ALBERT

Description: Background: Although clearly unsatisfactory, melphalan and prednisone remains the gold standard for elderly MM patients. Therefore new treatment strategies are needed for these patients. The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (VELCADE) has shown significant activity in refractory/relapsed MM patients. Moreover, in vitro synergy has been reported when bortezomib is combined with cytotoxic agents such as melphalan. Aim: To define the appropriate dose of bortezomib in combination with MP and to analyse the toxicity and efficacy of V-MP (in terms of response) in untreated MM pts ≥ 65 years old. Methods: Treatment schedule consisting of four 6-week cycles followed by five 5-week cycles. First, two sequential dose levels of bortezomib (1.0 and 1.3 mg/m2) (6 pts each) were explored, administered on days 1,4,8,11,22,25,29 and 32 in combination with oral melphalan, 9 mg/m2 and prednisone, 60mg/m2 once daily on days 1 to 4. When maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of bortezomib in combination with MP was defined, the cohort of pts at the MTD was expanded to up to 60 patients to further refine estimates of efficacy and toxicity (PhaseII). Results: Median age of the 60 enrolled pts was 74(65–85) and the median number of cycles so far received is 3(1–9). During PhaseI, no dose limiting toxicity(DLT) was observed in the two cohorts of pts, and the recommended dose for phaseII was 1.3 mg/m2 of bortezomib in combination with MP. 53pts are evaluable for efficacy since they have already completed at least the first cycle. Analysis of response after cycle 1 revealed a Response Rate(RR) of 72%(6%CR with Immunofixation negative(CRIF-), 2%CRIF+ and 64%Partial Response(PR)). Analysis of best response after a median of 3 cycles revealed a RR of 85%(28%CRIF-, 11%CRIF+ and 45%PR); an additional pt(2%) achieved Minor Response(MR) and 7(13%) stable disease. The toxicity was manageable. Adverse events G3-4 reported for 60 pts included: Gastrointestinal toxicity, such as nauseas(2%), vomiting(2%), diarrhoea(15%) and constipation(8%); haematological toxicity, such as anemia(12%), neutropenia(G3 in 26% and G4 in 13%) and thrombocytopenia(G3 in 33% and G4 in 13%); infection(G3 en 12% and G4 in 2%) and peripheral neuropathy(G3 in 13% and G4 in 2%). Bortezomib and melphalan dose modification was required in 6 and 2 pts, respectively. Eight pts so far have been discontinued due to toxicity related to study medication: peripheral neuropathy in 5(G2 in 1, G3 in 2 and G4 in 2), diarrhoea in 1(G3), infection in 1(G3) and prolonged thrombocytopenia in 1(G4). With a median follow up of 7 months (range:3–15), two responding pts have progressed (months +9and+10), 54(90%) are alive and 6(10%) have died. Cause of death was lung cancer diagnosed 1 month after start of study treatment(1), progressive disease(1), septic shock(2), pulmonary thromboembolism (1) and pulmonary hypertension with right ventricular insufficiency and multiorganic failure(1). Conclusion: V-MP shows a high response rate(85% with 28%CRIF-) and manageable toxicities and could replace MP as the standard of care for elderly MM pts. An international phase 3 randomized trial is in progress to examine this.

Description: Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a CD20+ malignancy comprising up 5% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, and has a poor prognosis under standard chemotherapy. The HyperCVAD-M/A regimen (fractionated high-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone alternated with methotraxate and cytarabine) has yielded encouraging results when combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in MCL, with 5-year failure-free survival of 54% and overall survival 72%. In an effort to improve these results further, we have combined rituximab in vivo purging and post-transplant consolidation with HyperCVAD-M/A plus ASCT. Methods: Patients aged

