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Objective The most typical cytogenetic aberration in myelodysplastic syndromes is del(5q), which, when isolated, is associated with refractory anaemia and good prognosis. Based on high rates of erythroid response and transfusion independence, Lenalidomide (LEN) became the standard treatment. This multi-centre study was designed to supplement Italian Registry data on LEN by addressing prescription, administration appropriateness, haematological and cytogenetic responses and disease evolution. Methods MORE study was an observational, non-interventional, multi-centre, retrospective and prospective study. Cases were recruited from 45 Haematological Centres throughout Italy. Data were collected from the Italian National Registry for Lenalidomide administration and supplemented by a MORE data form. Results Data from 190/213 patients were analysed. In all, 149 had been diagnosed by conventional cytogenetics (GROUP A) and 41 only by FISH (GROUP B). Overall erythroid response was obtained in 92.8% of cases. Overall cytogenetic remission was achieved in 22.6% of cases. Disease progression occurred in 15.6% of cases. Clonal cytogenetic evolution characterised progression to AML but not to higher risk MDS. Conclusions Erythroid response to Lenalidomide was similar in MDS with isolated del(5q) and with del(5q) plus one anomaly. Progression to AML or higher risk MDS showed different cytogenetic features.

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter prospective study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) vs originator, based on data from clinical practice in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We collected data of the patients with diagnosis of CKD on conservative treatment from nine Italian structures. Patients were enrolled applying different exclusion criteria, and various individual parameters were registered at the beginning for descriptive analysis. Patients were treated with epoetin alfa, beta, and darbepoetin as originator and epoetin zeta as biosimilar. Hemoglobin levels have been analyzed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. Results: At baseline, 47 patients were in the biosimilar group and 57 in the originator; the basal level of hemoglobin was similar between the groups (mean Hb 9.4 and 9.3 g/dL, respectively). Median age, weight, and comorbidities were almost comparable. After 3 months, 44 patients remained in the biosimilar group and 48 in the originator; hemoglobin increase was significantly greater in patients treated with biosimilar [absolute increase 1.6 vs 1.0 g/dL, p < 0.001]. After 6 and 12 months, number of patients fall furthermore. Hemoglobin levels increased more in the biosimilar group after 6 months (2.1 vs 1.1 g/dL, p < 0.001) and 12 months (2.0 vs 1.0 g/dL, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Biosimilar ESAs have similar risk/benefit profile compared to originators. Our data are in agreement with relevant scientific literature and, on the other hand, they are in contrast with common thought that considers biosimilar less efficacious and less safe than originators.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin chemotherapy and surgery are effective treatments for children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma but may cause considerable and irreversible hearing loss. This trial compared cisplatin with cisplatin plus delayed administration of sodium thiosulfate, aiming to reduce the incidence and severity of cisplatin-related ototoxic effects without jeopardizing overall and event-free survival. METHODS: We randomly assigned children older than 1 month and younger than 18 years of age who had standard-risk hepatoblastoma (≤3 involved liver sectors, no metastatic disease, and an alpha-fetoprotein level of >100 ng per milliliter) to receive cisplatin alone (at a dose of 80 mg per square meter of body-surface area, administered over a period of 6 hours) or cisplatin plus sodium thiosulfate (at a dose of 20 g per square meter, administered intravenously over a 15-minute period, 6 hours after the discontinuation of cisplatin) for four preoperative and two postoperative courses. The primary end point was the absolute hearing threshold, as measured by pure-tone audiometry, at a minimum age of 3.5 years. Hearing loss was assessed according to the Brock grade (on a scale from 0 to 4, with higher grades indicating greater hearing loss). The main secondary end points were overall survival and event-free survival at 3 years. RESULTS: A total of 109 children were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin plus sodium thiosulfate (57 children) or cisplatin alone (52) and could be evaluated. Sodium thiosulfate was associated with few high-grade toxic effects. The absolute hearing threshold was assessed in 101 children. Hearing loss of grade 1 or higher occurred in 18 of 55 children (33%) in the cisplatin-sodium thiosulfate group, as compared with 29 of 46 (63%) in the cisplatin-alone group, indicating a 48% lower incidence of hearing loss in the cisplatin-sodium thiosulfate group (relative risk, 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33 to 0.81; P=0.002). At a median of 52 months of follow-up, the 3-year rates of event-free survival were 82% (95% CI, 69 to 90) in the cisplatin-sodium thiosulfate group and 79% (95% CI, 65 to 88) in the cisplatin-alone group, and the 3-year rates of overall survival were 98% (95% CI, 88 to 100) and 92% (95% CI, 81 to 97), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of sodium thiosulfate, administered 6 hours after cisplatin chemotherapy, resulted in a lower incidence of cisplatin-induced hearing loss among children with standard-risk hepatoblastoma, without jeopardizing overall or event-free survival. (Funded by Cancer Research UK and others; SIOPEL 6 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00652132 ; EudraCT number, 2007-002402-21 .).

