Tun, Han W.

To improve the outcome of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a randomized phase II trial of three novel regimens was conducted. Ninety patients were enrolled and were in first relapse or were refractory to induction/re‐induction chemotherapy. They were randomized to the following regimens: carboplatin‐topotecan (CT), each by continuous infusion for 5 days; alvocidib (formerly flavopiridol), cytarabine, and mitoxantrone (FLAM) in a timed sequential regimen; or sirolimus combined with mitoxantrone, etoposide, and cytarabine (S‐MEC). The primary objective was attainment of a complete remission (CR). A Simon two‐stage design was used for each of the three arms. The median age of the patients in the FLAM arm was older at 62 years compared with 55 years for the CT arm and the S‐MEC arm. The overall response was 14% in the CT arm (5/35, 90% CI 7%‐35%), 28% in the FLAM arm (10/36, 90% CI, 16%‐43%), and 16% in the S‐MEC arm (3/19, 90% CI, 4%‐36%). There were nine treatment‐related deaths, seven of which occurred in the FLAM arm with four of these in elderly patients. We conclude that the FLAM regimen had an encouraging response rate and should be considered for further clinical development but should be used with caution in elderly patients.

AbstractThe combination of pomalidomide (POM) and dexamethasone (DEX) was evaluated for relapsed/refractory primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL) to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of POM as the primary objective, and overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety profile as secondary objectives. A cohorts-of-3 study design was used with a dose-escalation schedule consisting of POM (3, 5, 7, or 10 mg) orally daily for 21 days every 28 days and DEX 40 mg orally every week. After 2 cycles, POM was continued alone until disease progression, intolerance, or subject withdrawal. Following MTD determination, the MTD cohort was expanded. Twenty-five of 29 patients with the median of 3 prior treatments were eligible for assessment as per international PCNSL collaborative group criteria. The MTD of POM was 5 mg daily for 21 days every 28 days. Whole-study ORR was 48% (12 of 25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.8%, 68.7%) with 6 complete response (CR), 2 complete response, unconfirmed (CRu), and 4 partial response (PR). MTD cohort ORR was 50% (8 of 16; 95% CI, 24.7%, 75.4%) with 5 CR, 1 CRu, and 2 PR. Median PFS was 5.3 months (whole study) and 9 months (for responders). One patient had pseudoprogression. Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (21%), anemia (8%), and thrombocytopenia (8%). Grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities included lung infection (12%), sepsis (4%), fatigue (8%), syncope (4%), dyspnea (4%), hypoxia (4%), respiratory failure (8%), and rash (4%). POM/DEX treatment is feasible with significant therapeutic activity against relapsed/refractory PCNSL and PVRL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01722305.

Phlegmonous gastritis is an uncommon acute bacterial infection of the stomach that carries a fatal prognosis in spite of the advent of antibiotics. A high index of suspicion is required in patients with risk factors. An immunocompromised state is identified as one of the most important risk factors. We hereby report a case of successful antimicrobial treatment of phlegmonous gastritis in a patient who was receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia. We have also carried out a review of literature over the past ten years. Streptococcus pyogenes is identified as the most common causative organism, and patient presentation is usually nonspecific. Conservative treatment with prompt institution of antibiotics can lead to rapid resolution in the majority of patients.

7516 Background: PCNSL is a diffuse large B cell lymphoma confined to the CNS. Pomalidomide (POM) is a novel immunomodulatory agent with excellent CNS penetration (~40%) based on CNS PK analysis in rats and pre-clinical therapeutic activity against CNS lymphoma. Methods: A Phase I clinical trial was undertaken to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of POM, safety profile and overall response rate (ORR). Treatment consists of POM daily for 21 days every 28 days in combination with dexamethasone 40 mg PO weekly for two cycles followed by POM alone in subsequent cycles until progression or intolerance. 4 dose escalation levels of POM (3mg, 5mg, 7mg, and 10 mg) were planned. Thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulant or aspirin was required. MTD determination has been completed and expansion of the MTD cohort is ongoing. Therapeutic responses were evaluated per the international PCNSL collaborative group (IPCG) criteria after 2 cycles of treatment. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (#NCT01722305). Results: 21 of 25 patients accrued were eligible for assessment. The MTD was determined to be 5 mg qd for 21 days every 28 days. Two DLTs were seen at dose level 3 (Grade 3 dyspnea and grade 4 thrombocytopenia). One DLT was seen in the expanded MTD cohort (Grade 4 neutropenia and lymphocytopenia). ORR for the study (9/21) was 43% (95% CI- 22%, 66%) with 4 CR, 1 CRu and 4 PR. 3 responders completed 2, 4, and 6 cycles before progression. 6 responders have completed 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, and 32 cycles and remain on treatment. ORR for the MTD dose level was (5/12) 42% (95% CI- 15%, 72%) with 3 CR and 2 PR. 2 patients had stable disease (SD). Pseudo-progression was seen in 1 patient. Overall, grade 3/4 toxicity was hematologic (neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia) in 38.1% and non-hematologic in 33.3% (fatigue, pneumonia, sepsis, syncope, dyspnea, hypoxia, respiratory failure and maculo-papular rash). Percent CSF/blood ratio of POM was determined to be 19% in 1 patient. Conclusions: Pomalidomide treatment is feasible with therapeutic activity against relapsed/refractory PCNSL and should be further developed. Clinical trial information: NCT01722305.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a low grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder that typically presents with splenomegaly, cytopenias, and diffuse bone marrow infiltration. There have been few cases in the literature of HCL presenting as lymphomas in extra-nodal locations, such as soft tissues and bones without circulating leukemic cells, splenomegaly, or iliac crest bone marrow involvement. We present an additional case presenting as a thoracic mass, and discuss potential diagnostic pitfalls and management of these rare cases.