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Regulatory T (Treg) cells play a central role in immune tolerance and prevention of aberrant immune responses. Several studies have suggested that the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can be ameliorated by increasing Tregs. We have developed an approach of in vivo expansion of Tregs with RGI-2001, a novel liposomal formulation of a synthetic derivative of alpha-galactosylceramide, a naturally occurring ligand that binds to CD1 and activates and expands invariant natural killer cells. In preclinical studies, a single intravenous infusion of RGI-2001 expanded Treg and could ameliorate GVHD in a mouse model of allogeneic HCT. To explore the role of RGI-2001 in clinical HCT, we initiated a phase 2A clinical trial (n = 29), testing 2 different doses of RGI-2001 administered as a single infusion on day 0 of allogeneic HCT. RGI-2001 was well tolerated and without infusion reactions or cytokine release syndrome. A subset of patients (8 of 29, 28%) responded to RGI-2001 by inducing a markedly increased number of cells with a Treg phenotype. The Treg had a high Ki-67 index and were almost exclusively Helios + and Foxp3 + , indicating that their accumulation was due to expansion of natural Treg. Notably, the incidence of grade 2 to 4 GVHD in the 8 patients who responded to RGI-2001 was 12.5%, compared with 52.4% in the 21 patients who did not respond. No grade 3 or 4 GVHD was observed in the responder group, compared with a 9.5% incidence among nonresponders. Immunosuppression with sirolimus was also associated with a low incidence of GVHD, suggesting that RGI-2001 may have synergized with sirolimus to promote Treg expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease relapse is a major barrier to successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Maintenance therapy administered after HCT is a promising strategy to attempt to reduce relapse and improve overall survival. However, many questions and challenges remain regarding this approach, including which patients should receive maintenance therapy, which agents should be used, what the ideal duration of therapy is, and what effect specific agents will have on toxicities, immunological reconstitution and graft-versus-host disease. Clinical trials are ongoing, which should help begin to address some of these issues and it is imperative that the transplantation community continues to collaborate in such trials to best answer these questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with lymphoma relapse after autologous stem cell transplantation (AutoSCT). These patients are often considered for allogeneic stem cell transplantation (AlloSCT) if remission can be achieved. If a tandem approach was organized, some cases of relapse might be prevented. We conducted a phase II trial of tandem AutoSCT followed by reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) AlloSCT for patients with high-risk lymphoma. High-dose chemotherapy was given with busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide. AlloSCT was composed of RIC with busulfan/fludarabine and tacrolimus, sirolimus, and methotrexate as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Donors were fully matched related or unrelated donors. AlloSCT was performed any time between 40 days and 6 months after AutoSCT. Forty-two patients were enrolled, and all patients underwent AutoSCT. RIC AlloSCT was performed in 29 patients. In the 29 patients who underwent tandem transplant, median time from AutoSCT to AlloSCT was 96 days (range, 48 to 169). The 6-month cumulative incidence of grades II to IV acute GVHD was 13.8% (90% confidence interval [CI], 5.3% to 26.3%). Cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD at 1 year was 37.9% (90% CI, 23.1% to 52.7%). Nonrelapse mortality at 2 years after AlloSCT was 11.1% (90% CI, 3.5% to 23.6%). At a median follow-up of 30 months (range, 17.1 to 51.5) for the entire group, the 2-year progression-free survival rate was 64% (90% CI, 50% to 75%) and the 2-year overall survival rate was 69% (90% CI, 43% to 85%). For the 29 patients who underwent tandem SCT, the 2-year progression-free survival rate was 72% (90% CI, 55% to 83%) and the 2-year OS rate was 89% (90% CI, 74% to 96%). Tandem AutoSCT–RIC AlloSCT appears to be safe and effective in patients with high-risk lymphoma. Prospective trials using such an approach in specific lymphoma subtypes are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data to guide the choice of high-dose therapy (HDT) regimen before autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) for patients with Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We studied 4917 patients (NHL, n = 3905; HL, n = 1012) who underwent AHCT from 1995 to 2008 using the most common HDT platforms: carmustine (BCNU), etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) (n = 1730); cyclophosphamide, BCNU, and etoposide (CBV) (n = 1853); busulfan and cyclophosphamide (BuCy) (n = 789); and total body irradiation (TBI)–containing treatment (n = 545). CBV was divided into CBV high and CBV low based on BCNU dose. We analyzed the impact of regimen on development of idiopathic pulmonary syndrome (IPS), transplantation-related mortality (TRM), and progression-free and overall survival. The 1-year incidence of IPS was 3% to 6% and was highest in recipients of CBV high (hazard ratio [HR], 1.9) and TBI (HR, 2.0) compared with BEAM. One-year TRM was 4% to 8%, respectively, and was similar between regimens. Among patients with NHL, there was a significant interaction between histology, HDT regimen, and outcome. Compared with BEAM, CBV low (HR, .63) was associated with lower mortality in follicular lymphoma ( P < .001), and CBV high (HR, 1.44) was associated with higher mortality in diffuse large B cell lymphoma ( P = .001). For patients with HL, CBV high (HR, 1.54), CBV low (HR, 1.53), BuCy (HR, 1.77), and TBI (HR, 3.39) were associated with higher mortality compared with BEAM ( P < .001). The impact of specific AHCT regimen on post-transplantation survival is different depending on histology; therefore, further studies are required to define the best regimen for specific diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) mutation is associated with a high relapse rate for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) even after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Sorafenib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which inhibits the FLT3 tyrosine kinase and has shown encouraging activity in FLT3-ITD AML. We conducted a phase I trial of maintenance sorafenib after HSCT in patients with FLT3-ITD AML ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01398501 ). Patients received a variety of conditioning regimens and graft sources. A dose escalation 3 + 3 cohort design was used to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), with an additional 10 patients treated at the MTD. Sorafenib was initiated between days 45 and 120 after HSCT and continued for 12 28-day cycles. Twenty-two patients were enrolled (status at HSCT: first complete remission [CR1], n = 16; second complete remission [CR2], n = 3; refractory, n = 3). The MTD was established at 400 mg twice daily with 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) observed (pericardial effusion). Two patients died of transplantation-related causes, both unrelated to sorafenib. Two patients stopped sorafenib after relapse and 5 stopped because of attributable toxicities after the DLT period. Median follow-up for surviving patients is 16.7 months after HSCT (range, 8.1 to 35.0). There was 1 case of grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after starting sorafenib and the 12-month cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 38% (90% confidence interval [CI], 21% to 56%). For all patients, 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 85% (90% CI, 66% to 94%) and 1-year overall survival (OS) was 95% (90% CI, 79% to 99%) after HSCT. For patients in CR1/CR2 before HSCT (n = 19), 1-year PFS was 95% (90% CI, 76% to 99%) and 1-year OS was 100%, with only 1 patient who relapsed. Sorafenib is safe after HSCT for FLT3-ITD AML and merits further investigation for the prevention of relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Comparisons of myeloablative conditioning versus reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) have demonstrated a tradeoff between relapse and toxicity. Dose intensity across RIC regimens vary and may affect treatment outcomes. In this retrospective analysis, we investigated the effect of i.v. busulfan dosing (total dose 3.2 mg/kg versus 6.4 mg/kg) in RIC regimens that combined fludarabine and busulfan on outcomes in patients who were undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A total of 217 consecutive patients with MDS or AML underwent first busulfan and fludarabine RIC peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from well-matched related or unrelated donors at our institutions between 2004 and 2009. Of the 217 patients, 135 patients received Bu1 (3.2 mg/kg of busulfan) and 82 patients received Bu2 (6.4 mg/kg of busulfan), both with daily fludarabine (30 mg/m2/day for 4 days). The choice of RIC regimen was based on temporal institutional standard, enrollment on protocols, and physician choice. Patients had similar characteristics with a few notable differences: Patients who received Bu1 were younger (median age 61 versus 64 years, P < . 