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01 juni 2012, Item does not contain fulltext, The most effective post-remission treatment to maintain complete remission (CR) in adults aged between 46 and 60 years with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is uncertain. Previously untreated patients with AML in CR after induction chemotherapy with daunorubicin and cytarabine were randomized between two intensive courses of consolidation therapy containing high-dose cytarabine, combined with amsacrine or daunorubicin and a standard consolidation and maintenance therapy containing standard dose cytarabine and daunorubicin. One hundred fifty-eight CR patients were assigned to the intensive group and 157 patients to the standard group. After a median follow-up of 7.5 years, the 4-year survival rate was 32 % in the intensive group versus 34 % in the standard group (P = 0.29). In the intensive group, the 4-year relapse incidence was lower than in the standard group: 55 and 75 %, respectively (P = 0.0003), whereas treatment-related mortality incidence was higher: 22 versus 3 % (P < 0.0001). Two intensive consolidation courses containing high-dose cytarabine as post-remission treatment in patients with AML aged between 46 and 60 years old did not translate in better long-term outcome despite a 20 % lower relapse incidence. Better supportive care and prevention of treatment-related complications may improve the overall survival after intensified post-remission therapy in this age group.

We analyzed 12 MLL/ENL positive ALL patients consecutively diagnosed between 1999 and 2009. The MLL/ENL fusion was identified in 4/150 (2.6%), 8/993 (0.8%), and 0/70 of pediatric, adult, and elderly patients, respectively. Eight patients had a WBC count >50 × 10(9) /L. Ten cases had an evaluable immunophenotyping. A B or T precursor ALL occurred in 7 and 3 patients, respectively. Eleven/12 patients (92%) achieved CR. At 48 months, overall survival and event-free survival rates were 73.3% and 67%, respectively. At CR, a parallel RT-PCR evaluation of the MLL/ENL expression was available in 5 cases. Of these latter, 2 tested MLL/ENL-negative and 3 positive. The minimal residual disease molecular monitoring showed that MLL/ENL status did not correlate with outcome. In fact, all the 2 PCR-negative and 1 of the 3 PCR-positive cases relapsed. Further, a MLL/ENL expression, not preceding a relapse, was detected several times during the follow-up of five long-survivors. In conclusion, also in adults, the MLL/ENL fusion identifies a rare leukemic entity with a favorable prognosis. The observed inconsistency between the clinical cure and the presence of detectable MLL/ENL transcript suggests the existence of a MLL/ENL-expressing "preleukemia" stem cells, similar to what demonstrated for the AML1/ETO-positive leukemia setting.

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1 mei 2010, Contains fulltext : 89504.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), This study compared two schedules of low-dose gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) as induction monotherapy for untreated acute myeloid leukaemia in older patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy, to identify the more promising regimen for further study. Patients were randomized to receive either best supportive care or a course of GO according to one of two schedules: 3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 3 and 5 (arm A), or GO 6 mg/m(2) on day 1 and 3 mg/m(2) on day 8 (arm B). Primary endpoint was the rate of disease non-progression (DnP), defined as the proportion of patients either achieving a response or maintaining a stable disease following GO induction in each arm. Fifty-six patients were randomized in the two GO arms (A, n = 29; B, n = 27). The rate of DnP was 38% [90% confidence interval (CI), 23-55] in arm A, and 63% (90% CI, 45-78) in arm B. Peripheral cytopenias were the most common adverse events for both regimens. The all-cause early mortality rate was 14% in arm A and 11% in arm B. The day 1 + 8 schedule, which was associated with the highest rate of DnP, met the statistical criteria to be selected as the preferred regimen for phase III comparison with best supportive care.

Contains fulltext : 79924.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), PURPOSE: To compare the antitumor efficacy of three different anthracyclines in combination with cytarabine and etoposide in adult patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We randomly assigned 2,157 patients (age range, 15 to 60 years) to receive intensive induction-consolidation chemotherapy containing either daunorubicin, idarubicin, or mitoxantrone. After achieving complete remission (CR), patients were assigned to undergo either allogeneic or autologous stem-cell transplantation (SCT), depending on the availability of a sibling donor. RESULTS: The overall CR rate (69%) was similar in the three groups. Autologous SCT was performed in 37% of cases in the daunorubicin arm versus only 29% and 31% in mitoxantrone and idarubicin, respectively (P < .001). However, the disease-free survival (DFS) and survival from CR were significantly shorter in the daunorubicin arm: the 5-year DFS was 29% versus 37% and 37% in mitoxantrone and idarubicin, respectively. The proportion of patients who underwent allogeneic SCT (22%) was equivalent in the three treatment groups, and the outcome was similar as well: the 5-year overall survival rates were 34%, 34%, and 31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with AML who do not receive an allogeneic SCT, the use of mitoxantrone or idarubicin instead of daunorubicin enhances the long-term efficacy of chemotherapy.

