ALBERT

Description: Background. Ara-c based chemo-immunotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the most effective approach in young mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients, though few if any patients are cured. Recent data indicate that subsequent Rituximab maintenance (RM) prolongs PFS and OS (Le Gouill NEJM 2017). Lenalidomide is an oral agent effective in MCL, considered suitable for prolonged maintenance programs, but has never been tested in this setting. The FIL MCL0208 trial (NCT02354313) is a prospective, international randomized, phase III trial, comparing Lenalidomide maintenance (LM) vs observation (OBS) after an intensive Ara-c containing chemo-immunotherapy (R-HDS) program, followed by ASCT in previously untreated MCL patients. Patients and Methods. Adult patients aged 18-65 years, with advanced stage MCL without clinically significant comorbidities were enrolled. Patients received 3 R-CHOP-21, followed by R-HDS i.e. R-high-dose Cyclophosphamide (R-HD-CTX) (4g/m2), 2 cycles of R-high-dose Ara-C (R-HDAC) (2g/m2 q12x3 d). CD34+ cells were collected after the first course of R-HDAC. The conditioning regimen for ASCT was BEAM. After ASCT, responding patients were randomized between LM (15 mg days 1-21 every 28 days) for 24 months or observation. Primary endpoint analysis was scheduled at the occurrence of the 60th PFS event in the randomized population, which occurred on June 20th, 2017 and data were analyzed for the present abstract on March 3rd 2018. Results. Three-hundred three patients were enrolled from May 2008 to August 2015 by 48 Italian and 1 Portuguese Center. Three patients were excluded after central histological review. Median age was 57 years (IQR 51-62), M/F ratio 3.6/1. Ninety-two percent of patients had stage IV, 33% bulky disease (〉5 cm), 33% elevated LDH, and 75% BM infiltration. Ki67 ≥30% was observed in 32%, MIPI was low (L) in 54%, intermediate in 31% and high (H) in 15% of patients. MIPI-c was L in 49%, low-intermediate (LI) in 29%, high-intermediate (HI) in 14%, H in 9%. Nine percent had blastoid variant. Fifty-two (17%) patients interrupted treatment before randomization (8 toxic deaths, 1 death for car accident, 24 progressions and 19 toxicity/refusals). On an ITT basis, the R-HDS + ASCT program induced 78% of CR, 7% of PRs, 10% of PD, 3% of toxic deaths (TRM) and 2% NA. Median follow-up (mFU) from inclusion was 51 months. Three years PFS and OS for the enrolled population were 67% and 84%, respectively. Of 248 patients who received ASCT, 205 were randomized either to LM (n=104) or OBS (n=101) and 43 (17%) were not because of: lack of response (8), refusal/PI decision/delay (8), unresolved infections (3) and inadequate hematopoietic recovery (24). Feasibility and efficacy were assessed on an ITT basis while toxicity was analyzed on subjects receiving at least one Lenalidomide dose. In the LM arm, 53 out of 104 patients did not start or complete the planned maintenance because of death (2), AE (26), PD (7), still ongoing (2), other causes (16). In the OBS arm 32 patients did not complete the observation phase because of death (1), AE (1), PD (20), still ongoing (10), other causes (1). Overall 28% of patients received less than 25% of the planned Lenalidomide dose. Despite suboptimal exposure to study drug, with a mFU from randomization of 35 months, 22 PFS events were recorded in the LM cohort vs 38 in the OBS arm, resulting in a 3y-PFS of 80% (95% CI; 70%-87%) in the LM arm vs. 64% in the OBS arm (95% CI; 53%-73%), stratified HR 0.51; 95% CI 0.30-0.87; p=0.013 (Fig 1A). OS was superimposable in the two arms: 93% vs 86%, stratified HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.44-2.11, p= 0.91 (Fig1B). Two deaths were observed in the LM arm due to pneumonia and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and one in the OBS arm due to pneumonia. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity was seen in 63% of patients in LM vs 11% in the OBS arm with 59% vs 10% of patients experiencing granulocytopenia. Non-hematological grade 3 toxicity was comparable in the two arms except grade 3-4 infections (11% vs. 4%; Fisher's p=0.10). Second cancers occurred in 7 patients in the LM and 3 in the OBS arm (Fisher's p=0.20). Conclusions. Results from the MCL0208 trial indicate that LM has a clinically meaningful anti-lymphoma activity in MCL. However, the applicability of LM has some limitations in the context of patients undergoing intensified chemoimmunotherapy. Overall these data support the use of a maintenance regimen after ASCT in young MCL patients. Disclosures Ladetto: Roche: Honoraria; Celgene: Honoraria; Acerta: Honoraria; Jannsen: Honoraria; Abbvie: Honoraria; Sandoz: Honoraria. Di Rocco:Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Rossi:Novartis: Honoraria; Jazz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sanofi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Teva: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel