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We assessed the humoral and cellular response to the fourth BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose in patients with CLL. A total of 67 patients with CLL and 85 age matched controls tested for serologic response and pseudo-neutralization assay. We also tested the functional T-cell response by interferon gamma (IFNγ) to spike protein in 26 patients. Two weeks after the fourth vaccine antibody serologic response was evident in 37 (55.2%) patients with CLL, 20 /22 (91%) of treatment naïve, and 9/32 (28%) patients with ongoing therapy, compared with 100% serologic response in age matched controls. The antibody titer increased by 10-fold in patients with CLL, however, still 88-folds lower than age matched controls. Predictors of better chances of post fourth vaccination serologic response were previous positive serologies after second, third, and pre-fourth vaccination, neutralizing assay, and treatment naïve patients. T-cell response improved from 42.3% before the fourth vaccine to 84.6% 2 weeks afterwards. During the time period of 3 months after the fourth vaccination, 14 patients (21%) developed COVID-19 infection, all recovered uneventfully. Our data demonstrate that fourth SARS-CoV-2 vaccination improves serologic response in patients with CLL to a lesser extent than healthy controls and induces functional T-cell response.

Purpose: To explore the functional consequences of possible cross-talk between the CXCR4/CXCL12 and the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) pathways in multiple myeloma (MM) cells and to evaluate the effect of S1P targeting with the FTY720 modulator as a potential anti-MM therapeutic strategy.Experimental Design and Results: S1P targeting with FTY720 induces MM cell apoptosis. The combination of FTY720 with the SPHK1 inhibitor SKI-II results in synergistic inhibition of MM growth. CXCR4/CXCL12-enhanced expression correlates with reduced MM cell sensitivity to both FTY720 and SKI-II inhibitors, and with SPHK1 coexpression in both cell lines and primary MM bone marrow (BM) samples, suggesting regulative cross-talk between the CXCR4/CXCL12 and SPHK1 pathways in MM cells. FTY720 was found to directly target CXCR4. FTY720 profoundly reduces CXCR4 cell-surface levels and abrogates the CXCR4-mediated functions of migration toward CXCL12 and signaling pathway activation. Moreover, FTY720 cooperates with bortezomib, inducing its cytotoxic activity and abrogating the bortezomib-mediated increase in CXCR4 expression. FTY720 effectively targets bortezomib-resistant cells and increases their sensitivity to bortezomib, promoting DNA damage. Finally, in a recently developed novel xenograft model of CXCR4-dependent systemic MM with BM involvement, FTY720 treatment effectively reduces tumor burden in the BM of MM-bearing mice. FTY720 in combination with bortezomib demonstrates superior tumor growth inhibition and abrogates bortezomib-induced CXCR4 increase on MM cells.Conclusions: Altogether, our work identifies a cross-talk between the S1P and CXCR4 pathways in MM cells and provides a preclinical rationale for the therapeutic application of FTY720 in combination with bortezomib in patients with MM. Clin Cancer Res; 23(7); 1733–47. ©2016 AACR.

Supplementary Figure 3 - PDF file 100K, Apoptosis induced by BKT140 and Rituximab

Supplementary Figure 4 - PDF file 117K, Interaction of NHL cells with BMSCs

Contains supplementary methods and primer sequences

Purpose: Chemokine axis CXCR4/CXCL12 is critically involved in the survival and trafficking of normal and malignant B lymphocytes. Here, we investigated the effect of high-affinity CXCR4 antagonist BKT140 on lymphoma cell growth and rituximab-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.Experimental Design:In vitro efficacy of BKT140 alone or in combination with rituximab was determined in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines and primary samples from bone marrow aspirates of patients with NHL. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in xenograft models of localized and disseminated NHL with bone marrow involvement.Results: Antagonizing CXCR4 with BKT140 resulted in significant inhibition of CD20+ lymphoma cell growth and in the induction of cell death, respectively. Combination of BKT140 with rituximab significantly enhanced the apoptosis against the lymphoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, rituximab induced CXCR4 expression in lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma cells, suggesting the possible interaction between CD20 and CXCR4 pathways in NHL. Primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) further increased CXCR4 expression and protected NHL cells from rituximab-induced apoptosis, whereas BKT140 abrogated this protective effect. Furthermore, BKT140 showed efficient antilymphoma activity in vivo in the xenograft model of disseminated NHL with bone marrow involvement. BKT140 treatment inhibited the local tumor progression and significantly reduced the number of NHL cells in the bone marrow. Combined treatment of BKT140 with rituximab further decreased the number of viable lymphoma cells in the bone marrow, achieving 93% reduction.Conclusions: These findings suggest the possible role of CXCR4 in NHL progression and response to rituximab and provide the scientific basis for the development of novel CXCR4-targeted therapies for refractory NHL. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3495–507. ©2013 AACR.

Supplementary Figure 5 - PDF 65K,Apoptosis induction in BL-2 cells infiltrated to the BM

Supplementary Figure 1 - PDF file 118K, CXCR4 expression in NHL cells

Supplementary Figure 2 - PDF file 64K, CXCR4 migratory function in NHL cells

Polatuzumab (Pola)-based regimens and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells provide superior outcome compared to conventional chemoimmunotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL). Choosing between these strategies remains controversial. The efficacy of CAR T versus Pola-rituximab(R) /Pola-bendamustine(B)-R in R/R DLBCL patients after failing ≥2 lines of treatment was compared in a retrospective, 'real-world' study. Propensity score matching, for age, lymphoma category (de-novo/transformed), number of prior lines, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and lactate dehydrogenase level, was applied to control for differences in patients' characteristics. Response rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. A total of 82 patients, treated with CAR T (n=41) or Pola-based regimens (n=41), were included. No treatment-related deaths occurred with CAR T vs. 3 (7.3%) with Pola. The overall and complete response rates were 83% and 58% with CAR T vs. 66% and 44% with Pola-based-regimens (p=0.077 and p=0.18, respectively). At a median follow-up of 9 months (range 1-19.2) and 16 months (range 0.7-25.3) for the CAR T and Pola arm respectively, the median PFS has not been reached for CAR T vs. 5.6 months for Pola (95% CI 3.6-7.6, p=0.014). Median OS has not been reached for CAR T vs. 10.8 months (95% CI 2.2-19.4) for Pola (p=0.026). To conclude, in a real-world setting, treatment with CAR T achieved superior PFS and OS compared to Pola-based regimens in patients with R/R DLBCL.

