Retrospective comparison of clofarabine versus fludarabine in combination with high-dose cytarabine with or without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as salvage therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.

We recently reported that clofarabine, high-dose cytarabine, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCLAC) produced a 46% complete remission rate in relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia. GCLAC differs from FLAG by substitution of clofarabine for fludarabine, raising the question of the relative efficacy of these two regimens. We compared GCLAC given at the University of Washington Medical Center/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to fludarabine and cytarabine (FA) and FLAG given at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Independent multivariate analyses conducted at both institutions showed that after accounting for duration of first complete remission, salvage number, age, and cytogenetics, GCLAC was associated with a higher complete remission rate (odds ratio 9.57, P<0.0001) and longer survival (mortality hazard ratio 0.43, P=0.0002). Despite the retrospective nature of the analyses, GCLAC may be superior to FA/FLAG, particularly in patients with short duration of first complete remission or unfavorable cytogenetics.

Very long-term follow-up results of imatinib mesylate therapy in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia after failure of interferon alpha therapy.

BACKGROUND: The long-term outcome of patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib after failure of interferon alpha therapy has not been detailed. METHODS: In total, 368 patients were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted using standard statistical methods. RESULTS: Overall, 247 patients (67%) achieved a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR). Of the 327 patients who were studied, 207 patients (63%) achieved a major molecular response (MMR), and 99 patients (30%) had undetectable breakpoint cluster region/c-abl oncogene (BCR-ABL) levels at some time during therapy. The estimated 10-year survival rate was 68%, the progression-free survival rate was 67%, and the event-free survival rate was 51%. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 60 years, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, bone marrow basophils ≥ 5%, any peripheral blasts, and clonal evolution were independent adverse factors for survival. The estimated 7-year survival rate according to the presence of no factors (n = 154), 1 or 2 factors (n = 190), or ≥ 3 factors (n = 24) were 93%, 70%, and 25%, respectively (P < .01). Achieving an MMR, a CCyR, or a partial cytogenetic response at 12 months was associated with significantly better 10-year survival rate in a landmark analysis (10-year survival rate, 80%-90%) compared with achieving a minor cytogenetic response or a complete hematologic response (10-year survival rate, 55%-65%) or another response (10-year survival rate, 10%). In a landmark analysis that included imatinib response at 12 months, achieving a major cytogenetic response or better (hazard ratio, 0.12; P < .001) and achieving a complete hematologic response or a minor cytogenetic response (hazard ratio, 0.36; P = .003) were significant favorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The current results indicated that the estimated 10-year survival rate of 68% for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who receive imatinib after failure on interferon has improved.

Predicting survival of patients with hypocellular myelodysplastic syndrome: development of a disease-specific prognostic score system.

BACKGROUND: Although most patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) exhibit bone marrow hypercellularity, a subset of them present with a hypocellular bone marrow. Specific factors associated with poor prognosis have not been investigated in patients with hypocellular MDS. METHODS: The authors studied a cohort of 253 patients with hypocellular MDS diagnosed at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between 1993 and 2007 and a cohort of 1725 patients with hyper-/normocellular MDS diagnosed during the same time period. RESULTS: Patients with hypocellular MDS presented more frequently with thrombocytopenia (P < .019), neutropenia (P < .001), low serum ß-2 microglobulin (P < .001), increased transfusion dependency (P < .001), and intermediate-2/high-risk disease (57% vs 42%, P = .02) compared with patients with hyper-/normocellular MDS. However, no difference in overall survival was observed between the 2 groups (P = .28). Multivariate analysis identified poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group ≥2), low hemoglobin (<10 g/dL), unfavorable cytogenetics (-7/7q or complex), increased bone marrow blasts (≥5%), and high serum lactate dehydrogenase (>600 IU/L) as adverse independent factors for survival. CONCLUSIONS: A new prognostic model based on these factors was built that segregated patients into 3 distinct risk categories independent of International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score. This model is independent from the IPSS, further refines IPSS-based prognostication, and may be used to develop of risk-adapted therapeutic approaches for patients with hypocellular MDS.

Intensive chemotherapy does not benefit most older patients (age 70 years or older) with acute myeloid leukemia.

