Citations 533

The Effect of Number of Metaphases Studied and Abnormal Metaphase Percentage On Cytogenetic Risk Stratification in Primary Myelofibrosis

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1742-1742

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1742.1742

Abstract Abstract 1742 Background Karyotype is one of the most potent and reproducible risk factors for both overall (OS) and leukemia-free (LFS) survival in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) (Blood 2011;118:4595). It is currently not clear if the number of metaphases studied or the abnormal metaphase percentage alters this prognostic impact. Methods: An updated Mayo Clinic database of karyotypically- and DIPSS-plus-annotated patients with PMF was used to identify a consecutive series of patients and their cytogenetic information obtained at time of referral was centrally re-reviewed. Cytogenetic results were interpreted and reported according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature; abnormal karyotype was defined by the presence of at least 2 metaphases with structural abnormalities or monosomy or 3 metaphases with polysomy, regardless of number of metaphases examined. For this particular study, the presence of less than 20 evaluable metaphases did not disqualify patients. “Very high risk” karyotype included monosomal karyotype, inv(3) or i(17q) abnormalities (Blood 2011;118:4595). “unfavorable” karyotype included complex or any sole or two abnormalities that included +8, −7/7q-, -5/5q-, inv(3), i(17q), 12p-, or 11q23 rearrangement (Blood 2011;118:4595). All other cytogenetic abnormalities were considered “favorable” Results: A total of 590 patients (median age 65 years; range 19–89 years) including 424 (72%) males. The DIPSS-plus (JCO 2011;29:392) risk distribution was 40% high, 39% intermediate-2, 12% intermediate-1 and 9% low. Cytogenetic findings included 17 (3%) very high risk, 69 (12%) unfavorable, 165 (28%) favorable and 339 (57%) normal karyotypes. The number of bone marrow metaphases studied to report these cytogenetic findings were ≥20 in 468 (79%) patients, 11 to 19 in 71 (12%) patients and ≤10 in 51 (9%) patients; the proportion of cases studied with ≥20 metaphases were 53% for very high risk, 74% for unfavorable, 83% for favorable and 80% for normal karyotype (p=0.006). Among patients with abnormal karyotype, the abnormal metaphase percentage was ≥75% in 148 (59%) patients, 50 to 74% in 36 (15%) patients, 26 to 49% in 27 (11%) patients and ≤25% in 38 (15%) patients; the proportion of patients with ≥75% was 59% for very high risk, 67% for unfavorable and 56% for favorable karyotypes (p=0.70). As expected, OS was significantly different among very high risk, unfavorable, favorable and normal karyotype patients with respective median survivals of 8, 23, 41 and 57 months (p<0.0001). The number of metaphases studied (p=0.62) or the abnormal metaphase percentage (p=0.12), by themselves, did not affect survival. Similarly, the survival difference among the aforementioned cytogenetic risk groups was equally apparent when patients with ≥20 metaphases studied (n=468; P<0.0001) and those with <20 metaphases studied (n=122; p<0.0001) were separately analyzed. Analysis of patients with very high risk or unfavorable karyotype (n=86) revealed no significant effect of abnormal metaphase percentage on survival (Figure; p=0.80). A similar scenario was demonstrated for patients with favorable karyotype (Figure; p=0.24). Conclusions: Neither the number of metaphases examined nor the abnormal metaphase percentage appear to influence the currently recognized cytogenetic risk stratification in PMF. The current study has implications for both clinical practice and clinical research involving cytogenetic prognostication in hematological malignancies. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Imetelstat, a Telomerase Inhibitor, Therapy for Myelofibrosis: A Pilot Study