Description: Introduction: The treatment of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is based on anthracyclin containing regimens. The CHOP regimen is considered the standard of chemotherapy, although immunochemotherapy regimens appear to be more effective. Rituximab (R), when combined with CHOP or CHOP-like regimens, improve the complete remission (CR) rate and survival in elderly and low risk young patients. Nevertheless, the CR rate and survival continues to be predicted by patient’s international prognostic index (IPI). R-CHOP has been claimed to be a new standard of treatment for DLBCL and adopted in the common practice. Purpose: In this study we aimed to analyze prospectively the results of R-CHOP, used as a standard of care for DLBCL patients irrespectively of age or IPI. Methods: Between 1/2001 and 1/2005, 236 patients with DLBCL recruited from 25 institutions, including community-based and University Hospitals, received upfront therapy with R-CHOP. Patients were required to have no contraindications for antineoplastic therapy and give consent. They were given 3–4 courses for localized, and 6–8 courses for advanced disease. Rituximab was given at 375 mg/m2 the first day of each course. R-CHOP cycles were given every 21 days, except for 5 centres giving cycles every 14 days. Radiation therapy was given for bulky (〉 7 cm) areas. Prophylaxis, supportive measures and hematopoietic factors were given according to local policies. Response to therapy was evaluated 3 months after the completion of treatment. Results: There were 109 males and 127 females, median age 62 years (range 18–84). The number of IPI factors at diagnosis were: 0–1 in 32%; 2 in 28%; 3 in 19% and 4–5 in 21% of patients. B-symptoms, bulky disease 〉 7 cm, high b2-microglobulin and low albumin were present in 47%, 31%, 33% and 31% of patients, respectively. R-CHOP 21 was given to 85%, and R-CHOP 14 to 15% of patients. Dose intensity was maintained in 74% of patients, and 88% completed treatment. Involved-field radiation was given to 17% of cases. The overall CR rate was 82.2%. Failures due to lymphoma resistance or toxicities were 14.1%. According to the IPI score, the CR rate was as follows: 0–1: 90.5%; 2: 85.5%; 3: 72.2%; and 4–5: 73%. After a median follow-up of 15.4 months (range 1 to 53 months), the progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) are 74.4% and 84%, respectively. The IPI score at diagnosis influenced both PFS and OS. The PFS for patients with an IPI score of 0–1, 2, 3 and 4–5 were 85.5%, 83.0%, 72.2% and 66.7%, respectively. The OS according to the IPI score was 95.2%, 90.9%, 72.2%, and 63.2%, respectively. Patients receiving R-CHOP 14 showed a trend to improved survival. The main causes of death were lymphoma progression (64%), infections (15%), second neoplasms (9%), thrombosis (6%) and cardiac failure (6%). Conclusions: The R-CHOP regimen is well tolerated and achieves improved results and outcome in an unselected population of DLBCL patients. The improved survival in this series require confirmation with longer follow up. The IPI score retains a major prognostic significance for response and survival.

Description: Introduction: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a mature B-cell lymphoma comprising up 5% of non-Hodgkins lymphomas. Although the prognosis for MCL patients has improved in recent years, the outlook for those with advanced or recurrent disease remains poor and the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is unclear. The HyperCVAD-M/A regimen (fractionated high-dose cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin and prednisolone alternated with methotraxate and cytarabine) has yielded encouraging results when combined with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In an effort to improve these results further, we have combined rituximab in vivo purging and post-transplant consolidation with HyperCVAD-M/A plus ASCT. Methods: Patients aged

