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Vanishing bile duct syndrome is a paraneoplastic manifestation of Hodgkin's lymphoma that often proves fatal. Treatment of the underlying lymphoma with chemotherapy is a priority, and liver dysfunction is frequently prohibitive. A 27‐year‐old woman presented with severe cholestatic hepatitis that was diagnosed as vanishing bile duct syndrome on liver biopsy. Chest imaging showed mediastinal and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy that was diagnosed as Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was administered involved‐site radiation (3960 cGy), yielding partial lymphoma remission and marked improvement in liver function. Subsequently, standard chemotherapy achieved complete remission. A total of 19 months thereafter, the patient was in complete remission with normal liver function. We conclude that tumor‐directed radiotherapy can be used as a bridge to curative chemotherapy in Hodgkin's lymphoma‐associated vanishing bile duct syndrome. Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare and fatal paraneoplastic presentation of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) In a patient with HL above the diaphragm and paraneoplastic VBDS, involved‐site radiation to the tumor resulted in cytoreduction and improved liver function Curative‐intent chemotherapy was subsequently initiated and led to a complete remission of HL and resolution of liver injury In HL‐associated paraneoplastic VBDS, RT to the tumor can be used as a bridge to curative chemotherapy

We compared chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) following umbilical cord blood (UCBT) and matched sibling donor peripheral blood transplant (MSD). 145 patients (2010–2017) with cGvHD after MSD (n = 104) and UCBT (n = 41) were included. Prior acute GvHD was less frequent in MSD (55% vs. 85%; p = 0.01). Severe cGvHD (32% vs. 15%, p = 0.01) and de-novo onset (45% vs. 15%, p < 0.01) were more frequent following MSD. Liver was more frequently involved in MSD recipients (38% vs. 6%); and GI in UCBT (33% vs. 63%), both p < 0.01. Overall response (CR + PR) was similar between both cohorts. 2-year CR was higher in UCBT (14% vs 33%, p = 0.02). Karnofsky score (KPS) ≥ 90 at cGvHD diagnosis was associated with higher odds of response (95%CI: 1.42–10, p < 0.01). The cumulative incidence of durable discontinuation of immune-suppressive therapy, failure-free survival (FFS) and NRM at 2-years were similar between cohorts. KPS < 90 (95%CI: 3.1–24.9, p < 0.01) and platelets

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has significantly increased the successful use of haploidentical donors with a relatively low incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Given its increasing use, we sought to determine risk factors for GVHD after haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) using PTCy. Data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research on adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or chronic myeloid leukemia who underwent PTCy-based haplo-HCT (2013 to 2016) were analyzed and categorized into 4 groups based on myeloablative (MA) or reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) graft source. In total, 646 patients were identified (MA-BM = 79, MA-PB = 183, RIC-BM = 192, RIC-PB = 192). The incidence of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD at 6 months was highest in MA-PB (44%), followed by RIC-PB (36%), MA-BM (36%), and RIC-BM (30%) (P = .002). The incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 40%, 34%, 24%, and 20%, respectively (P < .001). In multivariable analysis, there was no impact of stem cell source or conditioning regimen on grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD; however, older donor age (30 to 49 versus

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared allogeneic transplant outcomes after myeloablative conditioning (MAC) versus reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Only 2 published randomized clinical trials were found, with a pooled sample size of 183 (RIC, 92; MAC, 91). Both studies suggested an overall survival advantage after RIC, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of .67 (95% confidence interval [CI], .41 to 1.09) for RIC versus MAC. Relapse results were also concordant, with a pooled HR of 1.55 (95% CI, .74 to 3.25) for RIC versus MAC. Neither result was statistically significant. Comparisons for other outcomes were unremarkable. In conclusion, the evidence for the optimal conditioning intensity in myelodysplastic syndromes is weak. Post-transplant maintenance strategies and incorporation of genomic information into decision-making may improve post-transplant outcomes.

Despite advances in antimicrobial treatments, infection remains a common complication of intensive chemotherapy in patients with acute leukemia. It has become progressively apparent that the current antimicrobial focus has shortcomings that result from disruption of the commensal microbial communities of the gut. These effects, collectively known as dysbiosis, have been increasingly associated worldwide with growing complications such as Clostridioides difficile infection, systemic infections, and antibiotic resistance. A revision of the current practice is overdue. Several innovative concepts have been proposed and tested in animal models and humans, with the overarching goal of preventing damage to the microbiota and facilitating its recovery. In this review, we discuss these approaches, examine critical knowledge gaps, and explore how they may be filled in future research.

Background The magnitude of microbiota perturbations after exposure to antibiotics varies among individuals. It has been suggested that the composition of pre-treatment microbiota underpins personalized responses to antibiotics. However, this hypothesis has not been directly tested in humans. In this high-throughput amplicon study, we analyzed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences of 260 stool samples collected twice weekly from 39 patients with acute leukemia during their ~ 4 weeks of hospitalization for chemotherapy while they received multiple antibiotics. Results Despite heavy and sustained antibiotic pressure, microbial communities in samples from the same patient remained more similar to one another than to those from other patients. Principal component mixed effect regression using microbiota and granular antibiotic exposure data showed that microbiota departures from baseline depend on the composition of the pre-treatment microbiota. Penalized generalized estimating equations identified 6 taxa within pre-treatment microbiota that predicted the extent of antibiotic-induced perturbations. Conclusions Our results indicate that specific species in pre-treatment microbiota determine personalized microbiota responses to antibiotics in humans. Thus, precision interventions targeting pre-treatment microbiota may prevent antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and its adverse clinical consequences.

Background: Limited studies report a wide range of venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence among allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) recipients. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is an immune mediated complication after alloHCT associated with vascular endothelial damage and prolonged systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that patients developing cGVHD are a subgroup at particularly high risk for VTE. Aims: To assess VTE incidence, sites of involvement, and risk factors in patients with cGVHD and to examine the impact of VTE on clinical outcomes after alloHCT. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all 145 patients who developed cGVHD after a matched sibling (MSD) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) donor alloHCT from 2010 to 2018. VTE was defined as a new confirmed event by imaging at any time after cGVHD diagnosis. VTE sites were categorized as upper extremity (UE), lower extremity (LE) deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE). We assessed the cumulative incidence of VTE treating non-VTE mortality as a competing risk. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate the independent association of risk factors with the incidence of VTE using predefined factors in our model including gender, age, DRI, cGVHD severity, days to cGVHD from transplant and platelet level. We accounted for multiple events of VTE using PWP regression. Cox and Fine and Gray regressions were used to evaluate the independent association of time-dependent VTE on overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM), respectively using propensity scoring to control for confounding.. Results: Median age at time of cGVHD diagnosis was 52 years (range 19-74). 104 (72%) patients received MSD and 41 (28%) UCB alloHCT. Of the 145 patients with cGVHD, 32 (22%) developed either 1 or 2 VTE events and 14 (10%) developed 2 VTE events. The first VTE events were PE (n=6, 19%), and DVT (n=26, 81%; n=17 LE, n= 8 UE and n=5 catheter related UE DVT); one patient developed an IVC thrombus. The second VTE events were PE (n=2, 14%), and DVT (n=12, 86%; n=5 LE, n= 7 UE and n=4 catheter related UE DVT). Most patients were on corticosteroids at the first (n=28, 88%) and second (n=10, 71%) VTE with a median dose of (0.3 and 0.2 mg/kg/day, respectively) ± additional immunosuppression therapies. The cumulative incidence of VTE through 5 years post cGVHD diagnosis was estimated at 22% (95% CI: 15-29%) with median time from cGVHD diagnosis to VTE of 234 days (IQR 85-599). Median time to the development of LE DVT or PE was shorter than UE DVT (107 vs 450 days, respectively). Incidence was higher in males (24% vs 18%), and was not significantly different by age (< or ≥50), BMI (< or ≥30), HCT- comorbidity index, donor type, conditioning regimen and GVHD prophylaxis. Cumulative incidence was higher (50%) in patients with high/very high risk DRI compared to 19% in those with low and intermediate risk DRI. VTE incidence was highest in patients with de novo cGVHD (25%) compared to quiescent (20%) and progressive type (17%). Cumulative incidence was 9%, 17% and 38% in those with mild, moderate and severe GVHD respectively. Patients with lung, gastrointestinal, genitourinary and liver cGVHD had a higher incidence of VTE. Patients developing cGVHD >6 months from HCT had a higher incidence of VTE (24% vs 19%). In multivariate analysis, high/very high risk DRI was associated with higher risk of VTE (HR 2.5; 95% CI; 1.2-5.3) (Figure 2). VTE was not associated with a significantly higher 2-year NRM (HR 1.2; 95% CI; 0.4-3.6) or 5 year OS (HR 1.4; 95% CI; 0.7-3.0). Conclusion: Patients who develop cGVHD after alloHCT have a high incidence VTE. Identifying a subgroup at a particularly high risk for VTE could inform thromboprophylaxis and other supportive care strategies for prevention of such events. Disclosures Bachanova: Karyopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; FATE: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Betts:Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: Dr. Betts has a pending patent WO2017058950A1: Methods of treating transplant rejection. This includes the use of JAK inhibitors. Neither he nor his institution have received payment related to claims described in the patent.. Blazar:Tmunity: Other: Co-founder; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy; KidsFirst Fund: Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics Inc.: Research Funding; Childrens' Cancer Research Fund: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeuetic: Consultancy; BlueRock Therapeutics: Research Funding. Brunstein:Astex: Research Funding; AlloVir: Other: Advisory board; Magenta: Research Funding; Gamida: Research Funding. Holtan:CSL Behring: Other: Clinical trial data adjudication; BMS: Consultancy; Generon: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy. Janakiram:Takeda, Fate, Nektar: Research Funding. Gangaraju:Sanofi Genzyme, Consultant for Cold Agglutinin Disease: Consultancy. MacMillan:Talaris Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy; Angiocrine Biosciences, Inc.: Consultancy; Equillium, Inc.: Consultancy; Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy; Mesoblast: Consultancy. Rashidi:Synthetic Biologics: Other: DSMC member (1 trial) and related honorarium. Weisdorf:Incyte: Research Funding; FATE Therapeutics: Consultancy. Arora:Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics: Consultancy; Kadmon: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding.