Romidepsin is a class I selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for relapsed/refractory (R/R) cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL), treated with at least one prior systemic therapy. Currently, there is paucity of real-life data on the efficacy and safety of romidepsin in R/R T-cell lymphoma. This national, multicenter study presents real-life data on the efficacy and safety of romidepsin in R/R T-cell lymphoma. Patients diagnosed and treated with romidepsin for R/R CTCL or PTCL between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), overall response rate (ORR), complete response (CR), and adverse events. Fifty-three patients with R/R PTCL (n = 42) or CTCL (n = 11) were included. Among CTCL patients, median OS was not reached, ORR was 25%, and none achieved CR. Among PTCL patients, median OS was 7.1 months, EFS was 1.9 months, ORR rate was 33%, and 12.5% achieved CR. In a univariate analysis, predictors for longer EFS include any response to therapy, number of previous lines, and PTCL subclass (with better results for angioimmunobalstic T-cell lymphoma). In a univariate and multivariate analysis for OS, treatment response was the only factor predicting OS (OR 4.48; CI 95%, 1.57-12.79; P = .005). Most grade 3 and 4 adverse events were hematological (35%). Infections were reported in 34% of patients. This real-life experience with romidepsin confirms the results of the pivotal phase II trials. PTCL subtype and the number of previous lines of therapy have an impact on EFS. In addition, patients who had good response to romidepsin benefited most in terms of both EFS and OS. Efforts should be done to identify those patients.

Gemcitabine-based salvage therapy is considered an effective treatment for relapsed and refractory Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). We analyzed the outcome of 41 consecutive NHL patients treated with gemcitabine-based regimens between January 2007 and October 2015. Twenty-eight males and 13 females (median age 66.4 years) were included. The median follow-up from gemcitabine initiation was 7.3 months. Thirty patients (73%) had B-cell, and eleven (27%) had T-cell, lymphoma. All patients received a median of 2 prior regimens, of which at least 1 was anthracycline based. Twenty-eight patients (78%) received full-dose while 9 (22%) received reduced-dose regimens. The overall response rate was 37%, with 24% (n = 10) complete response, 12% (n = 5) partial response, and 63% (n = 22) progressive disease or stable disease. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 47 days (range 12–1,318), the median overall survival (OS) was 1.9 years. Twenty patients (49%) died during follow-up. Grade 3–4 hematological toxicity was reported in 21 patients (51%). Relapsed vs. refractory disease, as well as a response to gemcitabine, predicted better PFS and OS. Use of a full-dose regimen predicted a better OS. Compared to previously published data, we observed less favorable outcomes. The administration of gemcitabine-based therapy as a salvage regimen for patients with relapsed or refractory NHL had limited success. Innovative therapies for these patients are an unmet need.

The efficacy of polatuzumab vedotin in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma outside clinical study are undetermined. This retrospective study examined the efficacy and safety of polatuzumab vedotin administered in real life settings. Forty-seven patients, 31 with

Progression of disease within 24 months of initial therapy (POD24) has previously been identified as a predictor of reduced overall survival (OS) for patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Here we attempt to validate this finding in a retrospective cohort and understand whether the method by which progression is determined, clinically or radiographically, influences POD24 robustness. We reviewed records of 635 patients with FL and included 317 patients in our analysis. POD24 occurred in 21.5% of patients and it was evident that OS was significantly lower in the POD24 group. In multivariate analysis both POD24 and FLIPI were independently associated with inferior OS. POD24 that was detected by incidental routine imaging did not predict reduced OS as opposed to progression that was detected clinically. Although surveillance imaging is generally discouraged in FL, it still is a routine practice by many physicians, and therefore our findings are of significant clinical implications.