Description: Lymphomatous meningitis (LM) occurs in approximately 7–15% of patients with lymphoma and carries an extremely poor prognosis (Chamberlain et al. CNS Drugs1998;10:25; Chowdary & Chamberlain J Natl Compr Canc Netw2005;3:693). Intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy with standard agents (cytarabine, methotrexate and thiotepa) is limited by the need for multiple injections per week via lumbar puncture or an Ommaya reservoir. Liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyte®) has an extended half-life in cerebrospinal fluid that permits fortnightly administration, improving convenience and reducing the potential for injection-related trauma and infections. Thirty-two Spanish patients (median age 43.5 years [range 19–78]; 22 male) with NHL received IT liposomal cytarabine for the treatment of LM between 2004 and 2006 at 21 treatment centers. Half of the patients had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL; n = 16); the remainder had Burkitt’s lymphoma (n = 4), T-cell NHL (n = 3), mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (n = 3), lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 2), follicular lymphoma (n = 2) or primary CNS lymphoma (n = 1). A full histological diagnosis was not available for 1 patient. The dosage of liposomal cytarabine was 50 mg per cycle, with a median of 4 cycles (range 1–10). All patients received oral dexamethasone (4 mg 2–4 × daily for 4–7 days per cycle) as prophylaxis for chemical arachnoiditis. Neurological and cytological responses were obtained in 20 (62%; 16 complete responses, 4 partial responses; Figure 1) and 25 (78%) patients, respectively. Neurological progression was subsequently reported in 23 (72%) patients, with a median time to progression of 45 days (range 7–570). Twelve patients were still alive at the time of reporting, including 5 of 16 patients with DLBCL and 2 of 3 patients with T-cell NHL. Eighteen patients reported no adverse effects from treatment. The most commonly reported adverse effects were headache (n = 11), nausea (n = 4) and vomiting (n = 4). Data from this case series show that IT liposomal cytarabine is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of LM; the less intensive administration schedule of the agent may offer additional benefits to patients and their carers during the final months of life. Figure Figure

Description: Patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who develop lymphomatous meningitis (LM) during or after first-line treatment have a poor prognosis, with CNS relapse occurring within 1 year in approximately 80%. Risk factors have been defined and prophylaxis is recommended in patients with high-risk DLBCL. Liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyte®), a sustained-release preparation of cytarabine for intrathecal (IT) injection, has been shown to be well tolerated and effective in the treatment of LM. Its long CSF half-life allows liposomal cytarabine to be given less frequently than conventional therapy, reducing discomfort for patients and the risks associated with repeated lumbar punctures. The potential of liposomal cytarabine to improve the outcome of prophylaxis against LM is being investigated into a multicenter and prospective trial in patients with high-risk DLBCL in Spain. Preliminary safety results are reported in 22 patients (median age 67 years; range 18–79; 14 male) with newly diagnosed DLBCL at high risk of developing LM (defined as the presence of at least one of the following criteria: retroperitoneal mass 〉10 cm, Waldeyer’s ring or paranasal involvement, involvement of 〉30% bone marrow, testicular involvement) who received prophylactic IT liposomal cytarabine during treatment with R-CHOP14 regimen between June 2006 and July 2007 at 10 centers in Spain. Liposomal cytarabine 50 mg was administered during the first day of treatment at first, second and sixth cycles of R-CHOP14 scheme (study days 1, 15 and 71). The median number of doses administered was 3 (range 1–3). Seventeen patients received corticosteroid as prophylaxis for chemical arachnoiditis: 16 dexamethasone (4 mg IT [n = 9] or PO at varying dosages [n = 7]); and 1 patient received IT hydrocortisone (20 mg). The remaining patients did not receive specific corticosteroid prophylaxis for chemical arachnoiditis. Overall, liposomal cytarabine was well tolerated. Six patients experienced minor side effects including headache (Grade 1/2, n = 4; grade 3/4, n = 2) and nausea/vomiting (Grade 3/4, n = 1). No signs of neurological progression or relapsed were observed. These preliminary observations indicate that IT injection of liposomal cytarabine (DepoCyte®) is well tolerated and can be administered safely in combination with dose-dense regimens. Longer-term follow-up will be needed to confirm these encouraging observations.

