) was reported in 941 (58.4%) out of 1610 tested patients. On the basis of subsequent tests, performed in part of the JAK2 WT (JAK2-) subjects, 103 patients were JAK2-/CALR+ (CALR+), 14 patients were JAK2-/CALR-/MPL+ (MPL+), and 46 were JAK2-/CALR-/MPL- (3NEG). The 103 CALR+ patients were compared with 309 (103 x 3) JAK2+ patients matched for gender, age, and revised diagnosis (WHO 2008 criteria). A similar comparison was done between 46 3NEG patients and other 138 (46 x 3) JAK2+ matched patients. Results. CALR+ and matched JAK2+ patients had, as expected, the same gender distribution (males 41%), the same median age (51 years), and no significant difference (p 0.42) in the WHO diagnosis distribution. CALR+ patients, as compared with JAK2+ patients, showed at diagnosis: higher median platelet (PLT) count (839 vs 718 x109/L, p CARL+ and JAK2+ patients had the same rate of antiplatelet and cytoreductive treatment (96% vs 96%, and 86% vs 84%, respectively). During the follow-up the incidence of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events was not significantly different (1.3 vs 1.1/100 pt-years, and 1.0 vs 0.6/100 pt-years, respectively). Moreover, no significant difference was observed in the incidence of evolution to overt primary myelofibrosis (PMF, 0.76 vs 0.61/100 pt-years), polycythemia vera (PV, 0 vs 0.24/100 pt-years), and AL/MDS (0.08 vs 0.10/100 pt-years). Finally, the same overall survival was found after 5, 10. 15, and 20 years (99, 97, 94, 93%, respectively). 3NEG patients, as compared with JAK2+ matched patients, showed at diagnosis: lower median WBC count (7.9 vs 10.9 x 109/L, p 0.03); lower Hb and/or HCT level (p 0.006); lower rate of splenomegaly (7% vs 28%, p 0.003); lower rate of symptoms (35% vs 51%, p 0.049). No significant difference was found in: median PLT count (700 vs 720 x 109/L, p 0.61); PrTh (7% vs 16%, p 0.11); prior hemorrhage (4.7% vs 7.5%, p 0.52); high/intermediate thrombotic risk (IPSET, 36 vs 48%, p 0.37). Moreover, no significant difference was observed during the follow-up in: antiplatelet and cytoreductive treatment; thrombosis and hemorrhage rate; PMF, PV, and AL/MDS evolution; overall survival. Conclusion. CALR+ patients, as compared with JAK2+ matched patients, although showed a lower thrombotic risk (lower WBC and HCT levels, lower PrTh rate), received the same antiplatelet and cytoreductive treatment, had the same incidence of adverse events during the follow-up (vascular complications and disease evolution/transformation), and had the same overall survival. 3NEG patients, as compared with JAK2+ matched patients, showed results similar to those observed by comparing CALR+ and JAK2+ matched patients. To better define the role of the precise definition of molecular pattern in Ph-MPN patients, new prospective controlled studies seem necessary. Disclosures De Stefano: Janssen Cilag: Research Funding; Roche: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Bruno Farmaceutici: Research Funding; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Speakers Bureau; Shire: Speakers Bureau. Passamonti:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau.

Background In patients with Ph-negative MPN, a prior thrombosis (PrTh) occurs in around 1/5 of cases, with variable platelet (PLT) count and variable distance from diagnosis. Objective To investigate the influence of PLT count at PrTh on diagnostic and therapeutic approach in MPN patients. Material and methods We evaluated 129 MPN patients from RIT, reclassified according to WHO 2008 criteria as ET (n70), initial-primary myelofibrosis (n29), early-PV (n10), and unclassifiable-MPN (n20). Results Patients, 60 males and 69 females, showed following PrTh: 91(71%) major arterial (37 AMI, 4 angina, 24 stroke, and 26 TIA); 12(9%) minor arterial; 22(17%) major venous (8 DVT, 7 splanchnic, 4 cerebral sinus, 3 pulmonary embolism); and 4(3%) minor venous events. PrTh occurred at a median distance of 4.1 months (range 0.1-118) from MPN diagnosis. This distance was >24 months in 21(16%) patients. At occurrence of PrTh, median age was 58 years. PLT count (x109/L) had a median value of 661 (range 150-2200), and was ≤450, 451-600, 601-700, 701-1000, and >1000 in 15(12%), 35(27%), 26(20%), 43(33%), and 10(8%) patients, respectively. Median white blood cell (WBC) count was 9.0 x 109/L and median hematocrit (HCT) value was 46% in males, and 41% in females. Median time (months) from PrTh to diagnosis of MPN was higher (p0.004) in patients with lower PLT count (x 109/L): ≤450 (50.2), 451-600 (11.7), 601-700 (2.7), 701-1000 (1.8), and >1000 (1.4). After occurrence of PrTh, all patients received conventional anti-thrombotic treatment, but in 7(5.4%) patients 9 recurrent thrombosis were reported before MPN diagnosis (11/100 pt-years). At MPN diagnosis, clonality was documented in 101(78%) patients (JAK2 V617F mutation in 96 cases, 74%). The age was >60 years in 61(47%) patients. PLT count (x109/L) had a median value of 720 (166-2440), and was ≤450 (n 7, 5%), 451-600 (n 21, 16%), 601-700 (n 28, 22%), 701-1000 (n 58, 45%), >1000 (n15, 12%). WBC count (109/L) had a median value of 8.9, and was >10 in 40 (31%) cases. Median HCT level (%) was 45.6 in males and 42.1 in females. Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), comorbidities and symptoms were documented in 103(80%), 97(75%), and 57(44%) cases, respectively. Thrombotic risk (IPSET-Th) was high in 97.5%, and intermediate in 2.5% of cases. All 129 patients received anti-thrombotic drugs (low dose aspirin in 95% of cases) and, immediately after the diagnosis, they started a cytoreductive treatment (hydroxycarbamide 89%, anagrelide 8%, interferon-alpha 3%). Patients with a PLT count (x109/L) at PrTh ≤600(n 50), as compared with those with a PLT count >600(n 79), showed a longer median time to the MPN diagnosis (16.7 vs 2.0 months, p60 years (52% vs 44%, p0.39); CVRF (82%vs79%, p0.63); WBC >10 x109/L (23% vs 39%, p0.07); HCT high level [>47% in males, >44% in females](28% vs 36%, p0.37), and high thrombotic risk [IPSET-Th] (96%vs99%, p0.56). During follow-up (median 7.9 years) they showed a higher incidence of thrombosis recurrence (30%vs15%, p0.04; 4.5 vs 1.7/100 pt-y, p Conclusion Time to MPN diagnosis was significantly longer in patients with PLT count (x109/L) at PrTh ≤600 vs >600, and this time to diagnosis was characterized by a not negligible thrombosis recurrence. Moreover, during follow-up they showed a higher incidence of thrombosis recurrence. This analysis strongly suggests that a PLT count Disclosures Passamonti: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Other: Research Funding paid to institution (University of Florence), Research Funding; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Baxalta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) increases with age, but results of intensive chemotherapy in elderly patients are disappointing. Non-pegylated liposomal formulations of doxorubicin (Myocet™) have been developed with the aim of reducing systemic and cardiac toxicity especially in the elderly. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity profiles of fludarabine, cytarabine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (FLAG) regimen given in association with Myocet™ in 35 patients with AML, median age 69 years (range 61–83 years). Nineteen (54.3%) had newly-diagnosed AML, twelve (34.3%) patients had secondary AML (ten with Myelodisplastic Syndrome, two with Primary Myelofibrosis) and 4 (11.4%) patients had had a late relapse (> 12 months) of AML. Complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) were obtained in twenty-two (63%) and 3 (8.5%) patients, respectively. Seven (20%) patients showed a resistant disease. There were 3 early deaths (8.5%). Six patients (17%) experienced severe cardiovascular toxicity. The median overall survival (OS) was 12 months (range 1–52 months) with a median disease-free survival (DFS) of 20 months (range 1–48 months). One-year and two-year DFS were 78.9% and 26.7%, respectively. This study demonstrates that in elderly patients with AML, FLAG-Myocet™ combination shows promising efficacy response with acceptable toxicity, enabling most patients to receive further treatments, including transplantation procedures.

