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We investigated the impact of the number of induction/consolidation cycles on outcomes of 3113 adult AML patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) between 2008 and 2019. Patients received allo-HCT using myeloablative (MAC) or reduced-intensity (RIC) conditioning in first complete remission (CR) or with primary induction failure (PIF). Patients who received MAC allo-HCT in CR after 1 induction cycle had 1.3-fold better overall survival (OS) than 2 cycles to CR and 1.47-fold better than ≥3 cycles. OS after CR in 2 or ≥3 cycles was similar. Relapse risk was 1.65-fold greater in patients receiving ≥3 cycles to achieve CR. After RIC allo-HCT, the number of induction cycles to CR did not affect OS. Compared to CR in 1 cycle, relapse risk was 1.24-1.41-fold greater in patients receiving 2 or ≥3 cycles. For patients receiving only 1 cycle to CR, consolidation therapy prior to MAC allo-HCT was associated with improved OS vs. no consolidation therapy. Detectable MRD at the time of MAC allo-HCT did not impact outcomes while detectable MRD preceding RIC allo-HCT was associated with an increased risk of relapse. For allo-HCT in PIF, OS was significantly worse than allo-HCT in CR after 1-3 cycles., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remains the only known treatment modality that can offer the possibility of cure for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Unfortunately, relapse and disease progression still occur in more than one third of cases even when patients are allografted in complete hematologic remission (CR). Treatment of AML relapsing after a first allo-HCT is particularly challenging. A second allo-HCT is offered to patients considered fit for the procedure, but reported outcomes have been conflicting. To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the totality of evidence on the role of a second allo-HCT in patients with AML, we performed a comprehensive literature search using PUBMED/MEDLINE and EMBASE on August 25, 2021, and extracted clinical outcome data relating to benefits (CR, overall survival [OS], and progression-free/disease-free survival [PFS/DFS]) and harms (acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, non-relapse mortality [NRM], and relapse). The search identified 821 studies. Only 20 studies (n = 2772 patients) met our inclusion criteria. A second allo-HCT resulted in pooled CR, OS, PFS/DFS, NRM and relapse rates of 67%, 34%, 30%, 27%, and 51%, respectively. OS was 2-fold higher when the second allo-HCT was performed in CR (38% versus 17%) and 3-fold higher in patients who had a later relapse from the first allo-HCT (34% versus 10%). There was no apparent difference in pooled OS (hazard ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.78-1.31; P = .94) whether the same original donor or a different one was used. Notwithstanding several limitations apart from the high heterogeneity among included studies, this analysis shows that a second allo-HCT is a reasonable treatment option for relapsed AML. The procedure appears to be more effective when performed in CR and in patients who had a later relapse from the first allo-HCT. The high pooled relapse rates exceeding 50%, even when receiving the second allo-HCT in CR is worrisome and emphasizes the need to incorporate new therapies whether as post-transplantation maintenance or consolidation to mitigate relapse risk. This analysis was limited to patients receiving a second allo-HCT for the sole purpose of treating AML relapse. Accordingly, we caution against extrapolating these findings to other indications such as treatment of graft failure, poor graft function, or mixed donor chimerism., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest T.N.: reports clinical trial support to the institution from Novartis, Clinical trial support (drug only supply) to the institution from Karyopharm., (Copyright © 2022 The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Long-term outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains dismal, especially for those with high-risk disease or who are refractory to conventional therapy. CAR T-cell therapy provides unique opportunity to improve outcome by specifically targeting leukemia cells through genetically engineered T cells., Areas Covered: We summarize the progress of CAR T-cells therapy in AML. We examine its shortcomings in AML therapy and the strategies that are being implemented to improve its safety and effectiveness. PubMed Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ASH annual meeting abstracts were searched. Search terms used to identify clinical trials were 'CAR T-cells in AML' OR CAR T-cells in leukemia". Relevant clinical trials and CAR T-cell research data were reviewed from June 2009 till July 2021., Expert Opinion: CAR T-cell therapy has shown promise as a novel therapy, but there are number of barriers to overcome to achieve its full therapeutic potential in AML. Targeting leukemia-specific antigen such as CLL1, to avoid myelotoxicity, incorporating checkpoint inhibitors to overcome leukemia-induced immunosuppression and allogenic CAR T cells to increase accessibility to patients with proliferative disease are among the strategies that are being explored to make CAR T cell a successful immunotherapy for patient with AML.

