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37 citation(s) found for "Deeg, Joachim".

Clinical, Genetic, and Pathologic Variability in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Precursor Conditions Across Race, Ethnicity, and Sex
Colin‐Leitzinger, Christelle, Tang, Yi-Han , Sherman, Seth, Zhang, Ling, Walker, Mary Ellen, Painter, Jeffrey S. , Abel, Gregory A., Baghdadi, Tareq Al, Deeg, H. Joachim, Foran, James M., Gore, Steven D., Harrington, Alexandra M., Kroft, Steven H. , Liu, Jane Jijun, Saber, Wael, Virani, Shamsuddin, Bejar, Rafael, Padron, Eric , Komrokji, Rami, DeZern, Amy E., Sekeres, Mikkael A., Colin, Christelle , Foran, James M , Gillis, Nancy , Otterstatter, Michael , Zhang, Ling , Moscinski, Lynn C. , Walker, Mary E. , Abel, Gregory A. , Deeg, H. Joachim , Foran, James M. , Gore, Steven D. , Saber, Wael , Bejar, Rafael , Lindsley, R Coleman , Walter, Matthew J , Komrokji, Rami, Dezern, Amy Elizabeth , Sekeres, Mikkael A.

Mayo Clinic

American Journal of Hematology | March 30, 2026 | Volume: 101 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 1407-1420

10.1002/ajh.70279 | PMID 41906220 Get It

ABSTRACT The epidemiology of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) is challenging to define due to inconsistent reporting, complex diagnostic procedures, and evolving diagnostic criteria. Using the National MDS Natural History Study—a prospective cohort with centrally adjudicated histopathology and genetic variant review—we characterized the landscape of MDS across the United States and identified differences across demographics. Among 2115 participants, 64% (1346) had an MDS spectrum condition, including MDS (24%), MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm (5%) and precursor conditions—clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (22%) and idiopathic cytopenia/dysplasia of undetermined significance (13%). The median age was 74 years, and participants were predominantly male (66%), White (91%), and Non‐Hispanic (92%). Myeloid‐associated variants were detected in 68% of participants, most commonly in TET2, DNMT3A, ASXL1, SF3B1, and SRSF2 . Black, compared to White, participants were younger at diagnosis (69 vs. 74 years, p = 0.01), had equal or increased prevalence of higher‐risk MDS, lower hemoglobin, and higher peripheral blood blasts, yet were less likely to receive MDS‐directed therapy (14% vs. 42%, p = 0.008). Black and Hispanic participants had fewer detectable gene mutations than White participants. Females had lower variant allele frequencies and fewer RNA splicing gene mutations than males. After multivariable adjustment, TP53 mutations, MDS diagnosis, and higher‐risk disease were associated with worse progression‐free and overall survival; age was also associated with overall survival. Black race trended toward improved progression‐free survival. These findings highlight the need for enhanced understanding of MDS pathogenesis across patient groups and refined prognostic tools to improve personalized management of MDS spectrum conditions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02775383
A novel approach to defining progression in MDS and precursor myeloid conditions in the MDS Natural History Study
DeZern, A. E., Otterstatter, Michael , Abel, Gregory A., Padron, Eric , Deeg, H. Joachim, Baghdadi, Tareq Al, Liu, Jane Jijun, Zhang, L, Kroft, Steven H. , Harrington, Alexandra M., Foran, J., Komrokji, Rami S., Starczynowski, Daniel T, Gore, Steven D, Saber, Wael, Bejar, Rafael, Lindsley, R. Coleman, Sherman, Seth, Lee, Cecilia , DiFronzo, Nancy, Sekeres, Mikkael A, Zhang, Ling , Gillis, Nancy , Otterstatter, Michael , Deeg, H Joachim , Zhang, Ling , Kroft, Steven H , Komrokji, Rami S , Bejar, Rafael , Lindsley, R Coleman , Sherman, Seth , Sekeres, Mikkael A , Baghdadi, Tareq Al , Dezern, Amy Elizabeth , Abel, Gregory A. , Deeg, H. Joachim , Xie, Zhuoer , Moscinski, Lynn C. , Foran, James M. , Komrokji, Rami S. , Starczynowski, Daniel T. , Gore, Steven D. , Saber, Wael , Walter, Matthew J , Sekeres, Mikkael A.

