Value and limitations of targeted next-generation sequencing in idiopathic hypereosinophilia: an integrative diagnostic tool in challenging cases.

Here, we reviewed clinical-morphological data and investigated mutational profiles by NGS in a single-center series of 28 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital between September 2011 and November 2021 for idiopathic hypereosinophilia (HE).Bone marrow (BM) morphology was evaluated in 22 patients: while in six subjects BM was unremarkable, in the remaining cases an increase in BM eosinophils was observed, together with a slight increase in BM fibrosis (MF-1) in 5/22 patients.A total of 4/28 patients had at least one genetic lesion by targeted NGS. In particular, the genes involved were: two each of TET2 and DNMT3A; and one each of JAK2V617F, ASXL1, PPM1D, and ZBTB33. Notably, JAK2V617F and TET2 mutations co-occurred, with the JAK2V617F-mutated sample also carrying TET2 lesions. Median VAF was 21%, with the exception of the oncodriver JAK2V617F, which showed a VAF > 50% in the reported case. Of note, of the four cases bearing lesions, 2/4 had multiple hits in different genes.While in recent years mutational analysis using NGS has proven to be able to differentiate clonal hematopoietic neoplasms from reactive processes in diagnostically difficult cases, we found somatic mutations in only 14.3% of patients who acceded to our hospital for idiopathic HE. More importantly, excluding the JAK2V617F-mutated case with an underlying MPN-Eo diagnosis, NGS was able to identify somatic mutations in only three cases, all older than 70 years. Consequently, the detection of these mutations in idiopathic HE patients should be interpreted with caution and only in the context of other supportive clinical-pathological findings.

Proteomic screening identifies PF4/Cxcl4 as a critical driver of myelofibrosis.

Despite increased understanding of the genomic landscape of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), the pathological mechanisms underlying abnormal megakaryocyte (Mk)-stromal crosstalk and fibrotic progression in MPNs remain unclear. We conducted mass spectrometry-based proteomics on mice with Romiplostim-dependent myelofibrosis to reveal alterations in signaling pathways and protein changes in Mks, platelets, and bone marrow (BM) cells. The chemokine Platelet Factor 4 (PF4)/Cxcl4 was up-regulated in all proteomes and increased in plasma and BM fluids of fibrotic mice. High TPO concentrations sustained in vitro PF4 synthesis and secretion in cultured Mks, while Ruxolitinib restrains the abnormal PF4 expression in vivo. We discovered that PF4 is rapidly internalized by stromal cells through surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to promote myofibroblast differentiation. Cxcl4 gene silencing in Mks mitigated the profibrotic phenotype of stromal cells in TPO-saturated co-culture conditions. Consistently, extensive stromal PF4 uptake and altered GAGs deposition were detected in Romiplostim-treated, JAK2V617F mice and BM biopsies of MPN patients. BM PF4 levels and Mk/platelet CXCL4 expression were elevated in patients, exclusively in overt fibrosis. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of GAGs ameliorated in vivo fibrosis in Romiplostim-treated mice. Thus, our findings highlight the critical role of PF4 in the fibrosis progression of MPNs and substantiate the potential therapeutic strategy of neutralizing PF4-GAGs interaction.

