Nilotinib with or without cytarabine for Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

ABSTRACT: We previously demonstrated that a reduced-intensity chemotherapy schedule can safely replace hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxorubicin [Adriamycin]-dexamethasone) cycle 1 when combined with imatinib in adults with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the present randomized GRAAPH-2014 trial, we used nilotinib and addressed the omission of cytarabine (Ara-C) in consolidation. The primary objective was the major molecular response (MMR) rate measured by BCR::ABL1 quantification after cycle 4 (end of consolidation). All patients were eligible for allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT), whereas those in MMR could receive autologous SCT, followed by 2-year imatinib maintenance in both cases. After the enrollment of 156 of 265 planed patients, the data and safety monitoring board decided to hold the randomization because of an excess of relapse in the investigational arm. Among the 155 evaluable patients, 76 received Ara-C during consolidation (arm A) and 79 did not (arm B). Overall, 133 patients (85%) underwent SCT, 93 allogeneic and 40 autologous. The noninferiority end point regarding MMR was reached with 71.1% (arm A) and 77.2% (arm B) of patients reaching MMR. However, the 4-year cumulative incidence of relapse was higher in arm B compared with arm A (31.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 21.1%-41.9%] vs 13.2% [95% CI, 6.7%-21.9%]; P = .017), which translated to a lower relapse-free survival. With a median follow-up of 3.8 years, 4-year overall survival was 79.0% (95% CI, 70.6%-89.3%) in arm A vs 73.4% (95% CI, 63.9%-84.4%) in arm B (P = .35). Despite a noninferior rate of MMR, more relapses were observed when ARA-C was omitted without impact on survival. ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT02611492.

Low non-relapse mortality and good haematological and renal responses after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients with renal insufficiency at transplant: A prospective Société Francophone de Greffe de Moelle-Thérapie Cellulaire observational study.

High-dose melphalan followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is widely used in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients as upfront therapy. However, the safety and efficacy of transplantation in patients with renal insufficiency (RI) are controversial. We followed a multicentre (16 SFGM-TC centres) prospective cohort of 50 newly diagnosed MM patients with a serum creatinine clearance of <40 mL/min at transplantation. Patients received a recommended dose of melphalan of 140 mg/m2. The primary end-point was the non-relapse mortality at Day 100. One death occurred during the first 100 days post-transplant. The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 12 days and to platelet engraftment was 13 days. The haematological response improved in 69% of patients, with best responses from partial response (PR) to very good partial response (VGPR) (10%), from PR to complete response (CR)/stringent complete response (sCR) (16%), from VGPR to CR/sCR (39%) and from CR to sCR (2%). At 2 years, the overall survival was 84%, the progression-free survival was 70% and the cumulative incidence of relapse was 20%. The renal response improved in 59% of patients, with the best renal responses post-transplant being minimal (9%), partial (2%) and complete (48%). Autologous transplantation was safe and effective in myeloma patients with RI at transplant.

Long-term outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for GATA2 deficiency: An analysis of 67 adults and children from France and Belgium.

Modalities and timing of haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in patients with GATA2 deficiency are still subject to debate. On June 2022, 67 patients (median age 20.6 years) underwent a first allogeneic HSCT among 21 centres. Indications for HSCT were myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) ≤5% blasts ± immunodeficiency (66%), MDS >5% blasts (15%), acute myeloid leukaemia (19%). Conditioning regimen was myeloablative in 85% and anti-thymocyte globulins were used in 67%. The cumulative incidence (CInc) of acute graft versus host disease (GvHD) grade II-IV and III-IV at day 100 were 42% and 13%, and CInc of chronic and extensive chronic GvHD at 2 years were 42% and 23%. CInc of relapses was 3% and 11% at 1 and 5 years. Overall survival (OS) at 1 and 5 years was 83% and 72% (median follow-up 5.6 years). The factors associated with worse OS in multivariable analysis were the year of HSCT, a history of excess blasts before transplant and peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) grafts. Age at HSCT, non-myeloablative conditioning and PBSC grafts were associated with increased non-relapse mortality. In conclusion, bone marrow monitoring to identify clonal evolution and perform HSCT before the appearance of excess blast is mandatory.

