Introduction Myelofibrosis (MF) is the most aggressive form of Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasm and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSTC) is the only curative approach, but non relapse mortality limits the indication for HSTC to high-risk patients. The prognostic evaluation of MF patients is evolving during time together with a better understanding of the mutational landscape of this disease. The presence of high molecular risk (HMR) mutations, specifically ASXL1, SRSF2, EZH2, IDH1, IDH2 and U2AF1Q157, harbors a detrimental effect on survival and leukemic transformation and has been incorporated in different prognostic scoring systems. In this multicenter study we aimed to determine the impact of HMR mutations on transplant outcome. Methods We studied two independent cohorts of patients: 44 patients (training, retrospective cohort) were part of a multicenter, randomized GITMO (Gruppo Italiano Trapianti di Midollo Osseo) clinical trial (Patriarca F, BBMT 2019) and 29 patients (validation, prospective cohort) were subsequently recruited at the Bergamo Bone Marrow Transplant Unit. Patients from the training cohort (median age 56, range 36-66) were conditioned with busulfan-fludarabine or thiotepa-fludarabin while patients in the validation cohort (median age 61, range 36-67) were conditioned with a reduced intensity thiotepa-busulfan-fludarabin regimen. The mutational profile obtained on the pre-transplant DNA was performed by sequencing 30 myeloid related genes by applying SOPHia GENETICS Myeloid Solution on Illumina MiniSeq platform. Results In the training retrospective cohort, driver mutations were detected in 40 (29 JAK2/8 CALR/3 MPL) patients, with 4 patients having a triple negative MF. At least one HMR mutation was detected in 43% of patients and an unfavorable karyotype was present in 18% of patients. According to the Mutation-Enhanced International Prognostic Scoring System 70 plus (MIPPS70+) scoring system, 77% of patients were allocated in the high/very high groups. With a median follow up of 4.2 years (range 0.02-9), the 5-years Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS) were 61% and 45% respectively. The 5-years Non-Relapse Mortality (NRM) and Cumulative Incidence of Relapse (CIR) were 25% and 30%. In the prospective validation cohort, a driver mutation was detected in all patients (15 JAK2/7 CALR/7MPL). At least one HMR mutation was detected in 48% of patients and an unfavorable karyotype was present in 24% of patients. Patients allocated to the MIPPS70+ high/very group were 52%. After a median follow up of 10.7 months (range 0-44), the 2-years OS and PFS were 61% and 49% respectively. The 2-years NRM and CIR were 33% and 18%. In the training cohort, a higher risk of death and progression was observed in patients with high/very high risk MIPPS70+ prognostic index [HR for OS 4.3 (95% CI 0.6-33.1), HR for PFS 4.1 (95% CI 0.9-16.9)]. Conversely, the presence of HMR mutations did not significantly affect OS, PFS (Figure 1), NRM or CIR. The prognostic significance of MIPSS70+ risk classification was confirmed in the validation cohort, with a higher risk of death and progression for high/very high MIPSS70+ group [OS HR 3.2 (95% CI 0.4-27.1), PFS HR 3.8 (95% CI 0.5-31.4)]. Similarly, in the validation cohort the presence of HMR mutations did not affect transplant outcome, with no impact on OS, PFS (Figure 2), NRM or CIR. In the whole group of 73 patients, the presence of JAK2V617F mutation showed an adverse prognostic impact on CIR [HR 3.4 (95% CI 1-11.8)], while MIPPS70+ confirmed its role on PFS. Conclusions In this study we prospectively confirmed that the presence of HMR mutations did not impact on transplant outcome. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation can lead to a significant cure rate of MF patients, regardless the presence of HMR mutations. Patients in the high/very high MIPSS70+ risk group had a higher risk of death and progression after transplant. Appropriate timing and selection of patients is crucial for transplant outcome in MF. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

