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Recently, the combination of venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent (HMA; azacitidine ordecitabine) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) showed promise in Phase III trials in previously untreated AML. In France at the time of this study, venetoclax was not yet approved for AML and there were therefore no formal usage recommendations. Here we report the first study in a French cohort that assessed venetoclax in combination with existing treatments for AML under real-life conditions.This retrospective, real-life study collected data on venetoclax use and management in a French cohort with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ineligible for intensive chemotherapy.Of 118 patients, 81 were in second line/beyond (71.6% also hypomethylating agent [HMA]; 23.5% lowdose cytarabine [LDAC]) and 37 in first line. For venetoclax initiation, 57.3% underwent ramp up and 74.6% were hospitalized. Median venetoclax duration was 2.5 months (range 0.03-16.2). With all treatment lines and regimens, most common grade 3/4 adverse events were hematologic (overall 96.4% of patients) and infections (57.1%). Dosage adjustments for drug interactions and safety varied between centers. In second-line/beyond, median progression-free survival was 4.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-12.8) with venetoclax-HMA and 3.4 months (1.3-8.9) with venetoclax-LDAC; overall response rate was 51.9% and 41.2%, respectively. Thus, we showed that venetoclax-based treatment yields promising findings in patients with AML, but to address treatment complexity, practice harmonization is needed.

Flow chart of the study displaying the three cohorts.

Waffle chart (%) of patients addressed for cytopenia exploration after OC exposed to a PARPi treatment from cytopenia diagnosis (A) and cytopenia diagnosis based on NGS results (B). Dot plots (C) showing the median WBC, hemoglobin, and platelet counts from patients referred for cytopenia exploration after OC exposed to a PARPi treatment according to t-MN diagnosis (“t-MN”) or not (“Cytopenia”).

Blood smear and bone marrow aspiration of patient referred for cytopenia post PARPi.

Commutation plot visualizing the mutated genes in t-MN after OC according to PARPi treatment.

Univariate analysis for overall survival from t-MN diagnosis of patients from the national cohort.

TP53 mutations characteristics among t-MN PARPi national cohort.

Purpose:To provide insights into the diagnosis and management of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) following PARP inhibitors (PARPi).Experimental Design:In a French cancer center, we identified and described the profiles of 13 t-MN diagnosed among 37 patients with ovarian cancer referred to hematology consultation for cytopenia under PARPi. Next, we described these 13 t-MN post-PARPi among 37 t-MN post ovarian cancer according to PARPi exposure. Finally, we described 69 t-MN post-PARPi in a national cohort.Results:From 2016 to 2021, cumulative incidence of t-MN was 3.5% (13/373) among patients with ovarian cancer treated with PARPi. At time of hematologic consultation, patients with t-MN had a longer PARPi exposure (9 vs. 3 months, P = 0.01), lower platelet count (74 vs. 173 G/L, P = 0.0005), and more cytopenias (2 vs. 1, P = 0.0005). Compared with t-MN not exposed to PARPi, patients with t-MN-PARPi had more BRCA1/2 germline mutation (61.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.03) but similar overall survival (OS). In the national cohort, most t-MN post-PARPi had a complex karyotype (61%) associated with a high rate of TP53 mutation (71%). Median OS was 9.6 months (interquartile range, 4–14.6). In multivariate analysis, a longer time between end of PARPi and t-MN (HR, 1.046; P = 0.02), olaparib compared with other PARPi (HR, 5.82; P = 0.003) and acute myeloid leukemia (HR, 2.485; P = 0.01) were associated with shorter OS.Conclusions:In a large series, we described a high incidence of t-MN post-PARPi associated with unfavorable cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities leading to poor OS. Early detection is crucial, particularly in cases of delayed cytopenia.

Univariate analysis for overall survival from t-MN diagnosis of patients diagnosed with t-MN after OC according to PARPi exposure.

Purpose: To provide insights into the diagnosis and management of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) following PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Experimental Design: In a French cancer center, we identified and described the profiles of 13 t-MN diagnosed among 37 patients with ovarian cancer referred to hematology consultation for cytopenia under PARPi. Next, we described these 13 t-MN post-PARPi among 37 t-MN post ovarian cancer according to PARPi exposure. Finally, we described 69 t-MN post-PARPi in a national cohort. Results: From 2016 to 2021, cumulative incidence of t-MN was 3.5% (13/373) among patients with ovarian cancer treated with PARPi. At time of hematologic consultation, patients with t-MN had a longer PARPi exposure (9 vs. 3 months, P = 0.01), lower platelet count (74 vs. 173 G/L, P = 0.0005), and more cytopenias (2 vs. 1, P = 0.0005). Compared with t-MN not exposed to PARPi, patients with t-MN-PARPi had more BRCA1/2 germline mutation (61.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.03) but similar overall survival (OS). In the national cohort, most t-MN post-PARPi had a complex karyotype (61%) associated with a high rate of TP53 mutation (71%). Median OS was 9.6 months (interquartile range, 4–14.6). In multivariate analysis, a longer time between end of PARPi and t-MN (HR, 1.046; P = 0.02), olaparib compared with other PARPi (HR, 5.82; P = 0.003) and acute myeloid leukemia (HR, 2.485; P = 0.01) were associated with shorter OS. Conclusions: In a large series, we described a high incidence of t-MN post-PARPi associated with unfavorable cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities leading to poor OS. Early detection is crucial, particularly in cases of delayed cytopenia.

International audience; No abstract available

Background: Management of adolescent and young adults (AYAs) cancer is very heterogeneous. In the case of lymphomas, outcomes are mostly favorable but there is still room for improvement. Design: W...

Background Cancer patients presenting with COVID-19 have a high risk of death. In this work, predictive factors for survival in cancer patients with suspected SARS-COV-2 infection were investigated. Methods PRE-COVID-19 is a retrospective study of all 302 cancer patients presenting to this institute with a suspicion of COVID-19 from March 1st to April 25th 2020. Data were collected using a web-based tool within electronic patient record approved by the Institutional Review Board. Patient characteristics symptoms and survival were collected and compared in SARS-COV-2 real-time or reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)–positive and RT-PCR–negative patients. Results Fifty-five of the 302 (18.2%) patients with suspected COVID-19 had detectable SARS-COV-2 with RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal samples. RT-PCR–positive patients were older, had more frequently haematological malignancies, respiratory symptoms and suspected COVID-19 pneumonia of computed tomography (CT) scan. However, respectively, 38% and 20% of SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR–negative patients presented similar respiratory symptoms and CT scan images. Thirty of the 302 (9.9%) patients died during the observation period, including 24 (80%) with advanced disease. At the median follow-up of 25 days after the first symptoms, the death rate in RT-PCR–positive and RT-PCR–negative patients were 21% and 10%, respectively. In both groups, independent risk factors for death were male gender, Karnofsky performance status, Highlights • Cancer patients with SARS-COV-2 real-time or reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR have a death rate of 20% at 30 days. • Cancer patients with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 but SARS-COV-2 RT-PCR have high death rate. • 70% cancer patients suspected COVID-19 dying before day 30 have no SARS-COV-2 on RT-PCR or computed tomography. • For both groups, the risk factors of death include "relapsing cancer", Karnofsky performance status

International audience; JAK2 constitutive activation/overexpression is common in classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and several cytokines stimulate Hodgkin lymphoma cells by recognizing JAK1-/JAK2-bound receptors. JAK blockade may thus be therapeutically beneficial in Hodgkin lymphoma. In this phase II study we assessed the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib, an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The primary objective was overall response rate according to the International Harmonization Project 2007 criteria. Thirty-three patients with advanced disease (median number of prior lines of treatment: 5; refractory: 82%) were included; nine (27.3%) received at least six cycles of ruxolitinib and six (18.2%) received more than six cycles. The overall response rate after six cycles was 9.4% (3/32 patients). All three responders had partial responses; another 11 patients had transient stable disease. Best overall response rate was 18.8% (6/32 patients). Rapid alleviation of B-symptoms was common. The median duration of response was 7.7 months, median progression-free survival 3.5 months (95% CI: 1.9-4.6), and the median overall survival 27.1 months (95% CI: 14.4-27.1). Forty adverse events were reported in 14/33 patients (42.4%). One event led to treatment discontinuation, while 87.5% of patients recovered without sequelae. Twenty-five adverse events were grade 3 or higher. These events were mostly anemia (n=11), all considered related to ruxolitinib. Other main causes of grade 3 or higher adverse events included lymphopenia and infections. Of note, no cases of grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia were observed. Ruxolitinib shows signs of activity, albeit short-lived, beyond a simple anti-inflammatory effect. Its limited toxicity suggests that it has the potential to be combined with other therapeutic modalities. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01877005.