Bortezomib and high-dose melphalan conditioning regimen in frontline multiple myeloma: an IFM randomized phase 3 study.

High-dose melphalan (HDM) and transplantation are recommended for eligible patients with multiple myeloma. No other conditioning regimen has proven to be more effective and/or safer. We previously reported in a phase 2 study that bortezomib can safely and effectively be combined with HDM (Bor-HDM), with a 32% complete response (CR) rate after transplantation. These data supported a randomized phase 3 trial. Randomization was stratified according to risk and response to induction: 300 patients were enrolled, and 154 were allocated to the experimental arm (ie, arm A) with bortezomib (1 mg/m2 intravenously [IV]) on days -6, -3, +1, and +4 and melphalan (200 mg/m2 IV) on day -2. The control arm (ie, arm B) consisted of HDM alone (200 mg/m2 IV). There were no differences in stringent CR + CR rates at day 60 posttransplant (primary end point): 22.1% in arm A vs 20.5% in arm B (P = .844). There were also no differences in undetectable minimum residual disease rates: 41.3% vs 39.4% (P = .864). Median progression-free survival was 34.0 months for arm A vs 29.6 months for arm B (adjusted HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61-1.13; P = .244). The estimated 3-year overall survival was 89.5% in both arms (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.62-2.64; P = .374). Sixty-nine serious adverse events occurred in 18.7% of Bor-HDM-treated patients (vs 13.1% in HDM-treated patients). The proportion of grade 3/4 AEs was similar within the 2 groups (72.0% vs 73.1%), mainly (as expected) blood and gastrointestinal disorders; 4% of patients reported grade 3/4 or painful peripheral neuropathy in arm A (vs 1.5% in arm B). In this randomized phase 3 study, a conditioning regimen with Bor-HDM did not improve efficacy end points or outcomes compared with HDM alone. The original trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02197221.

Long-term outcomes and renal responses following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for light chain deposition disease: a retrospective study on behalf of the Chronic Malignancies Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

There is little long-term outcome data on the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in light chain deposition disease (LCDD). We identified 51 LCDD patients in the European Society for Blood and Bone Marrow transplantation registry who had undergone upfront ASCT between 1995 and 2021. The median serum creatinine was 280 µmol/L and 45% required renal replacement therapy (RRT) at time of transplant. The melphalan dose was 100 mg/m2 in 23%, 140 mg/m2 in 55% and 200 mg/m2 in 21%. The rate of very good partial response or better improved from 41% pretransplant to 66% at day +100 post- ASCT. In RRT-independent patients, there was a modest improvement in renal function within the first 3 months; the median estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 44 to 51 mL/min/1.73 m2. There was no further change between 3 and 12 months post-ASCT. No patient who was RRT-independent at ASCT became RRT dependent by day + 100 post-ASCT. Median follow- up post-ASCT was 84 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 46-122). At 6-years post ASCT, overall survival was 88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78-98) and PFS was 44% (95% CI: 28-60). The 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality was 17% (95% CI: 6-27) and 2% (95% CI: 0-6), respectively. The cumulative incidence of renal transplantation at 4 years after ASCT was 27% (95% CI: 13-41) with renal transplantation performed between 6.3 and 52.9 months post-ASCT (median 24.7 months). ASCT represents a feasible option for LCDD patients even if RRT dependent at time of transplant. Outcomes are favorable with low non-relapse mortality and good long-term overall survival.

Real-world study of the efficacy and safety of belantamab mafodotin (GSK2857916) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma based on data from the nominative ATU in France: the IFM 2020-04 study.

