Trends in Volumes and Survival After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Racial/Ethnic Minorities.

There has been an increase in volume as well as improvement in overall survival (OS) after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematologic disorders. It is unknown if these changes have impacted racial/ethnic minorities equally. In this observational study from Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research of 79,904 autologous (auto) and 65,662 allogeneic (allo) HCTs, we examined the volume and rates of change of auto HCT and allo HCT over time and trends in OS in 4 racial/ethnic groups: Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), Non-Hispanic African Americans (NHAAs), Hispanics across five 2-year cohorts from 2009 to 2018. Rates of change were compared using Poisson model. Adjusted and unadjusted Cox proportional hazards models examined trends in mortality in the 4 racial/ethnic groups over 5 study time periods. The rates of increase in volume were significantly higher for Hispanics and NHAAs vs. NHW for both autoHCT and alloHCT. Adjusted overall mortality after autoHCT was comparable across all racial/ethnic groups. NHAA adults (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.22; p=0.004) and pediatric patients (HR 1.62; 95% CI 1.3-2.03; p<0.001 had a higher risk of mortality after alloHCT compared to NHWs. Improvement in OS over time was seen in all 4 groups after both autoHCT and alloHCT.Our study shows the rate of change for the use of autoHCT and alloHCT is higher in NHAAs and Hispanics compared to NHWs. Survival after autoHCT and alloHCT improved over time, however NHAAs have worse OS after alloHCT which has persisted. Continued efforts are needed to mitigate disparities for patients requiring alloHCT.

A simple prognostic system in patients with myelofibrosis undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a CIBMTR/EBMT analysis.

To develop a prognostic model for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for myelofibrosis (MF), we examined the data of 623 patients undergoing allo-HCT between 2000 and 2016 in the United States (the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research [CIBMTR] cohort). A Cox multivariable model was used to identify factors prognostic of mortality. A weighted score using these factors was assigned to patients who received transplantation in Europe (the European Bone Marrow Transplant [EBMT] cohort; n = 623). Patient age >50 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.96), and HLA-matched unrelated donor (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.98-1.7) were associated with an increased hazard of death and were assigned 1 point. Hemoglobin levels <100 g/L at time of transplantation (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.2-2.19) and a mismatched unrelated donor (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.25-2.52) were assigned 2 points. The 3-year overall survival (OS) in patients with a low (1-2 points), intermediate (3-4 points), and high score (5 points) were 69% (95% CI, 61-76), 51% (95% CI, 46-56.4), and 34% (95% CI, 21-49), respectively (P < .001). Increasing score was predictive of increased transplant-related mortality (TRM; P = .0017) but not of relapse (P = .12). The derived score was predictive of OS (P < .001) and TRM (P = .002) but not of relapse (P = .17) in the EBMT cohort as well. The proposed system was prognostic of survival in 2 large cohorts, CIBMTR and EBMT, and can easily be applied by clinicians consulting patients with MF about the transplantation outcomes.

How do we improve the translation of new evidence into the practice of hematopoietic cell transplantation and cellular therapy?

The field of hematopoietic cell transplantation and cell therapy (HCT/CT) is advancing rapidly to bring an ever-expanding collection of potentially curative therapies to patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. The impact of these therapies depends on our ability to implement them as new evidence becomes available to advance the quality of care. There is often a long delay between evidence development and adoption of therapies based on that evidence into clinical practice. In this review, we describe the potential factors based on an implementation framework that could act as facilitators or barriers to adoption of therapies in the context of HCT/CT. We highlight two examples, the first to showcase the efforts to improve the efficiency of adoption of new findings and accelerate improvement in care of HCT/CT patients and the second to discuss the challenges in real world implementation of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy. We conclude by reviewing strategies to improve translation of evidence and ways to measure their success.

