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Hematologists are frequently involved in the diagnostic pathway of Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) patients since they present several hematological signs. However, GD1 is mainly underdiagnosed because of a lack of awareness. In this multicenter study, we combine the use of a diagnostic algorithm with a simple test (β-glucosidase activity on Dried Blood Spot) in order to facilitate the diagnosis in a population presenting to the hematologist with splenomegaly and/or thrombocytopenia associated with other hematological signs. In this high-risk population, the prevalence of GD1 is 3.3%. We propose an equation that predicts the probability of having GD1 according to three parameters that are routinely evaluated: platelet count, ferritin, and transferrin saturation.

A b s t r ac t Background Current treatment recommendations for patients with polycythemia vera call for maintaining a hematocrit of less than 45%, but this therapeutic strategy has not been tested in a randomized clinical trial. Methods We randomly assigned 365 adults with JAK2-positive polycythemia vera who were being treated with phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, or both to receive either more intensive treatment (target hematocrit

The Erectile Dysfunction Observational Study (EDOS) is a 6-months observational prospective multicentric study enrolling men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who asked, to be started on a treatment or to change a previous treatment. Aims of the study were to analyse the pattern of treatment and compare the efficacy of treatments used. Patients were enrolled during a normal hospital visit and were prescribed a treatment for ED. They were asked at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, to answer a set of questions from the International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and Short Form of the Psychological and Interpersonal Relationships Scale questionnaires (SF-PAIRS). Clinicians were free to prescribe any therapy for ED available in the market, and to change therapy at any time during the study. Out of 1 338 patients, available for analysis at 6 months, 624 (47%) changed their treatment during the study and 714 (53%) continued with the drug prescribed at baseline. Patients assuming tadalafil had a significantly higher probability of maintaining the same treatment compared to sildenafil or vardenafil. There was no clinically significant difference in terms of efficacy, patient satisfaction, self-confidence and spontaneity between the different inhibitors of PDE5. The 'time concerns' domain score of SF-PAIRS, was statistically better in patients assuming tadalafil. In conclusion sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil show similar efficacy in the clinical practice. However, patients receiving tadalafil display a lower risk to discontinue or change the treatment.

Summary Background There is no evidence that phlebotomy alone is sufficient to steadily maintain haematocrit on target level in low-risk patients with polycythaemia vera. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ropeginterferon alfa-2b on top of the standard phlebotomy regimen with phlebotomy alone. Methods In 2017, we launched the Low-PV study, a multicentre, open-label, two-arm, parallel-group, investigator-initiated, phase 2 randomised trial with a group-sequential adaptive design. The study involved 21 haematological centres across Italy. Participants were recruited in a consecutive order. Participants enrolled in the study were patients, aged 18–60 years, with a diagnosis of polycythaemia vera according to 2008–16 WHO criteria. Eligible patients were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either phlebotomy and low-dose aspirin (standard group) or ropeginterferon alfa-2b on top of the standard treatment (experimental group). Randomisation sequence was generated using five blocks of variable sizes proportional to elements of Pascal's triangle. Allocation was stratified by age and time from diagnosis. No masking was done. Patients randomly allocated to the standard group were treated with phlebotomy (300 mL for each phlebotomy to maintain the haematocrit values of lower than 45%) and low-dose aspirin (100 mg daily), if not contraindicated. Patients randomly allocated to the experimental group received ropeginterferon alfa-2b subcutaneously every 2 weeks in a fixed dose of 100 μg on top of the phlebotomy-only regimen. The primary endpoint was treatment response, defined as maintenance of the median haematocrit values of 45% or lower without progressive disease during a 12-month period. Analyses were done by intention-to-treat principle. The study was powered assuming a higher percentage of responders in the experimental group (75%) than in the standard group (50%). Here we report results from the second planned interim analysis when 50 patients had been recruited to each group. The trial is ongoing, and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT03003325 . Findings Between Feb 2, 2017, and March 13, 2020, 146 patients were screened, and 127 patients were randomly assigned to the standard group (n=63) or the experimental group (n=64). The median follow-up period was 12·1 months (IQR 12·0–12·6). For the second pre-planned interim analysis, a higher response rate in the experimental group was seen (42 [84%] of 50 patients) than in the standard group (30 [60%] of 50 patients; absolute difference 24%, 95% CI 7–41%, p=0·0075). The observed z value (2·6001) crossed the critical bound of efficacy (2·5262), and the stagewise adjusted p value early showed superiority of experimental treatment. Thus, the data safety monitoring board decided to stop patient accrual for overwhelming efficacy and to continue the follow-up, as per protocol, for 2 years. Under the safety profile, no statistically significant difference between groups in frequency of adverse events of grade 3 or higher was observed; the most frequently reported adverse events were neutropenia (four [8%] of 50 patients) in the experimental group and skin symptoms (two [4%] of 50 patients) in the standard group. No grade 4 or 5 adverse events occurred. Interpretation Supplementing phlebotomy with ropeginterferon alfa-2b seems to be safe and effective in steadily maintaining haematocrit values on target in low-risk patients with polycythaemia vera. Findings from the current study might have implications for changing the current management of low-risk patients with polycythaemia vera. Funding AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals, Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro

Several papers authored by international experts have proposed recommendations on the management of BCR-ABL1+ chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Following these recommendations, survival of CML patients has become very close to normal. The next, ambitious, step is to bring as many patients as possible into a condition of treatment-free remission (TFR). The Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell’Adulto (GIMEMA; Italian Group for Hematologic Diseases of the Adult) CML Working Party (WP) has developed a project aimed at selecting the treatment policies that may increase the probability of TFR, taking into account 4 variables: the need for TFR, the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the characteristics of leukemia, and the patient. A Delphi-like method was used to reach a consensus among the representatives of 50 centers of the CML WP. A consensus was reached on the assessment of disease risk (EUTOS Long Term Survival [ELTS] score), on the definition of the most appropriate age boundaries for the choice of first-line treatment, on the choice of the TKI for first-line treatment, and on the definition of the responses that do not require a change of the TKI (BCR-ABL1 ≤10% at 3 months, ≤1% at 6 months, ≤0.1% at 12 months, ≤0.01% at 24 months), and of the responses that require a change of the TKI, when the goal is TFR (BCR-ABL1 >10% at 3 and 6 months, >1% at 12 months, and >0.1% at 24 months). These suggestions may help optimize the treatment strategy for TFR.

It is judged safe to discontinue treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in experimental trials on treatment-free remission (TFR). We collected a total of 293 Italian patients with chronic phase CML who discontinued TKI in deep molecular response. Seventy-two percent of patients were on treatment with imatinib, and 28% with second generation TKI at the time of discontinuation. Median duration of treatment with the last TKI was 77 months [Interquartile Range (IQR) 54;111], median duration of deep molecular response was 46 months (IQR 31;74). Duration of treatment with TKI and duration of deep molecular response were shorter with second generation TKI than with imatinib (P

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Limited information is available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The Campus CML network collected retrospective information on 8665 CML patients followed at 46 centres throughout Italy during the pandemic between February 2020 and January 2021. Within this cohort, we recorded 217 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (2·5%). Most patients (57%) were diagnosed as having SARS-CoV-2 infection during the second peak of the pandemic (September 2020 to January 2021). The majority (35%) was aged between 50 and 65years with a male prevalence (73%). Fifty-six percent of patients presented concomitant comorbidities. The median time from CML diagnosis to SARS-CoV-2 infection was six years (three months to 18years). Twenty-one patients (9·6%) required hospitalization without the need of respiratory assistance, 18 (8·2%) were hospitalized for respiratory assistance, 8 (3·6%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, while 170 (78%) were only quarantined. Twenty-three percent of patients discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy during the infection. Twelve patients died due to COVID-19 with a mortality rate of 5·5% in the positive cohort and of 0·13% in the whole cohort. We could also document sequelae caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection and an impact of the pandemic on the overall management of CML patients.