Belantamab mafodotin (BM) is an anti-BCMA antibody-drug conjugate (GSK2857916) that represents an alternative option in multiple myeloma. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of BM in a real-world setting in patients who benefited from an early access program. We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicenter study. Eligibility criteria were treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in monotherapy in adult patients who have received at least three lines of therapy previously, including at least one immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, and whose disease progressed during the last treatment period. The primary endpoint of the study is to assess the overall survival (OS). Between November 2019 and December 2020, 106 patients were treated with BM; 97 were eligible for the efficacy evaluation and 104 for safety. The median age was 66 (range, 37-82) years. High-risk cytogenetics were identified in 40.9% of patients. Fifty-five (56.7%) patients were triple-class refractory and 11 (11.3%) were penta-class refractory. The median number of prior lines of treatment was five (range, 3-12). The median number of BM cycles administered was three (range, 1-22). The overall response rate at best response was 38.1% (37/97). The median OS was 9.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9-15.3), and median progression-free survival was 3.5 months (95% CI: 1.9-4.7). The median duration of response was 9 months (range, 4.65-10.4). Treatment was delayed for 55 (52.9%) patients including 36.5% for treatment-related toxicity. Ophthalmic adverse events, mainly grade ≤2, were the most common toxicity (48%). The occurrence of keratopathy was 37.5%. Overall, our data are concordant with the results from DREAMM-2 in terms of efficacy and safety on a non-biased population.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of 318 families with familial monoclonal gammopathy: A multicenter Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome study.

Familial forms of monoclonal gammopathy, defined as multiple myeloma (MM) or Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), are relatively infrequent and most series reported in the literature describe a limited number of families. MM rarely occurs in a familial context. MGUS is observed much more commonly, which can in some cases evolve toward full-blown MM. Although recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities have been described in tumor cells of sporadic cases of MM, the pathogenesis of familial MM remains largely unexplained. In order to identify genetic factors predisposing to familial monoclonal gammopathy, the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome identified 318 families with at least two confirmed cases of monoclonal gammopathy. There were 169 families with parent/child pairs and 164 families with cases in at least two siblings, compatible with an autosomal transmission. These familial cases were compared with sporadic cases who were matched for age at diagnosis, sex and immunoglobulin isotype, with 10 sporadic cases for each familial case. The gender distribution, age and immunoglobulin subtypes of familial cases were unremarkable in comparison to sporadic cases. With a median follow-up of 7.4 years after diagnosis, the percentage of MGUS cases having evolved to MM was 3%. The median overall survival of the 148 familial MM cases was longer than that of matched sporadic cases, with projected values of 7.6 and 16.1 years in patients older and younger than 65 years, respectively. These data suggest that familial cases of monoclonal gammopathy are similar to sporadic cases in terms of clinical presentation and carry a better prognosis.

Efficacy of minimal residual disease driven immune-intervention after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia: results of a prospective multicenter trial.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains a potentially curative and useful strategy in high-risk relapsing CLL. Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) assessment at 12 months post-HSCT is predictive of relapse. This phase 2 study aimed to achieve M12 MRD negativity (MRDneg) using MRD-driven immune-intervention (Md-PII) algorithm based on serial flow-cytometry blood MRD, involving cyclosporine tapering followed if failure by donor lymphocytes infusions. Patients had high-risk CLL according to 2006 EBMT consensus, in complete or partial response with lymphadenopathy < 5 cm and comorbidity score ≤ 2. Donors were HLA-matched sibling or matched unrelated (10/10). Forty-two enrolled patients with either 17p deletion (front-line, n=11; relapse n=16) or other high-risk relapse (n=15) received reduced intensity-conditioning regimen before HSCT and were submitted to Md-PII. M12-MRDneg status was achieved in 64% versus 14.2% before HSCT. With a median follow-up of 36 months (range, 19-53), 3-year overall survival, non-relapse mortality and cumulative incidence of relapse are 86.9% (95%CI, 70.8-94.4), 9.5% (95%CI, 3.7-23.4) and 29.6% (95%CI, 17.3-47.7). Incidence of 2-year limited and extensive chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is 38% (95%CI, 23-53) and 23% (95%CI, 10-36) including 2 cases post Md-PII. Fifteen patients converted to MRDneg either after CsA withdrawal (n=12) or after cGVHD (n=3). As a time-dependent variable, MRDneg achievement at any time-point correlates with reduced relapse (HR=0.14 [0.04-0.53], p=0.004) and improvement of both progression free (HR=0.18 [0.06-0.6], p<0.005) and overall (HR: 0.18 [0.03-0.98], p=0.047) survival. These data highlight the value of MRD-driven immune-intervention to induce prompt MRD clearance in the therapy of CLL.