Prophylactic Pretransplant Ganciclovir to Reduce Cytomegalovirus Infection After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation remains a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) occurring in approximately 60-70% of CMV-seropositive HCT recipients. CMV reactivation leads to adverse outcomes including end-organ damage, graft-versus-host disease, and graft failure. METHODS: Ganciclovir was administered pretransplant at 5 mg/kg twice daily intravenously from the start of conditioning to Day T-2 to CMV-seropositive patients receiving their first allogeneic HCT. CMV DNA was monitored weekly until at least Day 100 posttransplant. RESULTS: A total of 109 consecutive patients were treated, median age 57 (range 20-73) years. Of these, 36 (33%) patients had a CMV reactivation within the first 105 days posttransplant with a median time of reactivation of 52.5 (range 36-104) days posttransplant. The cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation at Day 105 posttransplant was 33.1% (95% confidence interval: 24.4-42.0). One patient developed CMV disease. CONCLUSION: The use of pretransplant ganciclovir was associated with low incidence of CMV reactivation and disease. These data suggest that pretransplant ganciclovir with preemptive therapy for viral reactivation may be a useful strategy to reduce CMV reactivation. Future prospective trials are needed to compare strategies for CMV prophylaxis.

Minimal Change Disease Secondary to Graft-versus-Host Disease after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a leading cause of non-relapse mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. While the current standard of care is proactive in detecting cGVHD in the lungs, liver, and skin, cGVHD involving kidneys is an underrecognized and likely underdiagnosed cause of post-HCT renal dysfunction. Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a very rare complication of HCT that is postulated to be a glomerular manifestation of cGVHD. Herein, we report 2 cases of post-HCT minimal change disease likely secondary to cGVHD. In both cases, the onset of NS coincided with tapering of calcineurin inhibitors, and 1 patient had previously been diagnosed with cGVHD of the lungs. One patient was treated with corticosteroids alone and the other with a corticosteroids and tacrolimus. Complete, sustained remission was achieved in both cases. Our cases illustrate the implications of the association between cGVHD and post-HCT NS for patient care, including the importance of obtaining a renal biopsy to establish an accurate histopathological diagnosis and guide-appropriate treatment.

Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Study 1102 heralds a new era in hematopoietic cell transplantation in high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: Challenges and opportunities in implementation.

LAY SUMMARY: People who have advanced myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) may live longer if they get a bone marrow transplant (BMT) instead of other therapies. However, only 15% of people with MDS actually get BMT. Experts say community physicians and transplant physicians should team up with insurance companies and patient advocacy groups to 1) spread this news about lifesaving advances in BMT, 2) ensure that everyone can afford health care, 3) provide emotional support for patients and families, 4) help patients and families get transportation and housing if they need to travel for transplant, and 5) improve care for people of under-represented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Successful treatment of metastatic pancreatoblastoma in an adult with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatoblastoma is a rare pediatric malignant neoplasm characterized by its histological resemblance to fetal pancreatic tissue and poor clinical outcomes. Preoperative diagnosis of the neoplasm is difficult due to its rarity, variable clinical presentation, and its lack of distinct laboratory markers. Current mainstay of treatment is surgical resection of the tumor, although a standard of care has not yet been established. METHODS: Data were collected on one patient admitted to the University of Virginia Hospital System. Radiology, hematopoietic cell transplant, and biopsy data were collected according to the best clinical practice. RESULTS: Herein, we describe the case of an adult patient with pancreatoblastoma treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplantation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented successful treatment of pancreatoblastoma using autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in the United States, and the first successful treatment in an adult patient worldwide. CONCLUSIONS: While it is difficult to draw conclusions based on a single case, we would like to highlight the success of this treatment modality in the management of our patient with a 51-month remission and open further discussion into exploring the use of autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation for pancreatoblastoma. Our patient is currently living 57 months after diagnosis despite the average survival rate being less than 18 months.

Comparison of outcomes of HCT in blast phase of BCR-ABL1- MPN with de novo AML and with AML following MDS.

