No clear survival benefit of azacitidine for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: A retrospective study of Nagasaki.

The efficacy of azacitidine (AZA) on survival of lower risk (LR) - myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is controversial. To address this issue, we retrospectively evaluated the long-term survival benefit of AZA for patients with LR-MDS defined by International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). Using data from 489 patients with LR-MDS in Nagasaki, hematologic responses according to International Working Group 2006 and overall survival (OS) were compared among patients that received best supportive care (BSC), immunosuppressive therapy (IST), erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA), and AZA. Patients treated with AZA showed complete remission (CR) rate at 11.3%, marrow CR at 1.9%, and any hematologic improvement at 34.0%, with transfusion independence (TI) of red blood cells in 27.3% of patients. and platelet in 20% of patients, respectively. Median OS for patients received IST, ESA, BSC, and AZA (not reached, 91 months, 58 months, and 29 months, respectively) differed significantly (P < .001). Infection-related severe adverse events were observed in more than 20% of patients treated with AZA. Multivariate analysis showed age, sex, IPSS score at diagnosis, and transfusion dependence were significant for OS, but AZA treatment was not, which maintained even response to AZA, and IPSS risk status at AZA administration was added as factors. We could not find significant survival benefit of AZA treatment for LR-MDS patients.

Chromosomal analysis of myelodysplastic syndromes among atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki.

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal haematopoietic disorders that develop de novo and also secondary to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. We previously demonstrated that the risk of MDS is increased among atomic bomb survivors with significant correlation to radiation dose; however, the clinical characteristics of these survivors have not been well analysed. In this study, we investigated chromosomal abnormalities of MDS among survivors. The frequency of abnormal karyotypes was significantly higher, with more very poor risk karyotypes, according to the revised International Prognostic Scoring System, among those exposed close to the hypocentre compared with unexposed cases. However, abnormal karyotype frequency did not reflect the prognosis of exposed cases with respect to distance from the hypocentre. In addition, there was no difference in prognosis between exposed and unexposed cases. Among proximally exposed cases (<1·5 km from the hypocentre), chromosomal translocations and inversions were more frequent, and the frequency of structural alterations in chromosomes 3, 8, and 11 was significantly increased compared with unexposed cases. These results suggest that chromosomal alterations in MDS among survivors have different features compared with those in de novo or therapy-related MDS. Detailed molecular study is warranted.

Clinical features and prognosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who were exposed to atomic bomb radiation in Nagasaki.

There is evidence that radiation exposure is a causative factor of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, little is known about whether radiation exposure is also a prognostic factor of MDS. We investigated the impact of radiation exposure on the prognosis of MDS in Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors using the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and the revised version (IPSS-R). Subjects were 140 patients with primary MDS diagnosed between 1985 and 2011 and evaluable for IPSS, IPSS-R, and exposure distance. Of those, 31 were exposed at <1.5 km, 35 at 1.5-2.99 km, and 74 at ≥3.0 km. By the end of March 2014, 47 patients (34%) progressed to overt leukemia and 106 (75.7%) died. By comparing with patients exposed at ≥3.0 km, those exposed at <1.5 km had significantly higher frequencies of abnormal chromosome (P = 0.02), intermediate/poor IPSS, and intermediate/poor/very poor IPSS-R cytogenetic category (P = 0.0001, and P < 0.0001, respectively). As with de novo MDS, multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that cytogenetic abnormalities, IPSS karyotype, and IPSS-R cytogenetics were significantly associated with poor survival, and cumulative incidence of leukemic transformation in MDS among atomic bomb survivors, but exposure distance was not associated with any poor outcomes. These suggest that exposure to the greater dose of atomic bomb radiation is associated with developing poor cytogenetic abnormalities in MDS, which might consequently lead to overt leukemia among atomic bomb survivors.

Efficacy and Cardiovascular Adverse Events of Long-term Treatment with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Report from the Nagasaki CML Study Group.

Objective The standard treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is the continuous use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which results in a favorable prognosis for the majority of patients. Recent studies have identified cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as late adverse events (AEs) related to TKIs. In this study, we evaluated the long-term efficacy and AEs of TKIs, focusing on CVDs. Methods We performed a retrospective survey of CML patients (diagnosed from 2001 to 2016) treated with TKIs in Nagasaki Prefecture. Clinical data were obtained from their medical records. We analyzed the survival, estimated cumulative incidence of CVDs, and risk factors for CVD among CML patients treated with TKIs. Results The overall survival rate of 264 CML patients treated with TKIs (median age 58 years old) was 89.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 84.9-92.9%], and 80.5% (95% CI, 73.4-85.9%) at 5 and 10 years after the CML diagnosis, respectively. CVD events occurred in 26 patients (9.8%, median age 67.5 years old) with a median 65.5 months of TKI treatment. The cumulative incidences at 2 and 5 years was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.0-4.8%) and 5.2% (95% CI, 2.8-8.6%), respectively. Hypertension and a high SCORE chart risk at the diagnosis of CML were associated with CVD events during TKI treatment. Conclusion TKI treatment contributed to the long-term survival of CML patients in Nagasaki Prefecture in a "real-world" setting, but the incidence of CVDs seemed to be increased in these patients. A proper approach to managing risk factors for CVD is warranted to reduce CVD events during TKI treatment.