The use of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in recipients of haploidentical and fully matched transplantations is on the increase. Published studies have reported an increased incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with the use of PTCy. Limited data exist on the incidence and outcomes of infection with non-CMV herpesviruses (NCHV) in this setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence of NCHV infections and the association of NCHV infections with transplantation-specific outcomes in recipients of haploidentical transplantation with PTCy (HaploCy), matched sibling donor transplantation with PTCy (SibCy), and matched sibling donor transplantation with calcineurin inhibitor-based prophylaxis (SibCNI). We hypothesized that, like CMV infection, HaploCy recipients of also will have a higher risk of NCHV infections. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research database, we analyzed 2765 patients (HaploCy, n = 757; SibCNI, n = 1605; SibCy, n = 403) who had undergone their first hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) between 2012 and 2017 for acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome. The cumulative incidence of NCHV at 6 months post-NCT was 13.9% (99% confidence interval], 10.8% to 17.3%) in the HaploCy group, 10.7% (99% CI, 7.1% to 15%) in the SibCy group, and 5.7% (99% CI, 4.3% to 7.3%) in the Sib CNI group (P < .001). This was due primarily to a higher frequency of human herpesvirus 6 viremia reported in patients receiving PTCy. The incidence of Epstein-Barr viremia was low in all groups, and no cases of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder were seen in either PTCy group. The incidence of NCHV organ disease was low in all 3 cohorts. The development of NCHV infection was associated with increased treatment-related mortality, particularly in the HaploCy group. There was no association with the development of GVHD, relapse, or disease-free survival. Patients in PTCy cohorts who did not develop NCHV infection had lower rates of cGVHD. This study demonstrates that the use of PTCy is associated with an increased risk of NCHV infection. The development of NCHV infection was associated with increased nonrelapse mortality, especially in the HaploCy group. Prospective trials should consider viral surveillance strategies in conjunction with assessment of immune reconstitution for a better understanding of the clinical relevance of viral reactivation in different HCT settings., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities are known to influence post-transplant outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) but data assessing the prognostic value of combined genetic models in the HCT setting are limited. We developed an adapted European LeukemiaNet (aELN) risk classification based on available genetic data reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, to predict post-transplant outcomes in 2289 adult AML patients transplanted in first remission, between 2013 and 2017. Patients were stratified according to aELN into three groups: favorable (Fav, N = 181), intermediate (IM, N = 1185), and adverse (Adv, N = 923). Univariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in 2-year overall survival (OS) (Fav: 67.7%, IM: 64.9% and Adv: 53.9%; p < 0.001); disease-free survival (DFS) (Fav: 57.8%, IM: 55.5% and Adv: 45.3; p < 0.001) and relapse (Fav: 28%, IM: 27.5% and Adv: 37.5%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis (MVA) revealed no differences in outcomes between the Fav and IM groups, thus they were combined. On MVA, patients in the Adv risk group had the highest risk of relapse (HR 1.47 p ≤ 0.001) and inferior DFS (HR 1.35 p < 0.001) and OS (HR 1.39 p < 0.001), even using myeloablative conditioning or in those without the pre-HCT measurable-residual disease. Novel approaches to mitigate relapse in this high-risk group are urgently needed., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Patients who develop therapy-related myeloid neoplasm, either myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) or acute myelogenous leukemia (t-AML), have a poor prognosis. An earlier Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) analysis of 868 allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantations (allo-HCTs) performed between 1990 and 2004 showed a 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of 22% and 21%, respectively. Modern supportive care, graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, and reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimens have led to improved outcomes. Therefore, the CIBMTR analyzed 1531 allo-HCTs performed in adults with t-MDS (n = 759) or t-AML (n = 772) between and 2000 and 2014. The median age was 59 years (range, 18 to 74 years) for the patients with t-MDS and 52 years (range, 18 to 77 years) for those with t-AML. Twenty-four percent of patients with t-MDS and 11% of those with t-AML had undergone a previous autologous (auto-) HCT. A myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen was used in 49% of patients with t-MDS and 61% of patients with t-AML. Nonrelapse mortality at 5 years was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30% to 37%) for patients with t-MDS and 34% (95% CI, 30% to 37%) for those with t-AML. Relapse rates at 5 years in the 2 groups were 46% (95% CI, 43% to 50%) and 43% (95% CI, 40% to 47%). Five-year OS and DFS were 27% (95% CI, 23% to 31%) and 19% (95% CI, 16% to 23%), respectively, for patients with t-MDS and 25% (95% CI, 22% to 28%) and 23% (95% CI, 20% to 26%), respectively, for those with t-AML. In multivariate analysis, OS and DFS were significantly better in young patients with low-risk t-MDS and those with t-AML undergoing HCT with MAC while in first complete remission, but worse for those with previous auto-HCT, higher-risk cytogenetics or Revised International Prognostic Scoring System score, and a partially matched unrelated donor. Relapse remains the major cause of treatment failure, with little improvement seen over the past 2 decades. These data mandate caution when recommending allo-HCT in these conditions and indicate the need for more effective antineoplastic approaches before and after allo-HCT., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Optimal donor choice for a second allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains undefined. We compared outcomes using HLA-matched unrelated donors (MUD) versus haploidentical donors in this population. