Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome-associated lymphoma: A retrospective Brazilian cohort.

After initiating combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop Hodgkin/non-Hodgkin lymphoma due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). This retrospective cohort study evaluated the incidence, clinical features and prognosis of IRIS-associated lymphomas in Brazilian patients. Incidence in 2000-2019 was 9.8% (27/276 patients with HIV and lymphoma; viral load drop >1 log). Time between HIV diagnosis and cART initiation was <1 year in 70.3% of cases. Time between cART initiation and lymphoma diagnosis was <3 months in 11 cases and 3-6 months in 16 cases. Overall and progression-free survival rates were similar between cases of non-IRIS-associated lymphoma and IRIS-associated lymphoma.

Real-world Imatinib Mesylate Treatment in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The Importance of Molecular Monitoring and the Early Molecular Response.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. After the introduction of imatinib mesylate (IM) in 2000, the natural history of the disease changed. Data on the treatment of CML with IM are from randomized clinical trials. Establishing whether these results can be reproduced or if caution is needed when extrapolating data to the general population with CML is essential. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the molecular response (MR) in patients with chronic-phase CML (CML-CP) not included in clinical studies and correlate them with the responses obtained in clinical trials. METHODS: Between January 2007 and January 2017, 227 patients newly diagnosed with CML-CP treated with IM as first-line treatment were included. This study is an observational, retrospective, and single-center study. RESULTS: At a median follow-up time of 7.3 years, 60.3% of the 227 patients who started IM were still on IM. Early molecular response (EMR) at 3 and 6 months was achieved by 74.2% and 65%, respectively. The median time to a MMR was nine months. The MR4.0 and MR4.5 were 67.2% and 51.1%, respectively. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and event-free survival (EFS) of the patients who exclusively used IM were 91%, 91%, and 85.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results presented are similar to those described in prospective and randomized trials, demonstrating that the outcomes are reproducible in the real world. EMR at 3 and 6 months reflects better long-term responses, including higher rates of deeper molecular responses. Considering treatment costs, the absence of literature evidence of an impact on overall survival demonstrated by first-line second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and the global OS of 85.8%, imatinib mesylate (IM) is still an excellent therapeutic option.

Asciminib vs bosutinib in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia previously treated with at least two tyrosine kinase inhibitors: longer-term follow-up of ASCEMBL.

Asciminib, the first BCR::ABL1 inhibitor that Specifically Targets the ABL Myristoyl Pocket (STAMP), is approved worldwide for the treatment of adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) treated with ≥2 prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In ASCEMBL, patients with CML-CP treated with ≥2 prior TKIs were randomized (stratified by baseline major cytogenetic response [MCyR]) 2:1 to asciminib 40 mg twice daily or bosutinib 500 mg once daily. Consistent with previously published primary analysis results, after a median follow-up of 2.3 years, asciminib continued to demonstrate superior efficacy and better safety and tolerability than bosutinib. The major molecular response (MMR) rate at week 96 (key secondary endpoint) was 37.6% with asciminib vs 15.8% with bosutinib; the MMR rate difference between the arms, after adjusting for baseline MCyR, was 21.7% (95% CI, 10.53-32.95; two-sided p = 0.001). Fewer grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) (56.4% vs 68.4%) and AEs leading to treatment discontinuation (7.7% vs 26.3%) occurred with asciminib than with bosutinib. A higher proportion of patients on asciminib than bosutinib remained on treatment and continued to derive benefit over time, supporting asciminib as a standard of care for patients with CML-CP previously treated with ≥2 TKIs.