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 634-634

10.1182/blood.v124.21.634.634

Abstract Background: Current drugs in myelofibrosis (MF), including JAK inhibitors, do not induce complete or partial remissions. Imetelstat is a 13-mer lipid-conjugated oligonucleotide that targets the RNA template of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. A phase-2 study in essential thrombocythemia showed platelet-lowering activity of imetelstat accompanied by reduction in JAK2V617F allele burden, thus providing the main rationale for conducting the current study. Methods: The current study (NCT01731951) is investigator-driven and IRB approved. Drug and research funding were provided by Geron Corporation (Menlo Park, CA, USA). The objective was to obtain preliminary information on therapeutic activity and safety of imetelstat in DIPSS-plus high or intermediate-2 risk MF. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Version 4.03) and responses by the International Working Group criteria (Blood2013). Laboratory correlative studies included measurement of plasma cytokines and analysis of mutations. Results : 33 patients were accrued and met eligibility criteria (median age 67 years; 67% males); type of MF was primary 55% and post-PV/ET 45%; risk distribution was high 48% and intermediate-2 52%. Karyotype was abnormal in 16 (48.5%) patients. 79% of patients had received prior therapy including JAK inhibitors in 33%. Protocol treatment : Imetelstat was administered by a 2-hour intravenous infusion (9.4 mg/kg) every three weeks (cohort A; n=19) or weekly x 3 followed by every three weeks (cohort B; n=16). As of 7/24/2014, 11 (33.3%) patients remain on active treatment (median number of cycles completed for all patients = 7; range 1-21). Three patients have died post-registration: intracranial hemorrhage (related), upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (unrelated) and disease progression. Median follow-up for living patients was 11.0 months (range, 3.6 – 18.4). 22 (66%) patients have discontinued treatment, mainly because of suboptimal response (n=15) or disease progression (n=3). Toxicity : Treatment-related grade 4 neutropenia was seen in 6 (18%) patients and grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 7 (21%). Grade 3 anemia was seen in 9 (27%) patients. Two patients experienced grade 4+ non-hematologic AE: grade 5 intracranial hemorrhage (related), grade 5 upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (not related); other grade 3+ non-hematologic AEs were seen in only one patient. Regardless of attribution, treatment-emergent grade 1 or 2 liver function test abnormalities affected bilirubin 46%, ALP 52%, AST 55% and ALT 24%. There were 3 instances of grade 3 ALP and one of bilirubin elevations. Efficacy : There were 7 (21.2%) complete (CR; n=4) or partial (PR; n=3) remissions, occurring at a median of 5 cycles of treatment (range 1-9). All 4 CR patients experienced reversal of BM fibrosis and 3 of them a complete molecular response. Six of the 7 CR/PR patients remain in remission (median 9.9 months, range 4.8-14.7). Other responses included anemia response in 4 (31%) of 13 transfusion-dependent patients, >50% reduction in palpable spleen size in 9 (39%) of 23 evaluable patients, ≥50% reduction in leukocyte count in 8 (80%) of 10 patients with marked leukocytosis (WBC >25 x 10(9)/L), resolution of leukoerythroblastosis in the majority of patients, and normalization of platelet count in 9 (75%) of 12 patients with thrombocytosis. Laboratory correlative studies : Mutational frequencies were 79% for JAK2, 18% for CALR, 3% for MPL, 33% for ASXL1, 9% for IDH1/2 and 33% for spliceosome component mutations. CR/PR rates were 27% in JAK2-mutated vs 0% unmutated (p=0.3) and 32% in ASXL1-unmutated vs 0% mutated (p=0.07). CR rate was 38% in SF3B1/U2AF1-mutated vs 4% unmutated (p=0.036). Grade 3+ neutropenia or thrombocytopenia was more likely to occur in JAK2-unmutated (p=0.02) and ASXL1-mutated cases (p=0.049). Multi-cytokine panel screening showed significant differences between baseline and post-treatment samples involving several cytokines, including IL-1b, IL-5, IL-7, IL-17, VEGF, IL-8 and TNF-α (p<0.001 for all). CR/PR did not correlate with baseline cytokine levels. Conclusions : The current study identifies imetelstat as an active drug in patients with MF, but also reveals its potential to cause significant myelosuppression. The association between CR/PR and specific mutations suggests potential targeted activity that might be exploited for patient and disease selection. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Comparison of Acute Panmyelosis with Myelofibrosis and Acute Megakaryoblastic Leukemia: A Mayo Clinic Study