Clinical outcomes of ruxolitinib treatment in 595 intermediate-1 risk patients with myelofibrosis: The RUX-MF Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: Ruxolitinib (RUX) is a JAK1/2 inhibitor approved for the therapy of myelofibrosis (MF) based on clinical trials including only intermediate2-high risk (INT2/HIGH) patients. However, RUX is commonly used in intermediate-1 (INT1) patients, with scarce information on responses and outcome. METHODS: The authors investigated the benefit of RUX in 1055 MF patients, included in the "RUX-MF" retrospective study. RESULTS: At baseline (BL), 595 (56.2%) patients were at INT1-risk according to DIPSS (PMF) or MYSEC-PM (SMF). The spleen was palpable at <5 cm, between 5 and 10 cm, and >10 cm below costal margin in 5.9%, 47.4%, and 39.7% of patients, respectively; 300 (54.1%) were highly symptomatic (total symptom score ≥20). High-molecular-risk (HMR) mutations (IDH1/2, ASXL-1, SRSF2, EZH2, U2AF1Q157) were detected in 77/167 patients. A total of 101 (19.2%) patients had ≥1 cytopenia (Hb < 10 g/dL: n.36; PLT <100 x 109/L: n = 43; white blood cells <4 x 109/L: n = 40). After 6 months on RUX, IWG-MRT-defined spleen and symptoms response rates were 26.8% and 67.9%, respectively. In univariate analysis, predictors of SR at 6 months were no HMR mutations odds ratio [OR], 2.0, p = .05], no cytopenia (OR, 2.10; p = .01), and blasts <1% (OR, 1.91; p = .01). In multivariate analysis, absence of HMR maintained a significant association (OR, 2.1 [1.12-3.76]; p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In INT1 patients, responses were more frequent and durable, whereas toxicity rates were lower compared to INT2/high-risk patients. Presence of HMR mutations, cytopenia, and peripheral blasts identified less-responsive INT1 patients, who may benefit for alternative therapeutic strategies.

Long-term pharmacodynamic and clinical effects of twice- versus once-daily low-dose aspirin in essential thrombocythemia: The ARES trial.

Patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) are treated with once-daily low-dose aspirin to prevent thrombosis, but their accelerated platelet turnover shortens the antiplatelet effect. The short-term Aspirin Regimens in EsSential Thrombocythemia trial showed that twice-daily aspirin dosing restores persistent platelet thromboxane (TX) inhibition. However, the long-term pharmacodynamic efficacy, safety and tolerability of twice-daily aspirin remain untested. We performed a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint, phase-2 trial in which 242 patients with ET were randomized to 100 mg aspirin twice- or once-daily and followed for 20 months. The primary endpoint was the persistence of low serum TXB2, a surrogate biomarker of antithrombotic efficacy. Secondary endpoints were major and clinically relevant non-major bleedings, serious vascular events, symptom burden assessed by validated questionnaires, and in vivo platelet activation. Serum TXB2 was consistently lower in the twice-daily versus once-daily regimen on 10 study visits over 20 months: median 3.9 ng/mL versus 19.2 ng/mL, respectively; p < .001; 80% median reduction; 95% CI, 74%-85%. No major bleeding occurred. Clinically relevant non-major bleedings were non-significantly higher (6.6% vs. 1.7%), and major thromboses lower (0.8% vs. 2.5%) in the twice-daily versus once-daily group. Patients on the twice-daily regimen had significantly lower frequencies of disease-specific symptoms and severe hand and foot microvascular pain. Upper gastrointestinal pain was comparable in the two arms. In vivo platelet activation was significantly reduced by the twice-daily regimen. In patients with ET, twice-daily was persistently superior to once-daily low-dose aspirin in suppressing thromboxane biosynthesis and reducing symptom burden, with no detectable excess of bleeding and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Red cell distribution width and prognosis in myelofibrosis patients treated with ruxolitinib.

We evaluated RDW in a single-center series of 61 consecutive patients with primary and secondary MF at diagnosis and during treatment with ruxolitinib (RUX) and examined any possible prognostic impact. Elevated RDW values were present in all but 4 patients at diagnosis with a median RDW of 18.9%. RDW was higher in subjects with palpable splenomegaly (p = 0.02), higher ferritin, as well as among those cases who did not receive any cytoreduction before RUX (p = 0.04). Interestingly, higher RDW at diagnosis also correlated with a shorter time from MF diagnosis to RUX start (-4.1 months per one RDW unit; p = 0.03). We observed a modest increase (< 1%) in RDW during the first 6 months of RUX treatment. In a multivariable random-intercept model that considered all time points and contained the covariates time and RUX dose, we also observed a clear decrease in RDW with increasing hemoglobin (Hb) during RUX (slope: -0.4% per g/dL of Hb; p < 0.001). The median RDW at diagnosis of 18.9% was used as a cut-off to identify two subgroups of patients [Group 1: RDW 19.0-25.7%; Group 2: RDW 13.1-18.7%], showing a difference in mortality [Group 1 vs. 2: crude HR 2.88; p = 0.01]. Using continuous RDW at diagnosis, the crude HR was 1.21 per RDW unit (p = 0.002). In a Cox model adjusted for gender, age and Hb at diagnosis, the HR was 1.13 per RDW unit (p = 0.07). RDW may have prognostic significance at MF diagnosis and during RUX, helping in the rapid detection of patients with poor prognosis.

