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Panel based next generation sequencing was performed on a discovery cohort of AML with RUNX1-RUNX1T1. Supervised machine learning identified NRAS mutation and absence of mutations in ASXL2, RAD21, KIT and FLT3 genes as well as a low mutation to be associated with favorable outcome. Based on this data patients were classified into favorable and poor genetic risk classes. Patients classified as poor genetic risk had a significantly lower overall survival (OS) and relapse free survival (RFS). We could validate these findings independently on a validation cohort (n=61). Patients in the poor genetic risk group were more likely to harbor measurable residual disease. Poor genetic risk emerged as an independent risk factor predictive of inferior outcome. Using an unbiased computational approach based we provide evidence for gene panel-based testing in AML with RUNX1-RUNX1T1 and a framework for integration of genomic markers toward clinical decision making in this heterogeneous disease entity.

Indian studies on EBV in childhood classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) have mainly analyzed the epidemiology of EBV-positive [EBV(+)HL] or negative HL [EBV(-)HL], with limited data on outcomes. We studied a large cohort of children with intermediate and high-Risk cHL for tumor EBV status and its impact on outcomes retrospectively. Of evaluable 189 patients, 84.7% had EBV(+)HL. Positive status was significantly associated with age ≤ 10 years (

This study sought to quantify variant patterns in nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) using a three tier scoring system assessing five parameters, namely: (a) percentage of nodularity scored from 100 % to75%, (b) T cell rich areas (20% to50%), (c) type of nodules, (d) dendritic network, intact or lost, and (e) extranodular distribution of lymphocyte predominant cells (15% to50%), with final scores from 0 to 10. In the 72 patients assessed, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with score ≤ 6 was 92% vs. 20% in those with scores6. The 5-year overall survival was 100% in patients with scores ≤ 6 and 87% in those with scores6. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, scores6 and stage impacted DFS. This scoring system was effective in stratifying patients with NLPHL with variant patterns and could be used for the management of patients.

In a first series from India, we report 32 cases of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) over 7 years. Here, we analyzed 32 patients with LPL/WM for MYD88 L265P mutation and correlated mutation staus with hematological and biochemical parameters and also with the International Prognostic Scoring System (ISSWM) and treatment response. Twenty-seven out of 32 cases of LPL/WM (84.3%) harbored the MYD88 L265P mutation. MYD88 wild-type WM was associated with a lower number of tumor cells (p

One hundred and fifty-one patients aged between 3 and 70 years with early stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma were included. Patients received 4-6 cycles of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) chemotherapy and involved field radiation therapy (IFRT). The most common histology was mixed cellularity (43%). The majority had stage IIAX disease. IFRT doses were 25.2 Gy/14 fractions and 34.2 Gy/19 fractions for adults with a complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), respectively, while the doses were 19.8 Gy/11 fractions and 30.6 Gy/17 fractions, respectively, for children. After 60 months (median), the 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 88.4% and 93.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, prognostic factors with significant impact on PFS were age ≥ 18 years, nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) histology, extranodal disease and response to treatment. Extranodal disease had a significant impact on OS. On multivariate analysis, NLPHL histology (p = 0.001) and response at 3 months (p = 0.000) had a significant impact on PFS. There were no in-field relapses in patients with bulky disease receiving RT doses > 25.2 Gy. Chemotherapy related acute pulmonary toxicity was documented in 21.4% and 4.8% of patients after six and four cycles of ABVD chemotherapy (p = 0.041). Four cycles of ABVD and reduced dose IFRT resulted in optimal outcomes.

Arsenic trioxide, believed to be a carcinogen and a teratogen, has found its niche in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). APL is a disease affecting young patients. Post-treatment fertility and outcome of pregnancy are always a concern in a disease with high cure rates. We report a case series of six patients who were treated successfully for APL with arsenic trioxide and who parented at least one healthy offspring after completing their treatment.

We evaluated the diagnostic utility of flow cytometry immunophenotyping in bone marrow aspirates and peripheral blood, in the assessment of mature B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (MBNHL). We analyzed 356 cases of MBNHL received for immunophenotyping over a 4 year period. All cases were reviewed, correlated with biopsy specimen (lymph node and splenectomy). Discrepant cases were re-evaluated. Common subtypes included chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) (243 cases, 68.5%), follicular lymphoma (30 cases, 8.5%), mantle cell lymphoma (20 cases, 5.5%), splenic marginal zone lymphoma (18 cases, 5%), hairy cell leukemia (18 cases, 5%). CD5+/CD23+ had a high positive predictive value (PPV) for diagnosing CLL whereas CD5+/CD23- had a high negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosing mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). Limited panel of 9 antibodies mainly CD19, CD5, CD23, CD10, FMC7, kappa, lambda, CD3 and CD20 help diagnose more than 92% of cases of MBNHL. Minimal diagnostic panels become important in countries with limited resources.