Spatial heterogeneity is a common phenomenon in metastatic solid tumors and an evolving concept in multiple myeloma (MM). The interplay between malignant plasma cells (PCs) and the microenvironment has not yet been analyzed in MM. For this purpose, we performed bone marrow aspirates and imaging-guided biopsies of corresponding lesions in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM) patients. PCs were isolated and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). Non-PCs were studied with next-generation flow (NGF) and T-cell receptor sequencing (TCRseq) to analyze the connection between malignant and nonmalignant cells in the bone marrow and in lesions. Although we observed a strong overlap from WES, NGF, and TCRseq in patients with intramedullary disease, WES revealed significant spatial heterogeneity in patients with extramedullary disease. NGF showed significant immunosuppression in RRMM compared with NDMM as indicated by fewer myeloid dendritic cells, unswitched memory B cells, Th9 cells, and CD8 effector memory T cells but more natural killer and regulatory T cells. Additionally, fewer T-cell receptor (TCR) sequences were detected in RRMM compared with NDMM and healthy individuals. After induction therapy, TCR repertoire richness increased to levels of healthy individuals, and NGF showed more regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regardless of depth of response. Clinical significance of imaging-guided biopsies of lesions was demonstrated by detection of monoclonal PCs in patients without measurable residual disease (MRD) in aspirates from the iliac crest as well as identification of secondary primary malignancies in MRD- patients. Furthermore, site-specific clones with different drug susceptibilities and genetically defined high-risk features were detected by our workflow.

Osteolytic lesions (OL) characterize symptomatic multiple myeloma. The mechanisms of how malignant plasma cells (PC) cause OL in one region while others show no signs of bone destruction despite subtotal infiltration remain unknown. We report on a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) study of PC obtained prospectively from random bone marrow aspirates (BM) and paired imaging-guided biopsies of OL. We analyze 148,630 PC from 24 different locations in 10 patients and observe vast inter- and intra-patient heterogeneity based on scRNA-seq analyses. Beyond the limited evidence for spatial heterogeneity from whole-exome sequencing, we find an additional layer of complexity by integrated analysis of anchored scRNA-seq datasets from the BM and OL. PC from OL are characterized by differentially expressed genes compared to PC from BM, including upregulation of genes associated with myeloma bone disease like DKK1, HGF and TIMP-1 as well as recurrent downregulation of JUN/FOS, DUSP1 and HBB. Assessment of PC from longitudinally collected samples reveals transcriptional changes after induction therapy. Our study contributes to the understanding of destructive myeloma bone disease. Osteolytic lesions (OL) are frequent in multiple myeloma (MM), but are poorly understood. Here, the authors characterise OLs in MM patient samples using single-cell RNA-seq, revealing genes that are specifically regulated in OL compared to random bone marrow aspirates and that reflect the response to induction therapy.

The CORAL study highlighted the need to develop novel salvage regimens in relapsed/ refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) previously treated with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. Carfilzomib (CFZ) can overcome rituximab chemotherapy resistance in lymphoma preclinical models by targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We conducted an investigator initiated, single-center, open-label, prospective phase 1 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of CFZ in combination with rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (C-R-ICE) in high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (HDC-ASCT) eligible patients with R/R DLBCL (NCT01959698). In the dose-escalation phase, 18 patients were enrolled at 6 dose levels with no dose-limiting toxicities noted. CFZ 45 mg/m2 was selected as the recommended dose for expansion. Eleven additional patients were enrolled in the dose-expansion phase. Overall response rate (ORR) was 66% (48% CR; 17% PR); 52% patients underwent HDC-ASCT. An ORR of 85% was observed in patients with nongerminal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) DLBCL compared with only 13% in those with GCB DLBCL. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.2 months (5.1 months, not reached [NR]), and median overall survival (OS) was 22.6 months (6.8 months, NR). Patients with non-GCB subtype had a significantly longer PFS (NR vs 6.6 months; P = .0001) and OS (NR vs 6.6 months; P = .001) than those with GCB subtype. C-R-ICE is well tolerated in patients with R/R DLBCL with toxicities comparable to rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide therapy. Our data show that patients with non-GCB DLBCL benefit significantly from incorporating CFZ into second-line therapy and HDC-ASCT.

