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Arzerra™ Approved for Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (11/2/2009)
The targeted therapy Arzerra™ (ofatumumab) has been granted accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that is refractory to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Campath® (alemtuzumab).
Gleevec® Improves Outcomes of Children and Adolescents with Ph+ ALL (10/12/2009)
Researchers affiliated with Children’s Oncology Group (COG) have reported that the addition of long-term daily Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) to high-dose chemotherapy improves event-free survival (EFS) in children and adolescents with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were published online on October 8, 2009.
Final Results Published of Randomized Trial of Treanda® Versus Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of CLL (9/28/2009)
European researchers have published the final results of the randomized clinical trial showing a higher response rate and improved progression-free survival for Treanda® (bendamustine) compared with chlorambucil for the initial treatment of patients with Binet Stage B and C chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were published in the September 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Preliminary results of this study were presented at the 2007 and 2008 meetings of the American Society of Hematology.
Dose of Daunorubicin Remains Important for Treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Younger and Older Adults (9/25/2009)
Two studies in the September 24, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine confirm the importance of daunorubicin dose intensity for optimal treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Subcutaneous Campath Effective in Refractory CLL (9/16/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that, because of “efficacy, convenience, improved adverse effect profile and cost savings”, Campath® (alemtuzumab) given subcutaneously should be the treatment of choice for Fludara® (fludarabine)-refractory patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared early online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 20, 2009.
Recent Results of Treating Childhood ALL Presented by Dutch Investigators (9/15/2009)
Researchers from the Netherlands have presented recent results of treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that show continued improvement in outcomes with less toxicity. Details of this study appeared early online in Lancet Oncology on September 10, 2009.
Gleevec® 800 mg/day May Improve Cytogenetic and Molecular Responses in CML (9/11/2009)
Researchers involved in the multicenter U.S. RIGHT trial have reported that Gleevec® (imatinib) 400 mg twice per day is more effective than the standard 400 mg/day for the treatment of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP). The details of this study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology early online on August 31, 2009.
Rituxan®, Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Novantrone® Highly Active in CLL (9/10/2009)
Researchers from Spain have reported that the combination of Rituxan® (rituximab), Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) is highly active in patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on August 24, 2009 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Secondary Leukemia in Breast Cancer Survivors (7/15/2009)
Researchers from the City of Hope National Medical Center have reported that hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is effective therapy for women with acute leukemia or myelodysplasia following adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Annals of Oncology on June 29, 2009.
Nexavar® Confirmed Effective for FLT3-ITD-positive AML (7/8/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Nexavar® (sorafenib) is an active agent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in patients with internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations in the Fms-like tyrosine-3 (FLT3) gene. The details of this study appeared in the June 25, 2009 issue of Blood.
Eliminating Preventive Radiation May Benefit Children with ALL (6/30/2009)
Researchers from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported that children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are treated with effective, risk-adjusted chemotherapy regimens have good outcomes and may safely be able to avoid preventive radiation therapy to the brain. These results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Formaldehyde Exposure May Increase Risk of Blood and Lymphatic Cancers (6/25/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that industrial workers who are exposed to formaldehyde may be at an increased risk of dying from blood and lymphohematopoietic malignancies, particularly myeloid leukemia but also Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Sprycel® Confirmed Superior to High-dose Gleevec® for Gleevec-resistant CML (6/22/2009)
Researchers affiliated with the START-R randomized trial have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is more effective than escalated doses of Gleevec® (imatinib) in patients resistant to Gleevec. The details of this study were published early online in Cancer on June 17, 2009.
Phase III Trial of Expanded Umbilical Cord Blood (StemEx®) for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancies Announced (6/17/2009)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Gamida Cell announced that the University of Pittsburgh would be participating in an international multicenter Phase III study of StemEx® for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. There are currently 15 U.S. centers and 11 centers in Europe and Israel participating in this study. This study is classified as a Phase III study but, because it is not randomized, patients will be compared to matched historical controls.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Improves Survival of Intermediate- and Poor-risk AML (6/17/2009)
Researchers from the United States involved in a meta-analysis have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplants in first complete remission improves survival for patients with intermediate- and poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in the June 10, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Ofatumumab Effective in CLL Patients Failing Rituxan® (6/2/2009)
Researchers involved in an international Phase II study have reported that ofatumumab, an anti-CD20 antibody, is effective in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have previously received Rituxan® (rituximab). The details of this study were reported at the 2009 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on May 30, in Orlando, Florida.
Obesity Increases Risk of Developing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (5/29/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that obesity and weight gain increase the risk of developing chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The details of this case-control study were published in the May, 2009 issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.
Early Treatment of Gleevec® Failures with Sprycel® Improves Outcomes in CML (5/27/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have loss of a major cytogentetic response to Gleevec® (imatinib) results in better outcomes than waiting for loss of complete hematalogic remission to institute therapy with Sprycel. The details of this study were published early online on April 28, 2009 in Cancer.
Zarnestra® Combined with Vepesid® Effective for Elderly with AML (5/6/2009)
Researchers from several U.S. medical centers have reported that the combination of Zarnestra® (tipifarnib) and oral Vepesid® (etoposide) produces complete responses in 30% of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) not eligible for intensive induction therapy. The details of this Phase I study were published early online in Blood on December 24, 2008.
One-third of Patients with CML Receiving Gleevec® Are Noncompliant (5/6/2009)
Researchers from Belgium have reported that the compliance rate for Gleevec® (imatinib) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is much less than expected. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on April 6, 2009.
Dose-dense Induction Supported by Neulasta® Effective for Newly Diagnosed AML (3/12/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that a dose-dense induction with sequential high-dose Cytosar® (cytarabine) and Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) (S-HAM) and Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) is associated with an 85% response rate and a 75% two-year survival for newly diagnosed adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study were reported in an early online publication in Blood.