Background Recent progress in cancer research leads to the characterization of small subgroups of patients by genetic/biological features. Clinical studies in this setting are frequently promoted by international networks of independent researchers and are limited by practical and methodological constraints, not least the regulations recently issued by national and international institutions (EU Directive 2001/20/EC). Procedure We reviewed various methods in the design of international multicenter studies, with focus on randomized clinical trials. Results This paper reports our experience in planning and conducting international studies in childhood leukemia. We applied a decentralized study conduct based on a two-level structure, comprising a national and an international coordinating level. For the more recent trials this structure was implemented as a web-based system. This approach accommodates major legal requirements (e.g., safety reporting) and ensures Good Clinical Practice principles by implementing risk-oriented monitoring procedures. Conclusions Setting up international non-commercial trials is increasingly complicated. Still, they are strongly needed for answering relevant questions in limited populations. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:270–273. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

At the end of 2006, a pharmacovigilance program on natalizumab was settled by the Italian Pharmaceutical Agency, and on January 2007, multiple sclerosis patients poorly responding to the immunomodulating therapies or with an aggressive clinical form of disease from onset initiated to be registered and to receive the medication. On February 2010, almost 3,000 cases have been treated with natalizumab. The drop-out rate is 10%. Almost 800 cases received cycles of natalizumab for more than 18 months. One case of PML was reported and other adverse events are similar to those described in phase III studies. The majority of cases remained stable, while in 25% of cases, an improvement of disability was documented.

Objectives This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of right heart thrombi (RHTh) in pulmonary embolism. Background Most reports about patients with RHTh are small case series. We analyzed data referring to RHTh among 2,454 consecutive pulmonary embolism patients enrolled in the International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry. Methods Of the 2,454 patients, 1,113 had results available from baseline echocardiography. We compared the 42 patients with RHTh versus 1,071 without RHTh. Results Patients with RHTh had shorter duration of symptoms (2.2 ± 2.9 days vs. 4.3 ± 6.0 days, p = 0.013), lower systolic blood pressure (BP) (116.0 ± 28.8 vs. 125.7 ± 25.0 mm Hg, p = 0.008), and more frequent right ventricular hypokinesis (64% vs. 40%, p = 0.002) and congestive heart failure (26% vs. 13%, p = 0.024); but they had similar age (62.9 vs. 62.5 years), arterial oxygen pressure (71.3 ± 26.0 vs. 69.5 ± 30.5 mm Hg), and prevalence of cancer (14% vs. 19%). The overall mortality rate at 14 days and at three months was higher in patients with RHTh (21% vs. 11%, p = 0.032, and 29% vs. 16%, p = 0.036). The difference in early mortality was observed almost entirely within the subgroup of patients treated with heparin alone (23.5% vs. 8%, p = 0.02), despite similar clinical severity at presentation (systolic BP 122.2 ± 24.2 vs. 127.8 ± 24.1 mm Hg, hypotension in 5.9% vs. 3.4% patients). Conclusions Among patients with acute pulmonary embolism, RHTh is usually found in those more hemodynamically compromised but is also a marker of worse prognosis in initially apparently stable patients treated with heparin alone.

