Thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 decreases acute graft-versus-host disease through activating GPR15.

G-protein coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) is expressed on T-cells. We previously reported knockout of GPR15 increased acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in mice. In this study, we identified thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAP-6, peptide sequence: SFLLRN) as an activator of GPR15. GRP15 and ß-arrestin2 were needed for TRAP-6-mediated inhibition of mixed lymphocyte reactions. TRAP-6 decreased acute GvHD in allotransplant models in mice, an effect dependent on GPR15-expression in donor T-cells. RNA-seq and protein analyses indicated TRAP-6 increased binding of ß-arrestin2/TAB1 and inhibited phosphorylation of TAK1 and NF-κB-P65. GPR15 is expressed differently on CD4+ T-cells and CD8+ T-cells. TRAP-6 inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB-P65 in CD4+ T-cells but increased granzyme B expression in CD8+ T-cells. TRAP-6 decreased acute GvHD without inhibiting graft-versus-tumor (GvT) efficacy against A20 lymphoma cells. SALLRN, a mutant of TRAP-6, preserved the anti-acute GvHD effect but avoided the adverse effects of TRAP-6. TRAP-6 and SALLRN also decreased allogeneic and xenogeneic reactions induced by human blood mononuclear cells. In conclusion, TRAP-6 activated GPR15 on T-cells and decreased acute GvHD in mice without impairing GvT efficacy.

A phase 1/2 study of NS-87/CPX-351 (cytarabine and daunorubicin liposome) in Japanese patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia.

OBJECTIVES: NS-87/CPX-351 is a dual-drug liposomal encapsulation of cytarabine and daunorubicin. NS-87/CPX-351 exerts antileukemic action by maintaining a synergistic molar ratio of cytarabine to daunorubicin of 5:1 within the liposome while in circulation. Patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which includes therapy-related AML and AML with myelodysplasia-related changes (AML-MRC), have poorer outcomes than those with other AML. METHODOLOGY: This open-label phase 1/2 (P1/2) study was conducted in 47 Japanese patients aged 60-75 years with newly diagnosed high-risk AML to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of NS-87/CPX-351. RESULTS: In the 6 patients enrolled in the P1 portion, no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported, and 100 units/m2 during the induction cycle was found to be acceptable. Cytarabine and daunorubicin had a long half-life in the terminal phase (32.8 and 28.7 h, respectively). In the 35 patients enrolled in the P2 portion, composite complete remission (CRc; defined as complete remission [CR] or CR with incomplete hematologic recovery [CRi]) was achieved in 60.0% (90% CI: 44.7-74.0) of the patients. Adverse events due to NS-87/CPX-351 were well tolerated. OUTCOMES: NS-87/CPX-351 can be considered as a frontline treatment option for Japanese patients with high-risk AML.

Cancer-associated thrombosis and bleeding.

Development of thrombosis is closely associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. Cancer patients often fulfill Virchow's triad of hyper-coagulable state, vascular endothelial injury, and venous stasis. Cancer cells aberrantly express a variety of procoagulant factors, including tissue factor and podoplanin. Chemotherapeutic agents and radiation cause vascular endothelial injury, and reduced daily activity and bed rest for chemotherapy lead to venous stasis. Due to these factors, cancer patients are at high risk of developing thrombosis. Cancer patients are also at high risk of bleeding when they have disseminated intravascular coagulation and/or chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia as complications. International societies, such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Initiative on Thrombosis and Cancer (ITAC), have published clinical guidelines to help physicians better manage cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). These guidelines recommend use of low molecular weight heparin or direct oral anticoagulants for the prevention of CAT, but unfortunately use of these drugs is not approved in Japan. This gap between Japan and other countries needs to be closed.

Burden of illness in Japanese patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria receiving C5 inhibitors.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired, life-threatening blood disorder characterized by hemolysis and resulting in anemia and fatigue. Current therapies for PNH in Japan rely on complement inhibitors targeting the C5 component of the complement. However, the disease burden of Japanese patients with PNH treated with C5 inhibitors (C5i) remains unclear. To investigate this topic, we conducted a cross-sectional survey study that included 59 Japanese patients with PNH treated with C5i. Although many participants received C5i for 1 year or longer, the mean hemoglobin (Hb) level was 10.2 g/dL. Fatigue and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms at the time of diagnosis and survey. In addition, patients with Hb levels ≥ 10.5 g/dL also reported fatigue, depression and reduced quality of life, albeit to a lesser extent. These results suggest that a substantial burden of illness remains in patients with C5i-treated PNH, likely resulting in low quality of life and effects of symptoms on daily life. This study contributes to understanding the unmet needs of the current therapies for PNH, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics.

