Citations 166

Prognostic Correlates and Outcomes of Relapsed T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma: An Analysis of 41 Consecutive Patients

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3730-3730

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3730.3730

Abstract Background: Acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/ lymphoma (T-LBL) are immature T-cell malignancies with very poor outcomes. In patients with relapsed disease, survival is often < 12 months (Marks et al, Blood, 2009). Prognostic correlates and treatment outcomes after relapse remain largely unknown. Aims: To evaluate prognostic correlates and treatment outcomes in patients with relapsed T-ALL/LBL. Methods: After IRB approval, 92 consecutive patients with T-cell ALL/LBL were identified. 41 patients with relapsed disease after achieving a first complete remission (CR1) were included in the study group. Features at the time of relapse were retrospectively abstracted and analyzed. Survival time after relapse was calculated from the time of relapse until death or last follow-up. Conventional methods were used for statistical analysis. Results: A. Baseline characteristics of all patients 92 patients were identified [41 LBL, 51 ALL]. Median age was 33 years (range; 18-88) and 66 (72%) were males. Median follow-up was 25 months (range 0.9-260). 13(14%) received palliative care or were lost to follow-up before treatment initiation. At last follow-up, there were 41 (52%, n = 79) relapses and 42 (46%, n = 92) deaths. Of 79 patients, 71 (90%) achieved a CR1 and 8 (10%) had primary refractory disease. Comparisons between ALL and LBL revealed expected differences in presenting features such as frequency of primary mediastinal mass at presentation in LBL and high leukocyte count in ALL. Significant differences in treatment were seen. Asparaginase-based and ALL-directed therapy were more common in the ALL group (71% vs. 45%, p = 0.009; 88% vs. 71%, p = 0.04). 13 (81%) LBL and 14 (27%) ALL underwent allogeneic SCT. The remaining three in each group underwent autologous SCT in CR1. B. Characteristics of relapsed patients 41 relapsed after achieving CR1 [23 LBL, 18 ALL]. Median time to relapse was 8.0 months (range 2.3-130), with no difference between ALL and LBL groups. Median age was 34 years (range 19-71) and 29 (71%) were males. Median follow-up after relapse was 7.2 months (range 0.3-207). At time of last follow-up, there were 30 (73%) deaths, 25 (61%) achieved a second complete remission (CR2) and 14 (34%) had persistent disease. 12 (48%) had relapse following CR2. 34 (83%) relapsed following CR1 after induction chemotherapy alone. 6 (15%) and 1 (2%) relapsed following allogeneic and autologous SCT respectively. 27 (66%) had BM involvement, 5 (12%) had CNS involvement, 13 (32%) had mediastinal involvement, and 3 (7%) had isolated extramedullary relapse. Ten (43%) patients with LBL relapsed with ALL. Of 27 patients with available data, 9 (33%) had high-risk cytogenetics at relapse, defined as ≥ 5 chromosomal abnormalities and/or markers known to confer an unfavorable prognosis. 16 of these 27 patients had follow-up cytogenetic studies performed, of which 8 (50%) had evidence of clonal evolution. Patients were treated with up to five regimens. 12 (31%) received asparaginase-based therapy and 13 (33%) received nelarabine with CR2 rates of 75% and 25% respectively. Median number of regimens needed to achieve CR2 was one. 18 (46%) went onto SCT following CR2: 14 (allogeneic), 3 (autologous), and 1 (donor lymphocyte infusion). The majority received myeloablative conditioning (92%). C. Outcomes and prognostic correlates for survival after relapse Median survival following relapse was 8.2 months (IQR 4.1-21.3) and did not differ between LBL and ALL. Nine (36%) who achieved CR2 are alive at time of last follow-up. 25 (61%) achieved CR2, but 12 (48%) relapsed following CR2, with median time to second relapse of 7.6 months (IQR 4.7-14). Nine of 18 who underwent SCT following CR2 had disease relapse (8 allogeneic, 1 autologous). Only BM involvement at relapse significantly correlated with post-relapse survival (HR 2.4 [1.1, 5.1], p = 0.03). Clonal evolution, high-risk cytogenetics, nelarabine therapy, achieving CR2, and SCT were not independent predictors of survival in our small subset of patients. Conclusion: Patients with relapsed T-ALL/LBL have dismal outcomes, in spite of advances in therapy with newer agents such as nelarabine and the use of allogeneic SCT. Regardless of T-ALL/LBL subtype, BM involvement at relapse appears to be a significant factor negatively impacting post-relapse survival. Further studies are needed to validate these findings. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding. Thompson:Kite Pharma: Research Funding.
Outcome of Patients Younger Than 50 Years Old Diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): Single Institution Experience

