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The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the associated infectious disease COVID-19 pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. Patients with cancer have been identified as a high-risk population for severe infections, rendering prophylaxis and treatment strategies for these patients particularly important. Rapidly evolving clinical research, resulting in the recent advent of various vaccines and therapeutic agents against COVID-19, offers new options to improve care and protection of cancer patients. However, ongoing epidemiological changes and rise of new virus variants require repeated revisions and adaptations of prophylaxis and treatment strategies to meet these new challenges. Therefore, this guideline provides an update on evidence-based recommendations with regard to vaccination, pharmacological prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19 in cancer patients in light of the currently dominant omicron variants. It was developed by an expert panel of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) based on a critical review of the most recent available data.

A randomized inter-group trial comparing more intensive treatment strategies to a common standard arm 3 + 7 (CSA) was conducted in patients with non-M3 AML. Untreated patients ≥ 60 years were allocated to the CSA (n = 132) or to the study group arms (n = 1154) of the AMLCG (TAD/HAM versus HAM/HAM ± G-CSF followed by TAD and maintenance) and the OSHO (intermediate-dose ara-C/mitoxantrone followed by ara-C/mitoxantrone). Median age of the 1147 eligible patients was 69 (range 60–87) years. CR/CRi status at 90 days was not significantly different between the CSA (54% (95%CI: 45–64)) and the study group arms (53% (95%CI: 47–60) and 59% (95%CI: 58–63)). The five-year event-free survival (EFS) probability (primary endpoint) was 6.2% (95%CI: 2.7–14.0) in the CSA, 7.6% (95%CI: 4.5–12.8) in study group A and 11.1% (95%CI: 9.0–13.7) in B. The 5-year OS was 17.2% (95%CI: 11.0–26.9), 17.0% (95%CI: 2.0–23.9), and 19.5% (95%CI: 16.7–22.8) in CSA, study group A and B, respectively. Neither study group differed significantly from the CSA regarding EFS, OS, or relapse-free survival. In multivariate analyses, allocation to the treatment strategy was not significantly associated with the time-to-event endpoints. The evaluation of more intensive treatment strategies did not show clinically relevant outcome differences when compared to CSA.

Relapse of acute leukemia is a frequent complication with uncertain outcome and poorly defined risk factors. From 1621 patients entered into two prospective clinical trials (AML02; n = 740 and AML04; n = 881), 74.2% reached complete remission (CR) 1 after induction(s) and 59 patients after additional induction ± hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Of the non-refractory patients, 48.4% with a median age of 63 (range 17–85) years relapsed. Relapses occurred within 6 months after CR in 46.5%, between 7 and 18 months in 38.7%, and after 18 months in 14.8% of patients. Relapse treatment resulted in CR2 in 39% of patients depending upon age (54.5% of ≤ 60 and 28.6% of > 60 years), duration of CR1, and treatment of relapse. Overall survival (OS) was 10.9 (7.4–16.2) %, but OS after HCT ± intensive chemotherapy (ICT) was 39.3% (31.8–48.6) at 5 years and not different in younger and older patients. Donor lymphocyte infusion ± chemotherapy and ICT alone resulted only in OS of 15.4% and of 5%, respectively. Independent favorable factors for OS were long CR1 duration, and HCT, while non-monosomal disease was beneficial for OS in elderly patients. Leukemia-free survival [LFS; 24.9 (19.5–31.7) % at 10 years] was affected by similar risk factors. In a competing risk model, the relapse incidence at 5 years was 53.5 ± 3.5% and the non-relapse mortality rate 21.7 ± 2.9%. Lower relapse incidence was observed in patents with HCT, long CR1 duration, and female gender. Risk factors for non-relapse mortality were HCT in younger and type of AML in elderly patients. In conclusion, allogeneic HCT ± IC improved the results in relapsed AML in younger and elderly patients. Increasing CR2 rates and HCT frequency will be the challenge for the next years. Relapse of the disease remains the major problem. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00277-021-04565-1.

Hematologic and oncologic patients with chemo- or immunotherapy-related immunosuppression are at substantial risk for bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP). As bacterial resistances are increasing worldwide and new research reshapes our understanding of the interactions between the human host and bacterial commensals, administration of antibacterial prophylaxis has become a matter of discussion. This guideline constitutes an update of the 2013 published guideline of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). It gives an overview about current strategies for antibacterial prophylaxis in cancer patients while taking into account the impact of antibacterial prophylaxis on the human microbiome and resistance development. Current literature published from January 2012 to August 2020 was searched and evidence-based recommendations were developed by an expert panel. All recommendations were discussed and approved in a consensus conference of the AGIHO prior to publication. As a result, we present a comprehensive update and extension of our guideline for antibacterial and PcP prophylaxis in cancer patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00277-021-04452-9.

OBJECTIVE A post hoc subgroup analysis of two phase III trials (NCT00416273, NCT00416208) was carried out to investigate the influence of 100/140 and 200 mg/m² melphalan as well as single/double autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) on progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, the effect of bortezomib consolidation on PFS was analyzed. METHODS Following induction therapy and high-dose melphalan with subsequent ASCT, patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) were randomized 1:1 to either four 35-day cycles of bortezomib consolidation (1.6 mg/m² IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22) or observation. RESULTS Of the 340 patients included in this analysis, 13.5% received 1 × MEL100/140, 22.9% 2 × MEL100/140, 31.2% 1 × MEL200, and 32.4% 2 × MEL200. With higher cumulative melphalan dose, PFS improved (P = .0085). PFS curves of patients treated with 2 × MEL100/140 and 1 × MEL200 were very similar. The superior dose effect of MEL200 over MEL100/140 was non-existent in the bortezomib consolidation arm but pronounced in the observation arm (P = .0015). Similarly, double ASCT was only beneficial in patients without bortezomib consolidation (P = .0569). CONCLUSIONS Full dose melphalan and double transplantation seem advantageous only as long as patients are not receiving bortezomib consolidation afterwards.

This phase 3 trial compared tandem autologous stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) versus autoSCT followed by reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation (auto/alloSCT) in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) with deletion of (del) chromosome 13q (del13q). The availability/absence of a human leukocyte antigen-matched-related or matched-unrelated donor (MUD) determined the nature of the second SCT. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the intention-to-treat population (n = 199). Auto/alloSCT was performed in 126 patients; 74 received MUD allografts. After 91 months median follow-up, median PFS with auto/allo versus tandem autoSCT was 34.5 versus 21.8 months (P = 0.003; adjusted hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.36–0.84). Median overall survival (OS) was 70.2 versus 71.8 months (P = 0.856). Two-year non-relapse mortality with auto/allo versus tandem autoSCT was 14.3% versus 4.1% (P = 0.008). In patients harboring both del13q and del17p, median PFS and OS were 37.5 and 61.5 months with auto/allo (n = 19) versus 6.1 and 23.4 months with tandem autoSCT (n = 6) (P = 0.0002 and 0.032). Our findings suggest that auto/alloSCT significantly extends PFS versus tandem autoSCT in del13q MM, and indicate some survival benefit for first-line alloSCT in high-risk MM.

Cancer patients frequently require central venous catheters for therapy and parenteral nutrition and are at high risk of central venous catheter–related infections (CRIs). Moreover, CRIs prolong hospitalization, cause an excess in resource utilization and treatment cost, often delay anti-cancer treatment, and are associated with a significant increase in mortality in cancer patients. We therefore summoned a panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) and updated our previous guideline on CRIs in cancer patients. After conducting systematic literature searches on PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, video- and meeting-based consensus discussions were held. In the presented guideline, we summarize recommendations on definition, diagnosis, management, and prevention of CRIs in cancer patients including the grading of strength of recommendations and the respective levels of evidence. This guideline supports clinicians and researchers alike in the evidence-based decision-making in the management of CRIs in cancer patients.