Twenty-one patients with multiple myeloma, all relapsed after frontline autologous stem cell transplantation and all relapsed again after or resistant to thalidomide (employed as second line treatment) received bortezomib (1.3 mg/m(2) body surface twice weekly for 2 weeks followed by an interval of 10-12 days) without adjunct of steroids as third line therapy. Three patients died of progressive disease during the first 2 cycles with bortezomib. Eighteen patients received at least 2 cycles and were evaluated for response. According to EBMT criteria, two complete (negative immunofixation) and seven partial (reduction of M-component > 50-75%) remissions were achieved (ITT response rate 42.8%). Duration of response lasted from 2 to 14+ months. Grades 3-4 toxicities (thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, peripheral neuropathy and vasculitis) were observed in seven patients, but no patient interrupted the treatment due to side effects. We conclude that bortezomib alone may induce high quality responses as third line salvage therapy with acceptable toxicity in a significant proportion of homogeneously pre-treated myeloma patients with progressive disease after autologous transplantation and thalidomide.

In order to investigate what is the best single parameter to predict the leukapheretic yield of circulating CD34+ progenitor cells, we retrospectively analyzed data from 68 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent mobilizing therapy. Three main parameters were monitored: total white blood cell (WBC), CD34+ cells, and monocyte counts in peripheral blood (PB) at the same day and at the preceding day of the apheretic procedure. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between CD34+ cell value in PB just before harvest and the number of CD34+ cells collected (P < 0.0001), but not at the preceding day. Monocyte PB concentration and absolute WBC count did not correlate with CD34+ cells harvested, at the preceding day of leukapheresis as well as at the same day of the procedure. The number of CD34+ cells in mobilized PB at the same day of harvest evidenced a very good capacity of predicting the value of harvested CD34+ cell number after collection, while WBC and monocyte count displayed quite a wide dispersion of results. In particular, an amount greater than 50/microL of circulating CD34+ cells ensured the best collections. Finally, CD34+ and CFU-GM content evaluated for each apheresis showed a strong reciprocal correlation (r 0.78; P < 0.0001). We conclude that the absolute number of CD34+ cells at the day of leukapheresis is the only parameter for identifying the exact timing for apheresis and predicting the amount of peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs) that will be collected. In this setting, WBC and monocyte counts, at the day of collection or at the preceding day, are not useful tools.

BACKGROUND In chronic renal failure, desferrioxamine (DFO) may improve erythropoiesis independent from its aluminium (Al) chelating effect. The mechanism of this action is still unknown. METHODS To verify whether DFO influences proliferation of erythropoietic precursors, we studied 10 patients on chronic haemodialysis, free from malignancies or other haematological diseases, iron deficiency, bone marrow fibrosis, and Al toxicity. Al accumulation was excluded by the DFO test. Peripheral blood samples were drawn for basal burst-forming unit erythroid (BFU E) assay. Mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation with Ficoll Hypaque, and incubated for 15 days with three different experimental conditions: (a) low-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) (3 U/ml); (b) high dose rHuEpo, (30 U/ml); (c) both DFO (167 microg/ml) and rHuEpo (3 U/ml). We determined TIBC, transferrin, ferritin, reticulocytes, hypochromic erythrocytes, soluble transferrin receptor (sTR), haemoglobin (Hb), and haematocrit (Hct) at baseline and then every 14 days. Patients received 5 mg/kg DFO infused during the last hour of each dialysis session for 6 weeks; six patients remained in the study for an additional 6 more weeks. BFU E assays were set up after 6 and 12 weeks of DFO therapy. RESULTS At baseline DFO had small effect on BFU E proliferation (33.9+/-25 vs 30.4+/-25.9) and high-dose rHuEpo had a significant effect (45.15+/-27 vs 30.4+/-25.9, P