Background Ofatumumab is a humanized type 1 anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. Preclinical studies show improved complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC) compared to rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of combining ofatumumab with HyperCVAD/MA (O-HyperCVAD) in newly diagnosed MCL. Methods In this single-arm phase 2 study, 37 patients were treated with the combination of O-HyperCVAD for 4 or 6 cycles, followed by high dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant. Primary objectives were overall response rate (ORR) and complete response (CR) rate at the end of therapy. Secondary objectives included minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Median age was 60 years; ORR was 86% and 73% achieved a CR by modified Cheson criteria. The MRD negativity rate was 78% after 2 cycles of therapy, increasing to 96% at the end of induction; median PFS and OS were 45.5 months and 56 months, respectively. Achieving a post-induction CR by both imaging and flow cytometry was associated with improved PFS and OS. Early MRD negativity (post-2 cycles) was also associated with an improved PFS but not OS. There were 3 deaths while on therapy, and grades 3 and 4 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 22% and 68% of the patients. Conclusion The addition of ofatumumab to HyperCVAD/HD-MA led to high rates of MRD negativity by flow cytometry in patients with newly diagnosed MCL. Achieving a CR post-induction by both imaging and flow cytometry is associated with improved overall survival.

Abstract Introduction Malignant plasma cells (PC) in multiple myeloma (MM) are not homogeneously distributed in the bone marrow and spatial genomic heterogeneity is an evolving concept in MM. PC for histopathology, cytogenetic and molecular analyses and minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment are usually obtained from the iliac crest. This might introduce bias into diagnostic procedures since focal lesions (FL) occur in more than 80% of patients. Methods In April 2019, we initiated a prospective trial to compare findings from imaging-guided biopsies of FL detected by PET/CT and paired standard sampling from the posterior iliac crests (IC) in patients with newly diagnosed (NDMM) and relapsed/refractory MM (RRMM). Bone marrow aspirates from FL and paired IC samples were analyzed with next-generation flow (NGF) for phenotypic and MRD assessment (sensitivity level 10 -5) post therapy where applicable. PC from both locations were isolated using anti-CD138 magnetic beads and subjected to whole-exome sequencing (WES). Last year, we reported on longitudinal assessment of spatiotemporal immunogenomic heterogeneity in this cohort (https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2020-142622). With a longer follow-up, we report clinical significance of the respective findings. Results In total, 18 patients (10 NDMM, 8 RRMM) underwent bone marrow aspirates from the IC and imaging-guided biopsies of paired FL. Para-medullary disease (PMD) was observed in 4 patients (1 NDMM, 3 RRMM). Unshared mutations from WES between both locations were identified in every patient. In 12 out of 18 patients (8 NDMM and 4 RRMM), less than 20% of mutations were unshared between IC and FL. Patients with >20% unshared mutations had RRMM and/or a history of PMD. The prognostic significance of unshared mutations was emphasized by lesion-specific detection of high-risk mutations (e.g. TP53) and copy number variations (e.g. gains/losses of Chr 1 and del(17p)). To investigate whether unshared mutations might be accessible for therapeutic interventions, the Drug Gene Interaction Database was queried. More interactions were found in FL (n=886) compared to IC (n=505). Furthermore, we showed spatially divergent existence of PC that contribute to resistance, e.g. against proteasome inhibition through mutations in proteasome subunit PSMC3. Next, we investigated whether MRD assessment from IC and FL provides congruent results. In three patients with MRD-negative IC bone marrow aspirates, we obtained clinically relevant divergent results from FL biopsies. In a patient in complete response (CR) after 5 cycles RVD (Lenalidomide, Bortezomib, Dexamethasone), autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and 