Novel BRAF N581S mutation in mantle cell lymphoma.

BRAF mutations are associated with a small number of hematologic malignancies, including hairy cell leukemia and histiocytic disorders. In addition, BRAF mutations have also been detected in low frequency in other B-cell lymphomas, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but never in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). We present a case of a 69-year-old female with classic MCL harboring a BRAFN581S mutation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of any BRAF mutation in MCL.

Targeted Therapy in Follicular Lymphoma: Towards a Chemotherapy-Free Approach.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of follicular lymphoma (FL) has previously centered on chemoimmunotherapy, which can be disadvantageous due to patient intolerance, cumulative toxicities, and disease refractoriness. Targeted therapies can produce deep responses and improve progression-free and overall survival with more tolerable adverse event profiles. METHODS: We summarize the current literature and key clinical trials regarding targeted therapies in follicular lymphoma both in the front-line and in the relapsed-refractory setting. RESULTS: Targeted therapies studied in FL include immune modulators, anti-CD20 antibodies, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, enhancers of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitors, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitors. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) therapy and bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) therapies also show promise in monotherapy and in combination with targeted therapies. These therapies exhibit high overall response rates and substantial progression-free survival and overall survival, even in high-risk patients or patients previously refractory to chemotherapy or rituximab. Adverse events vary substantially but are generally manageable and compare favorably to the cumulative toxicities of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Targeted therapies represent a paradigm shift in the treatment of FL. Further studies are needed to directly compare these targeted therapies and their combinations, as well as to investigate biomarkers predictive of response.

Obinutuzumab, High-Dose Methylprednisolone (HDMP), and Lenalidomide for the Treatment of Patients with Richter's Syndrome.

Background: For patients with Richter's Syndrome (RS), a durable response is rarely achieved with standard therapies. Significant efforts have focused on the development of novel treatments with reduced toxicity. We describe our experience using the novel combination of obinutuzumab, high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP) and lenalidomide (len) in patients with RS. Patients and Methods: Eligible patients included adults with biopsy-proven RS. Patients received obinutuzumab 1000 mg × 8 doses. All patients received HDMP 1000 mg/m2 on days 1-5 of cycles 1-4. Patients were administered len PO daily, starting at a dose of 5 mg. Starting on C2D1, the dose increased every 2 weeks in 5 mg increments to a maximum of 25 mg PO daily. Results: Seven patients were treated. The median dose of len was 10 mg and the median number of cycles of treatment completed was 2. The most common grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (29%) and pulmonary embolism (29%). The overall response rate for the entire cohort was 43% (95% CI, 10-82%). All patients who achieved a response underwent consolidative autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant and remain in remission to date. Conclusions: The combination of obinutuzumab, HDMP, and len is a well-tolerated, outpatient regimen that could serve as a bridge to transplantation, or as palliation for transplant-ineligible patients with RS.

Recent Advances in CAR T-Cell Therapy for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR T cells) have resulted in dramatic treatment responses for patients with hematologic malignancies, resulting in improved survival for patients with intractable disease. The first patient treated with CD19 directed CAR T cell therapy had chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and achieved a complete remission. Subsequent clinical trials have focused largely on patients with other B-cell hematologic malignancies, owing to the fact that CAR T cell therapy for patients with CLL has met with challenges. More recent clinical trials have demonstrated CAR T cell therapy can be well tolerated and effective for patients with CLL, making it a potential treatment option for patients with this disease. In this article we review the background on CAR T cells for the treatment of patients with CLL, focusing on the unique obstacles that patients with CLL present for the development of adoptive T cell therapy, and the novel approaches currently under development to overcome these hurdles.

Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Multiple Sclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents a critical appraisal of the use of autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (AHCT) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. We present the reader with a brief review on the AHCT procedure, its immunomodulatory mechanism of action in MS, the most recent evidence in support of its use in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), as well as its cost considerations. RECENT FINDINGS: The first meta-analysis of clinical trials of AHCT for patients with MS demonstrated durable 5-year progression-free survival rates and low treatment-related mortality. Recently, the first randomized controlled phase III clinical trial demonstrated AHCT to be superior to best available therapy for a subset of patients with RRMS. This led to the American society for transplant and cellular therapies (ASTCT) to recommend AHCT "for patients with relapsing forms of MS who have prognostic factors that indicate a high risk of future disability." AHCT should be considered for patients with RRMS with evidence of clinical activity who have failed 2 lines of therapy or at least one highly active disease-modifying therapy.

Diagnosis of Capnocytophaga canimorsus Sepsis by Whole-Genome Next-Generation Sequencing.

We report the case of a 60-year-old man with septic shock due to Capnocytophaga canimorsus that was diagnosed in 24 hours by a novel whole-genome next-generation sequencing assay. This technology shows great promise in identifying fastidious pathogens, and, if validated, it has profound implications for infectious disease diagnosis.

Endobronchial metastasis from primary anorectal melanoma.

PATIENT: Male, 64 FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Metastatic anorectal melanoma with endotracheal metastasis Symptoms: Fatigue • weight loss • hematochezia • cough MEDICATION: None Clinical Procedure: Biopsy of anal mass • rigid bronchoscopy Specialty: Internal medicine • oncology • pulmonology. OBJECTIVE: Rare disease. BACKGROUND: Anorectal melanoma is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. The mean survival after diagnosis is 15-25 months. At the time of diagnosis, 61% of patients have local regional lymph node metastases, and 21% have distant metastases. The lungs are a common site for metastasis for all tumors including melanoma. However endobronchial metastasis is a rare phenomenon. Endotracheal metastases are even rarer, occurring in only 5% of patients with extrapulmonary endobronchial metastases. It is most commonly seen in breast, colorectal, and kidney cancers. It is extremely rare for cutaneous melanoma. The mean survival after diagnosis is only 15 months and treatment options are limited. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 64 year-old gentleman with newly diagnosed metastatic anorectal melanoma. A 3 cm by 3 cm bluish-black, oval-shaped, exophytic mass protruding from his anus was found on physical exam. Endobronchial and endotracheal metastasis to the trachea were discovered on computed tomography and he was subsequently taken to the operating room for argon plasma coagulation laser recanalization of his trachea via rigid bronchoscopy, and resection of his anal mass. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented the first known case of anorectal melanoma with endobronchial metastasis. Palliative APC laser recanalization was used to prevent asphyxiation from the endotracheal mass. Endobronchial metastasis is uncommon and can be easily mistaken for primary bronchogenic carcinoma. It should always be considered when evaluating patients with new lung masses.