Kinome expression profiling to target new therapeutic avenues in multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) account for approximately 10% of hematological malignancies and is the second most common hematological disorder. Kinases inhibitors are widely used and their efficiency for the treatment of cancers has been demonstrated. Here, in order to identify kinases of potential therapeutic interest for the treatment of MM, we investigated the prognostic impact of the kinome expression profile in large cohorts of patients. We identified 36 kinome-related genes significantly linked with a prognostic value to MM, and built a kinome index based on their expression. The Kinome Index (KI) is linked to prognosis, proliferation, differentiation, and relapse in MM. We then tested inhibitors targeting seven of the identified protein kinas-es (PBK, SRPK1, CDC7-DBF4, MELK, CHK1, PLK4, MPS1/TTK) in human myeloma cell lines. All tested inhibitors significantly reduced the viability of myeloma cell lines, and we confirmed the potential clinical interest of three of them on primary myeloma cells from patients. In addition, we demonstrated their ability to potentialize the toxicity of conventional treatments, including Melphalan and Lenalidomide. This highlights their potential beneficial effect in myeloma therapy. Three kinases inhibitors (CHK1i, MELKi and PBKi) overcome resistance to Lenalidomide, while CHK1, PBK and DBF4 inhibitors re-sensitize Melphalan resistant cell line to this conventional therapeutic agent. Altogether, we demonstrate that kinase inhibitors could be of therapeutic interest especially in high-risk myeloma patients defined by the KI. CHEK1, MELK, PLK4, SRPK1, CDC7-DBF4, MPS1/TTK and PBK inhibitors could represent new treatment options either alone or in combination with Melphalan or IMiD for refractory/relapsing myeloma patients.

Imidazopyridine-fused [1,3]diazepinones: modulations of positions 2 to 4 and their impacts on the anti-melanoma activity.

A series of 19 novel pyrido-imidazodiazepinones, with modulations of positions 2, 3 and 4 of the diazepine ring were synthesised and screened for their in vitro cytotoxic activities against two melanoma cell lines (A375 and MDA-MB-435) and for their potential toxicity against NIH-3T3 non-cancerous cells. Selected compounds were also evaluated on the NCI-60 cell line panel. The SAR study revealed that the molecular volume and the cLogP of compounds modified at position 2 were significantly correlated with the activity of these compounds on melanoma cell lines. Moreover, introduction of a heterocyclic group at position 2 or an azido-alkyl chain at position 4 led to compounds displaying a significantly different activity profile on the NCI-60 cell line panel, compared to phenyl-substituted compounds at position 2 of the diazepinone. This study provides us crucial information for the development of new derivatives active against melanoma.

Daratumumab and dexamethasone is safe and effective for triple refractory myeloma patients: final results of the IFM 2014-04 (Etoile du Nord) trial.

Single agent daratumumab has shown clinical activity in relapsed, refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). The Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome 2014-04 trial was designed to further investigate daratumumab in combination with dexamethasone in triple RRMM patients. Patients received daratumumab infusions in combination with weekly dexamethasone until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Fifty-seven patients were included in the trial and evaluable for response. The overall response rate and the clinical benefit rate were 33% (n = 19) and 48% (n = 27), respectively. Five (8·8%) patients achieved a very good partial response or better. The median time to response was 4 weeks. For responding patients, the median progression-free survival was 6·6 months, compared to 3·7 months (3·0-5·5) for those with a minimal or stable disease. The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 16·7 months (11·2-24·0). For responding patients, the median OS was 23·23 months, whereas that of patients with progressive disease was 2·97 months. The incidence of infusion-related reactions was 37%; all cases were manageable and did not lead to dose reduction or permanent treatment discontinuation. These data demonstrate that treatment with daratumumab and dexamethasone results in a meaningful long-term benefit with an acceptable safety profile for patients with triple RRMM.

DNMTi/HDACi combined epigenetic targeted treatment induces reprogramming of myeloma cells in the direction of normal plasma cells.

