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Betcher, Jeffrey

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic

Citations 12

Decreasing drug waste, reducing drug costs, and improving workflow efficiency through the implementation of automated chemotherapy dose rounding rules in the electronic health record system
Shah, Vishal , Spence, A, Bartels, Trace , Betcher, Jeffrey, Soefje, Scott A. , Soefje, Scott A , Shah, Vishal

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy | December 23, 2021 | Volume: 79 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 676-682

10.1093/ajhp/zxab479 Get It

Abstract Purpose To decrease drug waste and cost by implementing automated chemotherapy dose rounding rules in the electronic health record (EHR). Dose rounding of chemotherapy is a recognized method for reducing drug waste, and professional organizations have published guidelines recommending dose rounding when possible. Summary On the basis of current literature and guideline recommendations, Mayo Clinic developed system-wide consensus to allow dose rounding for biologic and chemotherapy agents to the nearest vial size if rounding resulted in the dose being within 10% of the originally calculated dose or to a convenient measurable volume, based on concentration of the drug, if rounding to the nearest vial size resulted in the dose being outside the 10% range. Oncology pharmacists reviewed and analyzed all drugs listed in the EHR used in injectable form for the treatment of cancer and developed dose rounding rules. The rules were implemented and applied at the dose calculation stage before provider signature. From January to June 2019, approximately 40,000 cancer treatment doses were administered. The rounding rules saved a total of 9,814 vials of drug, of which 5,329 were for biologic agents and 4,485 were for oncolytic drugs. This resulted in a total 6-month cost savings of $7,284,796 (in 2019 dollars; biologics, $5,727,402; oncolytics, $1,557,394). Conclusion Systematic implementation of dose rounding rules utilizing the EHR can result in significant reduction of drug waste and realization of savings.
Clofarabine Based Chemotherapy in Adult Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma-a Single Institution Experience
Lin, Tasha , Al‐Kali, Aref , Sproat, Lisa, Betcher, Jeffrey, Barreto, Jason N. , Hashmi, Shahrukh K. , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Gangat, Naseema , Elliott, Michelle A. , Litzow, Mark R. , Alkhateeb, Hassan B. , Damlaj, Moussab , Hogan, William J.

Blood | November 17, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 4910-4910

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4910.4910 Get It

Abstract Background: Adult relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (rALL) carries a very poor prognosis with limited options for effective salvage therapy. To date, there has been only a single retrospective report on the use of clofarabine in adult rALL demonstrating CR rate of 31% in this setting (Barba P et al. 2012). Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of clofarabine based therapy in a relatively large cohort of adult rALL patients. Method: After IRB approval, a retrospective single institution study of all patients (pts) diagnosed with rALL treated with a clofarabine based regimen at Mayo Clinic between 2000 - 2014 was performed. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared test while continuous variables were analyzed using the Wilcoxon / Kruskal-Wallis test with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier method and means were compared using log ranks. Results: Presenting features: We identified a total of 22 pts with a diagnosis of rALL who received clofarabine based therapy. 20 patients were evaluable and 2 were excluded (one received clofarabine as salvage for positive MRD and the other as systemic maintenance with CNS directed therapy for an isolated CNS relapse). Among evaluable pts, median age at time of Clofarabine based chemotherapy was 39 years (range 19-65) and 50% were males. Thirteen had B-ALL while 7 had T-ALL. Median leukocyte count was 6 x109 (0.2-28.7), hemoglobin 9.8 g/dL (7-12.9), platelet 65 x109 (12-493), peripheral blood blast 4% (0-88) and bone marrow blasts 80% (0-95) while five pts had extramedullary disease. Median number of prior regimens was 2 (1-7).. 8 (40%) pts were post allogeneic transplant Treatment and Response: 10 pts (50%) received clofarabine monotherapy, 7(35%) clofarabine and cytarabine, and 3 (15%) had clofarabine, etoposide and cyclophosphamide. Overall response rate (CR/CRi + PR) was 35%. Five (25%) achieved CR/CRi, and 2 achieved PR. Among those who achieved CR, 4 out 5 proceeded to further therapy; 2 to allogeneic stem cell transplant and two additional patients received donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). One pt with PR also proceeded to allogeneic stem cell transplant. In comparative analysis, there were more males 6 (86%) vs 1(14%) in the responding arm (P = 0.014), otherwise the number of regimens prior to clofarabine, type of clofarabine regimen, transplant status, T vs B cell ALL, did not impact response. Median overall survival was 2.4 months (1.3-2.9) in non-responders vs. 12.8 months (3-27.4) in responders (P =0.0007) (Figure 1). All pts who proceeded to transplant or DLI relapsed with a median time to relapse of 6.4 (4.8-13.7) months. Toxicity: Rash/Hand Foot syndrome was observed in 3 pts (19%), Grade III-IV liver toxicity occurred in 4 (26%) with no permanent sequela. Opportunistic infection occurred in 3 pt (17%). Conclusion: Clofarabine based chemotherapy was a well-tolerated salvage regimen in heavily pretreated patients and was an effective bridge to definitive therapy in a significant proportion of cases. Prospective evaluation of these findings is warranted. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding.
Reduced Toxicity Conditioning With Fludarabine, BCNU, Melphalan and Anti-Thymocyte Globulin Followed By Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant For Patients With Primary and Post ET/PV Myelofibrosis: Single Center Experience At Mayo Clinic Arizona
Fauble, Veena, Noël, Pierre, Adams, Roberta H. , Chang, Yu‐Hui, Leis, José F., Khera, Nandita , Sproat, Lisa , Reeder, Craig B. , Klein, Jared , Betcher, Jeffrey, Higgins, Meagan S., DeCook, Lori, Palmer, Jane M. , Gerber, Susan, Henderson, Kimberly J., Beebe, Kristen , Chiffelle, Rochelle, Olsen, Jane, Toro, Angela, Slack, James L., Mesa, Ruben A. , Palmer, Jane