IntroductionAllogeneic stem cell transplantation survivors are at a relevant risk of developing chronic GvHD (cGvHD), which importantly affects quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality. Early identification of patients at risk of cGvHD-related morbidity could represent a relevant tool to tailor preventive strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic power of immune reconstitution (IR) at cGvHD onset through an IR-based score.MethodsWe analyzed data from 411 adult patients consecutively transplanted between January 2011 and December 2016 at our Institution: 151 patients developed cGvHD (median follow-up 4 years). A first set of 111 consecutive patients with cGvHD entered the test cohort while an additional consecutive 40 patients represented the validation cohort. A Cox multivariate model for OS (overall survival) in patients with cGvHD of any severity allowed the identification of six variables independently predicting OS and TRM (transplant-related mortality). A formula for a prognostic risk index using the β coefficients derived from the model was designed. Each patient was assigned a score defining three groups of risk (low, intermediate, and high).ResultsOur multivariate model defined the variables independently predicting OS at cGvHD onset: CD4+ >233 cells/mm3, NK 3, IgA 3/mm3. Low-risk patients were defined as having a score ≤3.09, intermediate-risk patients >3.09 and ≤6.9, and high-risk patients >6.9. By ROC analysis, we identified a cut-off of 6.310 for both TRM and overall mortality.In the training cohort, the 6-year OS and TRM from cGvHD occurrence were 85% (95% CI, 70-92) and 13% (95% CI, 5-25) for low-risk, 64% (95% CI, 44-89) and 30% (95% CI, 15-47) for intermediate-risk, 26% (95% CI, 10-47), and 42% (95% CI, 19-63) for high-risk patients (OS pThe validation cohort confirmed the model with a 6-year OS and TRM of 83% (95% CI, 48-96) and 8% (95% CI, 1-32) for low-risk, 78% (95% CI, 37-94) and 11% (95% CI, 1-41) for intermediate-risk, 37% (95% CI, 17-58), and 63% (95% CI, 36-81) for high-risk patients (OS p = 0.0075; TRM p = 0.0009).ConclusionsIR score at diagnosis of cGvHD predicts GvHD severity and overall survival. IR score may contribute to the risk stratification of patients. If confirmed in a larger and multicenter-based study, IR score could be adopted to identify patients at high risk and modulate cGvHD treatments accordingly in the context of clinical trial.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia is a clonal disorder characterized by the presence of the Ph-chromosome and the BCR-ABL tyrosine-kinase (TK). Target-therapy with Imatinib has greatly improved its outcome. Deeper and faster responses are reported with the second-generation TKI Nilotinib. Sustained responses may enable TKI discontinuation. However, even in a complete molecular response, some patients experience disease recurrence possibly due to persistence of quiescent leukemic CD34+/lin−Ph+ stem cells (LSCs). Degree and mechanisms of LSCs clearance during TKI treatment are not clearly established. The PhilosoPhi34 study was designed to verify the in-vivo activity and timecourse of first-line Nilotinib therapy on BM CD34+/lin−Ph+ cells clearance. Eighty-seven CP-CML patients were enrolled. BM cells were collected and tested for Ph+ residual cells, at diagnosis, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. FISH analysis of unstimulated CD34+/lin− cells in CCyR patients were positive in 8/65 (12.3%), 5/71 (7%), 0/69 (0%) evaluable tests, respectively. Per-Protocol analysis response rates were as follows: CCyR 95% at 12 months, MR4.5 31% and 46% at 12 and 36 months, respectively. An exploratory Gene Expression Profiling (GEP) study of CD34+/lin− cells was performed on 30 patients at diagnosis and after, on 79 patients at diagnosis vs 12 months of nilotinib treatment vs 10 healthy subjects. Data demonstrated some genes significantly different expressed: NFKBIA, many cell cycle genes, ABC transporters, JAK-STAT signaling pathway (JAK2). In addition, a correlation between different expression of some genes (JAK2, OLFM4, ICAM1, NFKBIA) among patients at diagnosis and their achievement of an early and deeper MR was observed.

Successful discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has been achieved in patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Careful molecular monitoring after discontinuation warrants safe and prompt resumption of therapy. We retrospectively evaluated how molecular monitoring has been conducted in Italy in a cohort of patients who discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment per clinical practice. The outcome of these patients has recently been reported&mdash, 281 chronic-phase CML patients were included in this subanalysis. Median follow-up since discontinuation was 2 years. Overall, 2203 analyses were performed, 17.9% in the first three months and 38.4% in the first six months. Eighty-six patients lost major molecular response (MMR) in a mean time of 5.7 months&mdash, 65 pts (75.6%) during the first six months. We evaluated the number of patients who would experience a delay in diagnosis of MMR loss if a three-month monitoring schedule was adopted. In the first 6 months, 19 pts (29.2%) would have a one-month delay, 26 (40%) a 2-month delay. Very few patients would experience a delay in the following months. A less intense frequency of monitoring, particularly after the first 6 months off treatment, would not have affected the success of treatment-free remission (TFR) nor put patients at risk of progression.

Background Generic formulations of imatinib mesylate have been introduced in Western Europe since 2017 to treat patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, results on the safety and efficacy of generic formulations are contrasting. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of generic imatinib in CML patients treated in 12 Italian institutes. Methods This is an observational, retro-prospective analysis of patients with CML for whom the treatment was switched from brand to generic imatinib. We analyzed and compared the variation in quantitative PCR values before and after the switch, and the proportion of patients who maintained molecular response after changing from brand to generic imatinib. Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated. Results Two hundred patients were enrolled. The median PCR value after the switch was reduced by 0.25 compared to the values before the switch. A significant difference was found between median PCR values before and after the switch in favor of generic imatinib (P = 0.003). Molecular responses remained stable in 69.0%, improved in 25.5%, and worsened in 5.5% of patients. AEs were similar in the pre- and post-switch periods; however, a significant difference was found in favor of generic imatinib for muscular cramps (P < 0.0001), periorbital edema (P=0.0028), edema of the limbs (P