Introduction Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only potentially curative treatment for many high-risk hematologic malignancies. Myeloablative conditioning is currently the standard of care for young and fit patients; however, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) continues to be a major limitation to the success of HCT, increasing post-transplant morbidity and mortality. An ideal HCT is one combining strategies that reduce incidence and severity of GVHD, without compromising graft-versus-tumor effect. We hypothesized that GVHD prophylaxis regimen consisting of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), tacrolimus (Tac) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) will reduce the incidence of chronic GVHD in patients receiving a standard hematopoietic myeloablative HCT without an increase in risk of malignant relapse. Methods This is an interim analysis of a phase II study using a myeloablative preparative regimen of either: 1. total body irradiation (TBI, total dose 1320 cGy administered twice a day from days -4 to -1) or 2. Busulfan 3.2mg/kg daily (cumulative AUC 19,000 - 21,000 µmol/min/L) plus fludarabine 160mg/m 2 days -5 to -2 for patients unable to receive further radiation, followed by a GVHD prophylaxis regimen of PTCy (50mg/kg days +3 and +4), Tac and MMF (beginning day +5). The primary endpoint is cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD requiring systemic immunosuppressive treatment at 1 year post-transplant. Patient and disease characteristics are detailed in Table 1. Eligibility included: age ≤ 60 years, malignant or non-malignant diagnosis, matched related (MRD) or unrelated (MUD) donor with either a bone marrow (BM) or filgrastim-mobilized peripheral blood (PB) graft. Results Through October 2020 we treated 63 patients with a median follow up of 502 days post-transplant. Of those, 48% were female and n=11 (17%) younger than 18 with median age at HCT of 36 years (range, 2-55; Interquartile range [IQR], 20-48). Donor source was 8/8 MRD in 44 patients (70%), 8/8 MUD in 18 (29%), and one with 7/8 MUD. Graft source was BM in n=28 (44%) and PB in n=35 (56%). Preparative regimen was TBI in 94% of patients. All patients achieved primary neutrophil engraftment by 42 days, median 16 days (range, 13-27). Overall, 94% achieved platelet engraftment by 6 months, median 25 days (range, 16-98). At day 100, 48 patients (86%) achieved full donor bone marrow chimerism (>95% donor DNA); 29 (52%) and 52 (95%) achieved full donor peripheral blood CD3 and CD33 chimerism (defined as >95% donor). 42 patients (66%) required total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for oral mucositis and regimen-related toxicities during their initial transplant admission. Cumulative incidence of Grade II-IV acute GVHD by 100 days post-transplant was 14% overall (95% confidence interval CI: 6-23%), 7% for MRD and 32% for the MUD group; Grade III-IV acute GVHD was 5% overall (CI: 0-10%), similar for both MRD and MUD group. At 1 year, only two patients receiving a PBSC graft developed chronic GVHD requiring immune suppression, for a cumulative incidence of 3% overall, one in the MRD group and one in the MUD group. Two-year cumulative incidence of relapse was estimated at 21% overall, 22% and 16% for the MRD and MUD groups, respectively. Two year cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality was 13% overall, 15% and 5% for MRD and MUD, respectively. Estimated 2-year overall survival was 79% overall (CI: 65-88%), 75% for the MRD group and 95% for MUD. Estimated 2-year GVHD-free relapse free survival (GRFS) was 57% overall (CI: 42-69%), 56% and 63% in the MRD and MUD groups, respectively. Discussion Myeloablative transplantation with a TBI preparative regimen, followed by a GVHD prophylaxis regimen of PTCy, Tac, and MMF results in very low incidence of chronic GVHD. Importantly, this regimen is feasible and effective for pediatric and adult patients. Further improvement in outcomes can be achieved by incorporating post-transplant relapse mitigating strategies as well as supportive care measures to decrease regimen-related toxicities. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Arora: Kadmom: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding. Janakiram: Bristol Meyer Squibb, Kyowa Kirin, ADCT Therapeutics: Honoraria; FATE, Nektar Therapeutics: Research Funding. Smith: Astellas Gene Therapies: Current Employment. Bachanova: Incyte: Research Funding; KaryoPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; FATE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Brunstein: BlueRock: Research Funding; AlloVir: Consultancy; FATE: Research Funding; NANT: Research Funding; GamidaCell: Research Funding. MacMillan: Equilium: Other: DSMB member; Incyte: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Miller: Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Magenta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; ONK Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Vycellix: Consultancy; GT Biopharma: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Wugen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Betts: Patent Disclosures: Patents & Royalties: B.C.B. holds a patent (WO2015120436A2) related to CD4+ T cell pSTAT3 as a marker and therapeutic target of acute GVHD. B.C.B. additionally holds a provisional patent (WO2017058950A1) related to the use of JAK inhibitors for rejection and GVHD prevention. . Vercellotti: Mitobridge, an Astellas Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding. Weisdorf: Fate Therapeutics: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Holtan: Generon: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Background: Patients with life-threatening acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) often have severe symptoms related to organ/tissue damage, elevated blood biomarkers of aGVHD, or both. Monitoring such patients can be challenging due to unpredictable variations in symptoms that may not be related to aGVHD pathogenesis, such as dietary changes, medication side effects, or infections. In our previously published phase 1 study of urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin/epidermal growth factor (uhCG/EGF) for the treatment of life-threatening aGVHD (NCT02525029), we recognized amphiregulin (AREG) as a potential GVHD monitoring biomarker that is elevated at the start of treatment and decreases in patients who respond to treatment. Here we show the results of AREG as a monitoring biomarker in our larger uhCG/EGF treated cohort and validate them in an independent cohort of patients with steroid-refractory aGVHD receiving ruxolitinib as second-line therapy in the REACH1 study. Methods: Longitudinal plasma samples were cryopreserved at study baseline and on study Days 7, 14, 28, and 56 from patients enrolled in both NCT02525029 (N=51) and REACH1 (N=60). In samples collected during NCT02525029, AREG was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN), and ST2 and REG3a were measured using a multiplex Luminex-based array (R&D Systems). Samples from REACH1 were analyzed for concentrations of AREG, ST2, and REG3a using the ProteinSimple Ella platform (Bio-Techne, San Jose, CA). Comparisons of biomarker concentrations between response groups were performed using nonparametric one-way analysis of variance (Kruskal-Wallis test). Analyses of change of biomarkers from baseline to subsequent study days were performed using nonparametric matched pairs analysis (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Biomarker cutoffs relevant for overall survival at study baseline were identified using recursive partitioning on the NCT02525029 dataset and tested in the REACH1 dataset. Results: In patients with a complete response (CR) at Day 28 to uhCG/EGF, AREG decreased 3-fold from baseline to Day 56 (mean, 98 vs 32 pg/mL, P=0.006, Figure 1A). AREG did not significantly change over time in patients with a partial response (PR) or no response (NR) to uhCG/EGF. Similarly, in patients with a Day 28 CR to ruxolitinib, AREG decreased 2.8-fold from baseline to Day 56 (mean, 174.7 vs 63.6 pg/mL, P=0.007, Figure 1B). AREG also decreased 2.0-fold over time in patients treated with ruxolitinib who had a PR to treatment (mean baseline 288.2 vs 146.1 pg/mL at Day 56, P=0.017) but no change in those with progressive disease (PD). ST2 declined with CR, but to a lesser extent, over time in patients with a CR in both studies (1.4-fold decrease in NCT02525029, P=0.04 and 2.2-fold decrease in REACH1, P=0.021). REG3a did not significantly change over time in responders in either clinical trial. Biomarker cutoffs associated with a rapidly fatal course were identified in NCT02525029 for AREG (>212 pg/mL associated with a median survival of 62 days, P=0.006, Figure 1C), ST2 (>292 ng/mL associated with a median survival of 239 days, P13.5 ng/mL associated with a median survival of 416 days, P=0.01). These cutoffs were not statistically significant in REACH1, although patients with a baseline AREG >212 pg/mL had a median survival of 165 days vs not reached (P=0.1, Figure 1D) in REACH1. Conclusions: Using samples collected during 2 prospective clinical trials on 2 different measurement platforms, we conclude that AREG is a useful longitudinal monitoring biomarker for patients with life-threatening aGVHD. AREG levels were generally higher in REACH1 than NCT02525029, which could reflect differences in assay, severity of illness, or both. Patients with a high baseline AREG are at high risk of early death and should be monitored on a consistent platform during serial assessments. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Pratta: Incyte: Current Employment. Betts: Patent Disclosures: Patents & Royalties: B.C.B. holds a patent (WO2015120436A2) related to CD4+ T cell pSTAT3 as a marker and therapeutic target of acute GVHD. B.C.B. additionally holds a provisional patent (WO2017058950A1) related to the use of JAK inhibitors for rejection and GVHD prevention. . Galvin: Incyte: Current Employment. MacMillan: Equilium: Other: DSMB member; Incyte: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. Weisdorf: Fate Therapeutics: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. Holtan: Generon: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: uhCG/EGF has orphan drug designation for the treatment of acute GVHD

HLA haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) using posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) is an alternative strategy when a matched sibling donor (MSD) is not available. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the outcomes of MSD vs haplo-HCT. Eleven studies (1410 haplo-HCT and 6396 MSD recipients) were meta-analyzed. All studies were retrospective and high quality, and 9 were multicenter. Haplo-HCT was associated with ~50% lower risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-0.74), but higher risk of nonrelapse mortality (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12-1.66). Relapse, survival, acute GVHD, and GVHD-free relapse-free survival were not significantly different between the groups. Deciphering the relative contribution of PT-Cy and HLA disparity to the observed outcome differences between the groups requires further research.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) represents complete, ideal recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, as originally proposed, this composite endpoint does not account for the possibility that HCT complications may improve after treatment. To more accurately estimate survival with response to GVHD and relapse after HCT, we developed a dynamic multistate GRFS (dGRFS) model with outcomes data from 949 patients undergoing their first allogeneic HCT for hematologic malignancy at the University of Minnesota. Because some patients were successfully treated for GVHD and relapse, dGRFS was higher than the originally defined time-to-event GRFS at 1 year (37.0 versus 27.6%) through 4 years (37.4% versus 22.2%). Mean survival without failure events was .52 years (95% confidence interval, .45 to .58 year) greater in dGRFS compared with the originally defined GRFS. Patient age (P< .001 ), disease risk (P < .001 ), conditioning intensity (P = .007), and donor type (P = .003) all significantly influenced dGRFS. The multistate model of dGRFS closely estimates the continuing and prevalent severe morbidity and mortality of allogeneic HCT. To serve the greater HCT community in more accurately modeling recovery from transplantation, we provide our R code for determination of dGRFS with annotations in Supplementary Materials.

