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Gale, Robert Peter

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9156-1676

Mayo Clinic

Sun Yat-sen University

Citations 53

The Myelofibrosis Symptom Burden (MF-SB): An International Phenotypic Cluster Analysis of 329 Patients
Geyer, Holly L. , Emanuel, Robyn M., Slot, Stefanie , Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Doehner, Konstanze, Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Lanotto, Jean-Christophe, Ranta, Dana, Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Andréasson, Björn , Ferarri, Maria L, Rambaldi, Alessandro , Samuelsson, Jan , Birgegård, Gunnar , Xiao, Zhijian , Xu, Junqing, Tefferi, Ayalew , Zhang, Peihong , Reiter, Andreas , Bonatz, Karin, Rambaldi, Alessandro , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Grießhammer, Martin , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Zhang, Yue , Sun, Xiujuan, Gale, Robert Peter , Lehmann, Thomas , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1731-1731

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1731.1731 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1731 Background: Symptom burden in primary, post-ET and post-PV myelofibrosis (MF) is frequently severe and correlates with a poor prognosis. However, symptom manifestations are heterogeneous with variable presence of specific symptoms, splenomegaly and cytopenias. We sought to identify the spectrum and features of MF symptomatic phenotypes by cluster analysis of prospectively gathered information on MF symptoms and disease features. Methods: Data was collected among an international cohort of subjects with MF. Data included demographics, disease features and completion of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) and Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) (Blood 2011; 118:401–408). Surveyed symptoms addressed key disease features on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst-imaginable) scale. Cluster development was based on consideration of r-squared in hierarchical clustering using Ward's linkage. Final cluster assignment was based on the nonhierarchical k-means method. Comparisons between symptom clusters were based on ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Results: Subject Demographic and Disease Characteristics: Data from 329 prospectively enrolled persons with MF was collected (Chinese 102, French 54, German 19, Italian 22, Dutch 45, English 51, Spanish 29, Swedish 7) including 223 PMF, 67 post-ET MF and 39 post-PV MF patients. Participants were of typical age (mean 59) and gender (47% F). Among all participants, four natural symptom clusters were identified (Figure 1). Among clusters, disease features including leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and enlarged spleen varied significantly between clusters (P<0.05). Cluster 1: The “Fatigue Dominant with Few Lab Abnormalities” Profile (n=150 (46%; 69% PMF, 20% post-ET MF, 11% post-PV MF)). Cluster 1, the largest, is characterized by fatigue-dominant complaints in the setting of the lowest overall MPN-SAF TSS and highest proportion of males (59%). Individuals among this group have the lowest prevalence of laboratory abnormalities (65% total; anemia, 67%; thrombocytopenia, 20%) or clinical deficiencies including enlarged spleen (average 6.0 cm below costal margin), prior thrombosis (9%), prior hemorrhage (5%) or prior RBC-transfusions (20.4%). Interestingly, individuals in this group are most likely to have had prior splenectomy (5.8%). Cluster 2: The “Cognitive Complaints with Enlarged Spleen” Cluster (n=105 (32%; 65% PMF, 20% post-ET MF, 15% post-PV MF)). Cluster 2 is the 2nd largest cluster. Subjects have relatively few abnormal lab values (67% vs 65%–77%) but have high severity of fatigue, sexual difficulties, insomnia, inactivity and reduced QOL. These individuals have the largest spleen size (8.7cm below costal margin). Cluster 3: The “Nighttime and Cognitive Complaints” Group (n=53 (16%; 64% PMF, 25% post-ET MF, 11% post-PV MF)). Cluster 3 is the smallest cluster. Subjects have many cognitive and nighttime-related complaints including sexual difficulties, night sweats, insomnia, and concentration problems. Subjects with post-ET MF are predominant. This cluster also has the 2ndsmallest spleen size (7 cm) or history of prior thrombosis (9.6%), hemorrhage (7.8%) or requirement for transfusions (21.2%). Cluster 4: The “Severe Fatigue with Few End-organ Complaints” Cluster (n=21 (6%; 81% PMF, 14% post-ET MF, 5% post-PV MF)). Cluster 4 is the most symptomatic cohort with the highest proportion of subjects with PM. There is a lower frequency of end-organ complaints including abdominal pain, cough, and headaches. Symptoms including sexual difficulties, sad mood and insomnia are predominant. No subjects had prior splenectomy. Subjects also have the highest prevalence of prior thrombosis (29%), hemorrhage (14%), and transfusions (43%). Additionally, this cohort has the largest prevalence of lab abnormalities (77%) with thrombocytopenia (71%), leukopenia (41%) and anemia (41%). Conclusion: This analysis will allow us to examine a new framework for evaluating persons with MF using symptom profiles and is the 1st cluster evaluation of MF. Lab and physical findings contrast significantly between symptom clusters indicating these phenotypic symptoms likely result from etiological factors present in specific disease phenotypes. Future studies should evaluate whether there is a correlation between cluster profiles, prognosis and genotype. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.
Symptom Burden Characteristics Among Chinese Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)
Xiao, Zhijian , Emanuel, Robyn M., Zhang, Yue , Xu, Junqing , Zhang, Peihong , Geyer, Holly L. , Dueck, Amylou C. , Xu, Zefeng , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1739-1739