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The MUD allo-HCT group comprised 104 patients (male = 56, 54%), median age 36 years, mostly (76%) with B-cell phenotype in complete remission (CR) (CR2/CR3 + = 76, 73%). The 61 patients (male = 38, 62%) in the haploidentical group were younger, median age 30 years (p = 0.002), had mostly (79%) a B-cell phenotype and the majority were also in CR at time of the second allo-HCT (CR2/CR3 + = 40, 66%). Peripheral blood stem cells was the most common cell source in both, but a significantly higher number in the haploidentical group received bone marrow cells (26% vs. 4%, p < 0.0001). A haploidentical donor second allo-HCT had a 1.5-fold higher 2-year OS (49% vs. 31%), albeit not statistically significant (p = 0.13). A longer time from first allo-HCT to relapse was associated with improved OS, leukemia-free survival, graft-versus-host disease-free-relapse-free survival, and lower cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality. Results suggest no major OS difference when choosing either a MUD or haploidentical donor for ALL patients needing a second allo-HCT., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients often undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) in first complete remission (CR). We examined the effect of depth of clinical response, including incomplete count recovery (CRi) and/or measurable residual disease (MRD), in patients from the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplantation Research (CIBMTR) registry. We identified 2492 adult patients (1799 CR and 693 CRi) who underwent alloHCT between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2015. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Multivariable analysis was performed to adjust for patient-, disease-, and transplant-related factors. Baseline characteristics were similar. Patients in CRi compared to those in CR had an increased likelihood of death (HR: 1.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.13-1.43). Compared to CR, CRi was significantly associated with increased non-relapse mortality (NRM), shorter disease-free survival (DFS), and a trend toward increased relapse. Detectable MRD was associated with shorter OS, shorter DFS, higher NRM, and increased relapse compared to absence of MRD. The deleterious effects of CRi and MRD were independent. In this large CIBMTR cohort, survival outcomes differ among AML patients based on depth of CR and presence of MRD at the time of alloHCT. Further studies should focus on optimizing post-alloHCT outcomes for patients with responses less than CR., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Optimal donor choice for a second allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) in relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) remains unknown. We compared overall survival (OS) using registry data from the Acute Leukemia Working Party (ALWP) of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) involving 455 adults who received a second allo-HCT from a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated (MUD) (n = 320) or a haploidentical (n = 135) donor. Eligibility criteria required adults aged ≥18 years who received a second allo-HCT for treating AML relapse between 2005 and 2019. The primary end-point was OS. There was no statistically significant difference in the median (interquartile range) age between the groups, MUD 46 (35-58) versus haploidentical 44 (33-53) years (P = 0·07). The median OS was not different between the MUD and the haploidentical groups (10 vs. 11 months, P = 0·57). Similarly, the 2-year OS was 31% for the MUD and 29% for the haploidentical donor groups. The OS was worse if the procedure was performed with active AML [hazard ratio (HR) 1·42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·07-1·89; P = 0·02]. Conversely, a longer time from first allo-HCT to relapse (>13·2 months) was associated with better OS (HR 0·50, 95% CI 0·37-0·69; P < 0·0001). The results of the present analysis limit the ability to recommend one donor type over another when considering a second allo-HCT for relapsed AML. Our findings highlight that best OS is achieved when receiving the second allo-HCT in complete remission., (© 2021 British Society for Haematology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Compared with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC), myeloablative conditioning (MAC) is generally associated with lower relapse risk after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, disease-specific risk factors in AML/MDS can further inform when MAC and RIC may yield differential outcomes. We analyzed HCT outcomes stratified by the Disease Risk Index (DRI) in 4387 adults (age 40 to 65 years) to identify the impact of conditioning intensity. In the low/intermediate-risk DRI cohort, RIC was associated with lower nonrelapse mortality (NRM) (hazard ratio [HR], .74; 95% confidence interval [CI], .62 to .88; P < .001) but significantly greater relapse risk (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.35 