001), received more single-antigen mismatched unrelated grafts (14.1% versus 1.2%, P < . 001), received more sirolimus-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis regimens (63% versus 45%, P < .0001), received less antithymocyte globulin for GVHD prophylaxis (0% versus 22%, P < .001), and had less enrollment on a clinical trial that used prophylactic rituximab for the prevention of chronic GVHD (2.2% versus 11.0%, P = .011). Clinical disease status was similar between the groups. Median follow-up for survivors was 4.4 years for Bu1 and 3.2 years for Bu2. Because of the differences in characteristics, the 2 groups were compared with the adjustment of a propensity score that predicted Bu2 to account for measured differences. The day +200 cumulative incidence rates of grades II to IV acute GVHD (Bu1, 17%, versus Bu2, 8.5%; hazard ratio [HR], .56; 95% confidence interval [CI], .22 to 1.41; P = .22) or grades III to IV acute GVHD (Bu1, 6.7%, versus Bu2, 4.9%) were not different. The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was not significantly different between Bu1 and Bu2 (41.5% versus 28%, respectively; HR, .70; CI, .42 to 1.17; P = .09). Two-year nonrelapse mortality rates were similar for Bu1 and Bu2 (8.9% versus 9.8%, respectively; HR, .80; CI, .29 to 2.21; P = .67). Two-year progression-free survival and overall survival were also similar between Bu1 and Bu2 (progression-free survival: 40.6% versus 39.3%, respectively; HR, .82; CI, .57 to 1.30; P = .33; and overall survival: 47.4% versus 48.8%, respectively; HR, .96; CI, .64 to 1.44; P = .85). Subset analysis defined by clinical disease and cytogenetic risk with the propensity risk score applied suggest that in patients with high clinical disease risk and nonadverse cytogenetics, the higher dose busulfan RIC regimen may be of marginal benefit (2-year progression-free survival: HR, .54; CI, .29 to 1.03; P = .062). For the majority of patients with MDS or AML undergoing busulfan and fludarabine RIC peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, however, the dose of busulfan (3.2 mg/kg versus 6.4 mg/kg) is not associated with significant differences in overall outcomes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There are little data comparing umbilical cord blood (UBC) and conventional stem cell sources for reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We performed a retrospective analysis of RIC HCST using double UCB (dUCB) grafts and RIC HSCT using unrelated donor (URD) grafts. The study included 64 dUCB transplantations and 221 URD transplantations performed at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital between 2004 and 2008. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was 14.1% for dUCB and 20.3% for URD (P = .32). The 2-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was significantly lower in dUCB compared with URD (21.9% versus 53.9%; P < .0001). The 2-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was significantly higher in dUCB (26.9% versus 10.4%; P = .0009). In our analysis, dUCB HSCT and URD HSCT had comparable 3-year overall survival (46% in dUCB and 50% in URD; P = .49) and progression-free survival (30% in dUCB and 40% in URD; P = .47). dUCBT was associated with greater nonrelapse mortality despite less chronic GVHD. Our findings suggest that the use of 2 partially matched UCB units appears to be a suitable alternative for patients undergoing RIC HSCT without an HLA-matched donor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The pathophysiology of aGVHD involves priming of naïve donor T cells in host secondary lymphoid tissue, followed by migration of effector T cells to target organs. Mediators of lymphocyte trafficking are believed to play a significant role in this migration. In this retrospective case-controlled study, we analyzed the expression of α4β7 integrin and CCR9, 2 surface T cell molecules specific for intestinal trafficking, from blood samples collected previously from 59 patients after HSCT (20 without aGVHD, 20 with skin aGVHD, and 19 with intestinal aGVHD). All samples had been obtained before the onset of aGVHD symptoms (with 1 sample collected on the day of symptom onset). Analysis by flow cytometry demonstrated that α4β7 integrin was significantly increased on both naïve and memory T cells in patients who subsequently developed intestinal aGVHD, with the most significant differences observed in memory subsets. Immunohistochemical staining on rectal biopsy specimens from patients with intestinal aGVHD showed that expression of α4β7 integrin was concentrated on mononuclear cells in blood vessels within the intestinal mucosa. These results suggest that α4β7 integrin likely is involved in lymphocyte trafficking in intestinal aGVHD and may have potential clinical use as a correlative biomarker or as a target for the treatment and prophylaxis of intestinal aGVHD after HSCT. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Outcome analysis was performed of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation using the WZ-14-TM protocol in patients with β-thalassemia major. • The incidences of grade II to IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 8.3% and 8.3%, respectively. • The overall survival and thalassemia-free survival rates were both 100%. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only available curative treatment for patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). However, the problem of finding a suitable sibling donor with well-matched human leukocyte antigens is still a major obstacle to curing these patients. With the progress in high-resolution HLA typing technology and supportive care, outcomes after allogeneic HSCT from an HLA well-matched unrelated donor (UD) now approach those of well-matched sibling donors. However, UD HSCT is hampered by an increased risk of graft-versus-host disease and transplant-related mortality. Here we report the outcome of transplantation in patients with β-TM using a novel WZ-14-TM transplant protocol, based on cyclophosphamide, intravenous busulfan, fludarabine, and antithymocyte globulin, in our center. Forty-eight patients between 2 and 11 years of age with β-TM received HLA well-matched UD peripheral blood stem cell transplantation following the WZ-14-TM protocol. All of the transplanted patients achieved donor engraftment. The incidences of grade II to IV acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 8.3% and 8.3%, respectively. The overall survival and thalassemia-free survival rates were both 100%. This encouraging result suggests that the WZ-14-TM protocol is a feasible and safe conditioning regime for patients with β-TM undergoing UD HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We recently conducted a randomized double-blind study in which we demonstrated that moderate/severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) but not cGVHD-free survival was reduced in patients receiving anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) versus placebo. In a companion study we performed immunophenotypic analysis to determine the impact of ATLG on