Patients ≥ 70 years of age with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a poor prognosis. Recent studies suggested that intensive AML-type therapy is tolerated and may benefit most. We analyzed 446 patients ≥ 70 years of age with AML (≥ 20% blasts) treated with cytarabine-based intensive chemotherapy between 1990 and 2008 to identify risk groups for high induction (8-week) mortality. Excluding patients with favorable karyotypes, the overall complete response rate was 45%, 4-week mortality was 26%, and 8-week mortality was 36%. The median survival was 4.6 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 28%. Survival was similar among patients treated before 2000 and since 2000. A multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for 8-week mortality identified the following to be independently adverse: age ≥ 80 years, complex karyotypes, (≥ 3 abnormalities), poor performance (2-4 Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group), and elevated creatinine > 1.3 mg/dL. Patients with none (28%), 1 (40%), 2 (23%), or ≥ 3 factors (9%) had estimated 8-week mortality rates of 16%, 31%, 55%, and 71% respectively. The 8-week mortality model also predicted for differences in complete response and survival rates. In summary, the prognosis of most patients (72%) ≥ 70 years of age with AML is poor with intensive chemotherapy (8-week mortality ≥ 30%; median survival < 6 months).

Characteristics and outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia refractory to 1 cycle of high-dose cytarabine-based induction chemotherapy.

Pretreatment characteristics and outcome of patients treated with induction regimens containing high-dose ara-C (HiDAC) at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center refractory to 1 cycle of induction were compared with similar patients achieving a complete response (CR). Among 1597 patients treated with HiDAC-based induction from 1995 to 2009, 285 were refractory to 1 cycle. Median age was 59 years (range, 18-85 years). Induction regimens included HiDAC with anthracyclines (n = 181; 64%) or HiDAC with nonanthracycline chemotherapy (n = 104; 36%). Refractory patients were older (median age, 59 vs 56 years; P < .001), more likely with unfavorable cytogenetics (P < .001) and antecedent hematologic disorder (P < .001), and had a higher presentation white blood cell count (P = .04), but not a higher incidence of FLT3 mutations (P = .85), than those achieving CR. Forty-three patients (22%) responded to salvage (35 CR and 8 CR without platelet recovery). With a median follow-up of 72 months (range, 27-118 months) in responders, 11 are alive. Nineteen patients (7%) were alive and in CR for at least 6 months, including 9 who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation. On multivariate analysis, severe thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, increasing marrow blast percentage, unfavorable cytogenetics, and salvage not including allogeneic stem cell transplantation were associated with a worse survival. Alternative strategies are needed for these patients.

Analysis of outcomes in adolescents and young adults with chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with upfront tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia have improved with tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. However, little is known about outcomes of chronic myeloid leukemia in adolescent and young adult patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: We reviewed all 468 chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated at our institution with tyrosine kinase inhibitors as initial therapy: imatinib (n=281), nilotinib (n=98) or dasatinib (n=89). RESULTS: Median age was 47 years, median follow up 71 months and median treatment time with initial tyrosine kinase inhibitors 48 months. Adolescent and young adult was defined as aged 15-29 years. Sixty-one adolescent and young adult patients were identified. The only significant differences between adolescent and young adult and older patients were incidence of splenomegaly and distribution in Sokal risk groups. Only 3 adolescent and young adult patients have died. Rates of complete cytogenetic, major molecular and complete molecular response were significantly higher in older patients compared to adolescent and young adult patients, with a favorable trend in event-free survival for older patients. Transformation-free and overall survival were similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The unfavorable trend in outcome for adolescent and young adult patients with chronic myeloid leukemia is unexpected. Additional research in this population is required to better define outcomes, understand the cause of this difference, and to help make better treatment recommendations.

Prognostic impact of deletions of derivative chromosome 9 in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with nilotinib or dasatinib.

