Pomalidomide experience: an effective therapeutic approach with immunomodulatory drugs in a patient with relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma.

Here we discuss the case of a heavily pretreated male patient with relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma and previous monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance who initiated a fifth-line treatment with pomalidomide (4 mg orally, days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle) and low-dose dexamethasone (40 mg weekly orally). A total of 3 months later, very good partial response was achieved and complete response was maintained for 7 months. This case illustrates the field-practice experience on the benefits of pomalidomide in a relapsed-refractory multiple myeloma patient with a previous history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Indeed, the pomalidomide/dexamethasone regimen resulted in a longer progression-free survival compared with previous regimens and demonstrated a good long-term tolerability.

IRF5 is a target of BCR-ABL kinase activity and reduces CML cell proliferation.

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) modulates the expression of genes controlling cell growth and apoptosis. Previous findings have suggested a lack of IRF5 transcripts in both acute and chronic leukemias. However, to date, IRF5 expression and function have not been investigated in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We report that IRF5 is expressed in CML cells, where it interacts with the BCR-ABL kinase that modulates its expression and induces its tyrosine phosphorylation. Tyrosine-phosphorylated IRF5 displayed reduced transcriptional activity that was partially restored by imatinib mesylate (IM). Interestingly, a mutant devoid of a BCR-ABL consensus site (IRF5(Y104F)) still presented significant tyrosine phosphorylation. This finding suggests that the oncoprotein phosphorylates additional tyrosine residues or induces downstream signaling pathways leading to further IRF5 phosphorylation. We also found that ectopic expression of IRF5 decreases the proliferation of CML cell lines by slowing their S-G2 transition, increasing the inhibition of BCR-ABL signaling and enhancing the lethality effect observed after treatment with IM, α-2-interferon and a DNA-damaging agent. Furthermore, IRF5 overexpression successfully reduced the clonogenic ability of CML CD34-positive progenitors before and after exposure to the above-indicated cytotoxic stimuli. Our data identify IRF5 as a downstream target of the BCR-ABL kinase, suggesting that its biological inactivation contributes to leukemic transformation.

Three-Way Translocation t(12;15;17) (p13;q24;q21) Found in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia with Basophilic Differentiation.

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia in which immature promyelocytes abnormally proliferate in the bone marrow. In most cases, the disease is characterised by the translocation t(15;17) (q24;q21), which causes the formation of PML::RARA, an oncogenic fusion protein responsible for blocking myeloid differentiation and survival advantage. Here, we present a case of acute promyelocytic leukemia with two unusual features: basophilic differentiation and a three-way translocation involving chromosomes 12, 15 and 17. In the few cases reported, basophilic differentiation was associated with a poor prognosis. In contrast, our patient responded promptly to the standard treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) and obtained complete remission. To our knowledge, this is the first report of basophilic acute promyelocytic leukemia with the three-way translocation t(12;17;15) (p13; q24;q21).

Influence of complex variant chromosomal translocations in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

UNLABELLED: Cytogenetic variants of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome can be observed in 5-8% of patients diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), and usually involve at least one chromosome other than 9 and 22. Despite the genetically heterogeneous nature of these alterations, available data indicate that CML patients displaying complex variant translocations (CVTs) do not exhibit a less favorable outcome as compared to individuals presenting conventional Ph-positive CML. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report our experience with 10 CML patients carrying CVTs among 153 newly diagnosed cases followed at our Institution. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Unlike previously published reports, in our series only two CML patients exhibiting CVTs achieved an optimal response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment. The remaining eight patients obtained either a suboptimal response or failed drug therapy. Our data suggest that the presence of CVTs at diagnosis might confer an unfavorable clinical outcome, as these genetic alterations might be markers of genomic instability and indicate a higher likelihood of disease progression.

