Autologous tumor cell vaccine induces antitumor T cell immune responses in patients with mantle cell lymphoma: A phase I/II trial.

Here, we report on the results of a phase I/II trial (NCT00490529) for patients with mantle cell lymphoma who, having achieved remission after immunochemotherapy, were vaccinated with irradiated, CpG-activated tumor cells. Subsequently, vaccine-primed lymphocytes were collected and reinfused after a standard autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The primary endpoint was detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) within 1 yr after ASCT at the previously validated threshold of ≥1 malignant cell per 10,000 leukocyte equivalents. Of 45 evaluable patients, 40 (89%) were found to be MRD negative, and the MRD-positive patients experienced early subsequent relapse. The vaccination induced antitumor CD8 T cell immune responses in 40% of patients, and these were associated with favorable clinical outcomes. Patients with high tumor PD-L1 expression after in vitro exposure to CpG had inferior outcomes. Vaccination with CpG-stimulated autologous tumor cells followed by the adoptive transfer of vaccine-primed lymphocytes after ASCT is feasible and safe.

Infusion of donor-derived CD8+ memory T cells for relapse following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Murine models showed that CD8+CD44hi memory T (TM) cells could eradicate malignant cells without inducing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We evaluated the feasibility and safety of infusing freshly isolated and purified donor-derived phenotypic CD8+ TM cells into adults with disease relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Phenotypic CD8 TM cells were isolated after unmobilized donor apheresis using a tandem immunomagnetic selection strategy of CD45RA depletion followed by CD8+ enrichment. Fifteen patients received CD8+ TM cells at escalating doses (1 × 106, 5 × 106, or 10 × 106 cells per kg). Thirteen received cytoreduction before CD8+ TM cell infusion, and 9 had active disease at the time of infusion. Mean yield and purity of the CD8+ TM infusion were 38.1% and 92.8%, respectively; >90% had CD8+ T effector memory phenotype, cytokine expression, and secretion profile. No adverse infusional events or dose-limiting toxicities occurred; GVHD developed in 1 patient (grade 2 liver). Ten patients (67%) maintained or achieved response (7 complete response, 1 partial response, 2 stable disease) for at least 3 months after infusion; 4 of the responders had active disease at the time of infusion. With a median follow-up from infusion of 328 days (range, 118-1328 days), median event-free survival and overall survival were 4.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1-19.3 months) and 19.6 months (95% CI, 5.6 months to not reached), respectively. Collection and enrichment of phenotypic CD8+ TM cells is feasible, well tolerated, and associated with a low incidence of GVHD when administered as a manipulated infusion of donor lymphocytes in patients who have relapsed after HCT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01523223.

Tandem Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Patients with Primary Progressive or Recurrent Hodgkin Lymphoma: A SWOG and Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Phase II Trial (SWOG S0410/BMT CTN 0703).

Based on promising pilot data a phase II tandem autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AHSCT) trial for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) was performed in the US intergroup setting to determine if long-term progression-free survival (PFS) could be improved. Patients were enrolled after salvage therapy and stem cell collection. Sensitivity to salvage was defined by 1999 Standardized Response Criteria and did not include fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Cycle 1 consisted of melphalan 150 mg/m2 with half of the stem cells. For stable disease or better, patients received cycle 2 consisting of single doses of etoposide 60 mg/kg and cyclophosphamide 100 mg/kg and either total body radiation 12 Gy in 8 fractions over 4 days or BCNU 150 mg/m2/day for 3 days with the remaining stem cells. Of 98 enrolled patients, 89 were eligible and treated: 82 completed both cycles of AHSCT, 47 (53%) had primary refractory HL, and 72 (81%) were resistant to salvage therapy. There were no treatment-related deaths in the first year after AHSCT. With a median follow-up of 6.2 years (range, 2 to 7.7) for eligible patients who remained alive, the 2-year and 5-year PFS were 63% (95% CI, 52% to 72%) and 55% (95% CI, 44% to 64%) respectively; the 2-year and 5-year overall survival were 91% (95% CI, 83% to 95%) and 84% (95% CI, 74% to 90%), respectively. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed Zubrod performance status and lactate dehydrogenase levels > 1 times upper limit of normal at the time of enrollment were significantly associated with PFS. The observed 5-year PFS of 55% suggests the tandem approach appears to be effective in treating HL patients demonstrated to have poor prognosis in prior single AHSCT trials. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00233987.