In summary, cancer, congestive heart failure, and hypotension were the best predictors of death among women, whereas age, cancer, hypotension, and tachypnea were the best predictors of mortality among men. Men had an overall higher risk of death than women (hazard ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.6). However, women with heart failure and PE were more likely to die than men.

Background: A comprehensive lifestyle approach is suggested as first-line treatment for the individual features of the metabolic syndrome, but the results in community medicine are usually discouraging. No study has tested the feasibility of an integrated approach between general practitioners (GPs) and specialist centers. Methods: We report the process analysis on baseline data of a randomized study based on the integration between GPs, selecting patients on the basis of a pre-defined grid and specific targets, and a specialist center, providing informative material and arranging courses of counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy, using a shared database. After initial visits by GPs for clinical assessment and motivation to treatment, patients were randomly assigned to: (a) prescriptive diet, managed by GPs; (b) counseling (four group lessons); (c) cognitive-behavioral treatment (12 group lessons), both managed by specialist center. Data of the first 503 subjects were compared with those of 139 cases self-referring to the specialist center for the treatment of obesity. Results: Subjects enrolled by GPs were more frequently males, had lower obesity grades, and a higher number of features of metabolic syndrome, compared with the control group. Only 10% of subjects randomized to counseling and 27% randomized to behavior declined participation in the intensive treatments; attendance at sessions averaged 90%. GPs were satisfied with their participation and reported that treatments met patients’ needs. Conclusions: An integrated approach to lifestyle changes between GPs and a specialist center is feasible in the metabolic syndrome and may be cost-effective, considering the high burden of disease.

INTRODUCTION In Italy, prescriptions of the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren (aliskiren) to high-risk hypertensive patients must be electronically filled by specialized physicians only when at least two antihypertensive drug classes (independently of the dosages), fails to normalize blood pressure (BP) levels. AIM To analyze the effects of the addition of aliskiren 150-300 mg daily to antihypertensive therapy in a population of high cardiovascular risk hypertensive patients with uncontrolled BP levels. METHODS Clinical data were derived from patients included in the national Web-based drug-monitoring system. Follow-up visits were required for measuring BP levels, and collecting data on drug safety and tolerability. RESULTS Between March 2009 and February 2010, aliskiren was prescribed by 6464 specialized physicians to 11 511 treated, uncontrolled hypertensive patients (47.6% women, aged 68.0 ± 11.1 years, BMI 28.4 ± 4.9 kg/m) with organ damage or comorbidities. During 6-month observation, only a few drug-related side-effects were reported (n = 33). At the entry and 1-month follow-up visits (n = 8197; 70.6%), BP levels were 158.9 ± 16.8 and 142.1 ± 15.2 mmHg for SBP and 90.8 ± 9.6 and 83.1 ± 8.5 mmHg for DBP, respectively. At 6-month (n = 4907; 42.3%), SBP and DBP levels were 137.9 ± 13.9 and 81.3 ± 8.0 mmHg, respectively. A consistent reduction in the use of all classes of concomitant antihypertensive drugs was recorded. CONCLUSION Although data derived from national registries need to be interpreted with caution, the Italian Web-based drug-monitoring system provided information on 'real-life' use of aliskiren in hypertension. In this uncontrolled, high-risk treated hypertensive population, SBP and DBP levels recorded during treatment with aliskiren were consistently lower than those recorded at entry visits in a context of a very low rate of reported side-effects.