Validation and molecular integration of the RR6 model to predict survival after 6 months of therapy with ruxolitinib.

Not available.

A New Algorithm Integrating Molecular Response, Toxicity, and Plasma Level Measures for Ponatinib Dose Choice in Patients Affected by Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Ponatinib may be effective in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients after failure of first/second line therapies. Although its efficacy for minimum plasma concentrations (Cmin) is >21.3 ng/mL (equal to 40 nM), ponatinib may cause adverse events (AE) that require dose optimization. The present study was aimed at investigating any possible correlations among ponatinib dose, plasma concentration, molecular response (MR), and tolerability in a real-world setting. Clinical and laboratory records (including MR and drug plasma concentrations) of 32 CML patients treated with ponatinib were harvested and analyzed. Twenty-seven patients (71%) had ponatinib Cmin values > 21.3 ng/mL, but Cmin values > 10.7 ng/mL (considered efficacious in BCR-Abl unmutated patients) were achieved by 80% of the patients receiving ≥30 mg/day and 45% of the subjects treated with 15 mg/day. No significant correlations were identified among clinical efficacy, tolerability, daily dose, and plasma concentration. Notably, patients who underwent dose tapering for tolerability or safety reasons did not experience treatment failure. In a real-world setting, adjustment of ponatinib daily doses lower than those registered may maintain therapeutic efficacy while reducing the risk of vascular events and improving tolerability. Further studies are warranted to confirm the present results in a larger cohort of patients.

The Italian Multicentric Randomized OPTkIMA Trial on Fixed vs Progressive Intermittent TKI Therapy in CML Elderly Patients: 3-Years of Molecular Response and Quality of Life Monitoring After Completing the Treatment Plan.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is an option for elderly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who are often candidates for life-long treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Italian phase III multicentric randomized Optimize TKIs Multiple Approaches (OPTkIMA) study aimed to evaluate if a progressive de-escalation of TKIs is able to maintain the molecular remission (MR)3.0 and to improve Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in CML elderly patients. RESULTS: A total of 215 patients in stable MR3.0/MR4.0 were randomized to receive an intermittent TKI schedule 1 month ON-1 month OFF for 3 years (FIXED arm; n = 111) vs. a progressive de-escalation TKI dose up to one-third of the starting dose at the 3rd year (PROGRESSIVE arm; n = 104). Two hundred three patients completed the 3rd year of OPTkIMA study. At the last follow-up, MR3.0 loss was 27% vs. 46% (P = .005) in the FIXED vs PROGRESSIVE arm, respectively. None of these patients experienced disease progression. The 3-year probability of maintaining the MR3.0 was 59% vs. 53%, respectively (P = .13). HRQoL globally improved from the baseline to the 3rd year, without any significant difference between the 2 arms. After the 3rd year, the proportion of patients who was address to TKI discontinuation in the 2 arms was 36% (FIXED) vs. 58% (PROGRESSIVE) (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The intensification of intermittent TKI therapy is associated with a higher incidence of MR3.0 loss, but those patients who maintain the MR3.0 molecular response at the end of the study have been frequently considered eligible for TFR. The HRQoL generally improved during the de-escalation therapy in both randomization arms.

Newly identified roles for PIEZO1 mechanosensor in controlling normal megakaryocyte development and in primary myelofibrosis.