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 5541-5541

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5541.5541

Abstract Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare hematological neoplasms that are more typically seen in elderly patients. Young patients (< 50 years old) have been reported to comprise between 3-6% in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) (Ma X et al, Cancer 2007; Rollison R et al, Blood 2008) with a better overall survival (OS). We hereby report the characteristics of young MDS patients with long survival follow-up. Methods: A total of 1012 MDS patients' data from Oct 1993 to Dec 2015 at Mayo Clinic were reviewed after appropriate IRB approval was obtained. All cases had their bone marrow slides reviewed at our institution. Patients youngers than 50 years old (yMDS) were included as cohort 1, while the rest was included as control group (cohort 2). Prognostic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate analyses was based on log-rank testing using JMP software version 10. Results: Characteristics: We identified 68 (7%) yMDS patients with a median age of 42 years (range, 18-49). Female gender was more common in yMDS (43% vs 31%, p= 0.05). Upon comparison between cohort 1 and 2, only platelets were significantly lower in yMDS (61 vs 102, p <0.0001), but not white blood cells, hemoglobin or degree of marrow fibrosis. MDS subtyping according to World Health Organization 2016 showed single lineage dysplasia in 15% vs 2%, multilineage dysplasia 24% vs 36% , ring sideroblasts 9% vs 15%, isolated del (5q) 1% vs 3%, excess blasts 44% vs 31%, and unclassifiable in 6% vs 5%. As expected, therapy related MDS (t-MDS) was more frequent in yMDS (33% vs 17%, p= 0.005). Transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) was also more frequent in yMDS (28 % vs 11%, p= 0.0004). Compared to cohort 2, yMDS IPSS-R scores were very high, high, intermediate, low, and very low in 24% vs 13%, 29% vs 16%, 21% vs 20%, 19% vs 35%, and 7% vs 17%, respectively. Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was more frequent in yMDS (42% vs 4%, p< 0.0001). Survival outcome: Median OS was longer for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but did not reach statistical significance (43 vs 21 months, p= 0.1). Median progression free survival (PFS) was shorter for cohort 1 vs cohort 2 but did not reach statistical significance (8 vs 12 months, p= 0.3). Median OS for cohort 1 based on R-IPSS was 44, 105, 40, 18, and 12 months for very low, low, intermediate, high and high risk groups, respectively (p= 0.09). Median OS was shorter in t-MDS vs de novo MDS in cohort 1 (13 vs 47 months, p = 0.04). Young patients who had transformed to AML had a worse median OS (18 vs 93 months, p=0.001). On multivariate analysis neither t-MDS nor R-IPSS had a statistically significant impact on OS. Conclusions: MDS is rarely diagnosed under the age of 50. IPSS-R was less powerful in detecting differences between its risk groups for this patient population, although more than half of the patients with yMDS had either high or very high risk. Among this cohort of yMDS patients, there was a significantly higher proportion with therapy-related myeloid neoplasms compared to older patients (one third of patients), with subsequent higher rates of transformation to AML and higher allogeneic HCT. In our study, we did not find an improved OS for yMDS patients compared to older patients. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding; Onconova Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding.
Disparity in the Overall Survival Improvement over Time and the Effect Time-to-Treatment on the Outcome of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: A US National Cancer Data Base Study from 1998-2011