Using multicenter data, we developed a novel acute graft-versus-host disease Risk Score which more accurately predicts response to steroid treatment, survival and transplant related mortality than other published risk scores based upon clinical grading criteria.1 To validate this Risk Score in a contemporary cohort, we examined 355 recent University of Minnesota patients (2007-2016) diagnosed with acute graft-versus-host disease and treated with prednisone 60 mg/m2/day for 14 days, followed by an 8-week taper. Overall response [complete response + partial response] was higher in the 276 standard risk versus 79 high risk graft-versus-host disease patients at day 14 (71% versus 56%, P

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, increasing risk for thromboembolic events (TEE). In 145 adult recipients who developed cGVHD after a matched sibling or umbilical cord blood donor HCT from 2010 to 2018, 32(22%) developed at least 1 TEE event, and 14(10%) developed 2 TEE events. The 5-year cumulative incidence of TEE was 22% (95% CI, 15–29%) with a median time from cGVHD to TEE of 234 days (range, 12–2050). Median time to the development of LE DVT or PE was 107 (range, 12–1925) compared to 450 days (range, 158–1300) for UE DVT. Cumulative incidence of TEE was 9% (95% CI, 0–20%), 17% (95% CI, 9–25%), and 38% (95% CI, 22–55%) in those with mild, moderate, and severe GVHD, respectively. Higher risk for TEE was associated with cGVHD severity (hazard ratio [HR] 4.9, [95% CI, 1.1–22.0]; p = 0.03), non-O-donor to recipient ABO match compared to O-donor to O-recipient match (HR 2.7, [95% CI, 1.0–7.5]; p = 0.053), and personal history of coronary artery disease (HR 2.4, [95% CI, 1.1–5.3]; p = 0.03). TEE was not associated with 2-year non-relapse mortality or 5-year overall survival., Key points Patients with chronic GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation are at high risk for thromboembolic events occurring years after diagnosis. More severe chronic GVHD, non-O donor-recipient ABO compared to O-O match and personal history of coronary artery disease are associated with higher risk of thromboembolic events.

COVID-19 precautions decrease social connectedness. It has been proposed that these measures alter the gut microbiota, with potential clinical consequences. We tested this hypothesis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) receiving inpatient chemotherapy, a population with extensive exposure to the nosocomial setting and at high risk for infections. Hospitalized patients with AML contributed stool samples to a biorepository protocol that was initiated before COVID-19 and continued without change through the pandemic. Patient-, disease-, and treatment-related characteristics remained the same in the two eras and the only change in clinical care was the implementation of COVID-19 precautions in March 2020. The incidence of all-cause nosocomial infections during the pandemic was lower than in the pre-COVID-19 era. Multivariable analysis revealed an imprint of COVID-19 precautions in the gut microbiota as a viable mechanistic explanation. In conclusion, COVID-19 precautions alter the gut microbiota, thereby mediating pathogen susceptibility and nosocomial infections.

The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) using Beers criteria and its impact on older allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients is not known. Here the use of any PIMs and their therapeutic classes in reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic HCT recipients were compared between older (≥65 years; n = 114) and younger (40 to 64 years; n = 240) patients during their initial HCT admission, defined as the number of days that a patient received 1 or more PIMs between day −14 and day +28. Poisson regression was used to determine rate ratios (RRs) in the 2 groups. In the ≥65 years group, we evaluated the impact of PIMs on Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3–4 toxicities within 100 days and on overall mortality within 1 year post-HCT. The rate of any PIM use was similar in the older and younger groups (RR, .98; 95% confidence interval [CI], .90 to 1.06; P = .65). In terms of PIM classes, the older group had a 48% higher rate of gastrointestinal (GI) medication use (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.65; P < .01) and a 25% higher rate of genitourinary (GU) medication use (RR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.53; P = .03). Compared with males, females had a 19% higher rate of central nervous system (CNS) medication use (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.37; P = .02) and a 30% higher rate of benzodiazepine use (RR, 1.30; 95% CI. 1.09 to 1.54; P < .01). A high-risk HCT-CI was associated with a higher rate of use of any PIMs (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.26; P = .02), CNS medications (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.53; P = .02) and GU medications (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.94; P = .01). Compared with matched sibling donor HCT recipients, umbilical cord blood transplantation recipients had higher rates of GI medication use (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.53; P < .01) and anticholinergic medication use (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.61; P = .01). In the ≥65 years group, increasing duration of narcotic use was associated with a 1.3-fold (95% CI, 1.0 to 1.7; P = .05) higher risk of overall mortality and a 1.6-fold (95% CI, 1.02 to 2.69) greater odds of CTCAE grade 3–4 toxicities (P = .04). Our data show that older recipients (≥65 years) were as likely as their younger counterparts to receive PIMs. Among older recipients, the use of PIMs, particularly narcotics, was associated with higher mortality and higher incidence of grade 3–4 toxicities. Identifying and reducing the use of PIMs in older HCT recipients may help decrease the burden of adverse events and associated health care costs.

Clofarabine and cytarabine (Clo + Ara-C) combinations have efficacy in treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes of 71 AML patients receiving Clo + Ara-C regimens at the University of Minnesota from 2011 to 2016: 44 patients (62%) had newly diagnosed AML and 27 patients (38%) had relapsed/refractory AML. The median age of patients was 69 years (interquartile range [IQR], 63-75 years). Nearly 60% of the patients had secondary AML, and about half of patients had adverse risk cytogenetics. Objective response rate (ORR) was 42% in all patients with complete remission (CR) rate of 20%. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 years was 16% (95% CI 8-27%) and overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 21% (95% CI 11-33%) for all patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 18%. Clo + Ara-C- containing regimens are an acceptable upfront therapy option for patients who are not candidates for "7 + 3" induction, but do not induce durable remissions.

The prognosis of relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is poor and treatment is challenging. While the most potent treatment modality for patients who achieve a complete remission after relapse is still allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), both transplant-related mortality and relapse rates are high and many patients are not candidates for this approach. After a few decades of relative stasis in this field, a large number of novel approaches have become available to tackle this highly fatal disease. This is mostly due to our improved understanding of disease pathogenesis (including targetable mutations) and the anti-leukaemia potential of the immune system. Several small-molecule inhibitors and immunotherapeutic options are being explored in clinical trials and many more are in pre-clinical phase. Future studies will focus on novel and mechanistically driven combinations, sequential treatments, and low-toxicity maintenance strategies. While cure of relapsed/refractory AML without allo-HCT is currently unlikely, treatments are becoming less toxic and remissions are lasting longer.

Use of full intensity conditioning regimens with haplo-HCT in younger patients lowered the risk of relapse; however, this is often not an option especially for older patients and for those with higher comorbidities due to high risk of treatment related mortality (TRM). Novel RIC regimens to reduce the risk of relapse and improve survival are in great demand. We hypothesize that intensification of the widely used PT-Cy RIC regimen (Flu150/Cy29/TBI 200) by adding intermediate dose melphalan and increasing the TBI to 400 cGy would reduce the risk of relapse and improve DFS without increasing TRM. We report an interim analysis of our age- and risk-adapted phase II trial. We treated 27 Haplo-HCT patients on one of 2 arms based on age and HCT-CI. Arm A (n=10) included patients The 12 month estimated DFS and OS were 80% vs 25 % and 90% vs 23% in Arms A and B, respectively. There was a significant correlation between advanced age and both DFS and OS. The 12-month TRM was significantly lower in Arm A vs Arm B; 10% and 69% respectively. Only 1 of 6 patients over age 65 survived. Grade II-IV acute GVHD occurred in 20% and 26% of patients in each arm. Neutrophil and platelet engraftment were prompt in both arms. Although follow-up is still short, the estimated 1-year relapse rates were low at 10% in Arm A and 6% in Arms B. This planned interim analysis demonstrated that patients