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1739.1739 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1739 BACKGROUND: Differences in symptom burden characteristics between persons of European and non-European descent with BCR-ABL negative MPNs including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (MF) are not studied. We reported significant clinical and laboratory differences between these populations age at diagnosis and survivals (Blood 2011;119: 2469–73) which could affect symptom burden. Given China represents one-fifth of the global population, we aimed to evaluate MPN symptom burden among a cohort of Chinese MPN patients. METHODS: Data were collected from Chinese with MPNs and their physicians and compared these to a previously collected data from a cohort of subjects of predominately European descent (N=1488). Subject data included MPN-SAF (Blood 2011;118:401-8) and BFI score (Cancer 1999;85: 1186–96), demographics, and disease-related features. Statistical methods included ANOVA, chi-squared tests, and multiple regressions. RESULTS: Demographic and Disease Characteristics: 397 Chinese subjects were prospectively enrolled with a distribution of 172 (43%) ET, 102 (26%) PV, and 123 (31%) MF (of which 103 [84%] were PMF, 14 [11%] were post-ET MF, and 6 [5%] were post-PV MF). Median age (56.0 y) was younger in Chinese than in the European-descent cohort (63.0 y, p<0.001) despite relative gender equality. Laboratory abnormalities including anemia (76%, p<0.001) and disease features including bleeding (1%, p<0.001), were more common and present at a significantly higher incidences in the European-descent cohort than amongst Chinese. Chinese Symptom Severity and Incidence by MPN type: When comparing across MPN types, symptoms of worst fatigue, early satiety, abdominal discomfort, inactivity, concentration, depression, cough, night sweats, weight loss, and total MPN-SAF TSS score varied significantly (p<0.05) with MF being most severe for each symptom. Chinese versus European-descent Symptom Severity: After adjusting for age and MPN type, Chinese subjects had significantly higher mean severity for fever, sexual difficulties, and quality of life (Table 1). Symptoms of worst fatigue, early satiety, abdominal discomfort and overall BFI score had a significantly higher mean severity in the European descent cohort. Chinese versus European-descent Symptom Incidence: The European-descent cohort had significantly greater incidence of worst fatigue (90% vs 81%, p<0.001), abdominal pain (47% vs 35%, p<0.001), early satiety (65% vs 57%, p=0.005), concentration problems (64% vs 58%, p=0.04), numbness (63% vs 56%, p=0.02), insomnia (68% vs 58%, p<0.001), and depression (62% vs 56%, p=0.02) compared to Chinese subjects. In contrast, symptoms of dizziness (63% vs 57%, p=0.04), sexual difficulties (72% vs 61%, p<0.001), and fever (23% vs. 18%, p=0.03) were significantly worse amongst Chinese. CONCLUSION: We found a significant divergence in severity and incidence of key symptom burdens including QOL, fever, sexuality, dizziness, abdominal pain, early satiety, and fatigue between Chinese and persons of European descent with MPNs. Biological and cultural factors likely account for these differences and should be considered when interpreting outcomes of clinical trials of diverse populations. When the target of therapy is reversing symptoms, the best strategy may require revision for different populations. Disclosures: Mesa: Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.
Comparison of the Myleloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) Across Nine Linguistic Translations Among an International Sample of 1,851 Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) Patients.
Emanuel, Robyn M., Geyer, Holly L. , Slot, Stephanie, Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Doehner, Konstanze, Bonatz, Karin, Reiter, Andreas , Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Ranta, Dana, Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Barbui, Tiziano , Andréasson, Björn , Ferarri, Maria L, Rambaldi, Alessandro , Samuelsson, Jan , Birgegård, Gunnar , Tefferi, Ayalew , Xiao, Zhijian , Xu, Junqing, Zhang, Peihong , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Grießhammer, Martin , Lehmann, Thomas , Ianotto, Jean‐Christophe , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Xu, Zefeng , Zhang, Yue , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2852-2852

