White, William L.

Abstract Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) recovery post-autologous stem cell transplantation has been documented as an independent predictor for survival in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The effect of ALC recovery on survival during standard CHOP or R-CHOP chemotherapy for newly diagnosed diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is unknown. To participate in the study, patients required to receive their full treatment with complete blood count determinations at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Of 1633 DLBCL cases seen at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine between February 1994 through August 2004, 212 consecutive DLBCL patients were eligible for the study. We study ALC recovery as a prognostic factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in DLBCL patients treated with at least 3 cycles of CHOP or R-CHOP. 57% were male and the median age was 66 years (range: 20 – 87); 42% had elevated LDH, only 11% had a PS of 2 or higher; 58% were low stage (I or II); 88% of pts achieved a complete response. ALC was evaluated at the beginning of each treatment cycle, focusing on cycles 1–3 and the 3 month post treatment sample. ALC for each of the cycles were significantly correlated with PFS and OS, with cycle 1 ALC most significantly correlated when accounting for inherent differences based on treatment (Rx) type (i.e. CHOP vs. R-CHOP) as well as high vs. low IPI (PFS: p = 0.0012; OS: p = 0.005). Also, 74 pts achieved an ALC of at least 1,000 during all three cycles, where there was no significant relationship with this incidence and Rx type; this incidence was significantly associated with higher PFS (p = 0.0007) and OS (p = 0.0006), even when accounting for Rx type and high vs. low IPI. In the 179 pts who had 3-month post-Rx ALC data, this was also significantly associated with PFS (p = 0.002) and OS (p = 0.0009), while still accounting for Rx type and IPI status. Achievement of ALC >= 1,000 post-Rx was also significant for PFS (p = 0.0014) and OS (0.003). Also of note, only cycle 1 ALC was significantly different in high vs. low IPI pts (p = 0.008). In summary, these data support the hypothesis that there is a critical role of lymphocyte (immune) recovery during CHOP/R-CHOP chemotherapy in DLBCL.

Abstract Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) post-autologous stem cell transplantation is an independent predictor for survival in Hodgkin’s Disease (HD). Lymphopenia at diagnosis is associated with worse prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed HD. The role of ALC recovery during standard chemotherapy for HD is unknown. We analyzed all patients managed for HD at the Mayo Clinic from 1986 to 2003. Of the 141 consecutive patients, two patients were excluded due to missing ALC data. Of the 139 patients, 63 patients were females and 76 males. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 31 years (range 6–75 years). 118 (85%) patients presented with nodular sclerosis HD, 10 (7%) with mixed cellularity, 2 (1%) with lymphocyte predominance, 1(1%) with lymphocyte depletion, 4 (3%) with lymphocyte predominant (nodular variant), and 4 (3%) unclassified. Frontline chemotherapy included ABVD (N = 79), MOPP-ABV (N = 47), COPP-ABV (N = 8), BEACOPP (N = 3), and Stanford V (N =2). The median number of cycles was 6 (range: 2–10). The median follow-up for the cohort was 62 months (range: 4–221 months). The ALC recovery was analyzed during the first 4 cycles as 90% of the patients received at least 4 cycles of therapy. Patients with an ALC ≥ 1.3 x 109/l at any time point within the first four cycles of chemotherapy (N = 93) demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to patients with an ALC < 1.3 x 109/L at all time points within the first four cycles of chemotherapy (N =46) (10 years OS and PFS: 91% vs 51%, p < 0.0001; 85% vs 52%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Both groups were balanced for the Hasenclever Index: albumin < 4g/dl (p = 0.1), hemoglobin < 10.5 g/dl (p = 0.46), male gender (p =0.21), age ≥ 45 years (p = 0.06), stage IV disease (p = 0.68), leukocytosis ≥ 15 x 109/L (p = 0.58), and lymphopenia < 600 cell/ml (p = 0.211). Multivariate analysis demonstrated ALC recovery to be independent predictor of OS and PFS when compared to the Hasenclever index. These data suggest a critical role of lymphocyte (immune) recovery during standard chemotherapy in HD.