Mayo Clinic

Blood Advances | February 11, 2026 | Volume: 10 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 2743-2753

10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018770 | PMID 41671442 Get It

Abstract Patients at risk for progression from myeloid precursor states (idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance [ICUS] and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance [CCUS]) to myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are not well defined. Epidemiologic risk factors, clonal changes for MDS development, and evolution from one MDS state to another were available in the MDS Natural History Study (NHS), a prospective cohort enrolled at diverse US sites. Extensive clinical data and biospecimens were collected at baseline and follow-up. A total of 1177 (56%) individuals with MDS or MDS-related precursor conditions (ICUS/idiopathic dysplasia of undetermined significance [IDUS], CCUS, and MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap) were enrolled and diagnosed in the MDS NHS. The median age was 74 years, with 89% aged ≥60 years, and most were male patients. Median follow-up time was 1.6 years and was similar among ICUS/IDUS, CCUS, and MDS. During follow-up period, 68% of participants terminated the study, 35% died, and 38% had disease progression. Using a refined clinical definition of progression, the greatest proportion of progression was observed among higher-risk-MDS (116 [73%]), followed by lower-risk-MDS (170 [52%]); fewer progression events were observed among participants with CCUS (65 [22%]) and ICUS/IDUS (46 [17%]). Predictors of progression are delineated, including female sex, higher quantity of mutations, the presence of TP53 mutation, and poor/very poor cytogenetic score. Based on these prospective data, guidelines for clinical management including monitoring and surveillance are outlined. The MDS NHS provides real-world data to illustrate how clinical and genotypic differences inform the classification, disease course, and approach to therapy, with informed monitoring guidelines for patients. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02775383.
Clonal persistence and early cooperative mutations shape transformation in myelofibrosis
Farnoud, Noushin , Menghrajani, Kamal , Famulare, Christopher , Dunbar, Andrew , Gangat, Naseema , Gupta, Vikas, Arruda, Andrea , Manshouri, Taghi , Ho, Vincent T. , Deeg, Joachim, Monahan, Thomas S. , Jain, Tania , Palmer, Jeanne , Keyzner, Alla , Gomez-Arteaga, Alexandra, Tamari, Roni , Ajufo, Helen, Kosuri, Satyajit, Ali, Haris , Amanam, Idoroenyi , Chervin, Jordan , Patel, Minal, Sereewattanawoot, Sarun, Abdelmagid, Maymona, Abdelrheem, Ahmed, Bashir, Yassin, Yousuf, Muhammad , Pardanani, Animesh , Viges, Kapila, Shoultz, David, Winneker, Rick, Levine, Ross, Papaemmanuil, Elli , Vannucchi, Alessandro M., Tefferi, Ayalew , Rampal, Raajit K. , Guglielmelli, Paola , McGovern, Erin , Loscocco, Giuseppe Gaetano , Derkach, Andriy , Verstovšek, Srđan , Kuykendall, Andrew , Viswabandya, Auro , Monahan, Thomas, Gerds, Aaron T. , Gomez-Arteaga, Alexandra , Podoltsev, Nikolai , Gutiérrez‐Abril, Jesús , Ossa, Juan Arango , Passamonti, Francesco , Maura, Francesco , Abdel‐Wahab, Omar , Mascarenhas, John , Hoffman, Ronald