immune reconstitution (IR) and to correlate IR with clinical outcomes. The randomized study (n = 254) included patients (aged 18 to 65 years) who underwent myeloablative transplants for acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, or acute lymphoblastic leukemia from HLA-matched unrelated donors. Ninety-one patients consented for the companion IR study (ATLG = 44, placebo = 47). Blood samples were collected on days 30, 100, 180, and 360 after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and multiparameter flow cytometry was performed in a blinded fashion. Reconstitution of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells was delayed up to 6 months post-HCT in the ATLG arm, whereas absolute regulatory T cell (Treg) (CD4+25+127-) numbers were lower only in the first 100 days. Analysis of the CD4+ Treg and conventional T cells (Tconv) (CD4+25–127+) compartments showed a profound absence of naive Tregs and Tconv in the first 100 days post-HCT, with very slow recovery for 1 year. B cell and natural killer cell recovery were similar in each arm. Higher absolute counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T, Tregs, and Tconv were associated with improved overall survival, progression-free survival, and nonrelapse mortality but not moderate/severe cGVHD. Although ATLG delays CD3+ and CD4+ T cell recovery post-transplant, it has a relative Treg sparing effect after the early post-HCT period, with possible implications for protection from cGVHD. ATLG severely compromises the generation of naive CD4+ cells (Treg and Tconv), potentially affecting the diversity of the TCR repertoire and T cell responses against malignancy and infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, T cell repertoire diversity lags behind quantitative T cell recovery. • An increase in the number of expanded clones at day +30 is associated with an increased risk of acute graft-versus-host disease. • The use of antithymocyte globulin results in prolonged T cell anomalies, including increased clonality (1 - Peilou's evenness) and decreased Daley-Smith richness, despite a nearly equivalent T cell fraction. Delayed reconstitution of the immune system is a long-recognized complication after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Specifically, loss of T cell diversity has been thought to contribute to infectious complications, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and disease relapse. We performed serial high-resolution next-generation sequencing of T cell receptor (TCR)-β in 99 related or unrelated donor (57 unrelated, 42 related) allogeneic HCT recipients (55 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 44 with myeloablative conditioning) during the first 3 months after HCT using the immunoSEQ Assay. We measured T cell fraction, clonality (1- Peilou's evenness) and Daley-Smith richness from recipient samples at multiple time points. In agreement with previous studies, we found that although absolute T cell numbers recover relatively quickly after HCT, T cell repertoire diversity remains diminished. Restricted diversity was associated with conditioning intensity, use of antithymocyte globulin, and donor type. Increased number of expanded clones compared to donor T cell clones at day +30 was associated with the incidence of acute GVHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; P =.00005). Even after exclusion of the 12 patients who developed acute GVHD before day +30, the association between acute GVHD and increased clonal expansion at day +30 remained (HR, 1.098; P =.041), indicating that increased clonal T cell expansion preceded the development of acute GVHD. Our results highlight T cell clonal expansion as a potential novel biomarker for acute GVHD that warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) yielded durable remissions in a subset of patients with relapsed/refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. • Patients with refractory disease at HSCT had a dismal outcome (2-year progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS] of 0%). • Patients with sensitive disease at HSCT had a 5-year PFS of 44% and OS of 58%. • The 2-year OS in patients who relapsed after allogeneic HSCT was 33%. Standard therapy for relapsed or refractory (rel/ref) primary mediastinal large B cell lymphoma (PMBCL) is salvage therapy followed by autologous (auto) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, many patients have refractory disease and are unable to undergo autoHSCT, and a sizeable proportion of patients will relapse after autoHSCT. By analogy to diffuse large B cell lymphoma, these patients may be treated with allogeneic (allo) HSCT with curative intent, but at the risk of significant morbidity and mortality. Given the advent of effective immunotherapy approaches for rel/ref PMBCL, it is important to better understand the toxicity and efficacy of alloHSCT in these patients, to which these new approaches could be an alternative. Therefore, we retrospectively studied the outcomes of alloHSCT in a multicenter cohort of 28 patients with rel/ref PMBCL who underwent transplantation at 4 centers. Most patients (79%) were sensitive to pretransplantation therapy and 86% received reduced-intensity conditioning. The overall progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and cumulative incidences of nonrelapse mortality and relapse in the cohort at 5 years were 34%, 45%, 32%, and 33%, respectively. Outcomes were significantly better in patients with pretransplantation responsive disease (2-year PFS and OS of 50% and 58%, respectively) compared with refractory patients (2-year PFS and OS of 0%). In our multicenter retrospective study, alloHSCT produced durable remissions in a proportion of patients with treatment-sensitive disease before transplantation (5-year PFS of 44%) and should be considered in the treatment of patients with rel/ref PMBCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• One third of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) had clinically significant depression or anxiety. • Mood was associated with symptom burden, coping, and physical functioning. • Coping, symptoms, physical functioning, and social support related to quality of life (QOL) over time. • Studies should explore psychosocial interventions to improve mood and QOL in GVHD. Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of most common complications following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and the most significant contributor to morbidity and nonrelapse mortality. The physical burdens and psychosocial difficulties of these patients have not been described systematically. An exploration into the rates and correlates of mood and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic GVHD is necessary to develop a clinically relevant, evidence-based intervention to promote well-being. From July 2015 to July 2017, adult allogeneic HCT survivors with established moderate to severe chronic GVHD (N = 52) enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study at a tertiary academic center. We examined the rates and correlates of depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and explored whether constructs including coping strategies (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations), symptom burden (Lee Symptom Assessment Scale), physical functioning (Human Activity Profile), and perceived social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey) predicted QOL trajectory over time (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Bone Marrow Transplant) at the baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up. Analyses adjusted for age, sex, chronic GVHD severity, and time since chronic GVHD diagnosis. At the baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up, 32.7%, 31.1%, and 37.8% of patients reported clinically significant depression symptoms, and 30.8%, 20.0%, and 36.4% reported clinically elevated anxiety symptoms, respectively. Adjusting for covariates, greater use of negative emotion-oriented coping (β = 0.20, P =.002), less use of task-oriented coping (β = –0.10, P =.021), worse physical functioning (β = –0.07, P =.004), and higher symptom burden (β = 0.07, P =.002) were independently associated with depression symptoms at baseline. Greater use of negative emotion-oriented coping (β = 0.28, P <. 