Mechanisms through which mature megakaryocytes (Mks) and their progenitors sense the bone marrow extracellular matrix to promote lineage differentiation in health and disease are still partially understood. We found PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive cation channel, to be expressed in mouse and human Mks. Human mutations in PIEZO1 have been described to be associated with blood cell disorders. Yet, a role for PIEZO1 in megakaryopoiesis and proplatelet formation has never been investigated. Here, we show that activation of PIEZO1 increases the number of immature Mks in mice, while the number of mature Mks and Mk ploidy level are reduced. Piezo1/2 knockout mice show an increase in Mk size and platelet count, both at basal state and upon marrow regeneration. Similarly, in human samples, PIEZO1 is expressed during megakaryopoiesis. Its activation reduces Mk size, ploidy, maturation, and proplatelet extension. Resulting effects of PIEZO1 activation on Mks resemble the profile in Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). Intriguingly, Mks derived from Jak2V617F PMF mice show significantly elevated PIEZO1 expression, compared to wild-type controls. Accordingly, Mks isolated from bone marrow aspirates of JAK2V617F PMF patients show increased PIEZO1 expression compared to Essential Thrombocythemia. Most importantly, PIEZO1 expression in bone marrow Mks is inversely correlated with patient platelet count. The ploidy, maturation, and proplatelet formation of Mks from JAK2V617F PMF patients are rescued upon PIEZO1 inhibition. Together, our data suggest that PIEZO1 places a brake on Mk maturation and platelet formation in physiology, and its upregulation in PMF Mks might contribute to aggravating some hallmarks of the disease.

Ruxolitinib in patients with polycythemia vera resistant and/or intolerant to hydroxyurea: European observational study.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyurea (HU) is a commonly used first-line treatment in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). However, approximately 15%-24% of PV patients report intolerance and resistance to HU. METHODS: This phase IV, European, real-world, observational study assessed the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in PV patients who were resistant and/or intolerant to HU, with a 24-month follow-up. The primary objective was to describe the profile and disease burden of PV patients. RESULTS: In the 350 enrolled patients, 70% were >60 years old. Most patients (59.4%) had received ≥1 phlebotomy in the 12 months prior to the first dose of ruxolitinib. Overall, 68.2% of patients achieved hematocrit control with 92.3% patients having hematocrit <45% and 35.4% achieved hematologic remission at month 24. 85.1% of patients had no phlebotomies during the study. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 54.3% of patients and the most common event was anemia (22.6%). Of the 10 reported deaths, two were suspected to be study drug-related. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that ruxolitinib treatment in PV maintains durable hematocrit control with a decrease in the number of phlebotomies in the majority of patients and was generally well tolerated.

Patient-reported symptom monitoring and adherence to therapy in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The authors assessed the clinical utility of patient-reported symptom monitoring in the setting of newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The primary objective was to evaluate adherence to therapy. METHODS: The authors conducted an international prospective study that included patients with newly diagnosed, chronic-phase CML. Before clinical consultation, patients were provided a tablet computer to self-rate their symptoms, and the results were available in real time to each physician during the patient's visit. Adherence was assessed by pill count and with a validated self-reported questionnaire. The proportions of optimal responders at 3 and 6 months were assessed according to the European LeukemiaNet criteria. RESULTS: Between July 2020 and August 2021, 94 patients with a median age of 57 years were enrolled. Pill count adherence analysis indicated that 86 of 93 evaluable patients (92.5%) took at least 90% of prescribed tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy during the 6-month observation period. The online platform was well accepted by patients and physicians. An optimal response was achieved by 69 of 79 patients (87.3%) at 3 months and by 61 of 81 patients (75.3%) at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported symptom monitoring from the beginning of therapy in patients with CML may be critical to improve adherence to therapy and early molecular response rates (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04384848).

The molecular landscape of myeloproliferative neoplasms associated with splanchnic vein thrombosis: Current perspective.

BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are classically represented by polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. BCR::ABL1-negative MPNs are significantly associated with morbidity and mortality related to an increased risk of thrombo-hemorrhagic events. They show a consistent association with splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), either represented by the portal, mesenteric or splenic vein thrombosis, or Budd-Chiari Syndrome. SVT is also a frequent presenting manifestation of MPN. MPNs associated with SVT show a predilection for younger women, high association with JAK2V617F mutation, low JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (generally <10 %), and low rates of CALR, MPL, or JAK2 exon 12 mutations. Next-Generation Sequencing techniques have contributed to deepening our knowledge of the molecular landscape of such cases, with potential diagnostic and prognostic implications. In this narrative review, we analyze the current perspective on the molecular background of MPN associated with SVT, pointing as well future directions in this field.

The new Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) estimates the risk of arterial occlusive events in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with nilotinib or ponatinib.

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with nilotinib or ponatinib may experience arterial occlusive events (AOEs). It is currently recommended to thoroughly assess cardiovascular risk factors before treating CML. We identified 455 consecutive CML adult patients, 335 treated with nilotinib and 120 with ponatinib; 380 patients without previous cardiovascular diseases or diabetes were stratified according to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2) and SCORE2-Older Persons (SCORE2-OP). This updated algorithm from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) estimates a 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular diseases. It is based on sex, age, smoking habits, systolic blood pressure, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and European geographical region of cardiovascular risk. The SCORE2/SCORE2-OP algorithm translated more patients (50.2%) to the high-very high cardiovascular risk category than the previous SCORE (25.3%). Patients with a high to very high SCORE2/SCORE2-OP risk showed a significantly higher incidence rate of AOEs (69.2% vs. 46.5%, p < 0.001). The older SCORE was less specific in estimating AOEs in patients classified as low-intermediate risk (69.8 vs. 54.2%). In multivariate analysis, no associations were found between AOEs and gender, age, and type or dose of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Only the SCORE2/SCORE2-OP risk was confirmed as a significant predictive factor (p = 0.028; hazard ratio = 2.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.1-4.5). Patients with AOEs required, in most cases, imaging diagnostic tests, additional drugs, and sometimes invasive procedures, increasing access to visits and hospital management. This real-life study suggested that the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP charts could help identify cardiovascular fragility in CML patients providing them with more attention and a proper TKI selection.

Ropeginterferon phase 2 randomized study in low-risk polycythemia vera: 5-year drug survival and efficacy outcomes.

In patients with low-risk polycythemia vera, exposure to low-dose Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Ropeg) 100 µg every 2 weeks for 2 years was more effective than the standard treatment of therapeutic phlebotomy in maintaining target hematocrit (HCT) (< 45%) with a reduction in the need for phlebotomy without disease progression. In the present paper, we analyzed drug survival, defined as a surrogate measure of the efficacy, safety, adherence, and tolerability of Ropeg in patients followed up to 5 years. During the first 2 years, Ropeg and phlebotomy-only (Phl-O) were discontinued in 33% and 70% of patients, respectively, for lack of response (12 in the Ropeg arm vs. 34 in the Phl-O arm) or adverse events (6 vs. 0) and withdrawal of consent in (3 vs. 10). Thirty-six Ropeg responders continued the drug for up to 3 years, and the probability of drug survival after a median of 3.15 years was 59%. Notably, the primary composite endpoint was maintained in 97%, 94%, and 94% of patients still on drug at 3, 4, and 5 years, respectively, and 60% of cases were phlebotomy-free. Twenty-three of 63 Phl-O patients (37%) failed the primary endpoint and were crossed over to Ropeg; among the risk factors for this failure, the need for more than three bloodletting procedures in the first 6 months emerged as the most important determinant. In conclusion, to improve the effectiveness of Ropeg, we suggest increasing the dose and using it earlier driven by high phlebotomy need in the first 6 months post-diagnosis.