BACKGROUND: Deletions of derivative chromosome 9 are a poor prognostic factor in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with hydroxyurea, interferon, or stem cell transplantation. Imatinib may overcome the adverse prognostic impact of deletions of derivative chromosome 9. METHODS: A study was undertaken to investigate the prognostic impact of deletions of derivative chromosome 9 in 353 patients with CML receiving the second generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) nilotinib (n = 161) or dasatinib (n = 192). RESULTS: Deletion of derivative chromosome 9 status was determined in 245 (69%). Twenty-eight (11%) patients, 22 in chronic phase, 4 in accelerated phase, and 2 in blast phase, carried deletions of derivative chromosome 9, including 17 receiving nilotinib and 11 receiving dasatinib (P = .47). Overall survival (OS) at 24 months was similar between patients with or without deletions of derivative chromosome 9 (70% vs 71%, P = .76). For patients in chronic phase, no significant differences in overall major cytogenetic response (77% vs 82%, P = .57) or complete cytogenetic response (77% vs 81%, P = .71) rates were observed between patients with or without deletions of derivative chromosome 9. At 24 months, patients with CML in chronic phase without deletions of derivative chromosome 9 had improved event-free survival (EFS) (88% vs 66%, P = .07) and OS (96% vs 82%; P = .08) compared with those carrying deletions of derivative chromosome 9. However, multivariate analysis established second-line versus frontline second generation TKI therapy as the only adverse prognostic factor for EFS and increased bone marrow blast burden and older age as independent adverse prognostic factors for OS. CONCLUSIONS: Deletions of derivative chromosome 9 do not appear to be an independent risk factor for survival among patients with CML in chronic phase receiving second generation TKIs.

Clofarabine with high dose cytarabine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) priming for relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukaemia.

This phase I/II study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose, toxicity, and efficacy of clofarabine in combination with high dose cytarabine and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) priming (GCLAC), in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Dose escalation of clofarabine occurred without dose-limiting toxicity, so most patients were treated at the maximum dose, 25 mg/m(2) per day with cytarabine 2 g/m(2) per day, each for 5 d, and G-CSF 5 µg/kg, beginning the day before chemotherapy and continuing daily until neutrophil recovery. The complete remission (CR) rate among the 46 evaluable patients was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI] 31-61%) and the CR + CR but with a platelet count <100 × 10(9)/l rate was 61% (95% CI 45-75%). Multivariate analysis showed that responses to GCLAC were independent of age, cytogenetic risk category, and number of prior salvage regimens. GCLAC is highly active in relapsed and refractory AML and warrants prospective comparison to other regimens, as well as study in untreated patients.

Delayed achievement of cytogenetic and molecular response is associated with increased risk of progression among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in early chronic phase receiving high-dose or standard-dose imatinib therapy.

Patients not in complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) continuously face the competing possibilities of eventually achieving a cytogenetic response versus progressing. We analyzed the probability of achieving a CCyR, major molecular response, and progression in 258 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in early chronic phase at 3, 6, and 12 months from imatinib start. The initial imatinib dose was 800 mg/day in 208 (81%) and 400 mg/day in 50 (19%) patients. For patients not in CCyR, the probability of achieving CCyR (P = .002) or major molecular response (P = .004) significantly decreased, whereas the risk of progression increased (P = .16) at each time point. Patients with a BCR-ABL1/ABL1 ratio greater than 1% to 10% after 3 months of imatinib had a 92% probability of achieving CCyR with continued therapy, similar to the 98% for those with 1% or less, but their risk of progression (11%) was almost 3-fold that of patients with a BCR-ABL1/ABL1 transcript ratio of 1% or less (4%) and similar to that of patients with transcript levels more than 10% (13%). These results suggest that patients not in CCyR after 12 months on imatinib have a higher risk of progression. This risk is discernible as early as 3 months into imatinib therapy by molecular analysis and may provide the rationale to institute therapies that render higher rates of early response.

Failure to achieve a complete hematologic response at the time of a major cytogenetic response with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors is associated with a poor prognosis among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in accelerated or blast phase.

Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors are effective in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph(+)) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Occasionally, patients with Ph(+) ALL, or accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP) CML achieve a major cytogenetic response (MCyR) but not a complete hematologic response (CHR). We analyzed 126 patients with CML in AP or BP, or with Ph(+) ALL treated with dasatinib or nilotinib after imatinib failure. Twenty patients received sequential treatment with both dasatinib and nilotinib for a total of 146 instances. CHR and MCyR rates were 54% and 37%, respectively in AP, 17% and 39% in BP, and 33% and 50% in Ph+ ALL. Failure to achieve a CHR at the time of achievement of a MCyR was associated with an inferior outcome, similar to that of patients without a MCyR (2-year survival rate, 37% and 35%, respectively). In contrast, patients with MCyR and concomitant CHR had a 77% 2-year survival rate. Twelve of 29 patients with MCyR without concomitant CHR later achieved a CHR; the 2-year survival rate for these patients was 55% compared with 22% for those who never achieved a CHR. These results suggest that achievement of a MCyR without concomitant CHR is associated with poor outcome.