[Evaluation of the binding affinity and RNA interference of low-molecular-weight chitosan/siRNA complexes using an imaging system].

Chitosan is one of the attractive non-viral carriers for gene delivery including siRNA. However, common chitosan, which has a relatively high molecular weight, is insoluble in water, which might make it difficult to apply clinically. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC), which is soluble in water, as a carrier for siRNA delivery. To evaluate the binding affinity and RNA interference (RNAi) of LMWC/siRNA complexes, a multi-well imaging system (IVIS) was adapted. CT26 cells stably expressing firefly luciferase (CT26/Luc cells) were established to evaluate RNAi. Evaluation of RNAi using lipofectamine(TM) 2000 was carried out by employing a luminometer with cell lysis and IVIS without cell lysis. The results were closely correlated, suggesting the advantages of the multi-well imaging system regarding screening, the visualization of results, and nondestructive evaluation. Fluorescence generated by ethidium bromide intercalated in the double strand of siRNA was markedly quenched at a higher ratio of LMWC to siRNA (N/P) and lower pH. Evaluation of the particle size and zeta potential of LMWC/siRNA complexes also indicated the higher binding affinity of LMWC with siRNA. At N/P=300 and pH 6.5, which satisfied the high-level binding affinity of LMWC with siRNA, significantly lower luminescence was detected in CT26/Luc cells treated with LMWC/siRNA compared with those treated with LMWC alone, suggesting the presence of RNAi. These results suggested that LMWC may be an effective carrier for siRNA delivery, and that the multi-well imaging system may be a powerful tool to evaluate the binding affinity and RNAi.

Imatinib provides durable molecular and cytogenetic responses in a practical setting for both newly diagnosed and previously treated chronic myelogenous leukemia: a study in nagasaki prefecture, Japan.

To evaluate the efficacy of imatinib in a practical setting, we registered 43 patients with newly diagnosed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) (group I) and 56 patients with previously diagnosed CML (group II) at 11 hematology centers in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, from December 2001 to July 2005 and analyzed the molecular responses. Cytopenia, fluid retention, and skin rash were major adverse events, along with elevation in creatine phosphokinase levels. With a follow-up of approximately 3.5 years, imatinib treatment led to 88.7% overall survival (OS) and 85.2% progression-free survival (PFS) rates for group I, and 79.8% OS and 76.6% PFS rates for group II; the rates were not significantly different despite a lower average imatinib dose in group II. The rates of complete cytogenetic response at 30 months and major molecular response at 24 months were 86.1% and 62.5%, respectively, in group I, and 77.9% and 58.3% in group II; the rates were not significantly different. As has been reported by other groups, these results demonstrate that imatinib treatment can provide excellent clinical and molecular effects for not only newly diagnosed but also previously treated CML patients in practical settings that cover a wider variety of patients than clinical trials.

[Plasmodium vivax malaria with clinical presentation mimicking acute type idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura].

Causes of thrombocytopenia are diverse, and infection with plasmodia often brings about thrombocytopenia. Japan is not an endemic area of malaria infection at present and most cases are travelers to endemic areas. In some cases, initial clinical diagnoses may not be correct because of a variety of symptoms, physical findings and laboratory abnormalities. A 67-year-old female, who had traveled to South American countries 2 months before the onset of the disease, presented with a case of vivax malaria. Because of the patient's high fever, profound thrombocytopenia (1.5 x 10(4)/microl), and elevated platelet-associated IgG on admission, our initial diagnosis was acute type idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). However, we recognized her tertian fever and plasmodial vivax in erythrocytes 4 days later. She responded promptly to anti-parasitic therapy after diagnosis of malaria and her laboratory data also improved. Travel history is indicative of malaria infection in some cases with thrombocytopenia mimicking acute ITP.

[Episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia in relapsing erythema and swelling of the right thigh].

On March 16, 2000, a 37-year-old male was admitted to another hospital for fever, erythema of the limbs, and swelling of the right lower leg. The leukocyte count was 19,800/microliter, and the ratio of eosinophils was 61%, suggesting marked eosinophilia. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed pneumonia in the left lung. However, the patient was negative for autoantibodies or parasitic antibodies. Administration of prednisolone at 80 mg/day resulted in a marked improvement of the symptoms and the eosinophilia. For diagnosis, detailed examination, and treatment, the patient was referred and admitted to our department on March 28. The dose of prednisolone was gradually decreased. On April 15, the agent was discontinued. Eosinophilia was not observed, however erythema of the limbs and swelling of the right lower leg recurred. Skin biopsy revealed in mild edema of the corium and eosinophilic infiltration, suggesting episodic angioedema associated with eosinophilia (EAE). In 1984, Greich et al. reported 4 patients with repeated angioedema, hives, and marked eosinophilia, and proposed the term EAE. Since then, more than 50 patients have been reported in Japan. Only 4 of these patients were males. We report on the present male patient together with the pathological findings.