Background To date, no prospective study on Plerixafor “on demand” in association with chemotherapy and G-CSF has been reported. Methods We present an interim analysis of the first prospective study in which Plerixafor (PLX) was administered “on demand”, according to a specific algorithm, in patients affected by Multiple Myeloma and Lymphoma who received high dose Cyclophosphamide (4g/m2) or DHAP plus G-CSF to mobilize PBSC. Algorithm was developed after a retrospective study done in our Institution (Blood Transfusion, 11(1):94). One hundred and twelve patients were registered in this prospective study, 111 patients were assessable for requirement of on demand PLX, 102 patients were evaluable for mobilization efficacy of“ PLX on demand” strategy, (72 patients were affected by MM and 30 by Lymphoma). A set of 240 patients receiving the same mobilizing chemotherapy (DHAP or CTX 4 gr/sqm) plus G-CSF were retrospectively studied for comparison. Results PLX requirement, overall, was 14.4% (16/111). PLX requirement was 21.6% in Lymphoma patients and 10.6% in MM patients (p=0.010). Failure to mobilize CD34+ cells in PB (CD34+ peak in PB < 20 x 10^6/l) was reduced by “on demand” strategy compared to conventional mobilization; from 13.0% to 3.0% (p=0.004). Failure to harvest CD34+cells (CD34+< 2x10^6/Kg) decreased from 20.9% to 4.0% (p=0.0001). Second mobilization rate in the “on demand” strategy compared to conventional mobilization decreased from 14.3% to 3.0% (p=0.03). In lymphoma stratum the “on demand strategy” resulted in a successful mobilization in 96.6% while the historical control group had a mobilization successful rate of 73.2% (p=0.007); in the MM stratum the “on demand strategy” was successful in 97.2% while the historical control had a mobilization success of 91.3% (p=0.09). Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of the algorithm was determined in patients treated in the “on demand study” by evaluating the subgroup of patients who received the planned mobilization and did not receive PLX because, according to the algorithm, its use was not indicated. 93 patients were assessable, 93/93 had a successful mobilization (CD34+ in PB > 20x10^6/l), thus NPV was 100%. Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of algorithm was determined in the subgroup of patients who were not treated because of drug shortage although the use of PLX was indicated (n 6). PPV was 83.4%. Of the 10 patients where PLX use was indicated and who received at least one dose, a successful mobilization was reached in 70% (7/10) of cases and a successful harvest in 66.6% (6/10). We estimated the cost of mobilizing and harvesting 100 patients affected by Lymphoma or Myeloma by either conventional mobilization based on chemotherapy plus G-CSF or by the PLX on demand strategy. Sum of cost of first mobilizations and of salvage mobilizations (required in patients failing the first mobilization attempt) were calculated in the two different mobilization strategies. Cost to mobilize 100 Myeloma patients was: 465,648 euros for conventional mobilization versus 423,816 euros for “on demand PLX” strategy; cost to mobilize 100 Lymphoma patients was 552,480 euros in conventional strategy versus 537,912 for “on demand PLX” strategy. Conclusion In association with CTX or DHAP plus G-CSF, the “on demand” use of Plerixafor in patients selected by our algorithm showed a significant improvement in mobilization of CD34+ cells and in harvest of PBSC with no increase in overall costs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 5032 Introduction. Combining bortezomib with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM) may reciprocally increase their efficacy in vitro and appears to offer higher overall response rates in vivo. With the aim to verify the synergistic interaction towards myeloma cells we planned a prospective study with bortezomib, non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and dexamethason in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM). In this setting of patients, showing a poor outcome because of multi-drug resistance, low-performance status and toxicity to previous chemotherapy, bortezomib, by inhibiting proteasome function, may enhance chemosensitivity to doxorubicin and overcome drug-resistance. Thus, to improve outcome minimizing therapy-related toxicity, bortezomib was added to non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and dexamethason (PAD regimen). Patients and Methods. From November 2005 and January 2012, 50 patients with R/R MM (relapsed n= 37 and refractory n= 13) referred to the our Institution received PAD regimen. Male/Female ratio: 27/23; Median age: 61 years (range 34–79); median time from diagnosis: 32 months (range 4–121); median of previous therapy lines: n= 3 (range 1–5); patients previously underwent to autologous and allogeneic hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto- and allo-HSCT): 22 and 5, respectively. Planned treatment: bortezomib 1, 3 mg/mq iv days 1, 4, 8, 11; non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/mq on day 1 and dexamethason 40 mg days 1–4 of a 28-day cycle up to 6 cycles. Results. Forty patients (80%) received the planned treatment schedule whereas 10 patients did not complete it because of toxicity (1 patients) and resistant or progressive disease (9 patients). Median time to best response was 3 months (range 2–6). The overall response rate was 74% with 10 CR (20%), 15 vGPR (30%) and 12 PR (24%). Fifteen of the responder patients underwent HSCT (auto-HSCT: 9; allo-HSCT: 6). The previous use of anthracyclines (35 patients) and bortezomib (3 patients) did not seem influence the response. Median duration of response was 24 months (range 6–57 months). After a median follow-up of 58 months, 14 (28%) patients were alive and, of these, 7 (14%) in Continue CR. The safety profile was manageable: the hematologic grade 3/4 toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia) was 28%; non-hematologic grade 3/4 toxicity (sensory or motor neuropathy, infections, fever, fatigue, diarrhea) was 36%. Despite heavy previous treatments, including anthracycline-based, no significant cardiac toxicity was observed. Conclusion. According to our study, the PAD regimen appears feasible and effective in both elderly and heavily pre-treated R/R MM patients. In fact a significant improved clinical outcome in our cohort of patients was observed. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background: the Registro Italiano Trombocitemia, that is a GIMEMA project, has been activated to registry Italian Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) patients, to improve the diagnosis appropriateness (WHO criteria), to verify the prognostic value of the clinical and biological parameters, to evaluate the compliance to the therapeutical Italian guidelines (1), and to create a network for activation of new studies. Objective: this analysis is mainly devoted to describe the ET patients registered in the RIT and to evaluate the therapeutic approach adopted in the 102 participating hematological centers. Material and methods: two thousand and fifteen ET patients have been registered after the written informed consent was obtained, and data validation by various expert panels is in progress. This preliminary report considers 1785 patients, diagnosed mainly (1078, 60.4%) since the publication in the year 2004 of the ET therapy Italian guidelines (1). Results: the patients, 678 (38%) males and 1107 (62%) females, showed at diagnosis: age 60.3 ± 16.8 years with higher values in males than in females (61.7 ± 15.3 vs. 59.4 ± 17.7, p Conclusion: in the analyzed patients of the ET Italian registry the diagnosis appropriateness resulted improved in the cases observed since the year 2004 respect those observed before, with an increase of bone marrow biopsies from 51% to 68% of patients. Moreover, in accord with the ET therapy Italian guidelines, the use of the cytoreductive drugs was less frequent in the patients diagnosed since the year 2004 than before (particularly for BUS, IFN, and ANA) and the more safe molecules IFN and ANA were preferentially deserved to the younger patients.