10.1182/blood.v120.21.2852.2852 Get It

Abstract Abstract 2852 Background: The 18-item Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF, Scherber et al Blood 2011) given in conjunction with the 9-item Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI, Mendoza et al Cancer 1999) is a patient-completed questionnaire for assessing symptoms in persons with MPNs. The MPN-SAF has been translated and validated in 9 languages to date. The Total Symptom Score (TSS) is computed from 10 of the most pertinent MPN-SAF items to assess symptom burden in MPN patients and to evaluate response to therapy. Psychometric properties of the TSS have been previously reported (Emanuel et al Blood 2012). The purpose of this analysis is to compare MPN-SAF symptoms and psychometric properties of the TSS across 9 languages in an international sample. Methods: Data were collected in an international cohort of subjects with MPNs. Surveyed symptoms included fatigue, early satiety, abdominal pain and discomfort, inactivity, headaches, concentration, dizziness, extremity tingling, insomnia, sexual problems, mood changes, cough, night sweats, pruritus, bone pain and fever on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. TSS was computed using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all symptoms absent) to 100 (all symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Demographic and disease-related data including disease type, gender, and age had to be present to be included in analysis. Demographics were compared across languages groups using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Symptoms and TSS were compared across language groups using a general linear model adjusting for disease type, age, and gender with post-hoc Tukey pairwise comparisons. Internal consistency and factor structure of the TSS were investigated overall and within language groups using Cronbach's alpha and principal-axis factoring analysis. Results: Subject Demographics and Disease Type: 1,851 subjects with polycythemia vera (PV N=655), essential thrombocythemia (ET N=769) and myelofibrosis (MF N=427; 286 primary MF, 61 PV-MF, 80 ET-MF) were prospectively enrolled and administered the MPN-SAF and BFI in 1 of 9 languages: English [UK] 55, English [US] 102, Italian 186, Swedish 114, German 112, French 457, Spanish 192, Dutch 236, and Chinese 397. Age (median 61, range, 15–94) and gender (55% F) were typical. Disease type and age varied across language groups (both p <0.001). MPN-SAF Symptoms and TSS: Symptom frequencies ranged from 19% (fever) to 88% (fatigue) overall with mean severities ranging from 0.4 (SD=1.3, fever) to 4.3 (SD=2.3, fatigue). Fatigue had the highest mean severity among all symptoms within each language group. Overall, mean TSS was 21.5 (SD=16.7) with the Swedish (mean=18.1, SD=15.2) and Dutch (mean=27.6, SD=17.1) cohorts reporting the lowest and highest unadjusted TSS means, respectively. When comparing symptom items across languages (adjusting for disease type, age, and gender), concentration and sexual problems had the most statistically significant pairwise differences (11 and 10, respectively, out of a possible 36) followed by dizziness and overall quality of life (9 each, out of a possible 36). No statistically significant pairwise differences were observed for abdominal discomfort, headache, extremity tingling, or insomnia. For the TSS, the Dutch cohort appeared to statistically significantly differ (all p <0.05) with all other languages except the English cohorts. All other TSS pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant. TSS Internal Consistency and Factor Structure: The TSS had excellent internal consistency overall (Cronbach's alpha 0.83) as well as within language groups (Cronbach's alpha 0.81–0.86). Overall factor analysis identified a single underlying construct among the 10 TSS items. Factor loadings ranged from 0.41 for fever to 0.73 for inactivity. A single factor solution was appropriate for each language group with factor loadings ranging from 0.18 to 0.85. Conclusion: This analysis suggests that the available translations of the MPN-SAF are generally acceptable for use in a broad context. The TSS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and similar factor structure across all language groups. Most symptom and TSS comparisons between languages were not statistically significant, but for the few which differed, further studies are needed to evaluate whether these variances are due to disease-related factors or due to linguistic or cultural influences present in the cohorts. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Griesshammer:Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) and Polycythemia Vera (PV) Symptom Burden: Phenotypic Cluster Analysis Among an International Sample of 1,141 ET and PV Patients
Emanuel, Robyn M., Geyer, Holly L. , Slot, Stefanie , Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Doehner, Konstanze, Bonatz, Karin, Reiter, Andreas , Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Ranta, Dana, Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Barbui, Tiziano , Andréasson, Björn , Ferarri, Maria L, Rambaldi, Alessandro , Birgegård, Gunnar , Xiao, Zhijian , Zhang, Yue , Xu, Junqing , Zhang, Peihong , Tefferi, Ayalew , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Grießhammer, Martin , Lehmann, Thomas , Ianotto, Jean‐Christophe , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Xu, Zefeng , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1726-1726