Sequential Treatment with Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Rituxan® Produces High-quality Responses in CLL (3/5/2009)
Researchers from the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with Fludara® (fludarabine), followed by consolidation with Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and finally consolidation with Rituxan® (rituximab) (F→C→R) achieved high-quality responses that improved with each phase of therapy. The details of this Phase II study were reported in the February 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Low-dose Cytoxan® and Fludara® and High-dose Rituxan® Is Safe and Effective in Previously Untreated CLL (2/24/2009)
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have reported that reduced doses of Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) and Fludara® (fludarabine) combined with higher doses of Rituxan® (rituximab) in the FCR regimen is highly effective in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and produces significantly less grade 3-4 neutropenia than standard FCR. The details of this study appeared in the February 1, 2009 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Early T-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children Has Poor Prognosis (2/18/2009)
Researchers from St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and researchers from Italy have reported that they have identified a subset of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), called ETP-ALL, which connotes an extremely poor prognosis. The details of this study appeared in the February 2009 issue of Lancet Oncology.
Monoclonal B-Cell Lymphocytosis Precedes Development of CLL (2/18/2009)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) precedes the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in the February 12, 2009 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Early Dose Intensity of Gleevec® May Optimize Response for Chronic Phase CML (2/3/2009)
Researchers from Australia have reported that patients with newly diagnosed chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) who receive high doses (600 mg/day) of Gleevec® (imatinib) in the first year of treatment experience improved molecular response rates. The details of this study appeared in the November 15, 2008 issue of Blood.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008: Advances in Treatment of Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (2/2/2009)
At the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), there were more than 100 abstracts devoted to the treatment of lymphoma. There is increasing evidence that survival of patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is steadily increasing. New drugs are being developed at a reasonable rate, which creates the question of how best to incorporate all the available drugs in an optimal manner. Additionally, there appears to be significant progress in reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants for low-grade lymphomas.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology 2008: Highlights of Treatment of Hematological Malignancies (1/30/2009)
The 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), held in Chicago, Illinois, again revealed advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Patients with chronic or acute leukemias, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative disorders continue to be presented with novel, effective options for the treatment of their diseases.
Developments in the Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Update from ASH 2008 (1/28/2009)
Several studies presented at the 2008 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting focused on improving the outcome of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and adults.
Sprycel® Produces Rapid and Complete Cytogenetic Remissions in Newly Diagnosed CML (1/21/2009)
Researchers from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that 97% of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) achieve a complete cytogenetic remission after 12 months of therapy with Sprycel® (dasatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Immediate Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Relapsed Adult ALL Successful (1/20/2009)
Researchers from Germany have reported that patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who proceed directly to allogeneic stem cell transplant have better outcomes than patients who receive re-induction chemotherapy prior to transplantation. The details of this study appeared in the December 2008 issue of Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Tasigna® May Be Superior to Gleevec® for Initial Treatment of CML (1/16/2009)
Researchers from Italy have reported a 96% complete cytogenetic remission rate at after six months of treatment with Tasigna® (nilotinib) in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008.
GVAX Tested as Post-allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Therapy in Patients with Advanced Myeloid Malignancies (1/13/2009)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have reported that GVAX, a cancer vaccine composed of autologous leukemia cells genetically modified to secrete granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), may have anti-leukemic effects when administered after a reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant in patients with advanced myeloid malignancies. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 9, 2008, in San Francisco.
Older Age No Barrier to Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for AML and MDS (1/12/2009)
Researchers affiliated the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) reported that elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) have similar outcomes to younger patients following reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants. The details of this study were presented on December 8 at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco.
Revlimid® Effective as First-line Therapy of CLL (1/8/2009)
On December 7, at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco, researchers presented two studies on the effectiveness of Revlimid® (linalidomide) for the initial treatment of patients with symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These are the first reports of Revlimid treatment for newly diagnosed patients.
Flavopiridol Confirmed Active for Treatment of Relapsed CLL with Adverse Cytogenetics (1/2/2009)
Researchers from Ohio State University have reported that flavopiridol produces durable responses in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Age Is an Independent Adverse Risk Factor for Survival and Relapse in Patients with AML (12/29/2008)
Researchers from Germany have reported that older age is an independent adverse risk factor for relapse and survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Androgens During Maintenance Therapy May Improve Outcome of Elderly Patients with AML (12/23/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that the “addition of low-dose norethandrolone to maintenance chemotherapy is associated with an improved outcome in elderly patients with AML.” The details of this pilot study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Cladribine Added to Standard Induction Therapy Improves Survival of Younger Patients with AML (12/23/2008)
Researchers from Poland have reported that the addition of cladribine to standard daunomycin/cytoarabine improves the complete remission (CR) rate and survival of newly diagnosed younger patients (60 years of age or younger) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this Phase III randomized trial were reported at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Gemtuzumab May Improve Outcomes of Newly Diagnosed AML in Children (12/22/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Children’s Oncology Group have reported that addition of a single dose of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg®) to standard induction may improve outcomes of children with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this pilot study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Good Results from Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation After Imatinib-based Induction for Ph+ ALL (12/19/2008)
Researchers from Japan have reported a three-year relapse-free survival of 53% for patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant from related, unrelated, or cord blood donors in first complete remission (CR) for Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Sprycel® Effective for First-line Therapy of Philadelphia Chromosome+ ALL (12/19/2008)
Two recent studies suggest that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is an effective agent for first-line therapy of Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of these two studies were presented at the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Fostamatinib Disodium Effective for Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma and CLL (12/17/2008)
Researcher involved in a U.S. multicenter trial have reported that the oral inhibitor of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), Fosamatinib disodium (FosD) (R788), has significant activity and is well tolerated in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results of this phase 1-2 study were reported in the Plenary Session of the 50th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Treanda® and Rituxan® Effective for Relapsed CLL (12/10/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the German CLL Study Group have reported that Treanda® (bendamustine) and Rituxan® (rituximab) is an effective regimen for patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Ofatumumab, a Human Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, Effecitive in CLL (12/10/2008)
Researchers involved in an International Phase II study have reported that Ofatumumab, a human Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is effective for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed Fludara® (fludarabine) and Campath® (alemtuzumab) or who had failed Fludara and had bulky disease. The details of this study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 8, 2008 in San Francisco.