Introduction . BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, aracytin, melphalan) is a conditioning regimen used in autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation for Hodgkin Lymphoma and non Hodgkin Lymphoma, with acceptable toxicity and high efficacy. In our study we replaced the carmustine with fotemustine, an analogous chloroethylnitrosourea. Primary end-point was to valuate the feasibility of this modified conditioning regimen. Patients and Methods . 86 patients were consecutively conditioned in seven BM-Units with FEAM before receiving aHSCT. 44 patients (63%) were male, 32 (37%) female. Median age was 51 years (range, 18–77). 23 patients (27%) had HL, 60 (70%) had NHL (2 SLL, 1 LPL, 1 MZL, 2 FL, 6 MCL, 37 DLBCL, 3 BL, 1 B-LBL, 1 T-LBL, 4 u-PTCL, 2 AIL), 1 patient had a B-CLL, 1 a B-ALL FAB L3 and 1 an aggressive NK-cell leukemia. In the lymphoma group, 22 patients (27%) were in stage II (10 with bulky disease), 20 (24%) in stage III and 41 (49%) in stage IV. Among lymphoma patients, 19 (23%) had a bone marrow involvement, 5 (6%) a central nervous system involvement, including 2 primary central nervous system lymphoma. At the time of transplantation, 41 patients (48%) were in CR, 3 (3%) in VGPR, 32 (37%) in PR, 10 (12%) had a resistant-progressive disease (R/PD); 30 patients (35%) were at first line of therapy, 56 (65%) had received more than one line of therapy. Patients received fotemustine 150 mg/m2 on days -7, -6, etoposide 200 mg/m2 and aracytin 400 mg/m2 on day -5, -4, -3, -2, and melphalan 140 mg/m2 on day -1. The median number of CD34+ cells infused was 3.8 × 106/Kg recipient body weight (range, 1–21.8). Results . Only 2 patients were not evaluated for engraftment and toxicity. Among evaluable patients, all engrafted. The median time to neutrophil (N >0.5 × 106/L) and platelet (PLT >20 × 109/L) recovery was 11 (range, 9–19) and 13 days (range, 6–105) respectively. 55 patients (65%) received trasfusions of red blood cell units, with a median of 2 units (range, 1–8). All patients received platelet trasfusions with a median of 2 units (range, 1–15). Toxicity . No chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) was observed in 17 patients (20%), 53 patients (63%) had CINV grade I–II, 14 patients (17%) grade III, no grade IV was observed. No mucositis was observed in 16 patients (19%), 45 patients (54%) had mucositis grade I–II, 17 patients (20%) grade III, 6 patients (7%) grade IV. No diarrhea was observed in 50 patients (60%), 29 patients (34%) had diarrhea grade I–II, 5 patients (6%) grade III, no grade IV was observed. No epatic toxicity was observed in 80 pts (95%), 1 patient had epatic toxicity grade I, 1 patient grade II and 2 patients grade III, no grade IV was reported. Only one patient had a transient renal toxicity grade II. No pulmonary toxicity was observed. Fever >38, 5°C was documented in 68 patients (81%) with a median duration of 4 days (range 1–25). GRAM-were identified in 15 patients, GRAM+ in 14 patients, yeasts were isolated in 3 patients and there was only one infection by Pneumocystis Carinii. In the other 35 patients (51%) no organism was identified as the source of the fever which was classified as FUO. Outcome . At a median follow-up of 5 months (range, 1–16), 79 patients (92%) are alive. On 75 evaluated patients, fifty-nine (79%) are alive and free from disease. Among the seven deceased patients, three died for PD at day +111, +110 and +75 from transplantation respectively, one died for bacterial meningitis at day +45 from transplantation, after a complete hematologic recovery, one in PR died for gastric haemmorrhage from tumor site, and two (1 CR, 1 VGPR) died for comorbidity, respectively at day +150 and +240 from transplantation. TRM at 100 days was 1%. Among the 75 patients who were evaluated after aHSCT, thirty-five patients, out of thirty-six who were in CR before aHSCT, maintained the CR after, for the other thirty-nine, twenty-seven (69%) achieved the CR (three of these had a CNS involvement before aHSCT), one achieved a VGPR, two a PR (ORR 77%), four had a stable disease and five progressed. Considering as treatment failure the relapse, the progression or the death for any cause, in our study the treatment failure was assessed on 16%. Conclusions . Our study demonstrated the feasibility and the safety of the FEAM, regard its toxicity it was not superior with respect to BEAM. However, a longer follow-up is needed to valuate the efficacy of this modified conditioning regimen in term of clinical response.

Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with 90Y-Zevalin® combined with high dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is gaing increasing importance for the treatment of relapsed or refractory non Hodgkin Lymphoma (nHL). We evaluated the feasibility and the clinical results of the addition of 90Y-Zevalin® at standard dose to BEAM regimen (Z-BEAM) in nHL pts who failed to achieve complete remission (CR) after previous chemoimmunotherapy. Methods. Between October 2005 and June 2008, 53 patients were enrolled in 11 italian centers. The treatment strategy is shown in figure 1. Salvage treatment consisted of 2 courses of R-DHAP. PBSCs were collected after mobilization with DHAP and G-CSF plus in vivo purging with Rituximab. Patients’ characteristics are shown in table 1. Results. The median CD34+ cells infused was 5.5 x10^6/Kilograms (range 2.55–34). All patients engrafted. The median number of red blood cell and platelet transfusion were 4 (1–7) and 6 (1–8), respectively. The median time to platelet and neutrophil counts higher than 20x10^9/L and 0.5x10^9/L were 14 (range, 9–60 days) and 10 days (range, 8–20), respectively. Mucosites occurred in all pts (grade III in 20 and grade IV in 5 patients). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 39 pts (74%). Eight pneumonitis and 12 blood stream infections, mainly by Gram+, were documented. One patient developed an atrial fibrillation. Five pts were not evaluable for response because too early. The 90-day overall response rate was 86% with 74% of CR. Three relapses (relapse rate 9%) and four progression were documented at a median follow-up of 247 days post Z-BEAM (range, 125–818). The potential factor to predict CR was: at last PR before Z-BEAM (p=0.06). Fourthy patients are alive at a median follow-up of 175 days post HST (range, 6–590): thirty pts in CR (57%), three pts in PR (5.5%), three pts in progressive disease (PD, 6%)(fig. 2). Fourtheen pts died (26%): 5 deaths due to TRM before day 90, 1 for ARDS (+230), 1 TRM post a subsequent RIC allotransplant (+95) and 6 due to PD (median follow-up 110 days, range 97–150). The Kaplan-Meyer estimated 3y-EFS is 64%. Five early deaths before day-90 occurred: 2 due to septic shock (day +6 and +39), 1 to pneumonitis (+22), 1 for BK viral encephalites (+61) and 1 to MOF (+14). The Kaplan-Meyer estimated Treatment Related Mortality (TRM) is 9.3%. Two statistically risk factors for 90-day TRM (p Conclusion. In pts with different histology nHL, who failed to achieve CR after previous immuno-chemotherapy, RIT integrated with high-dose chemotherapy (Z-BEAM) is capable to induce 86% of ORR, 74% of CR and 3 ys EFS of 64%, with sustained engraftment and an acceptable extra-haematological toxicity, mainly restricted to pts older then 65 ys. The power of this program needs to be assessed in a larger series of patients and in a randomized fashion. Table 1: Patient Characteristics and 90-day response post HST Figure. 1 Treatment Plan Figure. 1. Treatment Plan

