Experience With Pre-procedural Hemostatic Medications versus Platelet Transfusion in Patients With Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency.

BackgroundStorage pool deficiency (SPD) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by reduction in the number of delta granules within platelets, interfering with hemostasis. Current literature lacks well-designed studies from which to draw concrete conclusions regarding pre-procedural management of bleeding complications. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe bleeding and safety outcomes of SPD patients receiving either pre-procedural platelet transfusions or platelet-sparing regimens. Methods: An exploratory retrospective cohort study was conducted among SPD patients, comparing major bleeding events between those who received platelet transfusion and those who received desmopressin, tranexamic acid, and/or aminocaproic acid within 24 hours prior to procedure. Results: Rates of major bleeding were not found to be higher among patients who received a platelet-sparing regimen [platelet-sparing: 2/25 (8%); platelet transfusion: 2/29 (6.9%); P = .99]. Incidence of non-major bleeding was higher in the platelet transfusion group, but this was not statistically significant [platelet-sparing: 0/25 (0%); platelet transfusion: 3/29 (10.3%); P = .24]. Treatment-related adverse effects were observed following 8 of 54 procedures (14.8%). Conclusion: Use of a platelet-sparing regimen was not associated with a significantly higher incidence of major or non-major bleeding events. Future prospective trials are recommended to compare outcomes between therapies.

NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Hematopoietic Growth Factors, Version 1.2022.

The NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Growth Factors provide recommendations for the appropriate use of growth factors in the clinical management of febrile neutropenia (FN), chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT), and chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA). Management and prevention of these sequelae are an integral part of supportive care for many patients undergoing cancer treatment. The purpose of these guidelines is to operationalize the evaluation, prevention, and treatment of FN, CIT, and CIA in adult patients with nonmyeloid malignancies and to enable the patient and clinician to assess management options for FN, CIT, and CIA in the context of an individual patient's condition. These NCCN Guidelines Insights provide a summary of the important recent updates to the NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Growth Factors, with particular emphasis on the incorporation of a newly developed section on CIT.

A Case Report of Siblings with Dystonia: A Potential Link Between DYT11 Mutation and Platelet Dysfunction.

Myoclonus-dystonia syndrome (MDS) is an autosomal dominant disorder due to a mutated epsilon-sarcoglycan gene (SGCE) at the dystonia 11 (DYT11) locus on chromosome 7q21-31. ε-sarcoglycan has been identified in vascular smooth muscle and has been suggested to stabilize the capillary system. This report describes two siblings with MDS treated with bilateral globus pallidus interna deep brain stimulation. One patient had a history of bleeding following dental procedures, menorrhagia, and DBS placement complicated by intraoperative bleeding during cannula insertion. The other sibling endorsed frequent epistaxis. Subsequent procedures were typically treated perioperatively with platelet or tranexamic acid transfusion. Hematologic workup showed chronic borderline thrombocytopenia but did not elucidate a cause-specific platelet dysfunction or underlying coagulopathy. The bleeding history and thrombocytopenia observed suggest a potential link between MDS and platelet dysfunction. Mutated ε-sarcoglycan may destabilize the capillary system, thus impairing vasoconstriction and leading to suboptimal platelet aggregation.

Considerations for Use of Hematopoietic Growth Factors in Patients With Cancer Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Hematopoietic growth factors, including erythrocyte stimulating agents (ESAs), granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, and thrombopoietin mimetics, can mitigate anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia resulting from chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. In the context of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients with cancer have been identified as a group at high risk of morbidity and mortality from this infection. Our subcommittee of the NCCN Hematopoietic Growth Factors Panel convened a voluntary group to review the potential value of expanded use of such growth factors in the current high-risk environment. Although recommendations are available on the NCCN website in the COVID-19 Resources Section (https://www.nccn.org/covid-19/), these suggestions are provided without substantial context or reference. Herein we review the rationale and data underlying the suggested alterations to the use of hematopoietic growth factors for patients with cancer in the COVID-19 era.

NCCN Guidelines Insights: Hematopoietic Growth Factors, Version 1.2020.

Management of febrile neutropenia (FN) is an integral part of supportive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The NCCN Guidelines for Hematopoietic Growth Factors provide suggestions for appropriate evaluation, risk determination, prophylaxis, and management of FN. These NCCN Guidelines are intended to guide clinicians in the appropriate use of growth factors for select patients undergoing treatment of nonmyeloid malignancies. These NCCN Guidelines Insights highlight important updates to the NCCN Guidelines regarding the incorporation of newly FDA-approved granulocyte-colony stimulating factor biosimilars for the prevention and treatment of FN.