BACKGROUND:We previously showed that human anti-T-lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) plus ciclosporin and methotrexate given to patients with acute leukaemia in remission, having allogeneic haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation with peripheral blood stem cells from an HLA-identical sibling donor after myeloablative conditioning, significantly reduced 2-year chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) incidence and severity, without increasing disease relapse and infections, and improves cGVHD-free and relapse-free survival (cGRFS). The aim of an extended follow-up study was the assessment of long-term outcomes, which are, in this context, scarcely reported in the literature. We report unpublished data on quality of life (QoL) from the original study and the results of a follow-up extension. METHODS:In the original open-label study, patients with acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukaemia in first or subsequent remission, having sibling HLA-identical allogeneic peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation, were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive ATLG plus standard GVHD prophylaxis with ciclosporin and short-term methotrexate (ATLG group) or standard GVHD prophylaxis without ATLG (non-ATLG group). Conditioning regimens were cyclophosphamide 120 mg/kg with either total body irradiation (12 Gy) or busulfan (12·8 mg/kg intravenously or 16 mg/kg orally), with or without etoposide (30-60 mg/kg). Randomisation was stratified according to centre and disease risk. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of cGVHD at 2 years. The primary and secondary endpoints, excluding QoL, have been published. QoL, assessed using European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HDC29 questionnaires, was an unpublished secondary endpoint, which we now report here. A follow-up extension was then done, with the primary endpoint cumulative incidence of cGVHD. Enrolment has been completed for both studies. The original trial (number, NCT00678275) and follow-up extension (number, NCT03042676) are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. FINDINGS:In the original study, from Dec 14, 2006, to Feb 2, 2012, 161 patients were enrolled and 155 were randomly assigned to either the ATLG group (n=83) or to the non-ATLG group (n=72). In the follow-up study, which started on Feb 7, 2017, and was completed on June 30, 2017, 61 patients were included in the ATLG group and 53 were included in the non-ATLG group. Global health status showed a more favourable time course in the ATLG group compared with the non-ATLG group (p=0·02; treatment by visit interaction). ATLG was descriptively superior to non-ATLG at 24 months for physical function (points estimate -14·8 [95% CI -26·4 to -3·1]; p=0·014) and social function (-19·1 [-38·0 to -0·2]; p=0·047), gastrointestinal side-effects (8·8 [2·5-15·1]; p=0·008) and effect on family (13·5 [1·2-25·8]; p=0·032). Extended follow-up (median 5·9 years [IQR 1·7-7·9]) confirmed a lower 5-year cGVHD incidence (30·0% [95% CI 21·4-41·9] vs 69·1% [59·1-80·1]; analysis for entire follow-up, p<0·001), no increase in relapses (35·4% [26·4-47·5] vs 22·5% [14·6-34·7]; p=0·09), improved cGRFS (34·3% [24·2-44·5] vs 13·9% [7·1-22·9]; p=0·005), and fewer patients still in immunosuppression (9·6% vs 28·3%; p=0·017) in the ATLG group compared with the non-ATLG group. 5-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, and non-relapse mortality did not differ significantly between groups. INTERPRETATION:The addition of ATLG to standard GVHD prophylaxis improves the probability of surviving without disease relapse and cGVHD after myeloablative peripheral blood stem-cell transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling donor for patients with acute leukaemia in remission. Further additional benefits are better QoL and shorter immunosuppressive treatment compared with standard GVHD prophylaxis without ATLG. Therefore, in this setting, ATLG plus standard GVHD prophylaxis should be preferred over the standard GVHD prophylaxis alone. FUNDING:Neovii Biotech.