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2835-2835

10.1182/blood.v122.21.2835.2835 Get It

Abstract Introduction Myelofibrosis (MF), both primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and post essential thrombocytosis/polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (post ET/PV-MF), are chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms that are incurable with standard medical therapy. The only potential curative therapeutic modality remains allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT), but the optimum conditioning regimen has yet to be defined and may vary due to pre-ASCT factors such as age, donor source, and comorbidities. In the past, traditional myeloablative (MA) regimens have proven toxic. Reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens have generally become the accepted standard of care for patients with PMF or Post PV/ET MF in need of ASCT, but with the potential for increase in relapse especially for high risk disease. The optimal conditioning regimen has yet to be defined. The regimen of Fludarabine, BCNU, and melphalan (FBM) is considered a reduced toxicity regimen that may afford the benefit of reduction in relapse without increase in toxicity and may “bridge the gap” between MA and RIC especially in older patients. Patients with MF have high inflammatory cytokine levels which may act as mediators of MF symptom burden and may further aggravate mediators of acute GVHD, which is one of the most frequent and severe complications of ASCT. Selection of conditioning regimen and GVHD prophylaxis are keys to MF transplant outcomes. We report here the results of 16 patients who received conditioning with FBM with rATG (FBM-A) with PMF and post PV/ET MF. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients from October 2009 to November 2012 with PMF or post ET/PV-MF who underwent an ASCT with FBM-A. Patient demographic and transplant data were analyzed from a comprehensive database. The use of such data for reporting purpose was approved by the Mayo Clinic Arizona Institutional Review Board. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier. Results There were 16 patients analyzed who had PMF or post PV/ET MF or overlap syndromes. The median follow-up of surviving patients is 20.4 months (range 8 months – 46 months). The median age was 60 (range 47-68 yrs) with 56% of patients being ≥ 60yrs. There were 8 males and 8 females. The JAK2 V617F mutation was present in 64% of patients. 86% were high risk according to the DIPSS system with 14% being intermediate-2 risk. None of the patients underwent splenectomy prior to transplant. The median HCT-CI score was 1.5 with 6 (38%) of the patients having an HCT-CMI ≥3. Donors were related in 10 patients (8 matched, 2 mismatched at 1 antigen) and unrelated in 6 (matched, n=3, 1-antigen mismatch, n=3). GVHD prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus, MMF, and ATG 2.5 – 5.0 mg/kg. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grades III-IV was 15.3% at 6 months, and the cumulative incidence of NIH-defined moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD was 25% at 2 years. No patient has relapsed, and no patient has developed graft failure. There have been 4 deaths, 3 from GVHD, and 1 from infection. Among the 3 patients who died from GVHD, all were unrelated donor transplants, and 2 were mismatched unrelated transplants. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival (OS) is 72% (95% CI, 45 – 91%). The cumulative incidence of TRM was 12.6% (95% CI 3.9%-34%) at 1 year. Conclusion The reduced-toxicity regimen of FBM-A in PMF, Post ET/PV MF and overlap syndromes appear to provide the benefit of an ablative regimen with the tolerance of a RIC. The 2-year overall survival of 72% in our series is encouraging in an older population of predominantly high-risk patients. Treatment failure was related predominately to GVHD, which continues to be a significant obstacle to better long-term outcomes, especially in unrelated and mismatched patients. Reduced toxicity ASCT conditioning regimens in the setting of MF warrant further investigation. Disclosures: Reeder: Celgene: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Millenium: Research Funding.
Does Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Benefit Older (≥ 60) AML/MDS Patients With Monosomal Karyotype?
Slack, James L., Khera, Nandita , Fauble, Veena, Leis, José F., Sproat, Lisa, Klein, Jared , Reeder, Craig B. , Betcher, Jeffrey, Noël, Pierre