In Italy the use of lenalidomide (LEN) in MDS with del(5q) is ruled by a national agency (AIFA, Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco) Registry since 2008. We conducted an observational, non-interventional, multi-centre, retrospective/prospective cohort study, registered as MORE (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01347944), to investigate the use LEN in the context of a "real world setting". Registry eligibility: IPSS low or intermediate-1 risk MDS with transfusion-dependent anemia and 5q31 deletion. MORE integration: retrospective collection of clinical, hematological and cytogenetic data at pre-registry time, at enrollment, after 4-6 cycles and 8-12 cycles of LEN, and at the last available follow-up and/or end of treatment. Hematological and cytogenetic response was assessed according to Cheson et al (Blood 2006). Statistical analysis used PL / SQL Developer and R open source software. 190 patients (M:F 60: 130) were included in this study (Table 1). GROUP A, (149 patients, median age 75 years) with complete data sets, and GROUP B (41 patients, median age 71 years), investigated only by FISH were analyzed separately. By integration of Registry with MORE forms, including disease history and/or treatment preceding inclusion in the Registry, information was recruited over a median time of 44 months (range 0.5-237). The complete erythroid response rate was 74.6% in group A and 78.6% in group B after 4-6 cycles treatment, and 85.8% and 88.9%, respectively after 8-12 cycles. The partial response rate was 11.5% in group A and 10.7% in group B at 4-6 months cycles. The complete cytogenetic response rate (only group A ) after 4-6 cycles was 7.8%. The partial response rate was 2.3 %. After 8-12 cycles complete response increased to 13% , partial response to 9.6 %. Leukemic evolution was observed in 18 cases (9.5%). Disease progression to a higher risk MDS was found in 12 cases (6.3%). Neutropenia (grade 3-4; 59%) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3-4; 21%) were predominant in the first 6 months of treatment. Infections (21%) mostly affected the upper respiratory tract. As far as we know this is the first report on LEN administration within a national registry. Despite being a retrospective study solid information on real life management of del(5q)-MDS were obtained. The known efficacy on erythropoiesis was strongly confirmed (FIG.1A). Notably, we also found a good response in low/int-1 IPSS cases with non-isolated 5q- (70.6%), suggesting that IPSS score plays a role in the successful response. The low rate of cytogenetic response possibly reflected the high level of variations in timing and dosage of LEN as well as heterogeneity of analyses in a non-centralized study. Nevertheless, results after 8-12 cycles (22.6%; FIG.1B) were similar to the 25% found with 5mg LEN in the European cooperative MDS004 study (Fenaux P et al, Blood 2011). AML evolution was found in 18/190 cases (9.6%) after a median of 7.5 LEN cycles (range 1-30). Moreover twelve additional cases (6.3%) showed progression to RAEB1 or RAEB2 after a median of 19.5 LEN cycles (range 4-56). In the MDS004 study a similar analysis gave 25.4 % of leukemic evolution and 2.9% of disease progression. This large series of MDS with del(5q) allowed us to confirm the efficacy of LEN in a "real world setting". Biological and clinical features seem to be critical for the success of this personalized therapy. Table 1. Table 1. Figure 1. Clinical-hematological features of 190 cases (MORE Study). Figure 1. Clinical-hematological features of 190 cases (MORE Study). Disclosures Roncadori: Celgene: Research Funding. Rossi:Celgene: Research Funding. D'Emilio:Celgene: Research Funding. Di Renzo:Celgene: Research Funding. Leoni:Celgene: Research Funding. Rambaldi:Roche: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria; Celgene: Research Funding; Pierre Fabre: Honoraria. Avanzini:Celgene: Research Funding. Visani:Celgene: Research Funding. Tura:Celgene: Research Funding. Covezzoli:Celgene: Research Funding. Mecucci:Celgene: Research Funding.

This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic significance of right heart thrombi (RHTh) in pulmonary embolism.Most reports about patients with RHTh are small case series. We analyzed data referring to RHTh among 2,454 consecutive pulmonary embolism patients enrolled in the International Cooperative Pulmonary Embolism Registry.Of the 2,454 patients, 1,113 had results available from baseline echocardiography. We compared the 42 patients with RHTh versus 1,071 without RHTh.Patients with RHTh had shorter duration of symptoms (2.2 +/- 2.9 days vs. 4.3 +/- 6.0 days, p = 0.013), lower systolic blood pressure (BP) (116.0 +/- 28.8 vs. 125.7 +/- 25.0 mm Hg, p = 0.008), and more frequent right ventricular hypokinesis (64% vs. 40%, p = 0.002) and congestive heart failure (26% vs. 13%, p = 0.024); but they had similar age (62.9 vs. 62.5 years), arterial oxygen pressure (71.3 +/- 26.0 vs. 69.5 +/- 30.5 mm Hg), and prevalence of cancer (14% vs. 19%). The overall mortality rate at 14 days and at three months was higher in patients with RHTh (21% vs. 11%, p = 0.032, and 29% vs. 16%, p = 0.036). The difference in early mortality was observed almost entirely within the subgroup of patients treated with heparin alone (23.5% vs. 8%, p = 0.02), despite similar clinical severity at presentation (systolic BP 122.2 +/- 24.2 vs. 127.8 +/- 24.1 mm Hg, hypotension in 5.9% vs. 3.4% patients).Among patients with acute pulmonary embolism, RHTh is usually found in those more hemodynamically compromised but is also a marker of worse prognosis in initially apparently stable patients treated with heparin alone.