Description: We have analysed the influence of age on survival after a tandem hematopoietic stem cell transplantation prospective protocol (GEM-2000) in patients diagnosed of multiple myeloma (MM). From 870 patients with symptomatic MM aged 〈 70 years and prospectively included in the GEM-2000 protocol, we have analysed the outcome of a group of 637 patients [351 males, median age of 59 (range, 32 – 70) years] and treated with at least one autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Sixteen patients (2.5%) were between 31 and 40 years of age (group A), 96 patients (15%) between 41 and 50 years (group B), 244 patients (38%) between 51 and 60 years (group C) and the remaining 281 patients (44.5%), between 61 and 70 years (group D). In 325 patients the M component at diagnosis was an IgG (51%). Fifty three patients (8%) had stage I at diagnosis, 232 patients (37%) stage II and 352 patients (55%), stage III. One hundred and one patients (16%) presented with renal insufficiency at diagnosis. Significantly lower levels of serum albumin at diagnosis were observed in the older group of patients (3.88 g/L vs 4.46 g/L, p = 0.05). Most of the patients (612, 96%) were initially treated with the alternating protocol VBCMP/VBAD. The response rate to the first line therapy was of 84% (n = 533), without differences between group D and the rest of the groups. The BUMEL protocol (busulfan 10 mg/kg po plus melphalan 140 mg/m2 iv) and MEL200 (melphalan 200 mg/m2 iv) were the two conditioning regimens used for the first intensive procedure. Although the proportion of older patients (group D) who received MEL200 was higher than in the younger groups of patients (groups A – C) (35% vs 44%), these differences did not reach a statistical significance. At three months after the first ASCT, 30% of the patients had reached a complete remission with negative immunofixation (CR IF-); this percentage was significantly superior in the younger group of patients (groups A – C) with respect to group D (32% vs 27%, p = 0.02). Transplant related mortality (TRM) was also significantly superior in group D (8% vs 3%, p = 0.01). At the time of follow-up, 124 patients (19%) have received a second transplantation; a second intensive procedure was more frequently performed in the younger group with respect to group D (25% vs 12%, p = 0.0001). This second transplant was an ASCT in 73% of the patients (65% in groups A – C vs 94% in group D, p = 0.04). With a median follow-up of 24 months, 508 patients are alive. Actuarial 2-year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) for the whole population of patients are 75%±2% and 57%±2%, respectively, with statistically significant differences between groups A - C and group D (77%±3% vs 72%±3%, p = 0.05 and 62%±3% vs 52%±4%, p = 0.02, respectively). The overall benefit of the intensification procedure seems to be less in the older group of MM patients (61 – 70 years) included in the GEM-2000 protocol. These results could be related to the achievement of a significant lower rate of CR IF- after the first ASCT and a higher TRM in this older population of patients.

Description: For more than 25 years, melphalan and prednisone has remained as the gold standard treatment for elderly multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Bortezomib has shown significant activity with manageable toxicity in refractory/relapse MM patients. Moreover, in vitro synergy has been reported when bortezomib is combined with cytotoxic agents such as melphalan. Aim: To define the appropriate dose of bortezomib in combination with MP and to analyse the efficacy of V-MP in untreated MM patients ≥ 65 years old. Methods: This is a dose escalation study with two sequential dose levels (Ph 1) and expansion of the cohort at the MTD by 60 patients to further refine estimates of efficacy (Ph 2). In the first cohort, bortezomib (1mg/m2) was administered as a iv bolus to 6 consecutive patients on days 1,4,8,11,22,25,29 and 32 followed by a 10 day rest period in combination with oral melphalan, 9 mg/m2, and prednisone, 60mg/m2, once daily on days 1 to 4. In the 2nd cohort, bortezomib was administered at 1.3mg/m2. MTD was defined as that dose level below which 2/6 patients had a DLT. Patients: 12 patients have been enrolled to date - 6 in cohort 1 and 6 in cohort 2. Results: Toxicity has been manageable. The first cohort at 1 mg/m2 has completed at least two 6-week treatment cycles. There was no DLT in the first cycle. The 2nd cohort has enrolled 6-patients at a dose of 1.3 mg/m2 but none has completed the first cycle yet. In the first cohort, there was one patient with grade 3 neutropenia (ANC = 0,668) observed at Cycle 1 Day 25. During the second cycle, there were no patients with grade 4 therapy-related toxicity and only one grade 3 adverse event (neutropenia) was observed. The most common grade1 or 2 toxicities were nausea, vomiting, rash, constipation, diarrhea, fever, herpes zoster infection, anorexia, neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia. Ocular neuropathic pain (grade 2) developed de novo in 1 patient during the first cycle; one dose of bortezomib was held and the adverse event resolved with analgesic treatment in 4 days. Treatment was continued at a dose of 0,5 mg/m2 at D11 and D22. After this date, bortezomib at 1.0 mg/m2 was restarted. The second cohort is in the first 6-week cycle at present, so observations are limited. One serious adverse event (pulmonary embolism and probably septic shock with death) was observed in this cohort in a patient at day +11. He had normal WBC. Two grade 3 adverse events (leucopenia and neutropenia) were observed in one patient. Other grade 1 or 2 toxicities are similar to those observed in the first cohort. Regarding response, after two cycles of treatment, in the first cohort, 3 out of the 6 patients have experienced 〉50% reduction in M-protein (two with 〉 75% reduction) and the others three have experienced either a minor response (1) or stable disease (2). In the second cohort, response data are not available at this time. Conclusion:The combination of V-MP is well tolerated at standard doses of MP with bortezomib 1 mg/m2 with no DLTs in 6-patients. Bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2) is being explored in the second 6-patient cohort in order to define the MTD. So far, no patient has developed DLT. Rapid M-protein responses have been seen. Results will be updated and presented for the 2nd cohort.