expenses; Amgen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel expenses; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Travel expenses; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; BMS: Honoraria; Mundipharma: Honoraria; Sandoz: Honoraria; Seattle Genetics: Research Funding; Alexion: Other: Travel expenses. Chiappella:Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees; Roche: Other: lecture fees; Teva: Other: lecture fees; Nanostring: Other: lecture fees; Amgen: Other: lecture fees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees. Rusconi:Celgene: Research Funding. Gomes da Silva:Abbvie: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees; Janssen: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees, Institution's payment for consultancy, Travelling support; Celgene: Other: Travelling support; BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees; Roche: Other: Institution's payment for consultancy, Travelling support; Gilead Sciences: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: lecture fees, Research Funding. Vitolo:Takeda: Speakers Bureau; Sandoz: Speakers Bureau; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Gilead: Speakers Bureau. Martelli:Sandoz: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; F. Hoffman-La Roche: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Servier: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Mundipharma: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Description: Introduction With standard intensive induction regimens, up to 80% of Acute Myeloid leukemia (AML) patients can achieve complete remission (CR). Several evidences demonstrated that the persistence of detectable disease (MRD) assessed with highly sensitive techniques such as Multicolor-Flow-Cytometry (MFC) and PCR based molecular analysis, retains a prognostic value among patients achieving morphological remission (Walter RB, 2015; Araki D et al, 2016, Zhou Y et al, 2016). The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the prognostic impact of MRD in a cohort of uniformly treated AML patients. One hundred and ten consecutive AML patients who had been treated in our center between January 2004 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had received a fludarabine-containing induction (FLAI-5) and received second cycle and further consolidation therapy according to our published strategy (Guolo F, 2016). Median age was 47 years (range 17-61). Median follow up was 59 months. Patients features are summarized in Table I. MRD assessment was performed through 4-colour MFC analysis (MFC-MRD)and through WT1-gene expression analysis, as previously described (Guolo F, 2016). Three different MRD time-points (TP)were considered: TP1, after induction I; TP2, after induction II; TP3, after consolidation therapy for patients who did not undergo HSCT and at HSCT for patients who underwent HSCT. Relapse-free survival (RFS) was calculated from the time of diagnosis until last follow-up or documented leukemic relapse. CR rate after 1st and 2ndinduction was 82.7 and 85.5%, respectively, whereas 30 and 60 days mortality was 6.4% and 8.2%, respectively. Overall, patients showed MRD reduction from TP1 to TP2. Detailed MRD negativity rates are provided in table II. MRD clearance probability was significantly influenced only by ELN risk group and Karyotype (p

Description: Complete response (CR) is an important objective of autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM). In comparison with conventional induction treatments, newer combinations of novel agents may effect increased rates of CR and near CR (nCR), a benefit potentially translating into even higher frequencies of CR/nCR after ASCT and improved clinical outcome. We designed a phase III study to detect an increase in CR+nCR rates from 10–15% with conventional Thalidomide-Dexamethasone (TD) to 20–30% with Velcade added to TD (VTD) in newly diagnosed MM. Both TD and VTD were given as three 21-day cycles in preparation for double ASCT. In the present analysis, CR+nCR rates by the two induction treatments were examined in relationship to baseline prognostic variables in 399 evaluable pts aged ≤65 years, of whom 199 randomized to VTD and 200 to TD. All analyses were intent to treat. In comparison with TD, VTD effected higher rates of CR+nCR (12% vs 33%, P