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 3747-3747

10.1182/blood.v126.23.3747.3747

Abstract Background: Approximately 1,000 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients are diagnosed in the US annually. APL has the highest cure and early mortality rates of all acute leukemias. The availability of all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in 1995 and arsenic trioxide in 2000 has further improved the overall survival (OS). However, whether there is uniform improvement in OS across demographic subgroups and if sooner time-to-treatment (TTT) reduces early mortality are unknown. We used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB), a nationwide oncology registry covering 70% of the US cancer population to answer these questions. Methods: We identified patients with APL diagnosed from 1998-2011 using ICD-O-3 code 9866. Survival functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and 30-day mortality was estimated as 1-survival at 30 days. We compared OS according to demographic subgroups (gender, age [18-40, 41-64, and >65 years], race [White, Black, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and other], and ethnicity) across years of diagnosis (Period [P] 1: 1998-2001, P2: 2002-2006, and P3: 2007-2011). For 30-day mortality, we compared the rates according to demographic subgroups and time periods and determined the effect of TTT (days from APL diagnosis to ATRA and/or chemotherapy). For this analysis we included only patients treated within 30 days of diagnosis and those diagnosed from 2003 to 2011. TTT was grouped as 0, 1, 2, or >3 days. We used mixed-effects logistic regression model to obtain odds ratio comparing treatment delays. Our model accounted for multiple subjects per facility with a random intercept and was adjusted for gender, Charlson-Deyo score, and year of diagnosis. Results: Characteristics: There were 8,084 APL patients in our study. The median age at diagnosis was 51 (24% were older than 65) years and 50% were females. White race (85%) was the most common, followed by black (11%) and Asian (3%). Twelve percent were Hispanic in origin. Slightly more patients (54.8%) were treated in academic centers. Thirty seven percent had either Medicaid or Medicare insurance. OS: Race had no impact on OS, although Asians had a trend towards improved OS (P=0.06). Both females and young age affected OS favorably (P <0.0001). In general, OS improved over the three time periods (P=0.002). Across Periods 1-3, we observed significant improvement in OS among the males (P=0.03), 18-40 (P=0.035) and 41-64 (P=0.005) age groups, Whites (P=0.012), and non-Spanish/Hispanics (P=0.002), but not among their counterparts. 30-day mortality rate: Age above 65 years was associated with highest 30-day mortality (33%). Similarly male gender had statistically significant higher 30-day mortality (shown in the Figure). There was no statistically significant difference among Periods 1-3. As expected, untreated patients had an increased risk of death versus treated (HR=1.9, confidence interval 1.7-2.1). TTT: A third (33.5%) of the patients was treated within two days of APL diagnosis. TTT was not independently associated with lower 30-day mortality rate (shown in the Table). Presence of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) data was not available to analyze. Conclusions: From 1998-2011, the OS of APL continued to improve but not uniformly across demographic subgroups. In contrast, the 30-day mortality did not improve in the same time period. Both Age above 65 and male gender predicted worse 30-day mortality and OS. Our study did not find a favorable association between shorter TTT and lower 30-day mortality rate. Our study was not able to study these findings among different risk groups. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding. Tibes:TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.
The Natural History of CSF3R-Mutated Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia: A Mayo Clinic Series of 14 Consecutive Cases

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1827-1827

10.1182/blood.v124.21.1827.1827

Abstract Activating mutations in colony stimulating factor 3 receptor gene (CSF3R) have recently been identified as specific driver mutations in chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)(NEJM 2013;368:1781). We sought to outline the clinical and laboratory characteristics and natural history of this molecularly defined entity. Methods : An IRB- approved retrospective analysis of all cases of CSF3R-mutated WHO-defined CNL was undertaken. Methods of mutation analysis have been previously published. (Leukemia 2013; 27: 1870) Results : From 10/1995 to 3/2013, fourteen patients (median age 67 years; 57% male) with CSF3R-mutated CNL were evaluated at the Mayo Clinic. Most of the CSF3R mutations identified occurred in isolation: T618I (n=11), M696T (n=2) and I598I SYN (n=1), although one T618I mutant patient also carried a cytoplasmic domain mutation (2341_2342insC ). All patients were BCR/ABL negative. Five carried a SETBP1 mutation: G870D (n=2), D868N (n=2) and G872R (n=1), all of whom carried the T618I mutation. Only one of 10 tested carried a CALR mutation (E398D) and none of 13 the JAK2 V617F mutation. Apart from fatigue, most patients were asymptomatic at diagnosis and leukocytosis had been mostly an incidental laboratory finding. Ten (71%) patients had preceding chronic leukocytosis, median duration 12.5 months (range 5-84), 5 reported weight loss, which was accompanied by fevers/ sweats in 3. Five (36%) patients had prior exposures to adjuvant chest wall irradiation for breast cancer (n=2), radioiodine for thyroid disease (n=2) and methotrexate/cyclophosphamide for autoimmune disease (n=2). Five (36%) patients had palpable splenomegaly. Peripheral blood (PB) parameters, median (range) at diagnosis were: Hb 10.8 g/dl (8.5-16.0), WBC: 54 x 10(9)/L (21.7-176.2), platelets: 201 x 10(9)/L (25-476), neutrophils: 85% (78-94), immature cells (myelocytes + metamyelocytes): 6% (0-11) and monocytes: 3% (0-10). Neutrophils had toxic granulation and Dohle Bodies in 71% of cases. LDH was elevated in all patients: 354 U/L (225-496). None had a monoclonal protein. The bone marrow (BM) was hypercellular in all patients: 95% (80-100%) and granulocytic precursors were markedly increased with left-shifted (n=11) or normal maturation. BM blasts were < 5%. Reticulin fibrosis was absent (n=5), 1+ (n=5) or 1-2+ (n=1) in those with staining. Cytogenetics were normal in all but one at diagnosis. One patient was lost to follow up after diagnosis. Hydroxyurea (HU) was the most frequently used therapy (initial therapy in 10 patients) and was ultimately received by all. Although initially effective at controlling leukocytosis, clinical course of most was defined by progressive refractory mature neutrophilia with the development of red cell (n=6) and platelet transfusion (n=3) dependancy. Other therapies included IFN or PEG/IFN (n=4), hypomethylating agents (n=4), ruxolitinib (n=2), thalidomide (n=2), cladribine (n=2) and imatinib (n=1). None of these additional drugs, induced remission and they provided primarily palliative and transient benefit. One patient transformed into AML at 17 months, one received induction chemotherapy for suspected AML (PB and BM blasts at 11-13%) at 19 months and two evolved into WHO-defined CMML, at 20 and 27 months, respectively. Both patients with documented/suspected AML were both T618I and SETBP1 positive. Of the cases progressing to CMML (one with T618I, one with M696T) neither was SETBP1 positive. At last follow up, eight patients had died and median survival was 22.5 months. Progressive refractory neutrophilic leukocytosis often preceded and contributed to death. Four (29%) patients are currently alive after a median follow-up of 61 months (14.3- 69.4). Conclusion : CSF3R-mutated CNL is an aggressive disease (median survival <2 years) characterized by progressive neutrophilic leukocytosis which is only partially controlled with current drugs, including the putative targeted therapy ruxolitinib (both ruxolitinib-treated patients progressed on treatment). Patients with CNL could progress into AML or CMML; however, most succumb from complications associated with progressive treatment-refractory leukocytosis. The observation that both patients with documented/suspected AML were SETBP1-mutation positive suggests potential pathogenetic link. Disclosures Off Label Use: Ruxolitinib, cladribine, thalidomideand inteferon. These drugs were used in a historical account of CNL and I report on these in a retrospective chart review only..
NPM1+/FLT3- Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Have Excellent Clinical Outcome Independent of Age When Treated with Cytotoxic Chemotherapy: Mayo Clinic Experience