Background: in the Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) patients considered at high risk for thrombosis, a treatment with low-dose aspirin is usually performed and a cytoreductive therapy is recommended. Hydroxyurea (HU), Interferon alpha (IFN) and Anagrelide (ANA) are largely used, but their side effects/toxicity or inefficacy are not rarely cause of drug withdrawal. Since HU, IFN, and ANA have different activity and toxicity patterns, the combined use of two drugs at lower dose may result very useful to overcome the limits of a single drug at conventional or high dose. Aim: to evaluate the ET patients enrolled into the RIT who received a combined cytoreductive therapy, with particular interest for feasibility, efficacy and toxicity. Patients: fifty-six ET patients, 18 males and 38 females, diagnosed in the years 1998–2008 according to the PVSG or WHO criteria, are object of this study. The patients at diagnosis had a median platelet count of 792 × 109/L (600–2009), with disease related symptoms in 18 cases (32%) and previous thrombotic or haemorrhagic events in 6 (12 %) and 1 (2%) cases, respectively. Results: the patients received as first cytoreductive drug HU (n 32, 57%) at a median dose of 1 g/day (0.5–3.0), or ANA (n 13, 23%) a median dose of 1.5 mg/day (0.5–4.0), or IFN (n 11, 20%) at a median dose of 9 MU/week (3–9). The 32 patients receiving HU started a combined therapy HU+ANA as a consequence of hematological toxicity (n 23), fever (n 4), cutaneous ulcers (n 2), inefficacy (n1), other causes (n 2); the 13 patients receiving ANA started a combined therapy ANA + HU (n10) or ANA + IFN (n 3) as consequence of cardiovascular side effects (n 10), anemia (n 2), or GI side effects (n 1); the 11 patients receiving IFN started a combined therapy IFN+ANA as consequence of unaccepted side effects. All patients who started the combined therapy had reduced the dosage of the initial drug. The median follow-up of the patients on combined therapy was 11 months (1–75). A hematological response (platelet count 4 × 109/L and Hb >12.5 g/dl, was registered in 21 of 42 (50%) patients on HU + ANA and in 11 of 14 (79 %) patients on IFN + ANA. Diseaserelated or drug-related symptoms (headache, dizziness, palpitation, abdominal pain) were registered in 7 of 56 (12 %) patients; no thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications occurred. Conclusion: in these ET patients the combined therapy HU + ANA or IFN + ANA was well tolerated and able to control the symptoms and to obtain a satisfactory hematological response (particularly with IFN + ANA). These promising results could be due to the low dosage and to synergic effect of the combined drugs, but controlled studies are needed to prospectively evaluate the role of the combined therapy in ET patients.

Background: Despite the popularity of splenectomy has decreased dramatically in the past few years, the surgical approach remains the best therapy for patients with refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) in terms of high and durable rate of response (Vesely et al, Ann Intern Med2004; 140: 112). The recent introduction of anti-CD20 antibodies and thrombopoietins of second generation such as AMG 531 and Eltrombopag may have a relevant role (Kuter et al, Lancet2008; 371: 362) but their long-term safety and efficacy have not been still established. In parallel with new drugs, there has been an evolution in the surgery of splenectomy as well (Dolan et al, Am J Hematol2008; 83: 93). Actually, the laparoscopic surgery is considered the standard approach and the ITP represents the most common indication in 50–80% of all the laparoscopic splenectomies. Methods: The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term complete and partial haematological response (CR + PR), as well as the short and long-term complications, of 40 patients (30 females and 10 males; median age: 38 years - range 6–71) with unresponsive ITP after one or more medical approaches and underwent laparoscopic splenectomy at our Institution from 1999 through 2006. The 40 patients accounted for 22.2% of 181 patients diagnosed in those years. An abdominal CT scan to evaluate the presence of accessory spleens was performed in all cases. All patients received meningococcal, pneumococcal and haemophilus influenzae vaccine one week before splenectomy. For 4 or 5 days before splenectomy the patients were treated with high doses of intravenous Immunoglobulins. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was performed with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for 10 days and afterwards with cardioaspirin (ASA) if the platelet count exceeded 500x10E9/L. Results: No cases required conversion to laparotomic splenectomy. An accessory spleen was found in 2 patients (5%). Immediate haematological response rate was of 100%. At date, after a median follow-up of 78 months (range 28–112 months), 36 patients (90%) remain in CR or PR with a platelet count more than 50x10E9/L and 2 patients are taking ASA. Four patients (10%) relapsed; out of which, 2 patients have a platelet count less than 10x10E9/L. Short and long-term mortality rate was 0%. Immediate postoperative complications rate was 5%: we observed 2 cases of hemoperitoneum related to a trocar’s tube and to an active bleeding, respectively, both resolved with new laparoscopic approach. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4,5 days (range 4–8). Neither cases of bacterial sepsis in the postoperative or during the follow-up time, nor cases of splenic-portal vein thrombosis (SPVT) and no cases of neoplasms occurred. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that laparoscopic splenectomy is an excellent approach to patients with refractory ITP in terms of safety, efficacy and costs. With respect to laparotomic splenectomy, the use of laparoscopy is likely to make the splenectomy even safer and therefore suitable for a larger number of patients. Undoubtedly there is a great expectation for the new drugs (Rodeghiero et al, Am J Hematol2008; 83: 91) and we agree that only controlled comparative clinical trials (Vianelli et al, Haematologica2005; 90: 72) will be able or not to say a final word and to challenge the role of splenectomy.

