Citations

AbstractAcute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) is a very rare hematologic neoplasm that expresses no markers specific for either myeloid or lymphoid lineages. While commonly observed in several acute leukemias, KMT2A rearrangements in AUL have been rarely reported in the literature. We report the third case to our knowledge of AUL harboring a KMT2A rearrangement. Furthermore, the KMT2A/GIMAP8 gene fusion identified in this case represents a novel KMT2A rearrangement.

Background Current adverse event reporting practices do not document longitudinal characteristics of adverse effects, and alternative methods are not easily interpretable and have not been employed by clinical trials. Introducing time parameters in the evaluation of safety that are comprehensive yet easily interpretable could allow for a better understanding of treatment quality. In this study, we developed and applied a novel adverse event reporting method based on longitudinal adverse event changes to aid describing, summarizing, and presenting adverse event profile. We termed it the “Adverse Event Load, Onset, and Maximum Grade” method. Methods We developed two adverse event summary metrics to complement the traditional maximum grade report. Onset time indicates the time period in which the maximum grade for a specific adverse event occurred and was defined as “early” (i.e. maximum grade happened for the first time before 6 weeks) or “late” (i.e. after the 6 th week). Adverse event load indicates the overall severity of a specific adverse event over the entire treatment. Higher adverse event load indicates a worse overall experience. These metrics can be calculated for adverse events with different maximum grades, in treatments with planned changes (e.g. dosage changes), using data sets with different number of adverse event data points between treatments (e.g. treatments with longer cycle lengths may have less adverse event data points) and on data sets with different adverse event data availability (e.g. cycle basis and patient-outcome reports). We tested the utility of this method using individual patient data from two major backbone therapies (“Irinotecan” and “Oxaliplatin”) from the N9741 trial available in the Fondation ARCAD database ( fondationarcad.org ). We investigated profiles of diarrhea, neutropenia/leukopenia, and nausea/vomiting. Results Our method provided additional information compared to traditional adverse event reports. For example, for nausea/vomiting, while patients in Irinotecan had a higher risk of experiencing maximum grade 3–4 (15.6% vs 7.6%, respectively; p < 0.001), patients in both groups experienced similar severity over time (adverse effect load = 0.102 and 0.096, respectively; p = 0.26), suggesting that patients in Oxaliplatin experienced a lower-grade but more persistent nausea/vomiting. For neutropenia/leukopenia, more patients in Irinotecan experienced their maximum grade for the first time early in the treatment compared to patients in Oxaliplatin (67.9% vs 41.7%; p < 0.001), regardless of maximum grade. Longitudinal information can help compare treatments or guide clinicians on choosing appropriate interventions for low-grade but persistent adverse event or early adverse event onset. Conclusion We developed an adverse event reporting method that provides clinically relevant information about treatment toxicity by incorporating two longitudinal adverse event metrics to the traditional maximum grade approach. Future research should establish clinical benchmarks for metrics included in this adverse event reporting method.

Abstract Objectives The diagnosis of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) is challenging because of overlapping immunophenotypic features with reactive T cells and limitations of T-cell clonality assays. We studied whether adding an antibody against T-cell receptor β constant region 1 (TRBC1) to a comprehensive flow cytometry panel could facilitate the diagnosis of T-LGLL. Methods We added TRBC1 antibody to the standard T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell panel to assess T-cell clonality in 56 T-LGLLs and 34 reactive lymphocytoses. In addition, 20 chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of NK cells (CLPD-NKs) and 10 reactive NK-cell lymphocytoses were analyzed. Results Clonal T cells were detected in all available T-LGLLs by monotypic TRBC1 expression and clonal/equivocal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement (TCGR) studies, compared with only 27% of T-LGLLs by killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) restriction. Overall, 85% of T-LGLLs had a blood tumor burden greater than 500 cells/µL. Thirty-four reactive cases showed polytypic TRBC1 expression, except for 5 that revealed small T-cell clones of uncertain significance. All CLPD-NKs showed expected clonal KIR expression and negative TRBC1 expression. Conclusions Addition of TRBC1 antibody to the routine flow cytometry assay could replace the TCGR molecular study and KIR flow cytometric analysis to assess clonality, simplifying the diagnosis of T-LGLL.