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 5331-5331

10.1182/blood.v124.21.5331.5331

Abstract Background: Molecular profiling has revolutionized the field of hematology, and in particular myeloid neoplasms. NPM1+/FLT3- mutational status has been shown to have a favorable prognostic impact in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, little is known about its interaction with age. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the overall survival (OS) in newly diagnosed AML patients, whose FLT3 and NPM1 data were available, and were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy at our institution between 2003 and 2013. Patients 18 to 60 years of age were categorized as adult, and those above 60 years were classified as elderly. Each of the elderly or adult groups were further divided according to the presence or absence of combined NPM1+/FLT3- mutational status. Estimated probabilities of overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, with the log-rank test to compare groups. Demographics and continuous variables were compared using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Appropriate IRB approval was obtained. Results: Out of 835 patients with AML, 86 patients with both known FLT3/NPM1 mutation status and receiving induction chemotherapy were found. NPM1+/FLT3- mutational status was present in 11 elderly (median age 68 yr, hemoglobin (Hb) 8.7 g/dL, white blood cells (WBC) 9.6 x109/L, platelets (PLT) 100 x109/L, peripheral blood blasts percentage (PB%) 31), and in 11 adult patients (median age 49 years, Hb 9.1 g/dL, WBC 14 x109/L, PLT 67 x109/L, and PB% 21). Twenty-eight elderly patients (median age 66 yr, Hb 9.4 g/dl, WBC 15.7 x109/L, PLT 66 x109/L, and PB% 33), and 36 adult patients (median age 49 years, Hb 9.1 g/dL, WBC 14 x109/L, PLT 67 x109/L, and PB% 21) were carrying genotypes other than NPM1+/FlT3-. There was no statistical significant difference in the median age, Hb, WBC, PLT, and PB% at the time of diagnosis. Out of 86 patients, 79 had intermediate, 6 had adverse, and 1 had favorable cytogenetic risk. All elderly and adult patients with NPM1+/FLT3- genotype had intermediate risk cytogenetics. When treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, elderly patients with NPM1+/FLT3- genotype demonstrated a significantly better overall survival compared to elderly patients without this genotypes (p=0.015), and interestingly also to adult AML carrying other genotypes (p=0.028). Surprisingly, there was not an improved survival in adults with NPM1+/FLT3- genotype compared to adults carrying other genotypes (p=0.14), but this may have been related to the small numbers in each group. No significant difference in the overall survival was observed between elderly and adult patients who were carrying NPM1+/FLT3- mutational status (p=0.4). The estimated 5-year survival rates for elderly with and without NPM1+/FLT3- status were 71% vs. 14%, and for adults with and without this genotype were 49% vs. 19%, respectively. Conclusion: Age does not have an impact on the OS in AML patients with NPM1+/FLT3- mutational status, arguing strongly for intense chemotherapy in this group. Elderly AML patients with NPM1+/FLT3- genotype have a superior OS compared to both adult and elderly patients carrying other genotypes, when treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Further validation in large prospective studies is warranted. Figure 1 Figure 1. Figure 2 Figure 2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Response to Hypomethylating Agents in Myelodysplastic Syndromes Based on WHO 2008 Subtypes and IPSS-R Stratification and Impact on Survival