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1726.1726 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1726 Background: We previously reported that symptom burden among persons with ET and PV can be severe and adversely affect QOL. The presence of severe symptoms is linked to poor prognosis. There is considerable inter-subject heterogeneity regarding which symptoms are present in which subjects. No studies have empirically evaluated whether disease characteristics can be grouped in related symptom clusters. Using our previously validated 18 item Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) (Blood 2011;118:401–408) given in conjunction with the 9 item Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) (Cancer 1999;85:1186–1196), we sought to evaluate symptom burden by means of cluster analysis. Methods: Data was collected from an international cohort of subjects with MPNs including demographics, disease features and the completed BFI and MPN-SAF instruments. Surveyed symptoms included fatigue, early satiety, abdominal pain and discomfort, inactivity, headaches, concentration, dizziness, extremity tingling, insomnia, sexual difficulties, mood changes, cough, night sweats, pruritus, bone pain and fever on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst-imaginable) scale. Development of symptom clusters was based on consideration of r-squared in hierarchical clustering using Ward linkage. Final cluster assignment was based on the nonhierarchical k-means method. Comparisons between symptom clusters were based on ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Results: Subject Demographic and Disease Characteristics: Data from 1,141 subjects with PV (N=519) and ET (N=622) was prospectively collected (Chinese 236, French 305, German 45, Italian 114, Dutch 191, English 56, Spanish 109, Swedish 85. Age (mean 59, range, 26–87) and gender (54% F) were typical. Five clusters were selected (Figure 1). Frequencies of prior bleeding, spleen size, anemia, presence of any lab abnormality, language, gender, and MPN type varied significantly between clusters (P<0.05). Cluster 1: The “Reduced Symptom” Profile (n=421 (37%; 60% ET, 40% PV) The largest cluster, subjects had increased complaints of sexual difficulties and fatigue. There was a slightly higher proportion of subjects with ET (60%) versus PV. There were fewer lab abnormalities (28% prevalence) and less prior bleeding (3%) compared to other clusters. Spleen size was smallest of the cluster (1 cm below costal margin). Cluster 2: The “Fatigue-dominant” Group (n=286 (25%; 56% ET, 44% PV)). Subjects in this cluster were predominantly female and had relatively few laboratory abnormalities (19%) than other cohorts. They are characterized by high severity of fatigue compared to end-organ symptoms. Symptom profiles emphasize fatigue, QOL and insomnia with some end-organ complaints. The cohor 63% of the cohort. Cluster 3: The “End-Organ Complaints” Group (n=210 (18%; 49% ET, 51% PV)). Male predominant (56%), subjects had mainly macro-vascular symptom complaints including sexual difficulties, insomnia, and overall QOL, with few microvascular related symptoms (low itching/night sweats). Cluster 4: “Cognitive Complaints” Cluster (n=110 (10%; 53% ET, 47% PV)). The smallest cluster and female predominant (64%), main complaints include fatigue, insomnia, loss of concentration, numbness, and sad mood. Cluster 5: The “Highly Symptomatic” Cluster (n=114 (10%; 44% ET, 56% PV)). Subjects had many cognitive complaints and symptoms correlated with severe micro-vascular abnormalities (pruritus) and or splenomegaly. This cluster had the largest spleen sizes (mean 3 cm), the highest prevalence of prior thrombosis (29%), and highest frequency of lab abnormalities (43%). Cognitive and end-organ complaints were rated as most severe. Conclusion: This analysis offers new means of evaluating persons with PV and ET utilizing symptom clusters. Laboratory and physical abnormalities differed significantly between symptom clusters indicating that our groupings likely result from biological alterations present in specific disease phenotypes. Future studies should investigate correlations between clusters and prognosis and genotype. Disclosures: Kiladjian: Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Honoraria. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Speakers Bureau. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi Aventis: Honoraria; Shire: Honoraria, Research Funding. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Passamonti:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; YM Bioscience: Research Funding.
Comparison of Total Body Irradiation-Based with Intravenous Busulfan-Based Chemotherapy-Only Conditioning Regimens for Myeloablative Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT) in Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Anasetti, Claudio , Zhang, Mei‐Jie , Wang, Hailin , Khoury, H. Jean , Horowitz, Mary M. , Bejanyan, Nelli , Ciurea, Stefan O. , Litzow, Mark R. , Bredeson, Christopher , Seftel, Matthew D. , Alvarnas, Joseph, Forman, Stephen J. , Pullarkat, Vinod , Marks, David I. , Kebriaei, Partow , Aldoss, Ibrahim , Lima, Marcos de , Sandmaier, Brenda M , Artz, Andrew , Lazarus, Hillard M. , Gale, Robert Peter , Pulsipher, Michael A. , Boelens, Jaap Jan , Champlin, Richard E. , Weisdorf, Daniel J.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 679-679

10.1182/blood.v128.22.679.679 Get It

Abstract Total body irradiation (TBI)-based conditioning regimens are considered the standard of care for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, due to concerns regarding acute and long-term toxicities, non-TBI regimens, commonly including busulfan (BU), have been increasingly explored. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis with the hypothesis that there would be equivalence of these two myeloablative approaches by reviewing outcomes for adult patients (pts), aged 18-60 years, undergoing a first, well-matched sibling, related or unrelated donor HCT in CR1 or CR2 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) from 2005-2014. Eight hundred nineteen pts received TBI (63% 9-12 Gy, 37% ≥13 Gy) combined with etoposide (25%) or cyclophosphamide (Cy) (75%) and 299 pts received intravenous BU combined with a second alkylator Cy (15%) or melphalan (Mel) (13%), or a nucleoside analogue fludarabine (Flu) (41%) or clofarabine (Clo)(30%). The majority of the BU-based pts were treated at the Moffitt or MD Anderson Cancer Center. The BU-based regimens were grouped together for analyses since no significant differences in basic outcomes among the different chemotherapy-only regimens were noted. Patients in the BU-containing group were older but had better performance status, took longer to achieve CR1 and longer to receive HCT; more received peripheral blood than marrow grafts, peri-HCT ATG, pre- and post HCT tyrosine kinase inhibitors ( TKI), and were treated more recently than pts in the TBI-based group (Table 1). With median follow-up of 3.6 years for the BU-based group and 5.3 years for the TBI-based group, adjusted 3 year outcomes showed treatment-related mortality (TRM) BU 19% vs. TBI 25% (p=.04); relapse BU 37% vs. TBI 28% (p=.007); disease-free survival (DFS) Bu 45% vs. TBI 48% (p=.35); and overall survival (OS) BU 57% vs. TBI 53% (p=.35) (Figures A-B). Patients in the BU group had significantly more grade II-IV acute GVHD (47% vs. 40%, p=.025), but marginally less chronic GVHD (49% vs. 55% at 3 years, p=.073). In multivariate analysis, the BU group had a significantly higher rate of acute GVHD after day 50 (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.19-2.58, p=.004), but marginally less chronic GVHD (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68-1.01 p=.059) and higher risk of relapse (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.15-1.85 p=.002) compared with TBI-based regimens. Despite the observed higher risks of acute GVHD and relapse, BU-based conditioning led to similar TRM, OS, and DFS following HCT for ALL. Table 1 Table 1. Figure Figure. Disclosures Ciurea: Spectrum Pharmaceuticals: Other: Advisory Board; Cyto-Sen Therapeutics: Equity Ownership. Seftel:Otsuka: Research Funding. Pulsipher:Medac: Other: Housing support for conference; Chimerix: Consultancy; Jazz Pharmaceutical: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Other: Study Steering Committee. Champlin:Ziopharm Oncology: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties; Intrexon: Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.
Sexuality Challenges, Intimacy, and MPN Symptom Burden: An Analysis By The MPN Quality Of Life International Study Group (MPN-QOL ISG)
Geyer, Holly L. , Emanuel, Robyn M., Cannon, Keith, Slot, Stephanie, Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Döhner, Konstanze , Ranta, Dana, Reiter, Andreas , Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Barbui, Tiziano , Andréasson, Björn , Ferrari, Maria Luisa, Samuelsson, Jan , Birgegård, Gunnar , Xiao, Zhijian , Xu, Junqing , Zhang, Peihong , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Grießhammer, Martin , Lehmann, Thomas , Ianotto, Jean‐Christophe , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Xu, Zefeng , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4088-4088