BACKGROUND: Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy. Aberrant epigenetic modifications have been reported in MM and could be promising therapeutic targets. As response rates are overall limited but deep responses occur, it is important to identify those patients who could indeed benefit from epigenetic-targeted therapy. METHODS: Since HDACi and DNMTi combination have potential therapeutic value in MM, we aimed to build a GEP-based score that could be useful to design future epigenetic-targeted combination trials. In addition, we investigated the changes in GEP upon HDACi/DNMTi treatment. RESULTS: We report a new gene expression-based score to predict MM cell sensitivity to the combination of DNMTi/HDACi. A high Combo score in MM patients identified a group with a worse overall survival but a higher sensitivity of their MM cells to DNMTi/HDACi therapy compared to a low Combo score. In addition, treatment with DNMTi/HDACi downregulated IRF4 and MYC expression and appeared to induce a mature BMPC plasma cell gene expression profile in myeloma cell lines. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we developed a score for the prediction of primary MM cell sensitivity to DNMTi/HDACi and found that this combination could be beneficial in high-risk patients by targeting proliferation and inducing maturation.

Effect of Azithromycin on Airflow Decline-Free Survival After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: The ALLOZITHRO Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Previous studies have suggested that azithromycin may reduce the incidence of post-lung transplant bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Objective: To evaluate if the early administration of azithromycin can improve airflow decline-free survival after allogeneic HSCT. Design, Setting, and Participants: The ALLOZITHRO parallel-group trial conducted in 19 French academic transplant centers and involving participants who were at least 16 years old, had undergone allogeneic HSCT for a hematological malignancy, and had available pretransplant pulmonary function test results. Enrollment was from February 2014 to August 2015 with follow-up through April 26, 2017. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to receive 3 times a week either 250 mg of azithromycin (n = 243) or placebo (n = 237) for 2 years, starting at the time of the conditioning regimen. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy end point was airflow decline-free survival at 2 years after randomization. Main secondary end points were overall survival and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome at 2 years. Results: Thirteen months after enrollment, the independent data and safety monitoring board detected an unanticipated imbalance across blinded groups in the number of hematological relapses, and the treatment was stopped December 26, 2016. Among 480 randomized participants, 465 (97%) were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (mean age, 52 [SD, 14] years; 75 women [35%]). At the time of data cutoff, 104 patients (22%; 54 azithromycin vs 50 placebo) had experienced an airflow decline; 138 patients (30%) died (78 azithromycin vs 60 placebo). Two-year airflow decline-free survival was 32.8% (95% CI, 25.9%-41.7%) with azithromycin and 41.3% (95% CI, 34.1%-50.1%) with placebo (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.02-1.70; P = .03). Of the 22 patients (5%) who experienced bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, 15 (6%) were in the azithromycin group and 7 (3%) in the placebo group (P = .08). The azithromycin group had increased mortality, with a 2-year survival of 56.6% (95% CI, 50.2%-63.7%) vs 70.1% (95% CI, 64.2%-76.5%) in the placebo group (unadjusted HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0; P = .02). In a post hoc analysis, the 2-year cumulative incidence of hematological relapse was 33.5% (95% CI, 27.3%-39.7%) with azithromycin vs 22.3% (95% CI, 16.4%-28.2%) with placebo (unadjusted cause-specific HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4; P = .002). Conclusions and Relevance: Among patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT for hematological malignancy, early administration of azithromycin resulted in worse airflow decline-free survival than did placebo; these findings are limited by early trial termination. The potential for harm related to relapse requires further investigation. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01959100.

Impact of eculizumab treatment on paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: a treatment versus no-treatment study.

Intravascular hemolysis in Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) can effectively be controlled with eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds complement protein C5. We report here a retrospective comparison study between 123 patients treated with eculizumab in the recent period (>2005) and 191 historical controls (from the French registry). Overall survival (OS) at 6 years was 92% (95%CI, 87 to 98) in the eculizumab cohort versus 80% (95%CI 70 to 91) in historical controls diagnosed after 1985 (HR 0.38 [0.15 to 0.94], P = 0.037). There were significantly fewer thrombotic events (TEs) in the group of patients treated with eculizumab (4% [1-10]) as compared to the historical cohort (27% [20-34]). However, we found that TEs may still occur after the initiation of eculizumab treatment and that previous TEs still have a negative impact on survival. Evolutions to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute leukemia were similar in both cohorts. There was less evolution to aplastic anemia in the treatment group. In multivariate analysis, absence of a previous TE and treatment with eculizumab were associated with a better OS. Treatment with eculizumab improves overall survival in classic PNH patients without increasing the risk of clonal evolution.