Rational: Patients with t-AML are those previously treated for primary malignancy and are categorized with poor prognosis. t-AML treatment options include intensive chemotherapy (IC), hypomethylating agents (HMA) or low dose cytarabine (LDC). However, survival remains poor and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (Allo-HCT) could lead to better outcomes. The aim of this analysis is to assess the outcome of all consecutive t-AML pts from two regional centers in France, based on treatment intensity, and to identify prognostic factors. Patients and Methods: between January 2006 and December 2019, 112 adult pts diagnosed with t-AML occurring after treatment of solid tumors (ST; n=72), hematologic malignancies (HM; n=34) or autoimmune diseases (AID; n=6). Pts received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy or high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (Auto-HCT) in some. All eligible t-AML pts received intensive chemotherapy (IC, n=55) with the combination of anthracycline and cytarabine in 48 pts and CPX-351 in 7 pts. Unfit pts received non-IC (9 LDC, 24 HMA). The third study group (24 pts) received best supportive care (BSC). Fifteen pts underwent HSCT in first CR. Statistical analysis: We performed a descriptive analysis of the baseline characteristics and each treatment group was compared with a Kruskal-Wallis test and a Pearson's Chi-square test. Survival curves (Kaplan-Meier method) were compared with a log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses on survival, relapse and NRM were done using Cox regression, Gray test, Fine & Gray regression. The bilateral level of significance was set at 5%. All analyses and graphics were made under the R program (v3.5.1). A pair-matched control analysis with de novo AML was performed only on pts who received IC matched for age, cytogenetics and ELN 2010 classification. Results: A total of 112 t-AML pts were identified, 56 were males (50%) with a median age of 68 yrs (19-87) at t-AML diagnosis. Before t-AML, 72 pts had ST (64.5%), 34 HM (30.5%) and 6 AID (5%). Forty-six pts (41%) received chemotherapy alone for their primary cancer, 17 (15%) radiotherapy alone, 49 (44%) radio chemotherapy, 17 (15%) auto-HCT and 6 (5%) long-term methotrexate for AID. Median interval from treatment of previous ST or HM to t-AML diagnosis was 4.7 years in ST, 6.6 years in HM and 21 years in AID (p=0.03). At t-AML diagnosis, 42% of pts presented an unfavorable karyotype and 44% an unfavorable ELN 2010 classification. Regarding molecular alterations, FLT3-ITD, FLT3-TKD, NPM1 and IDH1/2 mutations were observed in 6.9, 2.3, 11.5 and 2.3% of pts respectively. MECOM1 was overexpressed in 25.5% of cases. Among treated pts (n=88), 43 pts (49%) achieved CR: 4 from 33 (12%) in non-IC pts (3 in HMA and 1 in LDC) and 39 from 55 (71%) in IC pts. Fifteen pts (17%) underwent Allo-HCT with a median interval between AML diagnosis and Allo-HCT of 4.7 mo (2.6-17.5). The best response after transplantation was CR in 10 pts; at the last follow up, 4 pts are alive (3 in CR and 1 in relapse) and 11 died (5 from relapse, 5 from TRM causes and 1 from another subsequent malignancy). Overall, with a median follow up of 5.5 mo (0-144), the median OS and DFS were 9 mo (5.9-13.5) and 6.3 mo (5.3-10.3) respectively (Figure). There was a significant difference between the 3 treatment groups concerning OS (p Conclusion: The prognosis of t-AML remains poor and our study showed the advantage of using intensive chemotherapy whenever possible and, in comparison with de-novo AML, a higher NRM and a lower incidence relapse. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Nicolini: Sun Pharma Ltd.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Kartos Therapeutics: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding; Incyte Biosciences: Honoraria, Other: travel, accommodations, expenses, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Honoraria.

On behalf of the GRAALL group. Introduction. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have dramatically improved the outcome of patients diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In a previous randomized trial (GRAAPH-2005; Chalandon Y., Blood 2015), our group demonstrated that anthracycline and cyclophosphamide could be safely omitted during the first Hyper-CVAD chemotherapy cycle when combined to imatinib. In the present GRAAPH-2014 trial, we investigated whether the use of nilotinib, a 2 nd generation TKI, would allow further decreasing chemotherapy intensity through the omission of high-dose cytarabine (HD-AraC) during consolidation cycles 2 and 4. Methods. From March 2016, patients aged 18-60 years old were randomized frontline to receive 4 cycles (1=3, 2=4) of chemotherapy combined with continuous nilotinib 400 mg bid. Cycle 1 and 3 were similar in both arms, identical to the less-intensive first cycle of the previous GRAAPH-2005 trial with weekly vincristine and dexamethasone and nilotinib instead of imatinib. Cycle 2 and 4 differed between control arm A (MTX 1 g/sqm over 24h, HD-AraC 3 g/sqm/12h for 2 days) and experimental arm B (MTX 1 g/sqm over 24h only). Marrow minimal residual disease (MRD) was assessed by both BCR-ABL1 and IG-TCR qPCR after each cycle (MRD1-4). Patients in complete remission (CR) after cycle 4 were eligible to receive allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT). Non allografted patients had the option to receive autologous SCT (autoSCT) if a major molecular response (MMolR) (MRD4 BCR-ABL1 40y) and BCR-ABL1 breakpoint region (M/m-bcr). MMolR rate at MRD4 was the primary endpoint of this non-inferiority study, with a margin set at 0.15. In February 2019, the study DSMB decided to stop the randomizations after an unplanned analysis demonstrating a significant excess of relapse in arm B (without HD-AraC). An intention-to-treat analysis is provided. All patients gave informed consent. The study is registered at EudraCT under the number: 2014-002146-44. Results. A total of 156 patients were randomized (77 in arm A, and 79 in arm B). Median age was 47.1 years old (range 18.1-59.9). One-hundred and ten patients had the m-bcr (70.5%) and 46 (29.5%) the M-bcr. An IKZF1 intragenic deletion was found in 87/153 (56.9%). Median follow-up was 2.8 years (95%CI 2.6-3.1). All evaluable patients reached CR after a maximum of two cycles. Three patients died during cycle 1 (2 in arm A, 1 in arm B), and 2 during cycle 2 (1 per arm). Most patients received the 4 scheduled cycles (n=143, 91,7%). AlloSCT was performed in 91 patients (58.3%), whereas 41 patients received an autoSCT (26.3%) with no difference in allo/autoSCT rates between arms. A non-inferiority in late MRD response (MRD4) between the two arms was observed (primary endpoint). MMolR was reached in 55/75 (73.3%) and 61/78 (78.2%) of CR patients in arm A and B, respectively, with an estimated 95% CI of difference of -11% to +16% (-9.2% to +20.8% in the ITT analysis treating missing data as failures). At 3 years, overall survival (OS) was 86.0% in arm A versus 74.2% in arm B (p=.08, Figure A). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 79.6% in arm A versus 57.2% in arm B (p=.008, Figure B). Thirty-one patients experienced hematological relapse (8 in arm A and 23 in arm B). Twenty-height out of 31 relapsed patients were tested for the acquisition of BCR-ABL1 mutations, 20/28 (71%) had at least one mutation and 10/28 (36%) had a T315I mutation. At 3 years, the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was 21.3%, significantly higher in arm B than in arm A (30.8% vs 10.6%, p=.007). When analyzing the CIR considering alloSCT as a competing event for relapse, a significant higher CIR was still observed in arm B as compared to arm A (Figure C). Conclusion. Four cycles of the combined administration of nilotinib and chemotherapy is very efficient for bridging younger adults with Ph-positive ALL to SCT. However, omitting HD-AraC is associated with a higher relapse incidence despite non-inferior levels of BCR-ABL1 MRD4. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Rousselot: Incyte, Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding. Chalandon: Incyte, BMS, Pfizer, Abbie, MSD, Roche, Novartis, Gilead, Amgen, Jazz, Astra Zenec: Other: Travel EXpenses, Accomodation; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Incyte, BMS, Pfizer, Abbie, MSD, Roche, Novartis, Amgen: Other: Advisory Board. Huguet: Novartis: Other: Advisor; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Other: Advisor; Celgene: Other: Advisor; BMS: Other: Advisor; Amgen: Other: Advisor; Pfizer: Other: Advisor. Vincent: Takeda: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Vey: Amgen: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; BIOKINESIS: Consultancy, Research Funding; NOVARTIS: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; SERVIER: Consultancy; JAZZ PHARMACEUTICALS: Honoraria; JANSSEN: Consultancy. Raffoux: PFIZER: Consultancy; CELGENE/BMS: Consultancy; ASTELLAS: Consultancy; ABBVIE: Consultancy. Boissel: Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; CELGENE: Honoraria; Servier: Consultancy, Honoraria; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria; SANOFI: Honoraria; PFIZER: Consultancy, Honoraria; JAZZ Pharma: Honoraria, Research Funding. Dombret: Amgen: Honoraria, Research Funding; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Jazz Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Research Funding; Servier: Research Funding; Abbvie: Honoraria; BMS-Celgene: Honoraria; Daiichi Sankyo: Honoraria. OffLabel Disclosure: Nilotinib as a therapy for PH-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Introduction Clonal selection is one of the mechanisms leading to therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (TRMN). A preexisting somatic mutation in hematopoietic stem cell (defined as clonal hematopoiesis [CH]) emerges under pressure of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, leading to TRMN development. Most of these mutations belong to the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway as TP53 or PPM1D mutations and are known to confer a dismal prognosis. Recently authorized for the treatment of ovarian cancers (OC), the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) represent a promising targeted therapy. However, by inducing DNA damage and altering DNA repair process, PARP inhibition could represent a challenge for the genetic stability of the healthy tissues. Thus, we assessed the effect of PARP inhibition on the development of CH and TRMN after PARPi treatment for OC (TRMN-PARPi) in combination with chemotherapies. Methods Firstly, we performed a targeted 77 genes mutational analysis using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in 13 patients exposed to PARPi without TRMN. Secondly, we retrospectively identified, with the help of the UNIHEM group of Unicancer, 17 patients who experienced TRMN-PARPi. Clinical, biological and survival data were collected and compared to 23 OC patients with TRMN not treated with PARPi (Gustave Roussy institutional database). Lastly, NGS was performed for 3 patients with TRMN-PARPi with sequential sampling. Patient's samples were obtained with informed consent. Results Thirteen OC patients during maintenance treatment with PARPi without TRMN were explored by NGS. Median age at NGS was 64.5 years old (yo) (40.5-75.3). 4/13 (31%) patients harbored BRCA1/2 germline mutation. Time between OC diagnosis and NGS was 4.3 y (1-11.6). The median number of chemotherapy line at PARPi initiation was 2 (1-3). 7 received Olaparib, 5 Niraparib and 1 Rucaparib. The median duration of PARPi treatment before NGS was 4.7 months (1.1-25.1). 12/13 patients experienced hematological toxicities during the PARPi treatment. CH was found in 10/13 (77%) patients (Figure 1a), including mutations of DDR genes in 8/10 (80%). 6/8 (75%) patients had 2 or more gene mutations. Next we identified 17 cases of TRMN occurring during or after PARPi administration for OC (6/17 [35%] t-AML and 11/17 [65%] t-MDS). 12/17 (71%) patients had BRCA germline mutations (7 BRCA1 and 5 BRCA2). All received Olaparib with a median dose of 600mg/d (400-1200). Median duration of Olaparib treatment was 1.7 years (0.2-4.6). TRMN-PARPi were described 1.4 months (0-10.9) after the end of PARPi administration. We compared these patients to a cohort of TRMN post OC not treated by PARPi. Number of therapy lines for OC, time between TRMN and OC diagnosis, median age at TRMN, were, for TRMN-PARPi, 2 (1-8), 5.9 y (0.9-20.8), 64.4 yo (46-74); respectively, compared to 3 (1-8), 4.9 y (1.7-36.9), 59.3 yo (35.7-85.7); (p=ns). TRMN-PARPi cytogenetic was unfavorable for 16/17 (94%) (including 11/17 [65%] complex karyotype) compared to 16/23 (70%) (11/23 [48%] complex karyotype). C Median survival was significantly lower in the TRMN-PARPi group 3.9 months 95%CI [2.0-9.7] and 6.1 months 95%CI [4.1-15.8] respectively, p=0.046, Fig 1b). However, median survival from OC diagnosis was not different between the two groups 6.2 y 95%CI [5.6-NA] for TRMN-PARPi vs 5.6 y 95%CI [5.0-11.6]. NGS was available for 8/17 TRMN-PARPi and revealed mutations in DDR genes in 7/8 patients (6 patients with TP53 mutation, 2 with PPM1D mutation). For 3 patients, we had samples from OC stage, before PARPi administration. We found that mutations from TRMN stage were present at lower frequency, confirming clonal selection by PARPi treatment (Figure 1c). Conclusions Here we described, for the first time, a cohort of TRMN patients previously treated with PARPi for an OC. Intriguingly, most of these TRMN occurred with a short latency at the end of PARPi treatment, with unfavorable cytogenetic and very short OS. Moreover, we found a very high percentage of CH involved in the DDR pathway (62%) in patients under PARPi treatment without TRMN suggesting a potential clonal selection which could lead ultimately to TRMN. PARPi are now indicated in 1rst line high grade OC regardless of BRCA status, which should expand indications. Benefit for OC patients is not questionable; however, caution will be warranted for patients with CH before PARPi treatment, especially implicating DDR mutations. Disclosures Etienne: Incyte: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