Description: Introduction the natural history of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) has changed after the introduction of first generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Data from clinical trials suggest that about 30% of patients fails imatinib treatment and 18% never achieves complete cytogenetic remission (CCyR). However, CCyR and major molecular response (MMR) can be achieved with second generation TKIs in many patients. Aim We have analized 119 CML patients that have received at least one course of TKI and their outcomes. We have calculated how many patient are alive and continuing to receive first TKI therapy or patients who are alive but had to switch to alternative TKI therapy. Patients and methods From May 1987 and May 2013 among chronic phase CML patients diagnosed, we have analized 119 patients who received at least one course of first, second or third generation TKIs. At diagnosis patients characteristic were: mean age 52 years (range 17-80); comorbidities unrelated to CML were found in 55 patients (i.e. arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (grading 1-2). Nine patients had a past history of epythelial cancer. Additional karyotype abnormalities were present in 7 patients (5%). Subjects were stratified according to Sokal score: 32 high risk, 39 intermediate risk and 48 low risk. Thirty five patients were diagnosed in pre-TKI era. Thus, they received second line imatinib, after conventional chemotherapy. Sixty-nine patients were treated with frontline imatinib, 14 subjects received frontline nilotinib and 1 frontline ponatinib in. The median follow up is 102,5 months (range 3-312). Results Response to treatment was defined in according to 2009 European LeukemiaNet guidelines In our series 20 patient died (17%) because of: disease progression in imatinib (= 2; 1.7%), acute myocardial ischemia during imatinib therapy (= 2), respiratory failure in 1 case and second tumor in 9 subjects. Of nine additional patients, three were lost at follow up and 6 subjects died. Overall 96/119 patients are alive (80,7%). Patients receiving frontline TKI are 55 ( 42in imatinib; 12 in nilotinib and 1 in ponatinib). Patients treated with second-line TKI are 30 (19in imatinib post chemoterapy, 6 in Nilotinib and 5 in dasatinib). Subjects receiving third-line TKI are 10 (9 in dasatinib and 1 in imatinib post allograft transplant). Only 1 patient receives ponatinib as fourth-line TKI. Responses are: CCyR in 96% of alive patients of whom 81% have a molecular response (MMR or better). Switch to TKI other than imatinib (24 patients) was due to failure to achieve optimal response or loss of response according to LeukemiaNet guidelines. Moreover, three patients did not tolerate first line TKI. Nilotinib was generally well tolerated: we did not observe any cardiovascular adverse event. However we found that previous failure to imatinib predicted subsequent failure to nilotinib (=11). As previously reported, dasatinib induced three pleural effusions, resolved with medical therapy without requiring switch of therapy, except for one patient. Conclusion We noticed that Sokal score does not correlate with response to TKI therapy. Imatinib is well tolerated, only few patients discontinued because of side effects.However 24% of patients switched to second-line TKI due to loss of response especially among those patients previously treated with chemotherapy. Frontline nilotinib induced a sustained optimal response in 85,7%(=12) without adverse event. Our results about percentage of patient who switched therapy are slightly lower than those of clinical trials. This result support the notion that CML patients enrolled in clinical trials are not always fully representative of a general population referred to outpatient clinic. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an incurable disease characterized by a highly unstable genome, resulting in large-scale changes at diagnosis, as well as further evolution contributing to disease progression. However, the mechanisms whereby tumor cells adapt to genomic instability are largely unknown, but recent observations have correlated these abnormalities with dysfunctional DNA damage repair (DDR) machinery. SIRT6 is an important regulator of cellular stress response and genomic integrity. Here we investigated the role of this NAD+ -dependent deacetylase in regulating ongoing DNA damage observed in AML patients. Methods: SIRT6 mRNA level was determined by RT-qPCR in AML patients (n=100) diagnosed at the Hematology Department of University of Genoa (Italy), compared with normal bone marrow derived CD34+ cells (n=5). Correlation studies with clinical and molecular characteristics of these patients were also performed. A panel of different AML cell lines and primary cells, both sensitive and resistant to conventional and novel anti-AML therapies, was used in the study. The anti-leukemic effect of DNA-damaging agents (DDAs) including idarubicin, Ara-C and fludarabine was evaluated in presence of SIRT6 depletion/inhibition by CTG assay and Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Mechanistic studies were performed with Western-blotting, lentivirus-mediated shRNAs and immunofluorescence assay. Analysis of DNA DSB repair was done using chromosomally integrated reporter constructs, followed by cytometer analysis. Results: AML patients were grouped into lower and higher SIRT6 expressers