Rituxan® and High-dose Methylprednisolone Effective Initial Treatment of CLL (12/9/2008)
Researchers from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) have reported that the combination of Rituxan® (rituximab) and high-dose methylpredisolone is “an effective non-myelotoxic treatment regimen for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).” The details of this Phase II study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology on December 7, 2008 in San Francisco.
Dexamethasone Superior to Prednisone in Induction Regimen for Childhood ALL (12/9/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the European AIEOP-BFM ALL 2000 trial have reported that dexamethasone in the induction regimen for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) reduces the relapse rate compared with prednisone. The details of this study were presented on December 7, 2008 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco.
High-dose Chemotherapy with Cerubidine® Significantly Prolongs Survival in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (11/24/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the National Cancer Institute and the Eastern Cooperative Group have reported that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who receive high doses of Cerubidine® (daunorubicin) live significantly longer than patients who receive a standard dose of the same drug. The details of this study were reported in an online press release by the National Cancer Institute.
Mylotarg® and Cytosar® Effective for Childhood Relapsed AML (11/4/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) and Cytosar® (cytarabine) is an effective combination for the treatment of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with relapsed or refractory disease. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the British Journal of Haematology on August 28, 2008.
Single-agent Revlimid® Effective for AML with Isolated Trisomy 13 (11/3/2008)
Researchers from Ohio State University have reported that two elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with trisomy 13 achieved a complete remission following treatment with Revlimid® (lenalidomide). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on September 29, 2008.
Trisenox® Plus Low-Dose Cytosar® Active for Treating Elderly with AML (10/27/2008)
Researchers from Cornell have reported that one-third of patients aged 60 or higher with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieve a complete remission following treatment with Trisenox (arsenic trioxide) and low-dose Cytosar (cytarabine). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication of Cancer on September 29, 2008.
Mylotarg®, Cytosar®, and Novantrone® Effective for Relapsed Adult AML (10/23/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that a regimen of Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab), Cytosar (cytarabine) and Novantrone (mitoxantrone) results in an overall response rate of 63% in patients with relapsed or primary refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on October 14, 2008 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Myeloid Sarcoma (10/22/2008)
Researchers from France have reported that approximately one-third of all patients with myeloid sarcoma (granulocytic sarcoma, choloroma) become long-term disease-free survivors following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The details of this study appeared in the October 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Minimal Residual Disease Status Important for Optimizing Post-Remission Therapy in AML (10/21/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that measuring minimal residual disease (MRD) status is important in choosing the appropriate post-remission therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in the October 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective for Elderly with AML (10/9/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Cooperative German Transplant Group have reported that unrelated donor stem cell transplants result in similar outcomes to related donor transplants in patients over the age of 50 years with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 2, 2008.
Guidelines Published for the Treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (10/8/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the European LeukemiaNet have published guidelines for the management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). These guidelines were published in an early online manuscript in Blood on September 23, 2008.
Campath® and Rituxan® Promising for Untreated High-risk CLL (10/7/2008)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have reported that early treatment of asymptomatic patients with high-risk features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with Campath® (alemtuzumab) and Rituxan® (rituximab) appears promising. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2008 issue of Cancer.
Intensive Hyper-CVAD Regimen for Older Patients with ALL Effective (10/2/2008)
Researchers from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that hyper-CVAD (hypofractionated Cytoxan® [cyclophosphamide], Oncovin® [vincristine], Adrimycin® [doxorubicin], and dexamethasone) alternated with high doses of methotrexate and Cytosar® (cytarabine) improves the complete remission rate and survival in elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication of Cancer on August 20, 2008.
Survival Rates Improving in Childhood Hematologic Cancers (10/1/2008)
Researchers from Cornell University and Germany have reported that five- and 10-year survival rates in childhood hematalogic cancers have significantly improved in the United States since 1990. The details of this study were published in the September 17, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
High Second Remission Rate for Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (9/24/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Children’s Cancer Study Group have reported an 81% second remission rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first marrow relapse. The details of this study appeared in the August 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Reduced-intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Fludara® -resistant CLL (9/23/2008)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported a five-year disease-free survival of 39% for patients with Fuldara® (fludarabine)-resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell Transplantation. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on September 15, 2008.
Improved Survival in Pediatric Leukemia Following Unrelated Bone Marrow but not Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (9/17/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) have reported that children with leukemia have had remarkably better survivals in more recent years following unrelated bone marrow transplantation. There was no improvement, however, in children receiving unmodified peripheral blood stem cells. The details of this study appeared in the September 2008 issue of Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation.
Stronger Dose Intensity of Prolonged Post Induction Intensification Improves Outcomes in High-risk ALL (9/17/2008)
Researchers affiliated with the Children’s Oncology Study Group have reported, “Stronger intensity but not prolonged duration of PII [post induction intensification] improved outcome for patients with higher-risk ALL [acute lymphoblastic leukemia].” The details of this study were published in the March 1, 2008 issue of Blood.
Epratuzumab Has Significant Activity in Children with Relapsed ALL (9/16/2008)
Researchers from New York University have reported that epratuzumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy has significant activity in children with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this Phase II study appeared in the August, 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Genetic Characteristics of Hepatitis B Associated with Risk of Liver Cancer (9/2/2008)
Researchers from Taiwan have reported that different genetic characteristics of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with varying risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These results were recently published in the August 20, 2008 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Will Intra-osseous Injection of Umbilical Cord Blood Reduce Graft Failures? (8/15/2008)
Researchers from Italy have reported that the injection of umbilical cord blood directly into the pelvic bones of patients with leukemia appears promising. These results were recently published in an early online publication of the Lancet Oncology on August 9, 2008.
Sprycel® Effective for CNS Philadelphia Chromosome-positive Leukemia (7/29/2008)
Researchers from Europe have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) is effective therapy for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) leukemia that involves the central nervous system (CNS). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on May 13, 2008.