Abstract The International Prognostic Index at the time of relapse (IPI-R) has been reported to predict clinical outcome in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) [Jabbour et al, Leukemia & Lymphoma2005;46(6):861–867; Lerner et al, Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplant2006;13:486–492; and Costa et al, Bone Marrow Transplant2008;41:715–720]. The absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) has been reported as a prognostic factor for survival at diagnosis, during standard chemotherapy and at day 15 post-ASCT for multiple hematological malignancies; however, no reports have addressed whether ALC at the time of relapse (ALC-R) predicts survival. Thus, we assessed the prognostic significance of ALC-R in patients with relapsed DLBCL. To be included in the study, patients were required to have been diagnosed with relapsed DLBCL, have ALC values available from the time of relapse, and to be followed at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. From Feb 2,1987 until March 6, 2006, 121 DLBCL patients qualified for the study. The overall survival (OS) was measured from the time of relapse to the date of death or last follow-up and progression-free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from relapse to the time of progression, relapse, death, or last follow-up. The median age at relapse was 68 years (range:25–88 years) and the median ALC-R was 1.21 x 109/L (range: 0.33–5.99 x 109/L). The value of ALC-R ≥ 1.0 x 109/L was used for the analysis based on previous publications. The groups (ALC-R ≥ 1 or < 1 x 109/L) were balanced for the IPI-R (p=0.1), as well as for undergoing ASCT (p=0.4). Superior OS was observed in patients with an ALC-R ≥ 1.0 x 109/L (N = 76) [median OS: 27.5 months, 3 years OS rates of 42%] compared with patient with an ALC-R < 1.0 x 109/L (N =45) [median OS: 9.4 months, 3 years OS rates of 13%] (p <0.0001). Superior PFS was also observed in patients with an ALC-R ≥ 1.0 x 109/L (N = 76) [median PFS: 14.8 months, 3 years PFS rates of 30%] compared with patient with an ALC-R < 1.0 x 109/L (N =45) [median PFS: 6.2 months, 3 years PFS rates of 11%] (p <0.001). ALC-R was an independent prognostic factor for OS [RR = 0.551, p < 0.009] and PFS [RR = 0.674, p < 0.02] in the multivariate analysis when compared with the IPI-R and whether patients underwent ASCT or not. Our study supports the hypothesis that ALC at relapse predicts clinical outcome in DLBCL and suggests that patient host immunity is an important variable predicting survival in relapsed DLBCL.

17505 Background: A previous trial of 2-CDA as a single agent for therapy of mantle cell lymphoma demonstrated this agent to be efficacious with an overall response rate of 81% (31% complete responses) (Blood 1999 Nov 15; 94:660a). A phase II study of the addition of rituximab to 2-CDA was conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group based on improved outcomes achieved by the addition of rituximab to other regimens active in MCL. Methods: This one-stage phase II study was designed to determine the complete response (CR) or complete response/unconfirmed (CRu) rate. Central pathology confirmation of cyclin D1 positive mantle cell lymphoma was required. No previous therapy for lymphoma was allowed, with the exception of splenectomy. The shedule was rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV day 1; 2-CDA 5 mg/m2/d IV days 1–5 of a 4-week cycle. After 2 of the first 6 patients developed grade 4 neutropenia, subsequent patients received either pegfilgrastim or filgrastim support. Patients received 2–6 cycles of therapy, depending on response. Patients were required to achieve at least a PR after 2 cycles of therapy to continue on protocol therapy. Results: Patient characteristics of all 29 eligible pts: median age: 70 (range: 41–86); 21 male, 8 female; PS 0 (55.2%), PS 1 (41.4%), PS 2 (3.5%); stage II (6.9%), stage III (3.5%), stage IV (89.7%); prior splenectomy (20.7%). The only grade 4 adverse event occurring more than once was neutropenia (20.7%). One patient died of cerebral ischemia in the setting of pneumonia without neutropenia. Response has been determined in 26 pts with 50.0% (95% CI: 30.0–70.0%) achieving a CR, none of whom have relapsed to date. Three patients progressed early at 17, 45, and 46 days, two of whom have died, and a fourth relapsed day 222. 10 pts (34.0%) went on to receive further therapy off study, 5 in less than a PR after 2 cycles, 2 in PR after study therapy, and 1 who went off study for a rash. At last contact, 26 (89.7%) were alive (median follow-up 10.7 months; range: 1–28). Conclusions: Rituximab and cladribine were well tolerated for the treatment of MCL in a group including elderly patients. The response rate may have been underestimated due to the study design, which required at least a PR after 2 cycles to continue therapy. Despite this, 50% achieved a complete remission. [Table: see text]