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 959-959

10.1182/blood.v124.21.959.959

Abstract Introduction Acute panmyelosis with myelofibrosis (APMF) is classified under acute myeloid leukemia not otherwise specified by World Health organization (WHO). The clinical course of this entity is rapidly progressive and fatal, therefore, it is essential to make the accurate diagnosis and distinguish it from its mimickers, particularly acute megakaryoblastic leukemia; AML-M7 (AMKL). The main objective of this study is to identify clinical and pathologic features which could help distinguish APMF from AMKL. Methods We evaluated all patients treated at our institution between 1994 and 2013, with APMF and AMKL. We retrospectively reviewed their clinical data, laboratory results, and initial bone marrow morphologic evaluation. The lineage of blasts was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to CD34, anti-megakaryocyte antibodies CD41, CD61, and polyclonal factor VIII. Flow cytometry and cytogenetic studies were reviewed. Results i) Clinical characteristics 28 patients were studied which included 8 with APMF (median age 63 years) and 20 with AMKL (median age 65 years). Splenomegaly was commonly seen in AMKL (40%) as opposed to APMF (12.5%) (P=0.21). None of the APMF patients had an antecedent hematologic malignancy, compared to 50% of AMKL patients (p=0.02). Accordingly, APMF patients had a lower incidence of the JAK2V617F mutation compared to AMKL (14% vs. 78%, p=0.04). ii) Pathological features Patients with APMF had a hypercellular marrow with increased erythropoiesis (87% vs. 10%, p<0.01) and granulopoiesis (100% vs. 25%, p<0.01), with lower bone marrow blast percentage (14% vs. 33%, p<0.01), with all blasts staining positive for CD34 (p=0.23) compared with AMKL. In AMKL, the majority of blasts stain positive for anti-megakaryocytic antibodies CD61 (100% vs. 30%, p=0.02), CD41 (75% vs. 20%, p=0.10), and factor VIII (50% vs. 20%, p=0.02). On flow cytometry, all cases of APMF demonstrated multilineage proliferation with subsets of blasts positive for CD61, CD117, and MPO. In comparison, all cases of AMKL expressed megakaryocytic marker CD61. iii) Treatment Half of our patients received intensive induction chemotherapy in each group. Median survival was similar in APMF and AMKL of 8.6 and 7.6 months respectively (P=0.82). Of the 8 APMF patients, two are alive, with follow-up duration of 14 and 20 months, respectively. In the AMKL group, only one patient is alive, with follow-up duration of 55 months. All three patients have undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Conclusion In summary, our study illustrated important clinical and pathologic differences between APMF and AMKL, two similar but distinct conditions. Allogenic stem cell transplant has shown promise in limited number of cases. Future trials evaluating the efficacy of novel therapies are warranted.Table 1Clinical and Laboratory features including treatment details of patients with APMF and AMKLAPMFN=8AMKLN=20P-valueAge in years (median)63650.11Gender, M:F5:310:100.69Splenomegaly at diagnosis, n (%)1 (12.5)8 (40)0.21Antecedent hematological malignancy08- myeloproliferative neoplasm 2- myelodysplastic syndromes0.02Hgb [median] g/dl9.68.70.73WBC [median] x 109/L1.14.40.15Platelets [median ] X 109/L28360.29Blast % [median]2130.47LDH [median]4227090.12JAK2V617F mutation, n (%)1/7 (14)7/9 (78)0.04Bone marrow Cellularity, n (%): - Hypercellular - Normocellular - Hypocellular8 (100) 13 (65) 4 (20) 3 (15)0.07 0.29 0.54↑erythropoiesis, n (%)7 (87)2 (10)<0.01Left shift, n (%)5 (62)6 (30)0.20↑granulopoiesis, n (%)8 (100)5 (25)<0.01Left shift, n (%)8 (100)9 (55)0.01↑megakaryopoiesis, n (%)7 (87)16 (80)1.00Micromegakaryocytes, n (%)7 (87)18 (90)1.00↓megakaryocyte nuclear lobulation, n(%)7 (87)12 (60)0.21Clustering of megakaryocytes, n (%)5 (62)13 (65)1.00BM blast % [median]3314<0.01% of blasts CD34 + [median]100300.23% of blasts + for megakaryocyte markers [median] - CD61+ - CD41+ - Factor VIII+30 20 20100 75 500.020.10 0.01Reticulin fibrosis ≥ 3+, n (%)5 (62)9 (45)0.67Complex karyotype, n (%)4(50)10(50)1.00Treatment, n (%) - Induction chemotherapy - Hypomethylating agent - Clinical trial - Supportive care4 (50) 0 0 4(50)10(50) 2(10) 2 (10) 6(30)Allogeneic bone marrow transplant, n (%)3 (38)3 (15)Overall survival in months (median)8.677.610.82 Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Decreased Levels of Total or HDL Cholesterol in Primary Myelofibrosis Are Associated with Shortened Survival: DIPSS-Plus Independent Prognostic Value.

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 2851-2851

10.1182/blood.v120.21.2851.2851

Abstract Abstract 2851 Background: It is widely appreciated that total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels are decreased in patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF). However, a systematic study looking into the serum lipid profile in PMF and its phenotypic and prognostic relevance is lacking. Methods: An updated Mayo Clinic database of 1008 karyotypically- and DIPSS-plus-annotated patients with PMF was used to identify study patients in whom serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were available at time of referral. Overall (OS) and leukemia-free (LFS) survivals were calculated from the time of referral, which was also the time of serum lipid analysis. Results: A total of 207 patients met the above stipulated criteria and had measurement of TC (n=207), TG (n=204), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (n=187), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (n=176) and non-HDL cholesterol (N-HDL-C) (n=184). The corresponding median (range) values (mg/dL) were 132 (57–296), 147 (42–742), 31 (8–96), 67 (11–186) and 104 (7–249). TC was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the presence of male sex, older age, red cell transfusion need, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, marked splenomegaly, circulating blasts, constitutional symptoms, JAK2 V617F, and ASXL1 mutations. TG was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the presence of JAK2 V617F, red cell transfusion need, hemoglobin <10 g/dL and thrombocytosis. DIPSS-plus risk categories showed significant differences in their TC (p<0.0001), HDL-C (p=0.004), LDL-C (p=0.004), and N-HDL-C (p=0.009) profiles with higher levels seen in lower risk patients; there were no correlations with TG levels. In univariate analysis, lower levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and N-HDL-C were all associated with shortened survival (P<0.01 for each association) whereas survival was not affected by TG level (p=0.42). Multivariable analysis in the context of DIPSS-plus confirmed the independent prognostic relevance of both TC (p=0.05) and HDL-C (p=0.02) for OS. A similar analysis disclosed no correlation with LFS. Exclusion of patients receiving statin or other anti-lipid treatment did not affect the overall results. Patients in the lower quartiles for either TC (approximately <100 mg/dL) or HDL-C (approximately <25 mg/L) compared to those with higher levels displayed significantly shorter survival (Figure; RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.7; p<0.0001) that was not accounted for by DIPSS-plus (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.5; p=0.03). Conclusions: Decreased levels of total or HDL cholesterol in PMF cluster with adverse disease features and carry a DIPSS-plus independent adverse prognostic value. Measurement of TC and HDL-C in PMF might be useful in monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Prognostic Impact of Bone Marrow Fibrosis in Polycythemia Vera: Validation of the IWG-MRT Study and Additional Observations