Abstract 3850 Background: Lenalidomide (LEN) is available in Italy for patients with intermediate-1- and low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) associated with 5q deletion (5q-) since October 2008, based on a local disposition of the Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) issued according to a national law (Law 648/96). LEN is an oncological drug subject to intensive monitoring and, when it is prescribed in MDS, physicians are requested to enter the patient into a registry, which is entirely web-based. Methods: This observational, retrospective, multicenter study (registered at www.clinicaltrials.govasNCT01347944) has enrolled patients at 40 centres of 43 authorized in Italy. The study was approved by the ethic committee of each participating institution. The purpose was to analyse data available in the Registry and to integrate them with additional clinical and laboratory findings by filling up new e-forms in all cases with MDS and 5q- receiving LEN from October 31st, 2008 until the present. Diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and re-evaluation of patients were considered. Results: Study population included patients pre-treated and not pre-treated, with or without the integration form at the end of treatment. Pre-treated were defined as patients who were given LEN (from 1 to 12 cycles, median 3) before entering the AIFA registry. 158 patients (42 pre-treated and 116 not pre-treated) were eligible for this preliminary analysis. Median age was 75 (range, 38–89 years); 6 patients were younger than 50. There were 108 females (68.35%) and 50 males (31.6%) (table). Hematological findings evaluated at diagnosis were: hemoglobin (8.5g/dL, 57%), macrocytosis (MCV >98 fL, 54.4%), platelet count (400×109/L, 19%). Median white blood cell count was 4× 103/L with 54% neutrophils. Bone marrow blasts ≤5% were found in 75.9% of cases. The 5q- was detected by conventional cytogenetics in 131/158 cases (82.9%): it was isolated in 110 cases, associated with one additional in 15, and in complex karyotypes in 6. In 2 cases with normal karyotype and in 25 cases with failed cytogenetics the 5q- was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). These cases could not be grouped as isolated or non-isolated. Patients received LEN at a daily dose of 10mg or 5 mg for 21 of 28 days as the starting dose. The dose and schedule was adjusted mainly based on blood count and hematological toxicity. Median time on treatment was 15.5 months (range, 1–45). Major and minor criteria for hematological and cytogenetic response are under evaluation. Transfusion independence at 6 months was reached in 77/103 cases (74.75%). Hematological toxicity could be evaluated in 148 cases. A total of 555 neutropenia events (36% grade 3 and 12.9% grade 4) and 422 thrombocytopenia events (10.9% grade 3 and 6.16% grade 4) were seen. Among 69 evaluable cases, 11 (15.9%) developed acute myeloid leukemia. In this group the median age was 72 (range, 62–85) and there were 4 males and 7 females. The median number of LEN cycles was 6 (range, 2–31). The median time from diagnosis of MDS was 34 months (range, 4–68). Chromosome 5q- at diagnosis was demonstrated by conventional cytogenetics in 8 cases (6 isolated and 2 with one additional change) and by FISH in 3. Comments: The Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) Registry provided us with a large series of MDS cases with 5q- to investigate appropriatness of LEN prescription and management. As expected LEN was successful to obtain transfusion independence in this patient population. Hematological toxicity was manageable. The number of cases with leukemic evolution is in line with data reported in the literature. These cases will be further investigated. Disclosures: Mecucci: CELGENE: Research Funding.