The presence of additional cytogenetic aberrations in chronic myeloid leukemia cells at the time of diagnosis or their appearance on tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy predicts the imatinib treatment failure.

Currently used treatment of CML dramatically improved the prognosis of disease. However, additional chromosome aberrations (ACA/Ph+) are still one of the adverse prognostic factors. OBJECTIVES: evaluation of the impact of ACA/Ph+ appearance during disease outcome on the response to treatment. THE STUDY GROUP: consisted of 203 patients. The median time of follow-up was 72 months. ACA/Ph+ was found in 53 patients. RESULTS: patients were divided into four groups: standard risk, intermediate, high and very high risk. When ACA/Ph+ presence was documented at diagnosis time the optimal response was observed in 41.2%, 25%, and 0% of pts with intermediate, high and very high risk, respectively. If ACA/Ph+ were detected during imatinib treatment the optimal response was in 4.8% of patients. The risk of blastic transformation for patients with standard risk, intermediate, high and very high risk was 2.7%, 18.4%, 20% and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: the presence of ACA/Ph+ at diagnosis time or their appearance on therapy seems to be clinically relevant not only in terms of the risk of blastic transformation but also in terms of the treatment failure. Gathering patients with various karyotypes and their responses to treatment would allow to set better guidelines and predictions.

BCR::ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a single institution experience on identification of potentially therapeutic targetable cases.

BACKGROUND: BCR::ABL1-like acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCR::ABL1-like ALL) is characterized by inferior outcomes. Current efforts concentrate on the identification of molecular targets to improve the therapy results. The accessibility to next generation sequencing, a recommended diagnostic method, is limited. We present our experience in the BCR::ABL1-like ALL diagnostics, using a simplified algorithm. RESULTS: Out of 102 B-ALL adult patients admitted to our Department in the years 2008-2022, 71 patients with available genetic material were included. The diagnostic algorithm comprised flow cytometry, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, karyotype analysis and molecular testing with high resolution melt analysis and Sanger Sequencing. We recognized recurring cytogenetic abnormalities in 32 patients. The remaining 39 patients were screened for BCR::ABL1-like features. Among them, we identified 6 patients with BCR::ABL1-like features (15.4%). Notably, we documented CRLF2-rearranged (CRLF2-r) BCR::ABL1-like ALL occurrence in a patient with long-term remission of previously CRLF2-r negative ALL. CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm implementing widely available techniques enables the identification of BCR::ABL1-like ALL cases in settings with limited resources.

High molecular risk variants, severe thrombocytopenia and large unstained cells count affect the outcome in primary myelofibrosis.

Apart from the driver mutations, high molecular risk (HMR) variants and other factors have been reported to influence the prognosis of primary myelofibrosis (PMF). The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of laboratory and molecular characteristics at the time of diagnosis (TOD) on the PMF outcome. The study group consisted of 82 patients recruited from three Polish university centers. Among the driver mutations, only CALR type 1 positively influenced the overall survival (OS). The risk of progression to accelerated or blastic disease phase (AP/BP) did not depend on the driver mutation type, but was closely associated with the presence of HMR variants (p = 0.0062). The risk of death (ROD) was higher in patients with HMR variants (OR[95%CI] = 4.33[1.52;12.34], p = 0.0044) and in patients with a platelet count at the TOD between 50-100 G/L (HR[95%CI] = 2.66[1.11;6.35]) and < 50 G/L (HR[95%CI] = 8.44[2.50;28.44]). Median survival time was 7.8, 2.2 and 1.4 years in patients with large unstained cells (LUC) count of [0.0-0.2], (0.2-0.4] and > 0.4 G/L at the TOD, respectively. We found an unexpected, hitherto undescribed, association between LUC count at the TOD and PMF prognosis. Our analysis led to the following conclusions: in PMF patients at the TOD 1) the presence of HMR variants, especially combined, is associated with an increased risk of progression to the AP and BP, and shorter OS, 2) severe thrombocytopenia confers worse prognosis than the moderate one, 3) LUC count is closely related with the disease phase, and associated with the ROD and OS.

HRAS mutation positive multiple myeloma in the type 2 CALR mutation positive essential thrombocythemia: A case report.