A phase I trial of flavopiridol in relapsed multiple myeloma.

PURPOSE: Flavopiridol is primarily a cyclin-dependent kinase-9 inhibitor, and we performed a dose escalation trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose and safety and generate a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of relapsed myeloma after at least two prior treatments were included. Flavopiridol was administered as a bolus and then continuous infusion weekly for 4 weeks in a 6-week cycle. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were treated at three dose levels (30 mg/m(2) bolus, 30 mg/m(2) CIV to 50 mg/m(2) bolus, and 50 mg/m(2) CIV). Cytopenias were significant, and elevated transaminases (grade 4 in 3 patients, grade 3 in 4 patients, and grade 2 in 3 patients) were noted but were transient. Diarrhea (grade 3 in 6 patients and grade 2 in 5 patients) did not lead to hospital admission. There were no confirmed partial responses although one patient with t(4;14) had a decrease in his monoclonal protein >50 % that did not persist. PK properties were similar to prior publications, and immunohistochemical staining for cyclin D1 and phospho-retinoblastoma did not predict response. CONCLUSIONS: Flavopiridol as a single agent given by bolus and then infusion caused significant diarrhea, cytopenias, and transaminase elevation but only achieved marginal responses in relapsed myeloma (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00112723).

A phase I dose escalation and pharmacodynamic study of SU5416 (semaxanib) combined with weekly cisplatin and irinotecan in patients with advanced solid tumors.

BACKGROUND: This phase I study evaluated the safety of SU5416, a potent and selective inhibitor of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase Flk-1, in combination with weekly cisplatin and irinotecan in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS: The patients received cisplatin 30 mg/m² and irinotecan 50 mg/m² weekly from week 1 to week 4, with SU5416 at either 65 mg/m² (dose level (DL)1) or 85 mg/m² (DL2) twice weekly for 6 weeks (1 cycle). Serial ¹8fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (¹8FDG-PET) and ¹5O-H2O-PET scans were obtained. RESULTS: 13 patients were treated (7 on DL1, 6 on DL2); 7 patients completed at least 1 cycle of treatment. 3 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) at DL2 (grade 3 neutropenia and grade 3 thrombocytopenia causing treatment delay, grade 3 nausea/vomiting). No objective responses were observed at DL1, which was determined to be the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). 1 partial response (PR) was observed at DL2. ¹8FDG-PET responses were documented but did not predict response according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). CONCLUSIONS: SU5416 at 65 mg/m² twice weekly combined with cisplatin and irinotecan weekly for 4 of 6 weeks is well tolerated but without evidence of clinical activity. ¹8FDG-PET may be a useful pharmacodynamic marker of SU5416 bioactivity but requires additional development.

Severe and prolonged lymphopenia observed in patients treated with bendamustine and erlotinib for metastatic triple negative breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) frequently have high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and are sensitive to DNA-damaging agents. Improved therapies are needed for this aggressive malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a phase I trial of bendamustine and erlotinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with metastatic TNBC, ECOG performance status ≤2, and ≤1 prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease. Each 28-day cycle included intravenous bendamustine on days 1, 2 and oral erlotinib on days 5-21 with dose escalation according to a 3 + 3 phase I study design. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was determined by toxicities related to study therapy observed during cycle 1. RESULTS: Eleven patients were treated, 5 on dose level 1 and 6 on dose level 2. One patient had DLT on dose level 2. However, cumulative toxicities were observed, including grade 3/4 lymphopenia in 91 % (95 % CI 0.59-0.998) with progressively decreased CD4 counts and grade ≥3 infections in 36 % (95 % CI 0.11-0.69) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Combination therapy with bendamustine and erlotinib causes excessive toxicity with severe, prolonged lymphopenia, depressed CD4 counts, and opportunistic infections and should not be pursued further. Future trials of bendamustine combinations in TNBC patients should account for potential cumulative lymphocyte toxicity necessitating patient monitoring during and after treatment.