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 2046-2046

10.1182/blood-2025-2046 Get It

Abstract Background Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) can progress from chronic phase to accelerated or blast phase (MPN-AP/BP), a transition with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. While some abnormalities have been described, the genomic and clonal drivers of transformation remain poorly defined. We characterized mutational and structural alterations in MPN-AP/BP, leveraging paired samples to trace clonal evolution. Methods We profiled 186 samples from 160 individuals, including 159 MPN-AP/BP and 27 chronic-phase MPN samples (26 MF, 1 PV), using targeted sequencing of a 588 gene panel (mean depth: 709x). Paired pre- and post-transformation samples were available for 26 patients (n= 52). A consensus pipeline was used to detect somatic mutations, copy number variations (CNVs), and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH). Clinical cytogenetic data were integrated when available. Single-cell validation is ongoing. Results Genomic complexity was widespread: 99% of patients harbored ≥1 oncogenic mutation (median 4; range 1–10). In total, 859 mutations were identified, most commonly in JAK2 (68%), ASXL1 (28%), TET2 (26%), SRSF2 (24%), TP53 (22%), and RUNX1 (22%). 684 structural alterations were identified in 86% of patients (median 3; range 1-20), including arm-level (22.5%), segmental (>5 Mb; 60%), and focal (<2 Mb; 9%) alterations. Recurrent events included 9p cnLOH (16%), del(5q) (13%), del(17p) (10%), and focal deletion of 21q22.12 involving RUNX1 (10%). Complex karyotypes (≥3 abnormalities) were observed in 55% of patients. Biallelic mutations accounted for 21% (183/859) of mutations, affecting 58% of patients across 21 genes, most frequently JAK2 V617F (28%), TP53 (17%) and TET2 (14%). Patients with biallelic mutations in these genes had significantly higher blast percentages compared to those with monoallelic mutations (p<0.05), highlighting an association with aggressive disease. In 26 patients with longitudinal samples (chronic phase MPN and MPN-AP/BP), 87% (125/144) of mutations were already detectable during the chronic phase, on average more than 7 years prior to transformation. Only 11% (16/144) of mutations were newly acquired, including additional RUNX1 and TP53 hits, or structural changes that converted pre-existing JAK2 V617F and TP53 R248Q mutations from monoallelic to biallelic via 9p cnLOH or 17p loss, respectively. These findings suggest transformation is often driven by outgrowth of pre-existing high-risk clones, indicating that these clones likely have a competitive advantage and that the mutations within these clones have a cooperative biological interaction which underlies this competitive advantage. To investigate this hypothesis, we examined whether patterns of recurrent co-mutations were identifiable in this cohort. We identified recurrent co-occurring mutations in SRSF2-IDH2, ASXL1-SRSF2, and ASXL1-EZH2, which were enriched at transformation (p < 0.05; Fisher exact test). Importantly, presence of these co-mutations was consistently associated with a higher transformation risk in two independent cohorts of MF patients from Mayo Clinic (n= 405) and University of Florence (n= 518). Clonal architecture analysis revealed that these co-mutations frequently arose within the same malignant clone: 100% for SRSF2-IDH2, 80% for ASXL1-SRSF2, and 85% for ASXL1-EZH2, and are often within the dominant clone. Prior studies have demonstrated mechanistic interplay between SRSF2 and IDH2 (Yoshimi et al.), as well as ASXL1 and SRSF2 (Sui et al.) mutations in myeloid malignancies. We assessed functional synergy of ASXL1-EZH2 using a murine model and identified that dual deletion caused a rapidly fatal myeloid neoplasm with shorter survival than single-gene loss. These results reinforce that functional synergy emerges within a shared cellular context, supporting clonal co-dependence as a driver of progression. Single-cell RNA sequencing of ASXL1-EZH2 mutant cases is ongoing and will be presented. Conclusions Transformation to MPN-AP/BP is driven by gradual clonal remodeling and expansion of pre-existing high-risk abnormalities. Biallelic and multi-hit alterations in TP53, JAK2, TET2, and RUNX1 promote clonal dominance and blast progression. Recurrent co-mutations such as IDH2-SRSF2 and ASXL1-EZH2 arise within the same clone, exhibit functional synergy, and are linked to poor outcomes. These findings support the clinical utility of early clonal and co-mutational profiling to guide risk-adapted intervention.
Exposure to agent orange and risk of myelodysplastic syndromes
Padron, Eric , Baghdadi, Tareq Al, Foran, James M. , Abel, Gregory A. , Saber, Wael , Gore, Steven D. , Lee, Cecilia , Bejar, Rafael, Liu, Jijun , Deeg, Joachim, DiFronzo, Nancy, Sekeres, Mikkael A. , Dezern, Amy Elizabeth , Otterstatter, Michael , Komrokji, Rami S. , Bejar, Rafael , Sherman, Seth , Lindsley, R Coleman , Walter, Matthew J , Gillis, Nancy