Leukemia : normal and malignant hemopoiesis 31(4), 846-852 (2017). doi:10.1038/leu.2016.334, Published by Springer Nature, London

Objective A post hoc analysis of two phase III trials was carried out to explore the influence of age and treatment factors on the effect of bortezomib consolidation on progression-free survival (PFS) post autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Methods Patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma were assigned to one of two trials (ClinicalTrials.gov IDs: NCT00416273, NCT00416208), which were conducted in parallel, based on age (18-60 or 61-75 years, respectively). Following induction and ASCT, patients were randomized 1:1 to four 35-day cycles of bortezomib consolidation (1.6 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22) or observation only. Results Median PFS with bortezomib consolidation vs observation was 33.6 vs 29.0 months (P = 0.3599) in patients aged 18-60 years (n = 202), and 33.4 vs 26.4 months (P = 0.0073) in patients aged 61-75 years (n = 155), respectively. Bortezomib consolidation post-ASCT appeared to equalize outcomes between older and younger patients who received prior treatment of differing intensity. This suggests that the effect of consolidation may be relative and may depend on the composition and intensity of induction and high-dose therapy. Conclusion Older patients receiving less intensive prior treatment could experience a larger PFS benefit from bortezomib consolidation.

Background: Allogeneic (allo) following autologous (auto) stem-cell transplantation (SCT) has yielded conflicting results in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). In alloSCT, information is lacking regarding the impact of cytogenetic features except chromosome 13q deletion (del13q). Methods: This phase 3 trial compared tandem autoSCT versus autoSCT followed by reduced-intensity conditioning alloSCT (auto/alloSCT) in del13q MM. The availability/absence of a human leukocyte antigen-matched related or matched unrelated donor (MUD) determined the nature of the second SCT. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) in the intent-to-treat population (n=199). Findings: Auto/alloSCT was performed in 126 patients; 74 received MUD allografts. After 91 months' median follow-up (range 2-143 months), median PFS with auto/allo versus tandem autoSCT was 34·5 versus 21.8 months (p=0·003; adjusted hazard ratio 0·55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0·36-0·84). Median overall survival (OS) was 70.2 versus 71.8 months (p=0.856). Two-year non-relapse mortality (NRM) with auto/allo versus tandem autoSCT was 14·3% versus 4·1% (p=0·008). In patients harbouring both del13q and deletion of chromosome 17p, median PFS and OS were 37·5 and 61·5 months with auto/allo (n=19) versus 6·1 and 23·4 months with tandem autoSCT (n=6) (p=0·0002 and 0·032). Interpretation: Auto/alloSCT significantly extends PFS versus tandem autoSCT in patients with del13q MM. We believe this to be the first MM study demonstrating that MUD alloSCT can be performed with reasonable NRM. Furthermore, our data suggest some survival benefit for first-line alloSCT in high-risk MM. Funding: The trial was sponsored by Wurzburg University, Wurzburg, Germany. Declaration of Interest: MH reports personal fees from Amgen, Celgene, Janssen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Takeda. GH reports personal fees from Janssen, Roche, AbbVie, Gilead, Novartis, MorphoSys, and Celgene; and grants from Roche, Pfizer, and Celgene. SM reports non-financial support from EBMT/EHA, IACH, Celgene, Miltenyi, KIADIS, Bellicum, DGHO, Jazz Pharma, and ISCT; and personal fees from Celgene, Miltenyi, KIADIS, Bellicum, and Jazz Pharma. GM reports personal fees from Gilead, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Merck-Serono; and non-financial support from Janssen-Cilag. LK reports honoraria for presentation at “MedIpdate” (OnkoUpdate, IntemistenUpdate, PraxisUpdate) and at “Medizin Aktuell”. Amgen and Celgene are sponsors of the “Biannual International Stem Cell Conference, Tubingen, Germany): Scientific chairman: LK. HE reports grants, personal fees, and other (advisory board) from Janssen, Celgene, Amgen, BristolMyers Squibb, Novartis, and Takeda. All other authors declare no competing interests. Ethical Approval: The trial protocol was approved by the Wurzburg University ethics committee. All patients provided written informed consent prior to trial entry, and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the International Conference on Harmonisation Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice.

Summary Background High-dose methotrexate-based chemotherapy is standard for primary CNS lymphoma, but most patients relapse. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) is supposed to overcome the blood–brain barrier and eliminate residual disease in the CNS. We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of HCT-ASCT in patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma. Methods In this prospective, single-arm, phase 2 trial, we recruited patients aged 18–65 years with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma and immunocompetence, with no limitation on clinical performance status, from 15 hospitals in Germany. Patients received five courses of intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m 2 (7 days before first high-dose methotrexate course and then every 10 days) and four courses of intravenous high-dose methotrexate 8000 mg/m 2 (every 10 days) and then two courses of intravenous rituximab 375 mg/m 2 (day 1), cytarabine 3 g/m 2 (days 2 and 3), and thiotepa 40 mg/m 2 (day 3). 3 weeks after the last course, patients commenced intravenous HCT-ASCT (rituximab 375 mg/m 2 [day 1], carmustine 400 mg/m 2 [day 2], thiotepa 2 × 5 mg/kg [days 3 and 4], and infusion of stem cells [day 7]), irrespective of response status after induction. We restricted radiotherapy to patients without complete response after HCT-ASCT. The primary endpoint was complete response at day 30 after HCT-ASCT in all registered eligible patients who received at least 1 day of study treatment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00647049. Findings Between Jan 18, 2007, and May 23, 2011, we recruited 81 patients, of whom two (2%) were excluded, therefore we included 79 (98%) patients in the analysis. All patients started induction treatment; 73 (92%) commenced HCT-ASCT. 61 (77·2% [95% CI 66·1–86·6]) patients achieved a complete response. During induction treatment, the most common grade 3 toxicity was anaemia (37 [47%]) and the most common grade 4 toxicity was thrombocytopenia (50 [63%]). During HCT-ASCT, the most common grade 3 toxicity was fever (50 [68%] of 73) and the most common grade 4 toxicity was leucopenia (68 [93%] of 73). We recorded four (5%) treatment-related deaths (three [4%] during induction and one [1%] 4 weeks after HCT-ASCT). Interpretation HCT-ASCT with thiotepa and carmustine is an effective treatment option in young patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma, but further comparative studies are needed. Funding University Hospital Freiburg and Amgen.

Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-negative MPN) comprise a heterogeneous group of chronic hematologic malignancies. The quality of life, morbidity, and mortality of patients with MPN are primarily affected by disease-related symptoms, thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications, and progression to myelofibrosis and acute leukemia. Major bleeding represents a common and important complication in MPN, and the incidence of such bleeding events will become even more relevant in the future due to the increasing disease prevalence and survival of MPN patients. This review discusses the causes, differential diagnoses, prevention, and management of bleeding episodes in patients with MPN, aiming at defining updated standards of care in these often challenging situations.

Korrektur zu 10.1038/s41375-020-0826-9

This report describes the clinical course over almost one decade of a male patient presenting with immune-mediated pure autonomic neuropathy resembling a distinct variant of chronic dysimmune polyneuropathies. We suppose autoantibodies directed against epitopes on autonomic axons or neurons causative for the symptoms.