Introduction: The gut microbiome is a potentially modifiable factor in treatment related outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Prior studies have linked pre- or mid-treatment gut microbiome diversity with risk for treatment related morbidity and mortality. However, these studies have been limited by the inclusion of one or only a few institutions and the lack of longitudinal sampling with high quality metadata. These limitations complicate the interpretation of microbiome alterations over the course of HCT. Methods: To overcome these, we devised and implemented a large-scale biospecimen collection protocol in conjunction with BMT CTN 1703, a randomized, multicenter, Phase III trial of tacrolimus/methotrexate vs. post-transplant cyclophosphamide/tacrolimus/mycophenolate mofetil in reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic HCT (NCT03959241). Patients enrolled on 1703 were optionally co-enrolled in the companion immune and microbiome profiling study, 1801 (MI-IMMUNE). This involved blood, urine and stool sampling before conditioning (PCON), then weekly starting on day 0 through day 77 (through day 84 for blood), and on days 98, 180, 270, 365 and 730. For all enrolled participants where the donor consented, residual donor cells were saved from the empty hematopoietic stem cell product bag for later analysis. Additionally, the protocol included one-time blood, urine and stool sample collection from consented matched related donors (MRDs) prior to stem cell collection. Starting with protocol version 4.0 on February 1, 2021, participation in 1801 stool collection was required for the first six out of eighteen sample collection timepoints. Participation in later stool and urine timepoint collections remained optional. Here we review the feasibility of creating a multi-institutional biobank. Additionally, we assess the success of our strategies by calculating sample collection compliance and standard deviation in compliance across centers for each timepoint. Results: On June 18, 2021, BMT CTN 1703/1801 closed to accrual with 431 patients enrolled on 1703; 323 patients from 36 centers were co-enrolled on 1801. 304 (94%) provided study samples, making this the largest prospective microbiome and immune profiling study in HCT patients to date. As of July 6, 2021, 3,683 blood, 2,668 urine, and 2,098 stool samples had been collected. Across the first 6 timepoints for all participating centers, blood, urine and stool sample collection averaged 93%, 82%, and 74% compliance, respectively. Of the 99 (30%) patients enrolled on 1801 with a MRD, 34 (34%) donors consented to sample collection. Sample collection compliance was lower for MRDs than for patients on the study with 76%, 74%, and 62% of expected blood, urine and stool samples collected, respectively, from this group. For stool collection exclusively, a median of 5 samples were collected per patient across the first 6 timepoints (median of 6 across all timepoints) with 93 (31%) of patients completing a full sample set through Day 28. 139 (46%) patients provided at least one sample after day 28; these represented 37% of the total samples collected to date. The PCON sample, which provides an important measure of pre-treatment gut microbiome diversity, had the third highest compliance with 74% of patients providing a sample. Surprisingly, Day 28 had the lowest compliance (66%) and highest standard deviation (37%) possibly because this timepoint often falls around the time of hospital discharge. Between PCON and day 28, the standard deviation between sites in the average collection compliance (24%) and number of samples collected per patient (1.1) was small indicating the successful adoption of stool collection across institutions. Table 1 summarizes sample collection statistics. Conclusion: Overall this study has resulted in a large, novel biobank of blood, urine and stool samples from patients undergoing RIC allogeneic HCT at 36 centers across the US. This will serve as a valuable resource for investigating the role of the gut microbiome in long term health outcomes following HCT. Although the results of 1801 are forthcoming given ongoing sample collection, the size and composition of the biobank to date clearly demonstrate the feasibility of implementing multi-institutional stool collection. This study represents a critical step towards the large-scale adoption of microbiome sampling as a diagnostic tool. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Chhabra: GSK: Honoraria. Clark: Kadmon: Consultancy. Horowitz: Mesoblast: Research Funding; Shire: Research Funding; Vertex: Research Funding; Stemcyte: Research Funding; Vor Biopharma: Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Miltenyi Biotech: Research Funding; Kiadis: Research Funding; Sobi: Research Funding; Kite/Gilead: Research Funding; Pfizer, Inc: Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Magenta: Consultancy, Research Funding; Medac: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Research Funding; Daiicho Sankyo: Research Funding; Xenikos: Research Funding; Omeros: Research Funding; Orca Biosystems: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; Tscan: Research Funding; Takeda: Research Funding; CSL Behring: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Research Funding; Chimerix: Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Research Funding; bluebird bio: Research Funding; Astellas: Research Funding; Amgen: Research Funding; Allovir: Consultancy; Actinium: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding. Jenq: Microbiome DX: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Prolacta: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kaleido: Consultancy, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Seres: Consultancy, Current holder of stock options in a privately-held company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; LisCure: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; MaaT Pharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karius: Consultancy. Levine: Equillium Bio: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Kamada: Research Funding; Biogen: Research Funding; Omeros: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Symbio: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Talaris Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Viracor: Patents & Royalties: GVHD biomarker patent with royalties from Viracor; Mesoblast: Consultancy, Research Funding; X4 Pharmaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Murthy: CRISPR Therapeutics: Research Funding. Riches: ATARA Biotherapeutics: Other: Payment; BioIntelect: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Payment. Sung: Merck: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Enterome: Research Funding; Seres: Research Funding; AVROBIO: Consultancy; Abbott Nutrition: Honoraria; Clasado: Other: Research Product; DSM: Other: Research Product. Al Malki: Neximmune: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Rigel Pharma: Consultancy; Hansa Biopharma: Consultancy; CareDx: Consultancy. Rezvani: Kaleido: Other: One-time scientific advisory board; Nohla Therapeutics: Other: One-time scientific advisory board; Pharmacyclics-Abbvie: Research Funding; US Department of Justice: Consultancy. Bolaños-Meade: Incyte Corp: Consultancy. Holtan: Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Generon: Consultancy. Saber: Govt. COI: Other. Hamadani: Sanofi, Genzyme, AstraZeneca, BeiGene: Speakers Bureau; Janssen, Incyte, ADC Therapeutics, Omeros, Morphosys, Kite: Consultancy; Takeda, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals and Astellas Pharma: Research Funding. Kean: Bluebird Bio: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Patents & Royalties: From clinical trial data, Research Funding; Vertex: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; Gilead: Research Funding; Regeneron: Research Funding; EMD Serono: Consultancy. Perales: Cidara: Honoraria; Servier: Honoraria; Incyte: Honoraria, Other; Equilium: Honoraria; Takeda: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Other; Nektar Therapeutics: Honoraria, Other; NexImmune: Honoraria; MorphoSys: Honoraria; Omeros: Honoraria; Karyopharm: Honoraria; Sellas Life Sciences: Honoraria; Merck: Honoraria; Miltenyi Biotec: Honoraria, Other; Medigene: Honoraria; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria; Kite/Gilead: Honoraria, Other; Celgene: Honoraria.