5 years of lenalidomide maintenance, follow-up PET/CT showed a single new FL in the caudal right ilium. While NGF showed persistent MRD-negativity in the ICt, NGF from the FL revealed monocloncal PC. Since there were no other signs of progressive disease, the patient was followed with close surveillance. Repeat PET/CT after 5 months showed progression of the FL. Serological evaluation confirmed relapse from CR and systemic treatment was initiated. In another patient with MRD-negative IC bone marrow aspirate after 4 cycles RVD, imaging-guided biopsy of a T10 residual FL showed monoclonal PC. Mass spectrometry of supernatants from IC aspirates showed persistence of monoclonal protein in each patient. Second primary malignancies (SPM) were detected by imaging-guided biopsies: Multiple PET-positive FL occurred in a MRD-negative patient after 4 cycles of RD, ASCT and 3 years lenalidomide maintenance. NGF confirmed MRD-negativity in IC and FL aspirates. NGF detected no malignant cells in the peripheral blood but B-lymphoblasts were detected in one of the PET-positive FL. Allogeneic stem cell transplant was performed after induction therapy and there is no detectable MM or B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Conclusions We demonstrate clinical significance of spatial heterogeneity in NDMM and RRMM through site-specific detection of mutations and chromosomal aberrations associated with adverse outcome and drug susceptibility. Our findings showing divergent results from MRD assessments in bone marrow and FL underline the critical role of whole-body imaging for follow-up of patients in remission. Sampling plasma cells solely from the IC limits the ability for complete clinical decision-making. Disclosures Merz: Sanofi: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Hexal: Honoraria; GSK: Honoraria. Barnidge: The Binding Site: Current Employment. McCarthy: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bluebird: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Juno: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Karyopharm: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Magenta Therapeutics: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Hillengass: Beijing Life Oasis Public Service Center: Speakers Bureau; Beijing Medical Award Foundation: Speakers Bureau; Skyline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncopeptides: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Oncotracker: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Curio Science: Speakers Bureau; GlaxoSmithKline: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Axxess Network: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Adaptive: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Disease relapse and toxicity are the shortcomings of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We hypothesized that adding total body irradiation (TBI) to and decreasing melphalan (Mel) from a base RIC regimen of fludarabine (Flu) and Mel would increase cytoreduction and improve disease control while decreasing toxicity. We performed a phase II trial of Flu 160 mg/m2, Mel 50 mg/m2, and TBI 400 cGy (FluMelTBI-50, n = 61), followed by a second phase II trial of Flu 160 mg/m2, Mel 75 mg/m2, and TBI 400cGy (FluMelTBI-75, n = 94) as RIC for alloHCT. Outcomes were compared with a contemporaneous cohort of 162 patients who received Flu 125 mg/m2 and Mel 140 mg/m2. Eligibility criteria were equivalent for all 3 regimens. All patients were ineligible for myeloablative/intensive conditioning. The median (range) follow-up for all patients was 51 (15 to 103) months. Day 100 donor lymphoid chimerism and transplant-related mortality, neutrophil and platelet engraftment, acute and chronic graft versus host disease incidence, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were equivalent between FluMel, FluMelTBI-50, and FluMelTBI-75. Stomatitis wasdecreased for FluMelTBI versus FluMel (P < .01). PFS for patients not in complete remission on alloHCT was improved for FluMelTBI-75 versus FluMel (P = .03). On multivariate analysis, OS (P = .05) and PFS (P = .05) were significantly improved for FluMelTBI-75 versus FluMel. FluMelTBI-75 is better tolerated than FluMel, with improved survival and disease control.