CD25 Blockade Delays Regulatory T Cell Reconstitution and Does Not Prevent Graft-versus-Host Disease After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Daclizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, binds CD25 and blocks formation of the IL-2 receptor on T cells. A study of daclizumab as acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after unrelated bone marrow transplantation was conducted before the importance of CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) was recognized. Tregs can abrogate the onset of GVHD. The relation between Tregs and a graft-versus-malignancy effect is not fully understood. An international, multicenter, double-blind clinical trial randomized 210 adult or pediatric patients to receive 5 weekly doses of daclizumab at 0.3 mg/kg (n = 69) or 1.2 mg/kg (n = 76) or placebo (n = 65) after unrelated marrow transplantation for treatment of hematologic malignancies or severe aplastic anemia. The risk of acute GVHD did not differ among the groups (P = .68). Long-term follow-up of clinical outcomes and correlative analysis of peripheral blood T cell phenotype suggested that the patients treated with daclizumab had an increased risk of chronic GVHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 2.3; P = .08) and a decreased risk of relapse (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.3 to 1.0; P = .05), but similar survival (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.6 to 1.3; P = .53). T cells from a subset of patients (n = 107) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Compared with placebo, treatment with daclizumab decreased the proportion of Tregs among CD4 T cells at days 11-35 and increased the proportion of central memory cells among CD4 T cells at 1 year. Prophylactic administration of daclizumab does not prevent acute GVHD, but may increase the risk of chronic GVHD and decrease the risk of relapse. By delaying Treg reconstitution and promoting immunologic memory, anti-CD25 therapy may augment alloreactivity and antitumor immunity.

HLA-mismatched unrelated donor transplantation using TLI-ATG conditioning has a low risk of GVHD and potent antitumor activity.

Many patients lack a fully HLA-matched donor for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and HLA mismatch is typically associated with inferior outcomes. Total lymphoid irradiation and antithymocyte globulin (TLI-ATG) is a nonmyeloablative conditioning regimen that is protective against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and we hypothesized that the protective effect would extend beyond HLA-matched donors. We report outcomes for all consecutively transplanted patients at Stanford University from December 2001 through May 2015 who received TLI-ATG conditioning and HCTs from 8 to 9 out of 10 HLA-mismatched unrelated donors (MMUDs, N = 72) compared with 10 out of 10 HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUDs, N = 193). The median age of the patients was 60 years with a median follow-up of 2 years, and there was a similar distribution of lymphoid and myeloid malignancies in both cohorts. There were no significant differences between MMUD and MUD cohorts in overall survival (46% vs 46% at 5 years, P = .86), disease-free survival (38% vs 28% at 5 years, P = .25), nonrelapse mortality (17% vs 12% at 2 years, P = .34), acute GVHD grades III-IV (6% vs 3% at day +100, P = .61), or chronic GVHD (39% vs 35% at 5 years, P = .49). There was a trend toward less relapse in the MMUD cohort (45% vs 60% at 5 years, hazard ratio: 0.71, P = .094), which was significant for patients with lymphoid malignancies (29% vs 57% at 5 years, hazard ratio: 0.55, P = .044). Achieving full donor chimerism was strongly associated with lower relapse rates. TLI-ATG conditioning may overcome the traditionally poorer outcome associated with HLA-mismatched donors and may be particularly well suited for patients with lymphoid malignancies who lack HLA-matched donors.

Reduced-Intensity Conditioning with Fludarabine, Cyclophosphamide, and High-Dose Rituximab for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Follicular Lymphoma: A Phase Two Multicenter Trial from the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network.