Outcome of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia with multiple ABL1 kinase domain mutations receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

We investigated the impact of carrying more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation in 207 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (102 chronic, 61 accelerated, and 44 blast phase) post-imatinib failure. Seven (8%) of 92 patients carrying mutations had more than one mutation: 4 (4%) in chronic phase, 2 (2%) in accelerated phase, and one (1 %) in blast phase. The cytogenetic response rate to second generation TKIs for patients with no, one, or more than one mutation was 88%, 69%, 50% (P=0.03) in chronic phase, 54%, 42%, 50% in accelerated phase (P=0.67), and 35%, 25%, 0% (P=0.63) in blast phase, respectively. No differences were observed in event free survival or overall survival in accelerated or blast phase according to their mutational status. However, the 4-year event free survival rates among patients in chronic phase with no, one, or more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation were 56%, 49%, and 0%, respectively (P=0.02), with overall survival rates of 91%, 69%, and 75%, respectively (P=0.13). In conclusion, patients with more than one BCR-ABL1 mutation fare worse than those with no or one mutation.

Prediction model for mortality after intracranial hemorrhage in patients with leukemia.

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with great morbidity and mortality in patients with acute leukemia. We identified 118 patients with ICH from a total of 2,421 patient with leukemia who were treated at our institution between 2005-2009, and assessed the prognostic factors for mortality in the ICH cohort. Median age at time of ICH was 58 years, 49% were male, and 60% had acute myeloid leukemia. The relative incidence of ICH was highest in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in blast crisis (12.1%). Mental status changes were the most common symptom which prompted work-up for ICH. Median survival for all patients after onset of ICH was 20 days. In multivariate analyses, four clinical characteristics were identified as independent adverse factors for mortality in patients with ICH: albumin <3.5 g/dL, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >835 U/L, age > 60 years, and relapsed disease status. Based on the number of risk factors, mortality after ICH was: 25% (0 risk factor), 47% (1), 78% (2), and >97% (3 or 4). In conclusion, patients with leukemia who develop ICH do not have universally poor outcomes, and a simple scoring system could serve to advise physicians and families of the prognosis and the potential benefit of aggressive treatment options.

The degree of bone marrow fibrosis in chronic myelogenous leukemia is not a prognostic factor with imatinib mesylate therapy.

One hundred and ten patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) post-interferon-a failure treated with imatinib mesylate therapy were analyzed for the prognostic significance of marrow reticulin stain-measured fibrosis. The median time from diagnosis was 31 months. Severe reticulin (grade 3 - 4) fibrosis was observed in 67 patients (61%). Patients with severe marrow fibrosis had similar complete cytogenetic response rates with imatinib (67 vs. 58%; P = 0.45) compared with those with mild?-?moderate fibrosis. The estimated 4 year survival rates (80 vs. 88%; P = 0.27) and failure-free survival rates (69 vs. 77%; P = 0.34) were also not different. We conclude that the previously established poor prognostic significance of marrow fibrosis in CML is less relevant with imatinib therapy.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction monitoring of BCR-ABL during therapy with imatinib mesylate (STI571; gleevec) in chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the response and minimal residual disease by quantitative competitive PCR (QC-PCR) studies in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with imatinib mesylate. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: One hundred eighty patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive chronic-phase CML after IFN-alpha failure, treated with imatinib mesylate, had 543 simultaneous cytogenetic and QC-PCR analyses at different times during their therapy. RESULTS: The median QC-PCR values [ratio-percentage of (BCR-ABL/ABL transcripts) x 100] for cytogenetic response categories were: no response (Ph, >90%), 36%; minor response (Ph, 35-90%), 22%; partial response (Ph, 1-34%), 7.3%; complete response (Ph, 0%), 0.89%. There was good correlation between cytogenetic and QC-PCR studies (P < 0.001; r = 0.92) and good concordance between QC-PCR values (>10%, 2-10%, and <2%) and cytogenetic response categories (none, minor, partial, complete) with a concordance rate of 66%, and major discordance of only 10%. Of 170 samples in complete cytogenetic response, 21% still had QC-PCR values of >10%, and 53% had QC-PCR values of <1%. There was excellent concordance between blood and marrow QC-PCR values (r = 0.965; P < 0.01; concordance rate, 88%; major discordance, 0%). No patient in complete cytogenetic response regardless of QC-PCR value has yet relapsed. At a median follow-up time of 26 months, higher QC-PCR values within each cytogenetic category at 3, 6, and 9 months have not been associated with a higher occurrence cytogenetic relapse or disease progression. However, the significance of this may become different with longer follow-up. CONCLUSION: QC-PCR studies provide a useful tool to monitor patients with CML on imatinib mesylate therapy.