Background: We previously demonstrated that the addition of human anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) to cyclosporine and methotrexate, given to acute leukemia patients in remission undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) from an HLA-identical sibling donor after a myeloablative conditioning, significantly reduces 2-yr cGVHD incidence (primary endpoint) and severity without increasing disease relapse and infections, improving cGVHD/relapse-free survival (cGRFS). Since very limited information on long-term follow-up has been reported, we extended the observation time of the original study. Methods: Between 2005 and 2012, 161 patients were randomized to receive or not ATLG in addition to cyclosporine and methotrexate. 155 patients were included in the full analysis set. Quality of life (QoL), assessed using EORTC-QLQ-C30 and QLQ-HDC29 questionnaires, was the unpublished secondary endpoint. An extension of follow-up was then performed with the aim of evaluating the long-term outcome. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03042676, NCT00678275). Findings: Global health status (p=0·02), physical function (p=0·014), social function (p=0·047), gastrointestinal side-effects (p=0·008) and impact on family (p=0·032) scored higher in the ATLG arm. Extended follow-up (median 5.9 years) confirmed a lower 5 -yr cGVHD incidence (30·0% vs 69·1%, p<0·001), no increase of relapses (32·4% vs 25·5%, p=0·09), an improved cGRFS (34·4% vs 13·9%, p=0·005), fewer patients still in immunosuppression (9·6% vs 28·3%, p=0·017) in the ATLG arm. 5-yr overall survival, relapse-free survival and non-relapse mortality didn't significantly differ between arms. Interpretation: ATLG improves QoL after HLA identical sibling HSCT with PBSC and its beneficial effect on cGVHD incidence and cGRFS is confirmed even after long-term follow-up. Trial registration number: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03042676, NCT00678275). Funding: NEOVII Biotech provided the study drug and a research grant but did neither have access to data nor decide to submit the manuscript. Declaration of Interest: FB, and NK received speaker-fees and served on the advisory boards for NEOVII Biotech; NK received a research grant from NEOVII Biotech; all the remaining authors declare no competing financial conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: The study was approved by each competent local Ethics Committees, conducted according to the Helsinki declaration.

We report a randomized study comparing fludarabine in combination with busulfan (FB) or thiotepa (FT), as conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with myelofibrosis. The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Sixty patients were enrolled with a median age of 56 years and an intermediate-2 or high-risk score in 65%, according to the Dynamic International Prognostic Staging System (DIPSS). Donors were HLA-identical sibling (n = 25), matched unrelated (n = 25) or single allele mismatched unrelated (n = 10). With a median follow-up of 22 months (range, 1 to 68 months), outcomes at 2 years after HSCT in the FB arm versus the FT arm were as follows: PFS, 43% versus 55% (P = .28); overall survival (OS), 54% versus 70% (P = .17); relapse/progression, 36% versus 24% (P = .24); nonrelapse mortality (NRM), 21% in both arms (P = .99); and graft failure, 14% versus 10% (P = .96). A better PFS was observed in patients with intermediate-1 DIPSS score (P = .03). Both neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment were significantly influenced by previous splenectomy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 4.51; P = .02) and splenomegaly at transplantation (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.94; P = .03). In conclusion, the clinical outcome after HSCT was comparable when using either a busulfan or thiotepa based conditioning regimen. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

Outpatient autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has proven to be feasible in terms of physical morbidity and mortality outcomes, but little data exist on the impact of this procedure on quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study was to compare the effects of inpatient (n = 76) and outpatient (n = 64) modes of care on QoL in patients with multiple myeloma who underwent ASCT. Patients were treated according to their preference for the inpatient or outpatient model. QoL was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation (FACT-BMT) at baseline (7 days before ASCT; T1) and at days +7 (T2) and +30 (T3) after ASCT. Overall, inpatients achieved higher mean values at each time point (86.05 ± 15.54 at T1, 89.23 ± 19.19 at T2, and 87.96 ± 13.6 at T3) compared with outpatients (85.62 ± 14.51 at T1, 87.42 ± 23.41 at T2, and 83.98 ± 20.2 at T3), although the differences did not reach statistical significance. Inpatients showed higher mean scores than outpatients in physical well-being (7.67 ± 5.7, 15.44 ± 6.34, and 12.96 ± 6.03, respectively, versus 5.89 ± 4.33, 13.92 ± 7.05, and 8.84 ± 6.33, respectively; P < .05). Mean scores on social/family well-being were significantly higher in the outpatient group compared with the inpatient group (22.93 ± 13.29, 21.14 ± 5.31, and 21.64 ± 4.58, respectively, versus 20.59 ± 3.79, 19.52 ± 5.12, and 20.01 ± 3.97, respectively; P = .003). There were no significant between-group differences with respect to functional well-being and emotional status. Among adults at a single institution undergoing ASCT for MM, the use of outpatient care compared with standard transplantation care did not result in improved QoL during transplantation. Further research is needed for replication and to assess longer-term outcomes and implications.