Myocardial infarction in sickle cell disease: use of translational imaging to diagnose an under-recognized problem.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder in which microvascular occlusion causes complications across multiple organ systems. The precise incidence of myocardial ischemia and infarction (MI), potentially under-recognized microvascular disease-related complications, remains unknown. The absence of typical atherosclerotic lesions seen in other patients with MI suggests a microvascular mechanism of myocardial injury. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can demonstrate microvascular disease, making it an appealing modality to assess symptomatic SCD patients. We demonstrate in several dramatic instances how CMR is uniquely able to depict cardiac microvascular obstruction in patients with SCD and chest pain, without which the possibility of myocardial injury would almost certainly be otherwise neglected. Much remains unknown regarding ischemic heart disease in patients with SCD including prevalence, detection, and management. Further work to define evaluation and management algorithms for chest pain in SCD and to develop risk assessment tools may reduce sudden cardiac death in this population.

Cancer- and chemotherapy-induced anemia.

Anemia is prevalent in 30% to 90% of patients with cancer. Anemia can be corrected through either treating the underlying cause or providing supportive care through transfusion with packed red blood cells or administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), with or without iron supplementation. Recent studies showing detrimental health effects of ESAs sparked a series of FDA label revisions and a sea change in the perception of these once commonly used agents. In light of this, the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Cancer- and Chemotherapy-Induced Anemia underwent substantial revisions this year. The purpose of these NCCN Guidelines is twofold: 1) to operationalize the evaluation and treatment of anemia in adult cancer patients, with an emphasis on those who are receiving concomitant chemotherapy, and 2) to enable patients and clinicians to individualize anemia treatment options based on patient condition.

Phase I trial of lenalidomide and CCI-779 in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma: evidence for lenalidomide-CCI-779 interaction via P-glycoprotein.

PURPOSE: Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma-cell neoplasm for which most treatments involve a therapeutic agent combined with dexamethasone. The preclinical combination of lenalidomide with the mTOR inhibitor CCI-779 has displayed synergy in vitro and represents a novel combination in MM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A phase I clinical trial was initiated for patients with relapsed myeloma with administration of oral lenalidomide on days 1 to 21 and CCI-779 intravenously once per week during a 28-day cycle. Pharmacokinetic data for both agents were obtained, and in vitro transport and uptake studies were conducted to evaluate potential drug-drug interactions. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were treated with 15 to 25 mg lenalidomide and 15 to 20 mg CCI-779. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 25 mg lenalidomide with 15 mg CCI-779. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated increased doses of CCI-779 resulted in statistically significant changes in clearance, maximum concentrations, and areas under the concentration-time curves, with constant doses of lenalidomide. Similar and significant changes for CCI-779 pharmacokinetics were also observed with increased lenalidomide doses. Detailed mechanistic interrogation of this pharmacokinetic interaction demonstrated that lenalidomide was an ABCB1 (P-glycoprotein [P-gp]) substrate. CONCLUSION: The MTD of this combination regimen was 25 mg lenalidomide with 15 mg CCI-779, with toxicities of fatigue, neutropenia, and electrolyte wasting. Pharmacokinetic and clinical interactions between lenalidomide and CCI-779 seemed to occur, with in vitro data indicating lenalidomide was an ABCB1 (P-gp) substrate. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a clinically significant P-gp-based drug-drug interaction with lenalidomide.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of erlotinib (OSI-774) in combination with docetaxel in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SSCHN).

PURPOSE: This phase I study determined the maximal-tolerated dose, dose-limiting toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and recommended dose of erlotinib with docetaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled. Patients were orally given erlotinib (50 mg) daily plus 35 mg/m² of docetaxel intravenously weekly × 3 every 4 weeks. Dose escalation of erlotinib was in 50-mg increments until toxicity. Pharmacokinetics were studied with LC-MS/MS, standard, and population pharmacokinetic methods. RESULTS: Ninety-five courses were successfully given (median 3, range 1-6). The most frequent side effects were diarrhea, fatigue, skin rash, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Dose de-escalation for both erlotinib and docetaxel was due to skin rash, neutropenia and/or severe infection with docetaxel to 25 mg/m² and erlotinib to starting dose of 50 mg and re-escalation of docetaxel to 35 mg/m². Responses were observed in 4/26 evaluable patients (100 mg erlotinib). In 24 patients, the mean Cmax and AUC erlotinib values increased with dose and following cumulative dosing (days 7 and 8 vs. day 1, p < 0.05). The CL/F (~7 L/h), V/F (~140 L), and t1/2 (~20 h) for erlotinib were similar to the reported. The mean AUC ratio of metabolite OSI-420 to erlotinib following repetitive dosing at 100 mg (+ or - docetaxel) showed a ~50% increase (p < 0.02), possibly suggesting self-enzyme induction. Population pharmacokinetic studies showed no significant covariate affecting erlotinib pharmacokinetics. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of erlotinib and docetaxel was associated with significant toxicity, which limited the amount of administered erlotinib. Dosing for phase II trials was docetaxel 35 mg/m² and erlotinib 50 mg. The reason for excessive toxicity is not clear, but not due to change in pharmacokinetics.