Allogeneic (allo) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can induce long-term remissions in chemosensitive relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network conducted a multicenter phase 2 trial to examine the efficacy of alloHCT using reduced-intensity conditioning with rituximab (RTX) in multiply relapsed, chemosensitive FL. The primary endpoint was 2-year progression-free survival (PFS). The conditioning regimen consisted of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and high-dose RTX (FCR), in which 3 of the 4 doses of RTX were administered at a dose of 1 gm/m(2). Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was with tacrolimus and methotrexate. Sixty-five patients were enrolled and 62 were evaluable. Median age was 55 years (range, 29 to 74). This group was heavily pretreated: 77% had received ≥ 3 prior regimens, 32% had received ≥ 5 prior regimens, and 11% had received prior autologous HCT. Donors were HLA-matched siblings (n = 33) or HLA-matched unrelated adults (n = 29). No graft failures occurred. The overall response rate after HCT was 94% with 90% in complete remission (CR), including 24 patients not in CR before alloHCT. With a median follow-up of 47 months (range, 30 to 73), 3-year PFS and overall survival rates were 71% (95% confidence interval, 58% to 81%) and 82% (95% confidence interval, 70% to 90%), respectively. Three-year cumulative incidences of relapse/progression and nonrelapse mortality were 13% and 16%, respectively. Two-year cumulative incidences of grades 2 to 4 and grades 3 or 4 acute GVHD were 27% and 10%, respectively, and extensive chronic GVHD incidence was 55%. Serum RTX concentrations peaked at day +28 and remained detectable as late as 1 year in 59% of patients with available data. In conclusion, alloHCT with FCR conditioning confers high CR rates, a low incidence of relapse/progression, and excellent survival probabilities in heavily pretreated FL patients.

Asia-Pacific Hematology Consortium Report on approach to multiple myeloma. Survey results from the 6th International Hematologic Malignancies Conference: Bridging the Gap 2015, Beijing, China.

The Asia-Pacific Hematology Consortium (APHCON), in partnership with MDRingTM, a mobile global physician education network, has initiated a detailed longitudinal study of physician knowledge and practice preferences in the Asia-Pacific sphere. The first dataset comes from a series of surveys answered by delegates at the APHCON Bridging The Gap (BTG) conference in Beijing in January, 2015. In this report we present our findings regarding diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). We aim to create a conduit for physicians in this region to share their experiences with the rest of the world, to identify areas of consensus and best practices, and to highlight opportunities for improvement in communication, education and patient care.

Exploring long-term cancer survivors' experiences in the career and financial domains: Interviews with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.

Using semi-structured interviews with 50 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients who were 2 to 22 years post-transplant, this study investigates cancer survivors' interpretations of their economic and work-related experiences during and after treatment. Survivors described a variety of challenges in these areas, including job insecurity, discrimination, career derailment, the lack of career direction, delayed goals, financial losses, insurance difficulties, constraints on job mobility, and physical/mental limitations. Survivors described the ways these challenges were offset by external factors that helped them to navigate these difficulties and buffered the negative financial and career-related impacts. Good health insurance, favorable job characteristics, job accommodations, and financial buffers were prominent offsetting factors. Most survivors, however, were also forced to rely on individual behavioral and interpretative strategies to cope with challenges. Behavioral strategies included purposeful job moves, retraining, striving harder, and retiring. Some strategies were potentially problematic, such as acquiring large debt. Interpretive strategies included reprioritizing and value shifts, downplaying the magnitude of cancer impact on one's life, denying the causal role of cancer in negative events, making favorable social comparisons, and benefit finding. Post-treatment counseling and support services may assist survivors in identifying available resources and useful strategies to improve long-term adaptation in the career and financial realms.

Reduced-Intensity Allografting as First Transplantation Approach in Relapsed/Refractory Grades One and Two Follicular Lymphoma Provides Improved Outcomes in Long-Term Survivors.