Comparative outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for BCR-ABL1- myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) in blast phase (MPN-BP) vs de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and AML with prior myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs; post-MDS AML), are unknown. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) database, we compared HCT outcomes in 177 MPN-BP patients with 4749 patients with de novo AML, and 1104 patients with post-MDS AML, using multivariate regression analysis in 2 separate comparisons. In a multivariate Cox model, no difference in overall survival (OS) or relapse was observed in patients with MPN-BP vs de novo AML with active leukemia at HCT. Patients with MPN-BP in remission had inferior OS in comparison with de novo AML in remission (hazard ratio [HR], 1.40 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.76]) due to higher relapse rate (HR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.69-2.80]). MPN-BP patients had inferior OS (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.00-1.43]) and increased relapse (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.31-1.96]) compared with post-MDS AML. Poor-risk cytogenetics were associated with increased relapse in both comparisons. Peripheral blood grafts were associated with decreased relapse in MPN-BP and post-MDS AML (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.57-0.86]). Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was similar between MPN-BP vs de novo AML, and MPN-BP vs post-MDS AML. Total-body irradiation-based myeloablative conditioning was associated with higher NRM in both comparisons. Survival of MPN-BP after HCT is inferior to de novo AML in remission and post-MDS AML due to increased relapse. Relapse-prevention strategies are required to optimize HCT outcomes in MPN-BP.

Umbilical cord blood: The promise and the uncertainty.

Unfortunately, many patients referred for hematopoietic cell transplant will not have a fully matched related donor, and finding matched unrelated donors through the registry may be difficult, especially if the recipient is not of Northern European descent [N Engl J Med 2014;371:339-348]. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been an available graft source for hematopoietic cell transplant for more than 30 years, since the first UCB transplant was performed in the late 1980s [N Engl J Med 1989;321:1174-1178]. UCB is readily available, has low immunogenicity, and does not require as strict of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching compared to other graft sources [N Engl J Med 2004;351:2265-2275]. According to data from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), an estimated 500 patients in the US will have received a UCB transplant in 2018. Since 2014, haploidentical transplants have surpassed UCB transplants performed in the United States (CIBMTR Summary Slides, 2018, available at https://www.cibmtr.org). Increased use of haploidentical transplants has brought to light concerns about UCB transplants, including delayed engraftment and graft failure, increased nonrelapse mortality, increased infection risk, and UCB acquisition costs [Lancet Oncol 2010;11:653-660; Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019;1456-1464]. These concerns will need to be addressed for UCB to remain a viable option as a graft source for hematopoietic cell transplant. Other promising therapeutic benefits for UCB, in addition to hematopoietic cell transplant, is its use in regenerative medicine and immune modulation, which is currently being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials.

Timing of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients.