New imidazoquinoxaline derivatives: Synthesis, biological evaluation on melanoma, effect on tubulin polymerization and structure-activity relationships.

Microtubules are considered as important targets of anticancer therapy. EAPB0503 and its structural imidazo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives are major microtubule-interfering agents with potent anticancer activity. In this study, the synthesis of several new derivatives of EAPB0503 is described, and the anticancer efficacy of 13 novel derivatives on A375 human melanoma cell line is reported. All new compounds show significant antiproliferative activity with IC50 in the range of 0.077-122µM against human melanoma cell line (A375). Direct inhibition of tubulin polymerization assay in vitro is also assessed. Results show that compounds 6b, 6e, 6g, and EAPB0503 highly inhibit tubulin polymerization with percentages of inhibition of 99%, 98%, 90%, and 84% respectively. Structure-activity relationship studies within the series are also discussed in line with molecular docking studies into the colchicine-binding site of tubulin.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: A Retrospective Study of the Société Française de Greffe de Moelle et de Thérapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC).

Because the indication of allograft (allogeneic stem cell transplantation [alloSCT]) for multiple myeloma (MM) has widened in recent years, thanks to the development of reduced-intensity conditionings (RIC), it is still unclear if myeloablative conditioning (MAC) remains appropriate. This study compares retrospectively outcomes of patients undergoing either RIC or MAC regimens for MM. Based on the SFGM-TC registry, we included 446 MM patients receiving alloSCT between 1999 and 2009 for whom a minimal data set was available. Median follow-up for the entire cohort was 33.6 months (range, 0 to 164.5). RIC and MAC populations were different regarding age (53.5 versus 47.1 years, respectively), number of prior autologous (auto)SCTs (93.2% versus 79.6% had at least 2 autoSCTs), and stem cell source (90.2% versus 61.2% received peripheral blood). For RIC and MAC populations the nonrelapse mortality at 2 years was 24.6% and 22.4%, respectively, progression-free survival 35.5% and 51.1%, and overall survival 59.5% and 66.7% (not significant). These outcomes were not affected by conditioning intensity either on univariate or multivariate analysis. Despite some limitations in the study design, these results indicate that MAC should remain a valuable option in alloSCT for MM, especially for young and less-treated patient with no comorbidity. The constant progress in induction treatments of MM and supportive care after alloSCT could improve these results in the near future.

Bing-Neel syndrome, a rare complication of Waldenström macroglobulinemia: analysis of 44 cases and review of the literature. A study on behalf of the French Innovative Leukemia Organization (FILO).

Central nervous system involvement by malignant cells is a rare complication of Waldenström macroglobulinemia, and this clinicopathological entity is referred to as the Bing-Neel syndrome. There is currently no consensus on the diagnostic criteria, therapeutic approaches and response evaluation for this syndrome. In this series, we retrospectively analyzed 44 French patients with Bing-Neel syndrome. Bing-Neel syndrome was the first manifestation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia in 36% of patients. When Waldenström macroglobulinemia was diagnosed prior to Bing-Neel syndrome, the median time interval between this diagnosis and the onset of Bing-Neel syndrome was 8.9 years. This study highlights the possibility of the occurrence of Bing-Neel syndrome without any other evidence of progression of Waldenström macroglobulinemia. The clinical presentation was heterogeneous without any specific signs or symptoms. Biologically, the median lymphocyte count in the cerebrospinal fluid was 31/mm(3). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormalities in 78% of the cases. The overall response rate after first-line treatment was 70%, and the overall survival rate after the diagnosis of Bing-Neel syndrome was 71% at 5 years. Altogether, these results suggest that Bing-Neel syndrome should be considered in the context of any unexplained neurological symptoms associated with Waldenström macroglobulinemia. The diagnostic approach should be based on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal axis. It still remains difficult to establish treatment recommendations or prognostic factors in the absence of large-scale, prospective, observational studies.