Background: Severe organ damage from acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) results in a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Treatments that focus on immunosuppression alone do not consistently improve long-term survival. Modalities that aid in inflammation resolution, immune tolerance, and tissue repair may improve outcomes beyond high-dose corticosteroids and other broad immunosuppressants for life-threatening aGVHD. We studied the addition of urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin/epidermal growth factor (uhCG/EGF, Pregnyl®, Organon, USA) to standard aGVHD therapy in a prospective Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT02525029) conducted at the University of Minnesota and Rush University, extending from our previously published Phase 1 study results (Holtan et al, Blood Advances, 2020) showing uhCG/EGF to be safe and preliminarily efficacious as aGVHD therapy. Methods: Patients with new onset Minnesota (MN) high risk aGVHD (N=22) or with aGVHD requiring 2nd line therapy (N=22) received methylprednisolone 48 mg/m2/day plus 2,000 units/m2 of uhCG/EGF subcutaneously (SQ) every other day for 1 week (high risk arm). Patients in need of 2nd line aGVHD therapy received 2,000 - 5,000 units/m2 SQ every other day, with dose depending on organ severity, for 2 weeks plus standard of care immunosuppression (anti-thymocyte globulin (N=4), etanercept (N=1), ruxolitinib (N=5), sirolimus (N=4), steroid boost (N=8)). Patients who achieved a complete or partial response (CR/PR) after their initial course of therapy received twice weekly maintenance doses for the next 5 weeks. Exploratory metabolomic profiling was performed using mass spectrometry. Results: The median age was 61 years (range 2 years - 72 years, 75% male). The majority of patients had stage 3-4 lower GI GVHD (52%) and overall grade III-IV aGVHD (75%) at time of enrollment, with a median baseline albumin of 2.6 g/dl (range 0.9 - 4 g/dl) and median baseline Karnofsky performance status of 50 (range 20-100). The proportion of patients with a response (CR/PR) at day 28 (primary endpoint) was 68% (57% CR, 11% PR, Figure 1A). Among MN high risk patients receiving 1st line steroids, 64% achieved a CR at day 28 (0% PR). Among patients receiving 2nd line therapy, 50% achieved a CR and 23% PR at day 28. The median overall survival for the entire cohort was 1.2 years (Figure 1B), with a 2-year survival of 67% for responders and 12% for non-responders (p Conclusion: Our Phase 2 study demonstrates that uhCG/EGF is a promising addition to systemic therapy in patients with life-threatening aGVHD. The overall survival result is encouraging considering historical median survival of Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Holtan: Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Generon: Consultancy. Ustun: novartis: Honoraria; Blueprint: Honoraria. Arora: Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding; Kadmom: Research Funding. Bachanova: Incyte: Research Funding; FATE: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; KaryoPharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Betts: Patent Disclosures: Patents & Royalties: B.C.B. holds a patent (WO2015120436A2) related to CD4+ T cell pSTAT3 as a marker and therapeutic target of acute GVHD. B.C.B. additionally holds a provisional patent (WO2017058950A1) related to the use of JAK inhibitors for rejection and GVHD prevention. . Vercellotti: CSL Behring: Research Funding; Mitobridge, an Astellas Company: Consultancy, Research Funding. Brunstein: GamidaCell: Research Funding; NANT: Research Funding; FATE: Research Funding; BlueRock: Research Funding; AlloVir: Consultancy. Janakiram: FATE, Nektar Therapeutics: Research Funding; Bristol Meyer Squibb, Kyowa Kirin, ADCT Therapeutics: Honoraria. Weisdorf: Fate Therapeutics: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding. MacMillan: Equilium: Other: DSMB member; Incyte: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy. OffLabel Disclosure: uhCG/EGF has FDA orphan drug designation to treat acute GVHD.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a major cause of morbidity/mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Preemptive antiviral therapy is associated with drug-induced toxicities, and prophylactic therapy with letermovir is associated with late reactivations and delayed antiviral immune reconstitution. Therefore, substituting antivirals with a vaccine that harnesses the native immune response to CMV may improve outcomes for HCT recipients. Our group has developed a peptide vaccine, CMVPepvax, composed of an HLA-A*0201 restricted pp65 495-503 CD8 T cell epitope, covalently linked to a universal tetanus T helper epitope and co-administered with PF-03512676 adjuvant. CMV PepVax was safe and immunogenic in a healthy volunteer study (La Rosa et al. PMID: 22402037;) and a phase Ib HCT recipient trial (Nakamura, et al. PMID: 26853648) with the latter demonstrating a promising sign of efficacy in reducing CMV viremia. In this double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase 2 trial (NCT02396134), HCT recipients were enrolled at four USA transplant centers. Eligible patients were CMV seropositive, HLA A*0201-positive, 18-75 years, receiving HCT from a matched related/unrelated donor. T-cell depleting agents (i.e. ATG) or recipients of ex-vivo T-cell-depleted grafts were excluded. Prophylactic antiviral therapy was not allowed. Patients were enrolled prior to day 0 of HCT and reassessed on day +28 for eligibility and randomization to the vaccine (VA) or placebo arm (PA), stratified by donor CMV serostatus. PepVax was administered subcutaneously on days +28 and +56 post-HCT. The primary endpoint of the trial was CMV viremia ≥1250 IU/m or CMV disease through 100 days post-HCT. A total of 96 patients were planned to be randomized at 1:1 ratio, providing 90% power to detect a reduction of viremia from 40% to 15%. CMVpp65-specific immune reconstitution was monitored by measuring levels of CD8 T cells binding to MHC class I pp65 495-503 and HIVgag 77-85 (as control) multimers (Immudex Dextramers), as well as CD28 and CD45 memory markers (BD Biosciences). The intensity of the fluorescent labels was measured using a Gallios flow cytometer with Kaluza software (Beckman Coulter). Enrollment started in June 2015 but was stopped in November 2017 when a planned interim analysis suggested futility for the primary efficacy endpoint. By that time, 76 subjects had been consented, of whom 61 met the day 28 eligibility criteria and were randomized to the VA (n=32) or PA (n=29). The unblinded data were released when the planned one-year follow up was completed for these 61 subjects. The two groups were overall balanced in their demographics and HCT characteristics. There was no difference in the primary endpoint of CMV reactivation/disease between VA (25.1%) and PA (13.8%, p=0.15). The incidence of preemptive therapy was similar between the two arms. PepVax was well tolerated with no increase in adverse events. Transplant outcomes were also similar between the two groups with regards to 1-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, non-relapse mortality, relapse, and acute GVHD. In subjects in VA who reached the primary endpoint (n=8), CMV viremia occurred at a median of 20 days (interquartile range: 15-23 days; range, 0-48) after the first vaccine, suggesting that there was insufficient time for the vaccine-induced T cell expansion. Significantly higher levels of long lasting pp65-specific T cells with effector memory phenotype were measured in non viremic participants in the VA compared to those in the PA; this effect was driven by differences observed late after vaccination (p = 0.004 by GEE analysis; Figure, panel A). In patients who controlled viremia, robust expansion of functional pp65-specific CD8 T cells was observed following PepVax injections (Figure, panels B-C). Our results confirm safety and immunogenicity of PepVax in CMV seropositive HCT recipients. However, the trial failed to demonstrate a clinical efficacy of PepVax in reducing CMV viremia/disease despite favorable CD8 T cell responses. Early CMV reactivation/disease detected before receipt of the second vaccine may have reduced the ability of PepVax to elicit a protective T cell response. Transfer of vaccine-induced immunity through donor CMV immunization combined with recipient booster immunization may overcome this issue and lead to faster immune reconstitution post-HCT. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Hill: Amplyx: Consultancy; OptumHealth: Consultancy; CRISPR therapeutics: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy, Research Funding; Allogene therapeutics: Consultancy; Octapharma: Consultancy; Allovir: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; CLS Behring: Consultancy; Karius: Research Funding. Al Malki: Hansa Biopharma: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy; Neximmune: Consultancy; Rigel Pharma: Consultancy; CareDx: Consultancy. Pullarkat: Amgen, Dova, and Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria; AbbVie, Amgen, Genentech, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, Pfizer, and Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Aribi: Seagen: Consultancy. Devine: Tmunity: Current Employment, Research Funding; Magenta Therapeutics: Current Employment, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Research Funding; Johnsonand Johnson: Consultancy, Research Funding; Orca Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Be the Match: Current Employment; Vor Bio: Research Funding; Kiadis: Consultancy, Research Funding. Verneris: Novartis: Other: advisory board; jazz: Other: advisory board; Fate Therapeutics: Consultancy. Miller: Fate Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; GT Biopharma: Consultancy, Patents & Royalties, Research Funding; Vycellix: Consultancy; ONK Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Magenta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Wugen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Forman: Allogene: Consultancy; Lixte Biotechnology: Consultancy, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company; Mustang Bio: Consultancy, Current holder of individual stocks in a privately-held company. Diamond: Pfizer Inc: Other; Helocyte Inc: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other, Patents & Royalties.

BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers curative potential to a number of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in their first complete remission. However, there are limited data in the literature concerning post-HCT outcomes for older patients in their second complete remission (CR2). METHODS The purpose of the current study was to retrospectively investigate within the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database parameters influencing posttransplant outcomes for patients 60 years of age or older undergoing HCT for AML in CR2. RESULTS In total, 196 patients from 78 centers were identified; the median age was 64 years (range, 60-78 years). Seventy-one percent had a Karnofsky performance status ≥ 90 at the time of HCT. Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens were used in 159 patients (81%). A univariate analysis demonstrated a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-49%), a leukemia-free survival rate of 37% (95% CI, 30%-44%), a cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality of 25% (95% CI, 19%-32%), and a cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of 38% (95% CI, 31%-45%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that cytogenetic risk was the only independent risk factor for OS (P = .023) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.14 (95% CI, 0.59-2.19) for intermediate-risk cytogenetics and an HR of 2.32 (95% CI, 1.05-5.14) for unfavorable-risk cytogenetics. For CIR, cytogenetic risk was also the only independent prognostic factor (P = .01) with an HR of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.47-2.56) for intermediate-risk cytogenetics and an HR of 2.98 (95% CI, 1.11-8.00) for unfavorable-risk cytogenetics. CONCLUSIONS Allogeneic HCT is a curative treatment option for older patients with AML in CR2, particularly for those with favorable or intermediate cytogenetic risk. Cancer 2017;123:2035–2042. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Introduction: Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (cGvHD) frequently requires prolonged immune suppressive therapy (IST) with > 50% still on IST at 5 years. The IST typically involves a slow taper of steroids often with flare of cGvHD, necessitating augmentation of previous therapy or addition of new IST. Studies describing cGvHD flares are limited. We analyzed patients with cGvHD who flared during the treatment with systemic IST, their overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Methods: This study included all adult patients with cGvHD (n=145) following an allogeneic transplant (2010 - 2017) from a matched sibling donor peripheral blood stem cell transplant (MSD, n=104 (72%) or double/single umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT, n=41 (28%). The 2014 NIH Consensus Criteria were used to classify organ/overall cGvHD severity. Flare of cGvHD was defined as progression in cGvHD manifestations (after initial response), which was less severe than at diagnosis. Multivariate regression of flares was based on the Prentice, Williams and Peterson model for ordered multiple events (flares). Time-dependent effects on OS and NRM were analyzed by Cox and Fine and Gray regression with propensity scoring to control for confounding. Results: Flares occurred in 87 patients; the cumulative incidence of flares was 60% (95% CI: 51-70%) at a median of 188 days (range 16-751) after diagnosis of cGvHD. The median dose of prednisone was 1 mg/kg/day (range 0-4.2) at diagnosis of cGvHD. At the diagnosis of flare, 36 (41%) of the patients were off prednisone, 50 (57%) were receiving 0.1-0.5 mg/kg /day, and 2 patients > 0.5 mg/kg /day. Thirty two of the 87 (36%) patients experienced multiple flares (2 to 4). The most common organs involved at cGvHD flare were skin (n=45; 51%), mouth (n=27; 31%), GI tract (n=22; 25%) and liver (n=12; 14%); often in combinations of skin/mouth in 11 cases (13%), skin/GI in 6 (7%) and liver/mouth in 4 (5%) cases. Treatment for flare was mostly increase in dose of prednisone to 0.5 mg/kg/day (range 0.3-1.0) in 77 patients (88%) plus the addition of another line of IST in 48 patients (55%). In multiple regression analysis, only donor type was significant predictor of flare in cGvHD. UCBT was associated with 2-fold lower probability of flaring (HR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9; p=0.03) compared to MSD. cGvHD severity, organ involvement, platelet count at diagnosis and type of onset were not significant predictors of cGvHD flares. At 2 years after the initial flare, the OS was 77% (95% CI: 66-84%) and NRM 19% (95% CI: 11-28%). Multiple regression analysis evaluating OS and NRM from onset of cGvHD comparing flare to non-flare were performed using flare as a time dependent variable. Compared to cGvHD patients without flare at 2 years, those with flare of cGvHD had a similar risk of NRM (HR 1.2; 95% CI: 0.2-6.1, p=0.86) and OS (HR 0.9; 95% CI: 0.4-2.3, p=0.85). At 2 years from cGvHD onset, the cumulative incidence of resolved cGvHD (durable discontinuation of steroids for ≥ 6 consecutive months) was 31% (95% CI: 21-41%) in those who flared vs. 86% (95% CI: 75-96%) in those without flare. Conclusions: Though cGvHD patients with flare had similar risk of NRM and OS as those without a flare, patients with flare required extended steroids, along with clinical monitoring and intensified IST. cGvHD after UCBT was associated with significantly lower risk of flaring compared to MSD. The ongoing burden of IST, risk of infection and morbidity of cGvHD is substantial and needs better approaches than chronic slow taper of steroids. Disclosures Weisdorf: Incyte: Research Funding; FATE Therapeutics: Consultancy. Wagner:Novartis: Research Funding; Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; BlueRock: Research Funding; Gadeta: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Blazar:Fate Therapeutics Inc.: Research Funding; Childrens' Cancer Research Fund: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeutics: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeuetic: Consultancy; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy; KidsFirst Fund: Research Funding; Tmunity: Other: Co-founder. MacMillan:Mesoblast: Consultancy; Angiocrine Biosciences, Inc.: Consultancy; Equillium, Inc.: Consultancy; Talaris Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy; Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy. Holtan:Generon: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Other: Clinical trial data adjudication; Incyte: Consultancy. Brunstein:AlloVir: Other: Advisory board; Gamida: Research Funding; Astex: Research Funding; Magenta: Research Funding. Betts:Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: Dr. Betts has a pending patent WO2017058950A1: Methods of treating transplant rejection. This includes the use of JAK inhibitors. Neither he nor his institution have received payment related to claims described in the patent.. Bachanova:FATE: Research Funding; Karyopharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Research Funding; Gamida Cell: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Kite: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Research Funding. Rashidi:Synthetic Biologics: Other: DSMC member (1 trial) and related honorarium. Arora:Fate Therapeutics: Consultancy; Kadmon: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding; Syndax: Research Funding.

