Clinical networking results in continuous improvement of the outcome of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.

The introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with anthracyclines has significantly improved the outcomes for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and this strategy remains the standard of care in countries where arsenic trioxide is not affordable. However, data from national registries and real-world databases indicate that low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) still face disappointing results, mainly due to high induction mortality and suboptimal management of complications. The American Society of Hematology established the International Consortium on Acute Leukemias (ICAL) to address this challenge through international clinical networking. Here, we present the findings from the ICAPL study involving 806 patients with APL recruited in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The induction mortality rate has decreased to 14.6% compared to the pre-ICAL rate of 32%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed as factors associated with induction death: age ≥ 40 years, ECOG = 3, high-risk status based on the PETHEMA/GIMEMA classification, albumin level ≤ 3.5 g/dL, bcr3 PML/RARA isoform, the interval between presenting symptoms to diagnosis exceeding 48 hours, and the occurrence of central nervous system and pulmonary bleeding. With a median follow-up of 53 months, the estimated 4-year overall survival (OS) rate is 81%, the 4-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate is 80%, and the 4-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) rate is 15%. These results parallel those observed in studies conducted in high-income countries, highlighting the long-term effectiveness of developing clinical networks to improve clinical care and infrastructure in LMIC.

Comparison of two different anti-infectious approaches after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies in a 12-year period in British Hospital, Uruguay.

Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is a widely used and safe procedure to treat mostly hematologic diseases. These patients are at risk of infectious complications, which represents a major cause of morbidity and it is the second cause of mortality. This retrospective 12-year analysis of the incidence, type, and severity of infections in 266 consecutive unselected ASCT patients at our institution provides novel information addressing this issue. We included 266 ASCT procedures. Patients included in the 2006-2013 period are referred to as group 1 (ciprofloxacin prophylaxis and ceftazidime-amikacin as empirical antibiotics), and those in the 2013-2017 period are group 2 (levofloxacin prophylaxis and meropenem as empirical antibiotics). The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 72% in group 1 and 86.2% in group 2 (p = 0.004). The majority of infectious episodes were associated with fever of unknown origin: 55% in group 1 and 59% in group 2. Febrile of unknown origin episodes were 82.6% in group 1 and 80% in group 2. Significant differences between both groups were found in age, hypogammaglobulinemia, and advanced disease at ASCT. No differences were found between groups regarding the most common agent documented in positive blood cultures (Gram+ were 66.6% in group 1 and 69% in group 2 (p = 0.68)). Mortality within 100 days of transplant was low, 1.87%. Regardless of the prophylactic regimen used, most patients experience febrile episodes in the ASCT setting, fever of unknown origin is the most common infection complication, and Gram+ agents are prevalent in both groups. Mortality rates were low. According to our results, ASCT is a safe procedure and there is no clear benefit in favor of levofloxacin versus ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. Both anti-infectious approaches are acceptable, yielding similar outcomes.

Symptom burden profile in myelofibrosis patients with thrombocytopenia: Lessons and unmet needs.

Myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with progressive cytopenias and high symptom burden. MF patients with thrombocytopenia have poor prognosis but the presence of thrombocytopenia frequently precludes the use of JAK2 inhibitors. In this study, we assessed quality of life and symptom burden in 418 MF patients with (n=89) and without (n=329) thrombocytopenia using prospective data from the MPN-QOL study group database, including the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF) and Total Symptom Score (MPN10). Thrombocytopenia, defined as platelet count <100×109/L (moderate 51-100×109/L; severe ≤50×109/L), was associated with anemia (76% vs. 45%, p<0.001), leukopenia (29% vs. 11%, p<0.001), and need for red blood cell transfusion (35% vs. 19%, p=0.002). Thrombocytopenic patients had more fatigue, early satiety, inactivity, dizziness, sad mood, cough, night sweats, itching, fever, and weight loss; total symptom scores were also higher (33 vs. 24, p<0.001). Patients with severe thrombocytopenia were more likely to have anemia (86% vs. 67%, p=0.04), leukopenia (40% vs. 20%, p=0.04), and transfusion requirements (51% vs. 20%, p=0.002) but few differences in symptoms when compared to patients with moderate thrombocytopenia. These results suggest that MF patients with thrombocytopenia experience greater symptomatic burden than MF patients without thrombocytopenia and may benefit from additional therapies.