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 5626-5626

10.1182/blood-2025-5626 Get It

Abstract Background Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) develop from the acquisition of somatic mutations over years or decades. While some mutations are random stochastic events, others derive from extrinsic agents that promote genomic instability, including environmental exposures. Agent Orange (AO) is a phenoxy herbicide used by the U.S. military as a defoliant during the Vietnam War (1962-71), often diluted with gasoline to promote aerosolization, contaminated with the carcinogen dioxin during the manufacturing process, and linked to various cancers. We studied AO as a risk factor for MDS. Methods The prospective National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National MDS Natural History Study includes patients (pts) with suspected or recently diagnosed MDS enrolled from 6/2016-6/2024. Bone marrow samples underwent central pathology review, resulting in diagnoses including MDS, MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap (MDS/MPN), or clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS). Pts completed detailed assessment for AO exposure and other risk factors for MDS development. Associations between AO exposure, mutation prevalence, and key covariates (demographics, diagnosis, military service, clinical history, cytogenetics and smoking) were assessed using univariate tests of association, multivariable regression and Cox regression models for survival and progression. Results Among 2115 enrolled pts, 1191 (56%) had a myeloid malignancy or precursor condition and 130 (6.1%) reported AO exposure, the majority (96%) male. Compared to unexposed pts, AO exposed pts were more likely to derive from the 1945-54 birth cohort (p<.001), of age to serve in Vietnam, and to have an ultimate diagnosis of MDS or CCUS vs. a non-clonal diagnosis (57% vs. 44%, p=.046). AO exposure was more common among Blacks (12% vs 6%, p=.02), specifically Black males (21% vs 9%, p=.006). AO exposure was marginally associated with International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS)-R poor-risk cytogenetics (p=.066) and lower baseline platelet count (p=.072). In multiple regression analyses, risk of AO exposure was significantly higher for the 1945-1954 birth cohort (OR [95% CI]=10.3 [4.4-30.6], p<.001), among those with military service (OR=24.1 [11.9-55.8], p<.0001), and for Blacks vs Whites (OR=2.6 [1.2-5.5], p=.017). The crude risk of AO exposure trended higher for patients with MDS compared to idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS; OR=2.1 [0.9-6.0],p=.13), but not in multivariable analysis (OR=1.3 [0.5-4.4, p=.60]). AO exposure trended toward an association with younger age at MDS diagnosis (p=.06) and toward having a prior primary malignancy (49% vs. 41%, p=.09): Compared to non-AO exposed pts, AO exposed pts had higher rates of prior prostate cancer (16% vs. 8%), notable given its documented association with AO exposure. AO exposure was not associated with a history of or intensity of cigarette smoking (p=.67). After accounting for age, diagnosis, sex, and military service, AO exposure was significantly associated with increased numbers of pathogenic variants in 53 genes (OR=1.2 [1.0-1.4], p=.02) and with having Very Poor/Poor risk IPSS-R cytogenetics (OR=3.7 [1.2-11.1], p=.02). AO exposed and non-exposed pts had similar overall survival (HR=1.1 [0.8-1.7], p=.50), but those exposed to AO had a higher risk of disease progression in the first two years following diagnosis (HR =1.9 [1.2-2.8], p=.004). AO exposed pts appeared more likely to have del (5q) (15% vs. 8%) and del (20q) (13% vs. 5%) karyotypic abnormalities, and TP53 (7.7% vs. 4.5%), STAG2 (5.1% vs. 2.8%), and NRAS mutations (3.4% vs. 1.7%), although sample sizes were small. Focusing on gene pathways, AO exposed pts appeared more likely to have abnormalities in RAS signaling (10.3% vs. 5.7%), cell cycle (7.7% vs. 4.5%), and cohesion complex pathways (6.0% vs. 3.1%), but less likely to have abnormalities in cytokine receptor pathways (0% vs. 4.5%). ConclusionsIn our representative national cohort of pts with at least one cytopenia, and for the first time, we demonstrated that AO exposure is associated with younger age at MDS diagnosis, ultimate MDS diagnosis, genetic complexity of MDS, increased risk of disease progression, and with Black race, despite Black individuals comprising just 16% of men who served in the Vietnam War and being less likely to have MDS than white individuals. AO should formally be recognized as a risk factor for the development of MDS.
Progression of Myelodysplastic Syndromes in the MDS Natural History Study (MDS NHS)
Abel, Gregory A. , Baghdadi, Tareq Al, Bejar, Rafael, Deeg, H. Joachim , Foran, James M. , Liu, Jane Jijun, Saber, Wael , Zhang, Ling , Borchert, Christine, Padron, Eric , DiFronzo, Nancy, Baghdadi, Tareq Al , Dezern, Amy Elizabeth , Otterstatter, Michael , Gillis, Nancy , Bejar, Rafael , Komrokji, Rami S. , Lindsley, R Coleman , Moscinski, Lynn C. , Sherman, Seth , Walter, Matthew J , Sekeres, Mikkael A.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1831-1831