Background Chemotherapy based approaches still constitute an essential feature in the treatment paradigm of adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The German Multicenter Study Group (GMALL) is a well-established and commonly used protocol for ALL (Gökbuget 2012). Over the years evolving versions of the protocol have been developed with the aim of improving patient outcome (Apel 2014). In view of the recent advancements in the treatment of adult ALL we now analyzed our more recent data. Aims Assess the clinical outcomes of adult ALL patients treated on the GMALL protocol in real world settings, and establish prognostic parameters associated with long term survival and risk of relapse. Methods Retrospective analysis of all adult ALL patients who were treated with GMALL in our institution between the years 2008-2020. Demographic, clinical, cytogenetic, treatment, and transplant related data were collected using our institution's electronic medical records system. Baseline characteristics were evaluated by Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to estimate overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results The analysis comprised 81 evaluable patients with a median age of 36 years (range 18-73), 36% were adolescents and young adults (AYA). Forty-three were B-ALL (53%), 12 (15%) patients were Philadelphia chromosome positive ALL (Ph+ ALL), and 26 (32%) were T-ALL. Median duration of follow-up was 24.4 months (range 0.7-112.1 months), at the time of data analysis 51 patients (63.8%) were alive. Seventy patients (88%) attained a first remission (CR1) and 4 (5%) died during the first two induction phases. The 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 62% and 44%, respectively. Estimated 2-year and 5-year leukemia-free survival rates were 52% and 35%, respectively. Overall, disease relapse (31%), lethal infection (28%), and graft-versus-host disease (14%) accounted for most patient deaths. Of patients achieving CR1, 20 (29%) eventually relapsed after a median time of 9.8 months (range 1.1-69.3). Fifty-five patients (68%) underwent an allogeneic stem cell transplantation using matched sibling (47%), matched unrelated (31%), haploidentical (7%), partially mismatched (12%), and cord blood donors (3%). Of the 50 patients transplanted in CR1, 15 relapsed (30%) after a median time of 10.9 months (range 3.8-32.8). Multivariate analysis revealed that in terms of overall survival, increasing patient age was associated with inferior outcome [Hazard ratio (HR)=1.026, confidence interval (CI) 95%, 1.002-1.05, p=0.035) as was outcome for patients whose baseline cytogenetic analysis detected a higher number of clones (HR=2.69, CI 95%, 1.57-4.62, p=0.0002). T-ALL patients experienced longer survival compared with B-ALL (87 months versus 56 months, p=0.019) while patients transplanted using cord blood donors had inferior survival, 12.8 months, compared with matched sibling donors, 71.3 months, and fully matched unrelated donors, 73.4 months (p=0.001, and p=0.003, respectively). Relapse-free survival was significantly better in patients with T-ALL compared with B-ALL (90 months vs. 50 months, p=0.039), and in patients without t(12;21)(p13;q22) (75 months vs. 11.7 months, p=0.034). Gender, AYA status, extramedullary disease at diagnosis, initial white blood cell count, treatment delays, presence of MLL rearrangement, specific measurable residual disease modality used, GMALL risk category, and cytogenetic hyperdiploidy did not significantly impact on survival or disease relapse. Treatments for relapse following GMALL included blinatumomab (6), inotuzumab (3), nelarabine (3), and CAR-T (2). Conclusions While results are improving for patients treated on GMALL, a substantial patient segment still experiences relapse. It is conceivable that in the near future new novel therapeutic modalities for adult ALL involving the use of monoclonal antibodies and CAR-T cell therapy will help reduce relapse rates and further improve the current outcomes of patients treated on the GMALL protocol. Disclosures Avigdor: Takeda, Gilead, Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen, BMS: Research Funding. Canaani:Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Background: Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the most common indolent lymphoma in the western world with a median survival approaching 20 years. However, the course of the disease is extremely heterogeneous and therefore, at diagnosis it is difficult to predict survival. Roughly 20% of patients experience rapid progression of disease post first line treatment. Progression of disease within 24 months of first treatment (POD24) was previously identified a robust predictor of reduced overall survival (OS) (Casulo et al., JCO, 2015). Aims: We aimed to validate POD24 as a predictor of poor OS in a real-world cohort of patients, which was not uniformly treated, including patients that were initially treated with radiation or observed at least 6 months prior to first line therapy. Methods: We thoroughly reviewed 635 patient's records that were diagnosed between 1987 and 2018. Patients with FL grade 3B or de-novo transformation, as well as those that were never treated, treated prior to the rituximab era or had missing relevant clinical data were excluded. POD24 was defined as time from first therapy (systemic or radiation therapy) to first documented progression (either clinical or by imaging). Overall Survival was defined as time from diagnosis to either last follow-up or death. Progression Free Survival (PFS) was defined as the time from first treatment to first documented progression, death or last follow-up. Survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier method and comparison of survivals was done with Log-Rank test. Multivariate analysis was conducted with Cox regression. Results: A total of 317 patients met the study inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. Median age was 57 (23-87), 162 (51%) were male and 155(49%) female .Median follow-up was 7.5 years (0.24-24.4). FLIPI (available in n=149) was high in 41 (27%) patients, intermediate in 37 (25%) and low in 71 (48%). Eighty seven patients (27.4%) received radiation as their first treatment and 86 (27%) were initially observed. Systemic therapy regimens included alkylator based regimens (n=152, RCHOP-88), bendamustine based (45), fludarabine Based (32), and Rituximab alone (2). Maintenance therapy administration was documented in 119 patients. Progression was documented in 133 (42%) patients, and transformation in 34 (11%). Thirty four patients (11%) deceased. Median OS was not reached in our study cohort, and median PFS was 109 months (CI:68-150). Early progression (POD24) was captured in 68 (21.5%) patients. The OS of those patients was significantly lower than those whom did not progress within 24 months of first therapy (figure 1A, p The impact of POD24 on OS was observed in patients that were treated with alkylator based regimens (p=0.02) as well as with bendamustine based regimens (p=0.028). In the Fludarabine treated patients no significant difference in OS was observed in the different POD24 groups, probably due to small sample size. Interestingly, POD24 did not predict inferior OS in 69 patients in whom progression was diagnosed by routine imaging (PET/CT or CT) (Figure 1B). However, it was borderline predictive (p=0.1) when progression was clinically diagnosed (n=38). Conclusions: Our real-world analysis validated the importance of POD24 as predictor of OS in patients who were treated at diagnosis with alkylator or bendamustine based regimens. POD24 did not predict survival in patients treated with radiation or in those initially observed, a result that may reflect their superior outcome. Notably, POD24 did not predict OS in patients that were diagnosed with progression by routine imaging. As we, and others use imaging studies frequently in the follow-up of FL patients, especially in first two years after therapy, the scenario of positive findings in imaging is relatively frequent. Our data suggest that random findings in imaging that do not have clinical expression may not predict inferior outcome which is of major clinical implications. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction The therapeutic options for diffuse large cell B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients (pts) that fail to respond/relapse after≥2 treatment regimens are limited. The SCHOLAR-1 study reported an overall response/ complete remission (ORR/CR) rates of 26%/ 7% with a median overall survival (OS) of 6.3 months in chemorefractory and early relapsing DLBCL pts. Polatuzumab vedotin (Pola) is a conjugated antibody that delivers the microtubule inhibitor MMAE to CD79b-expressing cells. Polatuzumab administered in combination with Bendamustine-Rituximab (P-BR) has been recently approved by the FDA for pts with relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL that failed to respond≥2 prior therapies. The current study investigated the tolerability and efficacy of Pola mainly with BR, in DLBCL pts, treated through a compassionate program after failing ≥2 prior regimens. Methods Data of all pts with consecutive R/R DLBCL, treated with Pola-BR or Pola-R (2-8 cycles) in 11 Israeli centers between 6/2018 and -5/2019 were analyzed. Inclusion criteria for this study were: R/R DLBCL (denovo and transformed follicular lymphoma [t-FL]), age ≥ 18 years, ≥ 2 prior treatments. We evaluated pt characteristics, treatment details and toxicities, overall response and CR rates, progression free survival (PFS) and OS. Cox regression model was used to define factors affecting outcomes. Results 34 patients- (denovo DLBCL, n=24 and t-FL, n=10 ⌈50% -non CGB and 50% - GCB type⌉) were included. Median age at Pola administration was 65.5 (range 60-72) years. Stage ≥3 disease was recorded in 88% and IPI ≥3 in 73.5%. Median prior lines was 3 (range 3-5); including anthracyclines and rituximab in 100% and cisplatin-based regimens in 91%. 32% relapsed after ASCT and 9% after CART infusion. 53% had primary refractory disease, 29% had refractory relapse and 18% had prior sensitive relapse. 22 pts received Pola-B, mostly with Rituximab (n=19), and 12 received Pola-R. In 5 pts, Pola-based regimen was used as a bridge for Allo SCT (all responded CR, n=4 and PR, n=1) and in 6 as a bridge to CARTs (all responded CR n=1, PR n=2, SD n=3). Median number of Pola B cycles was 3 (3-5) and median Pola-R cycles was 4 (3-6). Median B dose per cycle was 90 mg/m2 (45-90). GCSF was used in 47%. Early treatment discontinuation due to progressive disease (PD) occurred in 8 (23%) of the entire cohort: 23% of Pola-B pts and 25% of Pola-R pts. Safety: Hematological AEs grade 3-4, reported with Pola- B vs Pola-R were: neutropenia (45.5.% vs 33%), thrombocytopenia (25% vs 8%) and anemia (23% vs 17%). Infections were recorded in 41% and 36% of Pola-B pts and Pola-R respectively. Neutropenic fever was reported in 36% in Pola-B pts and none in Pola-R. Pulmonary infections were recorded in 33.3% and 27.3% of Pola-B and Pola-R pts respectively, resulting in death in one pt. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 18% of Pola- B pts (grade ≤2) vs 8% with Pola -R. Hospitalization due to AEs was recorded in 41% of Pola-B vs 25% of Pola-R. Pola dose reduction due to AE was reported in 1 pt (8%) in the Pola-R. Efficacy: ORR for the entire cohort was 65%, including 38% CRs and 27% PRs. 12% pts attained SD and 23% experienced PD. ORR was higher in non-GCB than in GCB pts 80% vs 43% (p=0.036). Median follow up of the entire cohort from Pola administration was 4.4 months (range 0.6-11.4). 6 months projected OS and PFS were 83% and 63%, respectively. Post Pola treatment in pts that failed to respond/Relapsed post pola: 8 patients had PD; 3 died from progression, 1-CART, 1-Allo SCT, 2-paliative care and 1-unknown. Additional 5 pts progressed during follow up; 4-CART and 1-palliative care. 1 patient continues Pola treatment after achieving SD. Univariate analysis for factors predicting PFS and OS GCB type (HR-1.816, P=0.055), Primary refractory vs relapsed disease (HR-1.507, p=0.049) and a higher number of prior lines since diagnosis (HR-1.35, p=0.079) tended to be associated with shorter time to progression. T-FL vs denovo DLBCL was associated with decreased OS (p=0.008). Data of 60 patients, including pts treated recently, therefore, not evaluable at the time of abstract submission, would be presented at ASH. Conclusions The toxicity of Pola-based regimen was relatively low. Pola based treatment provided an encouraging PFS and OS in pts with R/R DLBCL that failed to respond ≥2 prior therapies, treated in a real-life setting. Primary refractory disease, higher number prior lines and t-FL vs denovo DLBCL were associated with inferior outcome. Figure Disclosures Herishanu: Roche: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria.