Background: The CORAL study highlighted the need to develop novel salvage regimens in R/R DLBCL previously treated with R+CHOP. Overall response rate (ORR) to second line chemotherapy (either RICE or RDHAP) was 51% in patients previously treated with R-CHOP with a 3-year progression free survival (PFS) of only 30%. In the SCHOLAR-1 study, pts with chemo-refractory disease had a worse prognosis with ORR of approximately 26% and a median overall survival (OS) of 6-7 months. We previously demonstrated that 1) the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in acquired rituximab-chemotherapy resistance in DLBCL and 2) that carfilzomib (CFZ), a selective, irreversible proteasome inhibitor, overcomes rituximab-chemotherapy in lymphoma pre-clinical models. We hypothesize that targeting the UPS with CFZ could result in higher response rates and improved outcomes following high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant (HDC-ASCT) in R/R DLBCL pts.

The incidence and mortality rates of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) differ by age and sex. To determine if inherited genetic susceptibility contributes to these differences we performed 2 genome-wide association studies (GWAS) by age, sex, and subtype and subsequent meta-analyses. The GWAS included 446 B-ALL cases, and 3027 healthy unrelated blood and marrow transplant (BMT) donors as controls from the Determining the Influence of Susceptibility Conveying Variants Related to One-Year Mortality after BMT (DISCOVeRY-BMT) study. We identified 1 novel variant, rs189434316, significantly associated with odds of normal cytogenetic B-ALL (odds ratio from meta-analysis [ORmeta] = 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5, 6.2; P value from meta-analysis [Pmeta] = 6.0 × 10-9). The previously reported pediatric B-ALL GWAS variant, rs11980379 (IKZF1), replicated in B-ALL pediatric patients (ORmeta = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5, 3.7; Pmeta = 1.0 × 10-9), with evidence of heterogeneity (P = .02) between males and females. Sex differences in single-nucleotide polymorphism effect were seen in those >15 years (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4, 2.2, PMales = 6.38 × 10-6/OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8, 1.5; PFemales = .6) but not ≤15 years (OR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4, 3.8; PMales = .0007/OR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2, 3.2; PFemales = .007). The latter association replicated in independent pediatric B-ALL cohorts. A previously identified adolescent and young-adult onset ALL-associated variant in GATA3 is associated with B-ALL risk in those >40 years. Our findings provide more evidence of the influence of genetics on B-ALL age of onset and we have shown the first evidence that IKZF1 associations with B-ALL may be sex and age specific.

Introduction: Ibrutinib is an irreversible Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor that has shown efficacy in the treatment of CLL as a front-line therapy or in patients with relapse/refractory (RR) disease. Anecdotally, accelerated disease progression and refractoriness to subsequent therapies in CLL or other B-cell malignancies patients treated with ibrutinib has been observed. In our present contribution, we studied in a real-world patient population the clinical outcome of CLL patients treated with ibrutinib who discontinued therapy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis on CLL patients receiving ibrutinib at our Institute. Demographic characteristics, response to subsequent therapies, and results of FISH analysis were obtained. Correlation between clinical outcomes and status on ibrutinib therapy (responding, progressing, or discontinuing due to toxicity) was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out in SPSS v20. Chi Square, Fisher's exact test were used to compare categorical data, Kaplan Meier and Log rank tests for time to event analysis and Cox regression for univariate analysis. Results: A total of 70 CLL patients treated with ibrutinib were followed for a median period of 19.4 mo [ range 0.3 - 41.3]. Sixty-three patients had RR CLL and 7 received ibrutinib as frontline therapy. Our patients had a median age of 67.9 years (46 - 92), a majority had advanced stage disease (Rai stage 3 - 31.4%, Rai stage 4 - 41.4%). Median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 0-7). Overall response rate (ORR) to ibrutinib was 52.8% (complete response [CR] - 11.4%, partial response [PR] - 41.4%]. Additionally, stable disease [SD] was present in 25.7% leading to a Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR) of 78.5%. A total of 25 (38%) patients discontinued therapy. Reasons for discontinuation included progressive disease (PD) in 13 (52%) (5 with Richter's transformation [RT]), drug toxicity (DT) in 7 (28%), and other reasons in 5 (20%) patients. DTs included atrial fibrillation (n=2), sepsis (n=2), pneumonia (n=1), congestive heart failure (n=1) and fatigue (n=1). Other reasons for discontinuation were other terminal cancer (n=2), patient preference, alcoholism and insurance issues. Univariate analysis showed an increased risk of discontinuation associated with del(13q) (HR 1.56, 95%CI 0.7-3.7, p=0 .32), ATM deletion (HR 1.32, 95%CI 0.5-3.4, p=0 .57), Unmutated IgH (HR 3.5, 0.5-27.3, p=0 .23) though none reached statistical significance. We did not observe an increased risk of discontinuation in patients with del(17p) (HR 0.80, 95%CI 0.3-2.7, p=0 .72). Cytogenetic data after ibrutinib discontinuation was available in 12 patients and showed new onset del(13q) (n= 3), del(17p) (n= 4) and ATM deletion (n= 1) including 1 patient who had complex cytogenetics (≥3 cytogenetic abnormalities). In patients who discontinued therapy, we observed a mortality rate of 72% (18/25) with a median overall survival (OS) of 17.8 mo (95% CI, 7.4-28.2); in comparison, median OS was not reached in patients who remained on therapy (p <0.05). A lower median OS was observed in patients who discontinued due to DT (5.9 mo, 95% CI, 3.9-8), compared to those with RT (11.5 mo, 95% CI 3.1-20), PD (18.2 mo, 95%CI 3.8-32.6) though this was not statistically significant (p= 0.117). Despite trends towards lower median OS in patients who discontinue ibrutinib, univariate analysis did not show a statistically significant association with del(13q) (HR 1.8, 95%CI 0.7-5, p=0 .248), ATM deletion (HR 1.32, 95%CI 0.5-3.9, p=0 .61), Unmutated IGH (HR 1.08, 95%CI 0.13-9, p=0 .94), and ZAP70+ (HR 1.15, 95%CI 0.36-3.64, p=0 .81). Two patients had complex cytogenetics with a median OS of 1.5 mo (HR 4.5, 95%CI 0 .9-22.4, p <0.05). Thirteen patients received subsequent therapy after ibrutinib discontinuation with idelalisib (n=3), lenalidomide (n=3), rituximab with bendamustine (n=2), R-CHOP (n=2), or other treatments (n=3). ORR to post ibrutinib therapy was 23.1% with CR in 3/13 patients (reason for discontinuation- RT - 1, other reasons- 2). Two patients had SD (both discontinued Ibrutinib for PD) leading to a CBR of 38.5%. Eight of 13 patients had PD and died during follow up period. Conclusion: Ibrutinib has good efficacy in the treatment of CLL as front-line therapy and in relapse refractory disease in a real-world setting. However, patients who discontinue therapy have poor survival outcomes and poor response to salvage therapy.