Epigenetic changes play a role and cooperate with genetic alterations in the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We conducted a phase II multicenter study on the combination of the DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) in patients with higher risk MDS.

Aberrant signal transduction contributes substantially to leukemogenesis. The Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) gene encodes a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that noncovalently associates with a variety of cytokine receptors and plays a nonredundant role in lymphoid cell precursor proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We report that somatic mutations in JAK1 occur in individuals with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). JAK1 mutations were more prevalent among adult subjects with the T cell precursor ALL, where they accounted for 18% of cases, and were associated with advanced age at diagnosis, poor response to therapy, and overall prognosis. All mutations were missense, and some were predicted to destabilize interdomain interactions controlling the activity of the kinase. Three mutations that were studied promoted JAK1 gain of function and conferred interleukin (IL)-3-independent growth in Ba/F3 cells and/or IL-9-independent resistance to dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in T cell lymphoma BW5147 cells. Such effects were associated with variably enhanced activation of multiple downstream signaling pathways. Leukemic cells with mutated JAK1 alleles shared a gene expression signature characterized by transcriptional up-regulation of genes positively controlled by JAK signaling. Our findings implicate dysregulated JAK1 function in ALL, particularly of T cell origin, and point to this kinase as a target for the development of novel antileukemic drugs.

Contains fulltext : 51686.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The optimal post-remission treatment for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is presently unknown. Recent studies have reported the feasibility of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) in this population. We evaluate the outcome of this post-remission approach after complete remission (CR) and consolidation in elderly patients included in the EORTC-GIMEMA AML-13 trial. DESIGN AND METHODS: PBSCT after induction and consolidation chemotherapy was evaluated in patients aged 61 to 70 years with a WHO performance status 0-1. The induction therapy was mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine (MICE) with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) during and/or after chemotherapy. The consolidation therapy consisted of non-infusion or infusional idarubicin, etposide and cytarabine (mini-ICE). RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were scheduled for stem cell harvest by leukapheresis after s.c. recombinant human G-CSF administration initiated after hematopoietic recovery from consolidation. Stem cells were effectively harvested from 54 patients. A median of two aphereses (range, 1-5) were performed, resulting in a median collection of 11.7 x 10(8) nucleated cells/kg (range, 2.4-99.8) containing 40.2 x 10(4) CFU-GM/kg (range, 0-786.8), and 5 x 10(6) CD34+ cells/kg (range, 0.1-99.8). For the whole group of 61 patients, the median disease-free survival (DFS) was 1.0 years and the 3-year DFS rate was 21%, while the median overall survival (OS) was 1.4 years and the 3-year OS rate was 32%. A total of 26 patients could not be autografed due to inadequate/no harvest (21 patients), early relapse (3 patients), or treatment refusal (2 patients). Autologous transplantation was performed in 35 patients following conditioning with the BAVC regimen. The median time for granulocyte recovery >0.5 109 yen/L was 24 days and for platelets >20 x10(9)/L was 23 days following transplantation. After a median follow-up of 5.0 years

The optimal post-remission treatment for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is presently unknown. Recent studies have reported the feasibility of autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) in this population. We evaluate the outcome of this post-remission approach after complete remission (CR) and consolidation in elderly patients included in the EORTC-GIMEMA AML-13 trial.

Contains fulltext : 47837.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), The therapeutic activity and toxicity profile of gemtuzumab ozogamicin were assessed in 40 patients >60 years of age with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who were not considered eligible for conventional chemotherapy because of advanced age or poor performance status. The drug was administered at the dose of 9 mg/m2 as a single 2-h i.v. infusion on days 1 and 15. Patients who achieved a complete remission (CR/CRp) were to receive a consolidation with two additional injections of the immunotoxin at the same dose. The overall CR/CRp rate was 17% (95% CI, 8-32%). The CR/CRp rate in patients 61-75 years old was 33% (6/18), and 5% (1/22) in patients older than 75 years. Induction death occurred in seven patients (17%), all aged above 75 years. Overall survival was significantly longer in patients aged 61-75 years than in older individuals (P=0.05), and in CD33+ cases than in CD33- cases (P=0.05). We conclude that the dose/schedule of gemtuzumab ozogamicin used in this trial is too toxic in the age group over 75 years. For these patients, additional studies with reduced doses of the immunotoxin are warranted.