Abstract Aims We aimed to test the hypothesis that the presence of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) in peripheral blood cells is associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction, enhanced inflammatory markers, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).Methods and results We compared targeted next generation sequencing (35 CHIP related genes) between patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction (n = 123) and controls (n=65). Coronary endothelial dysfunction was defined by ≥ 20% decrease in coronary artery diameter (CAD) or ≤ 50% increase in coronary blood flow (CBF) in response to acetylcholine injection compared to baseline. Plasma cytokine levels of Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were also assessed. Patients were subsequently followed for 12.2 ± 4.3 years. Clonal hematopoiesis relevant gene mutations were found in 1 individual in normal endothelial function group (1.5%) and 11 cases in endothelial dysfunction group (9.3%) (p = 0.04). Additionally, CHIP mutations were associated with an increased risk of MACE (OR = 4.08, P = 0.04). Mutations in ASXL1, DNMT3A and TET2 in the endothelial dysfunction group were also associated with increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8 (P = 0.001, P = 0.003; respectively).Conclusion The current study demonstrates a high frequency of CHIP in patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction as well as an association between mutations in three most common epigenetic regulator genes and increased levels of IL-6 and IL-8. Therefore it infers a probable relationship between CHIP, endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular adverse events.

AbstractReducing tendon failure after repair remains a challenge due to its poor intrinsic healing ability. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a novel tissue‐engineered purified exosome product (PEP) patch on tendon healing in a canine ex vivo model. Lacerated flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons from three canines' paws underwent simulated repair with Tisseel patch alone or biopotentiated with PEP. For the ex vivo model, FDP tendons were randomly divided into three groups: FDP tendon repair alone group (Control), Tisseel patch alone group, and the Tisseel plus PEP (TEPEP) patch group. Following 4 weeks of tissue culture, the failure load, stiffness, histology, and gene expression of the healing tendon were evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that in exosomes of PEP the diameters ranged from 93.70 to 124.65 nm, and the patch release test showed this TEPEP patch could stably release the extracellular vesicle over 2 weeks. The failure strength of the tendon in the TEPEP patch group was significantly higher than that of the Control group and Tisseel alone group. The results of histology showed that the TEPEP patch group had the smallest healing gap and the largest number of fibroblasts on the surface of the injured tendon. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that TEPEP patch increased the expression of collagen type III, matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP3, MMP14, and reduced the expression of transforming growth factor β1, interleukin 6. This study shows that the TEPEP patch could promote tendon repair by reducing gap formation and inflammatory response, increasing the activity of endogenous cells, and formation of type III collagen.

Purpose of review Here we review recent literature on the emerging role of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) metabolism and its dysfunction via the enzyme CD38 in the pathogenesis of rheumatologic diseases. We evaluate the potential of targeting CD38 to ameliorate NAD + -related metabolic imbalance and tissue dysfunction in the treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent findings In this review, we will discuss emerging basic, preclinical, and human data that point to the novel role of CD38 in dysregulated NAD + -homeostasis in SSc, SLE, and RA. In particular, recent studies implicate increased activity of CD38, one of the main enzymes in NAD + catabolism, in the pathogenesis of persistent systemic fibrosis in SSc, and increased susceptibility of SLE patients to infections. We will also discuss recent studies that demonstrate that a cytotoxic CD38 antibody can promote clearance of plasma cells involved in the generation of RA antibodies. Summary Recent studies identify potential therapeutic approaches for boosting NAD + to treat rheumatologic diseases including SSc, RA, and SLE, with particular attention to inhibition of CD38 enzymatic activity as a target. Key future directions in the field include the determination of the cell-type specificity and role of CD38 enzymatic activity versus CD38 structural roles in human diseases, as well as the indicators and potential side effects of CD38-targeted treatments.