Incidence of blast phase in myelofibrosis patients according to anemia severity at ruxolitinib start and during therapy.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is frequently present in patients with myelofibrosis (MF), and it may be exacerbated by treatment with the JAK2-inhibitor ruxolitinib (RUX). Recently, a relevant blast phase (BP) incidence has been reported in anemic MF patients unexposed to RUX. METHODS: The authors investigated the incidence of BP in 886 RUX-treated MF patients, included in the "RUX-MF" retrospective study. RESULTS: The BP incidence rate ratio (IRR) was 3.74 per 100 patient-years (3.74 %p-y). At therapy start, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3-4 anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] <8 g/dL) and severe sex/severity-adjusted anemia (Hb <8/<9 g/dL in women/men) were present in 22.5% and 25% patients, respectively. IRR of BP was 2.34 in patients with no baseline anemia and reached respectively 4.22, 4.89, and 4.93 %p-y in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3-4 anemia. Considering the sex/severity-adjusted Hb thresholds, IRR of BP was 2.85, 4.97, and 4.89 %p-y in patients with mild/no anemia, moderate, and severe anemia. Transfusion-dependent patients had the highest IRR (5.03 %p-y). Progression-free survival at 5 years was 70%, 52%, 43%, and 27% in patients with no, grade 1, 2, and 3-4 anemia, respectively (p < .001). At 6 months, 260 of 289 patients with no baseline anemia were receiving ruxolitinib, and 9.2% had developed a grade 3-4 anemia. By 6-month landmark analysis, BP-free survival was significantly worse in patients acquiring grade 3-4 anemia (69.3% vs. 88.1% at 5 years, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights that anemia correlates with an increased risk of evolution into BP, both when present at baseline and when acquired during RUX monotherapy. Innovative anemia therapies and disease-modifying agents are warranted in these patients.

Cardiovascular Adverse Events of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Clinical Relevance, Impact on Outcome, Preventive Measures and Treatment Strategies.

OPINION STATEMENT: The introduction of TKIs into the therapeutic armamentarium of CML has changed the disease paradigm, increasing long-term survival from 20% to over 80%, with a life expectancy now approaching that of the general population. Although highly effective, TKIs also have a toxicity profile that is often mild to moderate, but sometimes severe, with multiple kinases involved in the development of adverse events (AEs). Among others, cardiovascular AEs observed in TKI-treated CML patients may represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, and their pathogenesis is still only partially understood. In view of the recent introduction into daily clinical practice of new TKIs, namely the STAMP inhibitor asciminib, with a distinct safety profile, hematologists now more than ever have the opportunity to select the most suitable TKI for each patient, an aspect that will be fundamental in terms of personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, physicians should be aware of the feasibility of TKI dose modifications at all stages of the patients' treatment journey, both at diagnosis for frail or elderly subjects or with multiple comorbidities, and during follow-up for those patients who experience toxicity, as well as to prevent it, with the main objective of reducing side effects while maintaining the response. Consequently, preserving the cardiovascular health of CML patients will likely be a more urgent topic in the near future, with specific measures aimed at controlling cardiovascular risk factors through a multidisciplinary approach involving a panel of healthcare professionals together with the hematologist.

A Prognostic Model to Predict Ruxolitinib Discontinuation and Death in Patients with Myelofibrosis.

Most patients with myelofibrosis (MF) discontinue ruxolitinib (JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor) in the first 5 years of therapy due to therapy failure. As the therapeutic possibilities of MF are expanding, it is critical to identify patients predisposed to early ruxolitinib monotherapy failure and worse outcomes. We investigated predictors of early ruxolitinib discontinuation and death on therapy in 889 patients included in the "RUX-MF" retrospective study. Overall, 172 patients were alive on ruxolitinib after ≥5 years (long-term ruxolitinib, LTR), 115 patients were alive but off ruxolitinib after ≥5 yrs (short-term RUX, STR), and 123 patients died while on ruxolitinib after <5 yrs (early death on ruxolitinib, EDR). The cumulative incidence of the blast phase was similar in LTR and STR patients (p = 0.08). Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in LTR pts (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, PLT < 100 × 109/L, Hb < 10 g/dL, primary MF, absence of spleen response at 3 months and ruxolitinib starting dose <10 mg BID were associated with higher probability of STR. Assigning one point to each significant variable, a prognostic model for STR (STR-PM) was built, and three groups were identified: low (score 0-1), intermediate (score 2), and high risk (score ≥ 3). The STR-PM may identify patients at higher risk of failure with ruxolitinib monotherapy who should be considered for alternative frontline strategies.