In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may select for drug-resistant BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutants. Although Sanger sequencing (SS) is considered the gold standard for BCR-ABL1 KD mutation screening, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has recently been assessed in retrospective studies. We conducted a prospective, multicenter study (NEXT-in-CML) to assess the frequency and clinical relevance of low-level mutations and the feasibility, cost, and turnaround times of NGS-based BCR-ABL1 mutation screening in a routine setting. A series of 236 consecutive CML patients with failure (n = 124) or warning (n = 112) response to TKI therapy were analyzed in parallel by SS and NGS in 1 of 4 reference laboratories. Fifty-one patients (22 failure, 29 warning) who were negative for mutations by SS had low-level mutations detectable by NGS. Moreover, 29 (27 failure, 2 warning) of 60 patients who were positive for mutations by SS showed additional low-level mutations. Thus, mutations undetectable by SS were identified in 80 out of 236 patients (34%), of whom 42 (18% of the total) had low-level mutations somehow relevant for clinical decision making. Prospective monitoring of mutation kinetics demonstrated that TKI-resistant low-level mutations are invariably selected if the patients are not switched to another TKI or if they are switched to a inappropriate TKI or TKI dose. The NEXT-in-CML study provides for the first time robust demonstration of the clinical relevance of low-level mutations, supporting the incorporation of NGS-based BCR-ABL1 KD mutation screening results in the clinical decision algorithms.

Dendritic cell (DC) targeting in vivo has recently been shown to confer strong and protective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) based immunity in tumor murine models. Our group has recently demonstrated in preclinical models that the infusion of genetically modified lymphocytes (GMLs) expressing the self/tumor antigen TRP-2 is able to elicit functional TRP-2-specific effectors with antitumor activity by targeting DCs in vivo. Here we have analyzed vaccine- and tumor-specific immune responses of 10 melanoma patients treated with autologous GMLs expressing the cancer germline gene MAGE-A3. Three of 10 patients treated with MAGE-A3-GML showed an increase of circulating anti MAGE-A3 T cells, and developed skin delayed-type hypersensitivity to MAGE-A3. Interestingly, in 2 of these patients, with progressive and measurable tumors at study entry, anti- MAGE-A3 T cells were detected not only in the blood but also within tumors resected after vaccination. These results demonstrate that the infusion of MAGE-A3-GML elicits antitumor T cells, which are capable of trafficking to inflamed tissues and of infiltrating tumors. Clinical studies on a larger group of patients are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of such a strategy. (Blood. 2009; 113: 1651-1660) Dendritic cell (DC) targeting in vivo has recently been shown to confer strong and protective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) based immunity in tumor murine models. Our group has recently demonstrated in preclinical models that the infusion of genetically modified lymphocytes (GMLs) expressing the self/tumor antigen TRP-2 is able to elicit functional TRP-2-specific effectors with antitumor activity by targeting DCs in vivo. Here we have analyzed vaccine- and tumor-specific immune responses of 10 melanoma patients treated with autologous GMLs expressing the cancer germline gene MAGE-A3. Three of 10 patients treated with MAGE-A3-GML showed an increase of circulating anti MAGE-A3 T cells, and developed skin delayed-type hypersensitivity to MAGE-A3. Interestingly, in 2 of these patients, with progressive and measurable tumors at study entry, anti- MAGE-A3 T cells were detected not only in the blood but also within tumors resected after vaccination. These results demonstrate that the infusion of MAGE-A3-GML elicits antitumor T cells, which are capable of trafficking to inflamed tissues and of infiltrating tumors. Clinical studies on a larger group of patients are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of such a strategy. (Blood. 2009; 113: 1651-1660)

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haploidentical family donors is a promising therapeutic option for high-risk hematologic malignancies. Here we explored in 121 patients, mostly with advanced stage diseases, a sirolimus-based, calcineurin-inhibitor-free prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) to allow the infusion of unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts from partially HLA-matched family donors (TrRaMM study, Eudract 2007-5477-54). Conditioning regimen was based on treosulfan and fludarabine, and GvHD prophylaxis on antithymocyte globulin Fresenius (ATG-F), rituximab and oral administration of sirolimus and mycophenolate. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred in median at 17 and 19 days after HSCT, respectively, and full donor chimerism was documented in patients' bone marrow since the first post-transplant evaluation. T-cell immune reconstitution was rapid, and high frequencies of circulating functional T-regulatory cells (Treg) were documented during sirolimus prophylaxis. Incidence of acute GvHD grade II-IV was 35%, and occurrence and severity correlated negatively with Treg frequency. Chronic GvHD incidence was 47%. At 3 years after HSCT, transpant-related mortality was 31%, relapse incidence 48% and overall survival 25%. In conclusion, GvHD prophylaxis with sirolimus-mycophenolate-ATG-F-rituximab promotes a rapid immune reconstitution skewed toward Tregs, allowing the infusion of unmanipulated haploidentical PBSC grafts. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haploidentical family donors is a promising therapeutic option for high-risk hematologic malignancies. Here we explored in 121 patients, mostly with advanced stage diseases, a sirolimus-based, calcineurin-inhibitor-free prophylaxis of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) to allow the infusion of unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts from partially HLA-matched family donors (TrRaMM study, Eudract 2007-5477-54). Conditioning regimen was based on treosulfan and fludarabine, and GvHD prophylaxis on antithymocyte globulin Fresenius (ATG-F), rituximab and oral administration of sirolimus and mycophenolate. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment occurred in median at 17 and 19 days after HSCT, respectively, and full donor chimerism was documented in patients’ bone marrow since the first post-transplant evaluation. T-cell immune reconstitution was rapid, and high frequencies of circulating functional T-regulatory cells (Treg) were documented during sirolimus prophylaxis. Incidence of acute GvHD grade II–IV was 35%, and occurrence and severity correlated negatively with Treg frequency. Chronic GvHD incidence was 47%. At 3 years after HSCT, transplant-related mortality was 31%, relapse incidence 48% and overall survival 25%. In conclusion, GvHD prophylaxis with sirolimus– mycophenolate–ATG-F–rituximab promotes a rapid immune reconstitution skewed toward Tregs, allowing the infusion of unmanipulated haploidentical PBSC grafts.