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 5260-5260

10.1182/blood.v126.23.5260.5260

Abstract Background: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by cytopenias and a propensity to progress into acute myeloid leukemia in a subset of patients. Clinical trials which led to FDA approval of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) stratified patient's risk status per the IPSS. In 2008, WHO further categorized patients into different groups and the IPSS was revised into the IPSS-R. Therefore, there is a paucity of data regarding the response rates and clinical outcomes of HMA therapy when stratified per WHO subtype and IPSS-R. Goal: We carried this review to assess whether WHO subtypes or IPSS-R had a differential response with corresponding impact on survival. Methods: After IRB approval, all MDS pts who received hypomethylating agents (HMA) (azacitidine or decitabine) with available response data (2000-2014) were included. Clinical characteristics were obtained retrospectively. IPSS-R (Greenberg 2012) was used for risk stratification. Response assessment was based on IWGR 2006 criteria. Statistical comparisons were performed with the χ2 test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon test for continuous variables. Survival analysis was based on the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test. For all analyses, P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We identified 823 pt in our MDS database; among those that received HMA therapy 70 patients (pts) had evaluable response data. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years (31-85) and 49 (70%) were males. MDS subtypes per WHO 2008 classification were 31(44%) RAEB1/2, 26(37%) RCMD, 10(14%) MDS-U, 2(3%) RARS, and 1(1%) MDS 5q. Fifteen (33%) patients had secondary MDS. 23(32%) developed AML, and median time to leukemic transformation was 14 months (7.8-21). Median time to start HMA was 2.7 months (0-77). Median follow up from initial diagnosis was 20 months (3-118) at which time 22(31%) deaths were documented. A. Patient characteristics: Prior to HMA therapy median laboratory values included; Hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL (6.6-14.8), ANC 1.1 x1010 (0.01-16), Platelet 66 x1010 (4-937), peripheral blast % 0 (0-18), and bone marrow blast % 5 (0-17). IPSS-R for our cohort was as the following, 15(27%) Very high, 14(25%) high, 10(18%) intermediate 12(21%) low, and 5(9%) very low risk. B. HMA Response rates based on WHO subtype: We observed no significant difference in response (p = 0.6) when comparing response rate among different groups. Response rates per WHO subtype were as follows: i. RAEB: 7 (22%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 1(3%) had HI/PR, 17(55%), and 6(20%) had stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD), respectively. ii. RCMD: 2 (8%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 4(16%) had HI/PR, 12(46%), and 8(30%) had SD and PD, respectively. iii. MDS-U: 1 (10%) pt achieved CR/Marrow CR, 1(10%) had HI/PR, 6(60%), and 2(20%) had SD and PD, respectively. iv. MDS 5q/RARS: 1(33%) had SD, and the remaining three pts had PD. C. HMA Response rates based on IPSS-R: i. Very low: 1(20%) had HI/PR, 3(60%), and 1(20%) had SD. ii. Low: 2(17%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 3(25%) had HI/PR, 4(33%), and 3(25%) had SD and PD, respectively. iii. Intermediate: 2 (20%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 5(50%), and 3(30%) had SD and PD, respectively. iv. High: 2(14%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 2(14%) had HI/PR, 7(50%), and 3(21%) had SD and PD, respectively. v. Very high: 1(7%) pts achieved CR/Marrow CR, 9(60%), and 5(33%) had SD and PD, respectively. Comparing responses among IPSS-R risk stratification groups, was not statistically significant (p = 0.49). We did not observe a difference in response rate when we further classified pts into low risk (very low, low & intermediate), and high risk (high, very high) (p = 0.27). D. Response effect on Survival: Overall survival was not statistically different among responders (CR/Marrow CR/HI &PR) and non-responder (SD & PD); 22.3 vs 14.7 months respectively (p = 0.21) (Figure1). Conclusion: Using contemporary MDS risk stratification and WHO classification was not predictive of response to hypomethylating agents. Responders did not seem to benefit from prolongation of survival. Given the small sample size in this cohort, this should be further explored in larger groups to identify if there are any potential subgroups that would benefit more from such therapy. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Adult Acute Erythroleukemia; Mayo Clinic Experience

