The CLL International Prognostic Index predicts outcomes in monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis and Rai 0 CLL.

The utility of the chronic lymphocytic leukemia-international prognostic index (CLL-IPI) in predicting outcomes of individuals with Rai 0 stage CLL and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is unclear. We identified 969 individuals (415 MBL and 554 Rai 0 CLL; median age, 64 years; 65% men) seen at Mayo Clinic between 1 January 2001 and 1 October 2018, and ascertained time to first therapy (TTFT) and overall survival (OS). After a median follow up of 7 years, the risk of disease progression needing therapy was 2.9%/y for MBL (median, not reached) and 5%/y for Rai 0 CLL (median, 10.4 years). Among patients with low, intermediate, and high/very high-risk CLL-IPI risk groups, the estimated 5-year risk of TTFT was 13.5%, 30%, and 58%, respectively, P< .0001 (c-statistic = 0.69); and the estimated 5-year OS was 96.3%, 91.5%, and 76%, respectively, P< .0001 (c-statistic = 0.65). In a multivariable analysis of absolute B-cell count with individual factors of the CLL-IPI, the absolute B-cell count was associated with shorter TTFT (hazard ratio [HR] for each 10 × 109/L increase: 1.31; P< .0001) and shorter OS (HR: 1.1; P = .02). The OS of the entire cohort was similar to that of the age- and sex-matched general population of Minnesota (P = .17), although Rai 0 CLL patients with high and very high-risk CLL-IPI score had significantly shorter OS (P= .01 and P= .0001, respectively). The results of this study demonstrate the ability of CLL-IPI to predict time from diagnosis to first treatment (an end point not affected by therapy) in a large cohort of patients whose only manifestation of disease is a circulating clonal lymphocyte population.

Typical, atypical and cryptic t(15;17)(q24;q21) (PML::RARA) observed in acute promyelocytic leukemia: A retrospective review of 831 patients with concurrent chromosome and PML::RARA dual-color dual-fusion FISH studies.

The diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) relies on the identification of PML::RARA fusion. While the majority of APL cases harbor a typical t(15;17)(q24;q21), atypical genetic mechanisms leading to the oncogenic PML::RARA fusion have been reported yet their frequency and scope remain poorly characterized. We assessed the genetic findings of 831 cases with APL investigated with concurrent chromosome banding analysis and dual-color dual-fusion fluorescence in situ hybridization (D-FISH) analysis at our institution over an 18.5-year timeframe. Seven hundred twenty-three (87%) cases had a typical balanced t(15;17) with both testing modalities. Atypical karyotypic results including complex translocations, unbalanced rearrangements and insertional events occurred in 50 (6%) cases, while 6 (0.7%) cases were cryptic by conventional chromosome studies despite PML::RARA fusion by D-FISH evaluation. Atypical FISH patterns were observed in 48 (6%) cases despite apparently balanced t(15;17) on chromosome banding analysis. Two hundred fifty (30%) cases displayed additional chromosome abnormalities of which trisomy/tetrasomy 8 (37%), del(7q)/add(7q) (12%), and del(9q) (7%) were most frequent. Complex and very complex karyotypes were observed in 81 (10%) and 34 (4%) cases, respectively. In addition, 4 (0.5%) cases presented as an apparently doubled, near-tetraploid stemline clone. This report provides the largest appraisal of cytogenetic findings in APL with conventional chromosome and PML::RARA D-FISH analysis. By characterizing the frequency and breadth of typical and atypical results through the lens of these cytogenetic testing modalities, this study serves as a pragmatic source of information for those involved in the investigation of APL in both the clinical and research laboratory settings.

MCIR1: A patient-derived mantle cell lymphoma line for discovering new treatments for ibrutinib resistance.