10.1182/blood-2024-201613 Get It

Introduction Knowledge of epidemiologic risk factors, clonal changes associated with MDS development from precursor states, and evolution from one MDS state to another (lower- (LR) or higher-risk (HR) disease or leukemia (AML)) are largely limited to retrospective studies, which may not reflect the true MDS spectrum. The MDS NHS is an established prospective cohort of patients (pts) with suspected MDS enrolled at diverse US sites. Extensive clinical data and biospecimens are collected at baseline and throughout follow-up (F/U), in real time, as pts are followed for life. Here, we assess rates and potential predictors of progression providing a foundation for precise stratification across the MDS spectrum, which may ultimately guide intervention. Methods At baseline, all MDS NHS pts have central pathology review and those assigned to MDS, MDS/MPN overlap, AML<30% blasts, or at-risk of MDS (AR-MDS: CCUS and other at-risk) are followed prospectively. We compared AR-MDS with LR-MDS (MDS and MDS/MPN overlap with IPSS-R ≤ 3.5) and HR-MDS (MDS and MDS/MPN overlap with IPSS-R > 3.5). We defined disease progression as any F/U diagnosis of worsening disease or documented disease-related death. Rates of disease progression were compared between groups using survival analysis methods for cumulative incidence incorporating non-disease death as a competing risk. Associations between progression and predictor variables were explored using univariate tests of association and multivariable survival (Cox regression) models for time-to-progression and logistic models for probability of progression (yes/no). Results The MDS NHS enrolled 2051 pts during June 2016-February 2024, with 54% (1111, above categories) followed prospectively. Median F/U is 1.7 yrs (IQR: 0.8-3.1 yrs, max: 7.9 yrs). For the current analysis, 582 MDS and 505 AR-MDS pts were included. Compared to AR-MDS, MDS patients were more often male (70% v 61%, p<0.01), older (median age: 75 v 72 years, p<0.01), and had lower baseline hemoglobin (median: 10.1 v 11.9 g/dL, p<0.001), platelets (median: 124 x109 v 146 x109 cells/L, p<0.001), and absolute neutrophil counts (median: 1.9 x109 vs 2.8 x109 cells/L, p<0.001). F/U time was similar among AR-MDS and MDS (median: 1.9 vs 1.6 yrs), with both groups having a 75th percentile of 3 yrs and maximum of 7 yrs. A total of 331 deaths were observed (30%), with 145 (44%) of these due to causes related to MDS (myeloid disease and/or cardiovascular disease). Overall, 18.5% had disease progression, with annual rates of 8% (MDS) and 2% (AR-MDS) (p<0.01). Among HR-MDS, progression rates were greatest in the 1st year following diagnosis (33%) and declined thereafter, whereas progression rates remained between 5-8% for LR-MDS and 1-3% for AR-MDS over 5 yrs of F/U. AR-MDS had similar rates of progression within the first 3 yrs from diagnosis as MDS with the lowest IPSS-R category. Among AR-MDS, low hemoglobin (hazard ratio, HR [95% CI]=3.2 [1.4-7.3], p<0.01) was significantly associated with progression. Among MDS, low hemoglobin (HR=4.0 [2.2-7.0], p<0.001), low platelet count (HR=3.1 [1.7-5.6], p<0.001) and higher numbers of mutations (HR=1.13 [1.0-1.2], p<0.01) were significantly associated with progression. Due to the low rate of progression in AR-MDS, meaningful comparisons of mutations could not be completed. In MDS, univariate analyses showed that somatic mutation prevalence in gene pathways for transcription, cell cycle and RAS signaling, and in genes TP53, BCOR, SF3B1, DDX41, PTPN11, SETBP1, and JAK2 were significantly associated with the probability of progression (p<0.05 in all). In multivariable models, adjusting for patient age, sex, and MDS risk level, the probability of progression (PP) was significantly higher among those with vs without somatic mutations in BCOR (PP=63% vs 29%, p=0.004), PTPN11 (PP=67% vs 29%, p=0.009), SETBP1 (PP=61% vs 30%, p=0.02), JAK2 (PP=59% vs 30%, p=0.02), DDX41 (PP=56% vs 30%, p=0.03) and TP53 (PP=43% vs 29%, p=0.04). Conclusions In this large prospective cohort of MDS and pts at risk for MDS, the annual rate of any disease progression was 8% among MDS and 2% among AR-MDS, lower than some retrospective series. Specific cytopenias and genetic factors associated with progression were identified. The MDS NHS provides an incomparable opportunity to address the critical clinical challenges of management and prevention of MDS progression across its spectrum.
Association between Smoking Intensity, Genetic Mutations, and Disease Progression in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Foran, James M. , Bejar, Rafael, Baghdadi, Tareq Al, Deeg, H. Joachim , Abel, Gregory A. , Liu, Jane Jijun, Saber, Wael , Vidrine, Damon J. , Borchert, Christine, DiFronzo, Nancy, Venugopal, Sangeetha , Otterstatter, Michael , Dezern, Amy Elizabeth , Walter, Matthew J , Bejar, Rafael , Komrokji, Rami S. , Lindsley, R Coleman , Madanat, Yazan F. , Moscinski, Lynn C. , Vidrine, Jennifer Irvin , Zhang, Ling , Sherman, Seth , Gillis, Nancy , Sekeres, Mikkael A.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 5, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 4597-4597