according to its median mRNA level. Patients with lower expression had a higher incidence of FLT3-ITD (p=0.034, Wilcoxon signed rank test). No significant association was observed with respect to mutations of NPM1, nor with WT1 and BAALC expression. SIRT6 expression correlated also with adverse clinical outcome in term of event free and overall survival (p=0.035 and p=0.025, respectively; unpaired t test). Based on these data, we evaluated SIRT6 role in biology of AML. We found higher SIRT6 protein level in AML cell lines carrying FLT3-ITD mutation (MOLM-14 and MV 4-11) compared to cell lines harboring other mutations (OCI-AML3, THP-1, KG, NB4, HL60, Nomo1 and U937). Targeting SIRT6 by specific shRNAs weakly reduced AML cell survival compared with control-scrambled cells, by impairing DNA repair efficiency. Indeed, a restricted effect of SIRT6 impairment on DNA damage proteins (H2AX, RAD51, 53BP1, RPA32) was measured. We next examined the therapeutic relevance of SIRT6 inhibition in AML by testing effects of its depletion in combination with genotoxic agents. Remarkably, SIRT6 depletion conferred increased sensitivity of AML cells to idarubicin, Ara-C and Fludarabine. Overall, enhancing genotoxic stress while concomitantly blocking DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair response, may represents an innovative strategy to increase chemosensitivity of AML cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that SIRT6 acts as a genome guardian in leukemia cells by binding DNA damage sites and activating DNA-PKcs and CtIP by deacetylation, which in turn promotes DNA repair. Conclusion: Genomic instability is present in all hematologic malignancies including AML. Strategies aimed to shift the balance towards high DNA damage and reduced DNA repair by SIRT6 inhibition can decrease AML growth and may benefit patients with otherwise unfavorable outcomes. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Description: Background and aims Myelodisplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of hemopoietic disorder characterized by an impaired blood cell production, morphologic dysplasia and peripheral cytopenias; they are the most common hematologic neoplastic disorder and its diagnosis relays on morphologic evaluation, associated to a karyotypic assay. In order to predict the outcome of patients affected from these disorders, knowing that the order of survival can be extremely variable, several prognostic index were developed such as International Prognostic Score Sistem (IPSS) or the most usefull WHO-Prognostic Score Sistem (WPSS). On the contrary of acute leukemia, these disorders have not a biomolecular profile evalutation of intrinsic markers able to stratify patients in different prognostic risk groups. The aim of our study is to assess the risk of leukemic evolution, in MDS patients, on the basis of the levels expression of WT1 and BAALC at disease diagnosis, and to evaluate the leukemia free survival (LFS) at 6-12-24-36 months of follow up, among the different risk category according to IPSS and irrespectively of treatment. Materials and method In five years we analized 102 patients with a diagnosis of MDS divided according to the WHO classification such as follows: 38 AR, 1 AR with del(q5), 21 aREB-1, 23 AREB-2, 3 chronic myelomonocitic leukemia, 1 RARS, 1 MDS, 11 RCMD, 1 5q- syndrome, 2 suspected MDS. According to IPSS 58 belonged to the low risk category, 21 to the intermediate-1, 23 to the intermediate-2/high risk. Cytogenetic assay showed 20 people with an abnormal karyotype, 8 of them fallen into the high risk class and 12 into the intemediate risk. Low risk and intermediate-1 patients were treated only with supportive care; high risk patients were treated with hypomethylating agents. Iron chelation were used when necessary. Lenalidomide was used in the only case of 5 q- syndrome Samples of bone marrow were analized with Real-Time quantitave PCR and levels of WT1 and BAALC expression were determinated. Molecular datas were analized with X-square Test and a significant association was recorded between overexpression of the genes evaluated (WT1 higher than 100 copy numbers and BAALC higher than 1000 copy numbers) and the probability of develop acute myeloid leukemia ( AML ). Results Nine out of 102 patients showed an isolated WT1 hyperexpression (3 of them developed an AML ), in 15 cases we reported an isolated BAALC overexpression (3 of them developed an AML ), while 13 out 18 patients ( 72% ) with combined WT1 and BAALC overexpression developed AML within an average time of 6 months; instead only 5% of patients, which expressed low levels of WT1 and BAALC, developed AML within the interval of observation. In particulary a combined high expression of WT1 and BAALC were strongly associated with an high risk to develop leukemia and a short LFS, especially in INT-1 subset. After that we calculated the LFS, divided for the risk category