BACKGROUND: Despite the unprecedented success of ibrutinib in lymphoma therapy, the development of ibrutinib resistance due to acquired BTK or PLCγ2 mutations has become a new clinical problem. However, not all resistance is mediated by these mutations and these mechanisms are poorly understood due to a lack of study tools that truly recapitulate this clinical scenario. METHODS: We established a novel patient-derived ibrutinib-resistant mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) line named MCIR1. Using immunological, molecular, and cytogenetic approaches, we comprehensively characterized MCIR1 and further demonstrated its utility in the study of resistance mechanisms and treatments to overcome this resistance. RESULTS: We show that MCIR1 is a bona fide ibrutinib-resistant MCL cell line with normal BTK-/PLCγ2 but ibrutinib-resistant ERK1/2 and AKT1 signaling. RNA-Seq analysis revealed a robust non-canonical NF-kB signaling that drives the ibrutinib resistance. We also demonstrate the potential utility of a MCIR1-based cell and mouse model for the discovery of new treatments to overcome BTK inhibitor resistance. CONCLUSIONS: We have established the first patient-derived ibrutinib-resistant MCL cell line MCIR1 that lacks BTK or PLCγ2 mutations but exhibits a hyperactive non-canonical NF-kB pathway. We further demonstrate its utility in the discovery and validation of new drugs to overcome this resistance.

Disease Flare During Temporary Interruption of Ibrutinib Therapy in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 25% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) experience a flare of disease following ibrutinib discontinuation. A critical question is whether this phenomenon may also occur when ibrutinib is temporarily held. This study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of disease flares in this setting and assess risk factors and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all patients with CLL seen at Mayo Clinic between October 2012 and March 2019 who received ibrutinib. Temporary interruptions in treatment and associated clinical findings were ascertained. RESULTS: Among the 372 patients identified, 143 (38%) had at least one temporary interruption (median 1 hold, range 1-7 holds) in treatment. The median duration of interruption was 8 days (range 1-59 days) and the most common indication was periprocedural. Among the 143 patients with ≥1 hold, an associated disease flare was seen in 35 (25%) patients: mild (constitutional symptoms only) in 21 patients and severe (constitutional symptoms with exam/radiographic findings or laboratory changes) in 14 patients. Disease flare resolved with resuming ibrutinib in all patients. Predictive factors of disease flare included progressive disease at time of hold and ≥ 24 months of ibrutinib exposure. The occurrence of disease flare with an ibrutinib hold was associated with shorter event-free survival (hazard ratio 2.3; 95% confidence interval 1.3-4.1; p = .007) but not overall survival. CONCLUSION: Temporary interruptions in ibrutinib treatment of patients with CLL are common, and one quarter of patients who held ibrutinib in this study experienced a disease flare. Resolution with resuming ibrutinib underscores the importance of awareness of this phenomenon for optimal management. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Ibrutinib is a very effective treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) but needs to be taken continuously. Side effects, such as increased bleeding risk with procedures, require temporary interruptions in this continuous treatment. Rapid CLL progression following ibrutinib discontinuation has been increasingly recognized. This study demonstrates that similar flares in disease signs or symptoms may occur during ibrutinib holds as well. Importantly, management with restarting ibrutinib led to quick clinical improvement. Awareness of this phenomenon among clinicians is critical to avoid associated patient morbidity and premature cessation of effective treatment with ibrutinib if the flare is misidentified as true progression of disease.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Richter transformation: experience of 204 patients from a single center.

The natural history, prognostication and optimal treatment of Richter transformation developed from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are not well defined. We report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of a large series of biopsy-confirmed Richter transformation (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or high grade B-cell lymphoma, n=204) cases diagnosed from 1993 to 2018. After a median follow up of 67.0 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 12.0 months. Patients who received no prior treatment for CLL had significantly better OS (median 46.3 vs. 7.8 months; P<0.001). Patients with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (median 6.2 vs. 39.9 months; P<0.0001) or TP53 disruption (median 8.3 vs. 12.8 months; P=0.046) had worse OS than those without. Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene mutation, cell of origin, Myc/Bcl-2 double expression and MYC/BCL2/BCL6 double-/triple-hit status were not associated with OS. In multivariable Cox regression, elevated lactate dehydrogenase [Hazard ratio (HR) 2.3, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.3-4.1; P=0.01], prior CLL treatment (HR 2.0, 95%CI: 1.2-3.5; P=0.01), and older age (HR 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.05; P=0.01) were associated with worse OS. Twenty-four (12%) patients underwent stem cell transplant (20 autologous and 4 allogeneic), and had a median post-transplant survival of 55.4 months. In conclusion, the overall outcome of Richter transformation is poor. Richter transformation developed in patients with untreated CLL has significantly better survival. Stem cell transplant may benefit select patients.