Long-term Results of Fludara®, Cytoxan®, and Rituxan® for CLL (7/29/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported six-year follow-up data on 234 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), and Rituxan® (rituximab) (FCR). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Blood on April 14, 2008.
Prophylactic Antibiotics Decrease Infectious Morbidity in Pediatric AML (7/10/2008)
Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported that children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) benefit from intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis during remission induction therapy. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication on May 5, 2008 in Cancer.
Lumiliximab and FCR Promising for Relapsed CLL (6/26/2008)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of lumilixmab, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (L-FCR) is effective for the treatment of patients with relapsed CLL. The details of this Phase I/II study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Flavopiridol Has Significant Activity in Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (6/25/2008)
Researchers from Ohio State University have reported that flavopiridol has “pronounded” activity in treating patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Sprycel® Effective for Patients with Newly Diagnosed CML (6/24/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Sprycel® (dasatinib) produces rapid and complete cytogenetic response in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These data were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Tasigna® Effective for Patients with Newly Diagnosed CML (6/24/2008)
Researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Tasigna® (nilotinib) produces rapid and complete cytogenetic response in patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). These data were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago May 30-June 2.
Patients with Lymphoma and CLL Are at Increased Risk of Lung Cancer (6/20/2008)
Researchers from Wayne State University have reported that patients with Hodgkins lymphoma (HL), non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have a 30-300% increased risk of developing lung cancer compared with controls without these diseases. The details of this study were reported at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago, May 30-June 2.
Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer Increases Incidence of AML (6/18/2008)
According to a study presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the use of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for treatment of prostate cancer is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Quinamed® + ARA-C Effective for Secondary Acute Myeloid Leukemia (6/17/2008)
Researchers from several U.S. Medical Centers have reported that the combination of Quinamed® (amonafide, benzisoquinolinedione, nafidimide) and ara-C is active in the treatment of patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML). The details of this Phase II study were presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, May 30-June 2.
Molecular Distinctions in AML with Normal Cytogenetics Defined (5/5/2008)
Two recent publications in the May 1, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that molecular testing can be of prognostic significance in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with normal cytogenetics.
Treanda® Approved by FDA for Initial Treatment of CLL (3/25/2008)
On March 20, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IV Treanda® (bendamustine) for initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results were based on data from a randomized multicenter trial that were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Treanda® Approved by FDA for Initial Treatment of CLL (3/20/2008)
On March 20, 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved IV Treanda® (bendamustine) for initial treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results were based on data from a randomized multicenter trial that were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Effectiveness of Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Confirmed (1/4/2008)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) have presented long-term follow-up data showing that approximately 50% of patients receiving reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants for advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are alive at five years. This and another study presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia also showed that allogeneic stem cell transplantation was successful in patients with adverse cytogenetics.
Treanda™ Superior to Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (1/3/2008)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Treanda (bendamustine) results in higher response rates and improved progression-free survivals in patients with previously untreated Binet stage B and C chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared to chlorambucil. The results of this randomized trial were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Improved Response Duration with Leustat® (Cladaribine) Compared to Either Fludara® or Chlorambucil for CLL (1/3/2008)
An international randomized study has shown that Leustat (cladaribine, CdA) may be superior to Fludara and chlorambucil for the initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-11, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sprycel® (Dasatinib) Confirmed Effective for Gleevec-Resistant Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) (1/2/2008)
At the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, held in Atlanta Georgia, December 8-11, there were several reports concerning treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with two newly FDA approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors; dasatinib (Sprycel) and nilotinib (Tasigna®). Both drugs are approved by the US Food and Drug adminiatration for treatment of patients who fail imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®).
Genasense® May Improve Survival of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Lekemia (CLL) Who Achieve a Complete Remission (12/28/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that the addition of Genasense® (oblimersen, Bcl-2 antisense) to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) improves the survival of patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who achieve a complete remission (CR) or near complete remission (nCR). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) December 8-11, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Role of Mitoxantrone in Combination Therapy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Evaluated (12/26/2007)
Researchers from Spain have reported preliminary results of initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a combination of Rituxan® (rituximab), Fludara® (fludarabine), Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) and Novantrone (mitoxantrone) (R-FCM). However, researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center question the utility of adding mitoxantrone to the combination Fludara, Cytoxan and Rituxan (FCR) regimen. These two studies were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Cytoxan®, Fludara®, Campath® and Rituxan® (CFAR) for High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) (12/21/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Fludara (fludarabine), Campath (alemtuzumab) and Rituxan (rituximab) (CFAR) shows promising results for the treatment of high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This study was presented at an oral session of the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta Georgia, December 8-11, 2007.
Prognostic Features of Early Stage Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) Defined (12/21/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported that the thymidine kinase, lymphocyte doubling time, beta-2 microglobulin, absolute lymphocyte count, and age were predictors of overall survival (OS) for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with Binet stage A disease. This study was presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta, Georgia December 8-11, 2007.
Fludara® not Superior to Chlorambucil for CLL in the Elderly (12/18/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the German CLL Study Group have reported that elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have no significant clinical benefit from receiving first-line therapy with Fludara (fludarabine) compared to chlorambucil. This study was presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in Atlanta, Georgia, December 8-11.
Long-Term Results of Gleevec for Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Reported (12/14/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomized Study of interferon versus STI571 (IRIS) study have reported six year follow-up data on over 500 patients in the Gleevec (imatinib) arm. The details of this study were presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-10, 2007 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Gleevec® Effective in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) 70 Years of Age or Older (12/13/2007)
Researchers from Germany have reported that the median age for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) participating in published clinical trials of Gleevec (imatinib) was 49 years while the median age at diagnosis for all patients with CML in various populations is 65-68 years. Thus, clinical trials under-represent older patients with CML. Researchers from France have attempted to address this issue by evaluating the effects of Gleevec in patients with CML who are 70 years of age or older. The details of these two studies were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-10 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents do not Affect Long-Term Survival of Gleevec® Treated Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (12/13/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the use of erythropoiesis agents (ESA) such as epoetin alfa (Epogen®, Procrit®) and darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp®) do not affect survival of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology, December 8-10, in Atlanta Georgia.