Long-Term Response and Possible Cure of Patients With B-Cell Malignancies With Dose-Escalated Rituximab.

Rituximab (R), a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 antigen on B-cells, has become a standard of care in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, most often in conjunction with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Activity has been demonstrated in many subtypes of B-cell lymphoma, including diffuse large cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma (FL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Additionally, dose escalation of R as a single agent has demonstrated improved activity in previously treated/poor prognosis CLL. We present 4 cases of B-cell malignancy (2 CLL variants/MCL, 1 FL, 1 WM) who received dose-escalated R as a single agent and achieved complete response (3 patients) and stable disease/partial response (1 patient) of 6.5+ to 15+ years duration. They have been off treatment for 6.5+ to 15+ years. Toxicity was minimal, with initial infusion reactions similar to those observed with standard dose infusions. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events or infections. Dose escalated R as a single agent may possibly be curative for some patients with B-cell malignancies, unlike the standard empiric dose of 375 mg/m2, and deserves further study.

Associations between gender, disease features and symptom burden in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: an analysis by the MPN QOL International Working Group.

The myeloproliferative neoplasms, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis, are distinguished by their debilitating symptom profiles, life-threatening complications and profound impact on quality of life. The role gender plays in the symptomatology of myeloproliferative neoplasms remains under-investigated. In this study we evaluated how gender relates to patients' characteristics, disease complications and overall symptom expression. A total of 2,006 patients (polycythemia vera=711, essential thrombocythemia=830, myelofibrosis=460, unknown=5) were prospectively evaluated, with patients completing the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm-Symptom Assessment Form and Brief Fatigue Inventory Patient Reported Outcome tools. Information on the individual patients' characteristics, disease complications and laboratory data was collected. Consistent with known literature, most female patients were more likely to have essential thrombocythemia (48.6% versus 33.0%; P<0.001) and most male patients were more likely to have polycythemia vera (41.8% versus 30.3%; P<0.001). The rate of thrombocytopenia was higher among males than females (13.9% versus 8.2%; P<0.001) and males also had greater red-blood cell transfusion requirements (7.3% versus 4.9%; P=0.02) with shorter mean disease duration (6.4 versus 7.2 years, P=0.03). Despite there being no statistical differences in risk scores, receipt of most therapies or prior complications (hemorrhage, thrombosis), females had more severe and more frequent symptoms for most individual symptoms, along with overall total symptom score (22.8 versus 20.3; P<0.001). Females had particularly high scores for abdominal-related symptoms (abdominal pain/discomfort) and microvascular symptoms (headache, fatigue, insomnia, concentration difficulties, dizziness; all P<0.01). Despite complaining of more severe symptom burden, females had similar quality of life scores to those of males. The results of this study suggest that gender contributes to the heterogeneity of myeloproliferative neoplasms by influencing phenotypic profiles and symptom expression.

Symptomatic Profiles of Patients With Polycythemia Vera: Implications of Inadequately Controlled Disease.

PURPOSE: Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) associated with disabling symptoms and a heightened risk of life-threatening complications. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of JAK inhibitor therapy in patients with PV patients who have a history of prior hydroxyurea (HU) use (including resistance or intolerance), phlebotomy requirements, and palpable splenomegaly. We aimed to determine how these features contribute alone and in aggregate to the PV symptom burden. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Through prospective evaluation of 1,334 patients with PV who had characterized symptom burden, we assessed patient demographics, laboratory data, and the presence of splenomegaly by disease feature (ie, known HU use, known phlebotomy requirements, splenomegaly). RESULTS: The presence of each feature in itself is associated with a moderately high symptom burden (MPN symptom assessment form [SAF] total symptom score [TSS] range, 27.7 to 29.2) that persists independent of PV risk category. In addition, symptoms incrementally increase in severity with the addition of other features. Patients with PV who had all three features (PV-HUPS) faced the highest total score (MPN-SAF TSS, 32.5) but had similar individual symptom scores to patients with known HU use (PV-HU), known phlebotomy (PV-P), and splenomegaly (PV-S). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that patients with PV who have any one of the features in question (known HU use, known phlebotomy, or splenomegaly) have significant PV-associated symptoms. Furthermore, it demonstrates that many PV symptoms remain severe independent of the number of features present.

Trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos en pacientes con Linfoma no Hodgkin agresivo: Experiencia de un centro / Autologous transplant of Haematopoietic Stem Cells in Patients with Aggressive Non Hodgkin Lymphoma: Experience of a center

Introducción: El Trasplante Autólogo de Progenitores Hematopoyéticos forma parte del tratamiento de pacientes con Linfoma No Hodgkin (LNH) agresivos en respuesta parcial y recaída. Objetivos: evaluar las respuestas y sobrevida en los pacientes con LNH agresivos trasplantados en Hospital Británico. Material y Métodos: estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con LNH agresivos que se trasplantaron entre el 1/01/1995 y el 1/07/2013. Total 65 pacientes. Resultados: el 95% logró una Remisión Completa post Auto-TPH y el 5% una Remisión Parcial. Con una mediana de seguimiento de 74 meses (5-219), la mediana de SG no se ha alcanzado. La media estimada es de 145 meses (122-169) con una SG a 5 años de 71% y a 10 años es de 60%. La mediana de SLE no se ha alcanzado, a 5 años es de 60% y a 10 años es de 58%. Conclusiones: el trasplante Autólogo de Progenitores Hematopoyéticos es una herramienta terapéutica útil. Los resultados de nuestro grupo son comparables a los reportados por grupos internacionales con una baja mortalidad relacionada al procedimiento.

Introduction: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is part of the treatment of patients with aggressive lymphomas in partial response or relapsed. Objectives: To evaluate the responses and survival in aggressive NHL patients transplanted in Hospital Británico. Material and Methods: Retrospective study of patients with aggressive NHL that were transplanted into... between 01/01/1995 and 07/01/2013. Total 65 patients. Results: 95% achieved a complete remission after Auto-SCT and 5% partial remission. With a median follow up of 74 months (5-219), the median OS has not been reached. The estimated mean is 145 months (122-169) with a 5-year OS of 71% and 60% at 10 years. The median DFS has not been reached, at 5 years is 60 % and at 10 years is 58 %. Conclusions: Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation is a useful therapeutic tool. The results of our group are comparable to those reported by international groups with low procedure-related mortality.

Equity in access to high cost drugs in Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the equity in access to high cost oncology medicines reimbursed by the Uruguayan National Health System. Also, were determined the causes of access inequities. METHODS: Different levels of access were determined by crossing epidemiological and reimbursement data with geographical distribution and number of Health System users. Possible causes of inequities were determined and weighted by Delphi technique. RESULTS: Access of patients assisted in the public sector to bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer, rituximab for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and trastuzumab for advanced HER2+ breast cancer, appears to be lower compared to patients assisted in private sector.Regarding rituximab for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and trastuzumab for advanced HER2+ breast cancer, the results seem to show less access for patients residing outside the south region compared to those living in the south region.The main barriers to get reimbursement for patients living outside southern region are the access to pathological anatomy studies, imaging and other clinical analysis. Late diagnosis appears to be the main hurdles in access to these anti-cancer drugs, for patients assisted in the public sector. CONCLUSIONS: Equitable access to high cost drugs reimbursed by the National Health System requires policy decisions to address this issue.

Jak-2 positive myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Originally described by Dameshek in 1951, myeloproliferative disorders are today classified as myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) in WHO's Classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. The term includes a range of conditions, [ie, BCR-ABL-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL), polycythemia vera (PV), primary myelofibrosis (PMF), essential thromobocythemia (ET), chronic eosinophilic leukemia not otherwise specified (CEL-NOS), mastocytosis, and unclassifiable myeloproliferative neoplasm]. In the specific case of CML, a better understanding of the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the disease has led to a targeted therapy. The presence of chromosome Philadelphia, t(9;22)(q34;11) results in the oncogene BCR-ABL, which characterizes the disease; this molecular rearrangement gives rise to a tyrosine-kinase, which in turn triggers the proliferation of the myeloid line through the activation of the signaling pathways downstream. Tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have altered the therapy and monitoring of CML patients and improved both their prognosis and quality of life. In 2005, various groups of investigators described a new point mutation of the gene JAK2 associated to MPNs. Although the presence of this mutation has led to a modification in the diagnostic criteria of these conditions, the impact of the use of JAK2 inhibitors on the prognosis and course of the disease continues to be controversial.

Distinct clustering of symptomatic burden among myeloproliferative neoplasm patients: retrospective assessment in 1470 patients.