to 1.76; P < .001) and thus inferior disease-free survival (DFS) (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.33; P = .001). In the high/very high-risk DRI cohort, RIC was associated with marginally lower NRM (HR, .83; 95% CI, .68 to 1.00; P = .051) and significantly higher relapse risk (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.41; P = .002), leading to similar DFS using either RIC or MAC. These data support MAC over RIC as the preferred conditioning intensity for patients with AML/MDS with low/intermediate-risk DRI, but with a similar benefit as RIC in high/very high-risk DRI. Novel MAC regimens with less toxicity could benefit all patients, but more potent antineoplastic approaches are needed for the high/very-high risk DRI group., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the management of newly diagnosed adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is reviewed and critically evaluated in this evidence-based review. An AML expert panel, consisting of both transplant and nontransplant experts, was invited to develop clinically relevant frequently asked questions covering disease- and HCT-related topics. A systematic literature review was conducted to generate core recommendations that were graded based on the quality and strength of underlying evidence based on the standardized criteria established by the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Steering Committee for evidence-based reviews. Allogeneic HCT offers a survival benefit in patients with intermediate- and high-risk AML and is currently a part of standard clinical care. We recommend the preferential use of myeloablative conditioning in eligible patients. A haploidentical related donor marrow graft is preferred over a cord blood unit in the absence of a fully HLA-matched donor. The evolving role of allogeneic HCT in the context of measurable residual disease monitoring and recent therapeutic advances in AML with regards to maintenance therapy after HCT are also discussed., (Copyright © 2020 The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. All rights reserved.)

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) remains the only potentially curative option for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Mortality after HCT is high, with deaths related to relapse or transplant-related complications. Thus, identifying patients who may or may not benefit from HCT is clinically important. We identified 1514 patients with MDS enrolled in the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Registry and had their peripheral blood samples sequenced for the presence of 129 commonly mutated genes in myeloid malignancies. A random survival forest algorithm was used to build the model, and the accuracy of the proposed model was assessed by concordance index. The median age of the entire cohort was 59 years. The most commonly mutated genes were ASXL1(20%), TP53 (19%), DNMT3A (15%), and TET2 (12%). The algorithm identified the following variables prior to HCT that impacted overall survival: age, TP53 mutations, absolute neutrophils count, cytogenetics per International Prognostic Scoring System-Revised, Karnofsky performance status, conditioning regimen, donor age, WBC count, hemoglobin, diagnosis of therapy-related MDS, peripheral blast percentage, mutations in RAS pathway, JAK2 mutation, number of mutations/sample, ZRSR2, and CUX1 mutations. Different variables impacted the risk of relapse post-transplant. The new model can provide survival probability at different time points that are specific (personalized) for a given patient based on the clinical and mutational variables that are listed above. The outcomes' probability at different time points may aid physicians and patients in their decision regarding HCT., (Copyright © 2020 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. All rights reserved.)

There is a lack of large comparative study on the outcomes of reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transplantation using fludarabine/busulfan (FB) and fludarabine/melphalan (FM) regimens. Adult AML patients from Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research who received first RIC allo-transplant between 2001 and 2015 were studied. Patients were excluded if they received cord blood or identical twin transplant, total body irradiation in conditioning, or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with in vitro T-cell depletion. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS), secondary end points were leukemia-free survival (LFS), nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse, and GVHD. Multivariate survival model was used with adjustment for patient, leukemia, and transplant-related factors. A total of 622 patients received FM and 791 received FB RIC. Compared with FB, the FM group had fewer transplant in complete remission (CR), fewer matched sibling donors, and less usage of anti-thymocyte globulin or alemtuzumab. More patients in the FM group received marrow grafts and had transplantation before 2005. OS was significantly lower within the first 3 months posttransplant in the FM group (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, P < .001), but was marginally superior beyond 3 months (HR = 0.87, P = .05). LFS was better with FM compared with FB (HR = 0.89, P = .05). NRM was significantly increased in the FM group during the first 3 months of posttransplant (HR = 3.85, P < .001). Long-term relapse was lower with FM (HR = 0.65, P < .001). Analysis restricted to patients with CR showed comparable results. In conclusion, compared with FB, the FM RIC showed a marginally superior long-term OS and LFS and a lower relapse rate. A lower OS early posttransplant within 3 months was largely the result of a higher early NRM.