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) with unmanipulated grafts is increasingly adopted for high-risk acute leukemia, with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis based on antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as main platforms. No consensus exists on selection criteria over several haploidentical donors. We evaluated the impact of donor-recipient antigenic and allelic HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 mismatches on mismatched haplotype on outcomes of 509 unmanipulated haplo-HSCTs performed for acute leukemia under a PTCy (N = 313) or ATG (N = 196) regimen. An antigenic but not allelic mismatch at the HLA-DRB1 locus was an independent risk factor for grade ≥2 aGVHD in PTCy (hazard ratio [HR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-4.0; P = .02) but not in ATG regimens (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.4-3.4; P = .6). Moreover, the hazards of aGVHD were significantly associated with other factors influencing alloreactivity, including peripheral blood as stem cell source (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3; P < .01), reduced-intensity conditioning (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P = .04), and female donors (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1-3.2; P = .05), in PTCy but not ATG regimens. No significant associations were found between cumulative number of HLA mismatches and GVHD, or between HLA-matching status and other study end points including transplant-related mortality, disease-free survival, and relapse. Based on these data, the role of HLA mismatching on unshared haplotype appears not to be sufficiently prominent to justify its consideration in haploidentical donor selection. However, the role of HLA matching in haploidentical HSCT might be modulated by GVHD prophylaxis, calling for further investigations in this increasingly relevant field.

We calculated the cost of autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma using the activity-based costing method, through two different care model: total inpatient program (TIM) and Early-Discharge Outpatient Model (EDOM). TIM and EDOM models involved a total cost of (sic)28.615,15 and (sic)16.499,43. The repayment of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) in Italy is approximately (sic)50.000 and it does not correspond to the real cost of the procedure.Background: Activity-based costing (ABC) was developed and advocated as a means of overcoming the systematic distortions of traditional cost accounting. Materials and Methods: We calculated the cost of high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with multiple myeloma using the ABC method, through 2 different care models: the total inpatient model (TIM) and the early-discharge outpatient model (EDOM) and compared this with the approved diagnosis related-groups (DRG) Italian tariffs. Results: The TIM and EDOM models involved a total cost of (sic)28,615.15 and (sic)16,499.43, respectively. In the TIM model, the phase with the greatest economic impact was the posttransplant (recovery and hematologic engraftment) with 36.4% of the total cost, whereas in the EDOM model, the phase with the greatest economic impact was the pretransplant (chemo-mobilization, apheresis procedure, cryopreservation, and storage) phase, with 60.4% of total expenses. In an analysis of each episode, the TIM model comprised a higher absorption than the EDOM. In particular, the posttransplant represented 36.4% of the total costs in the TIM and 17.7% in EDOM model, respectively. The estimated reduction in cost per patient using an EDOM model was over (sic)12,115.72. The repayment of the DRG in Calabrian Region for the ASCT procedure is (sic)59,806. Given the real cost of the transplant, the estimated cost saving per patient is (sic)31,190.85 in the TIM model and (sic)43,306.57 in the EDOM model. Conclusion: In conclusion, the actual repayment of the DRG does not correspond to the real cost of the ASCT procedure in Italy. Moreover, using the EDOM, the cost of ASCT is approximately the half of the TIM model. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction: High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) has long been established as the standard of care for eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Although many studies have been performed in the induction, consolidation and maintenance settings, few trials have been dedicated to conditioning regimens before ASCT. Areas covered: We reviewed all the reported experiences and illustrate current knowledge in the field of conditioning regimens. Expert opinion: High-Dose Melphalan (MEL) at the dosage of 200mg/m(2) is the standard conditioning regimen. However, a variety of strategies have been explored, including MEL dose escalation which involves the addition of other agents such as busulfan, thiotepa, bendamustine, proteasome inhibitors, and immunomodulatory drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Overall, such strategies have mixed results. The lack of randomized trials using these agents and the fact that they include different study populations makes it difficult to compare across studies. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to test novel conditioning regimens containing double alkylating agents or novel agents, including new MEL formulations. Only large phase III studies specifically aimed at investigating the safety, therapeutic activity, and cost/efficacy relationships can provide the answer in the continuous debate surrounding new conditioning regimens for ASCT.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood (PB) hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) mobilized with G-CSF are the first-choice source for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We carried out a prospective study on healthy donors (HDs), to identify donor characteristics that could influence the effectiveness of mobilization.