Molecular analysis of the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain in chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors in practice: study by the Nagasaki CML Study Group.

An appropriate trigger for BCR-ABL1 mutation analysis has not yet been established in unselected cohorts of chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia patients. We examined 92 patients after 12 months of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Univariate analysis revealed that significant factors associated with not attaining a major molecular response (MMR) were the presence of the minor BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, a low daily dose of TKI, and the emergence of BCR-ABL1 kinase domain mutations conferring resistance to imatinib. Factors associated with the loss of sustained MMR were a low daily dose of TKI and the emergence of alternatively spliced BCR-ABL1 mRNA with a 35-nucleotide insertion. Taken together, our results suggest that the search for BCR-ABL1 mutations should be initiated if patients have not achieved MMR following 12 months of TKI treatment.

Successful treatment of a chronic-phase T-315I-mutated chronic myelogenous leukemia patient with a combination of imatinib and interferon-alfa.

The T315I BCR-ABL mutation in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients is responsible for up to 20% of all clinically observed resistance. This mutation confers resistance not only to imatinib, but also to second-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinases, such as nilotinib and dasatinib. A number of strategies have been implemented to overcome this resistance, but allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only established therapeutic option for a cure. A 61-year-old male was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic-phase CML in 2002. He was initially treated with imatinib and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) was achieved 12 months later. However, after 18 months, a loss of CCyR was observed and a molecular study at 24 months revealed a T315I mutation of the BCR-ABL gene. At 30 months, imatinib/interferon-alfa (IFNα) combination therapy was initiated in an effort to overcome the resistance. Thirty months later, he re-achieved CCyR, and the T315I BCR-ABL mutation disappeared at 51 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case report showing the effectiveness of imatinib/IFNα combination therapy for CML patients bearing the T315I BCR-ABL mutation.

Enhanced gene delivery and/or efficacy by functional peptide and protein.

RNA interference (RNAi) is an attractive phenomenon for practical use that specifically inhibits gene expression and is carried out by small double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) including small interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). In addition, RNAi is of great interest for clinical use to cure refractory diseases related to the expression of a specific gene. To achieve gene silencing in the body, a sufficient amount of dsRNA must be delivered and internalized into target cells. However, dsRNAs have a large molecular weight and net negative charge, which limits their membrane-permeating ability. Moreover, dsRNAs are rapidly degraded by endonucleses in the body. Therefore, for the efficient delivery of dsRNAs, many approaches based on drug delivery systems have been carried out. In this review, we focus on recent reports about the application of functional peptides and proteins designed for the efficient delivery of dsRNAs.

Improving the stability of short hairpin RNA against fetal bovine serum using the third double-stranded RNA-binding domain from Staufen protein.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a technology that specifically inhibits gene expression and is carried out by small 21-27-nucleotide double-stranded small interfering RNA (siRNA) or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). RNAi has become a very promising technology for genetic research, however problems remain with the delivery of siRNA into cells. SiRNA and shRNA are easily degraded by RNases in body fluids and are hardly able to permeate cell membranes because of hydrophilic, polyanionic macromolecules which make their bioavailability very low. We have focused on the third double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD3) from the Mus musculus Staufen protein in order to develop a non-viral, multifunctional, artificial virus-like delivery system. We constructed a dsRBD3 expression vector and the recombinant dsRBD3 was expressed as a fusion protein with affinity tags. Purified dsRBD3 was mixed with siRNA or shRNA at various ratios and then added to fetal bovine serum (FBS) to evaluate the inhibition of the degradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) by RNase. Unexpectedly, dsRBD3 was not able to protect the siRNA against degradation by FBS, but shRNA was stabilized to some degree by dsRBD3.

Long-term efficacy of imatinib in a practical setting is correlated with imatinib trough concentration that is influenced by body size: a report by the Nagasaki CML Study Group.

Imatinib has dramatically improved long-term survival of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients. To analyze its efficacy in a practical setting, we registered most of CML patients in Nagasaki Prefecture of Japan. Of these, 73 patients received imatinib as an initial therapy. The overall survival rate of these patients was 88.7% at 6 years, and the cumulative complete cytogenetic response rate was 82.5% at 18 months. These results are comparable with the data of other reports including the IRIS study; however, the administered imatinib dose was smaller in our study than that in other reports. To address these discrepancies, we measured the trough concentration of imatinib among 35 patients. Although 39% of the patients were administered less than 400 mg/day, the trough level was comparable to those of previous reports. The trough level of imatinib showed a significant relationship with its efficacy, and was clearly related to dose of imatinib administrated and dose of imatinib divided by body surface area (BSA). Considering the smaller BSA of Japanese patients as compared to those of foreign origin, the results suggest that a lower dose of imatinib could maintain enough trough level and provided excellent results for the treatment of CML in our registry.