Gleevec® Improves Outcomes of Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (12/12/2007)
Researchers affiliated with Children’s Oncology Group (GOG) have reported that the addition of Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) to high-dose chemotherapy improves event-free survival (EFS) in children with Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 8-10, in Atlanta Georgia.
Campath® Superior to Chlorambucil for Initial Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (12/10/2007)
European researchers involved in a randomized international trial (CAM-307) have reported that Campath® (alemtuzumab) was superior to chlorambucil for initial treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 5, 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
FDA Approves Campath® for First-Line Treatment of B-cell CLL (11/21/2007)
In October of 2007 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Campath (alemtuzumab) for initial treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is the first monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA for B-cell CLL.
Increasing Body Mass Associated with Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality (11/19/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Million Women Study have reported that increasing body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of 10 specific types of cancer out of 17 evaluated. The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on November 6, 2007 in the British Medical Journal.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation with Reduced Intensity Regimen Effective (11/14/2007)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that adults with hematological diseases have a three year survival of almost 50% following umbilical cord blood transplantation after a reduced intensity treatment regimen. The details of this study appeared in the October 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Tasigna® Effective for CML Patients with Gleevec® Resistance or Intolerance (11/13/2007)
Researchers involved in two international Phase II trials have reported that Tasigna (nilotinib) is highly effective for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who are resistant or intolerant to Gleevec®. The details of these studies appeared in the November 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Zarnestra™ and Gleevec® Effective in Patients with CML who Failed Gleevec (11/8/2007)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Zarnestra (tipifarnib) and Gleevec (imatinib) improve the response rate of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase who have failed Gleevec. The details of this study appeared in the November 1, 2007, issue of Cancer.
Tamibarotene Receives Orphan Drug Designation (11/5/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Innovive Pharmaceuticals, Inc. orphan drug designation for their agent tamibarotene for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The indication of the designation is for the treatment of APL that has relapsed or is refractory to all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide.
Factors Identified That Affect Outcomes of Donor Lymphocyte Infusion in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (10/17/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) have reported that a reduced tumor burden or being in remission, female gender and favorable cytogenetics are associated with significantly improved survival for patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who undergo donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) after relapse following allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The details of this study appeared as an early on-line publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on October 1, 2007.
Marqibo Gets Fast-Track Designation (8/31/2007)
Hana Biosciences has announced that their agent Marqibo has received fast-track designation by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Chemotherapy May Delay the Need for Radiation in Children with Ependymoma (8/15/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the UK Childrens Cancer and Leukaemia Group Brain Tumor Committee have reported that post-operative chemotherapy can delay or eliminate the need for radiation therapy in many young children with ependymoma without compromising survival. The details of this study appeared in the August 2001 issue of Lancet Oncology.
Safety of Administration of G-CSF to Normal Individuals Reported (8/2/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the Research on Adverse Drug Events and Reports (RADAR) project have reported that there is no apparent increase in the incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in over 100,000 normal persons receiving G-CSFs (granulocyte-colony stimulating factors) with a median follow-up of 5 years. The details of this review were published in the August, 2007 issue of Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Fludara® and Cytoxan® Confirmed Standard Initial Treatment for CLL (7/23/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the LRF CLL4 Trial have concluded that Fludara (fludarabine) and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) should be the standard treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and the basis for incorporation of monoclonal antibodies. The details of this study appeared in the July 21, 2007 issue of The Lancet.
Sprycel® Effective in Patients with Ph+ ALL Resistant or Intolerant to Gleevec® (7/18/2007)
Results of an International trial have reported that 58% of patients with Philadelphia chromosome + (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) resistant or intolerant to Gleevec (imatinib) had a complete cytogenetic response to Sprycel® (dasatinib). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication in Blood on May 11, 2007.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation after a Reduced-Intensity Treatment Regimen: An Effective Strategy (7/12/2007)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported a survival rate of almost 50% in adult patients with hematologic disease treated with umbilical cord blood transplantation following a regimen of Fludara® (fludarabine) and 200 cGy of total body irradiation (TBI). The details of this study appeared in an early on-line publication on June 13, 2007 in Blood.
Nilotinib Effective in Patients with CML Intolerant to Gleevec® (6/12/2007)
Researchers involved in an international study have reported that the toxicity profile for nilotinib (AMN 107) is different than for Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Bosutinib: A New Kinase Inhibitor for Treatment of Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Leukemia (6/12/2007)
Researchers involved in an international study have reported that bosutinib (SKI606) is a new active kinase inhibitor for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were presented at the 2007 meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June.
Sprycel® Highly Effective as Initial Therapy in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (6/7/2007)
According to results recently presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Sprycel (dasatinib) appears just as effective, if not slightly more effective, than Gleevec® (imatinib) as first-line therapy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive, chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Intravenous Oncaspar® Can be Safely Given to Adults with ALL (5/30/2007)
Researchers from the University of Southern California have reported that multiple doses of Oncaspar® (Peg-Asparaginase) can be given safely with minimal allergic reactions and no antibody formation in adults with adult lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were published in the April 1, 2007 issue of Blood.
Sprycel® Effective for CML in Accelerated Phase after Failure of Gleevec® (5/23/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180-005 ‘START A’ phase II study reported outcomes of patients with Gleevec-intolerant or resistant patients in the accelerated phase (AP) of CML treated with Sprycel (dasatinib).The details of this study appeared in the May 16, 2007 issue of Blood
Elderly AML Patients Benefit More from Prolonged Post-Remission Therapy (5/8/2007)
Researchers from France have reported that elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) benefit more from prolonged therapy than from intensive consolidation post-remission. The details of this randomized trial appeared in an early on-line publication in Blood on March 6, 2006.