Soluble CD137 as a potential biomarker for severe COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly pathogenic infection responsible for the world pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 is characterized by an increased number of critically ill patients with a high risk of health care system collapse. Therefore, the search for severity biomarkers and potential therapies is crucial. In this study, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 -induced cytokines, cytokines receptors and growth factors profile, in critical COVID-19 patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) aiming to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We designed a prospective study enrolling 62 adults with severe COVID-19 during the first two Brazilian COVID-19 waves (from May to July 2020 and December 2020 to May 2021), convenience samples recruitment in first 24 hours and then, every 4 days until day 20 of ICU admission from a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Controls were healthy blood donors. Whole blood was used to evaluate 17 cytokines, cytokines receptors and growth factors. Due to low mortality rate, we used the need of mechanical ventilation as primary endpoint. In our analysis, we found a different pattern in soluble CD137 (sCD137) in critically ill patients with COVID-19, with a direct relationship between increased levels and worse clinical outcome. sCD137 was related with increased risk of mechanical ventilation and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical score for disease severity. CD137 is a tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF) family member, mainly responsible for T-cell activation. Soluble isoforms of immune checkpoints competitively regulate function of their membrane-bound counterparts. Our study demonstrated the onward increase in sCD137 levels during severe SARS-CoV-2 infection and its correlation with worse outcomes, suggesting sCD137 as a potential reliable severity biomarker.

Clinical, laboratory and genetic features of Erdheim-Chester disease patients: analysis of a retrospective cohort of two reference centers in Latin America.

Objectives and Methods: Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytic neoplasm with a heterogeneous clinical course, ranging from localized and asymptomatic bone lesions to a multisystem disease, causing significant morbidity and mortality. There are few cohorts published, mainly from North America and Europe. We retrospectively collected clinical data on sixteen biopsy-proven ECD patients diagnosed and treated at two Brazilian reference centres for histiocytic disorders from January 2006 to February 2020.Results: Median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 13 months (0.1-142). The main organ involved in ECD was bone (75%) and also 75% of the patients presented involvement of more than one organ, characterizing a multi-organic form. BRAF status was available in 81.2% of patients and BRAF V600E mutation was detected by Sanger sequencing in only 18.8%, which can be explained by the low sensitivity of this technique. All patients were treated due to symptomatic disease and a median of two lines (range: 1-7) of therapy were needed. The most common first-line therapy used was α-interferon (75%). The median progression-free survival was 7.5 months, and the median OS was not reached.Discussion and Conclusion: In the largest Latin American cohort of patients with ECD reported to date, we observed findings which resemble demographic characteristics, sites of involvement and treatment choices reported by other groups. The outcomes may be better with target therapies such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors in patients with mutation and with the adoption of recently published consensus recommendations for the management of ECD patients.

A phase 3, open-label, randomized study of asciminib, a STAMP inhibitor, vs bosutinib in CML after 2 or more prior TKIs.

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) resistant/intolerant to ≥2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are at high risk of experiencing poor outcomes because of disease biology and inadequate efficacy and/or safety of current therapies. Asciminib, a first-in-class BCR-ABL1 inhibitor Specifically Targeting the ABL Myristoyl Pocket (STAMP), has the potential to overcome resistance/intolerance to approved TKIs. In this phase 3, open-label study, patients with CML-CP previously treated with ≥2 TKIs were randomized (2:1) to receive asciminib 40 mg twice daily vs bosutinib 500 mg once daily. Randomization was stratified by major cytogenetic response (MCyR) status at baseline. The primary objective was to compare the major molecular response (MMR) rate at week 24 for asciminib vs bosutinib. A total of 233 patients were randomized to asciminib (n = 157) or bosutinib (n = 76). Median follow-up was 14.9 months. The MMR rate at week 24 was 25.5% with asciminib and 13.2% with bosutinib. The difference in MMR rate between treatment arms, after adjusting for MCyR at baseline, was 12.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.19-22.30; 2-sided P = .029). Fewer grade ≥3 adverse events (50.6% vs 60.5%) and adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation (5.8% vs 21.1%) occurred with asciminib than with bosutinib. The study showed a superior efficacy of asciminib compared with that of bosutinib, together with a favorable safety profile. These results support the use of asciminib as a new therapy in patients with CML-CP who are resistant/intolerant to ≥2 prior TKIs. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03106779.