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 3399-3399

10.1182/blood.v122.21.3399.3399 Get It

Abstract Background The prognosis for AML or MDS patients (pts) with monosomal karyotype (MK) is dismal. Although a benefit for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) compared to chemotherapy or autologous HCT has been demonstrated in young (≤ 60) pts (Cornelissen, 2012), the curative potential of allo-HCT in older (≥ 60) pts with monosomal karyotype AML/MDS is not known. Patients and methods In this retrospective review, we analyzed outcomes for 69 AML (n = 49) or MDS (n = 20) pts ≥ 60 who underwent allo-HCT at Mayo Clinic Arizona between 2005 and 2013, based on cytogenetic grouping as follows: cytogenetically normal (CN, n = 23), cytogenetically abnormal but not MK (CA, n = 32), and MK (n = 14). Monosomal karyotype was defined (Breems, 2008) as a karyotype with at least two autosomal monosomies or a single autosomal monosomy in combination with at least one structural abnormality. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of these 3 cytogenetic groupings on outcome (primary endpoint progression-free survival). The median age for all pts was 66 (60-76), and median follow-up for surviving pts was 22 months (range 70 days – 7.1 years). Thirty-seven pts had high-risk disease (MDS > 5% blasts or AML not in CR), while 32 were considered standard risk (MDS <5% blasts or AML in CR). The majority of pts had good performance status (KPS ≥ 90% in 66), but 34 pts (49%) had an HCT-CI score of ≥ 3. Conditioning was myeloablative (Bu-Cy) in 4, reduced toxicity FBM (Fludarabine, BCNU, Melphalan) in 36, and RIC/NMA in 29. Donors were matched related in 18, matched unrelated in 36, and mismatched unrelated in 15. GVHD prophylaxis included tacrolimus in all pts combined with mycophenolate mofetil (37) or methotrexate (32); 49 pts received in-vivo T-cell depletion with rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG, Thymoglobulin, Genzyme, Cambridge, MA). Results The Kaplan-Meier estimate of progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 yrs was 59% (CN), 39% (CA), and 1.5% (MK); P = 0.004 (Fig. 1). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 yrs (with death without relapse as a competing risk) was 34% (CN), 25% (CA), and 94% (MK); P= 0.009). In a Cox proportional hazards analysis adjusted for age (≤ 66 vs. > 66), risk status (standard vs. high), conditioning (myeloablative [Bu-Cy + FBM] vs. RIC/NMA), use of ATG (yes/no), donor type (unrelated vs. related), and HCT-CI (0-2 vs. ≥ 3), the only factor predictive for inferior PFS was cytogenetic status (MK vs. CN, HR 4.64 [95% CI, 1.7 – 13]; P = 0.003); (MK vs. CA, HR 2.4 [95% CI 0.97 – 5.9]; P = .057). Conclusions Standard allo-HCT in AML or MDS pts ≥ 60 with a monosomal karyotype appears to have limited curative potential. Although larger studies will be required to confirm our results, novel transplant approaches or post-transplant strategies to prevent relapse should be a focus of future studies in this incurable pt population. Disclosures: Reeder: Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding.
Short Course Infliximab and Extracorporeal Photopheresis As Therapy For Steroid-Refractory Acute Gvhd In Matched Related and Unrelated Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (HCT)
Klein, Jared , Slack, James L., Sproat, Lisa , Fauble, Veena, Khera, Nandita , Leis, José F., Noël, Pierre, Torloni, Sergio, Adams, Roberta H. , Betcher, Jeff, Betcher, Jeffrey