Somech and colleagues identify two new mutations in STN1 that causes Coats plus syndrome and telomere abnormalities in human, recapitulated in a zebra fish model., The analysis of individuals with telomere defects may shed light on the delicate interplay of factors controlling genome stability, premature aging, and cancer. We herein describe two Coats plus patients with telomere and genomic defects; both harbor distinct, novel mutations in STN1, a member of the human CTC1–STN1–TEN1 (CST) complex, thus linking this gene for the first time to a human telomeropathy. We characterized the patients’ phenotype, recapitulated it in a zebrafish model and rescued cellular and clinical aspects by the ectopic expression of wild-type STN1 or by thalidomide treatment. Interestingly, a significant lengthy control of the gastrointestinal bleeding in one of our patients was achieved by thalidomide treatment, exemplifying a successful bed-to-bench-and-back approach.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is a rare disease with a poor outcome in adults. Over the years different protocols have been developed with the aim of improving the outcome. The German study group protocols (GMALL), which are the most frequently used in our institutions, changed significantly between the periods 1989-93 and 1999-2003.To investigate whether the change in protocols over the years resulted in an outcome difference at two hospitals in Israel.We thoroughly reviewed the records of 153 patients from Sheba Medical Center and Soroka Medical Center, of whom 106 comprised the study group. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment protocol used: 40 patients with the 1989/93 protocol and 66 with the 1999/2003 protocol. Outcome was analyzed for the two groups.We found a significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups for B cell-ALL (B-ALL) patients who achieved complete remission after induction. There was no difference in overall survival. We did not find any difference in outcome for T cell-ALL patients or for CD20-positive patients.In our retrospective analysis, GMALL 99/2003 led to a better DFS for B-ALL patients who were in complete remission after induction. This is possibly related to the differences in medications between the protocols but may also be due to better supportive care. Despite the proven advantage of the newer protocols regarding overall survival, in our experience there was no other significant difference between the two regimens.

2-[Fluorine-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scanning is used for response assessment in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). However, its ability to predict outcome is debatable. We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic impact of interim and post therapy FDG-PET/CT scan on outcome of 58 consecutive MCL patients. Scans performed at diagnosis, mid-therapy, post-chemotherapy and post-transplant were reviewed and outcome analyzed. Median age was 59; MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) was low in 45%, intermediate in 41% and high in 14%. Thirty-four patients (58%) received R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, oncovin, prednisone) or R-CHOP-like chemotherapy, 24 (42%) underwent upfront autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT). Three-year overall (OS) and progression-free-survival (PFS) were 81% and 45%, respectively. No differences in OS or PFS between PET-positive and PET-negative groups both for interim and post-therapy scans were observed. We conclude that in patients treated with R-CHOP, using the International-Harmonization-Project criteria for FDG-PET/CT interpretation, there is no role for interim or post-therapy PET.

BACKGROUND: This open-label, randomized, phase 3 study compared melphalan at a dose of 200 mg per square meter of body-surface area plus autologous stem-cell transplantation with melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide (MPR) and compared lenalidomide maintenance therapy with no maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. METHODS: We randomly assigned 273 patients 65 years of age or younger to high-dose melphalan plus stem-cell transplantation or MPR consolidation therapy after induction, and 251 patients to lenalidomide maintenance therapy or no maintenance therapy. The primary end point was progression-free survival. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 51.2 months. Both progression-free and overall survival were significantly longer with high-dose melphalan plus stem-cell transplantation than with MPR (median progression-free survival, 43.0 months vs. 22.4 months; hazard ratio for progression or death, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.61; P