Recommendations for the management of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia on tyrosine kinase inhibitors: risk assessment, stratification, treatment and monitoring

ABSTRACT This manuscript summarizes the results of the consensus meeting composed of hematologists and cardiologists to establish recommendations for the prevention and follow-up of cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) from the point of view of clinical practice and from the perspective of hematology consultation.In the first medical appointment, the CV risk factors should be identified to perform the baseline risk stratification, based on the Brazilian Guideline of Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Prevention Update (risk levels: very high, high, intermediate and low).Once stratified, the treatment of the CV risk factors should be administered. If the patient presents risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, smoking and hypercholesterolemia, the evaluation and initial treatment may be done by the hematologist, being an option the request for evaluation by a specialist. If the patient has a history of previous CV disease, we recommend referral to a specialist. As the CV risk score is dynamic and the control of risk factors can reduce the patient risk, this expert consensus recommends that the re-evaluation of the CV risk after the baseline should be performed at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. After this period, it should be done annually and, for specific patients, at the clinician's discretion.The evaluation of the baseline CV risk and the safe administration of a TKI allow the patient to benefit from the maximum treatment, avoiding unwanted effects.

Inclusion of molecular monitoring (BCR-ABL1) in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS): an urgent need for treatment management

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that affects mainly adults between 50 and 55 years. In Brazil, information from the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) Outpatient Information System indicates that 12,531 patients had the Autorização de Procedimento Ambulatorial (APAC) approved for the CML treatment in 2017. Disease monitoring through molecular response evaluation is critical to the care of CML patients. The quantitative PCR test (real-time polymerase chain reaction) provides adequate evaluation parameters that allow the health professional to intervene at the right moments in order to reduce the chance of progression of the disease, providing the best outcome to the patient, including the possibility of treatment discontinuation for eligible patients. Although the test is included in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) of CML, it is not possible to monitor the molecular response within SUS since there is no reimbursement for this test. Objective: Obtain expert recommendations on the importance, financing, and reimbursement of molecular monitoring in SUS. Methods: Six CML experts with different perspectives participated in the panel. The discussion was based in the main publications about the quantitative PCR test in CML monitoring. Results: Experts' recommendations: Molecular monitoring should be part of the integral treatment of patients with CML to reduce the chances of disease progression and costs to the health system; The government should put into practice what is provided in the PCDT of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Brazil: performing the monitoring of the molecular response via quantitative PCR; The government should create a code with adequate nomenclature and reimbursement value in SIGTAP, so that the test is carried out and covered by the public health network, as it is contained in the PCDT of the disease and the existing APAC does not cover the operational costs for its performance; Patients with chronic phase CML should perform a quantitative PCR every 3 months and, after reaching the MMR, should perform the examination every 6 months, as recommended by international guidelines; Patients should be monitored in reference laboratories that are standardized according to the international scale; The laboratories that are within the reference public centers could absorb all the test demand in Brazil, and other centers could be qualified through an ABHH accreditation; Adequate molecular monitoring may allow some patients to stop taking drugs and selffinancing the molecular test for all SUS patients Conclusion: A solution for the molecular test (BCR-ABL1) funding is urgent to ensure the monitoring of CML patients in SUS. The savings that might be generated with patients that stop taking the medication when adequately monitored may finance the test.