Cancer vaccines have recently been shown to induce some clinical benefits. The relationship between clinical activity and anti-vaccine T cell responses is somewhat controversial. Indeed, in many trials it has been documented that the induction of vaccine-specific T cells exceeds the clinical responses observed. Here, we evaluate immunological and clinical responses in 23 MAGE-A3+ melanoma patients treated with autologous lymphocytes genetically engineered to express the tumor antigen MAGE-A3 and the viral gene product thymidine kinase of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-TK). HSV-TK was used as safety system in case of adverse events and as tracer antigen to monitor the immune competence of treated patients. The increase of anti-TK and anti-MAGE-A3 T-cells after vaccination was observed in 90 and 27% of patients, respectively. Among 19 patients with measurable disease, we observed a disease control rate of 26.3%, with one objective clinical response, and four durable, stable diseases. Three patients out of five with no evidence of disease (NED) at the time of vaccination remained NED after 73+, 70+ and 50+ months. Notably, we report that only patients experiencing MAGE-A3-specific immune responses showed a clinical benefit. Additionally, we report that responder and non-responder patients activate and expand T cells against the tracer antigen TK in a similar way, suggesting that local rather than systemic immune suppression might be involved in limiting clinically relevant antitumor immune responses. OI bregni, marco/0000-0002-3789-1199

Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective therapeutic option for high-risk hematological malignancies; 80% of those who survive the first 2 years are expected to become long-term survivors. The prevalence of chronic health conditions approaches 75% among HCT survivors and that for severe or life-threatening conditions exceeds 20%. Patients and Methods A standardized follow-up of HCT survivors is applied at our Center, according to Jacie Standards. Here we report the analysis of data collected between July 2014 and July 2015 in 260 adult patients (pts) who underwent an HCT between 1992 and 2014. Data on 7 items - selected to monitor relevant comorbidities - were prospectively collected in our Institutional database. A written consent was given by pts allowing the use of medical records for research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results Pts characteristics are reported in table 1, median time of follow-up 4.4y (r1-22), cumulative follow-up 1404y; 13 pts deceased during the time of observation (6 due to disease relapse, 2 to late major infection, 2 to second cancer, 1 to GvHD, 1 to myocardial infarction, 1 unknown). - chronic Graft-versus-Host-Disease (c-GvHD): at a median follow-up of 43 months (r 16 months - 21 years) 84 (32%) pts are presenting c-GvHD features. According to NIH 2014 consensus criteria 23 cases were classified as mild, 32 moderate, 29 severe. Median number of involved organs 2 (r1-5), 39 pts were experiencing skin lesions, 55 eyes, 28 mouth, 19 joint and fascia, 18 lungs. Topical therapy was the treatment of choice for mild cases, while moderate and severe were treated with systemic therapy. The partnership with the lung specialist and the ophthalmologist was crucial for the management of lung and eyes GvHD. - Late infectious manifestation: 38 (15%) pts present late infection, 2 pts deceased due to major events. Of note pneumonia was reported in 12 pts, Varicella Zoster virus reactivation in 7, CMV late reactivation in 4 pts. - Second cancer screening was performed according to international guidelines. The incidence of new cases is 10% (26 pts) and 11 pts are actually under work-up for suspicious lesions. Non-melanoma skin cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (13 cases); 3 pts were diagnosed with cervix cancer, 2 with lung cancer. The prevalence of second cancer in our population is 18% (47 cases). All pts were treated according to standard for general population, 45/47 are alive. - Cardiovascular diseases were frequently observed in our setting: hypertension was documented in 36 pts, arterial diseases in 10 pts, cardiomyopathy in 28 pts. Overall 27% of pts were diagnosed with cardiovascular comorbidities. - Metabolic syndrome (MS) is reported as a very common complication in long-term survivors: 65 (25%) pts were presenting features of MS (3/5 among hypertension, dyslipidemia, raised fasting glucose, and central obesity). A concomitant thyroid dysfunction - requiring hormonal replacement - was present in 27/65 pts. - Secondary hemosiderosis was documented (with MRI and blood parameters) and treated in 39 pts (15%) - 8 pts received deferasirox while phlebotomy was used in 31. - Osteoporosis and bone loss were evaluated measuring bone mineral density using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; osteopenia was detected in 81 pts and osteoporosis in 42 (47%). Pts were evaluated in conjunction with the endocrinologist and treated according to the fracture risk score. According to donor source no difference were observed (Chi-square test - p ns) except for higher incidence of moderate/severe GvHD incidence in HLA identical sibling (p 0.0097) as compared to alternative donors. Discussion HCT survivors are at a defined relevant risk of developing long-term complications that have a direct impact on the morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary active screening within routine HCT long-term follow-up care is mandatory to enhance early diagnosis/treatment and overall outcome. The next challenge will be to enhance the primary prevention to reduce the incidence of preventable comorbidities. Table 1. patients characteristics N (range) Pts 260 Age At transplant 48y (10 - 76) At follow-up 54y (20 - 82) Male / Female 169 / 91 Diagnosis AML / ALL 106 / 33 MDS 27 HD / NHL 23 / 29 MM 14 CML 8 CLL 5 SAA / EPN 4 / 1 Others 10 Status at transplant CR / PD 169 / 91 Donor Haploidentical 100 HLA identical Sibling 76 Match Unrelated Donor 82 Cord Blood 2 Disclosures Bonini: MolMed S.p.A: Consultancy.