Summary We assessed the safety and efficacy of bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (VCD) induction therapy in previously untreated multiple myeloma patients. A total of 414 patients received three 21-day cycles of VCD prior to autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT). Most common grade ≥3 adverse events were leucopenia (31·4%) and thrombocytopenia (6·8%). The overall response rate (ORR) by investigator-based assessment was 85·4%. Most patients (74%) underwent successful central laboratory-based molecular cytogenetic analysis. No clinically relevant differences in ORR post-induction were seen between patients with or without high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities (86·2% vs. 84·3%). Further follow-up data are available for 113 patients receiving ASCT who were included in a prospective consolidation trial (median follow-up, 55·5 months); median progression-free survival (PFS) was 35·3 months and median overall survival (OS) was not reached. In patients with high-risk versus standard-risk cytogenetics, median PFS was 19·9 vs. 43·6 months (P

Response-adapted consolidation with bortezomib after ASCT improves progression-free survival in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Background Cancer patients are at increased risk for central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs). Thus, a comprehensive, practical and evidence-based guideline on CRI in patients with malignancies is warranted. Patients and methods A panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) has developed a guideline on CRI in cancer patients. Literature searches of the PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases were carried out and consensus discussions were held. Results Recommendations on diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients are made, and the strength of the recommendation and the level of evidence are presented. Conclusion This guideline is an evidence-based approach to the diagnosis, management and prevention of CRI in cancer patients.

Introduction: Outcome of patients (pts) with refractory AML or following relapse is considered dismal and usually reported as refractory/relapsed. Here we analyzed long term outcome of refractory and relapsing pts separately over a 10 year (y) period from two prospective, non-age-limited, adult AML studies. Results have been published or presented previously as part of the German AML Intergroup studies1,2. However, incidence, characteristics, treatment and outcome of refractory and relapsed pts have not been evaluated. Patients and Methods: A total of 1621 pts from the OSHO 2002 ≤60 y (n=740) and 2004 >60 y (n=881) with newly diagnosed AML (except acute promyelocytic leukemia) and eligible for chemotherapy were analyzed. The gender was male in 51.7% of pts. AML type was de novo in 66.6%, followed by secondary AML in 25.8% and therapy related in 7.6%. Cytogenetic risk status was normal in 47.9%, intermediate in 16.3%, unfavorable in 15.3%, monosomal in 12.6% and favorable in 7.9%. Molecular analysis revealed wildtype (wt) FLT3 in 80.9% and FLT3 ITD mutated (mut) in 19.1% of pts. NPM was mutated in 30.2% of 1124 pts. In the AML 2002 and 2004 studies (NCT 01414231; NCT 01497002; NCT00266136), pts were randomly (9:1) assigned to remission induction by cytarabine (1 g/m2 bid d 1, 3, 5, 7) and Idarubicin (AML 2002) 12 mg/m2/d d 1-31 or mitoxantrone (AML 2004) 10 mg/m2/d iv d 1 - 32 or to a common arm consisting of a 3+7 scheme 3. Pts in complete remission (CR) received consolidation and stem cell transplantation (HSCT) according to cytogenetic risk and donor availability1,2. Pts with partial remission (PR) or non-response (NR) to two induction cycles were considered refractory. Pts achieving CR and relapsing thereafter were considered relapses and treated with MitoFlag or Flag-Ida4. Results: The majority of pts [median age 62 (range 17-87) y] entered CR or CRi after one or two induction cycles (n=1144; 70.6%). OS was 31.9 (29.5-34.4) % @5y and 26.0 (23.4-28.9) % @10y. Results were age dependent and superior in younger pts with an OS of 46.8 (43.1-50.7) % @5y compared to 19.3 (16.7-22.4) % @ 5y in elderly. Age, cytogenetics and NPM1 were determinants for CR and WBC (p A total of 238 (14.7%) of 1621 pts, 23.5% in the younger and 76.5% in the elderly study, were refractory (PR 60.1%, NR 39.9%). Pts had a median age of 66 (range 23-83)y. OS of refractory pts was 11.4 (7.9-16.6)% @5y, and dependent upon PR [(13.1 (8.1-21.1) % @10y] and NR [5.2 (2.1-12.6) % @5y; p=0.0003]. Intensive chemotherapy ± HSCT and hypomethylating agents (HMA) were able to induce CR in 24.8% of pts. CR and non-CR pts had an OS of 42.7 (31.4-58.2) % @5y and an OS of 3.7 (1.7-8.0) % @2y, respectively. Risk factors for OS in refractory pts were age and type of therapy (p Of the 1144 CR/CRi pts, 582 relapsed 1-121 months (mts) after CR. Relapse occurred in 34.0% ≤6 mts, in 38,8% between 7-18 mts and in 12,2% >18 mts. Age, cytogenetic risk, type of AML, interval CR to relapse and HSCT were the dominant factors for relapse. CR2 was achieved after intensive chemotherapy ± HSCT, ± DLI and HMA in 227 pts (39.0%), 54.5% in the AML 2002 and 28.4% in the AML 2004. OS of relapsed pts was 13.8 (11.1 - 17.3) % @5y and 10.9 (7.4 - 16.2) % @10y and was higher in the younger with 23.4 (18.2-29.9) % @5y as compared to elderly pts 6.9 (4.4 - 11.0) % @5y. Pts with CR2 had a LFS of 24.9 (19.5-31.7) % @5y and was highest in patients Conclusions Outcome of pts with refractory and relapsed AML is unsatisfactory but consistent >10% @5y. A differential response is observed in refractory and relapsed pts and is dependent upon PR, NR and the achievement of CR. Increase of CR rate in younger but especially in elderly pts with second generation TKI, reduction of TRM using FLT3-inhibitor monotherapy and the option to treat pts ineligible to chemotherapy promise better outcome in refractory and relapsed AML. 1Büchner et al. JCO 2012; 2Niederwieser et al Blood 2016; 3Mayer et al. NEJM 1994; 4Thiel et al. Ann Oncology 2015 Disclosures Niederwieser: Daichii: Speakers Bureau; Cellectis: Consultancy. Scholl:Gilead: Other: Project funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Other: Advisory boards; AbbVie: Other: Advisory boards; Pfizer: Other: Advisory boards; Novartis: Other: Project funding. Zojer:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Sayer:Novartis: Other: none. Schwind:Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Maschmeyer:Gilead, Janssen Cilag, Astra Zeneca; BMS, Merk-Serono: Honoraria. Hochhaus:Pfizer: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; BMS: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; MSD: Research Funding. Al-Ali:Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; CTI: Honoraria.

Diagnosis of CNS infections remains a great challenge in patients with hematological disorders since symptoms might both be masked and be mimicked by other conditions such as metabolic disturbances or consequences from antineoplastic treatment. Thus, awareness of this complication is crucial and any suspicion of a CNS infection should lead to timely and adequate diagnostics and treatment to improve the outcome in this population., Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) are infrequently diagnosed in immunocompetent patients, but they do occur in a significant proportion of patients with hematological disorders. In particular, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation carry a high risk for CNS infections of up to 15%. Fungi and Toxoplasma gondii are the predominant causative agents. The diagnosis of CNS infections is based on neuroimaging, cerebrospinal fluid examination and biopsy of suspicious lesions in selected patients. However, identification of CNS infections in immunocompromised patients could represent a major challenge since metabolic disturbances, side-effects of antineoplastic or immunosuppressive drugs and CNS involvement of the underlying hematological disorder may mimic symptoms of a CNS infection. The prognosis of CNS infections is generally poor in these patients, albeit the introduction of novel substances (e.g. voriconazole) has improved the outcome in distinct patient subgroups. This guideline has been developed by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) with the contribution of a panel of 14 experts certified in internal medicine, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, intensive care, neurology and neuroradiology. Grades of recommendation and levels of evidence were categorized by using novel criteria, as recently published by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Background Community acquired viruses (CRVs) may cause severe disease in cancer patients. Thus, efforts should be made to diagnose CRV rapidly and manage CRV infections accordingly. Methods A panel of 18 clinicians from the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Haematology and Medical Oncology have convened to assess the available literature and provide recommendations on the management of CRV infections including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus and adenovirus. Results CRV infections in cancer patients may lead to pneumonia in approximately 30% of the cases, with an associated mortality of around 25%. For diagnosis of a CRV infection, combined nasal/throat swabs or washes/aspirates give the best results and nucleic acid amplification based-techniques (NAT) should be used to detect the pathogen. Hand hygiene, contact isolation and face masks have been shown to be of benefit as general infection management. Causal treatment can be given for influenza, using a neuraminidase inhibitor, and respiratory syncytial virus, using ribavirin in addition to intravenous immunoglobulins. Ribavirin has also been used to treat parainfluenza virus and human metapneumovirus, but data are inconclusive in this setting. Cidofovir is used to treat adenovirus pneumonitis. Conclusions CRV infections may pose a vital threat to patients with underlying malignancy. This guideline provides information on diagnosis and treatment to improve the outcome., Highlights • Community acquired viral respiratory tract infections can be life-threatening in cancer patients. • Respiratory virus infections need early and appropriate management to improve outcome and avoid outbreaks. • This guideline summarises recommendations by the AGIHO on community acquired respiratory viruses in cancer patients.