Atovaquone Effective Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in Children (4/10/2007)
Researchers from St Jude Children’s Research Center have reported that atovaquone (Mepron®, Malarone®) is effective prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii in children with leukemia. The details of this study appeared in the April 15, 2007 issue of Cancer.
Expanded Label Filed for Campath® (4/9/2007)
Gemzyme Corporation and Bayer HealthCare have submitted a supplemental biologics license application (sBLA) for their agent Campath® (alemtuzumab) to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Sprycel® Effective after Gleevec® Failure in Patients with CML in Chronic Phase (3/14/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180013 ‘START-C’ phase II study have reported that Sprycel (dasatinib) is very effective in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) who are resistant to or intolerant of Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology and have now been published in the March 15, 2007 issue of Blood.
Genasense® Combination Therapy Effective for CLL (2/20/2007)
Researchers involved in a multicenter trial have reported that the addition of Genasense (oblimersen, Bcl-2 antisense) to Fludara® (fludarabine) and Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide) improves the response rate and duration of response in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Increased Risk of Second Malignancies in Hairy Cell Leukemia (2/15/2007)
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute have reported that patients with hairy cell leukemia have an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and thyroid cancer.
Lumiliximab Granted Orphan Drug Status and Fast Track Status (2/9/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted both orphan drug status and fast track status to Biogen Idec’s lumiliximab for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Xanafide Gets Orphan Drug Designation (2/8/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Xanthus Pharmaceuticals’ orphan drug designation for their agent Xanafide (amonafide malate) for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Researchers Report Impact of Gleevec® on Subsequent Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (1/25/2007)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported that patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) after failing Gleevec (imatinib) have similar outcomes to historical control patients not receiving Gleevec.
Sprycel® Superior to High-Dose Gleevec for Gleevec-Resistant CML (1/18/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the START-R randomized trial presented data suggesting that Sprycel (dasatinib) was more effective than escalated doses of Gleevec in patients resistant to Gleevec. The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Sprycel® Effective in Gleevec® Resistant or Intolerant Patients with CML in Chronic Phase (1/16/2007)
Researchers associated with the CA 180013 ‘START-C’ phase II study have reported that Sprycel (dasatinib) is very effective in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase (CP) who are resistant to or intolerant of Gleevec (imatinib). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Mylotarg® May Decrease Relapse Rate in Patients with Newly Diagnosed AML (1/16/2007)
Researchers affiliated with the MRC AML 15 trial have reported that the addition of Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) to one of three different induction regimens improves disease-free survival in newly diagnosed younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of this report were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Nilotinib Effective in Newly Diagnosed Patients with CML (1/9/2007)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported the first results of treating newly diagnosed patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with nilotinib (AMN107). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.[
Intravenous Oncaspar® Safe and Effective in Children with ALL (1/5/2007)
Researchers from the Dana-Farber Cancer Center have reported that Oncaspar® (peg-asparaginase) can be safely given intravenously (IV) to children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were reported at the December 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Intravenous Oncaspar® is Well Tolerated in Adults with ALL (1/4/2007)
Researchers from the University of Southern California have reported that multiple doses of Oncaspar® (Peg-Asparaginase) can be given safely with minimal allergic reactions and no antibody formation in adults with adult lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The details of this study were presented at the December 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Mylotarg® and Vidaza® Effective for Elderly with AML or MDS (1/3/2007)
Researchers from Loyola University have reported that the combination of Mylotarg® (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) and Vidaza® (azacitidine) has a high rate of response in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The details of this study were presented at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Gene Mutations Predict Outcome of Patients with Normal Karyotype AML (12/21/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported gene mutations can be detected in the majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia who have normal cytogenetics and that these genes are predictive of outcome. These data were presented in the plenary session at the 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant: Best Option for Younger Adults with ALL (12/13/2006)
A combined MRC/ECOG study has confirmed that an allogeneic stem cell transplant in first complete remission is the best option for patients with standard and high risk adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were 65 years of age or younger. The details of this large cooperative study were presented at the December 2006 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Gleevec® Demonstrates Durable Responses (12/11/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomized Study of Interferon and ST1571 (IRIS) have reported 5-year follow-up results of first-line treatment with Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) that demonstrates continuing long-term, durable responses and improved survival compared to alternative therapy.
Rituxan® and Campath® Show Significant Activity in Newly Diagnosed Poor Risk CLL (12/8/2006)
Dr. Steve Rosen from the Robert T. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University has presented the preliminary results of a phase II study of Rituxan (rituximab) and Campath (alemtuzumab) for initial treatment of patients with poor risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Campath® Safe and Active in Patients With CLL After Extensive Prior Therapy (11/15/2006)
Researchers from Austria have reported data that further confirms the efficacy and safety of Campath® (alemtuzumab) for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed prior therapies.
Nipent®, Cytoxan® and Rituxan® Effective for Untreated Poor Risk CLL (10/30/2006)
Researchers from Ohio State University and the Mayo Clinic have reported that the treatment combination consisting of Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) (PCR) demonstrates high activity in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk factors.
Mercaptopurine Confirmed Preferable to Thioguanine for Childhood ALL (10/17/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the U.K. Medical Research Council’s ALL97 trial have reported that maintenance 6-thioguanine (6-TG) causes excess toxicity and no overall benefit compared to 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
FDA Approves Gleevec® for Pediatric CML (10/2/2006)
Approval was based on the treatment of 51 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed CML enrolled in a phase II clinical trial.
Vidaza® May Provide Alternative Treatment for Elderly Patients with AML (9/28/2006)
Researchers from the Western Pennsylvania Cancer Institute have reported that Vidaza® (azacitadine) may provide an effective treatment alternative for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Further Evidence that Gleevec Improves Survival of Patients with CML (9/14/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that Gleevec improves the survival of newly diagnosed patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) by improving cytogenetic responses.
International Panel Makes Recommendations for Treatment of CML in the Gleevec® Era (9/13/2006)
An international panel has made recommendations concerning the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia with Gleevec.