In spite of CR rates of 75-80% currently achieved with anthracycline-cytarabine regimens in younger patients with favorable and intermediate-risk AML, relapse remains a major issue. The French AML intergroup launched the BIG-1 trial in 2015 in order to test different strategies aiming at reducing relapse rate and improving survival. All patients with previously untreated non-APL and non-CBF AML aged 18-60 years are eligible for trial participation which is still ongoing. The trial design includes several randomizations (R): Idarubicin vs daunorubicin for induction (R1), HDAC vs IDAC for consolidation (R2), post-transplant GVHD prophylaxis modalities (R3). R4 consists of nested randomized phase 2-3 trials testing the addition of new drugs to the IDAC or HDAC backbones during the consolidation phase. The protocol was designed to allow the sequential evaluation of several new agents over the trial period. Vosaroxin (VOS) has shown antileukemic activity (Advani, Clin Cancer Res 2010). The combination of VOS and IDAC showed higher CR rate and a non-significant OS benefit as compared to a placebo-IDAC arm in a large phase 3 trial in patients with refractory/relapsed AML (Ravandi Lancet Oncol 2015). We hypothesized that the addition of VOS to IDAC would improve LFS as compared to IDAC alone when given during the consolidation phase. Methods. Eligibility criteria in the BIG-1 trial include: previously untreated AML according to WHO 2016 classification (AML secondary to an untreated myelodysplastic syndrome allowed), age 18-60, ECOG PS 0-2, no cardiac contra-indication to anthracyclines. Patients with APL and patients with CBF-AML are excluded. Eligibility criteria for R4 randomization were: Patients in first CR/CRp/CRi following 1 or 2 courses of induction chemotherapy according to the BIG-1 protocol; ELN2010 favorable- and intermediate-risk groups; ECOG PS ≤ 3; Absence of severe uncontrolled infection. Patients were scheduled to receive Cytarabine: 1.5 gr/m² twice daily on D1, 3, 5 with or without Vosaroxin: 70 mg/m² on D1 and D4 per cycle for a maximum of three cycles at 4-6 weeks intervals. Patients scheduled for allo-SCT or those who had reached CR after 2 induction cycles were to receive only 2 cycles of VOS-IDAC/IDAC. R4-VOS sub-trial was designed to detect an increase of the 18-month LFS from 55% to 75% using a two-step phase 2-3 study. With type I and II errors set at 20% and using a one-sided test, 70 patients had to be randomized. If the predefined statistical objectives were met, study would resume recruiting 130 additional patients in the phase 3 part for a total of 200 patients. Results. 70 patients (35 in each arm), median age 47, ELN 2010 favorable and intermediate risk groups, have been included. 94% had de novo AML with NPM1 mutations in 46% and FLT3-ITD in 20%. As shown in the Table, patients and disease characteristics were not different between the 2 arms except for slightly more patients in CRi in the VOS-IDAC arm. Patients received a median of 4 chemotherapy cycle (including induction; range 3-4) without difference between the treatment arms. 13 patients (18.5%) received an alloSCT (VOS-IDAC: 5, IDAC: 8). Time between cycle 1 and cycle 2 was significantly longer in the VOS-IDAC arm (p= 0.017). Hematologic toxicity was higher in the VOS-IDAC group with a significantly longer neutropenia duration after each cycle, a greater number of RBC and Platelet transfusions, a significantly greater number of days with antibiotics and antifungal therapies and days with fever (during cycle 1). There were also significantly more cutaneous toxicity, mild nausea/vomiting and diarrhea in the VOS-IDAC arm. With a median follow-up of 19 months, 14 and 15 patients relapse in the VOS-IDAC vs IDAC arms respectively. The study primary endpoint has not been reached and LFS was not significantly higher in the VOS-IDAC arm (18-month LFS of 51% vs 46% for VOS-IDAC vs IDAC respectively; see Figure) even after accounting for allo-SCT as a time-dependent variable (p-value=.49). The 2-year CIR was 51% vs 46% (p=NS) and 2-year OS was 88% vs 68% (p=NS). Conclusion, the study's primary endpoint has not been met and results fail to show a significant improvement of 18-month LFS with the addition of VOS to IDAC consolidation of favorable/intermediate-risk AML in first CR. The phase 3 part of the trial will not open. The BIG-1 trial is still ongoing and uses the same design to tests addition of other drugs to the IDAC/HDAC consolidation backbone. Disclosures Guieze: abbvie: Honoraria, Other: advisory board, travel funds; janssen cilag: Honoraria, Other: advisory board, travel funds; roche: Other: travle funds; gilead: Honoraria, Other: travel funds; astrazanecka: Honoraria, Other: advisory board. Dombret:Pfizer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Incyte: Consultancy, Research Funding; Nova: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Jazz Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sunesis: Consultancy; Servier: Consultancy, Research Funding; Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy; Astellas: Consultancy; Menarini: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Cellectis: Consultancy; Shire-Baxalta: Consultancy; Immunogen: Consultancy; Otsuka: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy. Hunault:Amgen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Diachi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Jansen: Honoraria; Servier: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Background:Therapy related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is a late complication following cytotoxic therapy for a primary neoplasm or a non-neoplastic disorder as autoimmune diseases and a highly fatal complication in patients treated for first primary malignancy. Therapy related AML are considered to have a worse prognosis and inferior outcome compared with de novo AML. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to describe clinical and biological characteristics and outcomes of these poor prognosis patients. Methods:This retrospective analysis include 116 adult patients in 2 institutions (Leon Berard cancer center and Lyon Sud university hospital) between January 2006 and June 2019 treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation for different previous malignancies and who subsequently developed AML. We analyzed demographic characteristics, parameters related to previous malignancies (type, delay until occurrence of AML and treatment), to AML (cytogenetic and mutational profile, treatment and outcome). Event for overall survival (OS) was death and patients were censored at the date of last contact if alive or at the date of allogeneic HSCT. Event for disease free survival were death and first relapse. Results:We analyzed retrospectively, 116 adult patients (57 male and 59 female) with median age of 67.5 [19 to 87] years diagnosed with t-AML according to 2016 revised WHO criteria and caused by exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for previous solid tumors in 81 pts (70%) or hematologic malignancies in 35 pts (30%). Median time between diagnosis of previous neoplasm and AML was 5.4 [0.4-34.3] years. For the treatment of previous cancer, 48 pts (41%) received chemotherapy alone, 17 pts (15%) radiotherapy and 51 pts (44%) received both modalities. T-AML occurred after exposure to alkylating agents in 12 pts (12%), to agents targeting topoisomerase II in 7 pts (7%), to both agents in 65 pts (66%) and other treatment in 15 pts (15%). Cytogenetic profile was performed in 108 pts and was favorable in 4 pts (3.7%), intermediate in 46 pts (42.8%), unfavorable in 47 pts (43.5%) and assessment failed in 11 pts (10%). Eighty eight available leukemia samples were analyzed using molecular RT-PCR and, more recently, NGS profiling. Gene mutations concern 8 pts for FLT-3, 20 pts for Evi1, 1 pt for IDH1, 1 pt for IDH2 and 8 pts were TP53 mutated. Treatment of t-AML consisted in intensive chemotherapy (IC) in 59 pts (51%), hypomethylating agents (HMA) or low dose cytarabine in 29 pts (25%), best supportive care (BSC) in 28 pts (24%). Only 15 pts underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Median overall survival (OS) [95% CI] was 7.75 months [5.55-12.32] and median progression free survival (PFS) [95% CI] was 6.14 months [5.22-9.07] in whole cohort. According to cytogenetic risk group and as expected, the median survival is significantly longer in favorable than in intermediate and unfavorable risk group (45.3 vs 15.2 vs 5.4 mths for OS with p = 0.005 and 45.3 vs 10.3 vs 5.3 mths for PFS with p = 0.007). Conclusion:This descriptive analysis confirm data of literature with poor prognosis and worse survival in unfavorable and intermediate risk groups of t-AML. However, pts with no comorbidities and candidate to IC had a significant better survival than those receiving HMA or BSC and should be considered for allogeneic transplantation Figure Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Introduction In France, cancer incidence is increasing, reaching approximately 400,000 new cases in 2017. Thanks to diagnostic and therapeutic advances, net survival at 5 years is improving, with a corollary increase in the number of survivors. Among survivors, 44% have a poor quality of life due to the more or less late onset of treatment-related complications. Despite the objectives of the 2014-2019 national cancer plan considering the latest therapeutic advances, very few initiatives integrating systematic, early detection and management of complications exist in France. Methods and analysis PASCA (Care pathways through cancer) is a single-arm, interdisciplinary, prospective, interventional, cohort study. During a period of 24 months, it is intended to include 858 adults aged 18 to 65 years with non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia, testicular germ cell tumor, non-metastatic invasive breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma at Centre Leon Berard (Lyon, France). The program consists on exhaustive identification of 22 complications at 1 month, 6 months, 24 months and 60 months after the end of first line treatment: social precariousness, return-to-work issues, cognitive problems, anxiety and depression disorders, chronic fatigue, physical deconditioning, overweight/obesity, chronic pain, dermatological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, sexual disorders, hypogonadism, premature ovarian failure, osteoporosis, chronic kidney failure, heart failure, coronary heart disease, respiratory failure, hypothyroidism, lymphedema, modifiable risk factors associated with the occurrence of secondary cancers. Each identification will give rise to management, which consists of referring the patient to a healthcare professional belonging to the network of dedicated healthcare professionals at the regional level. The course of action to be followed will be defined using decision trees based on international, national or learned society recommendations. Referral outside Centre Leon Berard will be made to a specialist doctor, a health professional from the paramedical field or the patient's general practitioner who will confirm the diagnosis and initiate patient management and follow-up. These patients will also benefit from their usual follow-up in the context of their initial malignancy. Each study visit will include a search for clinical signs using questionnaires, an assay of 12 biological parameters, a urine test strip, 5 tests evaluating physical deconditioning and an electrocardiogram. The weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure will also be measured. Primary outcome will be the incidence of the 22 complications, measured at 1 month, 6 months, 24 months and 60 months after the end of intensive chemotherapy treatment. Ethics and dissemination The study protocol was approved by the French ethics committee (Comité de protection des personnes Ile de France IV), the study database is currently being declared and registered to the Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL) and the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. The results will be disseminated to patients and in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences. Strengths and limitations of this study This study is based on a previous feasibility study with 52 patients recruited in onco-hematology, which demonstrated the feasibility of the intervention and the existence of patient management needs.(1) The study design does not include a comparator arm, as the objective of the study is to provide a comprehensive picture of treatment-related complications, especially those that appear over the long term. Due to the lack of recent data concerning some complications, sample size was calculated empirically on the basis of the active queue of patients at the Centre Leon Berard. References Michallet M, Sobh M, Buono R, Poirey S, Pascu I, Nicolas-Virelizier E, et al. Personalised Follow-up Program after Acute Phase of Treatment in Oncology/Hematology Patients Towards Early Intervention, Better Care and Quality of Life Improvement: Results from Pasca Pilot Study. Blood. 13 nov 2019;134(Supplement_1):5817-5817. Disclosures Nicolini: Sun Pharma Ltd: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