Out of BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPNPh- ) patients, 3%-14% display a concomitant monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). In most cases, the diagnosis of plasma cell dyscrasia is either synchronous with that of MPNPh- or occurs later on. We present a 50-year-old patient with type 2 CALR Lys385Asnfs*47 mutation positive essential thrombocythemia (ET) who developed symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) 13 years after the diagnosis of ET during PEG-INF2α treatment. The NGS study performed at the time of the MM diagnosis revealed the HRAS Val14Gly/c.41T〉G mutation and the wild type CALR, JAK2 and MPL gene sequence. In the presented case, the complete molecular remission of ET was achieved after 16 months of PEG-INF2α treatment. The origin of MM cells in MPNPh- patients remains unknown. Published data suggests that type 2 CALRins5 up-regulate the ATF6 chaperone targets in hematopoietic cells and activate the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α-X-box-binding protein 1 pathway of the unfolded protein response (UPR) system to drive malignancy. It cannot be excluded that endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by the increased ATF6 resulted in an abnormal redox homeostasis and proteostasis, which are factors linked to MM. The presented case history and the proposed mechanism of mutant CALR interaction with UPR and/or ATF6 should initiate the discussion about the possible impact of the mutant CALR protein on the function and genomic stability of different types of myeloid cells, including progenitor cells.

JAK2V617F variant allele frequency, non-driver mutations, single-nucleotide variants and polycythemia vera outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Despite comparatively favourable prognosis in polycythemia vera (PV) patients (pts), the overall survival is shorter compared to the age-matched general population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of chosen laboratory and genetic factors on the individual disease outcome, i.e. risk of thrombosis, myelofibrosis/blastic transformation and death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 151 pts and 57 healthy donors (HD). RESULTS: JAK2V617F mutation was found in 96.7% (146/151) of the studied pts. JAK2 exon 12 mutations were identified in 2 individuals. The coexistence of JAK2V617F and JAK2 exon 12 mutation was confirmed in 2 other pts. In one case, neither JAK2V617F nor JAK2 exon 12 mutation was found. The presence of ten different non-driver mutations (ASXL1, SRSF2, U2AF1, IDH2) in eight of the analyzed pts (5.3%) was confirmed. The overall frequency of thrombotic events (TE) in the studied PV group was 23.8% (36/151). In patients with TE, median platelet count was lower than in pts without TE. Thrombotic risk did not depend on JAK2 rs12343867, TERT rs2736100, OBFC1 rs9420907 SNV, however, we found a novel strong tendency towards statistical significance between the CC genotype miR-146a rs2431697 and thrombosis. The disease progression to fibrotic phase was confirmed in 9% of the pts. Fibrotic transformation in PV pts was affected mainly by JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) and the presence of coexisting non-driver variants. The high JAK2V617F VAF and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count at the time of diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: Therefore, in our opinion, complex, laboratory and genetic PV pts evaluation at the time of diagnosis should be incorporated into a new prognostic scoring system to more precisely define the PV prognosis and to optimize the therapeutic decision-making process.

Clinical outcomes of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia: an over 20-year single-center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Therapy­related acute myeloid leukemia (t­AML), a life­threatening complication of cytotoxic therapy, represents an emerging challenge of modern oncology. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with t­AML, taking into consideration genetic changes and treatment intensity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all consecutive AML patients from a single hematology center (hospitalized between 2000 and 2021). The diagnosis of t­AML was established according to the 2016 World Health Organization criteria. Overall survival (OS) and progression­free survival (PFS) were used to evaluate treatment outcomes. Retrospective identification of 17p13 deletion and TP53 mutation was conducted. RESULTS: Among 743 patients with AML, 60 (8.1%) were diagnosed with t­AML (63.4% had previous solid tumors). A complex karyotype (CK) and 17p13 deletion were detected in 26.8% and 26.7% of the t­AML cases, respectively, while FLT3­ITD and TP53 mutations occurred in 15.4% and 12.5% of the patients with t­AML, respectively. Median OS and PFS were 13 and 8 months, respectively. The survival outcomes were superior in the patients who underwent an allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) than in those treated with intensive chemotherapy alone (median OS, 47 vs 7 months, respectively; P = 0.01). Patients with therapy­related acute promyelocytic leukemia did not reach the median OS, and worse survival was noted in CK than non­CK t­AML (median OS, 6 vs 24 months; P = 0.02). In intensively treated t­AML, the survival was better for the patients younger than 64 years (P = 0.03). In the multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, alloHCT was associated with longer OS (hazard ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.91; P = 0.04). Moreover, we noted a high frequency of treatment­related complications of t­AML. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that prognosis of t­AML varies. Hence, the treatment strategy should include performing alloHCT as soon as possible in the patients with an adverse genetic profile.