PURPOSE Conventional wisdom has rendered patients with brain metastases ineligible for clinical trials for fear that poor survival could mask the benefit of otherwise promising treatments. Our group previously published the diagnosis-specific Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA). Updates with larger contemporary cohorts using molecular markers and newly identified prognostic factors have been published. The purposes of this work are to present all the updated indices in a single report to guide treatment choice, stratify research, and define an eligibility quotient to expand eligibility. METHODS A multi-institutional database of 6,984 patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases underwent multivariable analyses of prognostic factors and treatments associated with survival for each primary site. Significant factors were used to define the updated GPA. GPAs of 4.0 and 0.0 correlate with the best and worst prognoses, respectively. RESULTS Significant prognostic factors varied by diagnosis and new prognostic factors were identified. Those factors were incorporated into the updated GPA with robust separation ( P < .01) between subgroups. Survival has improved, but varies widely by GPA for patients with non–small-cell lung, breast, melanoma, GI, and renal cancer with brain metastases from 7-47 months, 3-36 months, 5-34 months, 3-17 months, and 4-35 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Median survival varies widely and our ability to estimate survival for patients with brain metastases has improved. The updated GPA (available free at brainmetgpa.com) provides an accurate tool with which to estimate survival, individualize treatment, and stratify clinical trials. Instead of excluding patients with brain metastases, enrollment should be encouraged and those trials should be stratified by the GPA to ensure those trials make appropriate comparisons. Furthermore, we recommend the expansion of eligibility to allow for the enrollment of patients with previously treated brain metastases who have a 50% or greater probability of an additional year of survival (eligibility quotient > 0.50).

11063 Background: Dacetuzumab (SGN-40) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds to CD40, mediates effector cell functions, and activates downstream apoptosis signaling pathways. Dacetuzumab has shown single-agent activity in relapsed/refractory DLBCL in phase I and phase II trials, with multiple objective responses and 1/3 of patients demonstrating tumor shrinkage, defined as a decrease in tumor volume (SPD) of at least 10%. We previously reported a 14-gene signature (ASH 2008 #1593) that was strongly associated with dacetuzumab sensitivity in DLBCL cell lines. Here, we report an initial evaluation of the gene signature as a classifier of patients likely to demonstrate tumor shrinkage after dacetuzumab therapy. Methods: The original 14 microarray probes were chosen for high correlation with in vitro dacetuzumab sensitivity (IC25) in 31 NHL cell line models. Matching qRT-PCR probes were developed and confirmed to correlate with the microarray probes in paired cell line samples. In this retrospective analysis, archived paraffin blocks from a 26 patient subset of the phase I and II trials, with a diagnosis of DLBCL and available tumor measurements, were assayed by qRT-PCR. Results: Overall, 42% of patients (11/26) exhibited decreased SPD of at least 10%. Of those who were marker +, 10 out of 13 (78%) had 10% or better decreases in SPD, whereas only 1 of 13 patients who were marker - demonstrated tumor shrinkage (8%). The overall accuracy for predicting tumor shrinkage was 85% (one-sided P=0.002, by permutation test). Among the 14 genes contributing to the multivariate signature, CD22 and VNN2 were the most strongly down-regulated in specimens from patients without at least a 10% decrease in SPD (P=0.14 and P=0.10, respectively), while IGF1R and CTSC were the most strongly up-regulated (P=0.05 and P=0.08, respectively). Conclusions: A 14-gene signature appears to predict tumor shrinkage in DLBCL patients receiving dacetuzumab in single-agent clinical trials (P=0.002). A larger clinical data set will be analyzed to further evaluate the correlation of this gene signature with objective clinical response rates.. [Table: see text]