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 3129-3129

10.1182/blood.v128.22.3129.3129

Abstract Background Increased bone marrow (BM) reticulin fibrosis in polycythemia vera (PV) has been reported in 20% (Ann Hematol. 1999;78:495) to 51% (Eur J Haematol. 2011;86:148) of patients at diagnosis. In a previous report by the international working group for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) research and treatment (IWG-MRT), the presence of BM fibrosis (≥ grade 1) at diagnosis was associated with a lower incidence of thrombosis during the clinical course and a higher risk of fibrotic progression while it did not affect overall (OS) or leukemia-free (LFS) survival (Blood. 2012;119:2239). The objectives for the current single center study of 262 PV patients were to validate the observations from the IWG-MRT and also identify other risk factors for myelofibrosis-free survival (MFFS) in PV. Methods Study patients were selected from our institutional database of MPN and fulfilled the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the diagnosis of PV (Blood. 2016;127:2391). Cytogenetic analysis and reporting was done according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (Cytogenetic and Genome Research 2013;141:1-6). The degree of BM reticulin fibrosis was based on "real life" BM reports from Mayo Clinic hematopathologists and often in accordance with the European consensus scoring system (Haematologica 2005;90:1128). Statistical analyses considered clinical and laboratory parameters obtained at time of diagnosis. Results Patient characteristics: Analysis was conducted on 262 patients (median age 62 years; 50% males) who met 2016 WHO criteria for diagnosis of PV. Median (range) values were: hemoglobin 18 g/dl (14.8-24), leukocyte count 11.7 x109/L (4.3-59.3) and platelet count 454 x109/L (44-2747). Among informative cases, palpable splenomegaly was present in 27%, pruritus in 33% and erythromelalgia in 6%. Thrombosis history at diagnosis was documented in 28% of the patients and 23% experienced thrombotic events after diagnosis. Information on cytogenetics was available in 142 patients and karyotype was abnormal in 19%. BM reticulin fibrosis was reported to be absent in 135 patients (MF-0, 52%), grade 1 (MF-1) in 101 (39%), grade 2 (MF-2) in 22 (8%) and grade 3 (MF-3) in 4 (2%) patients. After a median follow up of 85 months, 107(41%) deaths, 30 (11%) fibrotic progression and 5 (2%) leukemic transformations were documented. Comparison of patients with and without bone marrow fibrosis A number of clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated for possible association with the presence of ≥ grade 1 BM reticulin fibrosis and none, including age, sex, complete blood count, palpable splenomegaly, pruritus or erythromelalgia displayed a significant association. In univariate analysis, the presence of BM fibrosis (MF-0 versus MF-1 or greater) did not affect OS (p=0.5), LFS (p=0.2) or thrombosis-free survival (p=0.97) whereas a significant association was noted for MFFS (p=0.009; HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.7). Others risk factors for MFFS, in a univariate analysis, were leukocytosis ≥15 x 109/L (p=0.02; HR 2.7, 95% CI 1.17-6.48), presence of splenomegaly (p=0.02; HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.16-6) and abnormal karyotype (p=0.0005; HR 4.6, 95% CI 1.9-11). During multivariable analysis, not including karyotype, leukocytosis ≥15 x 109/L (p=0.04), presence of splenomegaly (p=0.04) and presence of BM reticulin fibrosis (p=0.01) remained significant; however, this significance for leukocytosis ≥15 x 109/L, presence of splenomegaly and BM reticulin fibrosis was lost when abnormal karyotype was added as covariate to each risk factor individually (p=0.4, p=0.1 and p=0.9, respectively). Conclusion We report a not infrequent (48% incidence) occurrence of ≥ grade 1 BM reticulin fibrosis at time of initial diagnosis of PV. In the current study, we did not find a prognostic impact for the presence of BM reticulin fibrosis, in terms of OS, LFS or thrombosis-free survival; however, a significant association was confirmed for MFFS that was independent of other non-genetic risk factors. The preliminary observation on the adverse prognostic impact of abnormal karyotype on MFFS requires additional studies. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
"Proliferative" Versus "Dysplastic" Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Molecular and Prognostic Correlates