Autologous transplantation is controversial for older patients with multiple myeloma. The role of age-adjusted high-dose melphalan and the impact of preceeding induction chemotherapy cycles has been unclear. A total of 434 patients 60 to 70 years of age were randomly assigned to 4 cycles of standard anthracycline-based induction chemotherapy or no induction cycles. For all patients, double autologous transplantation after melphalan 140 mg/m2 (MEL140) was planned. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Of 420 eligible patients, 85% received a first transplant and 69% completed double transplantation. Treatment duration was short with a median of 7.7 months with induction chemotherapy cycles and 4.6 months without it. On the intention-to-treat basis, median progression-free survival with induction chemotherapy cycles (207 patients) was 21.4 months versus 20.0 months with no induction cycles (213 patients) (hazard ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84 to 1.28; P=0.36). Per protocol the progression-free survival was 23.7 months versus 23.0 months (p=0.28). For patients with age ≥ 65 years (55%) the outcome was not inferior. Patients with low-risk cytogenetics (absence of del17p13, t(4;14) and 1q21 gains) showed a favorable overall survival and included the patients with sustained first remission. MEL140 was associated with a low rate of severe mucositis (10%) and treatment-related deaths (1%). Based on the hazard ratio, the short treatment trunk consisting of mobilization chemotherapy and tandem MEL140 with autologous transplantation achieved 96% of the progression-free survival, demonstrating value as an independent component of myeloma therapy in older patients with multiple myeloma regarded fit for autologous transplantation (NCT 02288741).

Objectives Diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) remains a challenge in patients with hematological malignancies. The clinical significance of testing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples both with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Aspergillus galactomannan ELISA (GM) is unclear, and the BAL cutoff for GM has not been clearly evaluated yet. Methods Using a validated nested PCR assay and a GM ELISA, we prospectively examined BAL samples from 87 hematological patients at high risk of IPA. Of 76 (87%) evaluable patients, 29 patients had proven or probable disease. Results The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of GM optical density (OD) cutoff levels yielded a BAL OD of 0.5 to be optimal. We identified 29 probable or proven cases based on this OD. Sensitivity and specificity for BAL GM were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.62–0.9) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99), respectively. For BAL PCR, sensitivity and specificity were 0.59 (95% CI, 0.41–0.75) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75–0.94), respectively. Combining BAL GM and PCR for diagnosis showed a sensitivity and specificity rate of 0.55 (95% CI, 0.38–0.72) and 1.0 (95% CI, 0.93–1.0), respectively, if positivity was defined by positive results for both tests. If either positive BAL GM or positive BAL PCR results defined test positivity, the sensitivity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.65–0.92), and the specificity was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70–0.91) Conclusions In terms of optimal sensitivity and specificity, a GM OD cutoff of 0.5 was determined for BAL samples. Positivity for both GM and Aspergillus PCR in BAL makes a pulmonary aspergillosis highly likely.

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in neutropenic cancer patients. Early initiation of effective causative therapy as well as intensive adjunctive therapy is mandatory to improve outcome. We give recommendations for the management of adults with neutropenia and sepsis. The guidelines are written for clinicians involved in care of cancer patients and focus on pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis during neutropenia.

Aim of the study In multiple-day chemotherapy (MDC), the combination of a 5-HT 3 -antagonist plus dexamethasone is still a standard of care. The role of a NK-1-antagonist remains to be defined. Patients and methods Seventy eight cancer patients undergoing multiple-day chemotherapy of high (HEC) or moderate (MEC) emetic risk received granisetron, dexamethasone plus aprepitant during chemotherapy. After the end of chemotherapy, aprepitant plus dexamethasone was given for another 2 days. Primary end-point was complete response (CR) in the overall phase (day 1 until 5 days after the end of chemotherapy). Results Thirty eight patients underwent HEC and 40 patients underwent MEC for a median of 3.5 days. CR was seen in 57.9% and 72.5% of patients receiving HEC and MEC, respectively. The tolerability of the aprepitant regimen over 5–7 days was comparable with a 3-day aprepitant regimen. Conclusions This is the first report in MDC with a NK-1-antagonist containing antiemetic regimen showing a favourable safety profile with good antiemetic efficacy.

Catheter-related infections (CRI) cause considerable morbidity in hospitalized patients. The incidence does not seem to be higher in neutropenic patients than in nonneutropenic patients. Gram-positive bacteria (coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus) are the pathogens most frequently cultured, followed by Candida species. Positive blood cultures are the cornerstone in the diagnosis of CRIs, while local signs of infection are not necessarily present. Blood cultures should be taken from peripheral blood and from the venous catheter. A shorter time to positivity of catheter blood cultures as compared with peripheral blood cultures supports the diagnosis of a CRI. In many cases, a definite diagnosis requires catheter removal and microbiological analysis. The role plate method with semiquantitative cultures has been established as standard in most laboratories. Antimicrobial treatment of CRI should be directed by the in vitro susceptibility of the isolated pathogen. Primary removal of the catheter is mandatory in S. aureus and Candida infections, as well as in case of tunnel or pocket infections. Future studies will elucidate whether the rate of CRI in neutropenic patients may be reduced by catheters impregnated with antimicrobial agents.

A phase 2 trial was performed to study the combination of bortezomib (VELCADE) with intermediate-dose dexamethasone (DEX), and continuous low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (CY) in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Fifty-four patients with advanced MM were enroled to receive eight 3-week treatment cycles with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, followed by three 5-week cycles with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Within all cycles, DEX 20 mg/d was given orally on the day of bortezomib injection and the day thereafter. In addition, patients received CY continuous oral treatment at a dose of 50 mg/d p.o. once daily. Fifty patients completing at least one treatment cycle were evaluable for response. Complete, partial, and minor responses occurred in 16%, 66% and 8% of patients, respectively; overall response rate 90% (efficacy analysis). Median event-free survival was 12 months, with a median overall survival of 22 months. Adverse events (AE) of grades 3 or 4 occurring in at least 10% of patients comprised leucopenia, infection, herpes zoster, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy and fatigue. Bortezomib combined with DEX and CY is a highly effective treatment for relapsed MM at an acceptable rate of grade 3/4 AE. Antiviral prophylaxis appears to be mandatory.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-induced hyperthyroidism represents a rare paraneoplastic syndrome in hCG-secreting testicular cancer. In most cases, this hyperthyroidism remains subclinical. hCG belongs to the family of glycoprotein hormones with structural homology to thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyrotropic potency and thereby the degree of cross reactivity of hCG is determined by several factors, such as content of sialic acid or lack of the C-terminal tail. In the absence of clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, treatment usually consists of specific antitumor therapy which will result in normalization of thyroid function if hCG declines. Where there are clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, overlapping thyreostatic treatment is recommended.Here, we report of a young man presenting biochemical signs of hyperthyroidism without clinical signs at the time of diagnosis of non-seminomatous germ cell cancer. Beta-hCG initially exceeded 1,000,000 IU/ml and declined close to normal at the end of cancer treatment. Concomitantly, thyroid hormones returned to the normal range without any thyreostatic therapy. We observed a significant correlation of neta-hCG and thyroid hormones in linear regression analysis (r2 = 0.98, p0.05). A concise overview of potential mechanisms of hCG-induced hyperthyroidism in germ cell cancer but also in pregnancy is given and the case discussed according to the cited literature.