MR 4log and low levels of NK cells are associated with higher molecular relapse after imatinib discontinuation: Results of a prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Treatment-free survival (TFS) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a new goal. This prospective study aims to evaluate imatinib discontinuation's feasibility and safety in patients with deep molecular response MR4 (BCR-ABL1 < 0.01 % IS). METHODS: Study was approved by the ethical committee and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03239886). Incluision criteria were: age ≥ 18y, chronic phase, first-line imatinib for 36 months, MR4 for 12 months, no previous transplant or resistance. Imatinib was resumed when two samples confirmed the loss of MMR. The primary endpoint was molecular recurrence-free survival (MRFS) at 24 months. Lymphocyte subpopulations were counted in peripheral blood before discontinuation. RESULTS: 31 patients were included from Dec/2016 until Oct/2017. Median age was 54years, 58 % male, 58 % low Sokal, 65 % b3a2 transcripts, and 61 % were in MR4.5. Imatinib therapy's median time was 9.7y (3-14.9 y), median time of MR4 was 6.9y (1.6-10.3y). MRFS at 24 months was 55 % (95 % CI 39-75). Thirteen patients relapsed, 46 % after six months of discontinuation, and all patients recovered MMR. Median time to recover MMR was one month. MR4.5 was the only factor associated with MRFS. NK cells proportion at baseline was lower in patients with only MR4 who relapsed after discontinuation. CONCLUSION: With a median duration of sustained MR4 above five years, as recommended by most TKI discontinuation guidelines, the TFS was similar to previous studies. Only MR4.5 was associated with lower risk of relapse. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether patients with only MR4 and low NK cell levels are suitable for discontinuation.

Efficacy and safety of oral panobinostat plus subcutaneous bortezomib and oral dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (PANORAMA 3): an open-label, randomised, phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Improved therapeutic options are needed for patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. Subcutaneous bortezomib has replaced intravenous bortezomib as it is associated with a more favourable toxicity profile. We investigated the activity and safety of three different dosing regimens of oral panobinostat in combination with subcutaneous bortezomib and oral dexamethasone for this indication. METHODS: PANORAMA 3 is an open-label, randomised, phase 2 study being done at 71 sites (hospitals and medical centres) across 21 countries. Patients aged 18 years or older with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (as per International Myeloma Working Group 2014 criteria), who had received one to four previous lines of therapy (including an immunomodulatory agent), and had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or lower, were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive oral panobinostat 20 mg three times weekly, 20 mg twice weekly, or 10 mg three times weekly, plus subcutaneous bortezomib and oral dexamethasone. All study drugs were administered in 21-day cycles. Randomisation was done by an interactive response technology provider, and stratified by number of previous treatment lines and age. The primary endpoint was overall response rate after up to eight treatment cycles (analysed in all randomly assigned patients by intention to treat). Safety analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of any study drug. No statistical comparisons between groups were planned. This trial is ongoing and registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02654990. FINDINGS: Between April 27, 2016, and Jan 17, 2019, 248 patients were randomly assigned (82 to panobinostat 20 mg three times weekly, 83 to panobinostat 20 mg twice weekly, and 83 to 10 mg panobinostat three times weekly). Median duration of follow-up across all treatment groups was 14·7 months (IQR 7·8-24·1). The overall response rate after up to eight treatment cycles was 62·2% (95% CI 50·8-72·7; 51 of 82 patients) for the 20 mg three times weekly group, 65·1% (53·8-75·2; 54 of 83 patients) for the 20 mg twice weekly group, and 50·6% (39·4-61·8; 42 of 83 patients) for the 10 mg three times weekly group. Grade 3-4 adverse events occurred in 71 (91%) of 78 patients in the 20 mg three times weekly group, 69 (83%) of 83 patients in the 20 mg twice weekly group, and 60 (75%) of 80 patients in the 10 mg three times weekly group; the most common (≥20% patients in any group) grade 3-4 adverse events were thrombocytopenia (33 [42%] of 78, 26 [31%] of 83, and 19 [24%] of 83 patients) and neutropenia (18 [23%], 13 [16%], and six [8%]). Serious adverse events occurred in 42 (54%) of 78 patients in the 20 mg three times weekly group, 40 (48%) of 83 patients in the 20 mg twice weekly group, and 35 (44%) of 83 patients in the 10 mg three times weekly group; the most common serious adverse event (≥10% patients in any group) was pneumonia (nine [12%] of 78, ten [12%] of 83, and nine [11%] of 80 patients). There were 14 deaths during the study (five [6%] of 78 patients in the 20 mg three times weekly group, three [4%] of 83 in the 20 mg twice weekly group, and six [8%] of 80 in the 10 mg three times weekly group); none of these deaths was deemed treatment related. INTERPRETATION: The safety profile of panobinostat 20 mg three times weekly was more favourable than in previous trials of this regimen with intravenous bortezomib, suggesting that subcutaneous bortezomib improves the tolerability of the panobinostat plus bortezomib plus dexamethasone regimen. The overall response rate was highest in the 20 mg three times weekly and 20 mg twice weekly groups, with 10 mg three times weekly best tolerated. FUNDING: Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Secura Bio.