A phase I study of topotecan and gemcitabine in advanced solid tumors.

PURPOSE: Gemcitabine and topotecan are commonly used anti-tumor agents with a wide spectrum of activity in vitro and in vivo. A phase I trial of a combination of these two agents was initiated based on the premise that both gemcitabine and topotecan cause DNA damage and interfere with DNA repair by different mechanisms. Synergism has been demonstrated in vitro when gemcitabine and other topoisomerase I inhibitors have been combined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with advanced solid tumors signed consent and were treated on this study with at least one cycle. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine at doses of 400 to 625 mg/m(2) days 1 and 5 in combination with topotecan at doses of 0.8 to 1 mg/m(2) given on days 2 through 5 every 21 days. RESULTS: The dose limiting toxicities of granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were reached at the highest dose level of gemcitabine 625 mg/m(2) and topotecan 1 mg/m(2). A diffuse skin rash was also seen in four treated patients and responded well to treatment with steroids. One partial response and seven stable disease were seen as best response in 16 evaluable patients. CONCLUSION: The combination of gemcitabine and topotecan was found to be tolerable with interesting preliminary activity. The recommended phase II dose for this combination is gemcitabine at 500 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 5 with topotecan at 0.8 mg/m(2) on days 2 to 5.

Phase II trial of pyrazoloacridine (NSC#366140) in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Pyrazoloacridine (PZA) is an investigational nucleic acid binding agent that inhibits the activity of topoisomerases 1 and 2. We conducted a phase II clinical study to determine the efficacy and toxicities of PZA in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In this phase II multicenter study, patients who were treated with no more than one prior chemotherapy for MBC were treated with 750 mg/m² of PZA given as a 3-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Treatment cycles were continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities. The study was designed to distinguish between a response rate of < 15% vs > 30% (alpha = 0.10, beta = 0.10) using Simons optimal 2-stage design. At least 2 responses were required in the first 12 patients in the 1st stage and 6 of 35 in the 2nd stage to recommend the agent for further study. RESULTS: Two patients in the first stage had a response allowing accrual to second stage. A total of 15 patients (out of 35 planned) were treated on the study prior to premature closure. Three patients had a partial response (20%) lasting 4.5-6 months. Two patients had stable disease for 3 and 5 months. The dose limiting toxicity was granulocytopenia with ten patients requiring dose reduction or dose delay for grade 4 neutropenia. Other grade 3 and 4 toxicities include vomiting (n = 2), nausea (n = 2), neurotoxicity (n = 1), fatigue (n = 1), anemia (n = 1), dyspnea 9n = 1) and renal (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Pyrazoloacridine demonstrated modest activity in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Flavopiridol, fludarabine, and rituximab in mantle cell lymphoma and indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

PURPOSE: Flavopiridol downmodulates antiapoptotic proteins associated with resistance to fludarabine and rituximab and is effective against p53-mutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We conducted a phase I study of flavopiridol, fludarabine, and rituximab (FFR) in patients with mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL), indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (B-NHL), and CLL to determine the activity of FFR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Therapy included fludarabine 25 mg/m(2) intravenously (IV) days 1 to 5 and rituximab 375 mg/m(2) day 1 every 28 days for 6 cycles. We administered flavopiridol 50 mg/m(2) by 1-hour IV bolus (IVB) day 1 (n = 15); day 1 to 2 (n = 6); 20 mg/m(2) 30-minute IVB + 20 mg/m(2) 4-hour IV infusion (n = 3); or 30 mg/m(2) + 30 mg/m(2) (n = 14). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (median age, 62 years) with MCL (n = 10); indolent B-NHL including follicular (n = 9), marginal zone (n = 4), lymphoplasmacytic (n = 1), or small lymphocytic lymphoma (n = 3); and CLL (n = 11), were enrolled. Twenty-two patients were previously untreated; 16 had received one to two prior therapies. Two patients in cohort 2 developed grade 3 dose-limiting toxicity (seizures, renal insufficiency). The median number of treatment cycles was 4, with cytopenias (n = 10) and fatigue (n = 3) the most common reasons for early discontinuation. Overall response rate was 82% (complete response, 50%; unconfirmed complete response, 5%; partial response, 26%), including 80% of patients with MCL (median age, 68; seven complete responses, one partial response). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.6 months. Median PFS of patients with nonblastoid variant MCL (n = 8) was 35.9 months. CONCLUSION: FFR was active in MCL, indolent B-NHL, and CLL and should be studied for older patients with MCL who are not candidates for aggressive chemotherapy.