The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ( FLT3 ) gene is mutated in 25-30% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Because of the poor prognosis associated with FLT3 -internal tandem duplication mutated AML, allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) was commonly performed in first complete remission. Remarkable progress has been made in frontline treatments with the incorporation of FLT3 inhibitors and the development of highly sensitive minimal/measurable residual disease assays. Similarly, recent progress in allogeneic hematopoietic SCT includes improvement of transplant techniques, the use of haploidentical donors in patients lacking an HLA matched donor, and the introduction of FLT3 inhibitors as post-transplant maintenance therapy. Nevertheless, current transplant strategies vary between centers and differ in terms of transplant indications based on the internal tandem duplication allelic ratio and concomitant nucleophos-min-1 mutation, as well as in terms of post-transplant maintenance/consolidation. This review generated by international leukemia or transplant experts, mostly from the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, attempts to develop a position statement on best approaches for allogeneic hematopoietic SCT for AML with FLT3 -internal tandem duplication including indications for and modalities of such transplants and on the potential optimization of post-transplant maintenance with FLT inhibitors., (Copyright© 2020 Ferrata Storti Foundation.)

Cytogenetic risk stratification at diagnosis has long been one of the most useful tools to assess prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). To examine the prognostic impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on outcomes after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, we studied 1731 adults with Philadelphia-negative ALL in complete remission who underwent myeloablative or reduced intensity/non-myeloablative conditioning transplant from unrelated or matched sibling donors reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. A total of 632 patients had abnormal conventional metaphase cytogenetics. The leukemia-free survival and overall survival rates at 5 years after transplantation in patients with abnormal cytogenetics were 40% and 42%, respectively, which were similar to those in patients with a normal karyotype. Of the previously established cytogenetic risk classifications, modified Medical Research Council-Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score was the only independent prognosticator of leukemia-free survival ( P =0.03). In the multivariable analysis, monosomy 7 predicted post-transplant relapse [hazard ratio (HR)=2.11; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.04-4.27] and treatment failure (HR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.20-3.24). Complex karyotype was prognostic for relapse (HR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.06-2.69), whereas t(8;14) predicted treatment failure (HR=2.85; 95% CI: 1.35-6.02) and overall mortality (HR=3.03; 95% CI: 1.44-6.41). This large study suggested a novel transplant-specific cytogenetic scheme with adverse [monosomy 7, complex karyotype, del(7q), t(8;14), t(11;19), del(11q), tetraploidy/near triploidy], intermediate (normal karyotype and all other abnormalities), and favorable (high hyperdiploidy) risks to prognosticate leukemia-free survival ( P =0.02). Although some previously established high-risk Philadelphia-negative cytogenetic abnormalities in ALL can be overcome by transplantation, monosomy 7, complex karyotype, and t(8;14) continue to pose significant risks and yield inferior outcomes., (Copyright© 2020 Ferrata Storti Foundation.)

Relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) entails a poor prognosis. Treating these cases is challenging due to lack of effective therapies and, in some cases, poor performance status and/or presence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), among others. No randomized controlled trial (RCT) has ever been conducted comparing a second allo-HCT against other treatments. Existing data are mainly from observational studies or registries. Success of a second allo-HCT is dependent on appropriately selecting patients who might achieve best outcomes with reasonable non-relapse mortality (NRM) risk. Several factors are associated with worse outcomes, namely a shorter time from first allo-HCT to relapse or to the second allo-HCT, and AML not being in complete hematologic remission (CR). Patients relapsing earlier than 6 months or having active/persistent disease should be enrolled in clinical trials. Limitations of the published literature include retrospective small size studies, a heterogeneous population, and absence of information on somatic mutations, among others. Future studies assessing the role of a second allo-HCT should evaluate the impact of IDH1, IDH2, or others on outcomes; and the feasibility and efficacy of targeted therapies in the pre-, peri-, or post-second allo-HCT setting.

HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT) using posttransplantation cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) has improved donor availability. However, a matched sibling donor (MSD) is still considered the optimal donor. Using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database, we compared outcomes after Haplo-HCT vs MSD in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1). Data from 1205 adult CR1 AML patients (2008-2015) were analyzed. A total of 336 patients underwent PT-Cy-based Haplo-HCT and 869 underwent MSD using calcineurin inhibitor-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. The Haplo-HCT group included more reduced-intensity conditioning (65% vs 30%) and bone marrow grafts (62% vs 7%), consistent with current practice. In multivariable analysis, Haplo-HCT and MSD groups were not different with regard to overall survival ( P = .15), leukemia-free survival ( P = .50), nonrelapse mortality ( P = .16), relapse ( P = .90), or grade II-IV acute GVHD ( P = .98). However, the Haplo-HCT group had a significantly lower rate of chronic GVHD (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.48; P < .001). Results of subgroup analyses by conditioning intensity and graft source suggested that the reduced incidence of chronic GVHD in Haplo-HCT is not limited to a specific graft source or conditioning intensity. Center effect and minimal residual disease-donor type interaction were not predictors of outcome. Our results indicate a lower rate of chronic GVHD after PT-Cy-based Haplo-HCT vs MSD using calcineurin inhibitor-based GVHD prophylaxis, but similar other outcomes, in patients with AML in CR1. Haplo-HCT is a viable alternative to MSD in these patients.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is incurable with conventional therapies. Limited retrospective data have shown durable remissions after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) [allogeneic (allo) or autologous (auto)]. We conducted a multicentre retrospective study in BPDCN patients treated with allo-HCT and auto-HCT at 8 centres in the United States and Canada. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The population consisted of 45 consecutive patients who received an allo-HCT (n = 37) or an auto-HCT (n = 8) regardless of age, pre-transplant therapies, or remission status at transplantation. Allo-HCT recipients were younger (50 (14-74) vs. 67 (45-72) years, P = 0·01) and had 1-year and 3-year OS of 68% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 49-81%] and 58% (95% CI = 38-75%), respectively. Allo-HCT in first complete remission (CR1) yielded superior 3-year OS (versus not in CR1) [74% (95% CI = 48-89%) vs. 0, P < 0·0001]. Allo-HCT outcomes were not impacted by regimen intensity [3-year OS for myeloablative conditioning = 61% (95% CI = 28-83%) vs. reduced-intensity conditioning = 55% (95% CI = 28-76%)]. One-year OS for auto-HCT recipients was 11% (95% CI = 8-50%). These results demonstrate efficacy of allo-HCT in BPDCN, especially in patients in CR1. Pertaining to auto-HCT, our results suggest lack of efficacy against BPDCN, but this observation is limited by the small sample size. Larger prospective studies are needed to better define the role of HCT in BPDCN., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) offers curative potential to a number of older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in their first complete remission. However, there are limited data in the literature concerning post-HCT outcomes for older patients in their second complete remission (CR2)., Methods: The purpose of the current study was to retrospectively investigate within the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research database parameters influencing posttransplant outcomes for patients 60 years of age or older undergoing HCT for AML in CR2., Results: In total, 196 patients from 78 centers were identified; the median age was 64 years (range, 60-78 years). Seventy-one percent had a Karnofsky performance status ≥ 90 at the time of HCT. Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens were used in 159 patients (81%). A univariate analysis demonstrated a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of 42% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35%-49%), a leukemia-free survival rate of 37% (95% CI, 30%-44%), a cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality of 25% (95% CI, 19%-32%), and a cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) of 38% (95% CI, 31%-45%). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that cytogenetic risk was the only independent risk factor for OS (P = .023) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.14 (95% CI, 0.59-2.19) for intermediate-risk cytogenetics and an HR of 2.32 (95% CI, 1.05-5.14) for unfavorable-risk cytogenetics. For CIR, cytogenetic risk was also the only independent prognostic factor (P = .01) with an HR of 1.10 (95% CI, 0.47-2.56) for intermediate-risk cytogenetics and an HR of 2.98 (95% CI, 1.11-8.00) for unfavorable-risk cytogenetics., Conclusions: Allogeneic HCT is a curative treatment option for older patients with AML in CR2, particularly for those with favorable or intermediate cytogenetic risk. Cancer 2017;123:2035-2042. © 2017 American Cancer Society., (© 2017 American Cancer Society.)