Second-line Dasatinib Therapy Improved Compliance and Deep Molecular Responses in Imatinib-intolerant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Imatinib (IM) is the standard-of-care treatment for most chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in chronic phase (CP). However, some patients suffer from low-grade side-effects that, in the long run, severely affect the quality of life and require treatment discontinuation due to toxicities. Fortunately, there are several therapeutic alternatives for these patients. Among them, the second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (DAS), used as second-line treatment, has shown to be a valid option in patients with CP-CML after intolerance to prior IM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Herein, we report on seven CP-CML patients who achieved a stable major molecular response (MMR) with IM-therapy, but were shifted to DAS treatment due to recurrent low-grade IM-intolerances (grades 1-2). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All patients received conventional DAS treatment with a median daily dose of 83.3 mg. Treatment was well tolerated and side-effects were mild. In addition, after a median follow-up of 25 months (range=24-43 months) a deep molecular response (DMR) (either MR4 or MR4.5) was achieved in all patients after 24 months of treatment. This finding, although limited to a small cohort of CP-CML patients, supports the view that a therapy switch from IM to DAS induces a reduction of symptom burden, improves patient compliance and shows clinical efficacy in achieving and sustaining deep molecular responses.

Optimal Response in a Patient With CML Expressing BCR-ABL1 E6A2 Fusion Transcript With Nilotinib Therapy: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The Philadelphia chromosome is considered the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, although most patients with CML are diagnosed with the e13a2 or e14a2 breakpoint cluster region (BCR)-Abelson 1 (ABL1) fusion transcripts, about 5% of them carry rare BCR-ABL1 fusion transcripts, such as e19a2, e8a2, e13a3, e14a3, e1a3 and e6a2. In particular, the e6a2 fusion transcript has been associated with clinically aggressive disease frequently presenting in accelerated or blast crisis phases; there is limited evidence on the efficacy of front-line second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors for this genotype. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of atypical BCR-ABL1 e6a2 fusion transcript in a 46-year-old woman with CML. RESULTS: The use of primers recognizing more distant exons from the common BCR-ABL1 breakpoint region correctly identified the atypical BCR-ABL1 e16a2 fusion transcript. Treatment with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor nilotinib was effective in this patient expressing the atypical e6a2 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript.

Unusual Karyotype in Acute Myelomonocitic Leukemia: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Acute myeloid leukemia is well characterized by chromosomal aberrations that correspond to various subtypes of acute leukemias. The t(8;21)(q22;q22) is a frequent chromosomal abnormality strongly associated with acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation (AML-M2), but is rarely associated with other subtypes. Translocation involving a third chromosome could produce new genetic rearrangements that lead to leukemogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed to identify the karyotype. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the AML1/ETO transcript. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: We herein report a novel rearrangement with a three-way translocation involving chromosomes 8, 21 and another unknown chromosome, in an 83-year-old female patient diagnosed as AML-M4, with an ALM1/ETO negative transcript. This is an uncommon case of AML-M4 with three-way translocation in a new variant of t(8;21) acute myeloid leukaemia. The detailed mechanism of different phenotype expression is unclear. Further study is needed to identify the leukemogenetic transformation resulting from t(8;21) translocation.

Efficacy of Dasatinib in a Very Elderly CML Patient Expressing a Rare E13a3 Bcr-Abl1 Fusion Transcript: A Case Report.

We report the case of an 89-year-old male diagnosed with chronic-phase CML and expressing a rare e13a3 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. His cytogenetic analysis showed the t(9;22) translocation generating the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), with a multiplex RT-PCR detecting an atypical fragment. Using two primers complementary to exon 10 of BCR and exon 4 of ABL1, a larger PCR product was observed, where after Sanger sequencing, an e13a3 BCR-ABL1 transcript was revealed. Given the diagnosis, the patient received 100 mg of dasatinib every other day and was then monitored by measuring both hematological and cytogenetic parameters, while his BCR-ABL1 transcripts were examined by PCR and semi-nested-PCR. According to the 2013 European Leukemia Network criteria, after six months of dasatinib the patient's response was classified as warning as he displayed 20% of Philadelphia-positive metaphases. Sequencing of the ABL1 catalytic domain did not detect point mutations. A complete cytogenetic response was achieved after one year of dasatinib. However, semi-nested-PCR confirmed the presence of the e13a3 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript that has persisted up to the latest follow-up visit.

Rapid decline of Philadelphia-positive metaphases after nilotinib treatment in a CML patient expressing a rare e14a3 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript: A case report.