001) and worse physical functioning (β = –0.05, P =.034) were independently associated with anxiety at baseline. Patients who used more negative emotion-oriented coping (β = –0.58, P =.035), had less task-oriented (β = 0.40, P =.028) and social diversion-oriented coping (β = 0.35, P =.039), and had higher symptom burden (β = –0.30, P =.001), worse physical functioning (β = 0.32, P <. 001), and lower perceived social support (β = 6.47, P =.003) at baseline reported poorer QOL over time. The unmet physical and psychosocial needs of patients with chronic GVHD are substantial and warrant investigation into evidence-based interventions that may improve QOL and mood by targeting modifiable psychosocial constructs identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight • The overall response rate for steroid-refractory aGVHD at 6 to 10 weeks after vedolizumab initiation was 64%. • Overall survival at 6 months after vedolizumab initiation was 54%. • Vedolizumab therapy was not associated with significant unexpected toxicities. ABSTRACT Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) can be curative in patients with hematologic malignancies but carries a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). There are no standard treatments for steroid-refractory (SR) gastrointestinal (GI) acute GVHD (aGVHD). This multicenter, international, retrospective medical record review aimed to evaluate the off-label use of vedolizumab, a gut-selective immunomodulator, for treating SR GI aGVHD. Data were collected from patients' medical records; criteria for extraction included no more than 1 allo-HCT and at least 1 dose of vedolizumab as treatment for SR GI aGVHD (ie, stage 1 to 4 GI aGVHD following ≥1 previous treatment regimen(s) containing ≥1 mg/kg methylprednisolone or equivalent). Descriptive analyses of response rate, overall survival (OS), and serious adverse effects (SAEs) were performed. Twenty-nine patients were identified from 7 sites who had received 1 to 10 doses of vedolizumab 300 mg i.v. (median 3 doses) as treatment for SR GI aGVHD. The overall response rate at 6 to 10 weeks after vedolizumab initiation was 64%, and OS at 6 months was 54%. There were 29 SAEs, including 12 infections; 3 SAEs were considered possibly related to vedolizumab, 2 of which were infections. Thirteen SAEs were fatal, 1 of which was possibly vedolizumab-related. There were 8 nonserious infections and 1 serious infection with confirmed GI origin in 8 patients; there was no apparent pattern in the timing of these infections relative to the initiation of vedolizumab treatment. Further data on the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in this setting from prospective trials are needed. Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Disruption of the intestinal microbiome early after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) has been linked to adverse outcomes in transplant recipients. To date, whether microbiome-directed interventions will be able to impact important clinical endpoints remains unknown. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a compelling intervention to restore healthy diversity to the intestinal microenvironment after allo-HCT, but currently has no established role in transplant recipients. In this review, we examine the use of FMT as treatment for Clostridium difficile infection and acute graft-versus-host disease, and also as a restorative intervention early after allo-HCT. Ongoing and planned studies will help determine the ultimate role of FMT in allo-HCT recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Extracorporeal photopheresis is used to treat chronic graft-versus-host disease. • In a highly pretreated cohort, 62% of patients responded to this treatment. • Treatment was associated with a meaningful decrease in prednisone dose. • Overall, global severity and body surface area redness decreased with treatment. • Response was not associated with frequency of regulatory T cells. Abstract Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an accepted treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD); however, the mechanism of action is unclear. We conducted a prospective multicenter clinical trial to assess ECP response rates using the 2005 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria and to assess the relationship between regulatory T cells (Tregs) and treatment response (NCT01324908). Eighty-three patients with any NIH subtype of cGVHD were enrolled, irrespective of number of prior lines of treatment, and 6 were subsequently excluded because of the absence of follow-up from cancer relapse, infection, or study withdrawal. Study outcomes were provider-assessed response and formal response by 2005 NIH criteria. Peripheral blood samples were collected at prespecified study visits and were analyzed by flow cytometry for Tregs. In a heavily pretreated cohort of patients, with a median of 2 prior lines of therapy, 62.3% of patients had a provider-assessed response to ECP and 43.5% had response by NIH criteria. These assessments showed only a slight agreement (kappa statistic,.09). In a logistic regression model that included previously identified risk factors such as bilirubin, platelet count, and time from transplant to study entry, no clinical factors were associated with the provider's response assessment. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in percentage of Tregs in blood leukocytes at study entry and completion or in overall change in Treg frequency between ECP responders and nonresponders. ECP was associated with a clinically significant decrease in median prednisone dose (.36 to.14 mg/kg, P <.001) from study entry to last visit and a significant decrease in global severity of cGVHD and total body surface area with erythematous rash. Overall, ECP was able to deliver response using NIH response criteria in a highly pretreated cohort with moderate and severe cGVHD independent of most previous risk factors for adverse outcomes of cGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlight • One-fifth of patients with chronic GVHD struggle with depression or anxiety symptoms. • Psychological distress is associated with worse physical functioning in chronic GVHD. • Psychological distress is associated with worse QOL in chronic GVHD. • Self-reported depression symptoms are associated with lower OS in chronic GVHD. Abstract Data on psychological distress and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) are lacking. We used data of patients with chronic GVHD (N = 482) from the Chronic GVHD Consortium, a prospective observational multicenter cohort. We examined the relationship between self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms (measured by the Lee Symptom Scale) and patients' quality of life (QOL; measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G] and the Physical Component Scale [PCS] of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey), physical functioning (measured by the Human Activity Profile), functional status (measured by the 2-minute walk test), and overall survival (OS). Overall, 19.3% of patients (93/481) reported being moderately to extremely bothered by depression, and 22.8% (110/482) reported being moderately to extremely bothered by anxiety, with 14.1% (68/482) of those reporting being bothered by both. In multivariable models adjusted for clinical covariates, patients with self-reported depression had worse QOL (FACT-G: β = –23.09, P <.001; PCS: β = –4.94, P <.001), physical functioning (β = –8.31, P <.001), functional status (β = –37.21, P =.025), and lower OS (hazard ratio, 1.62; P =.020) compared with those with no depression symptoms. Patients who reported anxiety also had lower QOL (FACT-G: β = –19.47, P <.001; PCS: β = –3.91, P <.001), physical functioning (β = –6.69, P <.001), and functional status (β = –32.42, P =.036) but no difference in OS. Patients with chronic GVHD who report depression or anxiety symptoms have significantly compromised QOL and physical functioning. Self-reported depression is associated with lower OS. Patients with chronic GVHD and self-reported depression or anxiety represent a highly vulnerable population at risk for poor clinical outcomes and substantial morbidity from their illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • BV was associated with a 47% partial response rate in patients with steroid-refractory cGVHD. • BV therapy was limited by treatment-emergent toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy. • Soluble CD30 level at enrollment was not associated with cGVHD severity or clinical response. Abstract We conducted a phase I study of brentuximab vedotin (BV), an antibody–drug conjugate targeting CD30, for the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). A modified 3 + 3 study design was used with the primary endpoint to determine the maximum tolerated dose of BV in this population. Escalating doses of BV were planned, starting with.6 mg/kg every 3 weeks (dose level 0) and increasing by.3 mg/kg per dose level. BV was administered in 21-day cycles for up to 16 cycles of therapy. Nineteen patients were enrolled on the study, with 2 withdrawing consent before dosing. The median number of cycles of therapy was 4 (range, 1 to 16). Reasons for stopping therapy prematurely included toxicities (n = 9), patient decision (n = 3), lack of response (n = 2), and death (n = 1). There were 2 dose-limiting toxicities observed: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (cohort 4, grade 3) and sepsis (cohort 4, grade 4). The maximum tolerated dose was not reached because the trial was prematurely closed due to toxicity. Seven patients (41%) developed grade 3 or 4 adverse events that were attributed to therapy, including 4 patients who developed moderate or severe peripheral neuropathy that led to cessation of treatment in each case. According to National Institutes of Health cGVHD response criteria, 8 patients (47%) experienced a partial response, whereas 9 patients (53%) had a lack of response. There were no complete responses observed. Eleven patients (65%) were able to decrease their systemic corticosteroid dose by ≥50% by 6 months after initiation of BV, including 3 patients who were able to stop corticosteroids completely. The median soluble CD30 level before therapy was 61.5 ng/mL (range, 7.8 to 474.9); however, we did not observe any association between soluble CD30 level and cGVHD severity at enrollment or clinical responses to BV. In conclusion, BV may have activity in treatment of steroid-refractory cGVHD, yet its use is limited by treatment-emergent toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy. Continued efforts to investigate targeted approaches to cGVHD that do not cause broad immunosuppression are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, has been identified as a potential risk factor for adverse outcomes in hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. However, much remains unknown about change in body composition following HCT. We retrospectively evaluated computed tomography (CT) imaging from 315 lymphoma patients undergoing HCT at our institution between 2000 and 2014. Cross-sectional areas of lean muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and visceral adipose tissue were measured on CT at the level of the third lumbar vertebral body before HCT, 1-year post-HCT, and 2.5 years post-HCT. The incidence of sarcopenia before HCT was 47% in the autologous HCT (auto-HCT) cohort (n = 218) and 55% in the allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT) cohort (n = 97). Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.04; P  < .001) and male sex (OR, 4.59; 95% CI, 1.42 to 4.93; P  < .001) were associated with sarcopenia before HCT. Increasing body mass index (OR, .78; 95% CI, .73 to .84; P  < .001) was protective against sarcopenia before HCT. A significant decline in total lean body mass (β = 1.96; 95% CI, .79 to 3.13; P  = .001) and increased sarcopenia incidence (OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.62, P  = .012) was observed over time for patients in the allo-HCT cohort when compared with the trend in the auto-HCT cohort. Both auto-HCT and allo-HCT recipients experienced an increase in total body fat mass over time (β = 3.75; 95% CI, 2.77 to 4.73; P  < .001). In multivariate analysis of patients undergoing allo-HCT, the presence of sarcopenia on baseline imaging before HCT was associated with a lower risk of acute graft-versus-host disease (OR, .30; 95% CI, .09 to .98; P  = .047). In conclusion, we found that total body fat mass increases after both auto-HCT and allo-HCT. Following allo-HCT, total lean body mass significantly decreases corresponding to increased incidence of sarcopenia. Future studies are needed to further characterize changes in body composition in HCT recipients and investigate its impact on HCT outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double-hit lymphomas (DHLs) and double-expressor lymphomas (DELs) are associated with resistance to frontline and salvage immunochemotherapy, as well as autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). We hypothesized that allogeneic SCT (alloSCT) could overcome the chemoresistance associated with DEL/DHL. We retrospectively studied the impact of DEL/DHL status in a multicenter cohort of patients who underwent alloSCT for relapsed/refractory (rel/ref) aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL). Seventy-eight patients transplanted at 3 centers in whom tumor tissue was available for immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization were enrolled; 47% had DEL and 13% had DHL. There were no significant differences in 4-year progression-free (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between patients with DEL compared with patients without DEL (PFS 30% versus 39%, P  = .24; OS 31% versus 49%, P  = .17) or between patients with DHL compared with patients without DHL (PFS 40% versus 34%, P  = .62; OS 50% versus 38%, P  = .46). The lack of association between DEL or DHL and outcome was confirmed in multivariable models, although inadequate sample size may have limited our ability to detect significant differences. In our cohort alloSCT produced durable remissions in patients with rel/ref aggressive B-NHL irrespective of DEL and DHL status, justifying its consideration in the treatment of patients with rel/ref DEL/DHL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive NK cell leukemia (ANKL) is an exceedingly rare form of leukemia and carries a poor prognosis, with a median survival of only 2 months. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we evaluated outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) in patients with ANKL. Twenty-one patients with a centrally confirmed diagnosis of ANKL were included. Median patient age was 42 years and 15 patients (71%) were Caucasian. Fourteen patients (67%) were in complete remission (CR) at the time of alloHCT, and 5 patients had active disease. Median follow-up of survivors was 25 months (range, 12 to 116). The 2-year estimates of nonrelapse mortality, relapse/progression, progression-free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were 21%, 59%, 20%, and 24%, respectively. The 2-year PFS of patients in CR at the time of alloHCT was significantly better than that of patients with active disease at transplantation (30% versus 0%; P  = .001). The 2-year OS in similar order was 38% versus 0% ( P  < .001). In conclusion, this registry analysis that included majority non-Asian patient population shows that alloHCT can provide durable disease control in a subset of ANKL patients. Achieving CR before transplantation appears to be a prerequisite for successful transplantation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of HLA-C matching in 515 patients after double umbilical cord blood (UCB) transplantation. After HLA matching HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 at the allele level, we scored patients according to number of donor-recipient HLA-C matches at 4 possible loci: 2 from each donor unit, at the allele level. Given a direct interaction between HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 matching and HLA-C score, we analyzed HLA-C matching in those receiving at least 1 2/6 to 4/6 HLA–matched unit (n = 389) versus those receiving only 5/6 or 6/6–matched units (n = 126). In those with at least 1 2/6 to 4/6 HLA–matched unit, a better HLA-C matching score was associated with significantly lower risk of death of any cause and nonrelapse mortality and better disease-free