Essential thrombocythaemia progression to the fibrotic phase is associated with a decrease in JAK2 and PDL1 levels.

It has been postulated that the changes in the molecular characteristics of the malignant clone(s) and the abnormal activation of JAK-STAT signaling are responsible for myeloproliferative neoplasm progression to more advanced disease phases and the immune escape of the malignant clone. The continuous JAK-STAT pathway activation leads to enhanced activity of the promoter of CD274 coding programmed death-1 receptor ligand (PD-L1), increased PD-L1 level, and the immune escape of MPN cells. The aim of study was to evaluate the PDL1 mRNA and JAK2 mRNA level in molecularly defined essential thrombocythaemia (ET) patients (pts) during disease progression to post-ET- myelofibrosis (post-ET-MF). The study group consisted of 162 ET pts, including 30 pts diagnosed with post-ET-MF. The JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL mutations were found in 59.3%, 19.1%, and 1.2% of pts, respectively. No copy-number alternations of the JAK2, PDL1, and PDCDL1G2 (PDL2) genes were found. The level of PD-L1 was significantly higher in the JAK2V617F than in the JAK2WT, CALR mutation-positive, and triple-negative pts. The PD-L1 mRNA level was weakly correlated with both the JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF), and with the JAK2V617F allele mRNA level. The total JAK2 level in post-ET-MF pts was lower than in ET pts, despite the lack of differences in the JAK2V617F VAF. In addition, the PD-L1 level was lower in post-ET-MF. A detailed analysis has shown that the decrease in JAK2 and PDL1 mRNA levels depended on the bone marrow fibrosis grade. The PDL1 expression showed no differences in relation to the genotype of the JAK2 haplotypeGGCC_46/1, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, leukocyte, and platelet counts. The observed drop of the total JAK2 and PDL1 levels during the ET progression to the post-ET-MF may reflect the changes in the JAK2V617F positive clone proliferative potential and the PD-L1 level-related immunosuppressive effect. The above-mentioned hypothesis is supported by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, confirming a strong positive association between CD274 (encoding PD-L1), CXCR3 (encoding CXCR3), and CSF1 (encoding M-CSF) expression levels, and recently published results documenting a drop in the CXCR3 level and circulating M-CSF in patients with post-ET-MF.

Mutations in the miR-142 gene are not common in myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Recent data indicate that MIR142 is the most frequently mutated miRNA gene and one of the most frequently mutated noncoding elements in all cancers, with mutations occurring predominantly in blood cancers, especially diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma. Functional analyses show that the MIR142 alterations have profound consequences for lympho- and myelopoiesis. Furthermore, one of the targets downregulated by miR-142-5p is CD274, which encodes PD-L1 that is elevated in many cancer types, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). To extend knowledge about the occurrence of MIR142 mutations, we sequenced the gene in a large panel of MPNs [~ 700 samples, including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis (PMF), and chronic myeloid leukemia], neoplasm types in which such mutations have never been tested, and in panels of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We identified 3 mutations (one in a PMF sample and two others in one CLL sample), indicating that MIR142 mutations are rare in MPNs. In summary, mutations in MIR142 are rare in MPNs; however, in specific subtypes, such as PMF, their frequency may be comparable to that observed in CLL or AML.