Background Optimization of pre-transplant risk assessment is a crucial issue to improve the allo-HSCT decision making process. Actually 3 major algorithms are in use in clinical practice: the EBMT risk score, the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score and - more recently introduced - the refined Disease Risk Index (DRI). DRI was defined to calibrate HSCT outcome across studies and centers. It was developed as a tool to assign patients into risk groups based on disease type and status at the time of transplantation. The aim of the DRI is to provide a robust tool that can be used for prognostication, for the analysis and interpretation of retrospective data, whether conducted in single-center, multicenter, or registry settings, or within the context of the federally mandated center outcome reporting. The DRI can also be used for the stratification of patients entering prospective HCT clinical trials. DRI is not a fixed tool but instead it was conceived to be refined by the transplant community as new information becomes available. Here we are presenting the results of a retrospective study designed to evaluate the 3 aforementioned score in stratification and prognostication of transplant outcome after a haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT). Patients and Methods We included 220 adult patients (pts - 138 male, 82 female) who underwent a haplo-HSCT for hematologic malignancies, between 2006 and 2014 and were reported to our Institutional database. Risk assessment score and outcome analysis included all consecutive pts receiving an haplo-HSCT as 1st allogeneic transplantation. Pts receiving haplo-HSCT as 2nd or 3rd HSCT were excluded from the present analysis. Median age was 49 years (range, 15-77). The cohort included a broad representation of diseases (138/220 acute leukemia, 30 Hodgkin lymphoma); 62 pts were in complete remission at transplant, 158 were presenting active disease. Conditioning regimens mostly rely upon the combination of treosulfan plus fludarabine (201/220) and total body irradiation (range 200 - 400 cGy) was utilized in 52 patients. GVHD prophylaxis consisted mostly of an mTor inhibitor (rapamycin) combined with mycophenolate mofetil. The majority of patients received peripheral blood stem cells from a family haploidentical donor as stem cell source, while only 4 patients received bone marrow transplant. A written consent was given by pts allowing the use of medical records for research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results The median follow-up for survivors was 37 months (r 6-107). The overall survival (OS) at 2-y was 35% and the transplant related mortality at 100-days 23%. The 2y OS according to EBMT / HCT-CI / DRI risk score are reported in table 1.a and figure 1. The evaluation of the HCT-CI impact after DRI stratification was able to show a significant difference in outcome showing better survival for pts with low DRI score and low HCT-CI score as expected (table 1.b). Discussion Refined DRI score and HCT-CI score predict survival after haplo-HSCT. The integrated application of refined DRI and HCT-CI may improve the definition of transplant eligibility for pts candidate to allogeneic HSCT form alternative donors including family haploidentical source. Table 1a. EBMT score 0-3 % pts 4-5 %pts > 5 %pts p 51% 17 34% 51 27% 32 0.07 HCT-CI score 0-2 3-4 >/= 5 48% 59 36% 31 0% 10 0.0001 DRI score Low-Intermediate High Very-High 61% 32 27% 51 5% 17 0.0001 Table 1b. HCT-CI 0-4 HCT-CI >/=5 p DRILow-Intermediate 64% 0% 0.0001 DRIHigh-Very High 29% 0% Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