This phase II trial evaluates, for the first time, the safety and efficacy of bendamustine plus high-dose melphalan (HDM) as a conditioning regimen before the second autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in previously untreated multiple myeloma (MM) patients. In total, 32 ASCT patients received HDM (200 mg/m2) as conditioning for the first ASCT. After 3–6 months from the first ASCT, responding patients underwent a second ASCT following bendamustine (200 mg/m2) and HDM (140 mg/m2). High-dose chemotherapy and ASCT were performed with complete neutrophil and platelet recovery in all patients. The median number of days to neutrophil and platelet engraftment was 11 (range 9–15) and 12 (range 10–19), respectively. Only one subject experienced grade 3 diarrhea; the rate of mucositis and vomiting was significantly lower with the bendamustine plus HDM regimen compared with the HDM-only regimen (81.2 vs 96.9%, P=0.025 and 78.1 vs 100%, P=0.008). Overall response rate (ORR) was 81.2% after the first transplant, and 90.6% after the second, while complete response rates were 46.8 and 62.5%, respectively (P=0.016). Actuarial 2-year PFS and OS were 79% (95% confidence interval (CI), 60–98) and 97% (95% CI, 91–100), respectively. Bendamustine+HDM is feasible as the conditioning regimen for second ASCT in MM patients. The present study may pave the way for phase III studies specifically aimed at further investigating this combination strategy. The role of this combination in MM for conditioning regimen in a first or single ASCT setting should be also investigated.

Background: HaploSCT from unmanipulated graft is a practiced option for high risk acute leukemia (AL) patients (pts) who lack a matched related or unrelated donor (Piemontese, Leukemia 2015). Since several haploidentical donors are available for most pts, selection based on optimal HLA mismatching could be relevant, but evidence on this issue is scarce.

BACKGROUND:Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the leading cause of later illness and death after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. We hypothesized that the inclusion of antihuman T-lymphocyte immune globulin (ATG) in a myeloablative conditioning regimen for patients with acute leukemia would result in a significant reduction in chronic GVHD 2 years after allogeneic peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling.METHODS:We conducted a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 study of ATG as part of a conditioning regimen. A total of 168 patients were enrolled at 27 centers. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive ATG or not receive ATG, with stratification according to center and risk of disease.RESULTS:After a median follow-up of 24 months, the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 32.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.1 to 46.7) in the ATG group and 68.7% (95% CI, 58.4 to 80.7) in the non-ATG group (P<0.001). The rate of 2-year relapse-free survival was similar in the ATG group and the non-ATG group (59.4% [95% CI, 47.8 to 69.2] and 64.6% [95% CI, 50.9 to 75.3], respectively; P=0.21), as was the rate of overall survival (74.1% [95% CI, 62.7 to 82.5] and 77.9% [95% CI, 66.1 to 86.1], respectively; P=0.46). There were no significant between-group differences in the rates of relapse, infectious complications, acute GVHD, or adverse events. The rate of a composite end point of chronic GVHD-free and relapse-free survival at 2 years was significantly higher in the ATG group than in the non-ATG group (36.6% vs. 16.8%, P=0.005).CONCLUSIONS:The inclusion of ATG resulted in a significantly lower rate of chronic GVHD after allogeneic transplantation than the rate without ATG. The survival rate was similar in the two groups, but the rate of a composite end point of chronic GVHD-free survival and relapse-free survival was higher with ATG. (Funded by the Neovii Biotech and the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00678275.).