Background: Autologous Transplantation with intermediate or high doses of Melphalan is the most effective therapy in patients with Multiple Myeloma being < 65 years old, although this procedure is limited by an high percentage of relapses. Recent advances knowledge of the molecular mechanisms, allowed the development of novel targeted therapies. Several studies have shown that the synergic effect of Bortezomib and Talidomidomide, in association with conventional chemotherapies, induces a more pronounced reduction of tumour mass, an enhancement of global responses and an improvement of Progression Free Survival (PFS). Aims: The present study is aimed at the evaluation of effectiveness and toxicity of MVTD conditioning therapy with stem cell support in Multiple Myeloma relapsed patients. Patients and Methods: From January 2005 to August 2007, 15 patients (7 males and 8 females: median age 62 yrs (46–70)) have been subjected to Autologous Transplantation therapy with MVTD conditioning therapy (Melphalan 100 mg/sqm days - 6 and - 3, Bortezomib 1.3 mg/sqm days - 6 and - 3, Talidomide 200 mg from day - 6 to day - 2, Desametazone from day - 6 to day - 3, CSP infusion at day 0). All patients were in CS III A; median performed therapies 3 (1–5); all had received previously a therapy with Talidomide, two Talidomide + Velcade, one PEG-IFN. Results: 100% of patients obtained a response: 4 patients (26.7%) obtained CR, 5 (33.3%) a nCR, 4 (26.7%) a VGPR and 2 (13.3%) a PR. One patient in CR was subjected to 2 therapeutic lines and 3 patients in CR were subjected to more than 1 therapeutic lines, 5 in nCR from 2 to 4, 4 in VGPR from 2 to 4 and 2 in PR more than 2. At the moment, with a median of 7.5 months (1–21), 11 (73%) are alive, 8 (53%) still keep the obtained response, 3 (20%) after progression are in rescue therapy, 4 patients (27%) died because of progression. PFS median since MVTD beginning is of 6 months (1–24). None of the patients have developed a significant neurotoxicity. All patients have developed grade 4 thrombocytopenia and neutropoenia, with a median of 3 days (1–10) and 6 days (4–12), respectively. 54% of patients had neutropoenia with fever with a median of 2 days (0–8). The median units of platelets and red cells infused was 3 (2–11) and 2 (0–11), respectively. Conclusions: In our experience, Autologous Transplantation therapy with MVTD conditioning, appeared to be effective in relapsed patients with Multiple Myeloma. Although in a small series of patients the response obtained was independent from the number and type of previous therapies, from the clinical state, and β2 microglobulin. No significant neurotoxicity has been observed, whether the haematological toxicity was overlapping to that due to conventional Autologous Transplant. Further studies, in larger series of non pluritreated patients are required.

The role of ASCT in AML appears to be appropriate in patients with favorable cytogenetic features whereas allogeneic SCT is appropriate in those with high-risk cytogenetic features. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO), a monoclonal antibody conjugated to the calicheamicin, targets the CD33+ cell surface marker that is expressed on cells in the majority of AML patients. Clinical trials currently underway are investigating the role of GO in consolidation therapy. We hypothesized that GO could have beneficial effects as maintenance therapy after hematopoietic SCT in high-risk patients. Here we report data on 4 AML patients in CR who received 4 doses of GO as maintenance therapy following ASCT. Our approach differs from previous reports in the literature in that, instead of using GO to induce a first remission or re-induce a second remission after relapse, we administered GO to patients while they remained in remission, two months after undergoing ASCT. Patient #1 was a 64 year-old male with 88% CD33 expression at diagnosis. This patient had previously undergone an ASCT using a conditioning regimen of Bu+Cy. He was in second CR following an induction regimen of 2 cycles of fludarabine + cytarabine + idarubicin. Patient #2 was female, aged 67 years and had 90% CD33 expression at diagnosis. She was in first CR following an induction regimen of 2 cycles of etoposide + cytarabine + idarubicin. Patient #3 was a 69-year old male with 95% CD33 expression at diagnosis. He was in first CR following an induction regimen of 2 cycles of fludarabine + cytarabine. Patient #4 was a 59 year-old male with 93% CD33 expression. He was in first CR after a second line treatment with mitoxantrone, cytarabine and etoposide. Histocompatible donors were not available for any of the patients. Three months after attaining CR, all 4 patients received a myeloablative conditioning regimen with B(A)VC, Bu+Cy, Bu+Cy and TBI+Melphalan, respectively, and underwent ASCT. Two months after the ASCT procedure, patients initiated treatment with GO: GO was administered alone for 4 doses with 28 days between doses (two patients received 6 mg/mq for the two first doses and 3 mg/mq for the two last doses; two patients received 3 mg/mq for four doses). All four patients remain alive and in CR at +17, +13, +11and + 5 months. Overall survival at the time of reporting is +35, +15, +13 and +8 months in patients 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. There were no cases of grade 3 or 4 liver toxicity and bleeding was not observed in any of the patients. Thrombocytopenia (50,000–100,000 cells/μL) occurred in all four patients and neutropenia (500–1000 cells/μL) in two patients. In conclusion in our small series GO demonstrated good efficacy when administered in fractionated doses as maintenance therapy after ASCT in patients with CD33+ AML in first or second CR. GO showed an acceptable tolerability profile, with no severe hepatotoxicity and no bleeding. Thrombocytopenia occurred in all three patients and in all cases there was a rapid platelet recovery. A GO dose of 3 mg/m2 appeared to be better tolerated than the higher dose (6 mg/m2) and will be used in future studies. If confirmed in a study involving a larger number of patients, our results could support a new therapeutic role for GO, namely as a maintenance therapy for patients in CR following hematopoietic SCT.

Ciculating CD34+ absolute cell number is the best single parameter to predict the quality of leukapheretic yield

The Lymphomatous Meningitis (LM) is an uncommon event, either as an initial diagnosis and in the course (or as an outcome) of a front line treatment. In the latter cases the LM has a poor prognosis and a median survival of few months in untreated patients. Its occurrence is tightly related to the histology, the response to the therapy and the introduction of a proper prophylaxis. Currently, high doses of Methotrexate (HD-MTX) (3 g/sqm) followed by radiotherapy (WBRT: 50 Gy) represents the elective treatment. The role of the intrathecal therapy (IT-T) isn’t well defined: as a matter of facts, it doesn’t seem more effective than the systemic treatment with HD-MTX and it is burdened by a higher neurotoxicity. Furthermore, more frequent intrathecal administrations, a proper concentration and a prolonged exposition to the drugs are required. Recently, an important role both in the prophylaxis and in the therapy of LM is played by the IT-T of Cytarabine in liposomal formulation (DepoCyte): the slow release from the multivescicular lipidic particles improves the distribution in the liquor, allows a lesser number of IT-T, reduces the undesired effects due to the treatment and increases the compliance of patients. Randomized studies have shown a significant better effectiveness and a reduced toxicity of liposomal formulation treatment with respect to the traditional one. In the present work 9 cases of LM treated with systemic chemotherapy and with DepoCyte (50 mg IT every 15 days x 6 times) are shown. Male/Female ratio is 6/3; average age is 46 years (range 24–78). In all patients neurological symptoms were present; lymphomatous cells were identified in the CSF of 5 patients and Central Nervous System (CNS) localizations were detected by NMR in 7 patients. The 5 CSF-positive cases were heterogeneous, as follows: B-lineage CD10+ ALL meningeal relapse (after two marrow relapses), already undertaken to allogeneic stem cells transplantation, treated only with DepoCyte; Lymphoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma meningeal localization, with mediastinic mass, treated with DepoCyte associated to LSA2L2 Protocol and autologous stem cells tranplantation; DLBCL meningeal localization treated with DepoCyte associated to R-CHOP Protocol; LM at diagnosis in a 78 years old patient with inadequate compliance to systemic therapy, treated with DepoCyte; Mantle Cell Lymphoma meningeal (and systemic) relapse treated with DepoCyte associated to Codox-M Protocol. In patients 1) to 4) the CR was obtained and they are still alive; only the latter patient, namely, case 5), died for disease progression. The remaining 4 CSF-negative cases had been diagnosed as DLBCL (3 at diagnosis and 1 at relapse) CNS solitary localizations. In all cases L-VAMP Protocol (modified with HD-MTX) was associated to IT-T with DepoCyte. With the only exception of the relapsed patient, the remaining 3 patients had a good response to therapy and they are still alive and in CR.Overall, DepoCyte was shown to be mostly effective, well tolerated by all patients and devoid of undesired side effects. The association with various systemic chemotherapy protocols had been demonstrated to be suitable and endowed with synergic effects. Studies with higher number of patients might validate the effectiveness of DepoCyte also in those CSF-negative cases with solitary CNS localization.