While TKI are the preferred first-line treatment for chronic phase (CP) CML, alloHCT remains an important consideration. The aim is to estimate residual life expectancy (RLE) for patients initially diagnosed with CP CML based on timing of alloHCT or continuation of TKI in various settings: CP1 CML, CP2 + [after transformation to accelerated phase (AP) or blast phase (BP)], AP, or BP. Non-transplant cohort included single-institution patients initiating TKI and switched TKI due to failure. CIBMTR transplant cohort included CML patients who underwent HLA sibling matched (MRD) or unrelated donor (MUD) alloHCT. AlloHCT appeared to shorten survival in CP1 CML with overall mortality hazard ratio (HR) for alloHCT of 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-4.9; p = .02). In BP CML, there was a trend toward higher survival with alloHCT; HR = 0.7 (0.5-1.1; p = .099). AlloHCT in CP2 + [HR = 2.0 (0.8-4.9), p = .13] and AP [HR = 1.1 (0.6-2.1); p = .80] is less clear and should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Survival following allogeneic transplant in patients with myelofibrosis.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the only curative therapy for myelofibrosis (MF). In this large multicenter retrospective study, overall survival (OS) in MF patients treated with allogeneic HCT (551 patients) and without HCT (non-HCT) (1377 patients) was analyzed with Cox proportional hazards model. Survival analysis stratified by the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) revealed that the first year of treatment arm assignment, due to upfront risk of transplant-related mortality (TRM), HCT was associated with inferior OS compared with non-HCT (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS intermediate 1 [Int-1]: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, P < .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 0.39, P < .0001). Similarly, in the DIPSS low-risk MF group, due to upfront TRM risk, OS was superior with non-HCT therapies compared with HCT in the first-year post treatment arm assignment (HR, 0.16, P = .006). However, after 1 year, OS was not significantly different (HR, 1.38, P = .451). Beyond 1 year of treatment arm assignment, an OS advantage with HCT therapy in Int-1 and higher DIPSS score patients was observed (non-HCT vs HCT: DIPSS-Int-1: HR, 2.64, P < .0001; DIPSS-Int-2 and higher: HR, 2.55, P < .0001). In conclusion, long-term OS advantage with HCT was observed for patients with Int-1 or higher risk MF, but at the cost of early TRM. The magnitude of OS benefit with HCT increased as DIPSS risk score increased and became apparent with longer follow-up.

Generalization of the time-to-event continual reassessment method to bivariate outcomes.

This article considers the problem of designing Phase I-II clinical trials with delayed toxicity and efficacy outcomes. The proposed design is motivated by a Phase I-II study evaluating all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in combination with a fixed dose of daratumumab in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The primary objective of the study is to identify a dose that maximizes efficacy and has an acceptable level of toxicity. The toxicity endpoint is observed in one cycle of therapy (i.e., 4 weeks) while the efficacy endpoint is assessed after 8 weeks of treatment. The difference in endpoint observation windows causes logistical challenges in conducting the trial, since it is not practical to wait until both outcomes for each patient have been fully observed before sequentially assigning the dose of a newly eligible patient. In order to avoid delays in treatment for newly enrolled patients and to accelerate trial progress, we generalize the time-to-event continual reassessment method (TITE-CRM) to bivariate outcomes. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the proposed method, and we found that the proposed design is able to accurately select doses that maximize efficacy and have acceptable toxicity, while using all available information in allocating patients at the time of dose assignment. We compare the proposed methodology to two existing methods in the area.

Prognostic Score and Cytogenetic Risk Classification for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients: Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Report.

PURPOSE: To develop a prognostic model and cytogenetic risk classification for previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) undergoing reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes of 606 patients with CLL who underwent RIC allogeneic HCT between 2008 and 2014 reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. RESULTS: On the basis of multivariable models, disease status, comorbidity index, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell count at HCT were selected for the development of prognostic model. Using the prognostic score, we stratified patients into low-, intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk [4-year progression-free survival (PFS) 58%, 42%, 33%, and 25%, respectively, P < 0.0001; 4-year overall survival (OS) 70%, 57%, 54%, and 38%, respectively, P < 0.0001]. We also evaluated karyotypic abnormalities together with del(17p) and found that del(17p) or ≥5 abnormalities showed inferior PFS. Using a multivariable model, we classified cytogenetic risk into low, intermediate, and high (P < 0.0001). When the prognostic score and cytogenetic risk were combined, patients with low prognostic score and low cytogenetic risk had prolonged PFS (61% at 4 years) and OS (75% at 4 years). CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of patients with previously treated CLL who underwent RIC HCT, we developed a robust prognostic scoring system of HCT outcomes and a novel cytogenetic-based risk stratification system. These prognostic models can be used for counseling patients, comparing data across studies, and providing a benchmark for future interventions. For future study, we will further validate these models for patients receiving targeted therapies prior to HCT.

Health related quality of life for multiple myeloma patients according to treatment strategy after autologous stem cell transplant: a cross-sectional study using EORTC, EQ-5D and MY-20 scales.