at 6-12-24-36 months of follow up. Patients with combined overexpression of WT1 and BAALC showed a LFS of 40% at 6 months of follow up and 0% at 24 months. Conclusion MDS have a great variable survival, and the current approach to these diseases relays on morphological evaluation, karyotypic assay and need of transfusional support; gene expression could be a promising system to predict the prognosis in these patients. Analysis of gene expression, which belong to AML evaluation, allows to divide patients in several risk groups; furthermore is not the single gene evaluation that is more predictable but a combined assay. With this method, which seems to be more realiable than IPSS, we could find that a great percentage of patients with levels of WT1〉100 and BAALC 〉1000, indipendently from karyotypic status and treatment, developed AML and have a shorter LFS than the population with WT1

Description: Backgrounds and aims Prevention and prompt treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients can improve overall survival not only by reducing infection-related mortality but also allowing to comply induction regimens on time. The aim of the study was to estimate efficacy and feasibility of primary antifungal prophylaxis with posaconazole (PSZ) in patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia receiving front-line chemotherapy and to optimize our clinical practice. Materials and methods From January 2013 to May 2014, 28 AML patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy and potentially eligible for bone marrow transplantation in our institute received PSZ prophylaxis for IFI. All patients received a fludarabine, cytarabine and idarubicin containing regimen as first line treatment. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of PSZ prophylaxis; to detect factors affecting drug exposure we analyzed each period of hospitalization as a single independent event. PSZ was given at the standard dose of 200 mg for 3 times/day, concurrently with a fat snack or with at least 100 ml of an acidic drink. Because of unpredictable absorption rates PSZ serum levels (TDM) were assessed routinely according to a validated high-performance liquid chromato-graphic (HPLC) method as described. A comparison with an historical cohort with similar features who had received fluconazole (FLC) prophylaxis was made. The use of empirical or targeted antifungal therapies and the incidence of IFI were compared. Results and discussion PSZ showed a good tolerability profile with no serious adverse events clearly related to prophylaxis occurring. A median number of 2 TDM for each period of hospitalization was performed (range 2-5). The achievement of a plasmatic PSZ concentration 〉 0,7 mcg/mL is considered optimal for prophylaxis efficacy; in 30/47 (64%) episodes of hospitalization and treatment, with at least two TDM, the threshold PSZ serum concentration was reached, with stable plasmatic levels. Median PSZ plasmatic value at first assessment was 0.89 mcg/mL (range 0.1-3.3). Table 1 summarizes patients features and factors that might affect PSZ plasma concentrations. The strongest negative factors affecting PSZ absorption are the discontinuation of prophylaxis and the concomitant assumption of proton pump inhibitors since their negative impact is shown both in univariate and multivariate analysis. No proven IFI were observed in our cohort with only one probable IFI occurring in a patient with refractory disease who did not reach adequate serum PSZ concentration. Table 2 summarizes the comparison with our historical cohort. The risk of experiencing IFI (proven or probable) during AML treatment is significantly higher in the FLC cohort (HR: 9.488, CI: 1,404 - 64,122). Moreover, the use of targeted or empirical antifungal therapies had been significantly higher in FLC cohort (HR: 2.7, CI: 1,212 - 6,050). Our clinical experience confirms the utility and cost-effectiveness of primary prophylaxis with PSZ in AML patients receiving intensive treatment. Table 1: Factors affecting PSZ serum concentration Reached plasmatic concentration threshold (%) p(univariate) p(multivariate) All Hospitalizations 30/47 (64) - - Sex Male 17/23 (74) 0.227 - Female 13/24 (54) Disease Status Active Disease 13/27 (57) 0.014 0.156 Complete Response 17/20 (85) Mucositis None or Grade 1 25/32 (78) 0.008 0.228 Grade 〉=2 5/15 (33) Age 45 years 18/26 (69) Concomitant PPI No 28/36 (78) 0.001 0.000 Yes 2/11 (18) Concomitant Ranitidine No 26/42 (62) 0.640 - No 4/5 (80) Concomitant Levofloxacine prophylaxis Yes 27/39 (69) 0.118 0.042 No 3/8 (38) Prophylaxis Discontinuation Never 27/36 (75) 0.009 0.003 At least for 2 dd 3/11 (27) Infectious Complications None 8/11 (73) 0.722 - At least one episode 22/36 (61) PSZ Assumption with Fat snack 5/11 (46) 0.153 0.150 Acidic drink 25/35 (71) Table 2: Historical comparison FCZ PSZ p All hospitalizations 54 47 - Median age (range) 47 (17-72) 47 (19-68) 0.560 Median ANC