Epidemiological, diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutical data were retrospectively obtained by the Italian Registry in over 2000 Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) patients who mainly were diagnosed according to the PVSG criteria and were treated with potentially leukemogenic drugs. The Registro Italiano Trombocitemie (RIT), that is a GIMEMA project, has been activated in order to registry italian ET patients, to improve the diagnosis appropriateness (WHO criteria), to promote the acquisition of biological data, to evaluate the compliance to the therapeutical guidelines of the Italian Society of Hematology (SIE), to monitor in particular the ET patients receiving Interferons alpha and Anagrelide, to evaluate cases of pregnancy, pediatric age and familiarity, to define the prognostic value of the biological factors as JAK2 mutation, clonality, etc, to create a network for activation of new clinical and biological studies. The RIT, co-ordinated by the Hematology Unit of Reggio Emilia, is a web based registry that beside a public area comprehends a database of italian ET patients. The data, with respect of the privacy rules, are object of validation and analysis by various RIT expert subcommittees. Eighty hematological Institutions adhered to the RIT and 801 patients have been registered since June 2005. The ET diagnosis was done according to the PVSG (90%) and WHO (10%) criteria. The patients, 492 females and 309 males, had age 70 yr (30%), and the median age was 59 years. At diagnosis the platelet count was >1000 ×109/L in 29% of cases (mean 932). Few patients had prior thrombosis (4%; major 2%) and prior hemorrhage (2.6%). Patients at high risk of thrombosis were 55% on considering age >60 yr and/or previous thrombosis and/or PLT count >1500 ×109/L, and 65% on considering the PLT count cut-off of 1000 ×109/L. The patients shown general thrombotic risk factors (70%), disease related symptoms (40%) and splenomegaly (25%). By applying the WHO diagnostic criteria, the picture of true ET was found in 27% of cases. Sixty pregnancies have been reported. Aspirin was administered in 72% of patients and cytoreduction was performed in 62% of them, with use of Hydroxyurea (65%), Anagrelide (10%), Interferons alpha (10%), Pipobroman (4%), Busulfan (2%). A separate analysis for patients treated with Anagrelide and Iterferons alpha is in progress. To improve the diagnostic approach, the RIT has promoted the bone marrow biopsy revision (WHO criteria) and the acquisition of the new biological parameters.

Autografting (AutoSCT) has been limited by high-relapse rates and conventional allografting (AlloSCT) by excessive TRM and toxicity in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma (MM). Reduced intensity conditioning for transplant (RICT), a less toxic procedure for AlloSCT that aims to exploit graft versus tumor effect, has been shown to achieve remissions in MM. High-dose therapy/AutoSCT followed shortly thereafter by RICT might improve outcomes in MM as compared to AutoSCT or conventional AlloSCT used alone. We compared two retrospective cohort of patients who underwent either tandem AutoSCT (HDT consisted of Melphalan 200 mg/m2) or AutoSCT followed closely by related RICT (patients with HLA-matched siblings). The two groups were matched for pre-transplant therapy, disease status at transplant, time from diagnosis to transplant. GVHD prophylaxis for RICT patients consisted of CyA/MTX. The major results are summarized in the Table. In the AutoSCT/RICT group the complete remission rate was higher (p=0.004) and the risk of disease progression after transplant was significantly reduced (p=0.005). All patients who reached CR responded after full chimerism and GVHD developed. This finding confirms the existence of a graft-versus-myeloma effect. Since the first clinical signs of response in remitters patients were noted between 70 and 120 days and maximum response between 160 and 200 days after RICT (after DLI in one patient), these responses should be considered immunological responses. These data suggest than an allograft following an AutoSCT significantly reduces the incidence of disease progression. Tandem ASCT (N=35) ASCT + RICT (n=20) Age, median 56 (range, 38–66) 51 (range, 34–63) Median prior cycles of Chemoth. 4 (range, 3–6) 4 (range, 3–6) Time from Dx to 1st AutoSCT (median mo.) 6 (range, 5–60) 9 (range, 7–42) Conditioning Regimen for AutoSCT Melphalan (200 mg/m2) Melphalan (200 mg/m2) Conditioning Regimen for RICT --- TBI/Fludarabine Complete Remission 14% 50% p=0.004) Disease-Free Survival at 3 yrs 11% 45% (p=0.005) Overall Survival at 3 yrs 66% 70% (p=NS) Median Follow-Up (mo.) 30 (range, 6–104) 38 (range, 5–59) Transplant-Related Mortality 0% 0% Median days from AutoSCT to RICT --- 80

The development of reduced intensity conditioning regimens (RICT) has renewed interest in allografting for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Taking advantage of this new approach, we firstly postulated that combining maximal tumor reduction achieved with autografting and the benefits of RICT, we could achieve more cures of multiple myeloma (MM) with acceptable toxicity. Sixteen patients, 51 years of age (range, 36–63) with previously treated stage III MM were given melphalan 140 mg/m2 and autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) reinfusion. The regimen-related toxicities were moderate with a median of 8 and 11 days of neutropenia and thrombocitopenia, respectively. Forty-six to 156 days later (median, 79 days), the patients received fludarabine 30 mg/m2/d x 3 days plus 2 Gy TBI and HLA-identical donor mobilized PBPC. Postgrafting immunosuppression consisted of cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil. Donor lymphocyte infusions were given to eight patients with stable mixed chimerism or progressive disease who did not show signs of aGVHD. Engraftment occurred in 14 patients (87%). Ten patients (62%) are alive with 9 of them in continuous complete remission 11–36 months (median, 30 months) after transplants. All remitters patients achieved full chimerism and developed GVHD. Grade II–III acute GVHD occurred in 7 patients (43%) but no patient died of aGVHD. Three patients (18%) developed extensive chronic GVHD requiring intensive therapy. Six patients died; five of them of progressive disease and one of progressive disease combined with extensive cGVHD and interstitial pneumonitis. In conclusion, this 2-step approach is feasible and demonstrated to have a strong antimyeloma activity with reduced deaths due to acute toxicities.