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is a potentially curative treatment in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Recent advances in the field of hematopoietic cell allografting have resulted in a practice shift, favoring less intense preparative regimens. We present results of a retrospective comparative analysis of two preparative regimens, namely FB2 (IV fludarabine plus IV busulfan 6.4mg/kg±10%) and FB4 (IV fludarabine plus IV busulfan 12.8mg/kg ±10%), in patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing hematopoietic cell allografting in second complete remission at EBMT participating centers. Between 2003 and 2010, 128 AML patients in second complete remission were allografted following a preparative regimen of FB2 (n=88) or FB4 (n=40). The median time-to-neutrophil engraftment was similar whether patients received FB2 (16 (5-38) days) or FB4 (16 (9-29) days), p=0.45. A multivariate analysis showed that use of FB4 resulted in improved 2-year leukemia-free (HR=0.44 (95%CI=0.21, 0.94), p=0.03) and overall survival (HR=0.38 (95%CI=0.16, 0.86), p=0.02). Cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality (2-year) for all patients was 21% (95%CI=14-28%). Our analysis suggests that FB4 improves 2-year leukemia-free and overall survival in AML allografted in second complete remission. A confirmatory randomized controlled trial that compares these two preparative regimens (FB2 vs. FB4) in AML in CR2 is definitely warranted., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) gene is one of the most frequently observed genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with an incidence of about 20% to 30%. FLT3-ITD is significantly associated with a poor outcome, and offering an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is recommended for patients harboring this mutation. Sorafenib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor active against RAF, VEGF, and FLT3-ITD. It has been used in an off-label fashion in FLT3-ITD AML., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively assessed the successful use of sorafenib after allo-HCT in patients with FLT3-ITD AML. Six FLT3-ITD AML patients received sorafenib as posttransplantation maintenance therapy (n = 5) or as salvage therapy after a post-allo-HCT relapse (n = 1) and continued afterward., Results: One patient developed myocardial infarction 100 days after initiation of sorafenib. Interestingly, skin graft versus host disease (grade II) was observed in 5 of 6 patients and generally occurred within few days after initiation of sorafenib, but it responded promptly to corticosteroid therapy in all patients. All 6 patients were alive and in complete remission at a median follow-up of 16 months (range, 10-29 months) since first induction and at a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 4-20 months) since initiation of sorafenib. Remarkably, the disease of all patients was in molecular remission., Conclusion: Sorafenib appears to be an effective maintenance therapy after allo-HCT in FLT3-ITD AML, with achievement of durable complete responses. This suggests an immunomodulatory effect of sorafenib in the posttransplantation setting and warrants a broader clinical evaluation of the use of maintenance sorafenib in FLT3-ITD AML., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Evidence regarding the efficacy of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) addition to standard induction chemotherapy in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is conflicting. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize all evidence regarding the benefits and harms of adding GO to conventional chemotherapy for induction treatment of AML. A comprehensive literature search of two databases (PUBMED and Cochrane) from inception up to November 22, 2012, and 4 years of proceedings from four major haematology/oncology conferences was undertaken. Endpoints included benefits (complete remission, relapse-free, event-free, and overall survival), and harms (early mortality and incidence of hepatic veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstructive syndrome). Seven trials (3942 patients) met all inclusion criteria. Addition of GO showed improved relapse-free [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0·84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0·71-0·99)] and event-free survival [HR = 0·59 (95%CI 0·48-0·74)] but not overall survival [HR = 0·95 (95%CI 0·83-1·08)]. Addition of GO resulted in higher rate of early mortality [Risk Ratio = 1·60 (95%CI 1·07-2·39)]. Improved overall survival was observed in studies using a lower cumulative GO dose (<6 mg/m(2) ) [HR = 0·89 (95%CI 0·81-0·99)]. Addition of GO to conventional chemotherapy as induction therapy may improve relapse-free and event-free survival, but does not impact overall survival and significantly increases early mortality in AML., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