10.1182/blood-2024-206034 Get It

Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) occur due to the acquisition of mutational events over time. Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for MDS and has been associated with distinct genetic mutations in solid cancers. We investigated the association between smoking intensity and duration and the number and types of genetic mutations in MDS using a large prospective cohort. Methods: The prospective NHLBI/NCI National MDS Natural History Study includes individuals with suspected or recently diagnosed MDS enrolled between June 2016-August 2023. Patient (Pt) bone marrow samples underwent central pathology review, resulting in diagnoses including MDS, MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm overlap (MDS/MPN), or precursor conditions, such as clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS). Self-reported smoking data were collected at enrollment. Smoking intensity (i.e., light, medium, and heavy) was defined per CDC definitions. Included mutations were those manually annotated to be pathogenic for MDS. Mutation frequency and prevalence, as well as associations with smoking history and other key covariates, were assessed using univariate tests of association and multivariable regression models for counts and proportions. Rates of disease progression were compared between groups using survival analysis methods for cumulative incidence incorporating non-disease death as a competing risk. Results: Of 1898 evaluable pts, 52% (N=979) had a history of cigarette smoking [MDS: 58% (252/436), MDS/MPN: 57% (52/91), CCUS: 57% (230/405)], and 18% still smoked at diagnosis. The mean ± SD cigarettes per day was 15.8 ± 12.5 and the mean ± SD smoking years was 29.8 ± 16.9 years. Compared to non-smokers, smokers were more often males (68% v 54%, p<0.001) in the 70-79 year age group (45% v 34%, p<0.001). Similar proportions of those with and without a smoking history had MDS (41% v 37%, respectively). Within MDS, there was no association between smoking and MDS prognostic risk per revised international prognostic scoring system. Compared to light smokers [1-10 pack-years (PY)], heavy smokers (30+ PY) were more often male (81% v 62%, p<0.001) and had higher rates of cardiovascular disease (38% v 20%, p<0.001). In univariate analyses, smokers and non-smokers had similar numbers of mutations (mean ± SD: 2.0 ± 2.7 in both groups). Pts with CCUS had the least number of mutations (1.5 ± 1.2), followed by MDS (2.3 ± 1.8), and MDS/MPN overlap (3.3 ± 1.8). Within disease groups, smokers and non-smokers had similar numbers of mutations. Mutation prevalence was higher among smokers v non-smokers in gene pathways for chromatin modification (15% v 11%, p<0.01) and RNA splicing (26% v 19%, p<0.001) and for individual genes ASXL1 (12% v 8%, p<0.01), SF3B1 (9% v 6%, p<0.05), U2AF1 (6% v 3%, p<0.05) and ZRSR2 (2% v 1%, p<0.05). In multivariable regression models, after adjustment for sex, age and disease group, smokers had significantly more mutations on average than non-smokers (2.0 v. 1.4, p=0.04). Moreover, the number of mutations increased significantly with PY smoked (p=0.006), and those at the 75th and 90th percentiles of PY had 1.8 and 3.5 times the number of mutations, respectively, compared to non-smokers, indicating a dose-response relationship. After adjustment, mutation prevalence increased with PY smoked in the gene pathways for chromatin modification and RNA splicing (p<0.03 for both) and for the genes ASXL1 and ETNK1 (p<0.05 in both cases). The five-year cumulative incidence of disease progression was significantly higher among long-term smokers compared to non-smokers/those with shorter smoking history (mean [95% CI] proportion progressed, 20+ years vs <20 years smoking: 27% [19%-36%] vs 18% [13%-24%], p < 0.05). Overall survival was significantly lower for smokers compared to non-smokers for CCUS pts [HR 1.91, 95% CI (1.03-3.55), p=0.04] but not for MDS [HR 1.21, 95% CI (0.53-1.30), p=0.41]. Conclusions: In this prospective, national cohort, tobacco smoking was associated with distinct genetic mutations related to MDS, suggesting smoking potentially contributes to its multi-step molecular pathogenesis. A dose-response relationship was also demonstrated, as was an association with progression and survival. Our data suggest that pts with a new MDS diagnosis who are also smokers should be counseled to stop smoking, as it appears to contribute to the acquisition of new genetic mutations that can lead to progression.
Risk prediction for clonal cytopenia: multicenter real-world evidence
Xie, Zhuoer , Komrokji, Rami S. , Al‐Ali, Najla, Regelson, Alexandra, Geyer, Susan, Patel, Anand , Saygin, Caner , Zeidan, Amer M. , Mendez, Lourdes , Coombs, Catherine C. , Madanat, Yazan F. , Chung, Stephen S. , Badar, Talha , Foran, James M. , Tsai, Charlton , Amanam, Idoroenyi , Deeg, H. Joachim , Adès, Lionel, Osman, Afaf E.G. , Dinner, Shira, Chandhok, Namrata S. , Soong, Deborah, Brunner, Andrew M. , Ferrari, Jacqueline, Pozzi, Sara , Padron, Eric , Patnaik, Mrinal M. , Al‐Kali, Aref , Adès, Lionel , Komrokji, Rami S , Mendez, Lourdes , Zeidner, Joshua F , Madanat, Yazan , Badar, Talha , Griffiths, Elizabeth A. , Al Malki, Monzr M , Lai, Catherine , Arana Yi, Cecilia , Osman, Afaf E G , Abaza, Yasmin , Taylor, Justin , Chandhok, Namrata , Carraway, Hetty E. , Elena, Chiara , Gallì, Anna , Patnaik, Mrinal , Malcovati, Luca , Savona, Michael R , Al-Kali, Aref , Patel, Anand , Xie, Zhuoer , Zeidan, Amer M , Bewersdorf, Jan Philipp , Kishtagari, Ashwin , Zeidner, Joshua F. , Desai, Pinkal , Malki, Monzr M. Al , Lai, Catherine , Yi, Cecilia Arana , Abaza, Yasmin , Singh, Abhay , Malcovati, Luca , Savona, Michael R.