Maintenance (MT) may be prescribed after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) but there are often concerns about the impact on quality of life (QoL). QoL was compared between baseline patients (30-100 days post-ASCT and had not commenced MT); MT patients (>100 days post-ASCT and receiving MT), and no MT (>100 days post-ASCT and not receiving MT). Patients completed the EuroQoL five dimension (EQ-5D), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and the QoL Questionnaire Myeloma 20 module (QLQ-MY20). Differences between groups were explored with ordinary least squares regressions. Across US and Canada, 303 patients participated. Regression analyses found few differences between MT and no MT. Only diarrhea (EORTC-QLQ C30) and future perspectives (MY-20) domains differentiated; patients on MT scored worse for diarrhea (+9.43; p = .0358) and future perspectives (-11.39; p = .0196). Collectively, the results suggest that MT is not associated with a notable QoL detriment.

Characteristics of Late Fatal Infections after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

We analyzed late fatal infections (LFIs) in allogeneic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipients reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. We analyzed the incidence, infection types, and risk factors contributing to LFI in 10,336 adult and 5088 pediatric subjects surviving for ≥2 years after first HCT without relapse. Among 2245 adult and 377 pediatric patients who died, infections were a primary or contributory cause of death in 687 (31%) and 110 (29%), respectively. At 12 years post-HCT, the cumulative incidence of LFIs was 6.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.8% to 7.0%) in adults, compared with 1.8% (95% CI, 1.4% to 2.3%) in pediatric subjects; P < .001). In adults, the 2 most significant risks for developing LFI were increasing age (20 to 39, 40 to 54, and ≥55 years versus 18 to 19 years) with hazard ratios (HRs) of 3.12 (95% CI, 1.33 to 7.32), 3.86 (95% CI, 1.66 to 8.95), and 5.49 (95% CI, 2.32 to 12.99) and a history of chronic graft-versus-host disease GVHD (cGVHD) with ongoing immunosuppression at 2 years post-HCT compared with no history of GVHD with (HR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.59 to 5.78). In pediatric subjects, the 3 most significant risks for developing LFI were a history of cGVHD with ongoing immunosuppression (HR, 9.49; 95% CI, 4.39 to 20.51) or without ongoing immunosuppression (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.05 to 7.43) at 2 years post-HCT compared with no history of GVHD, diagnosis of inherited abnormalities of erythrocyte function compared with diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.19 to 4.42), and age >10 years (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.15 to 3.2). This study emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance for late infections after HCT and institution of support strategies aimed at decreasing the risk of cGVHD.

Revised International Staging System Is Predictive and Prognostic for Early Relapse (<24 months) after Autologous Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma.

The revised International Staging System (R-ISS) combines ISS with genetic markers and lactate dehydrogenase and can prognosticate newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). Early relapse (<24 months) after upfront autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) strongly predicts inferior overall survival (OS). We examined the ability of R-ISS in predicting early relapse and its independent prognostic effect on postrelapse survival after an early relapse. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database we identified MM patients receiving first AHCT within 18 months after diagnosis with available R-ISS stage at diagnosis (n = 628). Relative risks of relapse/progression, progression-free survival (PFS), and OS were calculated with the R-ISS group as a predictor in multivariate analysis. Among early relapsers, postrelapse survival was tested to identify factors affecting postrelapse OS. The cumulative incidence of early relapse was 23%, 39%, and 50% for R-ISS I, R-ISS II, and R-ISS III, respectively (P < .001). Shorter PFS and OS were seen with higher stage R-ISS. R-ISS was independently predictive for inferior postrelapse OS among early relapsers, as was the presence of ≥3 comorbidities and the use of ≥2 induction chemotherapy lines. R-ISS stage at diagnosis predicts early post-AHCT relapse and independently affects postrelapse survival among early relapsers.