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1987-1987

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1987.1987

Abstract Background : The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms has recommended distinction between "proliferative" (WBC ≥ 13 x 10(9)/L) and "dysplastic" (WBC < 13 X 10(9)/L) subtypes of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). In the current study of 261 molecularly-annotated cases, we sought to clarify the prognostic relevance of distinguishing proliferative from dysplastic CMML and also describe differences in the distribution of disease-associated mutations. Methods : 261 patients with WHO-defined CMML were included in the study. All patients had bone marrow (BM) biopsies and cytogenetics performed at diagnosis. Targeted capture assays were carried out on BM DNA specimens obtained at diagnosis for the following genes; TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, KRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP. The 2016 WHO criteria were used to sub-classify CMML into proliferative and dysplastic subtypes. Results :Among the 261 study patients, 65% were males and median age was 70 years. 154 (59%), 64 (25%) and 43 (16%) patients were classified as CMML-0, 1 and 2, respectively. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 174 (67%) deaths and 37 (14%) leukemic transformations were documented. Mutational frequencies were; TET2 45%, ASXL1 45%, SRSF2 40%, NRAS 14%, SETBP1 13%, CBL 10%, JAK2 7%, RUNX1 6%, U2AF1 6%, DNMT3A 6%, SF3B1 5%, ZRSR2 4%, Tp53 4%, IDH2 4%, KRAS 3%, PTPN11 2%, SH2B3 1%, CSF3R 1%, IDH1 1%, EZH2 1%, SUZ12 1%, KIT 1%, FLT3 1%, and CALR 1%. Risk stratification was based on the Mayo Molecular Model: 31% high, 30% intermediate-1, 28% intermediate-2 and 11 % low risk. i) Dysplastic versus proliferative CMML: phenotypic and molecular differences 139 (53%) patients had proliferative and 122 (47%) dysplastic subtypes. There was no difference between the CMML subtypes in terms of age and gender distribution, hemoglobin level, platelet count or BM blast content. Patients with proliferative CMML had higher absolute monocyte counts (AMC) (p<0.0001), circulating immature myeloid cells (IMC, p<0.001), circulating blasts (p<0.001) and serum LDH levels (p=0.01). The following gene mutations were more common in proliferative vs dysplastic CMML: ASXL1 (54% vs 37%, p=0.009), JAK2 (11% vs 3%, p=0.01) and CBL (11% vs 8%, p=0.047); SF3B1 mutations were more common in dysplastic CMML (8% vs 1%, p=0.02). There was no difference in the incidence of TET2, DNMT3A and SRSF2 mutations whereas there was a trend towards a higher prevalence of NRAS (p=0.06) and CSF3R (p=0.06) mutations in proliferative CMML. Cytogenetic abnormalities (p=0.03), including higher risk categories by the Spanish (p=0.03) and the Mayo-French (p=0.01) systems were more common in proliferative CMML. ii) Impact on overall and leukemia-free survival: Median survival for the entire cohort (n=261) was 24 months. In univariate analysis, survival was shorter in patients with proliferative (median 20 months) versus dysplastic (median 29 months) CMML (p=0.008; HR1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1; Figure 1A). Other variables of significance, in univariate analysis, included hemoglobin (p=0.001), leukocyte count (p=0.001), AMC (p=0.003), PB blast % (p=0.003), IMC (p=0.01), BM blast % (p=0.045), abnormal karyotype (p=0.02), ASXL1 (p=0.01) and DNMT3A (p=0.0003) mutations. In multivariable analysis, the difference in survival between proliferative and dysplastic subtypes remained significant with the addition of hemoglobin level (p=0.01), PB blast % (p=0.02), IMC (p=0.04), BM blast % (p=0.01) or DNMT3A mutations (p=0.01). This was, however, not the case with addition of leukocyte count (p=0.32), AMC (p=0.18) or ASXL1 mutational status (p=0.14); whereas the adverse impact on survival from the latter three parameters remained significant. The prognostic impact of ASXL1 mutations was most apparent in dysplastic CMML (Figure 1B). There was no difference in leukemic transformation rates (p=0.4). Conclusions: In the context of current prognostic models, sub-classification of CMML into proliferative and dysplastic subtypes might not provide additional prognostic value. The apparent difference in survival between the two subtypes of CMML is probably accounted for by the higher prevalence of leukocytosis/monocytosis and of ASXL1 mutations in proliferative CMML. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Incidence and Management of Relapsed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 5179-5179