Impact on mental health, disease management, and socioeconomic modifications in hematological patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.

Background: Hematological patients are a highly vulnerable population with an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms due to their immunocompromised status. COVID-19 has proven to cause serious mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression in the general population. However, data on the psycho-social impact of COVID-19 on hematological patients are lacking. Objectives: This study aims to examine the psychological well-being of hematological patients in Italy during the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it seeks to explore the association between modifications in the management of hematological diseases and employment status of these patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting mental health outcomes. Design and Methods: A survey using the DASS-21 questionnaire was administered to 1105 hematological patients. Data analysis was conducted using the R software, and logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the association between hematological patient/general population and employment status with DASS scores. Results: The hematological patient population reported significantly higher levels of depression (OR 0.947, 95% CI 0.966-0.982, p < 0.001), anxiety (OR 0.948, 95% CI 0.939-0.958, p < 0.001), and stress (OR 0.984, 95% CI 0.977-0.992, p < 0.001) compared with the general population. A significant relationship has been found in stress between employed and unemployed patients (OR 1.015, 95% CI 1.000-1.030, p = 0.044), as well as in the control group (OR 1.024, 95% CI 1.010-1.039, p = 0.001). In addition, employment status is significantly related to depression, anxiety, and stress in both the hematological patient group and the general population. Conclusion: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, hematological patients had elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and stress compared with the general population. The delay in their treatment and employment status played a role in their mental health outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of further research to gain deeper insight into the long-term psychological effects and explore effective strategies for managing mental health in similar crises.

Italian Physicians' Perceptions about the Role of Asciminib in Later Lines Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Clinical Practice: A GIMEMA Survey.

Unmet needs remain in later lines chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): the response rate and the overall survival of resistant patients in the chronic phase who changed a second-generation TKI in the second line with another TKI with similar action are usually poor, while the off-target toxicities and the potential development of mutations increase. The recent approval of asciminib, a STAMP inhibitor, in the third line, has the potential to soon change the therapeutic algorithm for this subset of patients. Here, we report the results of a GIMEMA survey assessing the number of patients currently treated in the third line in Italy, the current approach in later lines by Italian physicians, and the future role of this drug according to the reason to switch to asciminib (resistance and/or intolerance), as well as the perceptions about the future position of this agent.

Incidence of blast phase in myelofibrosis according to anemia severity.

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal malignancy frequently characterized by anemia and in 10%-20% of cases it can evolve into blast phase (BP). Anemia in MF is associated with reduced survival and -in primary MF- also with an increased probability of BP. Conventional treatments for anemia have limited effectiveness in MF. Within a dataset of 1752 MF subjects largely unexposed to ruxolitinib (RUX), BP incidence was 2.5% patients per year (p-y). This rate reached respectively 4.3% and 4.5% p-y in case of patients with common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) grade 3/4 and grade 2 anemia, respectively, that represented together 32% of the cohort. Among 273 MF cases treated with RUX, BP incidence was 2.89% p-y and it reached 4.86% p-y in subjects who started RUX with CTCAE grade 2 anemia (one third of total). Within patients with red blood cell transfusion-dependency at 6 months of RUX (21% of the exposed), BP rate was 4.2% p-y. Our study highlights a relevant incidence of BP in anemic MF patients, with a similar rate whether treated with or without RUX. These findings will help treating physicians to make decisions on the safety profile of innovative anemia treatments.