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4088.4088 Get It

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the high prevalence and severity of challenges with intimacy and sexuality amongst a large international cohort of MPN patients (Emanuel JCO 2012). We sought to further analyze the relationships between issues of intimacy (sexual desire and function), their relationships to MPN disease features, individual MPN symptom prevalence and severity, language, and overall quality of life. Methods Data was collected among an international cohort of patients with MPNs. Subjects completed the BFI, MPN-SAF, and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-SAF included the patient’s perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. Specifically, the MPN-SAF sexuality item asked about “problems with sexual desire or function”. Total symptom score (TSS) was computed based on 10 symptom items using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all reported symptoms absent) to 100 (all reported symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Pairwise associations between the MPN-SAF sexuality item and continuous and categorical covariates were investigated using Pearson correlations and analysis of variance/t-tests, respectively. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate impact of groups of covariates on the sexuality item with the final multivariate model selected using forward regression. Results Demographics A total of 1908 MPN patients (essential thrombocythemia=799, polycythemia vera=671, myelofibrosis=432, missing=6) completed the sexuality item. Participants were of typical age (median=60, range 15-94) and gender (female=53%). Overall, 1218 subjects described sexuality related complaints (score >0) with an overall mean symptom score of 3.5 (median=2.0, SD=3.7, range 0-10); 725/1908 (38%) patients had severe sexuality related complaints (score >4). Univariate Analysis Among the QLQ-C30 functioning scales, all domains had similar statistically significant correlations (r=-.26 to -.32, all p<0.001). Among QLQ-C30 symptom scales, all QLQ-C30 symptoms displayed correlations ranging between .08 and .29 (all p<0.001). Among MPN-SAF items, the MPN-SAF sexuality item correlated most significantly with the TSS (r=.41, p<0.001), along with MPN-SAF symptoms (r=.16 to .39; all p<0.001). MPN-SAF sexuality measure significantly differed by anemia (means: absent 3.3, present 4.5; p<0.001), leukopenia (means: absent 3.4, present 4.4; p=0.01), thrombocytopenia (means: absent 3.3, present 4.5; p<0.001), red cell transfusion (means: no 3.5, yes 5.0; p<0.001), MPN subtype (ET mean 3.1, PV mean=3.6, MF mean=4.4; p<0.001) and language (means ranged from 2.4 [Swedish] to 4.6 [Chinese]; p<0.001). MPN-SAF sexuality did not significantly differ by age, gender, prior thrombosis or prior hemorrhage. Multivariate Analysis In a multivariate model of MPN-SAF sexuality containing all QLQ-C30 functioning scales, physical (p=0.001), emotional (p=0.01), cognitive (p=0.005) and social (p=0.002) functioning were all statistically significant. Numerous symptoms were also significant in a multivariate model of MPN-SAF sexuality containing all other MPN-SAF symptoms (all p<0.05; abdominal pain, inactivity, dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness, insomnia, depression/sad mood, cough, night sweats and overall QOL). The final multivariate model based on forward regression starting with all demographics, clinical variables, and patient-reported QLQ-C30 scales and MPN-SAF items found age, language, QLQ-C30 role functioning and MPN-SAF items (insomnia, depression/sad mood, night sweats and QOL) to be significant (p<0.05). Conclusions Sexuality related complaints have been linked to both physiologic and psychologic origins and are highly prevalent within the MPN population. The results of this study congruently identified close associations between sexuality and function within emotional, cognitive and social domains. Additionally, the correlations of sexuality issues with MPN symptoms and disease features further suggest this item is a key correlate of overall functionality and quality of life. Future investigations into the causative factors and biological correlates of this complaint may assist in addressing this ongoing challenge. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria. Mesa:Eli Lilly and Co: Research Funding; Genetech: Research Funding; Gilead: Research Funding; Incyte: Research Funding; Sanofi: Research Funding; NS pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
Insomnia, Quality Of Life and MPN Symptom Burden: An Analysis By The MPN Quality Of Life International Study Group (MPN-QOL ISG)
Geyer, Holly L. , Emanuel, Robyn M., Cannon, Keith, Slot, Stephanie, Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Döhner, Konstanze , Bonatz, Karin, Reiter, Andreas , Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Ranta, Dana, Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Barbui, Tiziano , Andréasson, Björn , Ferrari, Maria Luisa, Samuelsson, Jan , Birgegård, Gunnar , Xiao, Zhijian , Xu, Junqing , Zhang, Peihong , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Grießhammer, Martin , Lehmann, Thomas , Ianotto, Jean‐Christophe , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Xu, Zefeng , Zhang, Yue , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4087-4087