Blood | October 14, 2019 | Volume: 122 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4590-4590

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4590.4590 Get It

Background Steroid-refractory (SR) acute graft-versus host disease (aGVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic HCT, for which there is no established standard treatment. Both ECP and cytokine inhibitors such as Infliximab have apparent single agent activity in the therapy of SR aGVHD, but there are no published data that address the efficacy of combination anticytokine therapy and ECP in this setting. We report here results in 18 adult patients (pts) with grade III or IV SR aGVHD who were treated with concurrent Infliximab and ECP. Patients All pts underwent allogeneic HCT (first transplant, n=15, second transplant, n=3) for a hematologic malignancy at Mayo Clinic Arizona between March 2012 and May 2013. The median age was 61 (range 22-70), and the median follow-up of 6 surviving pts is 263 days (range 79-433). Donors were related in 3, matched unrelated in 8, and mismatched unrelated in 7. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil in 13 pts and tacrolimus/methotrexate in 5; in addition, 17 pts received in vivo T-cell depletion with Thymoglobulin 2.5 – 7.5 mg/kg. All pts developed grades III-IV aGVHD at a median day 27 post-transplant (range 10-107) and failed to respond to a course of high-dose corticosteroids (methylprednisolone or equivalent 2 mg/kg daily) for at least 5 days. Treatment Regimen At diagnosis of SR aGVHD, pts were scheduled to receive weekly Infliximab 10 mg/kg (maximum 4 doses), concurrent with ECP performed twice or thrice weekly for one month, followed by a pre-specified taper schedule (anticipated total treatment duration of 6-9 months). To minimize infectious risk and morbidity, corticosteroids were tapered rapidly after the start of Infliximab/ECP therapy. Results Thirteen pts (72%) responded to the Infliximab/ECP combination; complete response (CR; resolution of all GVHD symptoms for at least 30 days and able to discontinue corticosteroids) was observed in 6 pts (33%), and partial response (PR; improvement in GVHD symptoms, partial taper of corticosteroids, and no additional agent for at least 30 days) in 7 pts (39%). At the time of this report, 6 pts are alive, and the Kaplan-Meier estimate of one-year survival is 22.5 % (95% CI, 8.8%-47%). Only pts who achieved CR had good outcomes (5/6 surviving and clinically well); among 13 pts with PR (7) or no response/progression (6) to Infliximab/ECP, 12 have died and one is day 79 post transplant and remains on ECP and low-dose prednisone. Eleven of the 12 deaths were related to GVHD or complications of its treatment (infection, multi-organ failure). Conclusions In this retrospective study of adult pts with severe (grade III/IV) SR aGVHD, treatment with 4 doses of weekly Infliximab and concurrent ECP resulted in an overall response rate of 72%, with one-third of pts achieving CR; the regimen was well-tolerated and facilitated early taper and rapid discontinuance of corticosteroids. Unfortunately, the overall survival of 22.5% at one year does not appear superior to other single agent or combination therapies reported in the literature, or to historical data from our program. Although a small percentage of pts appear to be long-term survivors, the majority of pts succumb to complications of progressive GVHD or infection. Given poor results with available therapies, and the dismal prognosis of pts with SR aGVHD, future research should focus on better preventative strategies for this devastating complication of allogeneic HCT. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Induction Therapy Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for MPN Blast Phase: Outcomes From Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Cherington, Chad, Slack, James L., Leis, José F., Adams, Roberta H. , Reeder, Craig B. , Camoriano, John , Noël, Pierre, Betcher, Jeffrey, Peterson, Mary , Higgins, Meagan S., Gillette-Kent, Ginger, Tremblay, Lisa D., Olsen, Jane, Mıkhael, Joseph , Tibes, Raoul , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1749-1749