survival. There was no association with the risk of relapse, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, and hematopoietic recovery. In contrast, among patients receiving only allele-level 5/6 or 6/6 HLA–matched UCB units, HLA-C match had no demonstrable effect on any outcome. For patients receiving at least 1 allele-level 2/6 to 4/6 HLA–matched UCB unit, matching at HLA-C reduces nonrelapse mortality and improves survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of advances in supportive care and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) practices on the outcomes of patients who develop grade III or IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is unknown. We performed a retrospective analysis of 427 patients with overall grade III or IV acute GVHD treated at 2 partner institutions between 1997 and 2012. We compared treatment-related mortality (TRM) and overall survival (OS) in 2 cohorts based on the year of transplantation, 1997 to 2006 (n = 222) and 2007 to 2012 (n = 205), using multivariate analysis, adjusting for significant patient-, disease-, and transplantation-related factors. Recipient age, reduced-intensity conditioning, unrelated donor, and peripheral blood stem cell grafts in the patients with grade III or IV acute GVHD increased over time. In the unadjusted analysis, 12-month OS increased over time (30% in 1997 to 2006 versus 42% in 2007 to 2012; P = .003) reflecting a decrease in TRM (58% in 1997 to 2006 versus 38% in 2007 to 2012; P = .0002), and an increase in PFS (29% in 1997 to 2006 versus 43% in 2007 to 2012; P = .002). On multivariate analysis, the period of transplantation remained a significant predictor for OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54 to 0.94; P = .02), progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.94; P = .02), and TRM (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.82; P = .002). In subgroup analysis, these differences were observed mainly in patients with grade IV acute GVHD. The outcomes of patients who develop overall grade III or IV acute GVHD after allogeneic HSCT has improved over time, with lower TRM and improved OS. This improvement in outcomes was seen primarily in patients with grade IV acute GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and nonrelapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The clinical staging of GVHD varies greatly between transplant centers and is frequently not agreed on by independent reviewers. The lack of standardized approaches to handle common sources of discrepancy in GVHD grading likely contributes to why promising GVHD treatments reported from single centers have failed to show benefit in randomized multicenter clinical trials. We developed guidelines through international expert consensus opinion to standardize the diagnosis and clinical staging of GVHD for use in a large international GVHD research consortium. During the first year of use, the guidance followed discussion of complex clinical phenotypes by experienced transplant physicians and data managers. These guidelines increase the uniformity of GVHD symptom capture, which may improve the reproducibility of GVHD clinical trials after further prospective validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clofarabine has potent antileukemia activity and its inclusion in reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for acute leukemia could potentially improve outcomes. We conducted a phase II study of busulfan (.8 mg/kg i.v. twice daily on days −5, −4, −3, and −2) with clofarabine (40 mg/m 2 i.v. daily on days −5, −4, −3, and −2) conditioning before allogeneic 8/8 HLA–matched related or unrelated HSCT. The primary endpoint was donor neutrophil engraftment by day +40. Secondary endpoints included nonrelapse mortality (NRM), acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Thirty-four patients (acute myeloid leukemia [AML], n = 25; myelodysplastic syndromes, n = 5; and acute lymphoid leukemia, n = 4) were enrolled. Day 40+ engraftment with donor chimerism was achieved in 33 of 34 patients with 1 patient dying before count recovery. Day 100 and 1-year NRM were 5.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0 to 17.4) and 24% (95% CI, 11 to 39), respectively. The 2-year relapse rate was 26% (95% CI, 13 to 42). Cumulative incidences of acute and chronic GVHD were 21% and 44%, respectively. The 2-year PFS was 50% (95% CI, 32 to 65) and OS was 56% (95% CI, 38 to 71). For patients with AML in first complete remission, 2-year PFS and OS were both 82% (95% CI, 55 to 94). RIC with busulfan and clofarabine leads to successful engraftment with acceptable rates of NRM and GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic strategies for multiple myeloma (MM) have changed dramatically over the past decade. Thus, the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) must be considered in the context of this evolution. In this evidence-based review, we have critically analyzed the data from the most recent clinical trials to better understand how to incorporate HCT and when HCT is indicated. We have provided our recommendations based on strength of evidence with the knowledge that ongoing clinical trials make this a dynamic field. Within this document, we discuss the decision to proceed with autologous HCT, factors to consider before proceeding to HCT, the role of tandem autologous HCT, post-HCT maintenance therapy, and the role of allogeneic HCT for patients with MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor prognosis for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who relapse within 1 year of initial diagnosis after first-line rituximab-based chemo-immunotherapy has created controversy about the role of autologous transplantation (HCT) in this setting. We compared autologous HCT outcomes for chemosensitive DLBCL patients between 2000 and 2011 in 2 cohorts based on time to relapse from diagnosis. The early rituximab failure (ERF) cohort consisted of patients with primary refractory disease or those with first relapse within 1 year of initial diagnosis. The ERF cohort was compared with those relapsing >1 year after initial diagnosis (late rituximab failure [LRF] cohort). ERF and LRF cohorts included 300 and 216 patients, respectively. Nonrelapse mortality (NRM), progression/relapse, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) of ERF versus LRF cohorts at 3 years were 9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6% to 13%) versus 9% (95% CI, 5% to 13%), 47% (95% CI, 41% to 52%) versus 39% (95% CI, 33% to 46%), 44% (95% CI, 38% to 50%) versus 52% (95% CI, 45% to 59%), and 50% (95% CI, 44% to 56%) versus 67% (95% CI, 60% to 74%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, ERF was not associated with higher NRM (relative risk [RR], 1.31; P = .34). The ERF cohort had a higher risk of treatment failure (progression/relapse or death) (RR, 2.08; P < .001) and overall mortality (RR, 3.75; P < . 001) within the first 9 months after autologous HCT. Beyond this period, PFS and OS were not significantly different between the ERF and LRF cohorts. Autologous HCT provides durable disease control to a sizeable subset of DLBCL despite ERF (3-year PFS, 44%) and remains the standard-of-care in chemosensitive DLBCL regardless of the timing of disease relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although older patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) may experience higher morbidity, the impact of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on quality of life (QOL) and survival outcomes for older compared with younger patients is currently unknown. We utilized data of patients with moderate or severe chronic GVHD (N = 522, 1661 follow-up visits, a total of 2183 visits) from the Chronic GVHD Consortium, a prospective observational multicenter cohort. We examined the relationship between age group (adolescent and young adult, "AYA," 18 to 40 years; "middle-aged," 41 to 59 years; and "older," ≥ 60 years) and QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplantation [FACT-BMT]), physical functioning (Human Activity Profile [HAP]), functional status (2-minute walk test [2MWT]), nonrelapse mortality, and overall survival. Because of multiple testing, P values < .01 were considered significant. This study