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4087.4087 Get It

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the high prevalence and severity of insomnia amongst a large international cohort of MPN patients (Emanuel JCO 2012). We sought to further analyze the relationships between insomnia and the MPN disease features (in particular splenomegaly, status of blood counts), individual MPN symptom prevalence and severity, language, and overall quality of life. Methods Data was collected among an international cohort of patients with MPNs. Subjects completed the BFI, MPN-SAF, and EORTC QLQ-C30 instruments. Surveyed symptoms on the MPN-SAF included the patient’s perceptions of common MPN-related symptoms and overall quality of life (QOL) on a 0 (absent) to 10 (worst imaginable) scale. Specifically, the MPN-SAF insomnia item asked about “difficulty sleeping”. Total symptom score (TSS) was computed based on 10 symptom items using the published scoring algorithm on a 0 (all reported symptoms absent) to 100 (all reported symptoms worst imaginable) scale. Pairwise associations between the MPN-SAF insomnia item and continuous and categorical covariates were investigated using Pearson correlations and analysis of variance/t-tests, respectively. Multivariate regression models were used to investigate impact of groups of covariates on the insomnia item with the final multivariate model selected using forward regression. Results Demographics A total of 1992 MPN patients (essential thrombocythemia=834, polycythemia vera=703, myelofibrosis=449, unknown=6) completed the insomnia item. Participants were of typical age (median=61, range-15-94) and gender (female=54%). Overall, 1307 subjects endorsed the MPN insomnia item (score >0) with an overall mean symptom score of 3.0 (median=2.0, SD=3.1. range=0-10); 603/1992 (30%) of patients had severe insomnia related complaints (score >4). Univariate Analysis Among QLQ-C30 functioning scales, emotional functioning most highly correlated with the MPN-SAF insomnia item (r=-.47, p<0.001) with all other domains also having statistically significant but slightly weaker correlation (all p<0.001). Among QLQ-C30 symptom scales, insomnia (r=.79, p<0.001) and fatigue (r=.45, p<0.001) most highly correlated with the MPN-SAF insomnia item with all other QLQ-C30 symptoms having correlations between .13 and .37 (all p<.001). Among MPN-SAF items, the MPN-SAF insomnia item correlated with all MPN-SAF items (all p<0.001) including the TSS (r=0.55, p<0.001) and most highly with depression (r=.52, p<0.001), concentration problems (r=.43, p<0.001), overall QOL (r=.41, p<0.001), night sweats (r=.41, p<0.001), and extremity tingling (r=.40, p<0.001). MPN-SAF insomnia significantly differed by gender (means: M 2.4, F 3.4; p<0.001), language (means ranged from 2.6 [Italian] to 3.6 [German]; p=0.01), anemia (means: absent 2.8, present 3.5; p<0.001), prior hemorrhage (means: no 2.9, yes 3.7; p=0.01), and requiring red blood cell transfusion (means: no 2.9, yes 3.6; p=0.03), with a trend for a difference by MPN type (ET mean=2.7, PV mean=3.0, MF mean=3.2; p=0.06). Multivariate Analysis In a multivariate model of MPN-SAF insomnia containing all QLQ-C30 functioning scales, physical, emotional, and cognitive functioning along with global health status/QOL were all significant (all p<0.001). Numerous symptoms were also significant in a multivariate model of MPN-SAF insomnia containing all other MPN-SAF symptoms (all p<0.05: headaches, extremity tingling, depression, sexual problems, night sweats, pruritus, fever, and QOL). The final multivariate model based on forward regression starting with all demographics, clinical variables, and patient-reported QLQ-C30 scales and MPN-SAF items found age, gender, QLQ-C30 emotional functioning and MPN-SAF items to be significant. Conclusions Insomnia is highly prevalent and severe in MPN patients and closely correlates with most other MPN-related symptoms and functional domains bearing a multi-faceted impact on overall quality of life. Correlations between insomnia and emotional, cognitive, and physical complaints including depression/sad mood, concentration problems, night sweats, and numbness/tingling in the extremities suggest that the cause of MPN-related sleep complaints is likely complex. Future studies should evaluate the impact of interventions on MPN associated insomnia as well as its biological underpinnings. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; YM Bioscience: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria; Shire: Speakers Bureau; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria.
Myeloproliferative (MPN) Symptom Burden Response Thresholds: Assessment Of MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles As Potential Markers Of Symptom Response
Emanuel, Robyn M., Geyer, Holly L. , Slot, Stephanie, Boekhorst, Peter A.W. te , Commandeur, Suzan, Schouten, Harry C. , Sackmann, Federico, Fuentes, Ana Kerguelen, Pahl, Heike L. , Stegelmann, Frank , Doehner, Konstanze, Bonatz, Karin, Reiter, Andreas , Boyer, Françoise, Étienne, Gabriel , Ranta, Dana, Roy, Lydia , Cahn, Jean‐Yves , Harrison, Claire , Radia, Deepti , Muxí, Pablo , Maldonado, Norman I, Besses, Carlos , Cervantes, Francisco , Johansson, Peter , Barbui, Tiziano , Andréasson, Björn , Ferrari, Maria Luisa, Samuelsson, Jan , Birgegård, Gunnar , Xiao, Zhijian , Xu, Junqing, Zhang, Peihong , Tefferi, Ayalew , Dueck, Amylou C. , Kiladjian, Jean‐Jacques , Zweegman, Sonja , Hernández‐Maraver, Dolores , Lehmann, Thomas , Ianotto, Jean‐Christophe , Barosi, Giovanni , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco , Grießhammer, Martin , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Xu, Zefeng , Zhang, Yue , Sun, Xiujuan , Gale, Robert Peter , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4067-4067