IntroductionOlder adults with cancer suffer from the combined effects of ageing, cancer disease and treatment side effects. The main treatment for patients with haematological malignancies is chemotherapy, associated with significant toxicities. Chemotherapy can alter patients’ physical function and quality of life which are often already diminished in older patients due to ageing and comorbidities. It therefore seems essential to develop and to evaluate interventions capable of preventing physical and psychosocial decline and its consequences. Promoting physical activity is a promising approach to improve physical function and quality of life in older adults with cancer, but there are limited data on the feasibility of such interventions among older patients with haematological malignancies, concomitant to chemotherapy.Methods and analysisOCAPI (OnCogeriatric and Individualized Physical Activity) is a single-arm, interdisciplinary, prospective, interventional, feasibility study. It is intended to include 40 patients (20 patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and 20 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) over 65 years in an individualised 6-month physical activity programme. The programme consists of individually supervised exercise sessions with an increasing volume of physical activity either at home and/or in a laminar airflow room (depending on the disease and treatment regimen) followed by unsupervised sessions and phone follow-ups. Patients will receive an activity tracker during the 6 months of the programme. Evaluations will take place at inclusion and at 3, 6 and 12 months to assess the feasibility of the programme and to explore potential changes in physical, psychosocial and clinical outcomes. The results will generate preliminary data to implement a larger randomised controlled trial.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the French ethics committee (Comité de protection des personnes Est I, N°ID-RCB 2019-A01231-56, 12 July 2019). All participants will have to sign and date an informed consent form. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04052126.

Resume Introduction L’association lymphome-sarcoidose est connue, cependant la mise en evidence de lesions granulomateuses chez des patients porteurs d’une hemopathie ne doit pas faire conclure trop hâtivement a une sarcoidose et peut poser des problemes diagnostiques et therapeutiques. Methodes Nous rapportons une etude retrospective monocentrique, a propos de 25 cas, pris en charge pour une hemopathie lymphoide, chez qui des lesions granulomateuses etaient retrouvees. Les patients aux antecedents de sarcoidose etaient exclus. Le type d’hemopathie, le delai entre la mise en evidence de lesions granulomateuses et le diagnostic de lymphome, les symptomes associes, les resultats des TEP-scanner, l’etiologie finalement retenue et l’evolution sont rapportes. Les patients ont ete separes en trois sous-groupes en fonction de la date d’apparition du granulome par rapport a celle de l’hemopathie. Resultats La decouverte de lesions granulomateuses precedait le diagnostic de l’hemopathie dans 4 cas, etait synchrone dans 8 cas et posterieure dans 13 cas. Les deux principaux sous-types de lymphomes rencontres comprenaient : le lymphome diffus a grandes cellules (36 %) et le lymphome de Hodgkin (28 %). Les lesions granulomateuses etaient associees a une evolution de l’hemopathie dans 11 cas, d’origine infectieuse dans 3 cas, d’origine medicamenteuse dans 1 cas, liees a une enteropathie inflammatoire dans 1 cas, a un granulome annulaire generalise dans 1 cas, a une sarcoidose dans 4 cas, et sans etiologie retrouvee dans 4 cas, c’est-a-dire reactionnelle. Dans le groupe ou le granulome apparaissait de maniere posterieure a l’hemopathie, les SUV moyennes du TEP-scanner au moment du diagnostic de l’hemopathie etaient de 11, alors qu’elles etaient de 6,4 au moment de la decouverte des granulomes. Conclusion La pathologie granulomateuse au cours des lymphomes peut correspondre a plusieurs etiologies : infectieuse, reactionnelle, liee a une rechute ou une authentique sarcoidose. Elle pose donc au clinicien plusieurs difficultes, entre crainte de passer a cote du diagnostic de lymphome et risque de conclure a tort a un echec therapeutique ou a une rechute. L’imagerie (scanner, TEP-scanner) peut etre un element d’orientation mais ne remplace pas une biopsie.