Cancer-associated thrombosis in hematologic malignancies.

Patients with hematologic malignancies are often complicated not only by severe bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation but also by thromboembolic events, just like in patients with solid cancers, and these events can negatively impact patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) in hematologic malignancies has not been adequately investigated due to the limited size, heterogeneity, and unique pathophysiology of the patient population. This article summarizes the current understanding, risk factors, prediction models, and optimal prevention and treatment strategies of CAT in hematologic malignancies on a disease-by-disease basis, including acute leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Specific considerations of novel molecular targeted therapeutics introduced in recent years, such as immunomodulatory drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are also discussed based on the latest clinical trials.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin for the treatment of DIC associated with hematological malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhTM) is commonly used in Japan to treat disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), but its efficacy compared with other anticoagulants is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate this issue in DIC patients with hematological malignancies. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for prospective and retrospective studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of rhTM in DIC patients with hematological malignancies between April 2008 and April 2023. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating recovery from DIC, hemorrhagic adverse events (AEs), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: We analyzed one prospective (64 patients) and seven retrospective studies (209 patients). Use of rhTM was associated with a higher rate of recovery from DIC (OR: 2.25 [1.09-4.63] and 1.98 [1.12-3.50] in prospective and retrospective studies, respectively; same order below) and fewer hemorrhagic AEs (OR: 0.83 [0.30-2.30] and 0.21 [0.08-0.57]). rhTM did not improve OS (OR: 1.06 [0.42-2.66] and 1.72 [0.87-3.39]), although the incidence of hemorrhagic death was lower in the rhTM group (0 of 94 patients). CONCLUSION: Use of rhTM in patients with hematological malignancy-associated DIC is strongly expected to be effective and safe.

High Efficacy and Safety of Asciminib in a Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease Following Renal Transplantation.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm driven by the BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been established as standard therapies for CML. However, some CML patients experience TKI intolerance. Asciminib was approved for CML patients either intolerant or refractory to TKI therapy. We herein report a 63-year-old CML patient who underwent renal transplantation and exhibited TKI intolerance. He was switched to asciminib, which achieved a deep molecular response without exacerbation of the renal function. Our experience revealed that asciminib is effective and safe for CML patients complicated with chronic kidney disease.

Continued improvement in disease manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency for adults with up to 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment: open-label extension of the ASCEND trial.

BACKGROUND: Olipudase alfa is a recombinant human acid sphingomyelinase enzyme replacement therapy for non-central-nervous-system manifestations of acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD). The ASCEND randomized placebo-controlled trial in adults with ASMD demonstrated reductions in sphingomyelin storage, organomegaly, interstitial lung disease and impaired diffusion capacity of the lung (DLCO), during the first year of olipudase alfa treatment. In an ongoing open-label extension of the ASCEND trial, individuals in the placebo group crossed over to olipudase alfa, and those in the olipudase alfa group continued treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 36 participants continued in the extension trial, and 33 completed year 2. Change-from-baseline results are presented as least-square mean percent change ± SEM. Improvements in the cross-over group after 1 year of treatment paralleled those of the olipudase alfa group from the primary analysis, while clinical improvement continued for those receiving olipudase alfa for 2 years. In the cross-over group, percent-predicted DLCO increased by 28.0 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 36.0 ± 3.0% and liver volume decreased by 30.7 ± 2.5%. For those with 2 years of olipudase alfa treatment, the percent predicted DLCO increased by 28.5 ± 6.2%, spleen volume decreased by 47.0 ± 2.7%, and liver volume decreased by 33.4 ± 2.2%. Lipid profiles and elevated liver transaminase levels improved or normalized by 1 year and remained stable through 2 years of treatment. Overall, 99% of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild or moderate, with one treatment-related serious adverse event (extrasystoles; previously documented cardiomyopathy). No individual discontinued due to an adverse event. CONCLUSION: Treatment with olipudase alfa is well tolerated and reduces manifestations of chronic ASMD with sustained efficacy. Trial registration NCT02004691 registered 9 December 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02004691.