Background: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IGIV) 10% is a newly developed 10% liquid immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use where 3 dedicated virus reduction steps have been integrated into the manufacturing process. The efficacy and safety of this product were assessed in a prospective multicenter study in chronic ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) patients with platelet counts of =20 × 109/l. Patients and Methods: 23 adult ITP patients received the product at a total dose of 2 g/kg body weight administered over 2-5 days, and were followed for 4 weeks. Results: Of the 21 subjects included in the Per-Protocol Analysis Data Set, 15 responded successfully to treatment (71.4%). Eleven subjects in this group attained a platelet count increase to >100 × 109/l, and 8 reached a platelet count of >200 × 109/l. All 15 responders achieved a platelet count of =50 × 109/l by day 8, and 14 of them reached this level by day 5. The median duration of platelet response was 25 days, and the highest median platelet count in the responders was 182 × 109/l. A total of 81 infusions were administered to the 23 subjects in the Safety Analysis Data Set over the course of the study. There were 40 non-serious adverse events related to the use of the study drug - 35 mild, 3 moderate, and 2 severe. The most frequent related adverse events were headache and pyrexia. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate that IGIV 10% is effective in the treatment of adult subjects with chronic ITP and indicate a good safety profile.

Background Recently, new guidelines for the monitoring and the risk evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy with undetermined significance (MGUS) became available and the light chain MGUS subtype was defined. Aims of the study To characterize the type, risk and diagnostic implications of MGUS in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods We screened 97 consecutive patients with ALS and 97 age- and gender-matched controls for MGUS by serum electrophoresis and immunofixation and compared the characteristics of MGUS with population-based data. Results MGUS was identified in 8.2% of ALS patients and 6.2% of controls (mean age: 62.5 years both). Seven of eight ALS patients with MGUS had ‘low-risk MGUS’. M-protein was moderately increased in one ALS patient. The immunoglobulin distribution in ALS patients with MGUS was IgG kappa (n = 2), IgM lambda (n = 1) and light chains of lambda type (n = 3). No differences in demographic and clinical parameters were found between patients with and without MGUS. Conclusions The percentage of patients with MGUS is increased in ALS, but the immunoglobulin distribution is similar to that reported in the general population. MGUS in ALS mostly represents ‘low-risk MGUS’; therefore, unnecessary diagnostic procedures should be avoided in ALS patients.

Morbidity and mortality in patients with malignancies, especially leukemia and lymphoma, are increased by invasive fungal infections. Since diagnosis of invasive fungal infection is often delayed, antifungal prophylaxis is an attractive approach for patients expecting prolonged neutropenia. Antifungal prophylaxis has obviously attracted much interest resulting in dozens of clinical trials since the late 1970s. The non-absorbable polyenes are probably ineffective in preventing invasive fungal infections, but may reduce superficial mycoses. Intravenous amphotericin B and the newer azoles were used in clinical trials, but their role in antifungal prophylaxis is still not well defined. Allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients are at particularly high risk for invasive fungal infections. Other well described risk factors are neutropenia >10 days, corticosteroid therapy, sustained immunosuppression, graft versus host disease, and concomitant viral infections. The enormous study efforts are contrasted by a scarcity of risk stratified evidence based recommendations for clinical decision making. The objective of this review accumulating information on about 10.000 patients is to assess evidence based criteria primarily regarding the efficacy of antifungal prophylaxis in neutropenic cancer patients.

Purpose Positron emission tomography (PET) after chemotherapy can guide consolidating radiotherapy in advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). This analysis aims to improve outcome prediction by integrating additional criteria derived by computed tomography (CT). Patients and Methods The analysis set consisted of 739 patients with residues ≥ 2.5 cm after chemotherapy from a total of 2,126 patients treated in the HD15 trial (HD15 for advanced stage Hodgkin's disease: Quality assurance protocol for reduction of toxicity and the prognostic relevance of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography [FDG-PET] in the first-line treatment of advanced-stage Hodgkin's disease) performed by the German Hodgkin Study Group. A central panel performed image analysis and interpretation of CT scans before and after chemotherapy as well as PET scans after chemotherapy. Prognosis was evaluated by using progression-free survival (PFS); groups were compared with the log-rank test. Potential prognostic factors were investigated by using receiver operating characteristic analysis and logistic regression. Results In all, 548 (74%) of 739 patients had PET-negative residues after chemotherapy; these patients did not receive additional radiotherapy and showed a 4-year PFS of 91.5%. The 191 PET-positive patients (26%) receiving additional radiotherapy had a 4-year PFS of 86.1% (P = .022). CT alone did not allow further separation of patients in partial remission by risk of recurrence (P = .9). In the subgroup of the 54 PET-positive patients with a relative reduction of less than 40%, the risk of progression or relapse within the first year was 23.1% compared with 5.3% for patients with a larger reduction (difference, 17.9%; 95% CI, 5.8% to 30%). Conclusion Patients with HL who have PET-positive residual disease after chemotherapy and poor tumor shrinkage are at high risk of progression or relapse.

Invasive fungal infections are a main cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy regimens. Early antifungal treatment is mandatory to improve survival. Today, a number of effective and better-tolerated but more expensive antifungal agents compared to the former gold standard amphotericin B deoxycholate are available. Clinical decision-making must consider results from numerous studies and published guidelines, as well as licensing status and cost pressure. New developments in antifungal prophylaxis improving survival rates result in a continuous need for actualization. The treatment options for invasive Candida infections include fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B and its lipid formulations, as well as echinocandins. Voriconazole, amphotericin B, amphotericin B lipid formulations, caspofungin, itraconazole, and posaconazole are available for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis. Additional procedures, such as surgical interventions, immunoregulatory therapy, and granulocyte transfusions, have to be considered. The Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Oncology here presents its 2008 recommendations discussing the dos and do-nots, as well as the problems and possible solutions, of evidence criteria selection.