We evaluated the prognostic role of (18)FDG-PET performed before ASCT in patients affected by lymphoma who underwent high-dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT as first-line treatment for high-risk disease or as second-line or more for relapsed or refractory disease. We retrospectively analyzed 53 consecutive patients, 14 with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and 39 with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), treated between February 1999 and October 2006 at our institution, who had a pre-ASCT FDG-PET (pPET) evaluation. Median age was 45 years (range: 18 - 69). After a median follow-up of 31 months (range: 8 - 91), 7 out of 16 pPET+ patients and 10 out of 37 pPET- patients experienced lymphoma relapse. The 5-year OS is 90% and 55% (p=0.01) in patients with negative and positive pPET, respectively. In conclusion, a positive pPET indicates a poorer outcome after ASCT with respect to a negative pPET; this subset of patients should be considered candidate to more intensive or investigational approaches.

Abstract 2385 Background. Allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the best therapeutic option for high-risk hematological disease (HRHD), particularly acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia (AML/ALL). A widely application of HSCT is limited by lack of availability of a suitable donor for every candidate patients (pts). In order to offer a donor to every candidate pts, several centers had developed in the last decade alternative strategy of HSCT, such as umbilical cord blood (UCB) or family haploidentical HSCT (haplo-HSCT). With the aim to treat high-risk leukemia in the ideal appropriate time by allogeneic HSCT, we adopted a policy relying upon HLA typing at entry of every pts diagnosed with HRHD, followed, in absence of a MRD, by the prompt activation of the MUD search. Patients lacking a MRD or a MUD at the appropriate timing are proposed for haplo-HSCT. Methods. Here we report an intention-to-treat analysis of alternative donor HSCT at our Institution for pts diagnosed with high risk AML or ALL. Data were obtained from local institutional database. Results. Between Jan-2004 and July-2010 241 pts (median age 48y, r 15–72) with diagnosis of ALL (60 pts; median age 33y, r 15–64; male 39) or AML (181 pts, median age 51y, r 19–72; male 83) were defined as “high risk status” and received an indication to HSCT according to EBMT (European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation) and Northern Italy Leukemia Group (NILG, www.nilg.it) recommendations. In the ALL group 3 pts died before proceed to HSCT, 5 pts are waiting for the identification of a donor. Overall, 52/60 (86%) pts underwent HSCT, the status of disease at transplant was of complete remission (CR) for 27 pts, persistence of disease (PD) for 25. In the AML group 6 pts died before proceed to HSCT, 15 pts are waiting for the identification of a donor. Overall, 160/181 (88%) pts underwent HSCT, the status of disease at transplant was of CR for 97 pts, PD 63. Overall 92 pts activated the research of a MUD, 42 proceed to transplant, 7 received a UCB, 26 received a haplo-HSCT due to absence of a suitable donor in the appropriate time frame or failure to met the criteria to engage a MUD donor. The median time from diagnosis to registry activation was 69 days (r 5–876), the median time from activation to transplant 84 days (r 28–348). In the group of pts in CR at transplant, 37 underwent HSCT from a MRD and 36 from a MUD, 4 pts received a UCB and 47 a haplo-HSCT. Seventy-two pts are alive and in CR at last follow-up, 3/72 after a second transplant from a different donor (haplo-HSCT) and 3/72 after chemotherapy and adoptive immunotherapy to treat hematological relapse. Fifty-two pts died and the causes of death were: relapse (27), infection-related (19), graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD; 5), acute myocardial infarction (1). In the group of pts in PD at transplant, 16 underwent HSCT from a MRD and 6 from a MUD, 3 pts received UCB and 63 a haplo-HSCT. Fifteen pts are alive, 14 in CR, 1 pts under adoptive immunotherapy; 1/14 pts received a second transplant from a different donor (haplo-HSCT) to treat hematological relapse. Seventy-three pts died and the causes of death were: relapse (43), infection (23), GvHD (7). Overall, the median survival is 382 days and the median follow-up for pts alive is 548 days. The 1-year overall survival (OS)/transplant related mortality (TRM)/relapse incidence (RI) are 50,76% 26,96% and 40% respectively. For pts transplanted in CR the 1y OS/TRM/RI are 77,2%, 20,01% and 25% respectively. The outcome analysis per donor source (MRD vs MUD vs haplo-HSCT) is comparable (p=ns). For pts transplanted in PD the 1y OS/TRM/RI are 19,7%, 41% and 67% respectively. The outcome analysis per donor source (MRD vs MUD vs haplo-HSCT) shows a trend of lower RI and TRM in the haplo-SCT vs MRD. Conclusion. The policy adopted provided an allogeneic HSCT in > 80% of candidate high-risk acute leukemia patients. No significant differences were registered in outcome for patients transplanted from matched-related, unrelated or family haploidentical donors. Further evaluation and a long-term follow-up will add important evaluation in term of long-term disease control and long-term toxicities. Disclosures: Bonini: MolMed: Consultancy. Bordignon: Molmed: Employment.