10.1182/blood.v128.22.5179.5179

Abstract Background: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) has a favorable prognosis with high complete remission rates of over 90 percent, with relapse occurring in only 10 to 15 percent of patients. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of relapsed patients and review management of relapsed disease. Methods: After institutional review board approval, we searched our institutional electronic database for those 18 years and older with a new diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2016. We gathered all patient information through electronic chart review. Results: Out of 89 patients reviewed, 59 had complete treatment data through induction therapy. Of the 59 patients, with median follow-up of 51 months (range 1-180 months), 7 (11.9%) had relapsed. The median age at APL diagnosis of relapsed patients was 52 years (range: 30-77 years). 6 relapsed patients were intermediate or low risk, and 1 was in the high risk category. 6 relapsed patients received an ATRA and chemotherapy-based induction regimen, and 1 received an ATRA and arsenic-based regimen. Median time to morphological remission was 32 days (range: 22-83 days). 6 of 7 relapsed patients achieved molecular remission. Consolidation regimens included conventional chemotherapy alone (1 patient), ATRA and conventional chemotherapy (4 patients), and arsenic alone (2 patients). Of the 7 relapsed patients, 4 completed maintenance therapy. The median time to relapse from first morphologic remission was 40 months (range: 3-47 months). 6 patients were treated at our institution, and 1 was treated at an outside institution. 2 patients had a molecular relapse, 2 had systemic and central nervous system (CNS) relapse, and 1 patient had an isolated CNS relapse. Treatment regimens at relapse included ATRA and chemotherapy (1 patient), arsenic alone (2 patients), ATRA and arsenic (2 patients), and intrathecal methotrexate with conventional chemotherapy (1 patient). Complications of treatment included infection (2 patients: 1 treated with ATRA and chemotherapy and 1 with intrathecal methotrexate and chemotherapy), thrombotic events (1 patient treated with ATRA and arsenic), rash (1 patient treated with arsenic), and QTc prolongation (1 patient treated with ATRA and arsenic). 5 of 6 patients achieved a molecular remission. Consolidation regimens after reinduction included ATRA and chemotherapy (2 patients), arsenic alone (1 patient), intrathecal methotrexate (1 patient), and ATRA and arsenic (1 patient). Of the 2 patients who had a second relapse, 1 had an isolated CNS relapse, and 1 had a systemic and CNS relapse. Both patients were treated with intrathecal methotrexate and conventional chemotherapy. Due to persistent CNS disease, 1 patient underwent therapy with systemic methotrexate and craniospinal radiation. 1 patient had a third relapse, which was treated with ATRA and arsenic. 4 of 6 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplant, 2 autologous and 2 allogeneic. Of the 7 relapsed patients, 5 are alive, including all 4 patients who underwent transplant. Table 1 provides a detailed summary of the management of relapse in each of these patients. Conclusion: Our data are consistent with the reported relapse rate of 10 to 15 percent in APL. Patients who relapse are successfully treated with both ATRA and arsenic-containing regimens. In our cohort, relapsed patients had favorable survival. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Next-Generation Sequencing in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Prognostic Interaction Between Adverse Mutations and IPSS-R

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 128 | Issue: 22 | Pages: 1986-1986

10.1182/blood.v128.22.1986.1986

Abstract Background In a seminal report (NEJM 2011;30:2496), ASXL1, TP53, EZH2, ETV6 and RUNX1 mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were shown to carry an adverse prognostic impact that was independent of the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS) (Blood 1997;89:2079). Two recent studies (Leukemia20 May 2016; doi: 10.1038/leu.2016.138; Leukemia. 2014;28:241) have proposed mutation-enhanced prognostic models that include the revised IPSS (IPSS-R) (Blood 2012;120:2454 ). In the current study, we applied targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) in order to examine the prognostic interaction between adverse mutations and IPSS-R. Methods The study population was recruited from our institutional database of patients with primary MDS, based on availability of archived DNA from the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis of MDS and leukemic transformation (LT) was made according to WHO criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Targeted capture assays were carried out, on bone marrow DNA specimens, for the following genes: TET2, DNMT3A, IDH1, IDH2, ASXL1, EZH2, SUZ12, SRSF2, SF3B1, ZRSR2, U2AF1, PTPN11, Tp53, SH2B3, RUNX1, CBL, NRAS, JAK2, CSF3R, FLT3, KIT, CALR, MPL, NPM1, CEBPA, IKZF, and SETBP1.Specific variants were deemed as mutations if they are associated with a hematologic malignancy (as identified by COSMIC database), or if they have not been associated with a dbSNP. Results Patient characteristics and type and number of mutations: 179 patients were evaluated (median age 73 years; 68% males). IPSS-R risk distribution was 11% very high, 18% high, 16% intermediate, 39% low and 16% very low. At least one mutation was seen in 139 (78%) patients including 17% with one mutation, 29% with 2, 20% with 3, 10% with four, 2% with 5 and one patient with 6 mutations. The most frequent mutations were ASXL1 (30%), SF3B1 (20%), TET2 (17%), U2AF1 (16%) and SRSF2 (16%). Mutation clusters and clinical correlates: ASXL1 mutations were associated with the absence of SF3B1 (p=0.007), U2AF1 (p=0.01) and SRSF2 (p=0.003) mutations; SF3B1 with absence of U2AF1 (p=0.004) and SRSF2 (p=0.004) mutations; and U2AF1 with absence of SRSF2 mutations (p=0.01). Clinical correlates of ASXL1 mutations included older age, lower hemoglobin, and lower risk karyotype; SF3B1 with higher leukocyte count, higher platelet count, lower bone marrow blast percentage and lower risk karyotype; TET2 with older age and higher hemoglobin. Univariate overall and leukemia-free survival analysis before and after adjusting for IPSS-R: In univariate analysis, ASXL1, RUNX1 and TP53 mutations adversely and SF3B1 favorably affected survival; only ASXL1 mutations retained significance when analysis was adjusted for IPSS-R (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.1; p=0.03). For leukemia-free survival, univariate analysis identified SRSF2, which was near-significant for overall survival (p=0.06), and RUNX1 mutations as adverse and SF3B1 mutations as favorable risk factors; SRSF2 (HR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.2) and SF3B1-unmutated (HR 5.9, 95% CI 1.1-31.5) retained their significance when adjusted for IPSS-R. A borderline significance (p=0.07) indicating inferior survival for patients with three or more mutations was fully accounted for by the significant (P<0.0001) association between the presence of ASXL1 mutations and higher number of mutations. Multivariable analysis with individual IPSS-R variables: When the five IPSS-R variables (hemoglobin, platelets, absolute neutrophil count, bone marrow blast percentage and karyotype) were analyzed (both as continuous and IPSS-R-defined categorical variables) with each one of the aforementioned mutations with significant effect on overall or leukemia-free survival, only ASXL1 retained its significance for overall survival (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3) and SRSF2 (HR 5.2, 95% CI 2.1-13.3) for leukemia-free survival. Other IPSS-R variables that retained their significance for survival, in the presence of ASXL1 mutation status as a covariate, included hemoglobin level, platelet count and karyotype. Conclusions: In our cohort of 179 molecularly-annotated patients with newly-diagnosed primary MDS, ASXL1 and SRSF2 mutations were identified as IPSS-R-independent risk factors for overall and leukemia-free survival, respectively. The current study also suggests the need to re-evaluate currently established risk factors, in the context of prognostically-relevant molecular information. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Lack of Prognostic Significance of Monosomal Karyotype and Absolute Lymphocyte Count At Diagnosis in Philadelphia Chromosome Negative Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1476-1476