Abstract Purpose: Primary colorectal large B-cell lymphoma is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all malignancies in the colon. Standard treatment for limited stage diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCL) includes systemic therapy combined with involved field radiation therapy. However, radiation therapy may often not be feasible in patients with primary colon lymphoma. For primary DLBCL of the colon particularly the cecum, surgical resection prior to the administration of systemic chemotherapy has been considered to improve local control. The goal of this study was therefore to determine whether surgical resection improves the outcome of patients with primary DLBCL of the colon. Methods: Clinical information and outcomes on all the patients with primary DLBCL of the colon seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between January 1980 and June 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 28 patients identified with primary colon DLBCL. Pre-existing conditions like colon polyps, Crohn’s disease and diverticulosis were uncommon. The most common presenting symptom was bleeding per rectum seen in 13 patients (46.5%). Other symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhea and anemia. All patients had early stage disease (stage1–22 patients, stage2–6 patients) at diagnosis. Of the 28 patients, 16 underwent initial surgery followed by chemotherapy, 7 were treated with chemotherapy alone, and 5 patients had inadequate data to determine time to progression or overall survival. Chemotherapy was anthracycline based, with the most common regimen being CHOP (Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, Prednisone). There was no difference in overall survival or time to progression between the 16 patients who received combined modality therapy compared to the 7 patients who received chemotherapy alone. Of the 16 patients who underwent surgical resection followed by chemotherapy, all 5 patients who relapsed, relapsed at other sites in the colon. Conclusion: Surgery as part of combined modality therapy did not appear to improve the outcome of patients with primary DLBCL of the colon. Systemic chemotherapy with an anthracycline-based regimen in combination with rituximab is therefore likely to be sufficient treatment for these patients. Follow-up for these patients should include a colonoscopy to monitor for recurrences at other sites in the colon.

Abstract Peripheral blood absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis is a predictor of survival in B-cell lymphomas. The role of ALC at diagnosis on survival in T-cell lymphoma has not been studied. Thus, we studied the role of ALC at diagnosis on clinical outcome in adult patients with primary anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PALCL) that were diagnosed, treated, and followed at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. Between 1985 and 2006, 50 patients with PALCL qualified for the study. ALC was identified to be a strong predictor for complete response (CR), area under the curve (AUC = 0.83, p < 0.002). The median follow-up was 31.8 months (range: 1–212.6 months). ALC, as a continuous variable was a predictor for overall survival (OS) (HR = 0.143; 95%CI = 0.042–0.416; p < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.150; 95%CI = 0.047–0.415; p < 0.0001) .Superior OS and PFS (Figure 1) were observed with an ALC ≥ 1.0 x 109/L (N = 31) versus an ALC < 1.0 x 109/L (N=19) (median OS: not reached vs 7.5 months, OS rates at 5 years, 81% vs 36%, p < 0.0006, respectively; and median PFS: not reached vs 6.3 months; PFS rates at 5 years, 77% vs 37%, p < 0.0007, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated ALC to be an independent prognostic indicator for OS (HR = 0.196; 95%CI = 0.125–0.693; p < 0.002) and PFS (HR = 0.191; 95%CI = 0.053–0.559; p < 0.0008) when compared to anaplastic lymphoma kinase, international prognostic index, and cutaneous versus systemic presentation. Figure 1 Figure 1.