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4067.4067 Get It

Abstract Background We have previously reported on the significant, but heterogeneous baseline MPN symptom burden among an international sample of MPN patients (including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF)) utilizing the MPN Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) and the derivative Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS). Recent clinical trials have sought to determine optimal MPN symptom response criteria, such as absolute 10 point improvement in MPN SAF TSS for ET/PV (ELN Criteria, Barosi et. al. Blood 2013) and 50% reduction in MPN-SAF TSS for MF (IWG-MRT, Tefferi et. al. Blood 2013). We sought to determine the role of improvement in MPN-SAF TSS quartiles as potential thresholds to assess symptomatic response to therapy. Methods Utilizing prospectively gathered MPN-SAF TSS (Emanuel et. al. JCO 2012) in patients we assessed potential thresholds of response by evaluating quartile thresholds for severity of symptom burden. The MPN-SAF TSS was scored as the average of 10 symptoms (individual symptoms scores of 0-10, with a total score of 0 (best) to 100 (worst)). MPN-SAF TSS quartiles were identified by the percentage of scores between 0-24% (quartile 1 (Q1)), 25-49% (quartile 2 (Q2)), 50-74% (quartile 3 (Q3)), 75-100% (quartile 4 (Q4)). Results MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: MPN-SAF TSS quartiles were identified among 1858 MPN patients (ET N=775, PV N=654, and MF N=423). Overall MPN-SAF TSS scores of 0 - 7 were designated as Q1, 8 - 17 as Q2, 18 - 31 as Q3, and ≥ 32 was as Q4. MPN-SAF TSS scores were significantly different between clusters (p<0.001). Associations Between Quartiles and Demographic/ Disease Factors: As quartiles increased, the proportion of PV and ET patients diminished and MF increased (Table 1, p<0.001). Cytopenias and transfusion dependence increased in prevalence in the higher quartiles (p<0.001). A history of prior thrombosis was also significantly more prevalent in the quartiles with highest symptom burden (p<0.001). The prevalence of women was significantly higher among the more symptomatic quartiles females 48.9% Q1, 49.4% Q2, 58.4% Q3, and 60.1% Q4; p<0.001). Associations Between Individual Symptoms and MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: All individual symptoms measured in the MPN-SAF TSS were significantly worse in quartiles as they increased (p<0.0001). Evaluation of Prognostic Scoring and MPN-SAF TSS Quartiles: Comparison of each patients individual risk score (IPSET, PV, DIPSS for MF) and worsening symptom quartile showed the highest correlation with MF patients (DIPSS) (Table 1). However, ET and PV risk scores were not surrogates for symptom burden by quartile. Conclusions Distribution of MPN patient symptomatic burden by MPN-SAF TSS quartiles provides an easy-to-calculate method to cluster and analyze MPN patients of similar burden. Although MF patients are most prevalent in the most severe quartile of MPN symptomatology it is notable that Q4 has many patients with PV and ET. Future prospective efforts are ongoing to assess the potential of using changes in quartile (i.e. improving from Q3 to Q1) as potential symptomatic response thresholds. Disclosures: Etienne: novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Roy:Novartis, BMS: Honoraria. Harrison:Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; S Bio: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Shire: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Honoraria; YM Bioscience: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Vannucchi:Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees. Birgegard:Vifor Pharma: Honoraria.
Second Malignancies After Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (AHCT) for Multiple Myeloma (MM): A Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) Analysis
Raval, Girindra , Mahindra, Anuj, Zhong, Xiaobo , Brazauskas, Ruta , Brandenburg, Nancy A., Krishnan, Amrita , Gale, Robert Peter , Lonial, Sagar , Dispenzieri, Angela , Hari, Parameswaran