Symptom burden in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is heterogeneous even among patients within the same MPN diagnosis. Using cluster analysis from prospectively gathered symptom burden data in 1470 international patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), or myelofibrosis (MF), we assessed for the presence of clusters and relationship to disease features and prognosis. In MF (4 clusters identified), clusters significantly differed by Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) risk (P < .001), leukopenia (P = .009), thrombocytopenia (P < .001), and spleen size (P = .02). Although an association existed between clusters and DIPSS risk, high symptom burden was noted in some low and intermediate-1-risk MF patients. In PV (5 clusters identified), total symptom score increased across clusters (P < .001), but clusters did not significantly differ by PV risk or the risk assessment variable of age. Among ET patients (5 clusters identified), clusters differed by gender (P = .04), anemia (P = .01), and prior hemorrhage (P = .047). Total symptom score increased across clusters (P < .001), but clusters did not significantly differ by International Prognostic Score for ET risk including the risk assessment variables. Significant symptom heterogeneity exists within each MPN subtype, sometimes independent of disease features or prognosis.

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) symptom assessment form total symptom score: prospective international assessment of an abbreviated symptom burden scoring system among patients with MPNs.

PURPOSE: Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) symptoms are troublesome to patients, and alleviation of this burden represents a paramount treatment objective in the development of MPN-directed therapies. We aimed to assess the utility of an abbreviated symptom score for the most pertinent and representative MPN symptoms for subsequent serial use in assessing response to therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form total symptom score (MPN-SAF TSS) was calculated as the mean score for 10 items from two previously validated scoring systems. Questions focus on fatigue, concentration, early satiety, inactivity, night sweats, itching, bone pain, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and fevers. RESULTS: MPN-SAF TSS was calculable for 1,408 of 1,433 patients with MPNs who had a mean score of 21.2 (standard deviation [SD], 16.3). MPN-SAF TSS results significantly differed among MPN disease subtypes (P<.001), with a mean of 18.7 (SD, 15.3), 21.8 (SD, 16.3), and 25.3 (SD, 17.2) for patients with essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis, respectively. The MPN-SAF TSS strongly correlated with overall quality of life (QOL; r=0.59; P<.001) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) functional scales (all P<.001 and absolute r≥0.50 except social functioning r=0.48). No significant trends were present when comparing therapy subgroups. The MPN-SAF TSS had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=.83). Factor analysis identified a single underlying construct, indicating that the MPN-SAF TSS is an appropriate, unified scoring method. CONCLUSION: The MPN-SAF TSS is a concise, valid, and accurate assessment of MPN symptom burden with demonstrated clinical utility in the largest prospective MPN symptom study to date. This new prospective scoring method may be used to assess MPN symptom burden in both clinical practice and trial settings.

Trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos en pacientes con mieloma múltiple: análisis de factores pronósticos y sobrevida: experiencia del Hospital Británico / Autologic transplant of hematopoietic progenitors in patients with multiple myeloma: a study of prognosis and survival at the British Hospital

Introducción: el trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos (TAPH) es considerado estándar en el tratamiento de primera línea en pacientes con mieloma múltiple (MM) menores de 65 años. Objetivo: analizar la sobrevida global (SG) y sobrevida libre de eventos (SLEv) de los pacientes con MM trasplantados en el Hospital Británico. Material y método: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes que recibieron un primer TAPH. Resultados: entre el 1° de julio de 1999 y el 30 de junio de 2010 se realizaron 56 TAPH a 48 pacientes con MM. Del análisis de los pacientes al primer TAPH, 46% eran mujeres y 54%hombres. La mediana de edad fue de 54 años (32-65 años). El 73% eran IgG, 17% IgA y 10% de cadenas livianas. El 60,4% logró una RC/nRC (RC, RC no confirmada y VGPR) posTAPH. Con una media de seguimiento de 58,6 meses (5,84-186,56), la mediana de SG fue de 121,8 meses (IC 95%: 70,1-173,54 meses). No se hallaron diferencias significativas en SG entre los pacientes que lograron RC/nRC posTAPH y quienes no lo lograron (log Rank p=0,162). La mediana de SLEv fue de 56 meses (IC 95%: 42,2-70,4 meses).Conclusiones: el TAPH es una herramienta fundamental en el tratamiento de los pacientes con MM y es un procedimiento seguro en la Unidad de Hematología del Hospital Británico.