Alternating Chemotherapy and Gleevec® Effective for Elderly with Philadelphia-Positive ALL (8/30/2006)
Researchers from France affiliated with the Group for Research in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia have reported that Gleevec (imatinib) and methylprednisone alternated with chemotherapy improve outcomes of elderly patients with Philadelphia-chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Major or Complete Cytogenetic Remissions with Gleevec® for CML Improve Survival (8/24/2006)
Researchers affiliated with the multinational IRIS (International Randomized Study of Interferon versus STI571) study comparing Gleevec (imatinib) to interferon alfa and cytarabine for initial treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in first chronic phase have reported that Gleevec therapy is associated with improved survival.
Gleevec® Can Cause Cardiac Toxicity (8/17/2006)
Researchers from eight different medical institutions have reported that Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can cause significant cardiac toxicity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and can cause similar cardiac damage in mice.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for CML Gleveec® Failures (8/9/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that 6 of 10 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who were resistant to Gleevec (imatinib) were in complete molecular remission after an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Early Reduced-Intensity Stem Cell Transplantation Promising for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (7/26/2006)
European Researchers have reported a 32% survival in older adult patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with a novel induction regimen followed by a reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT).
Dasatinib (SprycelTM) Active in Gleevec®-Resistant CML and ALL (6/28/2006)
Researchers from UCLA and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a new kinase inhibitor, Dasatinib (BMS-354825), has significant activity in patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who have disease resistant to Gleevec (imatinib mesylate). The details of this phase I-II study appeared in the June 15, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .
Nilotinib Effective for Treatment of Gleevec®-Resistant CML (6/26/2006)
A multicenter international trial has confirmed that nilotinib (AMN107) is a safe and active drug for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who fail Gleevec (imatinib mesylate). The details of this study appeared in the June 15, 2006, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine .[1]
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Fludara-Resistant CLL (6/22/2006)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported updated outcomes of 64 patients with Fludara-refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated with reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants. These data were presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in June
Cytogenetic Correlation to Responses in Campath® (6/19/2006)
Researchers from several institutions in Europe have reported that specific cytogenetics in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are associated with superior responses to Campath (alemtuzumab). These results may ultimately allow for highly individualized therapies including Campath. These results were reported at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
KIT Mutations Confer Prognostic Significance in Core Binding Factor Acute Myeloid Leukemia (6/16/2006)
According to results presented at a plenary session at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), KIT mutations within exon 17 in core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are associated with a high risk of relapse compared with wild-type KIT and may ultimately be used as a prognostic factor when deciding upon treatment options for this disease.
FCM-R Plus Neulasta® Highly Active in Previously Untreated CLL (6/15/2006)
Results from a phase II study have indicated that treatment including Fludara® (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, Novantrone® (mitoxantrone), Rituxan® (rituximab) and Neulasta® (pegfilgrastrim) is highly active in symptomatic patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have not received prior therapy and who are 70 years or younger. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
GVAX® Achieves Molecular Remissions in CML (6/15/2006)
Results from a phase II trial indicate that the investigative vaccine GVAX provides promising and durable responses, including long-term molecular remissions, among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with residual disease while on therapy with Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate). These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Modified Fludara®, Cyclophosphamide and Rituxan® Highly Effective with Fewer Side Effects for Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (6/14/2006)
Early results from a phase II study indicate that modified doses of Fludara (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, and Rituxan (rituximab), referred to as mFCR, provide high activity with lower rates of neutropenia than standard FCR in untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Vidaza®/Thalomid® Effective in MDS and AML (6/9/2006)
Results from a pilot study evaluating low doses of Vidaza in combination with Thalomid (thalidomide) provide promising results in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These results were presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Campath® Provides Superior Responses to Chlorambucil as First-Line Therapy in CLL (6/8/2006)
Interim results from an international phase III trial demonstrate that Campath (alemtuzumab) provides significantly superior responses with a favorable toxicity profile when compared with chlorambucil as initial therapy of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were recently presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Long-Term Follow-Up for Gleevec® Demonstrates Durable Responses (6/6/2006)
Researchers from the Oregon Health and Science have reported 5-year follow-up results of first-line treatment with Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) that demonstrates long-term, durable responses achieved in the treatment of chronic phase CML. In fact, 5-year overall survival with Gleevec is greater than that of any other therapy for CML, and patients experience a diminishing annual frequency of disease progression while on the drug. These results, presented at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), confirm the use of Gleevec as standard initial therapy for patients with chronic-phase CML.
Gleevec May Cause Hypophosphatemia and Alterations in Bone Metabolism (5/11/2006)
Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that some patients taking Gleevec (imatinib) develop hypophosphatemia with associated changes in bone and mineral metabolism.
Histamine Dichloride and IL-2 Decreases Relapses in Patients with AML (4/21/2006)
Researchers from Australia, Canada, Europe, Israel, New Zealand and the United States have reported that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first remission (CR-1) receiving post-consolidation immunotherapy with histamine dichloride and interleukin-2 (Proleukin®) (HDC/IL-2) had a decreased incidence of relapses.
Real-Time PCR Can Substitute for Bone Marrow Cytogenetic Exams in CML (4/10/2006)
Researchers from Australia have suggested that real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BCR-ABL mRNA in the peripheral blood provides a rational approach to monitoring treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Nipent®/Cytoxan®/Rituxan® Shows High Activity in Previously Treated CLL or Low-Grade NHL (4/6/2006)
Researchers from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have reported that Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) (PCR) has high activity in previously treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL).
Up-Front Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant May Benefit Patients with AML (3/30/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported a 61% disease-free survival rate for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with an up-front reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Single-Agent Arsenic Trioxide Very Effective for Treatment of APL (3/27/2006)
Researchers from India have reported that single-agent arsenic trioxide (ATO), without ATRA (all-trans retinoic acid) and combination chemotherapy, results in an event-free survival of 75% in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The details of this phase II study were reported in the April 1, 2006 issue of Blood.