Background: Immunosuppressive therapy is a known risk factor for hepatits B reactivation. The highest risk is reported in hematologic patients treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, glucocorticoids and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the vast majority of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients is life-long. Recently healthcare professionals were advised to test for hepatitis B infection before initializing therapy with TKIs and closely monitor HBV carriers. The risk is considered class effect with all TKIs and recommendations are based on case reports. Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients with CML treated with TKIs. Methods: The records of patients with CML treated with TKIs from a single center were systematically reviewed for hepatitis B serology and serum biochemistry. Results: One hundred eighty one patients diagnosed with CML between the years 1983 and 2016 were evaluated. The median age at diagnosis was 49.7 years (range 18-89), 117/181 (65%) males, with median duration of follow up with TKI therapy of 5.3 years (range 0.4 to 33 years). Over a total of 1195 years of therapy with TKIs no cases of HBV reactivation were identified. Among 114 patients with hepatitis serology, 11 patients (10%) had evidence of prior resolved HBV infection (HBsAg negative/anti-HBc positive). Two of them had anti-HBs positive serology, one had negative PCR for HBV DNA and other two patients received lamivudine prophylaxis. Only one patient had HBsAg positive serology. None of the patients with positive hepatitis serology had clinical or biochemistry evidence of hepatitis B reactivation. The 67 patients without available hepatitis serology had normal liver transaminases at 6 months of TKI therapy and at last day of follow up, confirming that no overt hepatitis B reactivation occurred. Conclusions: We evaluated hepatitis B reactivation in a rather large cohort of CML patients, treated with TKIs. Although there were no cases of HBV reactivation during long term follow up, it should be emphasized that even a low incidence may exert a significant risk due to the long duration of treatment in a chronic disease with lifelong therapy. Our study infers that patients with serology of prior resolved HBV infection are at low risk for hepatitis B reactivation. Larger cohorts of patients with positive hepatitis B serology in a multicenter long term evaluation should be performed in order to address current recommendations for patients' safety and concerns. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Purpose: Chemokine axis CXCR4/CXCL12 is critically involved in the survival and trafficking of normal and malignant B lymphocytes. Here, we investigated the effect of high-affinity CXCR4 antagonist BKT140 on lymphoma cell growth and rituximab-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Experimental Design: In vitro efficacy of BKT140 alone or in combination with rituximab was determined in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) cell lines and primary samples from bone marrow aspirates of patients with NHL. In vivo efficacy was evaluated in xenograft models of localized and disseminated NHL with bone marrow involvement. Results: Antagonizing CXCR4 with BKT140 resulted in significant inhibition of CD20+ lymphoma cell growth and in the induction of cell death, respectively. Combination of BKT140 with rituximab significantly enhanced the apoptosis against the lymphoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, rituximab induced CXCR4 expression in lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma cells, suggesting the possible interaction between CD20 and CXCR4 pathways in NHL. Primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) further increased CXCR4 expression and protected NHL cells from rituximab-induced apoptosis, whereas BKT140 abrogated this protective effect. Furthermore, BKT140 showed efficient antilymphoma activity in vivo in the xenograft model of disseminated NHL with bone marrow involvement. BKT140 treatment inhibited the local tumor progression and significantly reduced the number of NHL cells in the bone marrow. Combined treatment of BKT140 with rituximab further decreased the number of viable lymphoma cells in the bone marrow, achieving 93% reduction. Conclusions: These findings suggest the possible role of CXCR4 in NHL progression and response to rituximab and provide the scientific basis for the development of novel CXCR4-targeted therapies for refractory NHL. Clin Cancer Res; 19(13); 3495–507. ©2013 AACR.