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 126 | Issue: 23 | Pages: 4980-4980

10.1182/blood.v126.23.4980.4980

Abstract Background: Acute erythroleukemia (AML-M6) is an aggressive myeloid leukemia, with poor outcomes (median survival < 12months). In 2008, the WHO further sub-classified this disease into two subgroups- erythroid leukemia and pure erythroid leukemia, based on the number of erythroblasts and myeloblasts. We carried out this study to evaluate differences in presenting features and outcomes between erythroid leukemia and pure erythroid leukemia. Methods: After due IRB approval, out of 923 AML, 43(4.6%) pts who met the 2008 WHO criteria for acute erythroleukemia (2000-2014) were identified, and clinical characteristics retrospectively reviewed. A diagnosis of erythroid leukemia (M6a) was considered if > 50% of the total nucleate BM cells were of erythroid lineage and > 20% of non-erythroid cells were myeloblasts. Pure erythroid leukemia (M6b) was diagnosed in pts who presented with > 80% of BM nucleate cells consisting of immature erythroid precursors. Cytogenetic risk stratification was based on NCCN AML guidelines. Statistical comparisons were performed with the χ2 test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon test for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the Cox logistical regression. Survival analysis was based on the Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test. For all analyses, P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (27-90) and 34(79%) were male. 30 (69%) had M6a and 13 (30%) had M6b. 27 (62%) had de novo AML M6, whereas 16 (37%) had secondary AML (9 underlying MDS and 7 therapy related).The median time to leukemic transformation for pts with underlying MDS was 8 months (2-83). Median follow up in our cohort was 7.2 months (2-157) at which time 13 (30%) deaths were documented. A. Patient characteristics: At time of diagnosis median laboratory values included; Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL (4.6-11), WBC 2x109 (0.7-11.1), ANC 0.47x109 (0.01-4.07), Platelet 33x 109 (7-177), peripheral blast % 2 (0-35), and bone marrow blast % 11 (0-84). Cytogenetic information was available in 38 pts; of which 6(16%) were diploid, 21(55%) were complex/monosmal and 1(3%) was complex/non monosomal. Intermediate risk cytogenetic was observed in 15 pts (39%), and poor risk cytogenetic was identified in 23(61%). Comparing M6a and M6b, we observed that pts with M6a tend to have more leukopenia and neutropenia and higher marrow blast percentage compared to M6b (Table 1). None of the patients experienced extramedullary disease or CNS involvement. B. Outcome and prognostics: We did observe a trend towards worse survival in pts with M6b, 7 months vs 12.9 months with M6a (p= 0.08) (Figure 1). There was no difference in survival in acute erythroleukemia compared to other acute myeloid leukemias, 10.1 vs 14 months (p= 0.28), respectively (Figure 2). In univariate analysis, WBC, ANC, and cytogenetic risk impacted survival (Table 2), however only cytogenetic risks retained significance in the multivariate model; Intermediate risk HR 0.18 (0.05-0.51; p = 0.0009) and poor risk HR 5.4 (1.9-17.6; p = 0.0009). Conclusion: Acute Erythroid Leukemia is a rare leukemia with ~5% incidence in our cohort. We observed that regardless of the percentage of bone marrow erythroblasts and myeloblasts, survival in patients with Acute Erythroleukemia are predominantly impacted by cytogenetic risk stratification. This raises a question on the clinical relevance of the sub-categorization of acute erythroleukemia into erythroid leukemia and pure erythroid leukemia. Larger studies are needed to validate our results. Figure 1. Figure 1. Disclosures Al-Kali: Celgene: Research Funding.
Neutrophil and Eosinophil PRV-1 Expression in Atypical Myeloproliferative Disorders.

Blood | October 10, 2019 | Volume: 104 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1521-1521