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1749.1749 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1749 BACKGROUND: We have previously reported that transformation of a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) to acute leukemia or blast phase (MPN-BP) is accompanied by a median survival of 2.6 months (range 0–24.2 months) (Mesa et. al. Blood 2005) despite treatment. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) offers a potential for cure. We reviewed 13 patients with MPN – BP who were candidates for ASCT, and 8 of those patients received ASCT after induction chemotherapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of individuals who had a clear antecedent myeloproliferative neoplasm (essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), or myelofibrosis (MF) (either primary (PMF) or post ET/PV)), transformed to MPN-BP, and were candidates for ASCT. Clinical characteristics at each phase of illness, therapy at each phase of illness, and outcome of ASCT were assessed. RESULTS: Patients (MPN details): Thirteen patients (8 male, 5 female, median age at diagnosis of MPN 42 years in those who underwent ASCT and 64 years in those who did not receive ASCT (combined median 53 years, range 26–70)) were identified who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 2 had ET, 4 PV, 2 Post-ET MF, 1 Post-PV MF and 4 PMF. Jak2-V617F mutation was present in 7 of 8 patients tested. Treatments used during the MPN phase included hydroxyurea in 9 (+ busulfan in 1 and + anagrelide in 1), and thalidomide/prednisone in 2 (two patients received no treatment prior to MPN-BP). Patients (MPN-BP details): Transformation of an MPN to blast phase (from diagnosis of MPN) occurred after a median of 11 years in those who underwent ASCT and 8 years in non-ASCT (range 3 months to 30 years). At the time of MPN-BP diagnosis, 9 patients had an abnormal karyotype, 3 with complex karyotypes, 3 with trisomy 8 (sole abnormality), 1 with del(7q), 1 with del(13q). Leukemic induction consisted of standard anthracycline/cytarabine combination therapy (+/− etoposide), except for one patient received a study medication voreloxin. One patient who did not receive ASCT had remission after induction, but later expired from relapse, two expired soon after leukemic transformation, and two were too ill to receive induction. In the ASCT group (N=8), 5 patients achieved complete remission (CR) of their leukemia/return to MPN chronic phase (one of the five patients required a second induction to achieve CR), while 3 patients were considered primary induction failures due to persistence of > 5% blasts in the blood (2) or marrow (1) at the time of pre-transplant response assessment. The median time from diagnosis of MPN-BP to ASCT was 128 days. ASCT Details and Outcomes: Patients (median age of 55 years at time of ASCT; range 44–73) underwent ASCT (all HLA identical, 3 matched unrelated donors, 5 matched sibling donors) with either reduced intensity conditioning (n=6) or fully myeloablative conditioning (n=2). After a median follow-up of 488 days (range 127 – 1206), 6 of 8 patients are alive and free of disease. MPN-BP recurred in two patients at day 69 and 77 post-transplant; both patients eventually died of progressive leukemia, one after a second transplant. Acute GVHD occurred in 3 patients (1 grade III, 2 grade II), and chronic GVHD in 4 (2 mild, 2 moderate). All five patients who achieved CR (marrow and PB blasts < 5%) after induction therapy remain in continuous CR, while 2 of the 3 patients with evidence of persistent leukemia relapsed and died of MPN-BP. No patient died of transplant-related causes and all patients engrafted promptly. CONCLUSION: Rapid induction followed by ASCT can offer a curative path for individuals with MPN-BP. Although limited by small numbers, our data suggest that leukemic clearance (marrow blast percentage < 5%) prior to ASCT is associated with improved outcome. Disclosures: Mesa: Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
In-Vivo T-Cell Depletion with Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (r-ATG) Prevents Severe Acute and Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) and Allows Safe Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-SCT) From Mismatched, Unrelated Donors
Slack, James L., Leis, José F., Reeder, Craig B. , Noël, Pierre, Betcher, Jeffrey, Peterson, Mary , Higgins, Meagan S., Gillette-Kent, Ginger, Tremblay, Lisa D., Olson, Jane J, Adams, Roberta H. , Mıkhael, Joseph , Mesa, Ruben A. , Tibes, Raoul , Olson, Jane J.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1977-1977