4011 Background: The ACCENT group previously validated DFS with 3 years (yr) median follow-up (f-up) based on 20,898 pts from trials testing 5-FU based regimens (rx) (3yr DFS) as an endpoint to predict overall survival with 5 yr median f-up (5yr OS) (Sargent, JCO 2005). ACCENT further proposed (1) 2yr DFS predicts 5yr OS, (2) a stronger relationship between DFS and OS in stage III pts (Sargent JCO 2007) and (3) 6 or 7 yrs are necessary to demonstrate DFS and OS association in future trials due to extended survival following recurrence (de Gramont ASCO 2008). The relationship between endpoints in more recent trials with oral fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan is unknown. Methods: Concordance between 2 and 3yr DFS, and 5 and 6yr OS was examined in 6 randomized phase III trials from 1997–2002. Individual data for 12,676 pts was analyzed; 2 trials tested oxaliplatin, 2 irinotecan, and 2 oral rx vs 5-FU/LV control. Association between DFS and OS hazard ratios (HRs) via weighted least squares (WLS), and concordance between predicted and actual within-trial HRs, were calculated overall and for stage III pts. Results: Overall association between 3 yr DFS and 5 yr OS HRs was reduced compared to the prior ACCENT analysis (Table). In stage III pts, the association between DFS and OS HRs remained strong. Observed 5 and 6yr OS HRs were predicted accurately by 2yr DFS overall and in stage III pts (within 95% prediction limits in all trials). In all pts, DFS HRs were more highly associated with 6 vs 5yr OS HRs. Conclusions: In recent trials in stage III pts, DFS HRs based on 2yr median f-up are highly predictive of 5 and 6yr OS HRs. In all pts the association between DFS and OS HRs is stronger for 6yr OS, but 7yr follow-up may be required. These data support 3yr DFS as a primary endpoint for modern stage III trials, and indicate that 2yr DFS would also be an appropriate primary endpoint. [Table: see text] [Table: see text]

Abstract Background Adjuvant chemotherapy is a standard treatment option for patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colon cancer. Sex is one of several factors responsible for the wide inter-patient variability in drug responses. Amalgamated data on the effect of sex on the toxicity of current standard adjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer are missing. Methods The objective of our study was to compare incidence and severity of major toxicities of fluoropyrimidine- (5FU or capecitabine) based adjuvant chemotherapy, with or without oxaliplatin, between male and female patients after curative surgery for colon cancer. Adult patients enrolled in 27 relevant randomized trials included in the ACCENT (Adjuvant Colon Cancer End Points) database, a large, multi-group, international data repository containing individual patient data, were included. Comparisons were conducted using logistic regression models (stratified by study and treatment arm) within each type of adjuvant chemotherapy (5FU, FOLFOX, capecitabine, CAPOX, and FOLFIRI). The following major toxicities were compared (grade III or IV and grade I-IV, according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria [NCI-CTC] criteria, regardless of attribution): nausea, vomiting, nausea or vomiting, stomatitis, diarrhea, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and neuropathy (in patients treated with oxaliplatin). Results Data from 34 640 patients were analyzed. Statistically significant and clinically relevant differences in the occurrence of grade III or IV nonhematological {especially nausea (5FU: odds ratio [OR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.90 to 2.87, P &lt; .001; FOLFOX: OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.76 to 3.11, P &lt; .001), vomiting (5FU: OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.86 to 3.04, P &lt; .001; FOLFOX: OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.50 to 2.66, P &lt; .001; CAPOX: OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.55 to 3.46, P &lt; .001), and diarrhea (5FU: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.51, P &lt; .001; FOLFOX: OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.35 to 1.90, P &lt; .001; FOLFIRI: OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.25 to 1.97, P &lt; .001)} as well as hematological toxicities (neutropenia [5FU: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.37 to 1.76, P &lt; .001; FOLFOX: OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.71 to 2.25, P &lt; .001; FOLFIRI: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.66 to 2.43, P &lt; .001; capecitabine: OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.84 to 8.99, P &lt; .001] and leukopenia [5FU: OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.40 to 2.17, P &lt; .001; FOLFIRI: OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.28 to 2.40, P &lt; .001]) were observed, with women being consistently at increased risk. Conclusions Our analysis confirms that women with colon cancer receiving adjuvant fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy are at increased risk of toxicity. Given the known sex differences in fluoropyrimidine pharmacokinetics, sex-specific dosing of fluoropyrimidines warrants further investigation.