Background High-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the established standard-of-care for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who are young and/or fit. The number of older patients receiving HDT-ASCT is increasing, although they often receive lower-intensity treatment. Novel agent-based consolidation therapy can be used to improve responses following ASCT and prolong progression-free survival (PFS). The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, given as post-ASCT consolidation therapy, resulted in an improved PFS compared with observation alone (median 33.6 vs 27.8 months, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, p=0.0058) in a combined analysis of two phase 3 trials (MMY3012 [DSMM XIb; NCT00416273] and MMY3013 [DSMM X; NCT00416208]; JCO 2015;33:8511). These studies enrolled 222 patients aged ≤60 years and 158 aged >60 years. In this post-hoc analysis we investigated the effect of age and related treatment factors on PFS in more detail. Methods In both trials, 371 patients were randomized 1:1 following ASCT to receive four 35-day cycles of bortezomib consolidation (n=186; bortezomib 1.6 mg/m2 IV administered on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) or observation (n=185; no treatment). The primary endpoint was PFS from the start of induction chemotherapy. Response and progression were assessed at the start of each bortezomib cycle and at the end-of-treatment/observation visit (week 25), as well as during the follow-up period of 30-60 months. Patient characteristics and treatments were compared between trials; PFS following randomization was assessed separately for each study. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate Cox regressions were conducted to evaluate the impact of treatment group, age (≤60 vs >60 years), single vs tandem ASCT, melphalan conditioning dose (MEL Results A number of relevant factors were different between age groups (median age in ≤60 group 53 years vs 66 years in >60 group), including the HDT regimen received (MEL100 7% vs 10%; MEL140 3% vs 59%; MEL200 88% vs 31%). The rate of double transplantation was similar for the younger and older cohorts (55% vs 59%), likely due to the older patients receiving age-adjusted high-dose melphalan with a lower toxicity, allowing a similar rate of double transplantation as younger patients receiving MEL200. Among the 357 patients included in these analyses, median PFS from start of induction was 33.6 vs 27.8 months with bortezomib consolidation vs observation (log-rank p=0.0243). Median PFS for bortezomib vs observation was 33.6 vs 29.0 months (HR 0.86; p=0.3599) in the younger cohort and 33.4 vs 26.4 months (HR 0.60; p=0.0073) in the older cohort. PFS for older patients who received bortezomib consolidation was very similar to PFS in younger patients (p=0.861); survival curves were superimposable despite the older patients having received less intensive pretreatment. Univariate analysis demonstrated that treatment group (bortezomib vs observation) had an effect on PFS (HR 0.75; exploratory p-value 60 vs ≤60 years; HR 1.30), melphalan dose (200 vs Conclusions For patients with NDMM, bortezomib consolidation post-ASCT appeared to equalize the outcome for older patients who had received less intensive pretreatment than younger patients prior to randomization. A consistent PFS benefit was demonstrated with bortezomib consolidation vs observation in the context of other prognostic factors. In a multivariate analysis, the use of tandem transplantation retained independent prognostic relevance, whereas MEL200 as first HDT did not. Table. Table. Disclosures Straka: Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Onyx: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses; Chugai: Research Funding. Knop:Takeda: Consultancy. Vogel:Janssen-Cilag GmbH: Employment. Kropff:Celgene: Consultancy, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses, Speakers Bureau; Onyx: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Metzner:Amgen: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Celgene: Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses; Takeda: Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses. Langer:Celgene: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy. Sayer:Riemser Pharma: Consultancy. Bassermann:Celgene: Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses. Gramatzki:Janssen: Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses, Research Funding. Rösler:Janssen: Consultancy, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses. Engelhardt:MSD: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses , Research Funding. Fischer:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Einsele:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses , Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses , Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Travel/Accommodation/Expenses , Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau.

Despite recent advances, treatment of elderly patients with AML remains a challenge because of adverse disease biology, comorbidities and therapy related toxicities. The balance between effectivity and toxicity of treatment strategies play a key role. Since comparative studies are lacking, a prospective randomized trial was designed among German AML study groups with different treatment strategies to compare outcome. Patients ≥60 years with all AML subtypes except M3 were randomized up-front to a common standard arm (CSA) (10%) and to study specific arms (90%) of the AMLCG or the OSHO. The CSA consisted of one or two inductions of araC 100 mg/m2/d continuous IV (CI) d 1-7 d and daunorubicin (dauno) 60 mg/m2/d IV d 3, 4, 5 and two courses of araC 1 g/m2/d BID IV d 1, 3 and 5 as consolidation (Mayer RJ et al, NEJM 1994). The AMLCG study arm randomized TAD (araC 100 mg/m2/d CI d1-2 followed by BID d 3-8, dauno 60 mg/m2/d IV d 3-5 and 6-thioguanine 100 mg/m2/d po BID d 3-9) and HAM [araC 1 mg/m2/d IV BID d 1-3 and mitoxantrone (mito) 10 mg/m2/d IV d 3-5] versus two courses of HAM with any 2nd course only given if blasts persisted ± G-CSF. Two courses of TAD were given as consolidation followed by maintenance chemotherapy over three years. The OSHO study arm included araC 1 g/m²/d BID IV d 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 and mito 10 mg/m2/d IV d 1 - 3 for one or two induction courses and ara-C 500 mg/m² BID 1h IV d 1 + 3 + 5 in combination with mito10 mg/m2/d IV d 1 + 2 as consolidation. Pegfilgrastim 6 mg s.c. was applied on day 10 of induction and on d 8 of consolidation. The study was approved by the IRB and registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01497002 and NCT00266136). Written informed consent was obtained from all patients prior to randomization. Between April 1st, 2005 and May 26th, 2015 1286 patients were assigned randomly to the CSA (n=132) or to the study groups arm (n=1154). After excluding 139 patients (10.8%), 1147 patients were eligible for analysis, 1120 with follow-up for overall survival (OS) and 1079 for complete remission (CR) analysis. Baseline characteristics of all eligible patients showed median ages of 68 (60-82) years for the CSA and 69 (60-87) and 70 (60-85) years in the study arms A and B, respectively (p=0.05). Proportions of patients with secondary AML differed significantly between study arms (A: 42%, B: 30%, CSA: 36%; p=0.003). The CSA had less flt3 wildtype/npm1 wildtype patients (31%) vs. arm A (51% p=0.040) and arm B (58%, p=0.0455). No differences were observed with respect to cytogenetic risk groups, white blood cell counts, LDH, and npm1 mutant/ flt3-wildtype or mutant. The primary endpoint event free survival (EFS) did not differ between the CSA and study group strategies. Three-year EFS was 12.4% (95% CI: 6.7 - 19.9%) in the CSA, 15.6% (95% CI: 13.1 - 18.3%) in group A and 11.4% (95% CI, 7.4% to 16.4%) in group B (n.s.;Fig.1). With a median follow-up of 67 months, OS did not differ significantly between CSA and study group regimens. The 3-year survival probability was 22.3% (95% CI: 14.7-30.9%) in the CSA, 24.7% (95% CI: 21.6-27.9%) in group A and 22.4% (95% CI, 16.7% - 18.3%) in group B (Fig.2). CR status after 90 days of therapy was evaluated as secondary endpoint. The proportion of patients in CR in the CSA [51% (95% CI: 42-61%)] was comparable to the 50% (95% CI: 47-54%) and 48% (95% CI: 41-55%) of the study group arms (p=n.s.). Persistent leukemia was seen in 16% (95% CI: 10-24%) in the CSA vs 17% (95% CI: 14-19%) and 12% (95% CI: 8-17%) in groups A and B, respectively (both p= n.s.). A total of 226 patients died within 90 days of treatment, 24% (95% CI: 17-33%) in CSA, 19% in group A (95% CI: 16-22%) and 27% (95% CI: 21-33%) in group B; CSA vs A p=0.1859, CSA vs B p=0.5902). Death without AML was 3% in CSA, 2% in group A and 3% in group B, death with AML was 9% in CSA, 6% in group A and 5% in group B and death from indeterminate cause was 12% in CSA, 11% in group A and 20% in group B. Three-year relapse free survival (RFS) was 21.3% (95% CI: 12.2 - 31.0) in the CSA, 28.9% (95% CI: 24.9 -33.0%) in group A and 24.0% (95% CI: 16.8 - 31.9) in group B (both p=n.s.; Fig.3). In multivariate analysis independent variables for EFS and OS were age, type of disease, cytogenetic group and WBC count, but not the allocation to one of the treatment arms. Age and cytogenetic group were determinants for RFS. Conclusion A strictly prospective comparison of different treatment strategies in patients with AML did not show clinically relevant outcome differences when compared to a common standard arm. Figure 1. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 3. Disclosures Niederwieser: Novartis Oncology Europe: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Amgen: Speakers Bureau. Hoffmann:Novartis Oncology Europe: Research Funding. Al-Ali:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Hegenbart:Pfizer: Other: Travel grant; Janssen: Honoraria, Other: Travel grant. Sayer:Riemser Pharma: Consultancy. Hochhaus:BMS: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; ARIAD: Honoraria, Research Funding. Fischer:Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria. Dreger:Novartis: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Gilead: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Consultancy; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. Hiddemann:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Other: Grants; Roche: Other: Grants.