10.1182/blood.v104.11.1521.1521

Abstract Background : Neutrophil PRV-1 over-expression has been strongly associated with polycythemia vera (PV) and its quantitative measurement might complement the diagnostic distinction between PV and secondary polycythemia (Klippel et al. Blood2003;102:3569). Furthermore, the PV-specificity of the particular abnormality had been suggested by studies that demonstrated increased PRV-1 expression in post-polycythemic but not agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (Tefferi et al. Blood2003;103:3547) as well as by other studies that suggested the inevitable progression into PV of essential thrombocythemia (ET) associated with PRV-1 over-expression (Griesshammer et al. Ann Hematol2004;83:364). Still others have suggested the possibile utility of the particular assay in differentiating clonal from reactive myeloproliferation (Cilloni et al. Blood2004;103:2428). Methods : The purpose of the current study was two-fold; i) to further evaluate the specificity of neutrophil PRV-1 over expression to either PV or clonal myeloproliferation by testing the assay in atypical myeloproliferative disorders (AMPD) and ii) to evaluate eosinophil PRV-1 expression in AMPD associated with eosinophilia. In a prospective study, 13 patients with AMPD and 2 with reactive eosinophilia were evaluated for neutrophil PRV-1 expression (table 1). PRV-1 transcript quantitation was performed according to published methods (Klippel et al. Blood2003;102:3569). PRV-1 gene expression was considered elevated in the presence of a PRV-1/GAPDH ratio of 1.17 or lower. Table 1 Patient Diagnosis Neutrophil PRV-1/GAPDH ratio Neutrophil PRV-1 expression 1 Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with myelofibrosis 1.05 Increased 2 FIP1L1/PDGFRA-positive eosinophilic disorder 1.39 Normal 3 FIP1L1/PDGFRA-positive eosinophilic disorder 1.19 Normal 4 FIP1L1/PDGFRA-positive eosinophilic disorder 1.10 Increased 5 Biphenotypic acute leukemia with prominent blood eosinophilia 0.99 Increased 6 Hypereosinophilic syndrome with cardiac involvement 1.15 Increased 7 Hypereosinophilic syndrome with cardiac involvement 1.13 Increased 8 Hypereosinophilic syndrome with sinus involvement 1.29 Normal 9 Reactive eosinophilia associated with atopic dermatitis 1.09 Increased 10 Reactive eosinophilia associated with T cell skin lymphoma 1.22 Normal 11 Aggressive systemic mastocytosis associated with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia 1.08 Increased 12 Aggressive systemic mastocytosis associated with myelofibrosis 1.09 Increased 13 Aggressive systemic mastocytosis with circulating mast cells 1.29 Normal 14 Indolent systemic mastocytosis 1.20 Normal 15 Indolent systemic mastocytosis 1.18 Normal In addition, eosinophil PRV-1 expression was measured in 2 patients from the above cohort (patients 3 and 8) and 3 additional patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Results : Table 1 outlines specific diagnoses as well as the corresponding neutrophil PRV-1 expression levels in all 15 patients tested (median age 54 years, range 20–74; 11 males). Eosinophil PRV-1 expression was normal in all 5 patients tested (range of PRV-1/GAPDH ratio between 1.20–1.39). Conclusion : The current study suggests that neutrophil PRV-1 over-expression is a non-specific marker of clonal myeloproliferation that is seen in a broad spectrum of both typical and atypical myeloid disorders. As has been the case in ET, only a subset of AMPD patients display the specific abnormality, thus undermining its diagnostic utility. The preliminary information from the current study does not suggest increased eosinophil PRV-1 expression in either HES or clonal eosinophilia.
Incidence of Autoimmunity in Patients (pts) with Low-Risk (LR) Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS): 10 Years Follow-up