Pembrolizumab in patients with CLL and Richter transformation or with relapsed CLL.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients progressed early on ibrutinib often develop Richter transformation (RT) with a short survival of about 4 months. Preclinical studies suggest that programmed death 1 (PD-1) pathway is critical to inhibit immune surveillance in CLL. This phase 2 study was designed to test the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab, a humanized PD-1-blocking antibody, at a dose of 200 mg every 3 weeks in relapsed and transformed CLL. Twenty-five patients including 16 relapsed CLL and 9 RT (all proven diffuse large cell lymphoma) patients were enrolled, and 60% received prior ibrutinib. Objective responses were observed in 4 out of 9 RT patients (44%) and in 0 out of 16 CLL patients (0%). All responses were observed in RT patients who had progression after prior therapy with ibrutinib. After a median follow-up time of 11 months, the median overall survival in the RT cohort was 10.7 months, but was not reached in RT patients who progressed after prior ibrutinib. Treatment-related grade 3 or above adverse events were reported in 15 (60%) patients and were manageable. Analyses of pretreatment tumor specimens from available patients revealed increased expression of PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and a trend of increased expression in PD-1 in the tumor microenvironment in patients who had confirmed responses. Overall, pembrolizumab exhibited selective efficacy in CLL patients with RT. The results of this study are the first to demonstrate the benefit of PD-1 blockade in CLL patients with RT, and could change the landscape of therapy for RT patients if further validated. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02332980.

Mate pair sequencing improves detection of genomic abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVE: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be subtyped based on recurrent cytogenetic and molecular genetic abnormalities with diagnostic and prognostic significance. Although cytogenetic characterization classically involves conventional chromosome and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays, limitations of these techniques include poor resolution and the inability to precisely identify breakpoints. METHOD: We evaluated whether an NGS-based methodology that detects structural abnormalities and copy number changes using mate pair sequencing (MPseq) can enhance the diagnostic yield for patients with AML. RESULTS: Using 68 known abnormal and 20 karyotypically normal AML samples, each recurrent primary AML-specific abnormality previously identified in the abnormal samples was confirmed using MPseq. Importantly, in eight cases with abnormalities that could not be resolved by conventional cytogenetic studies, MPseq was utilized to molecularly define eight recurrent AML-fusion events. In addition, MPseq uncovered two cryptic abnormalities that were missed by conventional cytogenetic studies. Thus, MPseq improved the diagnostic yield in the detection of AML-specific structural rearrangements in 10/88 (11%) of cases analyzed. CONCLUSION: Utilization of MPseq represents a precise, molecular-based technique that can be used as an alternative to conventional cytogenetic studies for newly diagnosed AML patients with the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of hematologic malignancies.

IGH translocations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Clinicopathologic features and clinical outcomes.