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1476.1476

Abstract Abstract 1476 Background: Monosomal Karyotype (MK) is defined as the presence of two or more autosomal monosomies or one autosomal monosomy and one structural abnormality. MK has been found to be an independent poor prognostic factor in myeloid diseases (Patnaik et al, Leukemia 2011, Haferlach et al, Blood 2012) even in the setting of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Fang et al, Blood 2011). The prognostic relevance of MK in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is unknown. Absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis, on the other hand, has been shown to be prognostic in a variety of lymphoproliferative disorders (Porrata et al, Leukemia 2010). However, the prognosis of ALC at diagnosis in ALL is undetermined Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the Mayo Clinic leukemia database (1998–2010). The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Outcomes analyzed included overall survival (OS), leukemia free survival (LFS) and relapse rate. Clinical characteristics, cytogenetics, therapy and outcomes of patients with Philadelphia negative ALL (Ph-negative ALL) were analyzed. Cytogenetics were classified as follows: standard risk [hyperdiploidy], intermediate risk [Normal, del(11q)-not MLL, del(6q), del(17p), del(9p), del(12p), del(13q), t(14q32), t(10;14), low hyperdiploidy, others], high risk [-7, del(7p), +8, MLL translocations, t(1;19), t(17;19), t(5;14)], and very high [t(4;11), t(8;14), complex (≥5 abnormalities), hypodiploidy, triploidy] (Pullarkat et, Blood 2008). Multivariate analysis was performed using Cox Regression Model. Results: Between 1998 and 2010, a total of 175 consecutive patients with ALL were identified. Of these, 112 (64%) had Ph-negative ALL. The median age was 39.5 (16–88) years and 74 were male (66%). The majority of cases were B-ALL (78 patients, 69%). At presentation, the median hemoglobin was 10 (4.1–18.5) g/dL, platelet count was 61 (3–523) ×10(9)/L, WBC was 7.2 (0.8–377) ×10(9)/L and ALC was 1.9 (0–69.0) ×10(9)/L. The ALC was > 1000 in 75 (71%) patients. Cytogenetics risk categories were as follows: standard risk in 5 (4.4%), intermediate risk in 70 (62.5%), high risk in 8 (7.1%) and very high risk in 29 (25.9%) patients. Twenty-two patients (20.9%) presented with extranodal disease (CNS disease in 13 patients, 11.6%). Six patients (5.4%) had prior exposure to chemotherapy. Treatment involved allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in 34 (30.4%) patients. The median OS for the whole cohort was 24 (0–206) months and LFS was 18 (0–193) months. Forty four patients (39.3%) relapsed after achieving initial remission with a median time to relapse of 15 (2–73) months In a univariate analysis, low platelet count at diagnosis, poor ECOG performance status (PS), and high or very high risk cytogenetics risk categories were associated with inferior OS. ALC at diagnosis did not impact OS or LFS. On a multivariate analysis, high/very high risk cytogenetics, low platelet counts and poor ECOG PS were independent predictors of inferior outcomes. Nineteen patients (16.9%) had a MK. Of these, 16 (84.2%) fell in the very high risk cytogenetics category regardless of MK status. Three patients (1.6%) presented with extramedullary disease and six (3.2%) underwent SCT. The median OS of these 19 patients was 15 (1–73) months. While MK was associated with inferior LFS and a trend towards worse OS, this was not significant on a multivariate model that included cytogenetic risk categories, thrombocytopenia and the ECOG PS. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that cytogenetics risk stratification, thrombocytopenia and ECOG performance status are independent prognostic factors in ALL. MK and ALC at diagnosis had no prognostic significance. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Revised Cytogenetic Risk Stratification in Primary Myelofibrosis: A Mayo Clinic Study of 903 Patients