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 591-591

10.1182/blood.v120.21.591.591 Get It

Abstract Abstract 591 Background: Survival of patients with MM has improved over the past two decades, in part due to the use of AHCT. Increasingly, second primary malignancies (SPMs) are observed in MM survivors. Determining the baseline incidence and risk factors associated with SPMs after AHCT is important to assess risk and to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of newer therapies. Methods: We analyzed the incidence of SPMs in 3784 MM patients receiving (“upfront”) AHCT for MM within 18 months of diagnosis between 1990 and 2010 and reported to the CIBMTR. Cumulative incidence rates of SPMs were estimated taking into account the competing risk of death. For each transplant recipient, the number of person-years at risk was calculated from the date of transplantation until date of last contact, death, or diagnosis of SPM, whichever occurred first. Incidence rates for all invasive cancers in the general population were obtained from the SEER database. Age-, sex-, and race- specific incidence rates for overall SPMs and particular anatomical sites were applied to the appropriate person-years at risk to compute the expected numbers of cancers. Observed–to –expected (O/E) ratios were calculated, and Poisson distribution 99% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated. Poisson regression model was used to analyze risk factors for overall SPMs and AML/MDS. Results: Pre-transplant therapy included novel agents in 56% including thalidomide (35%), lenalidomide (9%), bortezomib (16%) or their combinations (11%). Majority (80%) received high dose melphalan conditioning. Post-transplant maintenance therapy included thalidomide (16%), lenalidomide (8%), bortezomib (9%) and interferon (6%). Median follow-up of survivors was 52 months (range 3 to 192 months).With 12707 person years of follow up, 153 new malignancies were reported with a crude rate of 1.2 SPM per 100 person years of follow up. Observed/Expected [O/E] ratio for all SPMs was 0.99 (99% CI, 0.80–1.22). Cumulative incidence of SPM overall was 2.48% (95% CI, 1.96–3.05) at 3 years and 6.0% (95% CI, 4.96–7.10) at 7 years [Figure 1]. Individual SPMs observed significantly more frequently than expected are summarized in Table 1. The cumulative incidence of MDS/AML was 0.5% (95% CI, 0.28–0.78) at 3 years and 1.3 (95% CI, 0.85– 1.9%) at 7 years. Majority had MM progression prior to diagnosis of SPM (65 of 102 patients overall and 15 of 23 patients for MDS/AML). In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for development of SPMs included: obesity [Hazard ratio = HR 1.89(95%CI, 1.21–2.93), p=0.0047 for BMI>30 vs. BMI<25], older age: [HR10.53 (95%CI, 1.46–75.82), p=0.0195] for 60–69 year olds and HR14.4 (95%CI, 1.89–109.75), p=0.01 for 70+ year olds compared to the 18–39 year old group. Specific conditioning regimens did not correlate with the risk of SPM. The low number of MDS/AML (33 events out of 3784 cases) limited the power of multivariate analysis. Increasing age was significantly associated with development of MDS (HR10.77, (95%CI,92.09–55.51), p=0.004 for 70+ year old vs. 40–49 year olds). Conclusion: In this large cohort of AHCT recipients for MM, the incidence of MDS/AML, melanoma and other skin cancers was significantly higher compared to age and sex matched general population. However the overall risk of SPM was similar to that expected for age and sex matched population. It was also similar to the placebo arms of recent reports by McCarthy Pl et al and Attal M et al (N Engl J Med. 10; 366(19):1770–91). Lenalidomide (8%) or thalidomide maintenance (16%) used in a small subset of patients with comparatively short follow up, was not associated with risk of SPM in the analysis of the overall cohort. Disclosures: Gale: Celgene: Employment. Brandenburg:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Lonial:Millennium, Celgene, Novartis, BMS, Onyx, Merck all Consultancy. Krishnan:Celgene and Millennium: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Dispenzieri:Celgene and Millennium: Research Funding. Hari:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria.
Emergency response to radiological and nuclear accidents and incidents
Gale, Robert Peter , Hashmi, Shahrukh K. , Gale, Robert P , Armitage, Jamés O.

British Journal of Haematology | August 7, 2019 | Volume: 192 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 968-972

10.1111/bjh.16138 Get It

SummaryBone marrow damage is an important consequence of exposure to acute high‐dose whole‐body radiation. As such, haematologists can play an important role in managing this complication. However, these accident and incident scenarios are complex and often involve injuries to other organs and tissues from heat, projectiles and chemicals. In the case of a large‐scale event there will likely be severe infrastructure disruptions and injury or death to medical personnel. Accurate estimates of dose and uniformity of exposure are needed to intelligently direct appropriate interventions, which range from antibiotics, antifungals and anti‐virus drugs, molecularly‐cloned haematopoietic growth factors and, in rare instances, haematopoietic cell transplants. These therapies are ones that haematologists often use in the context of anti‐cancer therapy, especially therapy of haematological cancers like leukaemia. However, most haematologists have little knowledge of radiation biology and should consider updating this aspect of their expertise in continuing medical education. As in other areas of medicine, prevention is better than cure and haematologists should be active in decreasing risks of a nuclear war.