Recommendations for the management of cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia on tyrosine kinase inhibitors: risk assessment, stratification, treatment and monitoring.

This manuscript summarizes the results of the consensus meeting composed of hematologists and cardiologists to establish recommendations for the prevention and follow-up of cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) from the point of view of clinical practice and from the perspective of hematology consultation. In the first medical appointment, the CV risk factors should be identified to perform the baseline risk stratification, based on the Brazilian Guideline of Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis Prevention Update (risk levels: very high, high, intermediate and low). Once stratified, the treatment of the CV risk factors should be administered. If the patient presents risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, smoking and hypercholesterolemia, the evaluation and initial treatment may be done by the hematologist, being an option the request for evaluation by a specialist. If the patient has a history of previous CV disease, we recommend referral to a specialist. As the CV risk score is dynamic and the control of risk factors can reduce the patient risk, this expert consensus recommends that the re-evaluation of the CV risk after the baseline should be performed at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. After this period, it should be done annually and, for specific patients, at the clinician's discretion. The evaluation of the baseline CV risk and the safe administration of a TKI allow the patient to benefit from the maximum treatment, avoiding unwanted effects.

Inclusion of molecular monitoring (BCR-ABL1) in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS): an urgent need for treatment management.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease that affects mainly adults between 50 and 55 years. In Brazil, information from the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) Outpatient Information System indicates that 12,531 patients had the Autorização de Procedimento Ambulatorial (APAC) approved for the CML treatment in 2017. Disease monitoring through molecular response evaluation is critical to the care of CML patients. The quantitative PCR test (real-time polymerase chain reaction) provides adequate evaluation parameters that allow the health professional to intervene at the right moments in order to reduce the chance of progression of the disease, providing the best outcome to the patient, including the possibility of treatment discontinuation for eligible patients. Although the test is included in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) of CML, it is not possible to monitor the molecular response within SUS since there is no reimbursement for this test. OBJECTIVE: Obtain expert recommendations on the importance, financing, and reimbursement of molecular monitoring in SUS. METHODS: Six CML experts with different perspectives participated in the panel. The discussion was based in the main publications about the quantitative PCR test in CML monitoring. RESULTS: Experts' recommendations: CONCLUSION: A solution for the molecular test (BCR-ABL1) funding is urgent to ensure the monitoring of CML patients in SUS. The savings that might be generated with patients that stop taking the medication when adequately monitored may finance the test.

How to manage lymphoid malignancies during novel 2019 coronavirus (CoVid-19) outbreak: a Brazilian task force recommendation

ABSTRACT: The novel Coronavirus (CoVid-19) outbreak is now consider a world pandemic, affecting more than 1,300,000 people worldwide. Cancer patients are in risk for severe disease, including a higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for invasive ventilation or death. Management of patients with lymphoid malignancies can be challenging during the outbreak, due to need of multiple hospital visits and admissions, immunosuppression and need for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation. In this article, we will focus on the practical management of patients with lymphoid malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on minimizing the risk for patients.

How to manage lymphoid malignancies during novel 2019 coronavirus (CoVid-19) outbreak: a Brazilian task force recommendation.

The novel Coronavirus (CoVid-19) outbreak is now consider a world pandemic, affecting more than 1,300,000 people worldwide. Cancer patients are in risk for severe disease, including a higher risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, need for invasive ventilation or death. Management of patients with lymphoid malignancies can be challenging during the outbreak, due to need of multiple hospital visits and admissions, immunosuppression and need for chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation. In this article, we will focus on the practical management of patients with lymphoid malignancies during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on minimizing the risk for patients.