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 631-631

10.1182/blood.v124.21.631.631

Abstract Background : Cytogenetic abnormalities in PMF have been broadly classified into “favorable” and “unfavorable” risk categories. The latter include +8, -7/7q-, i(17q), inv(3), -5/5q-, 12p-, 11q rearrangements and complex karyotype (Leukemia. 2011;25:82). In a more recent study, we had demonstrated an even worse prognosis for patients with monosomal karyotype (MK), inv(3) and i(17q) abnormalities (Blood. 2011;118:4595). In the current study, we revisited the topic using a larger database. Methods: PMF diagnosis was according to World Health Organization criteria (Blood. 2009;114:937). Cytogenetic analysis and reporting was done according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (Cytogenetic and genome research. 2013. Prepublished on 2013/07/03 as DOI 10.1159/000353118). Assignment to “normal” karyotype required a minimum of 10 metaphases analyzed. A complex karyotype was defined as the presence of 3 or more distinct structural or numeric abnormalities. MK was defined as 2 or more distinct autosomal monosomies or single autosomal monosomy associated with at least one structural abnormality (JCO. 2008;26:4791). Results : A total of 903 patients (median age 65 years; range 19-92; 63% males) met the above stipulations for study eligibility. Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS)-plus risk distribution (JCO. 2011;29:392) was high in 344 (38%) patients, intermediate-2 in 334 (37%), intermediate-1 in 128 (14%) and low in 97 (11%). 472 patients were annotated for JAK2/CALR/MPL mutations; 276 (58%) harbored JAK2, 117 (25%) CALR and 33 (7%) MPL mutations. Abnormal karyotype was documented in 437 (48%) patients and included sole abnormalities of 20q- (n=71; 16%), 13q- (n=57; 13%), +8 (n=25; 5%), -7/7q- (n=17; 4%) and +9 (n=16; 3%). 22 (5%) patients displayed MK and 31 (7%) complex karyotype without MK. At a median follow-up time of 3 years, 634 (70%) deaths and 65 blast transformations (BT; 7%) were recorded. A step-wise survival analysis, using “normal karyotype” and “MK/inv(3)/i(17q)” as comparators for “low” and “very high risk” categories, respectively, resulted in four distinct cytogenetic risk designations: very high (MK, inv(3), i(17q), -7/7q-, 11q or 12p abnormalities; n=67), high (complex without MK, two abnormalities not included in very high risk category, 5q-, +8, other autosomal trisomies except +9, and other sole abnormalities not included in other risk categories; n=164), intermediate (sole abnormalities of 20q-, 1q duplication or any other translocation, and -Y or other sex chromosome abnormality; n=133) and low (normal or sole abnormalities of 13q- or +9; n=539); the corresponding median survivals were 0.9, 2.6, 3.8 and 4.6 years, with respective HR (95% CI) of 4.4 (3.3-5.8), 2.0 (1.6-2.4) and 1.3 (1.03-1.6). Very high (HR 6.1, 95% CI 2.9-13.2) and high (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.1) risk categories were also associated with higher risk of BT. There was no significant correlation between the revised cytogenetic risk stratification and JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational categories (p=0.22), but none of the triple-negative or MPL-mutated patients displayed “very high risk” karyotype. The revised cytogenetic model was also effective in risk-stratification of JAK2 or CALR mutated patients, when analyzed separately, and its prognostic relevance for survival was generally independent of JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational status (p<0.01), DIPSS (p<0.01) or DIPSS-plus (p<0.01). Comparison of the currently used “favorable” vs “unfavorable” with the revised cytogenetic risk model showed a significant number of patients with “favorable” karyotype (n=213 of total 753) being re-assigned to high (n=82) or intermediate (n=131) risk categories. Conclusions : The currently used cytogenetic risk stratification in PMF is too broad and underestimates prognosis in a significant number of patients with “favorable” karyotype. We have developed a revised four-tier risk model that is independent of conventional risk models and JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational status and is expected to facilitate the development of genetics-based prognostic scoring systems in PMF. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.