Introduction: Bone marrow analysis with cytogenetics (karyotype with or without fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH]) is necessary for risk stratification and informs treatment decision-making for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Evaluation of molecular genetic markers also contributes to risk assessment and prognostication for this patient population. This study aimed to identify practice gaps in the diagnosis of AML and follow-up evaluation post initial therapy.

Inherited genetic polymorphisms in ARID5B, GATA3, and IKZF1 have been reported to be associated with ALL and vary by cytogenetic subgroups. For example, ARID5B variants are associated with hyperdiploid B-ALL in pediatric patients, which occurs in approximately 30% of ALL patients and is a marker of good prognosis. In contrast, a variant in GATA3 (rs3824662) has been consistently associated with ALL regardless of cytogenetics. While associations by subtype and across age have been explored in ALL patients, the effect of sex on the association of germline variants with ALL has not been tested, despite the higher incidence and worse prognosis of ALL in males than females. We tested the association of previously reported ALL variants in a high-risk ALL population of URD-BMT recipients, assessing the association of these variants with different cytogenetic subgroups and for heterogeneity of effect by sex.

Clinical features and gene- and microRNA-expression patterns in adult acute leukemia patients with t(11;19)(q23;p13.1) and t(11;19)(q23;p13.3)

Based on molecular studies, DLBCL is now further divided in three subtypes with distinct pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies identified a subgroup of DLBCL with a poor clinical outcome harboring concurrent gene rearrangements of the MYC, BCL2 and/or BCL6 proto-oncogenes leading to the over-expression of c-Myc, Bcl-2 and Bcl-6, inferior response rates to rituximab-based chemotherapy, and a shorter progression-free survival (PFS)/overall survival (OS). This group of patients is now categorized as double-hit (DHL) or triple-hit (THL) DLBCL. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies suggested that DLBCL patients with over-expression of Bcl-2 and c-Myc proteins exhibit a similar clinical course than those patients with DHL/THL. Alternative transcriptional (i.e. gene amplification or chromosomal gain) or post-translational regulatory mechanisms (yet to be defined) may be responsible for the over-expression of c-Myc, Bcl-2, or Bcl-6 in some patients with DHL/THL phenotype. The appropriate therapy for DHL/THL remains to be defined, but retrospective studies had demonstrated that at standard doses of R+CHOP are suboptimal. In order to study the impact of more aggressive therapeutic approaches in the management of DHL/THL, we retrospectively evaluated our single institution outcome experience over the last 14 years. Using the lymphoma translational database that includes 611 DLBCL patients, we identified 24 patients (M=13/F=11) (4%) with FISH-confirmed DHL/THL DLBCL. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, treatment history in the front line (including the use of CNS prophylaxis, high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell support [HDC-ASCS] or allogeneic bone marrow transplant [allo-BMT]) were collected. In addition, response rate, PFS and OS were calculated. Since the first case-reports were published, we observed a steady increase in the number of DHL/THL patients at our Institution (7 vs. 18 cases before or after 2011) which represents an increasing medical awareness of this new clinical entity. The mean age at diagnosis was 62 years (25 to 85 years), most of them Caucasians (N=22). The median Ki67 proliferation index was 90%. Using the Han’s algorithm, 11 of the DHL/THL were categorized as germinal center B-cell like (GCB), 6 patients as non-GCB, and 7 patients could not be classified. By FISH studies, 58% were DHL (involvement of MYC and BCL2 [N=22] or BCL6 [N=10]) and 42% THL (involvement of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6, N=10). Gene rearrangements involving MYC, BCL2, or BCL6 were observed in 18 patients and MYC, BCL2 or