Staging Systems for Newly Diagnosed Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The Revised International Staging System Shows the Most Differentiation between Groups.

The Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) and the International Myeloma Working Group 2014 (IMWG 2014) are newer staging systems used to prognosticate multiple myeloma (MM) outcomes. We hypothesized that these would provide better prognostic differentiation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) compared with ISS. We analyzed the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database from 2008 to 2014 to compare the 3 systems (N = 628) among newly diagnosed MM patients undergoing upfront autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT). The median follow-up of survivors was 48 (range, 3 to 99) months. The R-ISS provided the greatest differentiation between survival curves for each stage (for overall survival [OS], the differentiation was 1.74 using the R-ISS, 1.58 using ISS, and 1.60 using the IMWG 2014) . Univariate analyses at 3 years for OS showed R-ISS I at 88% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83% to 93%), II at 75% (95% CI, 70% to 80%), and III at 56% (95% CI, 3% to 69%; P < .001). An integrated Brier score function demonstrated the R-ISS had the best prediction for PFS, though all systems had similar prediction for OS. Among available systems, the R-ISS is the most optimal among available prognostic tools for newly diagnosed MM undergoing AHCT. We recommend that serum lactate dehydrogenase and cytogenetic data be performed on every MM patient at diagnosis to allow accurate prognostication.

Risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome after autotransplants for lymphomas and plasma cell myeloma.

BACKGROUND: Exposures to DNA-damaging drugs and ionizing radiations increase risks of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). METHODS: 9028 recipients of hematopoietic cell autotransplants (1995-2010) for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL; n = 916), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; n = 3546) and plasma cell myeloma (PCM; n = 4566), reported to the CIBMTR, were analyzed for risk of subsequent AML or MDS. RESULTS: 335 MDS/AML cases were diagnosed posttransplant (3.7%). Variables associated with an increased risk for AML or MDS in multivariate analyses were: (1) conditioning with total body radiation versus chemotherapy alone for HL (HR = 4.0; 95% confidence interval [1.4, 11.6]) and NHL (HR = 2.5 [1.1, 2.5]); (2) ≥3 versus 1 line of chemotherapy for NHL (HR = 1.9 [1.3, 2.8]); and (3) subjects with NHL transplanted in 2005-2010 versus 1995-1999 (HR = 2.1 [1.5, 3.1]). Using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data, we found risks for AML/MDS in HL, NHL and PCM to be 5-10 times the background rate. In contrast, relative risks were 10-50 for AML and approximately 100 for MDS in the autotransplant cohort. CONCLUSIONS: There are substantial risks of AML and MDS after autotransplants for HL, NHL and PCM.

Country-Level Macroeconomic Indicators Predict Early Post-Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survival in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A CIBMTR Analysis.

For patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) offers a potential cure. Life-threatening complications can arise from alloHCT that require the application of sophisticated health care delivery. The impact of country-level economic conditions on post-transplantation outcomes is not known. Our objective was to assess whether these variables were associated with outcomes for patients transplanted for ALL. Using data from the Center for Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, we included 11,261 patients who received a first alloHCT for ALL from 303 centers across 38 countries between the years of 2005 and 2013. Cox regression models were constructed using the following macroeconomic indicators as main effects: Gross national income per capita, health expenditure per capita, and Human Development Index (HDI). The outcome was overall survival at 100 days following transplantation. In each model, transplants performed within lower resourced environments were associated with inferior overall survival. In the model with the HDI as the main effect, transplants performed in the lowest HDI quartile (n = 697) were associated with increased hazard for mortality (hazard ratio, 2.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.64 to 3.57; P < .001) in comparison with transplants performed in the countries with the highest HDI quartile. This translated into an 11% survival difference at 100 days (77% for lowest HDI quartile versus 88% for all other quartiles). Country-level macroeconomic indices were associated with lower survival at 100 days after alloHCT for ALL. The reasons for this disparity require further investigation.