included 115 (22%) AYA, 279 (53%) middle-aged, and 128 (25%) older patients with moderate (58%) or severe (42%) chronic GVHD. Despite more physical limitations in older patients as measured by worse functional status (shorter 2MWT [P < .001] and lower HAP scores [P < .001]) relative to AYA and middle-aged patients, older patients reported better QOL (FACT-BMT, P = .004) compared with middle-aged patients and similar to AYA patients (P = .99). Nonrelapse mortality and overall survival were similar between the age groups. Therefore, despite higher physical and functional limitations, older patients who are selected to undergo HSCT and survive long enough to develop moderate or severe chronic GVHD have preserved QOL and similar overall survival and nonrelapse mortality when compared with younger patients. Therefore, we did not find evidence that older age is associated with worse outcomes in patients with moderate or severe chronic GVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There are limited data on the outcomes of autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in diffuse large B cell lymphoma transformed from follicular lymphoma. We analyzed transplantation outcomes in 141 subjects with biopsy-proven diffuse large B-cell lymphoma transformed from follicular lymphoma reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research between 1990 and 2009. Two groups were identified: autologous HCT (auto-HCT; n = 108) and allogeneic HCT (allo-HCT; n = 33). Fewer auto-HCTs were done for transformed follicular lymphoma in 2003 to 2009, with a shift favoring allo-HCT. Auto-HCT was associated with a 1-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) of 8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4% to 14%), 5-year progression-free survival of 35% (95% CI, 26% to 45%), and 5-year overall survival of 50% (95% CI, 40% to 59%). In contrast, allo-HCT was associated with a 1-year NRM of 41% (95% CI, 23% to 58%), 5-year progression-free survival of 18% (95% CI, 6% to 35%), and 5-year overall survival of 22% (95% CI, 8% to 41%). Auto-HCT for transformed follicular lymphoma achieves sustained remission in a high proportion of subjects. The high NRM of allo-HCT offset any benefit that might be associated with this transplantation modality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a donor T cell driven response against host tissue that can complicate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). During acute GVHD, endogenous adjuvants such as uric acid are released by damaged host tissue, activating alloreactive donor T cells. A phase I study was conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital between 2007 and 2010 to test the hypothesis that reduction of uric acid levels during allogeneic HSCT can modulate the development of acute GVHD. Twenty-one patients with hematologic malignancies in complete remission undergoing myeloablative peripheral blood HSCT received recombinant urate oxidase at .20 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days during conditioning. Results were compared with all patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT at our institution during the same time period who met the same inclusion and exclusion criteria but were not enrolled in the study. The only major adverse event was a case of hemolytic anemia in a patient who had glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Primary outcome was the cumulative incidence of grades II to IV acute GVHD, which was significantly decreased in the treatment group in the intention-to-treat analysis (57% [12/21] versus 24% [5/21], P = .036) and in the per-protocol analysis (P = .017). Patients who developed acute GVHD had a higher level of serum uric acid during the pretransplantation period compared with those who did not (P < .001). There was no difference in disease-free or overall survival. Our study suggests that urate oxidase can be safely administered during myeloablative conditioning and may reduce the incidence of acute GVHD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can achieve durable remissions in a number of patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. Little is known about the safety of HSCT in patients age 70 or older. Consecutive patients (n = 54) age 70 or older underwent HSCT between 2007 and 2012. Diseases included acute myelogenous leukemia (n = 25), myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 12), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 5), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 4), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 3), myeloproliferative neoplasm (n = 4), and chronic myelogenous leukemia (n = 1). Median follow-up for survivors was 21 months. All patients received reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, primarily busulfan/fludarabine. All patients received unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cell grafts: 44 from 8/8 matched unrelated donors, 8 from matched related donors, and 2 from 7/8 matched unrelated donors. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis was calcineurin inhibitor–based in all patients. The median age at transplantation was 71 years (range, 70 to 76); the median HCT comorbidity index score was 1 (range, 0 to 5). Two patients died before hematopoietic recovery (1 with graft failure and 1 with disease progression), and 1 patient relapsed before hematopoietic recovery; otherwise, all engrafted with median donor chimerism of 94% at 1 month. Cumulative incidence of grades II to IV acute GVHD was 13% and of grades III to IV acute GVHD, 9.3%. At 2 years, the cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD was 36%, progression-free survival was 39%, overall survival was 39%, and relapse was 56%. Nonrelapse mortality was 3.7% at day +100 and 5.6% at 2 years. We conclude that allogeneic HSCT is a safe and effective option for carefully selected patients age 70 or older. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). We performed a retrospective review of 271 adults with a hematologic malignancy undergoing allogeneic HCT to determine the incidence of and risk factors for IFD and to examine the impact of IFD on nonrelapse mortality and overall survival. We defined IFD using standard criteria and selected proven and probable cases for analysis. Diagnoses in the study group included acute leukemia (42%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (24%), myelodysplastic syndrome (15%), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (5%), and other hematologic disorders (14%). Conditioning included reduced-intensity (64%) and myeloablative (36%) regimens. Donor sources were HLA-matched sibling (60%), matched unrelated (20%), haploidentical (12%), and cord blood (8%). A total of 51 episodes of IFD were observed in 42 subjects (15%). Aspergillus spp (47%) was the most frequent causative organism, followed by Candida spp (43%). The majority of IFD cases (67%) were reported after day +100 post-HCT. In multivariate analysis, haploidentical donor transplantation (hazard ratio [HR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-9.77; P = .005) and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (HR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.07-6.10; P = .03) were risk factors for the development of IFD. Conversely, higher infused CD34+ cell dose was associated with a lower risk of IFD (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.68-0.94; P = .006, per 1 × 106 cells/kg increase in CD34+ cell infusion). IFD-related mortality was 33.3%. Nonrelapse mortality was significantly higher in patients who developed IFD compared with those without IFD (P < .001, log-rank test). Patients with IFD had lower overall survival (5.8 months versus 76.1 months; P < .001, log-rank test). Further studies exploring strategies to increase the infused cell dose and determine adequate prophylaxis, especially against aspergillus, beyond day +100 are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Double umbilical cord blood (DUCB) transplantation is an accepted transplantation strategy for patients without suitable human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matched donors. However, DUCB transplantation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality because of slow recovery