Description: Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Lenalidomide (Len) as compassionate use in relapsed or progressive Multiple Myeloma (MM) up to its approval in Spain. Patients and Methods: GEM-PETHEMA designed a transverse and retrospective, multicenter analysis of MM cases which Len compassionate use was requested until December, 2007. The decision to treat these patients was previous and independent from the decision to conduct the present analysis and depended only on the clinical criteria of the responsible doctors. At least, one response assessment was a must for efficacy analysis. Results: 111 MM patients have been included. Eligible patients for efficacy were 103. Mean age was 65.7 (38–85); 53 m, 50 f. Previous median lines of therapy were 3 (1–8): 92 (89.3%) have received bortezomib; 37 (35.9%) autologous PBSCT and 26 (25.2%) thalidomide. Extramedullary plasmocitomas were present in 25 (24.3%). Mean Len dose was 22.8 mg (± 4.9): 82 (79.6%) received the standard dose and schedule (25 mg d for 3 w every 4 w) and 21 (20.4%) received less dose and/or different schedule. 92 (89.3%) received Dexametasone (mean dose 58.33 mg/w) [± 35.8]). Response: 4 (3.9%) sCR, 11 CR (10.7%), 12 VGPR (11.7%), 41 PR (39.8%), 20 SD (19.4%), 13 PD (12.6%), 2 NE (1.9). Among groups, response equal or superior to PR was observed in all settings: 64.1% in prior exposed to bortezomib, 46.1% in prior exposed to thalidomide and 40.0% in patients with extramedullary plasmocitomas. Previous transplant, the number of previous lines received, renal failure, age, or cytogenetic did not affect significantly the overall response rate. Median duration of treatment was 7.7 m (1–21); median TTP was 8.3 m and median global survival since starting Len therapy was 11 m (6–22). Median survival since diagnostic was 49 m (40–60). At the time of analysis, 46 (45.5%) patients were still on Len therapy, and 72 (79.6%) were alive. Toxicity: ≥ grade II: neutropenia, 51 (46.4%); thrombocytopenia, 39 (35.5%); DVT, 5 (4.5%); rash, 3 (2.7%); neutropenic fever, 8 (7.3%); others, 13 (11.8%). DVT/PE prophylaxis was used in 89 (86.4%) patients: LWMH in 43.8 % and low dose aspirin in 48.3 %. No PE was reported. Conclusions: Lenalidomide is effective in this heavily pre-treated MM population-progressive or refractory to standard therapy-even in different clinical settings. The most frequent association to Len was intermediate dose of Dex. Although response rate was superior in patients exposed previously to bortezomib, no differences on duration and survival were observed. Patients with extramedullary plasmocitomas showed also response. Toxicity, mainly myelosupression was predictable and manageable with dose adjustments and cytokine support.