In a significant number of cases cancer therapy is followed by a resurgence of more aggressive tumors derived from immature cells. One example is acute myeloid leukemia (AML), where an accumulation of immature cells is responsible for relapse following treatment. We previously demonstrated in chronic myeloid leukemia that the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) pathway is involved in stem cell fate and contributes to transformation, expansion, and persistence of leukemic stem cells. Here, we have identified intrinsic and extrinsic dysregulations of the BMP pathway in AML patients at diagnosis. BMP2 and BMP4 protein concentrations are elevated within patients’ bone marrow with a BMP4-dominant availability. This overproduction likely depends on the bone marrow microenvironment, since MNCs do not overexpress BMP4 transcripts. Intrinsically, the receptor BMPR1A transcript is increased in leukemic samples with more cells presenting this receptor at the membrane. This high expression of BMPR1A is further increased upon BMP4 exposure, specifically in AML cells. Downstream analysis demonstrated that BMP4 controls the expression of the survival factor ΔNp73 through its binding to BMPR1A. At the functional level, this results in the direct induction of NANOG expression and an increase of stem-like features in leukemic cells, as shown by ALDH and functional assays. In addition, we identified for the first time a strong correlation between ΔNp73, BMPR1A and NANOG expression with patient outcome. These results highlight a new signaling cascade initiated by tumor environment alterations leading to stem-cell features and poor patients’ outcome.

Rituximab was approved in France in 2004, following randomized trials that demonstrated efficacy in newly diagnosed high tumour burden follicular lymphoma (FL). This retrospective study compared the management and outcome of FL in unselected patients treated in a single institution before and after rituximab approval. Two hundred and forty-seven adult patients were referred with first-line FL between 1996 and 2010 and are included in this study. The 103 pre-rituximab patients comprising cohort 1 were diagnosed between January 1996 and December 2003; cohort 2 includes the 144 patients diagnosed after the approval of rituximab between January 2004 and December 2010. Baseline clinical and biological data, type of therapy, treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared. There were no statistically significant differences between the two cohorts with respect to baseline clinical and disease characteristics, including FL International Prognostic Index score. The major difference between the two cohorts is the use of rituximab in first line. Seventy-one per cent of patients in cohort 2 received rituximab (19% alone, 52% with chemotherapy) versus 10% in cohort 1 (2% alone, 8% with chemotherapy; p

Advances in diagnosis and treatment have helped increase cure rates for many cancers. However, the disease and its treatments are often accompanied by short-, mid- and long-term organic and psychosocial sequelae and increased risk of second cancer, adding to that, all pre-existing comorbidities, lifestyle risks and hereditary factors. At the Centre Leon Berard Cancer center, we launched a project named PASCA (Parcours de Sante au cours du Cancer) that aims at structuring and optimizing a follow-up schedule for patients suffering from breast cancer, testicular germ tumor, acute leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma, as well as patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT). The main objective of the program is the early detection and specific management of risk factors for second cancer as well as sequelae management after the acute treatment phase with the final objective of quality of life improvement. Follow-up and evaluation are done through the establishment of a multidisciplinary organic assessment, anthropometric and physical fitness, psychic and socio-professional evaluation, the aim is to establish a score for each assessment, complementary to the specific oncology and hematology monitoring, that allows later to establish a personalized and adapted sequelae management and prevention of complications that could significantly impact the patient quality of life but also compromise the optimal management of the malignant disease. Patients were referred to PASCA by the oncologist/hematologist after being discharged from the acute phase of treatment, an information sheet about the program was given as well as a package containing different questionnaires to capture information about risk factors, general health, social status, quality of life and others. At the same time a series of medical laboratory requests were ordered to get a full medical assessment. Based on the questionnaires/medical evaluation a score was given for each type of assessment. Score 0 means the patients needs only a simple follow-up, score 1 means the patient needs to be followed by the family doctor for the specific issue, and score 2 means there is a need for specialist intervention. We put together a network of internal medicine or organ specific doctors in addition to fitness-physiotherapy specialist as well as many other specialists available to intervene for patients with score 2. We started in Hematology a pilot phase that included non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL, N=27) and multiple myelomas (MM, N=27) patients, 15 (28%) females and 39 (72%) males. Median age at evaluation was 60 years (range: 56-65), all patients except 8 (all NHL) received autologous HSCT. Here we present some of the most relevant PASCA assessments with the different scores: nephrology (0: 94%, 1:6%), cardiology (0:27%, 1:63%, 2:10%), hepatology (0:49%, 1:42%, 2:9%), pneumology (0:41%, 1:39%, 2:20%), sexual (0:67%, 1:14%, 2:9%), dermatology (0:78%, 1:13%, 2:9%), pain (0:43%, 1:31%, 2:26%), gynecology (0:56%, 2:44%), endocrinology (0:67%, 1:31%, 2:2%), malnutrition (0:75%, 1:8%, 2:17%), obesity (0:54%, 1:20%, 2:26%), flexibility (0:46%, 1:27%, 2:27%), employment (0:76%, 2:24%), fatigue (0:24%, 1:2%, 2:73%), anxiety (0:56%, 1:22%, 2:22%), and depression (0:80%, 1:10%, 2:10%). In addition, a list of FACT questionnaires was collected for all patients as baseline evaluation and will be compared later during follow-up. During the PASCA consult visit, patient was informed about his different assessment results and in case of any score 1 or 2, a referral to the family doctor or a specialist was requested. Planned 6- and 12-months evaluation are ongoing to evaluate the potential improvement after PASCA program. Our results from this pilot study showed a real need for specific follow-up on the medical level but also on social/well being level that is in most of the cases given less priority when the patient is seen in oncology/hematology clinic. We noticed a significant positive feedback from patients included in this program and we expect to see a drastic improvement on the medical, psychological and social level as well as on quality of life. We are starting the full PASCA program that will include also patients with breast cancers, germ cells cancers and sarcoma. A protocol for a randomized multicentric study is in preparation and will allow to evaluate the impact and the importance of such program in patients with malignant diseases. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a molecularly and clinically heterogeneous disease, and its incidence is increasing as the populations in Western countries age. Despite major advances in understanding the genetic landscape of AML and its impact on the biology of the disease, standard therapy has not changed significantly in the last three decades. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the best chance for cure, but can only be offered to a minority of younger fit patients. Molecularly targeted drugs aiming at restoring apoptosis in leukaemic cells have shown encouraging activity in early clinical trials and some of these drugs are currently being evaluated in randomised controlled trials. In this review, we discuss the current development of drugs designed to trigger cell death in AML.

Background The optimal follow-up strategy for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) patients after first-line therapy is unclear. The goal of this study is to determine the utility of planned brain surveillance imaging in the detection of relapse in a retrospective cohort of PCNSL patients. Methods Patients were consecutive PCNSL cases treated in Leon Berard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France, from 1985 to 2011. Histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 94%. Patients were treated by methotrexate (92%) and cytarabine (63%) based-chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy for 108 patients (51%). Clinical records were reviewed for details at relapse and relationship to planned imaging. The imaging follow-up strategy was performed according to each treating physicians. Results Among 209 PCNSL patients, 127 complete response patients entered in post-treatment observation and 63 (50%) subsequently relapsed. Among the 125 evaluable patients, the majority of relapses (N = 49, 80%) was asymptomatic and identified before the planned brain imaging. Surveillance imaging detected relapses before symptoms in 12 patients who entered in post-therapy observation (10%). The median number of brain imaging during the follow-up was 7 (0–13). A total of 819 MRI/CT-scan were performed leading to the detection of 12 asymptomatic relapses. The one year OS rates were 41% and 58% for symptomatic and non-symptomatic relapses, respectively (P = 0.21). Conclusion The majority of PCNSL relapses occurred outside planned follow-up with no difference in patient outcome between symptomatic and asymptomatic relapses. The role of brain imaging for the detection of relapses in the follow-up of PCNSL patients remains to be clarified.