Rapid progression of myelofibrosis in polycythemia vera patient carrying SRSF2 c.284C>A p.(Pro95His) and unique ASXL1 splice site c.1720-2A>G variant.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis in polycythemia vera (PV) is comparatively favorable, but individual myelofibrosis/leukemic progression risk is heterogeneous. About a quarter of patients progress to the fibrotic phase after 20 years. METHODS: Multiplex PCR, allele-specific qPCR, high-resolution melt analysis, and Sanger sequencing were used to detect BCR-ABL, JAK2, ASXL1, SRSF2, U2AF1, and IDH1/2 variants. RESULTS: Herein, we present a PV patient with rapid progression to secondary myelofibrosis probably due to the coexistence of homozygous JAK2 V617F mutation, SRSF2 c.284C>A p.(Pro95His) and splice site variant of ASXL1 c.1720-2A>G. The detected ASXL1 variant was first described in Bohring-Opitz syndrome and has not been reported in hematological malignancies so far. In the presented case, the ASXL1 VAF was stable (50%) during the 4-year follow-up, despite an evident increase in the JAK2 V617F VAF. Family history revealed cerebral palsy in the patient's grandson; however, germline character of the ASXL1 variant was excluded. CONCLUSION: The biological consequences of the variant acquisition by hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) seem to be similar to other mutations of ASXL1 responsible for the truncation of ASXL1 protein, formation of hyperactive ASXL1-BAP1 (BRCA1-associated protein-1) complexes, and finally, the promotion of aberrant myeloid differentiation of HSC. Our report supports the hypothesis that ASXL1 alteration cooperates with JAK2 V617F leading to biased lineage skewing, favoring erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation, accelerating the progression of PV to the fibrotic phase.

Real-World Efficacy of Midostaurin in Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis.

In April 2017 midostaurin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with aggressive systemic mastocytosis (ASM). So far, very limited real world data on its efficacy is available. Thirteen patients aged from 48 to 79 years, who received midostaurin in the early access program, were included in the study. Midostaurin was used both in first (n = 5) and subsequent lines of treatment (n = 8). The median duration of exposure was 9 months. Most patients (77%, n = 10) had a clinical improvement already as soon as the second month of therapy. Objective response was noted in 4 (50%) of eight evaluated patients. Among responders, we observed a decrease in serum tryptase level (median 74.14%) and bone marrow infiltration by mast cells (median 50%) in the sixth month of treatment. In one case, in the 10th month of treatment, allogenic stem cell transplantation was performed, achieving complete remission. Five patients died, three due to progression of disease, one in the course of secondary acute myeloid leukemia and one due to reasons not related to mastocytosis. Treatment is ongoing in seven patients. We found that midostaurin therapy is beneficial to patients with ASM.

New genetic variants of TET2 and ASXL1 identified by next generation sequencing and pyrosequencing in a patient with MDS-RS-MLD and secondary acute myeloid leukemia.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms characterized by the presence of cytopenias, ineffective hematopoiesis and frequent transformation into secondary acute myeloid leukemia (secAML). Recent genomic studies provide unprecedented insight into the molecular landscape of clonal proliferation in MDS. Genetic diversity of both MDS and secAML subclones cannot be defined by a single somatic mutation. Mutations of the founding clone may survive over implemented chemotherapy and allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), but new subclonal mutations may also appear. Next generation sequencing (NGS) makes it possible to define the mutational profile of disease subclones during the treatment course and has a potential in pre- and post-alloHCT monitoring. Understanding the molecular pathophysiology of MDS may soon allow for monitoring the course of disease and personalized treatment depending on the mutational landscape. In the present paper we report, for the first time in MDS, ASXL1 c.1945G>T, TET2 c.4044+2dupT and c.4076G>T sequence variants. Moreover, we detected RUNX1 c.509-2A>C and SF3B1 c.1874G>T sequence variants. Furthermore, we verify the clinical utility of NGS and pyrosequencing in MDS and secAML.

A comparison of qPCR and ddPCR used for quantification of the JAK2 V617F allele burden in Ph negative MPNs.

Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a diverse group of diseases whose common feature is the presence of V617F mutation of the JAK2 gene. In the era of novel therapeutic strategies in MPNs, such as JAK-inhibitor therapy, there is a growing need for establishing high sensitive quantitative methods, which can be useful not only at diagnosis but also for monitoring therapeutic outcomes, such as minimal residual disease (MRD). In this study, we compared the qPCR and ddPCR methods and their clinical utility for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment monitoring of MPNs with JAK2 V617F mutation in 63 MPN patients of which 6 were subjected to ruxolitinib treatment. We show a high conformance between the two methods (correlation coefficient r = 0.998 (p < 0.0001)). Our experiments revealed high analytical sensitivity for both tests, suggesting that they are capable of detecting the JAK2 V617F mutation at diagnosis of MPN with a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.12% for qPCR and 0.01% for ddPCR. The alterations of JAK2 V617F allele burden in patients treated with ruxolitinib were measured by both methods with equal accuracy. The results suggest an advantage of ddPCR in monitoring MRD because of allele burdens below the LoD of qPCR. Overall, the clinical utility of qPCR and ddPCR is very high, and both methods could be recommended for the routine detection of the V617F mutation at diagnosis, though ddPCR will probably supersede qPCR in the future due to cost-effectiveness.

Evaluation of thromboelastometry parameters as predictive markers for sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute leukaemia.

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (previously named veno-occlusive disease, SOS/VOD) is a serious complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Early identification of patients at risk of SOS/VOD may possibly improve the outcome and reduce mortality. Rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is global assay allowing for the precise assessment of both bleeding and thrombotic conditions, however, its usefulness in patients undergoing HSCT for acute leukaemia has not been studied. We evaluated the thromboelastometry parameters in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT for acute leukaemia to identify candidate biomarkers of SOS/VOD occurrence. ROTEM assays (INTEM, EXTEM, FIBTEM, APTEM) were performed on day -10, on the day of stem cell infusion (day 0) and on days +12 and +28 post-HSCT. The diagnosis of SOS/VOD was based on the Baltimore criteria. Seven patients (26%) developed SOS/VOD. On day +12, the patients with SOS/VOD had statistically significant longer INTEM-CT (clotting time, 199 ± 33.41vs166 ± 23.65s, p = 0.0033), EXTEM-CT (69.5 ± 6.39vs.52 ± 3.42s, p = 0.0139) and FIBTEM-CT (69.5 ± 22.75vs. 50.8 ± 14.31s, p = 0.0124) compared to SOS/VOD (-). ROC curve on day +12 indicated a cut-off value of 179s in INTEM-CT (AUC = 0.91), 69s in EXTEM-CT (AUC = 0.90) and 102s in FIBTEM-CT (AUC = 0.82) for the prediction of SOS/VOD. This is the first study evaluating the usefulness of ROTEM assays in the early detection of haemostasis abnormalities predictive of SOS/VOD development in patients undergoing HSCT for acute leukemia. Patients with SOS/VOD had a significant delay in the initiation of thrombin formation in the analysed ROTEM assays. The utility of ROTEM assays in the optimal management of patients undergoing HSCT should be clarified in further prospective studies.

Study of ABCB1 polymorphism frequency in breast cancer patients from Poland.

BACKGROUND: The accumulation of mutagenic substances in the human body may result in DNA metabolism disruption followed by carcinogenesis. As a consequence of mutations in the genes coding for transmembrane protein pumps, the intracellular concentration of xenobiotics may significantly increase. This, in turn, may provoke altered risk for cancer development. The gene known to be the most relevant in the transport of numerous compounds is ABCB1 (also known as MDR1). Numerous mutations and polymorphisms that affect the encoded protein's (PgP) function were identified in this gene. The aim of the study was to define the frequency of 2677G>A,T and 3435C>T polymorphisms in a population of Polish breast cancer patients and to estimate their contribution to cancer development. METHODS: The polymorphism frequency analysis (209 patients vs. 202 control subjects) was performed either by allele-specific amplification (2677G>A,T) or by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the SAU3AI restriction enzyme (3435C>T) followed by verification with hybridization probe assays in a Real-Time system and sequencing. RESULTS: In the control group the frequency of individual 2677 genotypes was: wild homozygous GG = 34%, heterozygous G/T or G/A = 52.5% and variant homozygous AA or TT = 13.5%, while the genotype frequency in the group of studied patients was 43.5, 44.5 and 12%, respectively. In the control group, the frequency of individual 3435 genotypes was: CC = 25.4%, CT = 50.2%, TT = 24.4%, while the genotype frequency in the group of studied patients was 23, 46 and 31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Thus, no significant differences in the studied polymorphism frequencies were observed. It is then suggested that the studied polymorphisms, although probably good candidates in other tissue cancer types, might not be good predictive factors in breast cancer risk or development in Caucasians.