We report a case of chronic myeloid leukemia in a 52-year-old male expressing a rare e14a3 BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. Cytogenetic analysis showed the t(9;22) translocation and multiplex RT-PCR detected an atypical fragment of approximately 230 base pairs. Using two primers recognizing exon 10 of BCR and exon 4 of ABL1, a larger PCR product was identified, cloned, sequenced and defined as an e14a3 BCR-ABL1 rearrangement. The patient was treated with nilotinib and monitored measuring cytogenetic and hematological parameters, while BCR-ABL1 transcripts were surveyed by conventional and semi-nested PCR. The patient achieved a complete hematologic response after two months of treatment followed by a complete cytogenetic remission two months later. Furthermore, PCR and semi-nested PCR failed to detect the e14a3 BCR-ABL1 mRNA after 15 and 21 months of nilotinib, respectively.

Efficacy of Nilotinib in a CML Patient Expressing the Three-way Complex Variant Translocation t(2;9;22).

BACKGROUND/AIM: Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, resulting from the reciprocal translocation involving chromosomes 9 and 22. About 5-10% of newly diagnosed patients in chronic-phase (CP) CML show complex additional chromosomal aberrations (ACA), that may involve one or more chromosomes in addition to 9 and 22. Data concerning the prognostic significance of ACA in CP-CML subjects at diagnosis are controversial. Furthermore, there is no evidence showing that selection of imatinib (IM) or second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2G-TKI) would be of benefit for these patients. CASE REPORT: We report the three-way complex variant translocation t(2;9;22) in a CP-CML patient. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was employed to identify the ACA. Multiplex reverse transcription-PCR was used to identify the BCR-ABL1 transcript and its levels were measured using quantitative real-time-PCR. This rare ACA t(2;9;22) in our young patient displayed primary resistance to IM, but was responsive to second-line treatment with nilotinib. CONCLUSION: CP-CML patients exhibiting this rare aberration at diagnosis may benefit from a 2G-TKI therapy compared to IM.

Altered expression of c-IAP1, survivin, and Smac contributes to chemotherapy resistance in thyroid cancer cells.

Resistance to chemotherapy predicts an unfavorable outcome for patients with radioiodine-insensitive thyroid cancer. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this resistance, we evaluated the expression of four different inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, and their antagonist, Smac, in thyroid cancer cells that survived 48 hours of exposure to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or taxol. We found high levels of c-IAP1 after cisplatin treatment and increased expression of survivin following exposure to doxorubicin. Cells that endured treatment with taxol showed reduced expression of Smac and released minimal amounts of this protein from the mitochondria. Down-regulation of c-IAP1 and survivin increased the cytotoxicity of cisplatin and doxorubicin, whereas overexpression of Smac improved the efficacy of taxol. Finally, thyroid cancer cells permanently resistant to doxorubicin or cisplatin showed increased expression of c-IAP1 and survivin, respectively. However, silencing of these proteins by RNA interference restored sensitivity to doxorubicin and cisplatin. Thus, in thyroid cancer cells, early resistance to chemotherapeutic agents requires high levels of c-IAP1 and survivin and low levels of Smac. Furthermore, increased expression of c-IAP1 and survivin contributes to the acquisition of permanent resistance to cytotoxic compounds.

Modelling of the ABL and ARG proteins predicts two functionally critical regions that are natively unfolded.

The ABL and ARG tyrosine kinases regulate many pivotal cellular processes and are implicated in the pathogenesis of several forms of leukemia. We have modelled the previously uncharacterized core domain (SH3-SH2-tyrosine kinase) and C-terminal actin-binding domain of ARG. We have also investigated the structural arrangement of the ABL and ARG Cap region and of the long multifunctional region located downstream of the tyrosine kinase domain. We report that the ARG core domain is homologous to the corresponding ABL region, therefore suggesting that ARG catalytic activity is likely regulated by the same SH3-SH2 clamp described for ABL. We also report that the Cap of both ABL and ARG is natively unfolded. Hence, biological events determining the folding of the Cap are critical to allow its interaction with the tyrosine kinase C-lobe. Furthermore, our results show that, with the exception of the C-terminal actin-binding domain, the entire region encoded by the ABL and ARG last exon is natively unfolded. Phosphorylation events or protein-protein interactions regulating the folding of this region will therefore modulate the activity of its numerous functional domains. Finally, our analyses show that the C-terminal actin-binding domain of ARG displays a four-helix bundle structure similar to the one reported for the corresponding ABL region. Our findings imply that many biological activities attributed to ABL, ARG, and their oncogenic counterparts are regulated by natively unfolded regions.