Abstract Background: A previous trial of 2-CDA as a single agent for therapy of mantle cell lymphoma demonstrated this agent to be efficacious with an overall response rate of 81% (31% complete responses) (Blood 1999 Nov 15; 94:660a). A phase II study of the addition of rituximab to 2-CDA was conducted by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group based on improved outcomes achieved by the addition of rituximab to other regimens active in MCL. Methods: This one-stage phase II study was designed to determine the complete response (CR) or complete response/unconfirmed (CRu) rate. Central pathology confirmation of cyclin D1 positive mantle cell lymphoma was required. No previous therapy for lymphoma was allowed, with the exception of splenectomy. The schedule was rituximab 375 mg/m2 IV day 1; 2-CDA 5 mg/m2/d IV days 1–5 of a 4-week cycle. After 2 of the first 6 patients developed grade 4 neutropenia, subsequent patients received either pegfilgrastim or filgrastim support. Patients received 2–6 cycles of therapy, depending on response. Patients were required to achieve at least a PR after 2 cycles of therapy to continue on protocol therapy. Results: Patient characteristics of all 29 eligible pts: median age: 70 (range: 41–86); 21 male, 8 female; PS 0 (55.2%), PS 1 (41.4%), PS 2 (3.5%); stage II (6.9%), stage III (3.5%), stage IV (89.7%); prior splenectomy (20.7%). The only grade 4 adverse events occurring more than once were neutropenia (24.1%) and leucopenia (6.9%). One patient died of cerebral ischemia in the setting of pneumonia without neutropenia. Fifteen (51.7%; 95% CI: 32.5–70.6%) pts achieved a CR; only one has relapsed to date (665 days after starting therapy). Four additional pts achieved a PR. Ten pts have progressed with 4 pts progressing early at 17, 45, 46, and 71 days (two of whom have died). Ten pts (34.0%) went on to receive further therapy off study, 5 in less than a PR after 2 cycles, 2 in PR after study therapy, and 1 who went off study for a rash. Fourteen pts (48.3%) have progressed or gone on to receive additional therapy off study. At last contact, 26 (89.7%) were alive (median follow-up 14.3 months; range: 6–34). One year survival rate is 89.3% (95% CI: 78.5–100). Conclusions: Rituximab and cladribine were well tolerated for the treatment of MCL in a group of elderly patients. The response rate may have been underestimated due to the study design, which required at least a PR after 2 cycles to continue therapy. Despite this, 52% achieved a complete remission. Complete remissions attained with this regimen appear to be durable, with a single relapse to date among 15 patients achieving CR.

Purpose Patients with newly diagnosed, advanced-stage, follicular grade 1 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are often asymptomatic and can be observed without immediate chemotherapy. The goals of this study were to assess the overall response rate (ORR) to rituximab in this patient population and to determine the time-to-progression (TTP) and time-to-subsequent-chemotherapy (TTSC). Patients and Methods Eligible patients had untreated follicular grade 1 NHL, and measurable stage III/IV disease. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenous weekly × 4 doses and were then followed for response and progression; no maintenance therapy was provided. Results Thirty-seven patients were accrued; one patient was ineligible. The median age was 59 years (range, 29 to 83 years). Six patients (18%) had elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels. The ORR was 72%, with 36% complete remissions. Fourteen (39%) of 36 patients remain in unmaintained remission, two died without disease progression, and three died with disease progression. Twenty (56%) of 36 patients have disease progression. The median TTP was 2.2 years (95% CI, 1.3 to not yet reached). Eighteen patients have subsequently been treated with chemotherapy, with a median TTSC of 2.3 years (95% CI, 1.6 to not yet reached). Patients with a high lactate dehydrogenase level had a lower ORR of 33% and a short TTP of only 6 months. Conclusion Rituximab can be safely administered to patients with advanced-stage follicular grade 1 NHL with efficacy and minimal toxicity. This therapy is highly active and offers an acceptable alternative to observation in this patient population. Patients with high LDH should not be considered for rituximab monotherapy.