Background The treatment of elderly adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with unsatisfactory rates of complete responses and long-term overall survival (OS). Therefore, a clinically useful prognostic index would facilitate therapeutic decision-making and evaluation of investigational treatment strategies in this patient population. Patients and Methods A prognostic score is presented based on the multivariate analysis of 432 patients with non-M3 AML aged > 60 years, selected on the basis of their initial performance status and the absence of severe comorbid factors for entering into 5 successive clinical trials combining an anthracycline and cytarabine. Four clinically relevant parameters are included in this index: cytogenetics at diagnosis, history of previous hematologic disorder, hematologic features at diagnosis, and lactate dehydrogenase level at diagnosis. Results Using this stratification system, 3 risk groups were defined: a favorable-risk group A (OS of 39% at 2 years and 21% at 5 years), an intermediate-risk group B (OS of 19% at 2 years and 8% at 5 years), and a poor-risk group C (OS of 5% at 2 years and 0 at 5 years). Conclusion The prognostic index estimates the outcome of elderly patients with AML usually selected for intensive chemotherapy trials using 4 easily determined parameters and might identify patients who are really candidates for this treatment strategy from those for whom investigational therapy or palliation might be most appropriate.

It is known that cigarette smoking is associated with an approximately 50% increase in leukemia risk. In order to detect a possible influence of cigarette smoking on initial characteristics at the time of presentation and on the course of the disease, we conducted a retrospective study in 643 patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia.The study comprised 339 males and 304 females (median age 59 years, range 18-84 years). Two hundred and ninety-six patients (46%), smoking at least one cigarette per day for 6 months, were considered as smokers, while 347 patients (54%) were non-smokers.Cigarette smoking was significantly related to male gender (P0.0001), professional occupancy (P = 0.002), presence of organomegaly (P = 0.01), and lower peripheral blood and bone marrow leukemic cell involvement (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0001, respectively). Leukemia of French-American-British (FAB) M1 subtype was more frequent in non-smokers (P = 0.005). Although not statistically significant, smokers tended to have lower leukocyte counts than non-smokers. No difference was noted in terms of complete remission rates between smokers and non-smokers (67% compared to 64%). However, a higher rate of severe pulmonary infection was observed in smokers during induction chemotherapy (P = 0.02). Cigarette smoking (or=20 pack-years or smoking durationor=30 years) was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (P = 0.03) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.02 and P = 0.004, respectively). Other characteristics associated with poor prognosis included mainly older age, unfavorable karyotype, secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and elevated World Health Organization (WHO) performance status. Cigarette smoking was associated with shorter OS in younger adults, but did not significantly influence survival in patients60 years old. Cigarette smoking worsened the poor OS in patients with unfavorable karyotype, but did not significantly influence the prognosis of other karyotypic risk groups. In a multivariate analysis, only karyotypic grouping and age remained of prognostic value for the occurrence of disease-free and overall survival.Cigarette smoking has a deleterious effect on survival in AML by shortening complete remission duration and subsequent survival. It was associated with severe infections during aplasia. Leukemogenic compounds favoring complex karyotypic abnormalities could also be involved.

Introduction: Structural rearrangements of chromosome 3q have been described in approximately 2% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Breakpoints are mainly located in the 3q21 and 3q26 regions but may occur elsewhere on chromosome 3. To determine the relationship between these breakpoints and the hematological parameters, including outcome of these patients, we analysed data from newly diagnosed adult AML patients with 3q rearrangements referred to our institution over a 15-year period. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted using data from 57 AML patients (median age: 64 years, range 19‐82) with 3q rearrangements. Cytogenetic analysis was performed using standard techniques (RHG banding, FISH). Data concerning AML patients with 3q abnormalities were compared for outcome with those from patients with normal karyotype and from patients with 5q deletion, treated according to the same intensive protocols for the same time period. Results: Patients with myeloid malignancy displaying 3q rearrangement were assigned to five subgroups, including those with: 3q21/q26 rearrangement; 3q21 alone, including t(1;3)(p36;q21); 3q26 alone, resulting in translocations involving multiple chromosome partners; t(3;5); 3q deletions. Among these patients, 37 were treated in AML chemotherapy trials. Complete remission was achieved in 43% (26/57) of cases. Five patients died early. Sixteen patients were resistant to induction chemotherapy. Median DFS and median OS were 4.5 and 8.8 months respectively. Relapse was observed in 34% of patients achieving CR. Comparison of the outcome of CR patients with that of patients presenting with normal karyotype (intermediate-risk) or complete/partial 5q deletion (high-risk) confirmed the very poor prognosis of patients carrying 3q chromosomal rearrangements. Conclusion: These data confirm that 3q rearrangements at q21 or q26 are recurring chromosomal abnormalities in AML. Appearing frequently in combination with monosomy 7 and an abnormal megakaryopoiesis, patients with these abnormalities have a particularly poor prognosis. The Hematology Journal (2002) 3, 21‐31. DOI: 10.1038/sj/thj/6200143

Fifty-three patients of median age 66 years (39 patients > 60 yrs), including 5 with FAB unclassified or secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at diagnosis, 14 with resistant AML, 19 in first and 15 in subsequent relapse, were treated with carboplatin (CBP), 200 mg/m2/day, as a continuous infusion, (days 3 to 7) with mitoxantrone (MIT) or idarubicin (IDA), (12 mg/m2/day) as an i.v. bolus, on days 1 to 3. Results were evaluated after one induction course. Overall, 15 patients (28% [95% confidence interval (CI), 17-42%], 8/28 with IDA and 7/25 with MIT) achieved complete remission (CR). There was no statistical difference between IDA and MIT arms. Fourty-nine percent (95% CI, 35-63%) had resistant disease (53% IDA versus 44% MIT respectively) and 23% (95% CI, 12-36%) died from toxicity (18% IDA versus 28% MIT). Median durations of neutrophils less than 0.5 x 10(9)/l and platelet counts less than 20 x 10(9)/l were 32 and 32 days respectively in the IDA arm and 31 and 26 days respectively in the MIT arm. Severe toxicity included infections (45%), diarrhea (21%), bleeding (9%), vomiting (7%), hyperbilirubinemia (6%), mucositis (4%) (no statistical difference was seen between both arms). Nephrotoxicity was observed in only one case in the IDA arm. Cardiac toxicity included reversible pulmonary oedema in one patient in the IDA arm. No severe ototoxicity was noted. CR patients received maintenance courses with 3 days of CBP and one day of IDA or MIT. Median survival was 2 months (range, 1-30+ months) and 2.5 months (range, 0.5-19.5 months), and median disease-free survival (DFS) 2 months (range, 1-30+ months) and 2.5 months (range, 1-14 months) in the IDA and MIT arms respectively. We conclude that CBP at a cumulative dosage of 1 g/m2 together with intercalating agents (IDA/MIT) has antileukemic efficacy in elderly patients.

Introduction L’association lymphome-sarcoidose est a present bien etudiee, dans ce cas la sarcoidose precede le lymphome. Cependant, la presence d’un granulome chez des patients deja porteurs d’une hemopathie ne doit pas faire conclure trop hâtivement a une sarcoidose. La mise en evidence de lesions granulomateuses au cours du suivi de ces patients pose donc au clinicien plusieurs difficultes, entre crainte de passer a cote d’une rechute du lymphome et risque de conclure a tort a une sarcoidose. Patients et methodes Nous rapportons une etude retrospective unicentrique, a propos de 13 cas pris en charge pour une hemopathie lymphoide au centre Leon-Berard (Lyon), chez qui etaient retrouvees au cours de la prise en charge des lesions granulomateuses. Les patients avec un antecedent avere de sarcoidose etaient exclus. Le type d’hemopathie, son traitement, le statut de la maladie au moment du granulome, le delai d’apparition du granulome par rapport a l’hemopathie, les symptomes associes, les anomalies biologiques, la fixation de l’hemopathie et du granulome au Pet scan (evaluee par le SUV), l’etiologie finalement retenue et l’evolution sont rapportes. Resultats Les differents sous-types de lymphomes rencontres comprenaient 10 lymphomes non hodgkinien, dont 3 lymphomes T, et 3 lymphomes de Hodgkin. Le delai median d’apparition du granulome etait de 23 mois (4–128 mois). Les etiologies de ces granulomatoses etaient variees : 4 sarcoidoses, 2 tuberculoses, 2 rechutes de l’hemopathie, 1 allergie medicamenteuse, 1 enteropathie inflammatoire, 1 granulome annulaire generalise et 2 granulomes reactionnels isoles c’est-a-dire sans etiologie retrouvee. Lors de la decouverte du granulome, 38,5 % des patients presentaient une alteration de l’etat general, et 46,1 % presentaient d’autres symptomes : arthralgies, dyspnee, uveite anterieure, toux. Au niveau biologique il existait une elevation de l’enzyme de conversion de l’angiotensine dans 46 % des cas, une elevation de la CRP dans 46 %, et tous les patients avaient une calcemie normale. Le SUV moyen pour les hemopathies etait de 20,65 (4,8–40,5), alors que le SUV moyen pour les granulomatose etait de 8,1 (4,9–10,5). 7 patients ont beneficie d’un traitement specifique (corticotherapie, antibiotherapie). Au cours du suivi seuls 2 patients ont rechute et un patient est decede. Le delai median de surveillance etait de 33 mois (3–127 mois). Conclusion Au cours des lymphomes, des lesions granulomateuses peuvent etre mises en evidence au cours du suivi d’un patient, posant alors le probleme de l’etiologie de la granulomatose : il faut savoir traquer une recidive de l’hemopathie, ou rechercher une infection opportuniste favorisee par l’immunodepression cellulaire. La fixation au Pet scan pourrait aider a differencier un granulome d’une rechute de l’hemopathie : localisation differente, evolution dissociee avec apparition de nouvelles fixations et regression des anciennes fixations, fixation moins intense. Ainsi, le diagnostic d’une authentique sarcoidose ou d’une reaction granulomateuse idiopathique ne doivent etre que des diagnostics d’elimination, le praticien ne doit pas hesiter a re-biopsier tout patient qui semble rechuter.