Subcutaneous epcoritamab monotherapy in Japanese adults with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Epcoritamab is a subcutaneously administered CD3xCD20 bispecific Ab that showed deep, durable responses with a manageable safety profile in patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the global multicenter pivotal phase II trial EPCORE NHL-1. Here, we present results from the similar EPCORE NHL-3 phase I/II trial evaluating epcoritamab monotherapy in Japanese patients with R/R CD20+ B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma previously treated with two or more lines of therapy. Epcoritamab was dosed subcutaneously in 28-day cycles; once weekly during cycles 1-3, every 2 weeks during cycles 4-9, and every 4 weeks from cycle 10 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Step-up dosing and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) prophylaxis were used during treatment cycle 1. As of January 31, 2022, 36 patients received treatment with 48 mg epcoritamab monotherapy. At a median follow-up of 8.4 months, overall response and complete response rates by independent review committee were 55.6% and 44.4%, respectively. The median duration of response, duration of complete response, and overall survival were not reached at the time of data cut-off. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events of any grade were CRS (83.3%), injection-site reactions (69.4%), infections (44.4%), neutropenia (38.9%), hypokalemia (27.8%), and decreased lymphocyte count (25.0%). Cytokine release syndrome occurrence was predictable; events were primarily low grade (grade 1-2), all resolved, and none led to treatment discontinuation. These encouraging results are consistent with previous findings and support the ongoing clinical evaluation of epcoritamab for the treatment of R/R DLBCL, including in earlier treatment lines.

A case of delayed postoperative bleeding after excision of endometrial polyp using resectoscope in an infertile woman with von Willebrand disease:a case report and literature review.

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a bleeding disorder caused by a congenital quantitative reduction, deficiency, or qualitative abnormality of the von Willebrand factor (VWF). Here, we report a case of delayed postoperative bleeding in an infertile woman with endometrial polyps complicated by VWD. The patient was a 39-year-old infertile woman with type 2A VWD. At 38 years of age, she was referred to our hospital for infertility and heavy menstrual bleeding. Hysteroscopy revealed a 15-mm polyp lesion in the uterus. The patient was scheduled for transcervical resection (TCR) of the endometrial polyp. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were preoperatively administered to prevent menstruation. The VWF-containing concentrate was administered for 3 days according to guidelines. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 after confirming the absence of uterine bleeding. Uterine bleeding began on postoperative day 6. The patient was readmitted on postoperative day 7 and treated with VWF-containing concentrate for 5 days, after which hemostasis was confirmed. TCR surgery for endometrial lesions is classified as a minor surgery, and guidelines recommend short-term VWF-containing concentrate replacement. However, it should be kept in mind that only short-term VWF-containing concentrate replacement may cause rebleeding postoperatively.

[Prophylaxis and treatment of hematological malignancy-associated thrombosis].

Hematologic malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia, are associated with thrombocytopenia as well as hyperfibrinolytic disseminated intravascular coagulation, which increases the risk of death due to bleeding. Conversely, thromboembolism is known to complicate certain proportions of patients and lead to a poor prognosis; however, prophylaxis and treatment with anticoagulants received little attention. This article discusses the risk factors for thromboembolism in hematologic malignancies, such as acute leukemia, malignant lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, as well as thromboembolism prevention and treatment. Meta-analyses have revealed that second- and third-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors increase the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, and this article discusses strategies to prevent these events, which are regarded as a major clinical issue.

Impaired Repopulating Ability of Uhrf2-/- Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells in Mice.