Purpose To investigate safety and efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HCT-ASCT) in patients with relapsed or refractory primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). Patients and methods We conducted a single-arm multicentre phase 2 study for immunocompetent patients ( Results Between May 2007 and July 2012, we enrolled 39 patients from 12 German centres. The median age and Karnofsky performance score was 57 years (range 37 to 65) and 90% (range 60% to 100%), respectively. 28 (71.8%) patients had relapsed and 8 (28.2%) refractory disease. 22 (56.4%) patients responded to induction (4 CR, 18 partial remissions [PR]) and 32 (82.1%) patients commenced HCT-ASCT. 22 patients (56.4%, 95% CI 39.6% to 72.2%) achieved CR after HCT-ASCT, 6 (15.4%) achieved PR, and 1 (2.6%) had stable disease. In 9 (17.8%) patients the final scan was not done, because 7 (18.0%) did not undergo HCT-ASCT and 2 died (5.1%) during HCT-ASCT procedure. After a median follow-up of 45.2 months, the respective 2-year PFS and OS rates were 46.0% (95% CI 30.3% to 61.7%, median PFS 12.4 months, Figure 1) and 56.4% (95% CI 40.8% to 72.0%); median OS not reached (Figure 2). The non-relapse mortality rate was 10.3% (95% CI 4.1% to 26.0%) at 1 year without any further increase afterwards. In the subset of 32 patients who received HCT-ASCT, 14 (56.3%) experienced progression or died translating into 1 and 2-year PFS rates (calculated from date of HCT-ASCT) of 62.5% (95% CI 45.7% to 79.3%) and 56.1% (95% CI 38.8% to 73.3%) with no further decrease afterwards. Main grade 3 or higher toxicities were hematological as expected. We recorded four (10.3%) treatment-related deaths, 2 during induction and 2 during HCT-ASCT. Conclusions In eligible PCNSL patients failing HD-MTX based chemotherapy, a short induction with high-dose cytarabine and thiotepa followed by HCT-ASCT is an effective treatment option. Our data provide a reliable benchmark for future comparative studies needed to further scrutinize the role of HCT-ASCT in the salvage setting for PCNSL. Figure 1. Progression free survival Figure 1. Progression free survival Figure 2. Overall survival Figure 2. Overall survival Disclosures Kasenda: Riemser: Other: Travel Support. Schmidt-Wolf:Janssen: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Röth:Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria. Stilgenbauer:Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Boehringer Ingelheim: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants, Research Funding; Mundipharma: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; GSK: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Travel grants , Research Funding. Illerhaus:Riemser: Honoraria; Amgen: Honoraria.

Although it is a severe complication in immunocompromised patients, diagnosing invasive fungal disease (IFD), especially invasive aspergillosis (IA), remains difficult. In certain clinical scenarios, examining tissue samples for identification of the infectious organism becomes important. As culture-based methods rarely yield results, the performance of an Aspergillus -specific nested PCR in fresh tissue or pleural effusion samples was evaluated. Fresh tissue ( n = 59) and effusion ( n = 47) specimens from 79 immunocompromised patients were subjected to an Aspergillus -specific PCR assay. Twenty-six patients had proven ( n = 20) or probable ( n = 6) IFD, according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria, while the remaining patients were classified as having either possible IFD ( n = 30) or no IFD ( n = 23). IA was identified as the underlying IFD in 21/26 proven/probable cases. PCR positivity was observed for 18/21 proven/probable and 6 possible IA cases; cases classified as no IA did not show positive signals. Patients with proven IFD ( n = 5) with cultures positive for non- Aspergillus molds also had negative Aspergillus PCR results. Aspergillus PCR performance analysis yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 65% to 95%) and 100% (95% CI, 86% to 100%), respectively, thus leading to a diagnostic odds ratio of >200. In this analysis, good diagnostic performance of the PCR assay for detection of IA was observed for tissue samples, while effusion samples showed lower sensitivity rates. PCR testing represents a complementary tool; a positive PCR result strengthens the likelihood of IA, whereas IA seems unlikely in cases with negative results but findings could indicate non- Aspergillus IFD. Thus, PCR testing of these specimens enhances the diagnostic capabilities.

e18501Background: HSCT has been reported to be a treatment option for elderly patients with AML. Here we analyze the outcome of CT compared to HSCT in elderly AML patients according to genetic risk...

Background The German AML Intergroup conducted two randomized studies in younger ( Patients and Methods The East German Study Group (OSHO) and the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cooperative Group (AMLCG) each entered patients from 18 to 59 years into one study and patients aged 60 years and older into another. Each study group randomized upfront 10% of all AML patients into a common standard arm and 90% in the study group specific arm. All patients with de novo AML or AML after myelodysplastic syndrome or cytotoxic treatment were eligible. Chi-squared and Mann-Whitney-U tests were used to detect significant differences between the age groups regarding demographic, clinical and cytogenetic characteristics at baseline. Complete Remission (CR) at 90 days and cumulative probabilities of death were determined for outcome. To avoid bias due to the higher probability of death in older patients, cumulative probabilities of death were calculated for relapsed patients or those who did not achieve CR after 90 days. Other deaths were considered as a competing risk. Results A total of 2435 AML patients were analyzed, 1132 in the study A higher rate of CR at 90 days was observed in the younger (66%) than in the older (51%) patients (p= The cumulative probability of AML-related death was lower in younger patients than in older patients (p The probability of dying from AML was lowest for the younger patients with de novo AML [27% (95% CI 24% to 29%) at 1 year and 41% (95% CI 38% to 44%) at 3 years] and highest for those with secondary AML [38% (95% CI 32% to 44%) at 1 year and 56% (95% CI 49% to 62%) at 3 years (p=0.0001)], with similar differences being observed in the older patients (p=0.0001, Figure 1b). In the younger patients, CR at 90 days was lower in the standard (58%) than in the study arm (66%, p=0.0558), while AML related death was 29% and 27% at 1 year and 44% and 39% at 3 years respectively. In the older patients CR at 90 days was 52% vs. 51%, AML related death at 1 year 45% and 45% and at 3 years 63% and 69% for study arm and standard arm, respectively (Figure 1c). Conclusion This analysis reveals significant differences in gender, laboratory characteristics and proportion of secondary AML in elderly compared to younger AML patients. While there was no clear difference in cytogenetic risk groups, favorable molecular markers were more frequent in younger patients. Clear differences in CR rates after 90 days of therapy and AML related death rate were seen in regard to age ( Disclosures Niederwieser: Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Hoffmann:Novartis Oncology Europe: Research Funding. Krug:Sunesis; Clavis Pharma; usa Pharma, Catapult Cell Therapy, Gilead, Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sunesis: Speakers Bureau; Boehringer Ingelheim: Research Funding; Novartis; BMS; Roche; Boehringer Ingelheim; Bayer: Honoraria. Hegenbart:Janssen: Honoraria, Other: travel support. Pfirrmann:Novartis Pharma: Consultancy, Honoraria; BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria. Kraemer:TEVA: Other: travel support. Al-Ali:Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding.