Rituximab was approved in France in 2004, following randomized trials that demonstrated efficacy in newly diagnosed high tumour burden follicular lymphoma (FL). This retrospective study compared the management and outcome of FL in unselected patients treated in a single institution before and after rituximab approval. Two hundred and forty-seven adult patients were referred with first-line FL between 1996 and 2010 and are included in this study. The 103 pre-rituximab patients comprising cohort 1 were diagnosed between January 1996 and December 2003; cohort 2 includes the 144 patients diagnosed after the approval of rituximab between January 2004 and December 2010. Baseline clinical and biological data, type of therapy, treatment response, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared. There were no statistically significant differences between the two cohorts with respect to baseline clinical and disease characteristics, including FL International Prognostic Index score. The major difference between the two cohorts is the use of rituximab in first line. Seventy-one per cent of patients in cohort 2 received rituximab (19% alone, 52% with chemotherapy) versus 10% in cohort 1 (2% alone, 8% with chemotherapy; p 0.0001). The objective response rate (ORR) was significantly higher for cohort 2 (ORR 84% compared with 72% for cohort 1; p = 0.03). The PFS and OS rates were also significantly better: 3-year PFS 72% [95% confidence interval (CI) 64-80%] versus 55% (95% CI 45-64%), p = 0.0039 and 3-year OS 98% (95% CI 94-99%) versus 83% (95% CI 74-90%), p = 0.0007. Effect of period of study is significant when using multivariate analysis on PFS and OS and lactate dehydrogenase level (PFS and OS) and age (OS). These data from everyday practice confirm the benefit for patients with FL treated in the last decade through availability of rituximab in first line used alone or in association with various chemotherapy regimens.

Introduction: Pneumocystis jirovecii (Pj) is an opportunistic fungus and a common cause of pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patient. The gold standard for the diagnosis is the direct exam by microscopy. Patients with hematological malignancies may have a small burden of Pj with a negative direct exam. A polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) can be used for the diagnosis. Real-time qPCR methods have a good sensitivity (97-100%) and specificity (90-94%) for the PCP detection whereas direct examination has lower sensitivity. Currently, the diagnostic impact of a positive PCR with a negative direct examination for patients with lymphoid malignancies suspected of PCP is not well known. Methods: We retrospectively analysed in this study all patients followed in the Department of Hematology of the Leon Berard Cancer Center (Lyon, France) between January 2003 and March 2014 who developed PCP. In at risk patients, PCP was considered when clinical signs and typical radiological features (e.g. ground glass opacities). Diagnosis was confirmed by the microscopic observation of Pj cysts and/or trophic forms on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (Group 1, gold standard) or a positive PCR with negative direct examination (Group 2). Results: PCP was diagnosed in 68 patients with lymphoid malignancies (76% non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 15% Hodgkin lymphoma, 7% chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 2% myeloma). PCP was diagnosed during first-line therapy for 42 patients (62%). Seven breakthrough infections (10%) under sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (S/T) prophylaxis were observed. PCP was confirmed in 27 patients (40%) by a positive direct exam (Group 1) and 41 patients (60%) by PCR only (Group 2). The clinical and biological characteristics at diagnosis of PCP were not significantly different between Group 1 and 2 (fever, cough, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, hemoglobin level, C-reactive protein level, lactate deshydogenase level). However, Group 1 presented more frequently an oxygen saturation of less than 92% (88.9% vs. 56.1%, P=0.007) and dyspnea (88.9% vs. 65.9%, P=0.045) as compared to Group 2. The CT-scan showed bilateral ground-glass opacities in 74% and 71% of Group 1 and 2, respectively. Median time between the hematological diagnosis (3.02 months vs. 4.7 months, P=0.54) or the last chemotherapy (20.5 days vs. 21 days, P=0.62) and PCP diagnosis were similar in both groups. The median time between the first day of hospitalization and the initiation of curative treatment by S/T was similar in the two groups (6 days [0-30] vs. 7 days [0-33], P=0.71) but Group 1 received corticosteroids more frequently as compared to Group 2 (74% vs. 49%, P=0.047). We observed a similar rate of co-infections between the two groups (Group 1, 44% vs. Group 2, 39%, P=0.80). After the initiation of S/T, the median time to fever resolution (2 days [1-21] vs. 1 days [0-8], P=0.006) and to normal oxygen saturation (6 days [2-28] vs. 3 days [0-11], P=0.002) was longer for Group 1 as compared to Group 2. Hence, the median time between S/T initiation and hospital discharge was longer for Group 1 (16 days [4-53] vs. 10 days [2-44], P=0.02). The rate of hospitalization in intensive care unit was higher for Group 1 than for Group 2 (59% vs. 24%, P=0.005). In Group 1 and 2, 5 (18.5%) and 3 (7.3%) patients died from PCP, respectively (P=0.25). Conclusions: In our series, 60% of immunocompromised patients with lymphoid malignancies were diagnosed with PCP on the basis of a positive PCR and a negative direct examination. The presentation and clinical course of these patients are less severe than patients with a positive direct exam, possibly in relation with a lower fungal load. Quick improvement of clinical parameters was observed after curative S/T. These results suggest to promptly initiate a specific treatment for PCP in patients with a positive PCR and a negative direct examination. Disclosures Blay: MDS: Research Funding; Lilly: Research Funding; Bayer: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmamar: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; F. Hoffmann-La Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Background: JAK2 constitutive activation/overexpression is frequent in classical HL tumor cells and many autocrine/paracrine cytokines stimulate HL cells by recognizing JAK1- or JAK2-bound receptors. Thus, JAKs blockade may be of therapeutic value in HL. Methods: A phase II study (HIJAK study)was conducted to evaluate safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib, an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, in R/R HL, given at 20 mg bid for 6 cycles of 28 days. Dosage at 15 mg bid was planned for patients with platelets comprised between 75 and 200 x 109/L at inclusion. Patients with platelets < 75 x 109/L, neutrophils < 1000 x 109/L were excluded. Maintenance beyond 6 cycles was permitted if disease control. The primary objective was overall response rate (ORR, Cheson 2007) at 6 cycles. Secondary objectives were safety, B symptoms relief, best ORR, response duration, PFS and OS. To be evaluable for response and survivals, patients had to receive at least one cycle of the study drug. The safety set included all patients who received at least one dose of ruxolitinib. Median follow-up was 27.1 months (95% CI: 14.4-27.1). Results: 33 patients were included between Jul 2013 and Dec 2014 in 10 LYSA centers in France and Belgium: M/F, 21/12; median age 37 (range 19-80) years; stage III/IV, 75.8%; B symptoms, 51.5%; median number of prior lines, 5 (range 1-16); prior transplantation, 60.6%; prior radiotherapy, 54,5%; prior brentuximab vedotin (BV), 82%; refractory to last therapy, 81.8%. Overall, median number of ruxolitinib cycles was 4. Nine (27.3%) patients received at least 6 cycles and 6 (18.2%) maintenance. ORR at the end of induction was 3/32 (9.4%) patients, all PRs. Best ORR at any time during study was 18.8% (6/32) with five PRs and 1 patient who converted into CR beyond 6 cycles. Transient stable disease was noted in 11 patients. Rapid and durable alleviation of B-symptoms (pruritus, fever, sweating) was frequently noted, especially pruritus which was present in 35.5% of patients before treatment and 6.6% of them after one cycle of ruxolitinib. Median duration of response was 7.7 months (95% CI: 1.8-NA). Two patients remain on therapy. Median PFS was 3.5 months (95%CI: 1.9-4.6) and median OS was 27.1 months (95%CI: 14.4-27.1). Using bead-based immunoassays, plasma levels of 27 cytokines related to the immune system were measured at baseline and after cycle 1. Before ruxolitinib, there was no difference in cytokine levels between responders and non-responders. In responders, the only cytokine that significantly decreased was CX-CL10 (P.01). In patients presenting with pruritus (n=11), PDGF-BB, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, eotaxin, FGF basic, MIP1b, rantes, and VEGF were significantly increased. In the latter patients, ruxolitinib treatment significanlty decreased PDGF-BB, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, FGF basic and VEGF. Among patients who were analyzable for JAK2 amplification in RS cells (n=12), polysomy was detected in all of them and specific JAK2 amplification in one. Further analysis of Jak2 targets by IHC will be performed. 40 adverse events (AEs) were reported in 14/33 patients (42.4%), of which 18 were related to ruxolitinib and 18 were grade ≥ 3. One AE led to permanent treatment discontinuation. No AE leading to death was reported. 87.5% of AEs recovered without sequelae. Eight SAEs (infection, 3; anemia, 1; diarrhea, 1; subdural hematoma, 1; bone pain, 1; pulmonary embolism, 1) were reported in 4 patients (12.1%), of which 2 were related to ruxolitinib. No grade 4 neutropenia and 1 grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was observed. Five patients had grade 3 anemia. Twelve patients died due to lymphoma (83.3%) or toxicity of additional treatment (8.3%) or other reason (8.3%). Among 30 patients who progressed (initial site in 97% and/or new site in 60%), 25 (83.3%) were retreated: with chemotherapy in 19 (comprising bendamustine in 10) and/or immunotherapy in 9 (rituximab, n=4; BV, n=3; nivolumab, n=2). Transplantation was eventually performed in 5/25 (4 allogenic, 1 autologous). In the 25 patients who were retreated, CR/PR rates were 10/15%, respectively. Conclusions: Ruxolitinib shows hints of activity beyond simple anti-inflammatory action in highly advanced, mostly refractory, HL patients, although most responses are short-lived. Toxicity was limited suggesting potential to be combined with other modalities. Further treatment, beyond ruxolitinib, was possible in most patients, even with chemotherapy. Disclosures Haioun: Janssen: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sandoz: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Casasnovas:BMS: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; ROCHE: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Ghesquieres:Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Consultancy; Roche France: Research Funding. Morschhauser:Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Roche: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria; Servier: Consultancy, Honoraria.