Introduction: End of treatment FDG-PET/CT activity is a powerful predictor of survival outcome in patients with Hodgkin, Diffuse large B cell and Follicular lymphomas. The predictive value of interim PET/CT scan on survival in Hodgkin lymphoma is also well established. To date, there are limited data regarding the prognostic significance of interim and end of treatment FDG-PET/scan results in adult patients with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), mainly due to the rarity of this entity. In this single-center retrospective study we analyzed the survival outcomes of patients with BL according to the findings on interim and end of treatment FDG-PET/CT scans using the Deauville criteria. Methods: We thoroughly reviewed the clinical records of all BL patients who were treated in our medical center between 2005-2014. Thirty three patients and 104 scans were included in our final analysis. Interim PET/CT scan was performed before starting the 3rd cycle of the therapy. PET/CT scans were scored as positive or negative based on the five-point scale: scores 1-3 represented complete metabolic response (CMR) and scores 4-5 defined persistent or progressive disease. Response and survival outcomes were defined according to the Lugano Classification. Survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and survival comparison was analyzed with the Log-Rank test. Results: Twenty four (73 %) were males and median age was 48 years (22-78). Two patients were HIV positive. Twenty four patients (73%) had stage 3 or 4 disease and 25 patients (76%) had high-intermediate or high risk disease according to the International Prognostic Index. All patients received intensive regimens, and the majority of them (78%) were treated according to the GMALL-B-ALL/NHL2002 protocol. Rituximab was part of treatment in 28 (85%) patients. After a median follow-up of 1.92 years (yrs) (0.08-9.58), 7 patients (21%) have died: six due to advanced BL and one from treatment related toxicity. The overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) at 3-yrs for all patients were 76% and 70%, respectively. Importantly, OS was predicted by the results of end of treatment PET/CT scans: patients in CMR (n=21) had OS of 90% while those with positive PET/CT (n=5) had OS of 30% at 3 years (Figure 1, p=0.001). Early-interim PET/CT results did not predict either PFS or OS at 3 years (OS - 85% for patients in CMR and 60% for patients with positive PET, p=0.27). Conclusions: The current retrospective study indicates that adult patients with BL, who receive rituximab-based intensive regimens, such as the GMALL-B-ALL/NHL2002 protocol, have a favorable outcome. End of treatment PET activity strongly predicted survival outcomes while interim PET result did not correlate with prognosis. Based on our data, it appears that changing treatment in adult patients with BL only on the basis of interim PET/CT results is not advised, unless there is clear evidence of progression. *Authors EP, MK & TD equally contributed to this study. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Background and aims: Bendamustine is a chemotherapeutic drug with structural similarities to both alkylating agents and purineanalogues. We aimed to determine the incidence and characteristics of infectious-related adverse events in the "real life" setting and to identify predictors for infection. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies treated with any bendamustinecontaining regimen between 2010 and 2013. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data including types of infection, therapy and outcome were collected from patients’ files until the latest follow up available and for at least 6 months after bendamustineadministration. Primary outcome was any infection. Risk factors of patients who developed infection and those who did not were compared. The Kaplan Meier Model, using log rank analysis, was used to compare time-to-infection or death between study groups. The Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to analyze multivariate effects of risk. Results: 183 patients from 3 centers in Israel (Beilinson, Sheba and HaEmek) were included. Hematological disorders included: non Hodgkin lymphoma in 72% of patients (30% follicular lymphoma, 11% mantle cell lymphoma, 7% marginal zone lymphoma, 9% diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 4% lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and 11% other) , chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 20% and multiple myeloma in 8% of patients. The most common regimen was bendamustine-rituximab (73% of pts). 21% received bendamustine alone. Bendamustine was administered either at the dosage of 70 or 90 mg/sqm iv on days 1,2 (mean dose - 77.8 +/-13.04), and rituximab was administered at a dose of 375 mg/sqm iv on day 1. Therapy was administered every 4 weeks up to 6 courses. The mean number of cycles administered was 4.54+/-1.78. Mean age at first cycle was 68 +/-10.8. 60% of patients were males, 86% had advanced disease, 60.6% had bone marrow involvement,60% received bendamustine as third line treatment and above, 65% received growth factors, 42% received prior rituximabmaintenance. Antibiotic prophylaxis was administered to only 2 patients. 86 patients (47%) developed at least one infection. The mean number of infections per patient was 2.26+/-1.89. 38 patients with infection died during follow up (20% of all patients). 76 patients (41.5%) developed a bacterial infection, 8 patients (4.4.%) developed a fungal infection and 20 patients (11%) developed a viral infection (Table). There was no difference in the timing from the first cycle of bendamustine to infection development with a median of 154 days to development of bacterial infection, 154 days for development of viral infection and 348 days for development of fungal infections (p=0.37). 38% of patients with infection developed grade 3-4 leukopenia, 45% developed grade 3-4 neutropenia, and 65% developed grade 3-4 lymphopenia. Factors significantly associated with time to infection or death on univariate analysis were: advanced treatment line (3rd line treatment and above vs. 1st -2ndline treatment), no growth factor administration, and no prior rituximab maintenance. On multivariable analysis, the only factor that remained an independent predictor for infection or death was advanced treatment line with HR of 1.18 (1.053-1.323), p = 0.004. Conclusions: The infection and sepsis rate associated with bendamustineadministration in the "real life" setting is 47% and 11%, respectively, consistent with previous data from randomized controlled trials. Most infections are bacterial. The major predictor for the development of infection is treatment line. This issue should be taken into consideration in heavily pretreated patients. Table – Characteristics of infections reported in 183 patients from 3 centers Type of infection Number of patients percentage Any infection 86 47% Infection requiring hospitalization 55 30% Bacterial infections: 76 41.5% · Bacteremia 6 3.35% · Pneumonia 33 18.3% · Sepsis 20 11% · Infection requiring IV antibiotics 47 25% · Urinary tract infection 12 14% · Cellulitis 9 5% Febrile neutropenia 15 8% Fungal Infections: 8 4.4% · Candidemia 3 · Pulmonary aspergillosis 1 · Cryptococcal brain abscess 1 · Candida thrush/ulcers 4 Viral Infections: 20patients, 26 episodes 11% · Herpes simplex infection 4 episodes · Herpes zoster (VZV) 7 episodes · H1N1 2 episodes · Upper respiratory tract infection 13 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is associated with an increased risk for thrombo-hemorrhagic complications. The presence of the JAK2V617F mutation, found in approximately 50% of ET patients, has been associated with increased indices of platelet (PLT) activation suggesting its casual role in thrombus formation. Mutations in CALR were recently described in the majority of JAK2V617F negative ET patients, and are associated with a decreased rate of thrombotic events. This has led us to hypothesize that CALR mutations have a different influence on PLT activation compared to JAK2V617F. To evaluate the PLT activation state, surface expression of two PLT activation markers - p-selectin (CD62P) and PAC1 was studied using specific antibodies. MFI was analyzed by flow cytometry at baseline, as well as following ADP addition to PLT rich plasma. Monocyte-platelet aggregates were studied in whole blood samples by gating CD45+/CD14+ cells and calculating the percentage of CD41+ cells in the monocytes population. The immature PLT fraction (IPF) was analyzed with the XE-5000 hematology analyzer (Sysmex UK Ltd., Milton Keynes, UK), and the absolute number of immature PLT (nIP) was calculated from the total PLT count. Low risk ET patients (N-13, M/F-5/8) and healthy controls (N-10, M/F-4/6) are included in this analysis. JAK2V617F and CALR mutations were present in 8 and 5 patients, respectively; low dose aspirin (range 75-100mg) was taken by 85% of patients and 90% of controls. Median PLT count in CALR mutated, JAK2V617F mutated and healthy subjects was 913, 579 and 247 K/uL, respectively (p=0.0002), and it was higher in CALR compared to JAK2V617F positive patients (p=0.09). Both patient subgroups had a lower baseline MFI of p-selectin and PAC1 compared to healthy controls (p-selectin: 2.8, 3 and 4.5 for JAK2V617F [p=0.01], CALR [p=0.05] and controls; PAC1: 3, 3.3 and 5.2 for JAK2V617F [p=0.01], CALR [p=0.02] and controls, respectively) with no difference between CALR and JAK2V617F mutated patients. CALR compared to JAK2V617F mutated patients had higher median number of immature PLT (30 and 10.6 K/uL, p=0.04), and a higher fraction of monocyte- platelet aggregates (90 and 58%, p=0.05). nIP and monocyte- platelet aggregates were also significantly higher in CALR mutated but not in JAK2V617F mutated patients compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, there was no difference in post ADP PLT activation (post/baseline ratio) between ET patients and healthy controls. Finally, there were correlations between the PLT counts and nIP (R=0.8, p Our preliminary results suggest a correlation between PLT activation markers and the PLT numbers, which can explain why CALR mutated patients in our cohort had higher nIP and monocyte- platelet aggregates fractions. The absence of an increased ADP induced PLT activation between patients and controls in this cohort compared with previous reports could be explained by the use of aspirin in the majority of patients and the high ADP concentration used for PLT activation. These results will be further studied in a lager cohort of patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 952 Background: B-cell Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents the most common malignant lymphoid neoplasm, with heterogeneous pathophysiological and clinical presentation. It may show systemic, nodal or extra nodal localization in various sites, including bone marrow (BM). Although anti-CD20 antibody rituximab significantly improved the outcome of NHL patients, the relapsed/refractory rates are still high. Chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 are critically involved in the survival and trafficking of normal and malignant B lymphocytes. Taking together with the fact that interaction of malignant B cells with stromal cells via CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling may provide chemo-resistance, we hypothesized that blockade of CXCR4 may antagonize the survival and spreading of lymphoma cells and restore their chemo-sensitivity. Results: The effect of CXCR4 antagonist BKT140 on lymphoma cell growth and rituximab-induced cytotoxicity was tested in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of CXCR4 with BKT140 in CD20-expressing lymphoma cell lines (BL-2, BJAB, Raji, Ramos, SUDHL4, OCI-Ly7) and primary lymphoma cells from patients with BM involvement resulted in significant inhibition of cell growth and in the induction of cell death, respectively. Combination of BKT140 with rituximab significantly enhanced the cytotoxic effect (apoptosis) against the lymphoma cells in a dose-dependent manner (p Conclusions: Our results demonstrate potent anti-lymphoma effect of CXCR4-specific antagonist BKT140 in vitro and in vivo. The BKT140-mediated anti-lymphoma effect synergizes with that of Rituximab. Moreover, BKT140 effectively targets lymphoma cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, overcoming the stroma-induced resistance to rituximab. These findings suggest the possible interaction between CD20 and CXCR4 pathways in NHL, and provide the scientific basis for the development of novel combined CXCR4-targeted therapies for refractory NHL. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Abstract 2962 Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow (BM) compartment. Interaction of plasma cells with the BM stromal cells (BMSCs) is critical for homing, growth and drug resistance acquisition of the malignant PCs. However, the functional significance of other cellular components of the MM milieu, which includes osteoclasts and immune effector cells, is less clear. Both MM-derived and stromal cell-produced factors, including cytokines and chemokines, are believed to participate in the cross-talk between the MM and stroma leading to disease progression. Aim and Results: We hypothesized an important role for CXCL12 (SDF-1) chemokine and its receptor CXCR4 in MM-stroma interactions and microenvironment formation. We now show that MM cell lines ARH77 and RPMI8226 and primary MM cells may produce high amounts of CXCL12 and co-express CXCR4 receptor. Co-culture of the MM cells with BMSCs significantly up-regulated both CXCR4 cell-surface expression and CXCL12 secretion by the MM cells. Enhanced CXCR4 signaling in the MM cells upon the interaction with BMSCs promoted the survival and proliferation of the cells in an autocrine way. Moreover, the paracrine effect of increased CXCL12 production on immune cell migration was tested. We found, that conditioned medium (CM) produced by MM cells cultured with BMSCs specifically attracted increased numbers of CXCR4-expressing PB CD14+ cells. Furthermore, CXCR4 inhibition, using neutralizing antibodies toward CXCR4, inhibited the MM-induced migration of CD14+ monocytes, suggesting the possible role of CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in monocyte recruitment to the site of the disease. We next examined the functional consequence of MM-macrophage interaction. We saw that PB-generated macrophages induced the proliferation of MM cells, even more effectively than BMSCs. Furthermore, co-culture with macrophages strongly increased the expression of various pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic factors by MM cells, including CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL4 (MIP1a), IL-1b, IL-8 and VEGF. Interestingly, expression of IL-10 by MM cells was also up-regulated following the interaction with macrophages, suggesting the possible reciprocal effect of MM-produced factors on macrophage phenotype polarization. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings demonstrate that interaction of MM with BM stromal cells positively regulates the expression of CXCR4 and CXCL12 by MM cells, affecting both MM proliferation and CXCR4-dependent monocyte recruitment. The migrated monocytes may in turn interact with MM cells, support their growth and activate cytokine release, therefore producing favorable pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic environment and promoting disease progression. Overall, our data provide the basis for future targeting MM-BMSCs and MM-macrophage interactions with anti-CXCR4 agents as a therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of patients with MM. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The JAK2 V617F mutation is found in 80–97% of polycythemia vera (PV) pts. The aim of the current study was to correlate the JAK2 mutation level with clinical symptoms and complications including vascular events and late hematological complications. Thirty-nine JAK2 V617F positive PV pts were included; M-19, F- 20; mean age at diagnosis was 55 (range 25–89) years. JAK2 mutation was analyzed in the PB using a quantitative MALDI-TOF based assay (Leuk Res 2007) after a mean of 130 (range 0–429) months from diagnosis. There was no correlation between the JAK2 mutation level and the time elapsed between the diagnosis and JAK2 mutation analysis. The mean JAK2 mutation level was 59% (range 2.5–95%). A negative correlation was found between the JAK2 mutation level and the pts age both at diagnosis (r=−0.3439, p=0.0321) as well as at the time of analysis (r=−0.3285, p=0.0412). JAK2 mutation levels were higher in pts with late hematological complications including transformation to myelofibrosis and blastic transformation compared to those without hematological complications (mean mutation level 77% vs. 51%, respectively p=0.0019). The best cut off value for the development of late hematological complications was above 50% (p=0.0336) which suggests the presence of homozygous JAK2 clones in pts that develop these complications. Similarly, there was a trend towards higher mean mutation levels in symptomatic pts (69% vs. 54%, p=0.096), pts with splenomegaly (62% vs. 47%, p=0.077) and pts that received cytoreductive therapy (63% vs. 47%, respectively p=0.077), while there was no difference between the levels of mutation in pts with thrombotic events compared to those without thrombotic complications. Our findings of: association between the JAK2 mutation level and late hematological complications and no association between the JAK2 mutation level and thrombotic events concur with the results of Vannucchi et al (Blood 2007) that reported on a higher rate of transformation to myelofibrosis in PV patients with homozygous JAK2 status and no association between homozygosity for the JAK2 mutation in PV and thrombotic events. In conclusion, we found that late hematological complications including transformation to myelofibrosis and blastic transformation in PV pts are associated with higher JAK2 mutation levels while thrombotic events are not associated with higher JAK2 levels. These results may be of clinical and therapeutic significance pending their further confirmation by a larger cohort of patients.