Description: Background: Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) offers the greatest chance of cure for most patients affected by acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Persistence of disease or high levels of pre BMT minimal residual disease (MRD) have been reported to predict disease relapse after BMT. WT1 expression levels and multicolor flow cytometry (MFC) are widely used as markers of MRD. We recently reported that combined evaluation of MRD by WT1 and MFC after induction therapy can predict relapse risk in AML patients. Aims: The aim of the present study was to apply the same MRD assessment in pre BMT setting to evaluate its reliability in predicting relapse. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed BMT outcome of 66 AML patients with both WT1-based and MFC-based MRD evaluation on bone marrow samples before transplant. Median age at transplant was 44 years. Forty-one were transplanted in first and twenty-five in second or subsequent complete remission. Induction therapies included fludarabine-containing regimens or standard ara-C and daunorubicin schedule (3+7). Median follow-up was 44 months (range 0-119 months); pre-transplantation evaluations were performed at a median of one month before transplant (range 1-3). Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated from the time of transplantation until last follow-up or documented leukemic relapse. Overall survival was calculated from the time of transplantation to the last follow-up or death for any cause. All causes of death not directly due to relapse or progression of leukemia were considered as non-relapse mortality. A positive MFC MRD was defined by the presence of no less than 25 clustered leukemic cells /105 total events (threshold of 2.5x10-4 residual leukemic cells) at four-color flow-cytometry. Real-time PCR for WT1 was performed on DNA Engine 2 (Opticon®, MJResearch®). WT1 copy number/Abl copy number 500x104 was used as cut-off value for high WT1 expression. Results: Twenty-five relapses (37.9%) were observed. Median DFS was 31 months. Our analysis shows that the probability of relapse was significantly influenced only by disease status (first or subsequent CR) and MRD status at transplantation. Specifically, MFC-MRD was the strongest predictor of longer disease free survival (p

Description: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon type of non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) comprising

Description: BACKGROUND AND AIMS In patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) several validated prognostic scores, such as IPSS and R-IPSS, are available to assess the risk of AML progression and predict overall survival (OS) as well as leukemia-free survival (LFS). A number of molecular aberrations can be identified in MDS. However, differently from AML, none of the current prognostic indexes takes into account molecular profile at diagnosis. WT1 expression has often been evaluated in acute leukemias and MDS. High WT1 expression levels on bone marrow at diagnosis have been reported to identify MDS patients who are at high risk of progression to AML. BAALC (Brain And Acute Leukemia Cytoplasmic) hyper-expression has been associated with a poor prognosis in AML patients, whereas its prognostic value in MDS is not yet clearly defined. The aim of our study was to determine if combined assessment of WT1 and BAALC expression levels at diagnosis could be predictive of leukemic evolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS We selected 86 patients with available WT1 and BAALC expression levels on BM samples at diagnosis. According to IPSS score, 22 patient were considered low-risk, 27 intermediate-1 and 28 intermediate-2 or high risk. Patients underwent different treatment schedules including supportive care, erythropoietin, hypomethylating and immunomodulating agents, according to their risk group. Median follow-up was 36 months (range 4 -121 months). Leukemia-free survival (LFS) was calculated from the diagnosis until last follow-up or documented leukemic progression as defined in literature. LFS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. All Real-Time PCR were performed on DNA Engine 2 (Opticon®, MJ Research®). WT1 copy number/Abl copy number 1000x104 was used as cut-off value for high WT1 expression, a level of 1000x104 BAALC copy number/Abl copy number was set as cut-off for BAALC hyper-expression. RESULTS After a median time of 32 months, 43 patients died. The main cause of death was leukemic evolution (accounting for 31/43 deaths, 72%), other causes were cardiovascular events and infections (data not shown). The risk of death by any cause was significantly affected by leukemic evolution, diagnosis according to WHO classification and molecular expression profile at diagnosis. Multivariate analysis showed that leukemic evolution was an independent predictor of death (p