Introduction: autologic transplant of hematopoietic progenitors is regarded as the standard in the first line treatmentof patients with multiple myeloma (MM) younger than 65 years old. Objective: to analyse global survival and incident freesurvival in patients with multiple myeloma transplanted at the British Hospital. Method: we conducted a retrospective study of patients who received the first autologic transplant of hematopoietic progenitors. Results: 56 autologic transplants of hematopoietic progenitors were performed from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2010 in 48 patients with MM. Upon analysis of patients after the first transplant, 46% were women and 54% were men. Median age was 54 years old (32-65 years old). 73% were IgG, 17% were IgA and 10% were light chains.60.4% achieved CR/nCR (CR), non- confirmed CR and VGPR) after transplant. With an average follow-up of 58.6 months (5.84-186.56), the median global survival was121.8 months (IC 95%: 70.1-173.54 months). No significant differences were found in the global survival in patientswho achieved CR/nCR after autologic transplant of hematopoietic progenitors and those who failed to achieve it (log Rank p=0.162. The median incident-free survival was 56 months (IC 95%: 42.2-70.4 months). Conclusions: autologic transplant of hematopoietic progenitors is an essential tool to treat patients with MM and it is a safe procedure at the Hematology Unit of the British Hospital.

Introdução: o transplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoiéticos (TAPH) é considerado um padrão no tratamentode primeira linha de pacientes menores de 65 anos com mieloma múltiple (MM).Objetivo: analisar a sobrevida global (SG) e sobrevida livre de eventos (SLEv) dos pacientes com MMtransplantados no Hospital Britânico.Material e método: um estudo retrospectivo dos pacientes que receberam um primeiro TAPH foi realizado. Resultados: no período 1° de julho de 1999 a 30 de junho de 2010 foram realizados 56 TAPH a 48 pacientes com MM. A análise dos dados dos pacientes no primeiro TAPH mostrou que 46% eram mulheres e 54% homens. A mediana da idade foi 54 anos (32-65 anos). 73% eram IgG, 17% IgA e 10% de cadeias leves. 60,4% conseguiram uma RC/nRC (RC, RC não confirmada e VGPR) pósTAPH. Comuna media de seguimento de 58,6 meses (5,84-186,56), a mediana de SG foi de 121,8 meses (IC 95%: 70,1-173,54meses). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas na SG entre os pacientes que conseguiram RC/nRCpósTAPH e os que não a conseguiram (log Rank p=0,162). A mediana de SLEv foi 56 meses (IC 95%: 42,2-70,4 meses). Conclusões: o TAPH é uma ferramenta fundamental para o tratamento de pacientes com MM e é umprocedimento seguro na Unidade de Hematologia do Hospital Britânico.

Determinación de la mutación V617F del gen JAK2 en los síndromes mieloproliferativos crónicos en nuestro país: a propósito de un caso / Determination of V617F-JAK2-mutation in chronic myeloproliferative syndromes

La policitemia vera (PV), la trombocitemia esencial (TE) y la mielofibrosis idiopática (MI) son trastornos mieloproliferativos clonales estrechamente relacionados y caracterizados por una proliferación excesiva de una o más líneas mieloides tales como eritrocitos, plaquetas y fibroblastos de la médula ósea. Si bien existen estrictos criterios para el diagnóstico de estos síndromes mieloproliferativos, la categorización precisa continúa siendo un objeto de debate y adicionalmente estos desórdenes son difíciles de diferenciar de procesos reactivos en muchas ocasiones. Recientemente, en el año 2005, se identificó en varias de estas entidades una mutación en el gen tirosina quinasa Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Esta mutación consiste en la sustitución de una G por una T en la posición 1849, resultando en la sustitución en la proteína de una fenilalanina por valina (JAK2 V617F). La incidencia de esta mutación se observó en cerca de 90 por ciento de los casos con PV y en aproximadamente 50 por ciento de los casos con MI y TE. En este trabajo describiremos la detección de esta mutación en un paciente con diagnóstico de probable PV mediante un ensayo de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) alelo específica de alta sensibilidad para la detección de esta mutación y discutiremos la importancia de esta mutación de descubrimiento reciente en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los síndromes mieloproliferativos BCR-ABL negativos.