The prevalence, clinicopathologic correlates, and outcomes of previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with IGH-BCL2 and IGH-BCL3 translocations are not well known. Using the Mayo Clinic CLL database, we identified patients seen between March 1, 2002 and September 30, 2016 who had FISH testing performed within 3 years of CLL diagnosis. The prognostic profile, time to first therapy (TTT), and overall survival (OS) of patients with IGH-BCL2 and IGH-BCL3 translocation were compared to patients without these abnormalities (non-IGH group). Of 1684 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 38 (2.2%) had IGH-BCL2, and 16 (0.9%) had IGH-BCL3 translocation at diagnosis. Patients with IGH-BCL3 translocation were more likely to have high and very-high CLL-International Prognostic Index, compared to patients with IGH-BCL2 translocation and the non-IGH group. The 5-year probability of requiring therapy was significantly higher for IGH-BCL3 compared to IGH-BCL2 and non-IGH groups (84% vs 33% vs 29%, respectively, P < 0.0001). The 5-year OS was significantly shorter for IGH-BCL3 compared to IGH-BCL2 and non-IGH groups (45% vs 89% vs 86%, respectively, P < 0.0001). On multivariable analyses, IGH-BCL3 translocation was associated with a shorter TTT (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.7; P = 0.005) and shorter OS (HR = 5.5; P < 0.0001); IGH-BCL2 translocation did not impact TTT and OS. In conclusion, approximately 3% of all newly diagnosed CLL patients have either an IGH-BCL2 or IGH-BCL3 translocation. Patients with IGH-BCL3 translocations have a distinct prognostic profile and outcome. These results support the inclusion of an IGH probe during the routine evaluation of FISH abnormalities in newly diagnosed CLL.

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma arising within the median nerve.

We report a case of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma arising within the median nerve. A 31-year-old woman presented with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and an enlarging mass in her right palm over 1 year. MRI demonstrated a mass associated with the right median nerve with solid and cystic components. At surgery, the mass was located within the epineurium, could be bluntly dissected from the nerve fascicles, and was suspected to be a schwannoma. A 3.4 cm, tan-pink, glistening, smooth, homogenous mass was submitted to pathology. Microscopically, the tumor was a solid and cystic circumscribed nodule with a dense fibrous pseudocapsule. The tumor cells were uniformly bland and spindle-shaped, with small, hyperchromatic oval nuclei and were embedded in an alternating fibrous and myxoid stroma with a prominent curvilinear vasculature and perivascular sclerosis. The differential diagnosis for this lesion included myxoid neurofibroma, schwannoma, soft tissue perineurioma, low-grade malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor and low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. The tumor cells expressed MUC4, GLUT-1, and vimentin and were negative for S-100 protein, epithelial membrane antigen, smooth muscle actin, desmin, claudin-1, neurofilament and SOX10. Fluorescence in situ hybridization, with a break-apart probe strategy, demonstrated FUS rearrangement, consistent in this morphological context with the low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma-associated FUS-CREB3L2 or FUS-CREB3L1 fusions. Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is exceptionally rare in the peripheral nerve, with only a single previously reported case. Nonetheless, as our case illustrates, this entity must be included in the differential diagnosis of unusual intraneural mesenchymal tumors. As in all other locations, intraneural low-grade fibromyxoid sarcomas should be excised with negative margins. Patients with this disease require long-term clinical follow-up, given this tumor's propensity for very late distant metastases to the lungs and other sites.

Inversion 3 Cytogenetic Abnormality in an Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipient Representative of a Donor-Derived Constitutional Abnormality.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an important treatment for many severe hematologic disorders; however, HCT can be associated with significant complications, including organ toxicity, graft-versus-host disease, and relapse. Another serious, but rare, complication is the transmission of hematologic and nonhematologic diseases from the donor to the recipient. With older donors, the risk of an abnormality may be increased. Here we describe the transmission of an inversion 3 constitutional cytogenetic abnormality from an unrelated donor to a recipient, and review the clinical implications of the discovery of donor-derived constitutional cytogenetic abnormalities.

Commentary on the decision of the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics to create a 24-month specialty of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics.

Genet Med 19 3, 294-296.

Deep sequencing identifies genetic heterogeneity and recurrent convergent evolution in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Recent high-throughput sequencing and microarray studies have characterized the genetic landscape and clonal complexity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here, we performed a longitudinal study in a homogeneously treated cohort of 12 patients, with sequential samples obtained at comparable stages of disease. We identified clonal competition between 2 or more genetic subclones in 70% of the patients with relapse, and stable clonal dynamics in the remaining 30%. By deep sequencing, we identified a high reservoir of genetic heterogeneity in the form of several driver genes mutated in small subclones underlying the disease course. Furthermore, in 2 patients, we identified convergent evolution, characterized by the combination of genetic lesions affecting the same genes or copy number abnormality in different subclones. The phenomenon affects multiple CLL putative driver abnormalities, including mutations in NOTCH1, SF3B1, DDX3X, and del(11q23). This is the first report documenting convergent evolution as a recurrent event in the CLL genome. Furthermore, this finding suggests the selective advantage of specific combinations of genetic lesions for CLL pathogenesis in a subset of patients.