Donor graft failure (GF) is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). We have performed this analysis to determine the rate and outcome of GF in the era of modern SCT with better supportive care, novel conditioning regimens and more common use of alternative donors. We retrospectively reviewed data of 491 first allogeneic SCTs from HLA-matched siblings (n=284), matched-unrelated (MUD, n=180) or alternative donors (mismatched-related, haplo-identical and cord-blood, n=27); all performed in a single institution since 1/2001. GF was determined when absolute neutrophil count (ANC) had not reached 0.5 × 10*9/L by day 21 (primary GF) or when ANC decreased irreversibly after engraftment within the first 100 days with no signs of recurrent disease (secondary GF). Chimerism testing was performed with FISH for gender markers and PCR for microsatellite polymorphism in sex-mismatched and sex-matched SCT, respectively. In all, GF was diagnosed in 25 patients (pts), cumulative incidence (CI) 5.2% (95%ci 3.5–7.6), 21 primary, 4 secondary. CI of GF was 2.5%, 6.8% and 23.4% after SCT from siblings, MUD or alternative donors, respectively (p 1 week after second graft infusion and are evaluable for response. Sixteen evaluable pts engrafted, including 6 of 10 given donor booster (2 non-evaluable), all 5 pts given second SCT from a different donor and 7 of 8 given autologous back-up (1 non-evaluable). Engraftment occurred within a median of 10 days (range, 5–15). The probability and pace of engraftment was not different in the different approaches. Eleven pts (44%) were able to be discharged home. Fourteen pts died; 2 early after diagnosis of GF with no intervention, 5 within one week of second graft infusion and prior to engraftment of ongoing infection or organ toxicity, 2 with no engraftment and 5 died early after engraftment from infection (n=3), organ failure (n=1) and GVHD (n=1). With a median follow-up of 19 months (range, 3–68), 6 are alive and 5 additional pts died (relapse-3, GVHD-1, infection-1). The projected 2-year survival for all pts was 23% (95%ci 5–41). Interestingly, 4 pts given autologous cells had donor cell engraftment, 1 had spontaneous autologous reconstitution within 3 weeks, 1 died of fatal GVHD and 1 of infection, both after 2 months with persistent donor cells and 1 remained with donor cell until she relapsed 2 years later. In conclusion, treatment of GF with a chimerism directed method can salvage a subset of pts with GF. Reserving autologous and/or donor backup cells or alternative donor is advisable in pts at high-risk of GF. The observation of allogeneic recovery after autologous stem cell boost is intriguing and of unknown mechanism.

Reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) has been increasingly used over the last decade as a curative approach for patients (pts) not eligible for myeloablative (MA) conditioning. It is now established that RIC can allow consistent engraftment and reduce toxicity of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT). However, the long-term effects, and in particular the duration of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) needed and quality of life of long-term survivors are less defined. To explore these issues we analyzed the results of 48 pts given SCT with RIC from 1/2000 to 8/2002, such that survivors have at least 5 year follow-up, and compared them to results of 41 SCT with MA conditioning given during the same period. The RIC group included older pts than the MA group, median age 49 (range, 20–65) and 37 (range, 20–65), respectively (p=0.01). The MA group included more pts with acute leukemia/MDS (68% vs 33%, p=0.001) while pts with myeloma were only given RIC (31% of the RIC group, p< 0.001). 48% of pts in the RIC group had a prior autologous SCT compared with none in the MA group (p< 0.001). There was no difference in donor type, 26% of all pts were given SCT from unrelated donors. After a median follow-up of 6.1 years (range, 5.1–7.6) 40 pts are alive, 20 after RIC and 20 after MA conditioning with estimated survival of 42% (95ci, 28–56) and 47% (95ci, 31–63), respectively (p=NS). Long-term survival with RIC was achieved across all diagnoses including 6 of 16 pts with acute leukemia/MDS, 6 of 6 pts with CML, 3 of 11 pts with lymphoid malignancies and 5 of 15 pts with myeloma. The corresponding rates for acute leukemia/MDS, CML and lymphoid malignancies in the MA group were 13 of 28, 3 of 4 and 4 of 9, respectively. Chronic GVHD occurred in 22 pts after RIC and in 26 pts after MA conditioning with a cumulative incidence of 48% (35–65) and 66% (53–83), respectively (p=0.07). 12 of 22 pts with chronic GVHD after RIC were eventually able to stop IST, 9 died on IST (relapse-5, non-relapse mortality (NRM)-4) and only 1 of 20 long-term survivors was still on IST at last follow-up. The median duration of IST was 17 months and the cumulative probability of stopping IST after 5 years (with relapse been competing risk) was 79%. In the MA group 10 of 26 pts with chronic GVHD were able to stop IST, 8 died on IST (relapse-6, NRM-2) and 8 of 20 long-term survivors were still on IST at last follow-up. The median duration of IST was 41 months (p=0.05) and the cumulative probability of stopping IST after 5 years was 48% (p=0.001). Two women gave birth in the RIC group while 2 men in the MA group fathered children spontaneously. There was one secondary malignancy in the MA group and none in the RIC group. Two pts in the MA group sustained myocardial infarction (one fatal) compared to none of the RIC group. One pt in the RIC group had reversible nephrotic syndrome. In summary long term(>5y) survival is similar for both RIC and MA SCT, however IST is significantly shorter after RIC and quality of life seems better. Overall, all 20 pts surviving more than 5 years after RIC SCT sustained excellent quality of life and only one still required IST. The more rapid achievement of transplantation tolerance with RIC may relate to better preservation of thymic function, but this requires further investigation. These observations require further confirmation in larger registry studies.

Relapse of AML/MDS after allogeneic SCT is associated with poor outcome. A subset of patients (pts) can be salvaged with donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) with or without preceding chemotherapy or with a second SCT. It was previously speculated that pts given RIC may have a better chance to be salvaged than pts failing high-dose conditioning. To answer this question we retrospectively analyzed results of 171 SCTs for AML/ MDS with intravenous busulfan (ivBu) -based regimens. 58 pts were eligible for myeloablative conditioning and were given ivBu (12.8 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (BuCy). Among all others, 57 were given RIC consisting of fludarabine (F) and ivBu (FB2, 6.4 mg/kg) and 56 were given a modified myeloablative conditioning consisting of F and full-dose ivBu (FB4, 12.8 mg/kg). Median age was 40 (17–64), 60 (43–75) and 52 (18–66) years, respectively (p 6 months and < 6 months after SCT had a median survival of 7.2 and 1.4 months, respectively and estimated 2-year overall survival (OS) 22% (95C.I. 2–41) and 2% (95C.I. 0–7), respectively (p< 0.001). The 2-year OS after relapse was 20%, 0% and 4% after BuCy, FB2 and FB4, respectively (p=0.04). SCT in refractory disease was also predictive of poor outcome after relapse in univariant analysis (p