This study was conducted to compare long-term outcomes in patients with refractory/relapsed grades 1 and 2 follicular lymphoma (FL) after allogeneic (allo) versus autologous (auto) hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the rituximab era. Adult patients with relapsed/refractory grades 1 and 2 FL undergoing first reduced-intensity allo-HCT or first autograft during 2000 to 2012 were evaluated. A total of 518 rituximab-treated patients were included. Allo-HCT patients were younger and more heavily pretreated, and more patients had advanced stage and chemoresistant disease. The 5-year adjusted probabilities, comparing auto-HCT versus allo-HCT groups for nonrelapse mortality (NRM) were 5% versus 26% (P < .0001); relapse/progression: 54% versus 20% (P < .0001); progression-free survival (PFS): 41% versus 58% (P < .001), and overall survival (OS): 74% versus 66% (P = .05). Auto-HCT was associated with a higher risk of relapse/progression beyond 5 months after HCT (relative risk [RR], 4.4; P < .0001) and worse PFS (RR, 2.9; P < .0001) beyond 11 months after HCT. In the first 24 months after HCT, auto-HCT was associated with improved OS (RR, .41; P < .0001), but beyond 24 months, it was associated with inferior OS (RR, 2.2; P = .006). A landmark analysis of patients alive and progression-free at 2 years after HCT confirmed these observations, showing no difference in further NRM between both groups, but there was significantly higher risk of relapse/progression (RR, 7.3; P < .0001) and inferior PFS (RR, 3.2; P < .0001) and OS (RR, 2.1; P = .04) after auto-HCT. The 10-year cumulative incidences of second hematological malignancies after allo-HCT and auto-HCT were 0% and 7%, respectively. Auto-HCT and reduced-intensity-conditioned allo-HCT as first transplantation approach can provide durable disease control in grades 1 and 2 FL patients. Continued disease relapse risk after auto-HCT translates into improved PFS and OS after allo-HCT in long-term survivors.

Long-term sustained disease control in patients with mantle cell lymphoma with or without active disease after treatment with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation after nonmyeloablative conditioning.

BACKGROUND: Previously, early results were reported for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after nonmyeloablative conditioning with 2 Gy of total body irradiation with or without fludarabine and/or rituximab in 33 patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). METHODS: This study examined the outcomes of 70 patients with MCL and included extended follow-up (median, 10 years) for the 33 initial patients. Grafts were obtained from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched, related donors (47%), unrelated donors (41%), and HLA antigen-mismatched donors (11%). RESULTS: The 5-year incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 28%. The relapse rate was 26%. The 5-year rates of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 55% and 46%, respectively. The 10-year rates of OS and PFS were 44% and 41%, respectively. Eighty percent of surviving patients were off immunosuppression at the last follow-up. The presence of relapsed or refractory disease at the time of HCT predicted a higher rate of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 2.94; P = .05). Despite this, OS rates at 5 (51% vs 58%) and 10 years (43% vs 45%) were comparable between those with relapsed/refractory disease and those undergoing transplantation with partial or complete remission. A high-risk cytomegalovirus (CMV) status was the only independent predictor of worse OS (HR, 2.32; P = .02). A high-risk CMV status and a low CD3 dose predicted PFS (HR, 2.22; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT provides a long-term survival benefit for patients with relapsed MCL, including those with refractory disease or multiple relapses.

Impact of Pretransplantation (18)F-fluorodeoxy Glucose-Positron Emission Tomography Status on Outcomes after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Assessment with (18)F-fluorodeoxy glucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET) before hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for lymphoma may be prognostic for outcomes. Patients with chemotherapy-sensitive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) undergoing allogeneic HCT reported to the Center of International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry between 2007 and 2012 were included. Pre-HCT PET status (positive versus negative) was determined by the reporting transplantation centers. We analyzed 336 patients; median age was 55 years and 60% were males. Follicular lymphoma (n = 104) was more common than large cell (n = 85), mantle cell (n = 69), and mature natural killer or T cell lymphoma (n = 78); two thirds of the cohort received reduced-intensity conditioning; one half had unrelated donor grafts. Patients underwent PET scanning a median of 1 month (range, .07 to 2.83 months) before HCT; 159 were PET positive and 177 were PET negative. At 3 years, relapse/progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in PET-positive versus PET-negative groups were 40% versus 26%; P = .007; 43% versus 47%; P = .47; and 58% versus 60%; P = .73, respectively. On multivariate analysis, a positive pretransplantation PET was associated with an increased risk of relapse/progression (risk ratio [RR], 1.86; P = .001) but was not associated with increased mortality (RR, 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI], .96 to 1.7; P = .08), therapy failure (RR, 1.32; 95% CI, .95 to 1.84; P = .10), or nonrelapse mortality (RR, .75; 95% CI, .48 to 1.18; P = .22). PET status conferred no influence on graft-versus-host disease. A positive PET scan before HCT is associated with increased relapse risk but should not be interpreted as a barrier to a successful allograft. PET status does not appear to predict survival after allogeneic HCT for NHL.