Survival advantage with imatinib mesylate therapy in chronic-phase chronic myelogenous ;eukemia (CML-CP) after IFN-alpha failure and in late CML-CP, comparison with historical controls.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to compare the survival of patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) -positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) post-IFN-alpha failure treated with imatinib to historical experiences with standards of care or other therapies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The outcome of 261 patients with Ph-positive chronic phase CML post-IFN failure treated with imatinib was compared with 204 historical control patients treated for a similar disease status with existing therapies. A subset of 147 patients in late chronic phase CML and 100% Ph-positive status treated with imatinib was compared with 95 patients in a similar disease status treated with IFN. Multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the independent prognostic effect of therapy (imatinib versus other) on survival. RESULTS: In the first analysis involving 261 patients on imatinib plus 204 historical patients, the complete cytogenetic response rates were 62% and 19%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis identified pretreatment peripheral blasts and thrombocytosis to be independent poor prognostic factors for survival. Imatinib therapy (versus others) was a significant independent favorable prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio, 0.17; P < 0.0001). In the second analysis involving the subset of 147 patients receiving imatinib plus 95 historical patients treated with IFN regimens, the complete cytogenetic response rates were 41% and 7%, respectively (P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis selected pretreatment anemia and peripheral blasts to be significant independent poor prognostic factors for survival. Imatinib therapy (versus IFN) was an independent favorable prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio, 0.20; P < 0.0001). Three-month and 6-month landmark analyses showed that patients in all cytogenetic response categories (major, minor, and none) after imatinib therapy had survival outcomes better than the historical control population. Within each cytogenetic response category, survival was also better with imatinib than with other therapies. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis provides evidence for a survival advantage with imatinib versus other therapies in chronic-phase CML post-IFN failure, and for a survival advantage with imatinib versus IFN in late chronic-phase CML.

Treatment of philadelphia chromosome-positive, accelerated-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia with imatinib mesylate.

PURPOSE: Imatinib mesylate, a specific Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has shown encouraging activity in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We treated 237 patients (median age, 50 years; age range, 18-82 years) with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive accelerated-phase CML with oral imatinib mesylate at daily doses of 400 mg (26 patients) or 600 mg (211 patients) and evaluated response and survival characteristics in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Among the 200 patients with accelerated-phase CML for whom follow-up was 3 months or more, rates of complete and partial hematological response were 80% and 10%. Cytogenetic responses were evident in 90 patients [45%; complete response in 47 patients (24%) and partial response (Ph 1-34%) in 21 patients (11%)]. The estimated 18-month survival rate was 73%. The estimated complete hematological response rate at 18 months was 68%; that for cytogenetic response was 82%. In multivariate analyses, a diagnosis-to-treatment interval of 3 years or more, splenomegaly, and peripheral blasts predicted poor major cytogenetic response; age >60 years, marrow basophilia, and clonal evolution predicted poor survival. The 600-mg drug dose was associated with better cytogenetic response and survival in univariate analysis (P < 0.01) but not in multivariate analysis. Landmark analysis showed that achieving a cytogenetic response at 3 months or a major cytogenetic response (Ph < 35%) at 6 months was associated with better long-term survival. Seven of 15 patients who were in a second chronic phase achieved major cytogenetic response. The incidence of severe nonhematological toxic effects was 23%; drug discontinuation for severe toxicity was needed in 3% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Imatinib mesylate was active against Ph-positive, accelerated-phase CML, and the prognostic factors identified in this study could aid in tailoring treatment strategies to specific risk groups.