Background The American Geriatric Society has established criteria (Beers criteria) for Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) in older (65+y) adults (J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019 Apr;67(4):674-694). The use of PIMs in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) and its impact on outcomes is unknown. Methods The use of PIMs, in defined categories [anticholinergics, central nervous system (CNS), benzodiazepines, gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and narcotics] in older (≥ 65y) allo-HCT recipients were compared to younger recipients [(40-64y undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC)] during initial HCT admission (day-14 to +28 post HCT). Use of PIMs was defined as the number of days a patient received 1 or more PIMs between d-14 to +28. Medications were retrieved from medical records and categorized by Beers criteria for 354 allo-HCT recipients ≥ 40y in 2 groups (40-64y RIC, n=240; and 65+y RIC, n=114). Poisson regression determined the log use of PIMs in the 2 groups. In 65+y group, we evaluated the impact of PIMs on the incidence of CTCAE grade 3 and 4 toxicities; and non-relapse mortality (NRM). All analyses were adjusted or length of hospital stay. Results All PIMs: The median (range) days of all PIMs in 65+y RIC recipients [94 (24-279)] was similar to 40-64y RIC recipients [101 (8-441), p=0.48, confirmed in Poisson regression (Figure 1) [65+y RIC vs 40-64y RIC log change 0.0, p=1.0). Patients with a high (vs. low) HCT-CI score received more days of all PIMs (p=0.02). PIM Categories (Figure 1) were compared and 65+y recipients received fewer days of benzodiazepines (log change -0.18, p=0.04) or narcotics (-0.21, p=0.04), but more days of anticholinergics (0.22, p=0.03) and GI PIMs (0.16, p 65+y group: In adjusted regression analysis, increasing days of narcotics was associated with a 1.6 fold (95% CI 1.1-2.6, p=0.03) higher risk of NRM. Increasing days of narcotics was also associated with a 1.66 fold (95% CI 1.02-2.69) greater odds of grade 3-4 toxicities, p=0.04 (Figure 2). More days of all PIMs was associated with a 5 times greater odds of discharge to rehab or a nursing facility (95% CI 1.43-10.0, p Conclusions Older recipients (65+y) receive PIMs as frequently as younger recipients (40-64y). Females, those with a high HCT-CI and UCB recipients receive PIMs more frequently. Amongst older recipients, use of PIMs, particularly narcotics, was associated with a higher NRM and higher risks of grade 3-4 toxicities. Identifying and reducing use of PIMs in older HCT recipients may help lower the burden of adverse events and associated health care costs.

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation that fails to improve with intense immunosuppression in some patients. We hypothesized that urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin (uhCG) could help facilitate resolution of life-threatening aGVHD when added as supportive care via 2 potential mechanisms: immunomodulation (akin to its role in pregnancy) and supplementation of epidermal growth factor (EGF; to aid in epithelial repair). In a phase 1 study, 26 participants received subcutaneous injections of uhCG in addition to standard immunosuppression (13 receiving initial therapy for high-risk aGVHD [according to the Minnesota criteria] and 13 receiving second-line therapy). Participants underwent serial blood testing for biomarkers of hormone response, immune modulation, and aGVHD activity on study. uhCG was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities. Sixty-two percent of patients in the high-risk cohort and 54% of patients in the second-line cohort had a complete response at study day 28. Plasma EGF was elevated sixfold (from 4 to 24 pg/mL; P = .02) at 6 hours postdose in the high-risk cohort, in contrast to no peak in plasma EGF in the more severe second-line cohort. After 1 week of uhCG, patients reported a twofold increase in the regulatory T cell to conventional T-cell ratio, suggesting immune modulation despite high-dose steroids. Responding patients reported significantly lower plasma amphiregulin and higher plasma butyrate levels at study completion, suggesting improvement in mucosal damage over time. uhCG is a novel, safe, supportive therapy, proceeding to phase 2 testing at 2000 units/m2 in high-risk aGVHD. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02525029.

HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT) using posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) has improved donor availability. However, a matched sibling donor (MSD) is still considered the optimal donor. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we compared outcomes after Haplo-HCT vs MSD in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1). Data from 1205 adult CR1 AML patients (2008-2015) were analyzed. A total of 336 patients underwent PT-Cy-based Haplo-HCT and 869 underwent MSD using calcineurin inhibitor-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The Haplo-HCT group included more reduced-intensity conditioning (65% vs 30%) and bone marrow grafts (62% vs 7%), consistent with current practice. In multivariable analysis, Haplo-HCT and MSD groups were not different with regard to overall survival (P = .15), leukemia-free survival (P = .50), nonrelapse mortality (P = .16), relapse (P = .90), or grade II-IV acute GVHD (P = .98). However, the Haplo-HCT group had a significantly lower rate of chronic GVHD (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.48; P < .001). Results of subgroup analyses by conditioning intensity and graft source suggested that the reduced incidence of chronic GVHD in Haplo-HCT is not limited to a specific graft source or conditioning intensity. Center effect and minimal residual disease-donor type interaction were not predictors of outcome. Our results indicate a lower rate of chronic GVHD after PT-Cy-based Haplo-HCT vs MSD using calcineurin inhibitor-based GVHD prophylaxis, but similar other outcomes, in patients with AML in CR1. Haplo-HCT is a viable alternative to MSD in these patients. ispartof: BLOOD ADVANCES vol:3 issue:12 pages:1826-1836 ispartof: location:United States status: published

The prognosis of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is poor, and predictors of response and survival are unclear. In an exploratory analysis of 203 steroid-refractory aGVHD patients with prospectively collected GVHD data who received antithymocyte globulin, etanercept, or mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as second-line treatment, we determined the predictors of day 28 response, 2-year overall survival, and 2-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM). To minimize the risk of finding false-positive results, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, aggressively eliminating variables that are unlikely to be associated with outcome. Day 28 response to second-line therapy was 38% (complete response, 23%), with a 2-year overall survival of 25% and a 2-year NRM of 62%. Factors associated with response were GVHD prophylaxis, organ involvement, and initial aGVHD to steroid-refractory aGVHD interval. Specifically, compared with cyclosporine/MMF as GVHD prophylaxis, the odds ratio (OR) for calcineurin inhibitor/methotrexate was .8 and for cyclosporine/prednisone .6. The OR for aGVHD to steroid-refractory aGVHD interval ≥ 14 versus14 days was 1.3. The ORs for skin only involvement and gut or liver only involvement when compared with multiorgan involvement were 1.4 and 1.2, respectively. The only variable associated with worse survival was age, with a hazard ratio (HR) per decade of 1.04 for overall mortality. Similarly, age was the only variable associated with NRM (HR per decade, 1.02). When compared with complete response, no response at day 28 increased the risk of death (HR, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.7). In conclusion, by means of an underused statistical technique in the field of transplantation, we identified predictors of response and survival in steroid-refractory aGVHD. Our results highlight the importance of developing novel treatment strategies because current treatments yield poor outcomes.

Acute leukemia (AL) patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy develop severe gut dysbiosis, placing them at heightened risk for infectious complications. Some AL patients will undergo “repeat therapy” (re-induction or salvage) due to persistent or relapsed disease. We hypothesized that prior injury to the microbiome during induction may influence dysbiosis patterns during repeat therapy. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the bacterial microbiome profiles of thrice-weekly stool samples from 20 intensively treated AL patients (first induction: 13, repeat therapy: 7) by 16S rRNA sequencing. In mixed-effects modeling, repeat therapy was a significant predictor of Enterococcus expansion (P = 0.006), independently of antibiotic exposure, disease type, feeding mode, and week of chemotherapy. Bayesian analysis of longitudinal data demonstrated larger departures of microbial communities from the pre-chemotherapy baseline during repeat therapy compared to induction. This increased ecosystem instability during repeat therapy possibly impairs colonization resistance and increases vulnerability to Enterococcus outgrowth. Microbiota restoration therapies at the end of induction or before starting subsequent therapy warrant investigation.

To better understand the clinical phenotype of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in children, we examined the GVHD clinical stage, grade, and response to prednisone 60 mg/m(2)/day PO in a diverse group of 370 pediatric patients with acute GVHD treated from 1990 to 2016 at a single institution. Overall response [complete response (CR) + partial response (PR)] at day 28 occurred in 65%, (CR 52%; PR 13%). Initial GVHD grade did not predict day 28 response. However, the Minnesota GVHD Risk Score predicted response with 68% standard risk (SR)-GVHD patients achieving CR/PR at day 28 versus 48% high risk (HR)-GVHD patients (p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis confirmed that response rates were lower in patients with HR-GVHD [odds ratio (OR), 0.4, p < 0.01] and in recipients of HLA mismatched URD (OR 0.4, p= 0.03). Transplant-related mortality (TRM) at 2 years was greater in HR-GVHD patients, recipients of HLA-partially matched or mismatched unrelated donor (URD) grafts, but not umbilical cord blood (UCB). These data highlight the importance of including children in novel acute GVHD treatment trials. Compared with initial GVHD grade, the Minnesota GVHD Risk Score better demarcates risk of steroid failure and TRM in children and could be used for risk stratification in pediatric acute GVHD studies.