The Dohner fluorescence in situ hybridization prognostic classification of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL): the CLL Research Consortium experience.

This study revisited the Dohner prognostic hierarchy in a cohort of 1585 well-documented patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The duration of both time to first treatment (TTFT) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer than observed previously, and this is at least partly due to improved therapeutic options. Deletion 13q remains the most favourable prognostic group with median TTFT and OS from fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing of 72 months and >12 years, respectively. Deletion 11q had the poorest median TTFT (22 months) and 17p deletion the poorest median OS (5 years). The percentages of abnormal nuclei were significantly associated with differential TTFT for the trisomy 12, 13q and 17p deletion cohorts but not for the 11q deletion cohort. From the date of the first FISH study, patients with >85% 13q deletion nuclei had a notably shorter TTFT (24 months). Patients with ≤20% 17p deletion nuclei had longer median TTFT and OS from the date of the first FISH study (44 months and 11 years), and were more likely to be IGHV mutated.

Hypogammaglobulinemia in newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Natural history, clinical correlates, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although hypogammaglobulinemia is a well recognized complication in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), its prevalence at the time of CLL diagnosis, and association with novel prognostic markers and clinical outcome is not well understood. METHODS: All patients at the Mayo Clinic between January 1999 and July 2013 who had newly diagnosed CLL and had a baseline assessment of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were included. The relation between hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis and the novel prognostic parameters time to first treatment (TFT) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 1485 patients who met the eligibility criteria, 382 (26%) had hypogammaglobulinemia (median IgG, 624 mg/dL), whereas the remaining 1103 patients (74%) had normal serum IgG levels (median IgG, 1040 mg/dL). Patients who had hypogammaglobulinemia at diagnosis were more likely to have advanced Rai stage (III-IV; P = .001) and higher expression of CD49d (P < .001) compared with patients who had normal IgG levels. Although the median TFT for patients who had hypogammaglobulinemia was shorter compared with that for patients who had normal IgG levels (3.8 years vs 7.4 years; P < .001), on multivariable analysis, there was no difference in OS between these 2 groups (12.8 years vs 11.3 years, respectively; P = .73). Of 1103 patients who had CLL with normal IgG levels at diagnosis and who did not receive CLL therapy, the risk of acquired hypogammaglobulinemia was 11% at 5 years and 23% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Hypogammaglobulinemia is present in 25% of patients with newly diagnosed CLL. Approximately 25% of patients who have CLL with normal IgG levels at diagnosis will subsequently develop hypogammaglobulinemia on long-term follow-up. The presence of hypogammaglobulinemia does not appear to impact overall survival.

Subjectivity in chromosome band-level estimation: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Chromosome band level is the primary quality indicator for G-banded metaphase chromosome analysis. Although current professional guidelines address the minimum necessary band level for constitutional studies, there is no study documenting the comparative performance of different band-level estimation methods. METHODS: This study compared 5 band-level estimation methods (Stallard, Vancouver, Welborn, United Kingdom External Quality Assurance Scheme, and Ford) in a multicenter study in which 82 readers from 7 different clinical cytogenetics laboratories evaluated the same 10 karyotypes (5 from amniotic fluid and 5 from peripheral blood) by each method. RESULTS: There was a 94% correlation between the five band-level estimation methods. The Welborn method yielded significantly lower scores for amniotic fluid karyotypes (P < 0.01) but not for peripheral blood karyotypes (P = 0.75). The distribution of scores obtained from different readers suggests a high level of subjectivity in chromosome band-level assessment. The variation in band-level estimation did not correlate with reader experience or study center, except for readers from one laboratory, for which the distribution of scores was significantly lower (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results from this study suggest that the consistent use of one method is more important than the actual method employed for monitoring karyotype quality.