Low non-relapse mortality and long-term preserved quality of life in older patients undergoing matched related donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a prospective multicenter phase II trial.

Allogeneic transplantation is a challenge in patients of advanced age because of a high risk of non-relapse mortality and potential long-lasting impairment of health-related quality of life. The development of reduced-intensity conditioning regimens has allowed the use of allogeneic transplantation in this population, but the optimal regimen remains undefined. We conducted a multicenter phase II trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen combining fludarabine, intravenous busulfan, and rabbit antithymocyte globulins in patients older than 55 years of age transplanted from matched-related donor. In addition, health-related quality of life was prospectively measured. Seventy-five patients with a median age of 60 years (range 55-70) were analyzed. Grade III-IV acute and extensive chronic graft-versus-host diseases were found in 3% and 27% of patients, respectively. The day 100 and 1-year non-relapse mortality incidences were 1% and 9%, respectively. The cumulative incidences of relapse, progression-free survival and overall survival at two years were 36%, 51% and 67%, respectively, with a median follow up of 49 months. Global health-related quality of life, physical functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning were not impaired compared to baseline for more than 75% of the patients (75%, 81.4%, 82.3%, and 75%, respectively). Thirty-four of the 46 (74%) progression-free patients at one year were living without persistent extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease. We conclude that the reduced-intensity conditioning regimen combining fludarabine, intravenous busulfan, and rabbit antithymocyte globulins is well tolerated in patients older than 55 years with low non-relapse mortality and long-term preserved quality of life.

The EMMY longitudinal, cohort study: real-world data to describe multiple myeloma management and outcomes as more therapeutic options emerge.

The therapeutic management of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) is complex. Despite substantial advances, MM remains incurable, and management involves cycles of treatment response, disease relapse, and further therapy. Currently, evidence to support the therapeutic decision is limited. Thus, the EMMY longitudinal, real-world study was designed to annually assess therapeutic management of MM in France to provide evidence to support physicians. During an annual prespecified 3-month recruitment period, eligible patients will be identified from their medical records. Adults aged ≥18 years diagnosed with symptomatic MM and requiring systemic treatment will be eligible. The primary objective, the evolution of MM therapeutic management, will be described, as well as the impact on the following outcomes: time-to-next treatment (TTNT), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The study plans to recruit 5000 patients over 6 years: 700 to 900 patients annually. EMMY is a unique opportunity to collect real-world data to describe the evolving MM therapeutic landscape and record outcomes in France. These data will provide annual snapshots of various aspects of MM management. This knowledge will provide physicians with real-life, evidence-based data for therapeutic decision-making and ultimately improve treatment for MM patients.

LocoMMotion: a study of real-life current standards of care in triple-class exposed patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma - 2-year follow-up (final analysis).

Treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) is challenging as patients exhaust all available therapies and the disease becomes refractory to standard drug classes. Here we report the final results of LocoMMotion, the first prospective study of real-world clinical practice (RWCP) in triple-class exposed (TCE) patients with RRMM, with a median follow-up of 26.4 months (range, 0.1-35.0). Patients (N = 248) had received median 4 prior LOT (range, 2-13) at enrollment. 91 unique regimens were used in index LOT. Overall response rate was 31.9% (95% CI, 26.1-38.0), median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.6 months (95% CI, 3.9-5.6) and median overall survival was 13.8 months (95% CI, 10.8-17.0). 152 patients (61.3%) had subsequent LOTs with 134 unique regimens, of which 78 were used in first subsequent LOT. Median PFS2 (from start of study through first subsequent LOT) was 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.4-13.0). 158 patients died on study, 67.7% due to progressive disease. Additional subgroup analyses and long-term safety summaries are reported. The high number of RWCP treatment regimens utilized and poor clinical outcomes confirm a lack of standardized treatment for TCE patients with RRMM, highlighting the need for new treatments with novel mechanisms.