Two recent reports suggested that the less common, less virulent enterococcal species, Enterococcus gallinarum and E. casseliflavus, with low-level vancomycin resistance due to chromosomally encoded vanC1 and vanC2/3, may influence host immunity. We reported that peri-transplant gut colonization with E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus is associated with lower mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Because most acute leukemia patients undergoing HCT have received intensive chemotherapy (usually requiring prolonged hospitalization) for their underlying disease before HCT, we hypothesized that some may have acquired vanC-positive enterococci during chemotherapy. Therefore, we evaluated the presence of the vanC gene cluster using vanC1 and vanC2/3 qPCR in thrice-weekly collected stool samples from 20 acute leukemia patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy. We found that an unexpectedly large proportion of patients have detectable vanC1 and vanC2/3 (15% and 35%, respectively) in at least one stool sample. Comparing qPCR results with 16S rRNA gene sequencing results suggested that E. gallinarum may reach high abundances, potentially persisting into HCT and influencing transplant outcomes.

Background: Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a potentially fatal complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation that fails to improve with intense immunosuppression in some patients. We hypothesized that urinary-derived human chorionic gonadotropin [uhCG] could help facilitate resolution of life-threatening aGVHD when added as supportive care via two potential mechanisms: immunomodulation (akin to its role in pregnancy) and supplementation of epidermal growth factor (EGF, to aid in epithelial repair). Methods: In phase I, 26 participants received subcutaneous injections of uhCG in addition to standard immunosuppression (13 initial therapy for Minnesota high risk aGVHD and 13 receiving 2nd line therapy). Participants underwent serial blood testing for biomarkers of hormone response, immune modulation, and aGVHD activity on study. Findings: UhCG was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities. Sixty-two percent of patients in the high-risk cohort and 54% of patients in the 2nd line cohort had a complete response at study day 28. Plasma EGF was elevated 6-fold (from 4 to 24 pg/ml, p=0.02) at 6 hours post-dose in the high risk cohort, in contrast to no peak in plasma EGF in the more severe 2nd line cohort. After 1 week of uhCG, patients demonstrated a 2-fold increase in regulatory T cell to conventional T cell ratio, suggesting immune modulation despite high dose steroids. Responding patients showed significantly lower plasma amphiregulin and higher plasma butyrate at study completion, suggesting improvement in mucosal damage over time. Interpretation: hCG is a novel, safe supportive therapy, proceeding to phase II testing at 2,000 units/m2 in high-risk aGVHD. Trial Registration: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02525029). Funding Statement: This study was funded by the BMT Fund for the Future (SGH), a Regenerative Medicine Minnesota clinical trial award (SGH), and R01 HL11879, R01 HL56067 and R37 AI34495 (BRB). SGH is a University of Minnesota Women’s Early Research Career (WERC) award recipient and conducted this study during her time as a WERC scholar. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no relevant financial conflicts of interest to disclose. SGH has provided consulting services for Incyte, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, and CSL Behring. BRB receives remuneration as an advisor to Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Five Prime Therapeutics Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Magenta Therapeutics, BlueRock Therapeuetics and consulting services for Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Incyte, Equillium, Regimmune, Dr. Reddy, GT Biopharma and Incyte Corp; research support from Fate Therapeutics, RXi Pharmaceuticals, Alpine Immune Sciences, Inc, Abbvie Inc., Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Childrens' Cancer Research Fund, and KidsFirst Fund, and is a co-founder of Tmunity. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board, and all participants signed written, informed consent.

Regimen-related toxicities with high-dose therapy followed by hematopoietic cell rescue leads to considerable patient distress, morbidity, and high readmission rates. Palifermin is a recombinant keratinocyte growth factor that is Food and Drug Administration-approved to decrease severe oral mucositis (OM) associated with autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (ASCT) for hematologic malignancies. We added palifermin as a supportive care measure for patients with lymphoma undergoing ASCT with BEAM conditioning. We compared patients receiving palifermin (n = 35) with historical controls (n = 38) for toxicity and readmission outcomes. The cumulative incidence of OM of any grade was 23% in the palifermin-treated patients and 42% in the control group. Patients receiving palifermin were less likely to be readmitted (57% versus 82%; P = .04), had fewer hospital readmission days (median, 4 days versus 7 days; P.01), and had fewer total days in the hospital through day +30 after ASCT (median, 12 days versus 15 days; P = .05). Fewer patients in the palifermin group had20 days in the hospital through day +30 (9% in the palifermin group versus 23% of controls). Adverse events associated with palifermin were mild and transient. The addition of palifermin limits severe regimen-related toxicities and decreases readmissions and duration of hospital stay. This and other measures are needed to identify comprehensive and cost-effective approaches, possibly including palifermin, to prevent severe regimen-related toxicities and decrease health care resource utilization.

The high incidence of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) reactivation, potentially interfering with engraftment after umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), remains a major challenge. To potentially address this problem, we evaluated the effect of prophylactic foscarnet administered twice daily beginning on day +7 and continuing through engraftment in 25 patients. To determine the impact of foscarnet on HHV-6, engraftment, and other transplantation outcomes, we compared results in 61 identically treated patients with hematologic malignancies. Treatment and control groups underwent reduced-intensity conditioning UCB HCT with a conditioning regimen of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and total body irradiation 200 cGy with or without antithymocyte globulin (ATG), using sirolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil immune suppression. The treatment and control groups were similar in terms of age, disease risk, use of ATG, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index, and graft CD34 cell dose; however, foscarnet-treated patients were less likely to receive a double UCB graft and to be treated more recently (2016 to 2018). The cumulative incidence of HHV-6 reactivation by day +100 was 63% for all patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 51% to 75%) and was not significantly different between the 2 groups. HHV-6 reactivation occurred at a median of 34 days in the foscarnet group and 25.5 days in the control group. The incidence of neutrophil engraftment at day 42 was higher in the foscarnet group compared with the control group (96%; [95% CI, 83% to 100%] versus 75% [95% CI, 64% to 85%]; P< .01). The cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment by 6 months was 92% (95% CI, 69% to 100%) for the foscarnet group versus 75% (95% CI, 60% to 90%) for the control group (P= .08), and multivariate analysis identified the use of foscarnet as an independent predictor of better platelet engraftment. No patients died as a result of graft failure in recipients of foscarnet, whereas 5 patients died from graft failure in the control group. Six-month overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) were better in the foscarnet group (96% versus 72% [P= .02] and 4% versus 18% [P= .07], respectively). Even though foscarnet prophylaxis did not prevent HHV-6 viremia, we observed a delay in time to HHV-6 reactivation, a trend toward differences in engraftment, NRM, and OS compared with historical controls.

Recent studies comparing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUD) versus HLA-haploidentical donors in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have suggested equivalent outcomes. The graft source used in most studies of haploidentical transplants has been bone marrow. Similar comparisons between MUD and haplo-HCT using peripheral blood as a graft source have not been adequately performed. We reviewed the records of all 52 AML patients who underwent haplo-HCT (using peripheral blood and post-transplantation high-dose cyclophosphamide) between January 2010 and August 2015 at our institution and compared their outcomes with 88 patients who had a MUD transplant in the same time frame and were frequency matched (preanalysis) to the haploidentical group for conditioning intensity. Multivariate analysis found no difference in outcomes between the 2 groups with the exception of slower count recovery after haploidentical allografts (HR, .48; 95% CI, .32 to .74 for platelets, and HR, .47; 95% CI, .32 to .71 for neutrophils; P .001 for both comparisons). Our retrospective analysis, although limited by the small sample size, suggests largely similar outcomes with peripheral blood haploidentical versus MUD transplants for AML.

Case 1 After induction using 7+3 cytarabine-idarubicin, a 64-year-old man with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (AML) without FLT3 -ITD, NPM1 , and CEBPA mutations achieved a morphologic complete remission (CR). The patient was not interested in allogeneic hematopoietic cell

Solid organ transplantation-associated acute graft-versus-host disease (SOT-aGvHD) is a rare but highly fatal condition. Our poor understanding of this entity in addition to its rarity has hampered treatment progress and most patients succumb to the disease. A mechanistic mathematical model is developed to replicate and explain the complex pathogenesis of SOT-aGvHD. The model captures a number of important features of SOT-aGvHD including (i) the occurrence of stable and persistent mixed chimerism in some, but not all, cases, (ii) fluctuation in chimerism in some persistently mixed chimeric cases, (iii) rare occurrence of full donor chimerism, and (iv) beneficial effect of escalating immunosuppression in some cases of SOT-aGvHD and detrimental effect in others. In addition, the model predicts the conditions under which escalation or de-escalation of immunosuppression would be the preferred treatment strategy. In an exceedingly rare condition such as SOT-aGvHD, where prospective trials are not feasible, mathematical modeling can provide useful insights into pathogenesis and treatment.

Conditioning-related gut toxicity can result in a protein-losing enteropathy manifesting as a decline in serum albumin in the peritransplant period. Inspired by the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), we hypothesized that the magnitude of decline in serum albumin from the day of conditioning initiation until its nadir in the first 2 weeks after hematopoietic cell transplantation HCT (DeltaAlb) predicts the risk for subsequent severe aGVHD. We reviewed the medical records of all 88 patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent highly mucotoxic myeloablative (busulfan/cyclophosphamide or cyclophosphamide/total body irradiation) allogeneic HCT from a matched related donor (MRD) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) at our institution between January 1, 2012 and January 1, 2015. Severe aGVHD was associated with MUD (47% versus 14% with MRD; P = .001) and DeltaAlb, which was significantly greater among patients who developed versus did not develop severe aGVHD (1.2 ± .5 versus .8 ± .4 g/dL, respectively; P .001). In multivariate analysis DeltaAlb remained a significant predictor of severe aGVHD (odds ratio, 5.68; 95% CI, 1.65 to 19.64; P = .006; area under the ROC curve, .74; 95% CI, .63 to .86; P .001). The best cutoff for DeltaAlb to predict severe aGVHD was .9, with a sensitivity, specificity, and overall classification accuracy of 77%, 66%, and 69%, respectively. The model was validated using the bootstrap technique, with no significant change in its performance. These results were not generalizable to a cohort of 30 patients who received less mucotoxic myeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning. In conclusion, with mucotoxic myeloablative HCT, each .1-g/dL increase in DeltaAlb was associated with an approximately 23% increase in the odds of developing severe aGVHD. As an early biomarker of gut damage, DeltaAlb can be incorporated in composite risk models for aGVHD prediction, with hopes for ultimately allowing for individualized GVHD prophylaxis and potential intervention according to the predicted risk.