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4931-4931

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4931.4931

Abstract Abstract 4931 Background: Autoimmunity, evidenced by positive serology or autoimmune diseases, has been noted to co-exist in pts with MDS. Autoimmune dysfunction has been found in some pts with a variant of MDS called hypocellular MDS, where immune suppressant medications have role in treatment. Clinical implications of AI on survival are not well described. Aim: To study clinical influence of autoimmunity on pts with LR-MDS. Methods: All adult pts diagnosed with LR (RCUD, RARS, and RCMD) MDS at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 to 2000 were studied. Retrospective data collection included pts' demographics, laboratory tests, bone marrow biopsies, treatment modalities and survival information. Autoimmunity (AI) was considered present if pts had evidence of positive serological testing (such as rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)) and/or were diagnosed with autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)). IRB approval was obtained in accordance with Helsinki Declaration. Chi-Square, t-test and Anova were used for comparatives between groups, and Kaplan-Meier test was applied for survival estimates using JMP 9. 0 software. Results: A total of 134 adult pts were found to have LR-MDS at the time of their diagnosis. Sixty-six percent (89) were males, 13% (17) had antecedent hematological disease (AHD), and only 7% (9) had prior radio- or chemotherapy. Thirty-nine (29%) had evidence of AI. At the time of diagnosis, pts' median Hgb was 9. 3 g/dL, white blood cells (WBC) 4. 1×109/L, and platelets 151×109/L. On comparison, there was no difference between pts with AI (group 1) to the rest of the sample (group 2) (p = 0. 12, 0. 85 and 0. 23, respectively). Bone marrow cytogenetics were abnormal in 42% (56) pts, with 44 pts have one cytological anomaly, and only 2 have four anomalies. Twenty-four pts (18%) had RCUD, 60 (44%) RARS and 50 (37%) RCMD, as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) classification (Vardiman et al, 2008). Karyotype anomalies within the three WHO classes were found in 12/19 pts (63%), 15/52 pts (29%), and in 29/42 pts (70%), respectively. Of note, among those with karyotype anomalies, the mean number of cytogenetic abnormalities was significantly different across the three categories (F=6. 89, p=. 0014), with means of 0. 5, 0. 3, and 0. 9 respectively. Seven pts (5%) progressed into acute myeloid leukemia. Seventy percent of pts (94) remained as stable disease. Of the 134 pts studied, 39 (29%) were found to have evidence of AI, with 24/48 (50%) had abnormal serological tests, and 29/134 (21%) had an autoimmune disease. When tested, positive RF was found in 7/25 (28%), ANA in 14/42 (33%), anti dsDNA in 1/11 (9%), anti SS-A/-B in 2/3 (66%), ANCA in 1/12 (8%), anti-smooth muscle in 1/2 (50%), and anti-histone in 1 pt. As per autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis was identified in 6 pts (4%), vasculitides in 9 (7%), AIHA in 4 pts (3%), Sjögren syndrome in 3 (2%), myositis in 2 (1. 4%), ITP in 2 pts (1. 4%). There was no difference in AI frequency based on WHO classification (p 0. 17) or based on cytogenetic grouping (p 0. 37). Overall survival in pts with LR-MDS was found to be lower in group 1 as compared to group 2 but did not reach statistical significance (p=0. 109), with median survival of 40 months and 81 months, respectively. Conclusion: AI is a frequent finding in pts with LR-MDS, seen in up to 29% of pts. On comparison there was no difference in hematological parameters of both groups with or without AI (CBC, cytogenetics, and WHO classification). There was no survival difference in LR-MDS pts with AI compared to pts without AI. Larger size studies are needed to confirm our findings. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Autoimmunity in Patients (pts) with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML): A Frequent Finding

Blood | October 9, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 4930-4930

10.1182/blood.v120.21.4930.4930

Abstract Abstract 4930 Background: Autoimmune disorders have been observed in pts with myeloid neoplasms but their frequency and impact on the natural history of the myeloid neoplasms remains to be defined. Aim: To describe the frequency and prognostic impact of autoimmunity in pts with CMML. Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of all pts diagnosed with CMML at Mayo Clinic between 1994 – 2011. Autoimmunity (AI) was defined as positive serologic tests (Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti –cyclic citrullinate peptide (CCP), and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)), diagnosis of connective tissue disease (Rheumatoid arthritis, RA), vasculitis, or auto-immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression model for multivariate analysis for via JMP software v. 9. Results: During the study period, 288 pts with CMML were evaluated at Mayo Clinic, 35% (n=100) were female. Median age at diagnosis was 71yr (20–95). Median hemoglobin was 11 g/dL(6–16), median white blood cell (WBC) 12 x109/L (1–302), and median platelet count 86 x109/L (1–1110). Median peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) blasts were 0 and 5 respectively, while median PB and BM monocytes were 20% and 8% respectively. Eight-nine percent of pts had CMML1, while 10% had CMML2 and only 2 pts had CMML transforming into acute myeloid leukemia (-t). Karyotype analysis performed in demonstrated normal (diploid) karyotype in 180 (63%) pts and complex karyotype in 31 pts (11%). JAK2 mutation analysis was performed in 76 pts, 13% (10/76) of which were positive for JAK2V617F mutation. Autoimmunity was found in 46 (16%) of 288 pts. When tested, positive ANA, RF, CCP, and ANCA were found in 28/89 (31%), 8/61 (13%), 1/20 (5%), and 7/25 (28%), respectively. However, RA was reported positive in 6/288 (2%), and vasculitis was reported in only 4 pts. Median overall survival of the 288 patients was 496 days. Pts with evidence of autoimmunity had a median survival of 400 days compared to 527 days to the rest of the group (p 0. 73). On multivariate analysis, autoimmunity was not an independent risk factor for survival (p 0. 15), but age, platelets, WBC and body mass index (BMI) were independent factors. Conclusion: Autoimmunity is a frequent finding in pts with CMML. When tested, autoimmune antibodies were very frequent up to 31% of pts with CMML, but this did not confer into higher frequency of autoimmune diseases. Presence of positive autoimmune antibodies did not affect overall survival adversely. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.