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1977.1977 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1977 Introduction: Transplant options are limited for adult patients (pts) who lack a fully matched related or unrelated donor. We hypothesized that in-vivo T-cell depletion with r-ATG would allow safe allo-SCT from mismatched, unrelated donors, thus expanding the potential donor pool for pts with hematologic malignancies who require allo-SCT. Patients and Methods: Thirty seven adult pts (age 20 – 70, median 45) underwent a first unrelated, mismatched, allo-SCT between 1/1/2006 and 6/30/2011 at Mayo Clinic Arizona for hematologic malignancy (35 PBSC, 2 marrow). All pts had at least a one allele or one antigen mismatch (MM) at HLA-A, -B, -C, or -DRB1, and all except one pt received r-ATG as part of the GVHD prophylaxis strategy (dose range 2.5 – 10 mg/kg in daily dose of 2.5 mg/kg depending on degree of mismatch, with the last dose generally given on day −1). One pt received Campath after experiencing anaphylaxis to r-ATG. Pts were transplanted for acute myeloid leukemia (n = 19; 10 CR1, 6 CR2, 3 other), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 8; 4 CR1, 4 CR>/= 2), chronic myeloid leukemia (n = 1), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 5), or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 4). Conditioning was myeloablative in 20, reduced intensity in 16, and non-myeloablative in 1. Mismatches were as follows: 1-allele MM (n = 7); 1 antigen MM (n = 15); 2 allele MM (n = 4); 1 antigen, 1 allele MM (n = 7); and 2 antigen MM (n = 4). Additional GVHD prophylaxis included tacrolimus plus either methotrexate (n =21), mycophenolate mofetil (n = 14), or other (n = 2). Results: The median follow-up for surviving pts is 12 months. As of 6/30/11, 31 pts were alive, and 6 had died of the following causes: multiorgan failure (n = 1), relapse (n = 3), and veno-occlusive disease (n = 2). To date, there have been no deaths related to acute or chronic GVHD. The 1- and 2-year estimated rates of overall survival are 84.5%/78.8% (Fig. 1); of progression-free survival 79.7%/72.0%. The estimated rate of relapse at 1 and 2 years is 11.8%/18.7%, and of non-relapse mortality 8.1%/10.5%. Four pts (10.8%) have developed severe (grades III-IV) acute GVHD by day 100 (days 19, 27, 30, 43; one pt after withdrawal of prograf due to transplant-associated microangiopathy). No late onset severe acute GVHD has been seen. Moderate to severe NIH-defined chronic GVHD occurred in a single pt at risk (cumulative incidence estimate 2.4% at 1 year, 4.7% at 2 years; Fig. 2). Four pts have reactivated EBV, with one developing PTLD (all have been treated with Rituximab). CMV reactivation was seen in 24 pts (65%), CMV disease in 4, with no deaths directly related to CMV. Conclusions: In vivo T-cell depletion with r-ATG abrogates severe acute and chronic GVHD, and allows use of mismatched unrelated donors for allo-SCT in adult pts with otherwise incurable hematologic malignancies. Long-term survivors are generally free of severe chronic GVHD, with good quality of life. There does not appear to be an increased incidence of disease relapse, and non-relapse mortality is low. This approach is safe, effective, and considerably expands the donor pool for adult pts who require allo-SCT. Disclosures: Reeder: Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding. Mesa:Incyte: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; SBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Research Funding; NS Pharma: Research Funding; Celgene: Research Funding.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-SCT) for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Low Incidence of Relapse and Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) in Patients (pts) Transplanted without Active Leukemia Using in-Vivo T-Cell Depletion with Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte
Slack, James L., Leis, José F., Reeder, Craig B. , Noël, Pierre, Betcher, Jeffrey, Peterson, Mary , Higgins, Meagan S., Gillette-Kent, Ginger, Tremblay, Lisa D., Olsen, Jane, Adams, Roberta H. , Mıkhael, Joseph , Tibes, Raoul , Mesa, Ruben A.