Despite extensive research in the last few decades, progress in treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), has been limited and steroids continue to be the standard frontline treatment. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have failed to find a beneficial effect of escalating immunosuppression using additional agents. Considering the small number of RCTs, limited sample sizes, and frequent early termination because of anticipated futility, we conducted a systematic review and an aggregate data meta-analysis to explore whether a true efficacy signal has been missed because of the limitations of individual RCTs. Seven reports met our inclusion criteria. The control arm in all studies was 2 mg/kg/day prednisone (or equivalent). The additional agent(s) used in the experimental arm(s) were higher-dose steroids, antithymocyte globulin, infliximab, anti-interleukin-2 receptor antibody (daclizumab and BT563), CD5-specific immunotoxin, and mycophenolate mofetil. Random effects meta-analysis revealed no efficacy signal in pooled response rates at various times points. Overall survival at 100 days was significantly worse in the experimental arm (relative risk [RR], .83; 95% confidence interval [CI], .74 to .94; P = .004, data from 3 studies) and showed a similar trend (albeit not statistically significantly) at 1 year as well (RR, .86; 95% CI, .68 to 1.09; P = .21, data from 5 studies). In conclusion, these results argue against the value of augmented generic immunosuppression beyond steroids for frontline treatment of aGVHD and emphasize the importance of developing alternative strategies. Novel forms of immunomodulation and targeted therapies against non–immune-related pathways may enhance the efficacy of steroids in this setting, and early predictive and prognostic biomarkers can help identify the subgroup of patients who would likely need treatments other than (or in addition to) generic immunosuppression.

Antigen-specific immunotherapies have long been pursued as a means to improve the outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Success thus far has been limited, and many therapeutics have either been ineffective in the clinic or have an uncertain impact on patient outcomes. Only the CD33 antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin provided benefit in randomized studies. Here, we briefly review where we currently are with antigen-specific AML immunotherapy and where we might go from here. Besides the exploration of novel target antigens, ongoing preclinical and clinical efforts aim to improve existing immunotherapy modalities and focus on developing novel therapeutics such as bispecific antibodies and gene-modified immune effector cells. Ultimately, clinical studies need to address the question of ideal target(s) in AML, a disease of great antigenic diversity, and clarify how the upcoming immunotherapeutics should be best used and what level of supportive care is required for their safe administration.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) outcomes in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) remain poorly defined. We performed a meta-analysis of allo-SCT studies in HL patients. The primary endpoints were 6-month, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). A total of 42 reports (1850 patients) was included. The pooled estimates (95% confidence interval) for 6-month, 1-year, 2-year and 3-year RFS were 77 (59-91)%, 50 (42-57)%, 37 (31-43)% and 31 (25-37)%, respectively. The corresponding numbers for OS were 83 (75-91)%, 68 (62-74)%, 58 (52-64)% and 50 (41-58)%, respectively. There was statistical heterogeneity among studies in all outcomes. In meta-regression, accrual initiation year in 2000 or later was associated with higher 6-month (P=0.012) and 1-year OS (P=0.046), and pre-SCT remission with higher 2-year OS (P=0.047) and 1-year RFS (P=0.016). In conclusion, outcomes of allo-SCT in HL have improved over time, with 5-10% lower non-relapse mortality and relapse rates, and 15-20% higher RFS and OS in studies that initiated accrual in 2000 or later compared with earlier studies. However, there is no apparent survival plateau, demonstrating the need to improve on current allo-SCT strategies in relapsed/refractory HL.

Introduction Minnesota High Risk and steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) are life-threatening complications of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Recent data suggests dysbiosis may relate to GVHD outcomes. Bacteria in the lower gastrointestinal tract (LGI) produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as fuel for enterocytes and modulators of mucosal immunity. LGI damage caused by aGVHD and antibiotic administration may be detrimental to SCFAs production and thus intestinal repair. However, limited data exists on how plasma SCFA levels vary between aGVHD patients who respond to treatment and those who do not. This study examined how aGVHD treatment response relates to plasma levels of five common SCFAs: acetate, propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and valerate. Patients and Methods Serial plasma samples (n=221) were collected from 49 patients who underwent treatment for Minnesota High Risk or steroid-dependent/refractory aGVHD on NCT02525029 at study baseline and at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days post-treatment initiation. GVHD severity was graded using Minnesota criteria. Patients were categorized by their response to therapy at day 28 (complete/partial response [CR/PR], n=35 versus no response or death [NR], n=14). Plasma SCFA levels were quantified via liquid chromatography and cytokines measured by multiplex cytokine array. Changes in SCFA over time were assessed by repeated measures ANOVA. SCFA levels responders versus non-responders at individual time points were compared using Mann-Whitney testing and principal component analysis (PCA). SCFA, cytokines, and GVHD biomarkers including ST2, REG3a, and AREG were correlated using Spearman's rho with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results Patients with CR/PR had higher levels of propionate (p=0.02) and butyrate (p=0.008) in comparison to NR among all samples analyzed (Figure 1a). Only butyrate levels varied significantly over time (p=0.018, with a significant difference in CR/PR vs NR at day 7, Figure 1b). The overall metabolomic profile of CR/PR patients was more stable than NR patients as determined by PCA. Neither initial clinical nor histologic grade of LGI aGVHD were associated with baseline plasma SCFA. Recent Clostridium difficile infection (n=5, p=NS) and total parenteral nutrition use (n=26, p=NS) did not influence baseline SCFA concentrations. Patients with high levels of butyrate also had high propionate (rho 0.9, p Discussion Plasma SCFA profiles in patients with life-threatening GVHD suggest that differences in intestinal commensal microbe-derived SCFA production may relate to response to treatment. Patients responding to therapy have higher levels of plasma propionate and butyrate, especially early in the course of therapy. Patients with NR at day 28 appear to have increasing butyrate over time, possibly due to survival bias and/or stabilization on 2nd line therapy. Patients with higher concentrations of propionate and valerate have lower circulating IL-6 levels, which may indicate reduced systemic inflammation. Figure. (A) Comparison of short chain fatty acid (SCFA) plasma concentrations and clinical response (complete/partial response [CR/PR] vs no response [NR]) among all samples and (B) with butyrate over time. (C) Correlation of plasma SCFA, cytokines, and graft-versus-host disease biomarkers. Disclosures MacMillan: Equillium, Inc.: Consultancy; Mesoblast: Consultancy; Talaris Therapeutics, Inc: Consultancy; Fate Therapeutics, Inc.: Consultancy; Angiocrine Biosciences, Inc.: Consultancy. Rashidi:Synthetic Biologics: Other: DSMC member (1 trial) and related honorarium. Weisdorf:Incyte: Research Funding; FATE Therapeutics: Consultancy. Blazar:Tmunity: Other: Co-founder; Fate Therapeutics Inc.: Research Funding; KidsFirst Fund: Research Funding; Childrens' Cancer Research Fund: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeutics: Research Funding; BlueRock Therapeuetic: Consultancy; Magenta Therapeutics: Consultancy. Betts:Patent Pending: Patents & Royalties: Dr. Betts has a pending patent WO2017058950A1: Methods of treating transplant rejection. This includes the use of JAK inhibitors. Neither he nor his institution have received payment related to claims described in the patent.. Holtan:Incyte: Consultancy; Generon: Consultancy; CSL Behring: Other: Clinical trial data adjudication; BMS: Consultancy.

Antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis has been associated with poor outcomes after intensive therapy. We evaluated the effect of levofloxacin (LEVO), the most commonly used prophylactic antibacterial antibiotic during intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), on the gut microbiota in 2 cohorts of patients, 1 cohort comprising 20 patients with acute leukemia receiving intensive chemotherapy and the other cohort comprising 20 allo-HCT recipients. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of thrice-weekly collected stool samples permitted a comparison between intervals with no antibacterial antibiotic exposure and those with only LEVO exposure. In mixed-effects modeling, the only variables influenced by LEVO were the relative abundances of Parabacteroides (regression coefficient, -.063; 99% confidence interval [CI], -.102 to -.024) and Blautia (regression coefficient, .050; 99% CI, .004 to .095). Other taxa and microbiota diversity were unaffected. Overall, the effect of LEVO on the gut microbiota in these cohorts was mild.

Introduction Higher CD34+ cell dose is associated with improved short-term outcomes (e.g., engraftment) but may also be associated with an increased risk of complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT), including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We examined the impact of CD34+ cell dose by actual and ideal body weight (ABW, IBW) on overall survival (OS) and graft-versus-host disease-free, relapse free survival (GRFS) in patients undergoing alloHCT with peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) graft source. Methods We identified 377 adults with hematologic malignancies who received myeloablative or reduced-intensity conditioning alloHCT with matched sibling donor PBSC at the University of Minnesota from 2002-2015. Results Patients had a median age of 52 years (range 18-74), were predominantly male (n=237, 63%) and had primarily leukemia (68%) or lymphoma (25%) with an intermediate disease risk index (n=258, 68%). Median CD34+ dose was 6.1 × 106/kg by ABW (quartiles in Table 1) and 7.72 × 106/kg by IBW [QT1 10.12]. Patients in higher quartiles were younger at transplant (p Conclusion The highest quartile of CD34+ cell dose by ABW is associated with superior OS at 5 years and improved engraftment without increased risk of morbidity. These data support further development of novel stem cell mobilization techniques in donors at higher risk for low collection yield. Further studies should evaluate if cell dose has similar prognostic impact in 5-year survival in alternative donor transplant.