Impact of 18 F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has become increasingly important in recent years in the management of patients with malignant lymphomas and is recommended for the staging and response to treatment assessment of both diffuse large B-cell and Hodgkin's lymphoma. Few data on the relevance of PET in the management of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) are available so far. Then, we retrospectively investigated the PET value for initial staging, interim response and predicting outcome in patients with MCL treated in two French institutions (Dijon University Hospital and the Centre Leon Berard, Lyon). From 2004 to 2013, a total of 61 de novo MCL patients assessed by PET were included. For each patient, were collected at baseline, the whole body SUVmax site, the presence of a bone marrow (BM) uptake, total metabolic tumour volume (TMTV) and total tumour glycolysis (TLG). The interim PET response after 3 or 4 cycles of induction treatment was assessed using the Deauville score and the quantitative variation of SUV between the baseline PET and the PET performed after 4 cycles of immunochemotherapy (ΔSUV). Patient's median age was 64 years [38 - 84]. At diagnosis, 92% presented a disseminated disease (stage III-IV). Mean MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI) was 6.09 [5.89 - 6.29]. All patients received a first-line induction treatment. Twenty-eight (46%) received an autologous stem cell transplantation as consolidation treatment and 10 (16%) a rituximab maintenance. The baseline FDG uptake intensity was low (median SUVmax: 6.93 [2.5 - 25]) leading to consider that baseline PET was informative and suitable for a further PET reassessment in 40 (93%) patients. 72% of the patients with an informative baseline PET, had a SUVmax < 10 making the metabolic quantitative analyses (TMTV, TLG, ΔSUV) uninformative. Among the 46 (75%) patients with histologically proven BM involvement, only 14% of them had BM FDG uptake. After 3 to 4 cycles of induction treatment, 27 (75%) patients achieved a negative PET. With a median follow up of 27 months, a shorter PFS was related to a disseminated disease (stage III-IV) on the basis of baseline PET (2y-PFS: 47% vs 80% p = 0.03) and an insufficient interim metabolic response according to the Deauville score (score ≥ 4) (16% vs 64% p=6 (p = 0.04, HR = 7.1 IC 95% [1.1 - 46]) retained an independent negative impact on PFS. FDG avidity of LCM is usually low. PET underestimates BM involvement at diagnosis in 86 % of patients, compared with cytological and histological techniques, and has no independent prognostic value. The interim metabolic response assessed using the Deauville criteria is a prognosis factor independent from MIPI in patients with MCL. Disclosures Salles: Calistoga Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Celgene Corporation; Genentech, Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P.; Roche: Consultancy; Celgene Corporation; Roche and Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation; Roche: Speakers Bureau. Casasnovas:Gilead: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding.

Recent studies demonstrate that early molecular response to tyrosine-kinase inhibitors is strongly predictive of outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia patients and that early response landmarks may identify patients at higher risk for transformation who would benefit from an early switch to second-line therapy. In this study, we evaluated the ability of the control gene GUS to identify relevant thresholds for known therapeutic decision levels (BCR-ABL1/ABL1IS = 10% and 0.1%). We then defined the most relevant cut-offs for early molecular response markers (transcript level at 3 months, halving time and log reduction between diagnosis and 3 months of treatment) using GUS or ABL1. We demonstrated that, although both control genes could be used (in an equivalent way) to accurately assess early molecular response, the BCR-ABL1/GUS level at diagnosis is impacted by the higher GUS copy number over-expressed in CML cells, thus negatively impacting its ability to completely replace ABL1 at diagnosis. Furthermore, we pointed out, for the first time, that it would be helpful to monitor BCR-ABL1 levels at an earlier time point than that currently performed, in order to assess response to first-line tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and consider a potential switch of therapy as early as possible. We evaluated this optimal time point as being 19 days after the start of treatment in our cohort.

Introduction: All trans retinoic acid has shown a remarkable eAectiveness in acute promyelocytic leukemia. These results have encouraged studies of treatment with ATRA in other acute myeloid leukemia subtypes. Patients and methods: In order to evaluate toxicity and antileukemic eAcacy of all ATRA in patients with relapsed or refractory non promyelocytic AML, 95 patients (median age, 58 years; range, 20 to 80 years), with unclassified AML according to the FAB classification or secondary AML at diagnosis, or refractory or relapsing AML, received induction therapy with Idarubicin, 10 mg/m 2 /day, for 3 days and cytarabine, 1000 mg/m 2 /12 h, for 6 days, alone or combined, on a randomized basis, with ATRA, 45 mg/m 2 /day, from day 1 to complete remission. Patients in CR received maintenance therapy with 6 monthly courses combining Ida, 10 mg/m 2 /day, intravenously, on day 1 with Ara-C100 mg/m 2 /day, subcutaneously, from day 1 to day 5. Results: Results were evaluated after one induction course. Overall 54 patients (57%, 26 with ATRA and 28 without ATRA) achieved CR including five patients treated at time of initial diagnosis, seven previously resistant, 38 in first relapse and four in further relapse. Thirty patients (31%) had resistant disease and 11 (12%) died from toxicity. Median time for neutrophil recovery to 0.5610 9 /l and platelets to 20610 9 /l was 31 and 21 days respectively. Severe toxicity (WHO grade 53) included infections (37%), diarrhea (9%), bleeding (3%), vomiting (16%), hyperbilirubinemia (5%), mucositis (6%) and hypercreatininemia (2%). No ATRA syndrome was noted in the ATRA arm. Median overall survival for the entire cohort was 6.3 months and median disease-free survival was 4.7 months. There were no statistical diAerences in terms of CR, DFS, and OS between the two arms. Conclusion: We conclude that ATRA in combination with Ida and Ara-C can be administered safely to high-risk AML patients. However, in this setting, ATRA did not oAer any advantage when compared to chemotherapy alone. The Hematology Journal (2002) 3, 49‐55. DOI: 10.1038/sj/thj/6200141

In order to potentially mobilize and harvest the Ph cells observed in most patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) during interferon-alpha (IF-alpha) therapy, G-CSF (filgrastim), 5 microg/kg/d, was administered subcutaneously together with IF-alpha to 30 CML patients in haematological remission but with various degrees of cytogenetic remission, after IF-alpha therapy. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were harvested using standard aphereses from day 5 of G-CSF Patients underwent one to four (median three) aphereses. Median total yields/kg were 7.6 (range 3.8-25) x 10(8) MNC, 3.4 (0-140) x 10(6) CD34+ cells, and 17 (1.1-107) x 10(4) CFU-GM. No patient had a significant increase in the percentage of Ph+ cells in the bone marrow under G-CSF therapy. The percentage of Ph+ cells in apheresis products tended to decrease between the first and the last apheresis (P = 0.05). 14 patients who were not responsive to IF-alpha were transplanted after conditioning with busulphan 16 mg/kg and melphalan 140 mg/m2. Median time to neutrophils > 0.5 x 10(9)/l was 20 d (16-114 d) and to platelets > 50 x 10(9)/l 18 d (12-149 d). Nine patients had a major cytogenetic response post graft, which correlated with the amount of Ph+ cells reinfused with the graft (P = 0.02). We conclude that this procedure is feasible, allowing the harvest of enough PBSC, some of them Ph- in patients who responded to IF-alpha, to allow autologous transplantation.