A prognostic model of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome for predicting survival and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: We evaluated the characteristics of a cohort of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) related to therapy (t-MDS) to create a prognostic model. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 281 patients with MDS who had received previous chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for previous malignancy. Potential prognostic factors were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified 7 factors that independently predicted short survival in t-MDS: age ≥ 65 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2-4 (HR, 1.86), poor cytogenetics (-7 and/or complex; HR, 2.47), World Health Organization MDS subtype (RARs or RAEB-1/2; HR, 1.92), hemoglobin (< 11 g/dL; HR, 2.24), platelets (< 50 × 10(9)/dL; HR, 2.01), and transfusion dependency (HR, 1.59). These risk factors were used to create a prognostic model that segregated patients into 3 groups with distinct median overall survival: good (0-2 risk factors; 34 months), intermediate (3-4 risk factors; 12 months), and poor (5-7 risk factors; 5 months) (P < .001) and 1-year leukemia-free survival (96%, 84%, and 72%, respectively, P = .003). This model also identified distinct survival groups according to t-MDS therapy. CONCLUSION: In summary, we devised a prognostic model specifically for patients with t-MDS that predicted overall survival and leukemia-free survival. This model might facilitate the development of risk-adapted therapeutic strategies.

Current event-free survival after sequential tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib is an effective tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). Although some patients may fail on therapy with imatinib, effective salvage therapy is available with second-generation TKIs. Current measurement of efficacy for each therapy is judged by its individual impact on overall survival and event-free survival (EFS). METHODS: In total, 586 patients with CML in CP who received imatinib were included in this analysis in 2 cohorts: imatinib as front-line therapy (n = 281) or after failure on interferon-α (IFN-α) (n = 305). By accounting for successful salvage treatment (ie, regain of complete cytogenetic response), the current EFS (CEFS) rate was calculated to obtain a more accurate impression of the outcome of patients with CML who received treatment with sequential TKIs. RESULTS: For patients who received imatinib after failing on IFN-α, the 7-year EFS rate was 61%, whereas the CEFS rate was 69%. The 7-year EFS rate for patients who received imatinib as initial therapy was 81% compared with a 7-year CEFS rate of 88%. CONCLUSIONS: CEFS provided a more accurate representation of the outcome of patients with CML in CP. These patients may frequently be treated successfully with subsequent TKIs after experiencing failure on the first TKI.

Significance of thrombocytopenia in myelodysplastic syndromes: associations and prognostic implications.

PURPOSE: To analyze the incidence and significance of thrombocytopenia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 2517 patients with MDS referred to our institution since 1993 were analyzed, with a specific focus on the incidence and associations of thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: The median age of the study group was 66 years. The median survival was 13 months. Platelet counts <100 × 10(9)/L were noted in 65%, and platelets counts <30 × 10(9)/L in 26%. Each platelets count drop below the range of 200 × 10(9)/L has shown a larger magnitude change in terms of worsening effect on survival. Therefore, smaller ranges of platelet counts of <200 × 10(9)/L were studied. Platelet cutoffs of 30, 50, and 200 × 10(9)/L thus were identified to have significant associations with differences in survival. Significant thrombocytopenia was associated with poor performance, other cytopenias, adverse karyotype, and advanced MDS phases. Thrombocytopenia was associated with worse prognosis; it also was predicted for worse outcome within each of the International Prognostic Scoring System risk groups. CONCLUSION: Prognosis in MDS is directly associated with the severity of thrombocytopenia.

Front-line therapy with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with early chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia: what is the optimal response?

PURPOSE: The response definitions proposed by the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) are defined on the basis of imatinib front-line therapy. It is unknown whether these definitions apply to patients treated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-seven patients with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic phase were treated with second-generation TKIs in phase II trials (nilotinib, 81; dasatinib, 86). Median follow-up was 33 months. Event-free survival (EFS) was measured from the start of treatment to the date of loss of complete hematologic response, loss of complete or major cytogenetic response, discontinuation of therapy for toxicity or lack of efficacy, progression to accelerated or blastic phases, or death at any time. RESULTS: Overall, 155 patients (93%) achieved complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), including 146 (87%) with major molecular response (MMR; complete in 46 patients [28%]). According to the ELN definitions, the rates of suboptimal response were 0%, 2%, 1%, and 12% at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months of therapy, respectively. There was no difference in EFS and CCyR duration between patients who achieved CCyR with and without MMR across all the landmark times of 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. CONCLUSION: The use of second-generation TKIs as initial therapy in CML induces high rates of CCyR at early time points. The ELN definitions of response proposed for imatinib therapy are not applicable in this setting. We propose that achievement of CCyR and partial cytogenetic response at 3 months should be considered optimal and suboptimal responses, respectively. The achievement of MMR offered no advantage over CCyR in defining long-term outcome in patients with newly diagnosed CML treated with second-generation TKIs.