Abstract 2382 Background. Allogeneic transplantation of haemopoietic stem cells (allo-SCT) from an HLA- matched related (MRD) or unrelated donor (MUD) is a curative option for patients (pts) with high-risk haematological disease (HRHD). In the absence of a MRD or MUD, pts have been offered investigational transplant strategies such as umbilical cord blood (UCB) or family haploidentical SCT (haplo-SCT). In our Institution, all patients with HRHD are typed at entry; if a suitable MRD donor is missing a MUD search is promptly activated through the Bone Marrow Donors Worldwide Registry (BMDW). Our policy is to offer an haplo-SCT to adult pts lacking an MRD or MUD in order to adequately treat HRHD in the ideal appropriate time according to clinical indications for allo-SCT. This policy is based on our ongoing protocols for primary disease. Methods. Here we report the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis of alternative donor transplantation at our Institution. Data were obtained from Institutional database; all HRHD patients were included in analysis. Results. Between Jan-2004 and July-2010, 410 pts (100% of the following ITT analysis; median age 48y, range 15–76, 91 pts over-60y; male 264) received indication to allo-SCT according to EBMT recommendations. The majority of pts presented with a diagnosis of acute leukaemia (15% lymphoblastic, 45% myeloid), while 12% presented with non Hodgkin lymphoma, 8% myelodysplastic syndrome, 6% Hodgkin disease, 5% multiple myeloma, 2% chronic myeloid leukaemia, 2% chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, 2% severe aplastic anaemia, 1% primary myelofibrosis, 2% others. Eighty-nine pts (22%) received a transplant from a MRD; 190 pts (46%) activated an MUD search in the BMDW registry; 84 pts (20% of total pts, 44% of MUD searching) received a MUD transplant; 42 pts (10%-21%) received an haplo-SCT due to lacking of a suitable MUD in the appropriate timing according to disease status, or absence of suitable criteria to engage a MUD donor; 11 pts (3%-6%) received a UCB if lacking a suitable haplo donor. Overall, 149 pts received an haplo-SCT (36%): 42 after BMDW research, 107 up-front. Twenty-one pts died before receiving a transplant (5%), 37 (9%) are still searching for a suitable donor and an eligible donor is under final evaluation for 19 pts (5%). One-hundred-fifty pts underwent transplant in complete remission (CR), 12 in early phase, 9 in very-good-partial remission (VGPR), 7 in partial response (PR), while 155 were in progression of disease (PD). The median time from diagnosis to transplant was 165 days, the median time from MUD search to transplant 103 days (range 28–824 days). The overall survival (OS) analysis in intention to treat is 51% at 1 year, 39% at 3y; the 1y and the 3y OS for pts transplanted in CR/early phase/VGPR are 74% and 57% respectively, for the pts transplanted in PR/PD 29% and 21% (p At last evaluation 149 pts are alive, with a median follow-up of 802,5 days (range 2–2315); 93/149 received transplant in CR, 10 in early phase, 6 in VGPR, 3 in PR, 37 in PD. Twenty out of 149 experienced disease relapse and were rescue with salvage treatment and adoptive immunotherapy in 15 cases, while 5 pts received a second transplant from a different donor. Up to 155 pts transplanted in PD, 37 (24%) are alive with a median follow-up of 499 days, of these 22 pts received a haplo-SCT, 8 MUD, 6 MRD, 1 UCB. The median follow-up for pts dead is of 118 days (range 2–2315), the cause of death were disease relapse (53,26%), graft-versus-host-disease (8,7%), infection (31,5%), multi organ failure (3,8%), cardiovascular disease (1,09%), haemorrhage (1,63%). Conclusion. In ITT analysis, 81% of overall pts candidate received an allo-SCT (59% from an alternative donor, 22% from a MRD) and the outcome achieved for pts transplanted in CR is comparable within the three major donor source (MRD – MUD – haplo-SCT). This result confirm the need to offer to every candidate pts a transplant option in the appropriate time, but also support the use of alternative donors, particularly haplo-SCT, in absence of an available MRD or MUD. The highly committed policy performed in the alternative-SCT setting and the implementation of an alternative donor option are essential prerequisite to obtain these results, offering to every candidate pts a concrete opportunity of treatment. Disclosures: Bordignon: Molmed: Employment.