Contains fulltext : 47992.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), The role of glycosylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the induction treatment of older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still uncertain. In this trial, a total of 722 patients with newly diagnosed AML, median age 68 years, were randomized into 4 treatment arms: (A) no G-CSF; (B) G-CSF during chemotherapy; (C) G-CSF after chemotherapy until day 28 or recovery of polymorphonuclear leukocytes; and (D) G-CSF during and after chemotherapy. The complete remission (CR) rate was 48.9% in group A, 52.2% in group B, 48.3% in group C, and 64.4% in group D. Analysis according to the 2 x 2 factorial design indicated that the CR rate was significantly higher in patients who received G-CSF during chemotherapy (58.3% for groups B + D vs 48.6% for groups A + C; P = .009), whereas no significant difference was observed between groups A + B and C + D (50.6% vs 56.4%, P = .12). In terms of overall survival, no significant differences were observed between the various groups. Patients who received G-CSF after chemotherapy had a shorter time to neutrophil recovery (median, 20 vs 25 days; P < .001) and a shorter hospitalization (mean, 27.2 vs 29.7 days; P < .001). We conclude that although priming with G-CSF can improve the CR rate, the use of G-CSF during and/or after chemotherapy has no effect on the long-term outcome of AML in older patients.

The role of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is the topic of several ongoing studies. The results of the Italian pediatric experience with the multicentric Gruppo Italiano per le Malattie Ematologiche dell'Adulto (GIMEMA)-Italian Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Group (AIEOP) "AIDA" (ATRA and idarubicin) trial are presented. Of the 983 patients with APL enrolled in this protocol between January 1993 and June 2000, 124 (13%) had younger than 18 years. Treatment consisted of ATRA and idarubicin induction followed by 3 polychemotherapy consolidation courses. Molecular response by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was assessed after consolidation and patients who were PCR- were randomized for different maintenances. One hundred and seven children were eligible and evaluable for induction: 103 (96%) achieved a hematologically complete remission. Overt ATRA syndrome was observed in 2 patients and pseudotumor cerebri was observed in 10 patients. Ninety-four patients were evaluable for RT-PCR analysis at the end of consolidation: 91 (97%) proved PCR+ and 3 PCR-. The overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) are 89% (95% confidence interval [c.i.]: 83%-95%) and 76% (c.i.: 65%-85%), respectively, at more than 10 years. A white blood cell (WBC) count at diagnosis of greater than 10 x 10(9)/L had a significant impact on EFS (59% vs 83% at 10 years). These results highlight the efficacy and feasibility of the AIDA protocol in the pediatric APL population.

Contains fulltext : 57737.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access), BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the elderly is associated with low rates of response to conventional chemotherapy and long-term survival, highlighting the need for innovative treatment strategies. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) is an immunoconjugate that has shown activity in relapsed AML with a favorable safety profile. The aim of this collaborative trial was to assess the feasibility, safety, and antileukemic activity of administering GO followed by conventional chemotherapy as first line therapy in patients aged 61-75 years with AML. DESIGN AND METHODS: Eligible patients received frontline treatment with GO 9 mg/m2 infused intravenously on days 1 and 15. Following response assessment to GO, patients were started on conventional chemotherapy consisting of the MICE regimen (mitoxantrone, cytarabine, etoposide). No further treatment was planned for complete responders. RESULTS: Among the 57 evaluable patients, 38 (67%) completed the entire sequential treatment as planned. The overall response rate to the entire induction sequence was 54.4% (31/57), with complete remission (CR) in 35.1% and complete remission with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp) in 19.3%. Rates of failure due to treatment-related mortality or resistant disease were 14.1% (3 toxic deaths during the GO segment, 5 during MICE) and 29.9%, respectively. An initial response to GO was documented in 20 patients (35.1%), with CR in 22.8% and CRp in 12.3%; 6 additional patients entered a partial remission. Reversible myelosuppression and liver toxicity were the main adverse events during both segments of induction. Frontline GO was associated with modest mucosal and gastrointestinal toxicity, but grade 3-4 pancytopenia was universal and prolonged. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease developed in 3 patients after GO and 2 after MICE, resulting in 4 deaths from liver failure. One-year survival at follow-up was 34%. Twelve patients continue in CR/CRp after a median of 226 days. INTERPRETATION