There is no standard salvage regimen for AML. We retrospectively compared two commonly used regimens at our institution: CLAG and MEC. The complete response rate (CR) was 37.9% for CLAG (n=97) and 23.8% for MEC (n=65) (P=0.048), with median overall survival (OS) of 7.3 and 4.5 months, respectively (P=0.05). In primary refractory disease, CR was 45.5% for CLAG and 22.2% for MEC (P=0.09), with median OS of 11 and 4.5 months, respectively (P=0.07). In first relapse, CR was 36.8% and 25.9% (P=0.35) and median OS was 6.7 and 6.7 months, respectively (P=0.87). Our data support use of CLAG for RR-AML., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Because patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) remain in the vicinity of the transplant center for approximately 90 days posttransplantation, identifying prognostic factors to determine those at immediate higher risk of mortality is essential. A normal serum albumin level generally denotes healthiness. We evaluated the prognostic significance of day 90 hypoalbuminemia (and other clinical, pharmacologic, and laboratory variables) in 163 patients, median age 48 years (range, 19-69 years), who underwent allo-HCT for acute myelogenous leukemia (n = 124) or myelodysplastic syndrome (n = 39). Day 90 hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin <3.0 g/dL) was associated with worse nonrelapse mortality (NRM) and poor overall survival (OS). The estimated 1- and 2-year cumulative incidence rates of NRM were 48% and 52%, respectively, and the corresponding OS rates were 7% and 3%. Serum albumin level <3.0 g/dL and Karnofsky score <80 at day 90 were strong independent predictors of worse NRM and OS in multivariate analysis. These results support day 90 hypoalbuminemia as an adverse prognostic marker for NRM and OS after allo-HCT for acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Optimal conditioning therapy for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) remains undefined. We retrospectively compared outcomes of a consecutive series of 51 AML patients treated with oral busulfan (1 mg/kg every 6 hours for 4 days) and cyclophosphamide (60 mg/kg IV × 2 days) - (Bu/Cy) with 100 consecutive AML patients treated with pharmacokinetic targeted IV busulfan (AUC < 6000 μM/L*min per day × 4 days) and fludarabine (40 mg/m2 × 4 days) - (t-IV Bu/Flu). The Bu/Cy and t-IV Bu/Flu groups significantly differed according to donor relation, stem cell source, aGVHD prophylaxis, remission status, primary vs. secondary disease, median age, and % blasts prior to HCT (p < 0.01 for each). Conditioning with t-IV Bu/Flu reduced early toxicity including idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) and hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Additionally, the trajectory of early NRM (100 day: 16% vs. 3%, and1 year: 25% vs. 15% for Bu/Cy and t-IV Bu/Flu, respectively) favored t-IV Bu/Flu. Grade II-IV aGVHD (48% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001), as well as moderate/severe cGVHD (7% vs. 40%, p < 0.0001) differed between the Bu/Cy and t-IV Bu/Flu groups, due to the predominance of peripheral blood stem cells in the t-IV Bu/Flu group. Pharmacokinetic targeting of intravenous busulfan in combination with fludarabine is associated with reduced conditioning regimen related toxicity compared to oral busulfan and cyclophosphamide. However, multivariable analysis did not demonstrate significant differences in overall survival (p = 0.78) or non-relapse mortality (p = 0.6) according to conditioning regimen delivered.

Purpose: Ex vivo differentiation of myeloid leukemic blasts into dendritic cells (DCs) holds significant promise for use as cellular vaccines, as they may present a constellation of endogenously expressed known and unknown leukemia antigens to the immune system. Although variety of stimuli can drive leukemia --> DC differentiation in vitro, these blast-derived DCs typically have aberrant characteristics compared with DCs generated from normal progenitors by the same stimuli. It is not clear whether this is due to underlying leukemogenic mechanisms (e.g., specific oncogenes), genetic defects, stage of maturation arrest, defects in cytokine receptor expression or signal transduction pathways, or whether different stimuli themselves induce qualitatively dissimilar DC differentiation., Methods: To assess what factors may contribute to aberrant leukemic blast --> DC differentiation, we have examined how the same leukemic blasts (AML and CML) respond to different DC differentiation signals--including extracellular (the cytokine combination GM-CSF + TNF-alpha + IL-4) and intracellular (the protein kinase C agonist PMA, the calcium ionophore A23187, and the combination of PMA plus A23187) stimuli., Results: We have found that the same leukemic blasts will develop qualitatively different sets of DC characteristics in response to differing stimuli, although no stimuli consistently induced all of the characteristic DC features. There were no clear differences in the responses relative to specific oncogene expression or stage of maturation arrest (AML vs CML). Signal transduction agonists that bypassed membrane receptors/proximal signaling (in particular, the combination of PMA and A23187) consistently induced the greatest capability to activate T cells. Interestingly, this ability did not clearly correlate with expression of MHC/costimulatory ligands., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that signal transduction may play an important role in the aberrant DC differentiation of leukemic blasts, and demonstrate that direct activation of PKC together with intracellular calcium signaling may be an effective method for generating immunostimulatory leukemia-derived DCs.