BCL6 gain in 6. Clinically, 95% of the patients presented with stage III/IV, 67% with High-intermediate/High IPI score, and 79% of the patients had extranodal disease. Front-line chemo-immunotherapy included 1) standard doxorubicin-containing regimens: R+CHOP (N=10) or R-EPOCH (N=7), or 2) intensified regimens: R-DHAC (N=2) and R+HyperCVAD/R+HDMTXCytarabine (N=4). Prophylaxis IT chemotherapy was administered to 16 (67%) patients. The complete remission (CR) rate was 62.5% and 29% of the patients underwent HDC-ASCS (N=4)/allo-BMT (N=2) in first (N=2) or second-remission (N=4). In this group of patients, the use of intensified regimens was associated with a non-statistically significant improvement is OS when compared to R+CHOP/R+DA-EPOCH (OS at 3 years of 85.7% vs. 58%). Similarly, an improvement in OS was observed among patients receiving HDC-ASCT/allo-BMT as consolidation (71% vs. 60%, P=0.27). Of interest, CNS prophylaxis was associated with an improvement in OS at 3 years (81% vs. 37%, P=0.032). No differences in clinical outcomes were observed between DHL/THL harboring gene-rearrangements vs. gene gain. In summary, our single institution experience suggests that DHL/THL are increasingly being recognized as more aggressive sub-types of DLBCL with a dismal outcome with conventional therapeutic approaches. A high-index of suspicion should be raised and testing for DHL/THL in those DLBCL presenting with advance stage, multiple extra-nodal site of disease, and an elevated Ki67 index should be done. The accurate identification of DHL/THL patients is necessary, as they appear to benefit from rituximab-based intensified cytarabine-containing regimens, CNS prophylaxis and HDC-ASCT/allo-BMT consolidation.

Many patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) do not receive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) because they are unable to achieve a complete remission (CR) after reinduction chemotherapy. Starting in January 2003, we prospectively assigned patients with AML with high-risk clinical features to preemptive alloHCT (p-alloHCT) as soon as possible after reinduction chemotherapy. High-risk clinical features were associated with poor response to chemotherapy: primary induction failure, second or greater relapse, and first CR interval <6 months. We hypothesized that any residual disease would be maximally reduced at the time of transplant, resulting in the best milieu and most lead time for developing a graft-versus-leukemia effect and in improved long-term overall survival (OS) without excess toxicity. This analysis studied the effect of transplant timing on p-alloHCT in 30 patients with high-risk clinical features of 156 consecutive AML patients referred for alloHCT. We compared early p-alloHCT within 4 weeks of reinduction chemotherapy before count recovery with late p-alloHCT 4 weeks after reinduction chemotherapy with count recovery. OS and progression-free survival (PFS) at 2 years were not significantly different for early versus late p-alloHCT (OS 23% versus 33%, respectively, P > .1; PFS 18% versus 22%, respectively, P > .1). Day 100 and 1-year transplant-related mortality were similar (33.3% versus 22.2%, P > .1; 44.4% versus 42.9%, P > .1, respectively). Preemptive alloHCT allowed 30 patients to be transplanted who would normally not receive alloHCT. Clinical outcomes for early p-alloHCT are similar to those for late p-alloHCT without excess toxicity. Early p-alloHCT is a feasible alternative to late p-alloHCT for maximizing therapy of AML that is poorly responsive to induction chemotherapy.

We designed a phase II study evaluating the upfront combination of clofarabine and daunorubicin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients≥60 years old. The median age of the 21 patients was 69 (range 60–85) years. Fourteen patients (67%) had unfavorable risk features. The principal toxicities were grade ≥3 infections and prolonged myelosuppression. Three (14%) deaths occurred from infectious complications. Six (28.6%) patients achieved complete remission including three (21.4%) of 14 patients with unfavorable AML. The median disease-free survival was 6.8 months and the median overall survival was 11.2 months.