Blood | October 12, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4527-4527

10.1182/blood.v118.21.4527.4527 Get It

Abstract Abstract 4527 Introduction: The prognosis for pts with intermediate or high risk AML remains dismal, with relapse rates typically in the 60–80% range after treatment with chemotherapy alone. While allo-SCT can decrease the risk of relapse to 10–20%, widespread use of this modality is limited by relatively high rates of non-relapse mortality (NRM), often due to severe acute and/or chronic GVHD. Attenuation of severe GVHD, without a concomitant increase in relapse or NRM, should improve outcomes and result in cure of a larger fraction of AML pts. We therefore investigated the use of in-vivo T-cell depletion with r-ATG in pts with intermediate- or high-risk AML but without active leukemia at the time of allo-SCT. Patients and Methods: Pts (n = 43) were included in this retrospective analysis if they were between 18 and 65 years of age and had no evidence of active AML at the time of allo-SCT (see Table). All pts had 1 or more high-risk features: 1) adverse or intermediate risk cytogenetics (without NPM1 mutation if cytogenetically normal); 2) therapy-related or secondary AML; 3) high WBC count at diagnosis; 4) failure to achieve CR after 1 cycle of induction; or 5) not in CR1 at allo-SCT. Among the 43 pts, 10 received grafts from related donors, 14 from 10/10 matched unrelated donors (URDs), and 19 from mismatched URDs (9/10, n = 11; 8/10, n = 8). All pts received r-ATG according to institutional standard operating policy, with doses ranging from 2.5 – 10 mg/kg depending on donor type and degree of mismatch. All transplants were performed using PBSC. Additional GVHD prophylaxis included tacrolimus plus either methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil. Results: The median age was 47 (range 20 – 65), and median follow-up for surviving pts is 12 (range 1 – 66) months. As of 8/5/11, 39 pts were alive, and 4 had died from multiorgan failure (n = 1), relapse (n = 1), GVHD (n = 1), and veno-occlusive disease (n = 1). The 2-year estimate of PFS is 84.7% (Fig. 1). The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse is 6.8% (2 pts, days 97 and 147), and of non-relapse mortality 9.4%. Three pts developed severe (grades III-IV) acute GVHD by day 100 (cumulative incidence 4.6% at day 100) with no additional cases of severe acute GVHD beyond day 100. To date, 4 pts have developed moderate/severe chronic GVHD (cumulative incidence 16.8% at 2 yrs), with one death at day 344 related to complications of acute and chronic GVHD. CMV reactivation occurred in 29 pts (56%), with no deaths related to CMV. Three pts have reactivated EBV, with one case of PTLD (all treated with Rituximab). Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of single center data, the inclusion of r-ATG in the GVHD prophylactic strategy appeared to significantly attenuate the incidence and severity of both acute and chronic GVHD. Although follow-up is relatively early, the incidence of relapse and NRM does not appear to be increased compared to contemporaneous pts treated without ATG. Given that almost half of the pts received grafts from mismatched URDs, this abrogation in risk of GVHD is significant and clinically relevant. While randomized studies are needed, these data suggest that in-vivo T-cell depletion with r-ATG ameliorates severe GVHD, without increasing relapse or non-relapse mortality, in AML pts without overt leukemia at the time of allo-SCT. Using this strategy, cure rates of 70 – 80% may be realistic and attainable for younger (</= age 65) AML patients who achieve a leukemia-free state and who have a reasonably matched related or unrelated donor. Disclosures: Reeder: Celgene: Research Funding; Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding.
Early fluctuations in busulfan levels with therapeutic dose monitoring during allogeneic stem cell transplantation: do they matter?
Jain, Tania , Khetarpal, Banveet Kaur , McCallen, Margaret, Betcher, Jeffrey, Ofori, Henry , Khera, Nandita , Slack, James L., Leis, José F., Sproat, Lisa Z., Noël, Pierre, Palmer, Jeanne , Kunze, Katie L. , Khetarpal, Banveet K, McCallen, Margaret R, Betcher, Jeffrey A, Ofori, Henry T, Jain, Tania

Leukemia & Lymphoma | January 10, 2019 | Volume: 60 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 2034-2041

10.1080/10428194.2018.1562183 Get It

Single dose versus multiple doses of rituximab for preemptive therapy of Epstein–Barr virus reactivation after hematopoietic cell transplantation
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Leukemia & Lymphoma | July 6, 2018 | Volume: 60 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 110-117

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