Mayo Clinic

Blood | July 12, 2024 | Volume: 144 | Issue: 19 | Pages: 2033-2044

10.1182/blood.2024024756 | PMID 38996210 Get It

Abstract Clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS) represents a distinct disease entity characterized by myeloid-related somatic mutations with a variant allele fraction of ≥2% in individuals with unexplained cytopenia(s) but without a myeloid neoplasm (MN). Notably, CCUS carries a risk of progressing to MN, particularly in cases featuring high-risk mutations. Understanding CCUS requires dedicated studies to elucidate its risk factors and natural history. Our analysis of 357 patients with CCUS investigated the interplay between clonality, cytopenia, and prognosis. Multivariate analysis identified 3 key adverse prognostic factors: the presence of splicing mutation(s) (score = 2 points), platelet count of <100 × 109/L (score = 2.5), and ≥2 mutations (score = 3). Variable scores were based on the coefficients from the Cox proportional hazards model. This led to the development of the clonal cytopenia risk score (CCRS), which stratified patients into low- (score of <2.5 points), intermediate- (score of 2.5 to <5), and high-risk (score of ≥5) groups. The CCRS effectively predicted 2-year cumulative incidence of MN for low- (6.4%), intermediate- (14.1%), and high-risk (37.2%) groups, respectively, by the Gray test (P < .0001). We further validated the CCRS by applying it to an independent CCUS cohort of 104 patients, demonstrating a c-index of 0.64 (P = .005) in stratifying the cumulative incidence of MN. Our study underscores the importance of integrating clinical and molecular data to assess the risk of CCUS progression, making the CCRS a valuable tool that is practical and easily calculable. These findings are clinically relevant, shaping the management strategies for CCUS and informing future clinical trial designs.
Clinical Factors but Not Somatic Mutations Predict for Survival in Patients with Myelofibrosis Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant: Analysis of the North American Myelofibrosis Transplant Outcome (NAMTO) Study
Ajufo, Helen, Rampal, Raajit K. , Famulare, Christopher , Chervin, Jordan , Ho, Vincent T. , Deeg, H. Joachim , Monahan, Tim, Jones, Richard J. , Palmer, Jeanne , Keyzner, Alla , Lagdameo, Jonathan, Gomez-Arteaga, Alexandra , Puzo, Christian, Kosuri, Satyajit, Amanam, Idoroenyi , Tamari, Roni , Derkach, Andriy , Nemirovsky, David , Gupta, Vikas , Viswabandya, Auro , Monahan, Tim M. , Jain, Tania , Gerds, Aaron T. , Besien, Koen van , Podoltsev, Nikolai

Mayo Clinic

Blood | December 1, 2023 | Volume: 142 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 3181-3181