BACKGROUNDSeveral studies have suggested that low 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels may be prognostic in some malignancies, but no studies have evaluated their impact on treatment outcome in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).METHODSVitamin D levels were evaluated in 97 consecutive, newly diagnosed, intensively treated patients with AML. MicroRNA expression profiles and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 25(OH) vitamin D3 pathway genes were evaluated and correlated with 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels and treatment outcome.RESULTSThirty‐four patients (35%) had normal 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels (32‐100 ng/mL), 34 patients (35%) had insufficient levels (20‐31.9 ng/mL), and 29 patients (30%) had deficient levels (<20 ng/mL). Insufficient/deficient 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels were associated with worse relapse‐free survival (RFS) compared with normal vitamin D3 levels. In multivariate analyses, deficient 25(OH) vitamin D3, smoking, European Leukemia Network genetic group, and white blood cell count retained their statistical significance for RFS. Several microRNAs and SNPs were associated with 25(OH) vitamin D3 levels, although none remained significant after multiple test corrections; one 25(OH) vitamin D3 receptor SNP, rs10783219, was associated with a lower complete remission rate (P = .0442) and with shorter RFS (P = .0058) and overall survival (P = .0011).CONCLUSIONSIt remains to be determined what role microRNA and SNP profiles play in contributing to low 25(OH) vitamin D3 level and/or outcome and whether supplementation will improve outcomes for patients with AML. Cancer 2014;120:521–529. © 2013 American Cancer Society.

BACKGROUND:the phenomenon that histiocytic/dendritic cell sarcomas may be transformed from lymphoproliferative diseases is dubbed 'transdifferentiation'. Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS) transdifferentiated from chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small cell lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is extremely rare. The underlying mechanisms of LCS tumorogenesis and its transdifferentiation from CLL/SLL are largely unknown.AIMS:the authors strive to further characterize LCS, to understand the potential molecular changes in LCS and the underlying mechanisms of CLL/SLL transformation to LCS.MATERIALS AND METHODS:a progressively enlarging right inguinal lymph node from a 68-year-old female patient with a history of CLL was biopsied and submitted for flow cytometry analysis, routine hematoxylin, and eosin (H and E) stain and immunohistochemical study. Furthermore, clonality study (fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with a CLL panel probes) and BRAF V600E mutation study (pyrosequencing and immunostain) were performed.RESULTS:two different neoplasms, LCS and CLL/SLL, were discovered to occur simultaneously in the same lymph node. These two entities were shown to be clonally related. More importantly, for the first time, BRAF V600E mutation was detected in LCS.CONCLUSIONS:LCS can be transdifferentiated from CLL/SLL and BRAF V600E mutation may provide the foundation for alternative therapy of LCS.

Obesity adversely affects outcome in pediatric acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We asked if obesity, measured by body mass index (BMI), affected outcome in 329 adult AML patients treated with high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin-containing regimens administered according to actual body weight. Age ≥ 60, unfavorable karyotype, secondary AML, and positive smoking status had adverse impact on overall survival in a multivariate analysis, while BMI did not. We conclude that high BMI should not be a barrier to administer high-dose cytarabine-containing regimens for AML induction.

Deletion of 13q14.3 (del(13q)) is the most common cytogenetic abnormality in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and implies a favorable prognosis. We explored the feasibility of detecting del(13q) by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for miR-15a and miR-16-1, whose loci are located in the deleted region. We analyzed 23 cases of B-CLL with monoallelic (10 cases) or biallelic del(13q) (5 cases) and used trisomy 12-positive CLL samples (n = 8) as control samples. As expected, miR-15a was expressed at significantly lower levels in monoallelic del(13qx1) samples compared with trisomy 12 control samples (P = .001). Biallelic del(13q) (del(13qx2)) samples showed further reduction of miR-15a levels compared with monoallelic del(13q) (del(13qx1)) (P = .009). In contrast, miR-16-1 expression levels were generally much lower and variable, with the highest levels detected in del(13qx1). Analyzed retrospectively, miR-15a levels differ among the del(13q) groups. However, only del(13qx2) miR-15a levels are reduced enough to determine the allelic status of an individual sample prospectively by real-time quantitative PCR.