ASCO guidelines recommend the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) as adjuvant agents after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), for shortening the period of severe neutropenia and reducing the related risk of life-threatening infections. The recently available pegylated formulation of G-CSF (peg-filgrastim) could have some potential advantages in phase of recovery after PBSCT, such as self-regulation mechanisms, particularly useful when neutropenia duration is unforeseeable, possible reduction/standardization of growth factor costs and possibility of more manageable outpatient treatments. We investigated the effects of a single s.c. injection of peg-filgrastim (6 mg) on day 3 in 11 patients (8 with multiple myeloma, MM; 2 with non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, NHL; 1 with acute myeloid leukemia, AML) planned to receive autologous PBSCT. Mean age was 55 years (range 24–65). In 7 patients PBSCT was performed as consolidation in first complete or partial remission, while 4 patients received the procedure as salvage treatment for chemo-sensitive disease. Conditioning regimens were intermediate/high dose melphalan in MM, BEAM protocol in NHL and TBI plus cyclophosphamide in AML. For comparison, we selected a group of 11 historical controls matched for age, type and status of disease, conditioning regimen, and number of CD34+ stem cells infused, who had received standard daily s.c. administration of G-CSF (300 mcg/d) from day 5 to neutrophil recovery after autologous PBSCT. No adverse events occurred in patients treated with peg-filgrastim. Bone pain was the only side effect referred by one patient. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of median time to hemoglobin recovery, days of febrile neutropenia and number of red cell or platelet transfusions received. However, the median times to neutrophil > 0.5 x 109/L (10 days, range 9–13 vs 12 days , range 11–14, p < 0.000) and platelet > 20 x 109/L (10 days, range 8–15 vs 13 days, range 12–20, p < 0.003) were significantly shorter in peg-filgrastim group. The median number of G-CSF injections in controls was 12 (range 9–20), so that the mean cost of this drug for single patient was 1,764 euros, as compared to 910 euros for patients receiving peg-filgrastim. We conclude that peg-filgrastim and G-CSF have comparable safety and efficacy profiles in patients affected by hematological malignancies who undergo autologous PBSCT. In this specific setting of patients, peg-filgrastim could be cost-effective. Whether peg-filgrastim may be also superior in reducing the periods of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, requires to be confirmed and further investigated in larger studies.

Background: We postulated that it is possibile to safely extend the benefit of allografting to relapsed or resistant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) by combining cytoreduction with high-dose therapy/autologous stem cell transplant (HDT/ASCT) and graft versus HL effect mediated through transplanted donor immune cells with nonmyeloablative allografting (RICT). Methods: Twenty-two patients, 32 years of age (range, 16–39) with heavily pretreated disease were given HDT/ASCT. At a median of 92 days after HDT/ASCT the patients received fludarabine 30 mg/m2/day x 3 days and cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2/day x 3 days and non-T depleted donor peripheral blood stem cells from HLA-identical siblings. Postgrafting immunosuppression consisted of methotrexate and cyclosporine. Cyclosporine was withdrawn early in patients with mixed chimerism or disease progression. Donor lymphocyte infusions were given to 12 patients with stable mixed chimerism and/or progressive disease. Results: Seventeen patients (77%) achieved full chimerism and 5 patients mixed chimerism. Twelve patients (55%) achieved CR after tandem transplant. The first signs of responsiveness in CR patients began at day ≥60 and the maximal response was achieved on day ≥80. The remitters patients achieved full chimerism and developed acute/chronic GVHD before regression of the disease; moreover, 5 patients achieved CR after DLI. At last follow-up (July 31, 2004), 9 out of 12 CR patients are alive at a median of 1844 days (range, 1092 to 2045). Subsequently, 5 patients relapsed and are now alive on therapy and four patients maintain CR after a median follow-up of 1874 days (range, 1092–2045). Acute GVHD grade ≥ II occurred in 9 patients (40%); chronic GVHD developed in 5 patients (23%), four of them with extensive chronic GVHD requiring further immunosuppressive therapy. Two patients died of GVHD/infections, 1 patient died of extensive chronic GVHD and 7 patients of progressive disease. Conclusions: This tandem auto-allotransplant protocol demonstrated to be highly effective also in advanced resistant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patients. The exploitation of graft-versus-lymphoma effect is a promising finding

Abstract 3836 Background. In essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients history of thrombosis and age over 60 y are validated risk factors for thrombosis; the thrombocytosis is a constitutive abnormality associated with both thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk; JAK2 V617F mutation, leukocytosis, and male gender are candidate thrombotic risk factors. Aims. To evaluate in ET patients clinical-biological characteristics at diagnosis and their relationship with thrombosis occurrence before and after diagnosis. Methods. A cohort of ET patients of the Registro Italiano Trombocitemia (RIT) was retrospectively analysed. This preliminary report in detail considers data on thrombosis history. Results. A total of 977 patients, 387 males and 590 females, presented at diagnosis: median age 55 y, median PLT count 783 × 109/L, median WBC count 8.8 × 109/L, median Hb 14.1 g/dL, bone marrow fibrosis (grade >0) in 33% of cases, history of thrombosis in 189 cases (19.3%). The patients at high risk (age over 60 y and/or history of thrombosis) were 511 (52 %). The thrombosis history in univariate analysis was significantly related to: age over 60 y (p 0.001), male gender (p 0.045), low thrombocytosis (PLT 8.8 x109/L, p 0.01), and JAK2 V617F mutation (p 0.006). No relationship was found with the bone marrow fibrosis. The 977 patients, when both PLT count and WBC count at diagnosis were considered, were subdivided in four groups: group 1: 202 pts with low thrombocytosis and leukocytosis; group 2: 270 pts with low thrombocytosis and no leukocytosis; group 3: 272 pts with high thrombocytosis and leukocytosis; group 4: 197 pts with high thrombocytosis and no leukocytosis. In those patients, the thrombosis history was: 26.7% in the group 1(both risk factors); 24.1% in the group 2 (PLT risk factor); 20.2% in the group 3 (WBC risk factor); 7.6% in the group 4 (no risk factors). The rate of thrombosis history in patients with one or two of these risk factors was significantly (p 0.001) higher than in patients with no risk factors. The thrombotic events during the follow up (4088 pt-y) are still object of analysis. Conclusion. In this cohort of ET patients the rate of thrombosis history in univariate analysis was related to age over 60 y. Moreover, a significant relationship was found with PLT count at diagnosis below the median value (783 x109/L), WBC count at diagnosis over the median value (8.8 x109/L), JAK2 V617F mutation, and male gender. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.