of immunity and a high risk of infection. To define the differences in immune reconstitution between DUCB transplantation and HLA matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplantation, we performed a detailed, prospective analysis of immune reconstitution in 42 DUCB recipients and 102 filgrastim-mobilized unrelated peripheral blood stem cell recipients. Reconstitution of CD3 T cells was significantly delayed in the DUCB cohort compared with the MUD cohort for 1 to 6 months posttransplantation (P < .001), including naive (CD45RO−) and memory (CD45RO+) CD4 T cells, regulatory (CD4CD25) T cells, and CD8 T cells. In contrast, CD19 B cells recovered more rapidly in the DUCB cohort and numbers remained significantly greater from 3 to 24 months after transplantation (P = .001). CD56CD16 natural killer (NK) cells also recovered more rapidly in DUCB recipients and remained significantly greater from 1 to 24 months after transplantation. B cell activating factor (BAFF) levels were higher in the DUCB cohort at 1 month (P < .001), were similar in both cohorts at 3 and 6 months, and were lower in the DUCB cohort at 12 months (P = .002). BAFF/CD19 B cell ratios were lower in the DUCB cohort at 3 (P = .045), 6 (P = .02), and 12 months (P = .002) after transplantation. DUCB recipients had more infections within the first 100 days after transplantation (P < .001), and there was less chronic graft-versus-host disease (P < .001), but there were no differences in cumulative incidence of relapse, nonrelapse death, progression-free survival, or overall survival between the 2 groups. These results suggest that increased risk of infections is specifically associated with delayed reconstitution of all major T cell subsets, but the increased risk is limited to the first 3 months after DUCB transplantation. There is no increased risk of relapse, suggesting that graft-versus-leukemia activity is maintained. Early reconstitution of B cells and NK cells may, in part, account for these findings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Primary central nervous system non-Hodgkin lymphoma (PCNSL) carries a poor prognosis and, although it responds to chemotherapy, fewer than 20% of patients are long-term disease-free survivors. Secondary CNS non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SCNSL) has an even worse prognosis with a median survival of only months and very few reported long-term survivors. For both of these groups of patients, there has been interest in using high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) following conditioning with thiotepa, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide (TBC). We performed a retrospective review (from 2006-2010) of 32 patients from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital with PCNSL or SCNSL who underwent ASCT with TBC conditioning. Of the 32 patients, 56% received TBC/ASCT after achieving brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or cerebrospinal fluid complete response in brain, and 44% of patients were treated with TBC/ASCT in the setting of measurable CNS disease. The 100-day transplant-related mortality rate was only 3%. The most common nonhematologic grade 3 or 4 toxicity was mucositis, which occurred in 73% of patients. Notably, there was only 1 patient with prolonged significant neurologic toxicity that manifested as ataxia and dysphagia. The 1-year OS estimate is 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75%-98%), and the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) estimate is 90% (95% CI: 72%-96%) from the date of transplantation. Although these outcomes are encouraging, longer follow-up is required and comparison with other traditional ASCT regimens used for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Double umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) with a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen is an effective strategy for adult patients without a matched donor. The risk of second malignancies in these patients has not yet been established, however. In the present study, 98 adults with a hematologic malignancy underwent double UCBT. Seventy patients received a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen of fludarabine 30 mg/m2/day for 6 days, melphalan 100 mg/m2/day for 1 day, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin 1.5 mg/kg/day for 4 days, and 28 patients received a myeloablative total body radiation–containing conditioning regimen. Sixty-three patients received sirolimus-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, and 35 patients received non–sirolimus-based GVHD prophylaxis. The median patient age was 48 years (range, 19-67 years). Eighteen patients developed a second malignancy at a median of 134 days after transplantation. Sixteen patients had lymphoma, and 2 patients had myelodysplasic syndrome/myeloproliferative disorder (MDS/MPD). Sixteen of these second malignancies (both cases of MDS/MPD and 14 of the lymphomas) were donor-derived; the origins of the others were not determined. GVHD prophylaxis, HLA matching, primary disease, age, total nucleated cell dose, and CD34+ cell dose were not associated with a higher rate of second malignancy. Second myelogenous malignancies of donor origin occur after double UCBT, suggesting that a search for donor origin should be performed in all patients with suspected relapse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Incorporation of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab into front-line regimens to treat diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has resulted in improved survival. Despite this progress, however, many patients develop refractory or recurrent DLBCL and then undergo autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AuHCT). It is unclear to what extent pre-transplant exposure to rituximab affects outcomes after AuHCT. Outcomes of 994 patients receiving AuHCT for DLBCL between 1996 and 2003 were analyzed according to whether rituximab was (n = 176; +R cohort) or was not (n = 818; −R cohort) administered with front-line or salvage therapy before AuHCT. The +R cohort had superior progression-free survival (PFS; 50% vs 38%; P = .008) and overall survival (OS; 57% vs 45%; P = .006) at 3 years. Platelet and neutrophil engraftment were not affected by exposure to rituximab. Nonrelapse mortality (NRM) did not differ significantly between the 2 cohorts. In multivariate analysis, the +R cohort had improved PFS (relative risk of relapse/progression or death, 0.64; P < .001) and improved OS (relative risk of death, 0.74; P = .039). We conclude that pre-transplant rituximab is associated with a lower rate of progression and improved survival after AuHCT for DLBCL, with no evidence of impaired engraftment or increased NRM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has been established as a standard form of therapy for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). While many high-dose chemotherapy combinations are used, no single regimen has proved superior over another. Here, we report our single center''s experience in patients with NHL undergoing ASCT with the combination of busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy). This study is a retrospective analysis of 78 consecutive patients with NHL who underwent ASCT with Bu/Cy at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. Data were collected through review of electronic medical records. A total of 78 patients with NHL underwent ASCT with Bu/Cy preparative therapy between 1996 and 2006. Median follow-up for survivors was 5.0 years (range, 6 months to 12 years). Significant transplantation-associated complications included 9 documented bacterial infections, 4 cases of engraftment syndrome, 3 cases of hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD), 6 cases of cardiac complications, and 2 cases of pulmonary fibrosis. The 100-day treatment-related mortality (TRM) was 1%. At 3 years, progression-free survival (PFS) was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]=37% to 59%) and overall survival (OS) was 65% (95% CI=53% to 74%). Our data indicate that in patients with NHL undergoing ASCT, Bu/Cy has efficacy and toxicity comparable to that of other reported regimens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]