Background. The German High-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Study Group published several studies performed in order to optimize the use of Rituximab (R) in conjunction with CHOP chemotherapy in older patients (pts) with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (Pfreundschuh et al., J Clin Oncol 2014, 32, 4127; Murawski et al., Ann Oncol 2014, 25, 1800). The prospective, randomized R-MegaCHOEP study reported 3-yr-PFS and -OS rates of 74 and 85%, respectively, in young, high-risk pts (aaIPI 2, 3) treated with 6 x R and 8 x CHOEP-14 (Schmitz et al., Lancet Oncol. 2012,13,1250). We wanted to further improve treatment results in young, high-risk pts. by doubling the number of R infusions from 6 to 12. Methods. Pts. with aggressive B-NHL (90% DLBCL), age 18-60 yrs., aaIPI 2 or 3, received treatment with 8 x CHOEP-14. In contrast to the randomized study reported previously, where R (375 mg/ m2) had been administered only six times (days 0, 15, 29, 43, 71 and 99) R was administered twelve times (days 0, 1, 4, 8, 15, 22, 29, 43, 57, 71, 85 and 99) after an amendment. Event-free survival (EFS) (primary endpoint) and overall survival (OS) achieved with 12 x R vs. 6 x R were compared. Results. Between 10/ 2010 and 02/ 2014 seventy-nine pts (median age 47 yrs., 53% males) were registered, 78 pts were analyzed. Sixty-six pts (85 %) presented with aaIPI 2 and 11 pts. presented with aaIPI 3. Feasibility (86 % of pts. received all study treatment) and safety (TRM 0%) of this intense regimen was excellent. CR/ CRu rate was 77 %, 2-yr-EFS 69% (95% CI:59-80%), 2-yr-PFS 76% (95% CI: 66-86%) and 2-yr OS 82% (95% CI: 73-92%). After a median observation time of 24 months 12 patients have died, 8 patients from lymphoma, 2 pts. from toxicity of salvage therapy, and 2 from other causes. Comparing these results to those achieved in 130 pts. treated with 6 x R and 8 x CHOEP-14 2-yr-EFS (71% (95% CI: 63-79%), p=0.766), 2-yr-PFS (75% (95% CI: 67-83%), p=0.871) and 2-yr-OS (85% (95% CI: 78-91%), p=0.843) did not significantly differ. These results could be confirmed in multivariate analyses adjusted for factors of aaIPI, bulk and gender. Interestingly, in pts. with aaIPI 3 12 x R + 8 x CHOEP-14 resulted in 2-yr-EFS and -OS rates of 72% (95% CI: 44-99%) and 91% (95% CI: 74-100%), respectively. These remarkable results, however, were not significantly different from those achieved with 6 x R + 8 x CHOEP-14 because only 11 pts. with aaIPI 3 had received 12 x R. Conclusions. In contrast to the significant improvements of EFS and OS achieved with the SMARTE-R- CHOP-14 regimen (Pfreundschuh et al. 2014) but in agreement with the results of the DENSE-R-CHOP-14 trial (Murawski et al, 2014) in older pts. (60-80 years) with high-risk disease (IPI 3-5) increasing the number of R infusions from 6 to 12 in young, high-risk pts. did not result in a significant improvement of EFS and OS in pts. with aaIPI 2 and overall. This may reflect the necessity of longer R exposure of tumor cells in order to achieve optimal results. EFS and OS in pts. with aaIPI 3 were surprisingly good but improvement was not statistically significant because only 11 pts. with aaIPI 3 had been enrolled; more pts. with aaIPI 3 need to be investigated. Among other possible explanations for the lack of further improvement by doubling the number of R infusions, the more aggressive chemotherapy (CHOEP vs. CHOP), the different timing of R in pts. receiving 6 and 12 R infusions, and differences in pharmacokinetics between younger and older patients may be responsible. Disclosures Schmitz: Roche, Celgene, Takeda, Riemser, Ctilifescience: Honoraria, Research Funding. Off Label Use: different rituximab schedule. Viardot:Gilead: Consultancy; Pfizer: Honoraria; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Honoraria; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; CTI: Consultancy. Borchmann:Millennium: Research Funding. Pfreundschuh:Roche, Janssen, Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding. Glass:Roche, MSD, Takeda, Riemser, Ctilifesciences: Honoraria, Research Funding.

We evaluated the feasibility and toxicity of bevacizumab in combination with sequential high-dose (HD) ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide refractory to standard chemotherapy in patients with sarcoma and germ cell cancer (GCC). Sixteen patients (13 sarcomas, 3 GCC) received SD-ICE followed by 4 cycles of HD-ICE, qd22 with stem cell support in combination with bevacizumab. All 16 patients were evaluable for toxicity and efficacy, and received 51 cycles (median 3.3). There was no increase in toxicity except of a relatively high incidence of ifosfamide encephalopathy in 17 cycles when compared with previous HD-ICE protocols. One almost complete response in the patient with GCC, previously progressive with three preceding protocols, was observed. Six patients had a partial response (sarcoma 4/13 patients; GCC 2/3 patients), and five patients stable disease (sarcoma 5/13 patients). The median PFS/OS for sarcoma was 5 months (confidence interval (CI): 3.1-6.9) and 13 months (CI: 3.6-24.4), respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the addition of bevacizumab to HD-ICE. This combination did not show new unexpected toxicities except for a relatively high rate of ifosfamide encephalopathy. The efficacy in these heavily pretreated patients including possible reversal of chemotherapy resistance by the addition of bevacizumab indicates a possible potential of bevacizumab in this combination.

Background: Phase I and II studies utilizing the chimeric anti-CD 20 antibody rituximab demonstrate good results in relapsed and resistant follicular and low-grade lymphoma; in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) chemotherapy excellent remission rates and survival data have been achieved. These data justify to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of chemotherapy and rituximab in comparison to standard chemotherapy alone in a prospective randomized trial. Included in this study are untreated patients with advanced follicular lymphoma (FCL grades I and II) and lymphoplasmocytoid lymphoma as well as mantle cell lymphoma stages III and IV. According to the results of phase I and II trials we expect a better quality of remissions resulting in an improved freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) and survival in the experimental arm of the study. Material and Methods: In this trial, MCP (mitoxantrone 8 mg/m 2 , days 1+2, chlorambucil 3 × 3 mg/m 2 , days 1–5, and prednisolone 25 mg/m 2 , days 1–5, q4 weeks × 8) is compared with the combination of rituximab (R) (375 mg/m 2 , day 1) and MCP (days 3–7) q4 weeks × 8. In an interim analysis of 30 patients, 15 in each treatment group, the acute toxicity of 52 and 50 matched cycles of MCP and MCP+R, respectively, were evaluated. Both patient groups are comparable. Results: Counting all adverse events (CTC grades 1–4) there are 36 events in the MCP+R arm and 14 in the MCP arm. If only adverse events of CTC grades 3 and 4 are analyzed, however, the differences are much less pronounced; only 6 patients in each group had leukopenia or thrombocytopenia of grade 3 or 4. When comparing treatment cycles, myelotoxicity (CTC grades 3 and 4 concerning leukocytes and CTC grades 2–4 for platelets) occurred in 17/50 MCP+R cycles but in only 9/52 MCP cycles. Conclusion: Our preliminary data regarding acute toxicity suggest a tendency to more adverse events in the experimental arm (MCP+R) of our study. In the cohort of patients analyzed we did not observe severe infusion-related events in the patients who were treated with rituximab.

There is no widely accepted standard for antifungal prophylaxis in patients with hematologic malignancies. The Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society for Haematology and Oncology assigned a committee of hematologists and infectious disease specialists to develop recommendations. Literature data bases were systematically searched for clinical trials on antifungal prophylaxis. The studies identified were shared within the committee. Data were extracted by two of the authors (OAC and MSi). The consensus process was conducted by email communication. Finally, a review committee discussed the proposed recommendations. After consensus was established the recommendations were finalized. A total of 86 trials were identified including 16,922 patients. Only a few trials yielded significant differences in efficacy. Fluconazole 400 mg/d improved the incidence rates of invasive fungal infections and attributable mortality in allogeneic stem cell recipients. Posaconazole 600 mg/d reduced the incidence of IFI and attributable mortality in allogeneic stem cell recipients with severe graft versus host disease, and in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome additionally reduced overall mortality. Aerosolized liposomal amphotericin B reduced the incidence rate of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Posaconazole 600 mg/d is recommended in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome or undergoing allogeneic stem cell recipients with graft versus host disease for the prevention of invasive fungal infections and attributable mortality (Level A I). Fluconazole 400 mg/d is recommended in allogeneic stem cell recipients until development of graft versus host disease only (Level A I). Aerosolized liposomal amphotericin B is recommended during prolonged neutropenia (Level B II).