UHRF proteins catalyze the ubiquitination of target proteins and are involved in regulating gene expression. Some studies reported a reduced expression of UHRF2 in acute leukemia cells, but the role of UHRF2 in hematopoiesis remains unknown. Here, we generated Uhrf2-/- mice to clarify the role of UHRF2 deletion in hematopoiesis. Compared to Uhrf2+/+ mice, Uhrf2-/- mice showed no differences in complete blood counts, as well as bone marrow (BM) findings and spleen weights. Proportions of cells in progenitor fractions in BM were comparable between Uhrf2+/+ mice and Uhrf2-/- mice. However, in competitive repopulation assays with BM transplants (BMT), the proportions of Uhrf2-/- cells were decreased relative to Uhrf2+/+ cells in all lineages. After the second BMT, Uhrf2-/- neutrophils were few, while 20-30% of Uhrf2-/- T cells and B cells were still detected. RNA sequencing showed downregulation of some genes associated with stem-cell function in Uhrf2-/- hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Interestingly, trimethylated histone H3 lysine 9 was increased in Uhrf2-/- HSPCs in a cleavage under targets and tagmentation assay. While UHRF2 deletion did not cause hematologic malignancy or confer a growth advantage of HSPCs, our results suggest that UHRF2 may play a role in the regulation of hematopoiesis.

Net reclassification index in comparison of prognostic value of disseminated intravascular coagulation diagnostic criteria by Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis: a multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We compared the prognostic value of the Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (JSTH) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) diagnostic criteria with that of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) DIC diagnostic criteria for 28-day in-hospital mortality. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study involving two hematology departments, four emergency departments, and one general medicine department in Japan between August 2017 and July 2021. We assessed three ISTH DIC diagnostic criteria categories using low cutoff levels of D-dimer (low D-dimer), high cutoff levels of D-dimer (high D-dimer), and fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products (FDP) as fibrin-related markers. The main outcome was diagnosis-based category additive net reclassification index (NRI). RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included: 82 with hematopoietic disorders, 86 with infections, and 54 with other diseases. The 28-day in-hospital mortality rate was 14% (n = 31). The DIC rates diagnosed by the JSTH, ISTH-low D-dimer, high D-dimer, and FDP DIC diagnosis were 52.7%, 47.3%, 42.8%, and 27.0%, respectively. The overall category additive NRI by JSTH DIC diagnosis vs. ISTH-low D-dimer, high D-dimer, and FDP DIC diagnosis were - 10 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -28 to 8, p = 0.282), - 7.8 (95% CI: -26 to 10, p = 0.401), and - 11 (95% CI: -26 to 3, p = 0.131), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: JSTH criterion showed the highest sensitivity for DIC diagnosis that did not improve but reflected the same prognostic value for mortality evaluated using ISTH DIC diagnosis criteria. This finding may help clinicians to use JSTH DIC criterion as an early intervention strategy in patients with coagulopathy.

Interim analysis of post-marketing surveillance of ravulizumab for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Japan.

Ravulizumab is a long-acting C5 inhibitor available for treating paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Post-marketing surveillance (PMS) was implemented following its approval in September 2019 in Japan. We report safety data obtained through to December 2021 for 218 patients and effectiveness data for 194 patients (182 switched from eculizumab and 12 complement inhibitor-naïve). Over a median follow-up of 74.4 weeks, 193 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 66/218 patients (30.3%; incidence 72.73/100 patient-years). The two most frequent AEs were anemia and pyrexia (each 3.01/100 patient-years). The incidence of serious AEs was 36.93/100 patient-years. In patients who switched from eculizumab, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were maintained over 26 weeks of ravulizumab treatment. In complement inhibitor-naïve patients, LDH decreased significantly and Hb increased significantly over 26 weeks of ravulizumab treatment. These data for Japanese patients with PNH who were naïve to complement inhibitors and patients who switched from eculizumab show that the safety and effectiveness of ravulizumab are consistent with the published clinical trial data. However, transfusion independence was less likely in patients with bone marrow failure. Further follow-up data from this PMS will help to elucidate the long-term clinical safety and effectiveness of ravulizumab for treating PNH.

A case of cold agglutinin syndrome associated with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia harbouring mutations in CARD11 and KMT2D.

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare cold autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (cAIHA) caused by IgM antibodies recognizing I antigens on erythrocytes. cAIHA is now mainly classified into two types: primary CAD and cold agglutinin syndrome (CAS). CAS develops in association with the underlying disease, which is most commonly malignant lymphoma. Recent studies have identified gene mutations in CARD11 and KMT2D in a high proportion of patients with CAD, which has led to recognition of CAD as an indolent lymphoproliferative disorder. We herein report a case of cAIHA without lymphocytosis or lymphadenopathy in whom bone marrow was infiltrated by a small population of clonal lymphocytes (6.8%) expressing cell surface markers consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Whole-exome sequencing of bone marrow mononuclear cells revealed mutations in the CARD11 and KMT2D genes. This patient also had somatic hypermutation with overrepresentation of IGHV4-34, which is prevalent in CLL harbouring the KMT2D mutation. These observations suggest that CAS caused by early-phase CLL could be misinterpreted as primary CAD.

Successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic neoplasms complicated with secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and Behçet's disease harboring GATA2 mutation.

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are defined by cytopenia and morphologic dysplasia originating from clonal hematopoiesis. They are also frequently complicated with diseases caused by immune dysfunction, such as Behçet's disease (BD) and secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (sPAP). MDS with both BD and sPAP is extremely rare, and their prognosis is poor. In addition, haploinsufficiency of the hematopoietic transcription factor gene GATA2 is recognized as a cause of familial MDS and is frequently complicated by sPAP. Herein, we report a case of MDS combined with both BD and sPAP in association with GATA2 deficiency in a Japanese woman. Because she developed progressive leukopenia and macrocytic anemia during BD treatment at the age of 61, she underwent a bone-marrow examination and was diagnosed with MDS. She subsequently developed sPAP. At the age of 63, she underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Since allo-HSCT, she has maintained complete remission of MDS as well as the symptoms of BD and sPAP. Furthermore, we performed whole exome sequencing and identified the GATA2 Ala164Thr germline mutation. These findings suggest that patients with MDS, BD and sPAP should be considered for early allo-HSCT.

Mutated ZRSR2 and CUL3 accelerate clonal evolution and confer venetoclax resistance via RAS signaling pathway in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive subtype of myeloid malignancy characterized by skin, lymph node and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Although various regimens are used, a standard therapeutic strategy for BPDCN has not been established. Recent studies revealed that BPDCN patients frequently have a mutation in ZRSR2, which is a minor spliceosome component. However, the association between the clinical features of BPDCN and ZRSR2 mutational status remains unknown. A 70-year-old man was referred to our hospital with skin rash and enlarged lymph nodes, as well as blasts in the peripheral blood. BPDCN was diagnosed based on the immunophenotype of the blasts derived from bone marrow. Whole exome sequencing revealed that BPDCN cells collected at diagnosis had mutations in ZRSR2, ZBTB33, CUL3, TET2 and NRAS. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that U12-type intron retention occurred in LZTR1, caused by ZRSR2 loss. After seven cycles of venetoclax combined with azacitidine therapy, BPDCN cells appeared in the peripheral blood and infiltrated the CNS. Two KRAS mutated clones appeared at BPDCN recurrence. These findings are important for understanding the pathogenesis of BPDCN, which will inform development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Daratumumab plus bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone in Asian patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis: subgroup analysis of ANDROMEDA.

Subcutaneous daratumumab plus bortezomib/cyclophosphamide/dexamethasone (VCd; D-VCd) improved outcomes versus VCd for patients with newly diagnosed immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis in the phase 3 ANDROMEDA study. We report a subgroup analysis of Asian patients (Japan; Korea; China) from ANDROMEDA. Among 388 randomized patients, 60 were Asian (D-VCd, n = 29; VCd, n = 31). At a median follow-up of 11.4 months, the overall hematologic complete response rate was higher for D-VCd versus VCd (58.6% vs. 9.7%; odds ratio, 13.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-53.7; P < 0.0001). Six-month cardiac and renal response rates were higher with D-VCd versus VCd (cardiac, 46.7% vs. 4.8%; P = 0.0036; renal, 57.1% vs. 37.5%; P = 0.4684). Major organ deterioration progression-free survival (MOD-PFS) and major organ deterioration event-free survival (MOD-EFS) were improved with D-VCd versus VCd (MOD-PFS: hazard ratio [HR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.75; P = 0.0079; MOD-EFS: HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05-0.54; P = 0.0007). Twelve deaths occurred (D-VCd, n = 3; VCd, n = 9). Twenty-two patients had baseline serologies indicating prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure; no patient experienced HBV reactivation. Although grade 3/4 cytopenia rates were higher than in the global safety population, the safety profile of D-VCd in Asian patients was generally consistent with the global study population, regardless of body weight. These results support D-VCd use in Asian patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloidosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03201965.