Role of cytotoxic therapy with hematopoietic cell transplantation in the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma: guidelines from the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the therapy of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in pediatric and adult patients is reviewed and critically evaluated in this systematic evidence-based review. Specific criteria were used for searching the published literature and for grading the quality and strength of the evidence and the strength of the treatment recommendations. Treatment recommendations based on the evidence are included and were reached unanimously by a panel of HL experts. Both autologous and allogeneic HCT offer a survival benefit in selected patients with advanced or relapsed HL and are currently part of standard clinical care. Relapse remains a significant cause of failure after both transplant approaches, and strategies to decrease the risk of relapse remain an important area of investigation.

Significant improvement in survival after unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation in the recent era.

Patients and physicians may defer unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) as curative therapy because of the mortality risk associated with the procedure. Therefore, it is important for physicians to know the current outcomes data when counseling potential candidates. To provide this information, we evaluated 15,059 unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplant recipients between 2000 and 2009. We compared outcomes before and after 2005 for 4 cohorts: age <18 years with malignant diseases (n = 1920), ages 18 to 59 years with malignant diseases (n = 9575), ages ≥ 60 years with malignant diseases (n = 2194), and nonmalignant diseases (n = 1370). Three-year overall survival in 2005 to 2009 was significantly better in all 4 cohorts (<18 years: 55% versus 45%, 18 to 59 years: 42% versus 35%, ≥ 60 years: 35% versus 25%, nonmalignant diseases: 69% versus 60%; P < .001 for all comparisons). Multivariate analyses in leukemia patients receiving HLA 7/8 to 8/8-matched transplants showed significant reduction in overall and nonrelapse mortality in the first year after HCT among patients who underwent transplantation in 2005 to 2009; however, risks for relapse did not change over time. Significant survival improvements after unrelated donor HCT have occurred over the recent decade and can be partly explained by better patient selection (eg, HCT earlier in the disease course and lower disease risk), improved donor selection (eg, more precise allele-level matched unrelated donors) and changes in transplantation practices.

Recent progress: hematopoietic cell transplant for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma histology, with 40% of patients cured with frontline therapy. Salvage chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) remains the standard of care for relapsed or primary refractory patients who are chemosensitive. Autologous HCT in first remission is not recommended, as randomized trials have not shown a survival benefit. Despite evidence for a graft versus lymphoma effect, allogeneic HCT is often reserved for patients with DLBCL who have persistent marrow involvement, have failed autologous HCT or have primary refractory disease. Reduced intensity or non-myeloablative conditioning regimens carry a lower non-relapse mortality risk as compared to myeloablative conditioning but are associated with higher relapse. Patients with DLBCL with the dual translocations of BCL2 and MYC or "double hit" lymphoma carry a poor prognosis, and HCT is often offered as consolidation therapy. Further studies are needed to determine whether HCT can alter the natural history of this aggressive subtype.

Recommendations for donor human leukocyte antigen assessment and matching for allogeneic stem cell transplantation: consensus opinion of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN).

The Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) conducts large, multi-institutional clinical trials with the goal of improving the outcomes of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for patients with life-threatening disorders. Well-designed HCT trials benefit from standardized criteria for defining diagnoses, treatment plans, and graft source selection. In this perspective, we summarize evidence supporting criteria for the selection of related and unrelated adult volunteer progenitor cell donors or umbilical cord blood units. These standardized criteria for graft source selection have been adopted by the BMT CTN to enhance the interpretation of clinical findings within and among future clinical protocols.