10.1182/blood-2023-173441 Get It

Introduction: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal hematologic malignancy characterized by constitutive JAK-STAT activation and aberrant cytokine signaling. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains the only potentially curative therapy in MF. The contribution of disease-, patient- and donor-related factors to allo-HCT outcomes remains to be fully elucidated, as well as the presence of somatic mutations in genes such as ASXL1, EZH2, SRSF2, U2AF1 and IDH1/2 which are associated with worse prognosis in MF patients (pts). In this large multi- center retrospective analysis, we aimed to study the impact of clinical and molecular mutations on transplant outcomes. Methods: This analysis including 498 pts from 11 centers in North America and Canada. Univariate proportional-hazard Cox regression analysis stratified by center was used to assess the association of patient, transplant, and disease characteristics on overall survival (OS). Baseline patient demographic data and disease characteristics were selected as covariates in the multivariate analysis. Results: Pts transplanted between 2002-2021 were included in this analysis. Baseline and transplant characteristics are summarized in table 1. The 1- and 2-year OS was 77% (95% CI; 73-81) and 70% (95% CI; 66-74) and non-relapse mortality (NRM) 19% (95% CI: 17-21) and 23% (95% CI: 19-27), respectively. The cumulative incidence (CMI) of relapse at 1- and 2-years was 12% (95% CI; 10-14) and 16% (95% CI; 12-20). The CMI of acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) grade II-IV was 31% (95% CI; 27-35) at 3 months and 42% (95% CI; 38-46) at 1-year post-transplant and grade was III-IV 13% (95% CI; 11-15) and 18% (95% CI; 14-22), respectively. The CMI of neutrophil engraftment at 1 and 3 months was 90% (95% CI: 87-93) and 97% (95% CI: 95-95) and for platelets 55% (95% CI: 50-59) and 80% (95% CI: 76-83). Univariate analysis included pts (age and gender), transplant (donor type and conditioning regimen intensity) and disease characteristics (DIPSS, mutations, cytogenetics (CG), blood counts, and spleen size). Hemoglobin > 10 g/dL (HR .5, 95% CI .34 -.73 p=3 x 10 -4) and platelets >50× 10 9/L (HR .59, 95% CI .42-.81, p=.0013) prior to transplant were associated with improved OS. High risk DIPSS was associated with decreased OS (p=0.0002). Mutations in ASXL1, EZH2, IDH1/2, U2AF1 and SRSF2 were not associated with decreased OS in this analysis (Figure 1). However, mutations in ZRSR2 were associated with inferior OS (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.08-3.95, p=.0252). Lastly, JAK2 which had the most frequent mutations was not associated with OS (HR .0.93, 95% CI .65-1.31). There was no association between the CG risk groups and OS. Splenomegaly, measured radiographically, had no impact on OS but was strongly associated with engraftment (better engraftment defined as HR>1). For platelets, spleen size of 15.6-18.9 cm HR of 0.69 (95% CI .47-1, p=.0489) and size >18.9-22.5 cm HR of 0.48 ( 95% CI .33-.7, p=1x10^-4). For neutrophils, spleen size >19.9-22.5 cm had a HR of 0.68, (95% CI .48-.96, p=.0268) and size>22.5 cm had a HR of 0.65 (95% CI .46-.91, p=.0114). Mismatched unrelated (MMURD) and haplo identical donors had no impact on survival but were associated with delayed platelet engraftment; MMURD (HR .67, 95% CI .47-.96, p=.0298) and haploidentical donors (HR .56, 95% CI .39-.8, p=.0017). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, highest DIPSS, donor type and conditioning regimen, platelets > 50× 10 9/L (HR .61, 95% CI .44-.87, p=.0053) hemoglobin >10 g/dL (HR .6, 95% CI .4-.9, p=.0244) and lower DIPSS at the time of transplant were associated with improved OS. Conclusions: In this large multicenter analysis only clinical variables; hemoglobin and platelets, were found to be associated with OS after allo-HCT in MF patients. Somatic mutations associated with poor prognosis were not associated with OS suggesting that transplant can overcome their negative impact. Splenomegaly was associated with delayed engraftment but not OS. Interestingly, using alternative donors (MMURD and haplo identical) didn't have a negative effect on OS, possibly reflecting the use of post-transplant cyclophosphamide for GVHD prophylaxis in recent years. These results highlight the importance of biologic factors in the prognostication of outcomes in MF pts undergoing allo-HCT independent of somatic mutations. Supported by the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and MPN Research Foundation