Extended use of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for the prevention of skeletal complications in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma, and metastatic breast, prostate, or lung cancers, when therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates is continued for longer than 21 months. METHODS: The primary outcome was the diagnosis of at least one skeletal-related event (SRE) after 21 months of therapy. The secondary outcome was the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). RESULTS: The primary outcome was 30%. The secondary outcome was 3%, while six patients (5%) were referred to a dentist for suspected ONJ. CONCLUSION: There appears to be a continued benefit when intravenous bisphosphonates are given for longer than 21 months.

Demographic and ADAMTS13 biomarker data as predictors of early recurrences of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 40% of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) patients will suffer an exacerbation (recurrence of TTP within 30 d after their last plasma exchange (PE) procedure), but there are no data to predict who is at greater risk. We studied the clinical utility of demographic and ADAMTS13 biomarker data to predict the risk for exacerbation. PATIENTS: Forty-four acute episodes of idiopathic TTP from 26 patients were studied. METHODS: PE was performed plus either prednisone (1 mg/kg/d) or cyclosporin (2-3 mg/kg/d) as adjuncts. PE was continued daily until response (platelet count >150 000/microL and normalized lactate dehydrogenase) and tapered uniformly in all patients. ADAMTS13 biomarkers were studied prior to PE and after achieving a response, but within 7 d of the last PE. RESULTS: African American race (AA) was associated with an increased risk for exacerbation (P = 0.046). ADAMTS13 at presentation was also significantly lower in patients experiencing an exacerbation (P = 0.0364). After adjusting for the race effect, ADAMTS13 remained marginally significant (P = 0.0569). CONCLUSIONS: AA is significantly associated with an increased risk for exacerbations of TTP. These data also suggest that decreasing pretreatment ADAMTS13 activity was associated with an increased risk for exacerbation, even after accounting for the effect of race.

Intersecting guidelines: administering erythropoiesis-stimulating agents to chronic kidney disease patients with cancer.

There has been a dramatic sea change in the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) for anemic persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. An important area that has not been addressed previously is a CKD patient who also has a malignancy. Clinical guidelines exist that outline recommended treatments for each disease, but the intersection of the two disease processes presents difficult decisions for patients and physicians. Herein, we review the background underlying recent revisions in clinical alerts and guidelines for ESAs, and provide guidance for treating anemia among CKD patients who are receiving no therapy, chemotherapy with curative intent, or chemotherapy with palliative intent. The guiding principle is that comprehensive assessment of risks and benefits in the relevant clinical setting is imperative.

Effect of prophylactic cyclosporine therapy on ADAMTS13 biomarkers in patients with idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Several reports have been published regarding the use of cyclosporine (CSA) in the treatment of idiopathic thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). We hypothesized that prophylactic CSA therapy may prevent recurrences in patients with a history of multiple relapses of TTP. Nineteen patients with idiopathic TTP were enrolled on prospective studies at Ohio State University between September 2003 and May 2007. Patients achieving remission remained on CSA therapy for 6 months, allowing us to evaluate the efficacy of CSA as prophylactic therapy. CSA was administered orally at a dose of 2-3 mg/kg in twice a day divided dose in all patients and continued for a total of 6 months. Long-term clinical follow-up with serial analysis of ADAMTS13 biomarkers during and after CSA therapy were performed to evaluate the efficacy of CSA as a prophylactic therapy. 17/19(89%) patients completed 6 months of CSA therapy in a continuous remission. Two patients relapsed during therapy with CSA and seven patients relapsed after discontinuing CSA therapy. Ten patients have maintained a continuous remission a median of 21 months (range, 5-46) after discontinuing CSA. The ADAMTS13 data suggest that CSA resulted in a significant increase in the ADAMTS13 activity during therapy with CSA. 8/9(89%) relapsing patients had severely deficient ADAMTS13 activity (<5%) suggesting this is a significant risk factor for relapse of TTP. These data support the hypothesis that prophylactic CSA improves the ADAMTS13 activity and may be effective at preventing relapses in patients at risk for recurrences of TTP.