Total lymphoid irradiation-antithymocyte globulin conditioning and allogeneic transplantation for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo HCT) is the only curative therapy for the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), but treatment toxicity has been a barrier to its more widespread use. The nonmyeloablative regimen of total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) and antithymocyte globulin (ATG) permits the establishment of donor hematopoiesis necessary for the graft-versus-malignancy effect and is protective against acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), but it has minimal direct cytotoxicity against myeloid diseases. We explored the use of TLI-ATG conditioning to treat 61 patients with allo HCT for MDS (n = 32), therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (n = 15), MPN (n = 9), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (n = 5). The median age of all patients was 63 years (range, 50 to 73). The cumulative incidence of aGVHD grades II to IV was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4% to 23%) and for grades III to IV, 4% (95% CI, 0 to 9%), and it did not differ between patients who received allografts from related or unrelated donors. The cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) at 100 days, 12 months, and 36 months was 0%, 7%, and 11%. Overall survival and progression-free survival were 41% (95% CI, 29% to 53%) and 35% (95% CI, 23% to 48%), respectively. The safety and tolerability of TLI-ATG, as exemplified by its low NRM, provides a foundation for further risk-adapted or prophylactic interventions to prevent disease progression.

Autologous or reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for chemotherapy-sensitive mantle-cell lymphoma: analysis of transplantation timing and modality.

PURPOSE: To examine the outcomes of patients with chemotherapy-sensitive mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) following a first hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HCT), comparing outcomes with autologous (auto) versus reduced-intensity conditioning allogeneic (RIC allo) HCT and with transplantation applied at different times in the disease course. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 519 patients who received transplantations between 1996 and 2007 and were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research were analyzed. The early transplantation cohort was defined as those patients in first partial or complete remission with no more than two lines of chemotherapy. The late transplantation cohort was defined as all the remaining patients. RESULTS: Auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT resulted in similar overall survival from transplantation for both the early (at 5 years: 61% auto-HCT v 62% RIC allo-HCT; P = .951) and late cohorts (at 5 years: 44% auto-HCT v 31% RIC allo-HCT; P = .202). In both early and late transplantation cohorts, progression/relapse was lower and nonrelapse mortality was higher in the allo-HCT group. Overall survival and progression-free survival were highest in patients who underwent auto-HCT in first complete response. Multivariate analysis of survival from diagnosis identified a survival benefit favoring early HCT for both auto-HCT and RIC allo-HCT. CONCLUSION: For patients with chemotherapy-sensitive MCL, the optimal timing for HCT is early in the disease course. Outcomes are particularly favorable for patients undergoing auto-HCT in first complete remission. For those unable to achieve complete remission after two lines of chemotherapy or those with relapsed disease, either auto-HCT or RIC allo-HCT may be effective, although the chance for long-term remission and survival is lower.

Prospective cohort study comparing intravenous busulfan to total body irradiation in hematopoietic cell transplantation.

We conducted a prospective cohort study testing the noninferiority of survival of ablative intravenous busulfan (IV-BU) vs ablative total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens in myeloid malignancies. A total of 1483 patients undergoing transplantation for myeloid malignancies (IV-BU, N = 1025; TBI, N = 458) were enrolled. Cohorts were similar with respect to age, gender, race, performance score, disease, and disease stage at transplantation. Most patients had acute myeloid leukemia (68% IV-BU, 78% TBI). Grafts were primarily peripheral blood (77%) from HLA-matched siblings (40%) or well-matched unrelated donors (48%). Two-year probabilities of survival (95% confidence interval [CI]), were 56% (95% CI, 53%-60%) and 48% (95% CI, 43%-54%, P = .019) for IV-BU (relative risk, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.68-0.98, P = .03) and TBI, respectively. Corresponding incidences of transplant-related mortality (TRM) were 18% (95% CI, 16%-21%) and 19% (95% CI, 15%-23%, P = .75) and disease progression were 34% (95% CI, 31%-37%) and 39% (95% CI, 34%-44%, P = .08). The incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) was 5% for IV-BU and 1% with TBI (P < .001). There were no differences in progression-free survival and graft-versus-host disease. Compared with TBI, IV-BU resulted in superior survival with no increased risk for relapse or TRM. These results support the use of myeloablative IV-BU vs TBI-based conditioning regimens for treatment of myeloid malignancies.