Long-Term Study Shows Safety of Neupogen® Support in AML Treatment (3/17/2006)
Researchers affiliated with The International Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study have reported that the use of Neupogen (filgrastim) to support intensive induction and consolidation chemotherapy does not affect long-term survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
High Dose Gleevec® and Low-Dose Chemotherapy Effective for Relapsed PH Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (3/17/2006)
Researchers from France have reported that high-dose Gleevec (imatinib) combined with vincristine and dexamethasone produced complete remissions (CR) in 28 of 30 patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive (PH+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL or lymphoid blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
Long-Term Results of Stem Cell Transplants for CML Reported (3/2/2006)
Dr. John Goldman from the United Kingdom has reported the outcomes of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase receiving stem cell transplants between 1978 and 1998.
Test Now Available to Detect Resistance to Gleevec® in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (2/23/2006)
Genzyme Corporation has announced that they have just made a test available to the public that can detect whether a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is resistant to treatment with Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate).
Declining Risk of Acute Myeloid Leukemia After Hodgkin Lymphoma (2/13/2006)
An international study involving over 30,000 patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) has concluded that the risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after has declined over time.
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Benefit Older Patients with AML (1/30/2006)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and several transplant centers in the United States and Europe have reported that allogeneic related and unrelated donor stem cell transplants using a reduced intensity regimen benefit many older patients with AML.
Clolar® and Low-Dose Cytarabine May Be Effective in Elderly AML (1/26/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of Clolar (clofarabine, deoxyadenosine) plus low-dose cytarabine was more effective than Clolar alone for the treatment of patients 50 years of age or older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Revlimid® Has Significant Activity in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/25/2006)
Researchers from the Roswell Park Cancer Center and the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Center have reported that Revlimid (lenalidomide) has significant activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Rituxan® Plus GM-CSF Safe and Effective for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/12/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of Rituxan (rituximab) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, Leukine®, (sargramostim) is well tolerated and very effective for previously untreated or treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Small Molecule Bcl-2 Protein Inhibitor, GX15-070, Active for Treatment of Refractory Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (1/12/2006)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the University of California at San Diego, the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and Georgetown University have reported that the anti-apoptotic molecule, GX15-070, is safe and biologically active for the treatment of refractory chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL).
HuMax®-CD20 Safe and Effective Treatment for Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (1/11/2006)
Researchers from several European medical centers have reported significant activity for the human monoclonal antibody, HuMax-CD20, for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL).
Autologous Stem Cell Transplants: Less Toxic Consolidation Therapy for AML? (1/10/2006)
Researchers from Germany have reported that an autologous stem cell transplant is less toxic and as effective as high-dose cytarabine for late consolidation of younger patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve a complete remission.
Older AML Patients Do Not Benefit From More Therapy (1/9/2006)
Researchers from the United Kingdom affiliated with the National Cancer Research Institute AML14 randomized trial have reported that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) over the age of 60 years do not benefit from increasing the dose of daunorubicin or cytarabine or increasing the number of treatment courses.
Results of Treatment of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia Reviewed (12/7/2005)
The December 2005 issue of Leukemia was devoted to the results of treating pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This issue summarizes the outcomes of recent protocol studies performed in the United States and Europe.
Nipent®/Cytoxan®/Rituxan® Shows High Activity in High-Risk Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (11/23/2005)
Researchers from Ohio State University and the Mayo Clinical have reported that the treatment combination consisting of Nipent (pentostatin), Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide) and Rituxan (rituximab) demonstrates high activity in previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with high-risk factors.
Aminopyrimidine Inhibitor, AMN107, Effective for Gleevec®-Resistant Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (11/11/2005)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that AMN107, an aminopyrimidine ATP-competitive inhibitor of Bcr-Abl, has significant activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukiemia (CML) resistant to Gleevec (imatinib).
Early Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation Benefits Majority of Young Adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (11/8/2005)
French researchers have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplants in first complete remission (CR) benefit intermediate-risk but not good-risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Early Reduced-Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for Adults with AML Promising (11/4/2005)
Researchers from Marseille, France have reported a 76% 2-year, leukemia-free survival in 33 adults (median age of 52 years) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with a reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplant after remission induction and consolidation.
Gleevec® Effective for Molecular and Cytogenetic Relapses Occurring after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants for CML (10/26/2005)
Researchers from Germany have reported that Gleevec (imatinib-mesylate) produces a high rate of molecular complete remissions in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who relapse after an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Iressa® has In-Vitro Activity Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cell Lines and Patient Blasts (10/5/2005)
Researchers from the Dana Farber Cancer Center have reported that Iressa (gefitinib) produces differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and primary patient-derived AML blasts in vitro. This effect was apparently independent of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGRF) expression which was not detected in AML cells.
Total Lymphoid Irradiation Reduces Incidence of Acute Graft-Versus Host Disease in Allogeneic Stem Cell Recipients (9/30/2005)
Researchers from Stanford University have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation following a conditioning regimen of low-dose total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) results in a low incidence of acute graft-versus host disease (GVHD) and a good survival in patients with lymphoid malignancies and acute myeloid leukemia.
Mylotarg® Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Effective in Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (9/28/2005)
Researchers involved in the Mylotarg Study Group have published the final report of the effectiveness of Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin) for the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first relapse.
Tryptase May Detect Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (9/27/2005)
Researchers from Vienna, Austria have reported that high levels of tryptase in the blood may help identify patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are at a high risk of relapse after achieving a complete remission (CR).
Effects of Mylotarg® in Pediatric Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia Reported (8/30/2005)
Researcher at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and six other cancer centers have reported a 28% combined partial and complete remission rate in children with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with single agent Mylotarg (gemtuzumab ozogamicin).
Regular Long-term Aspirin and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer (8/24/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the Women’s Health Study have reported that long-term aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer in a time and dose dependent manner.
Fludara®, Cyclophosphamide and Rituxan® Active in Early and Late CLL (6/24/2005)
Researchers from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a regimen of Fludara (fludarabine), cyclophosphamide, and Rituxan (rituximab) produces results superior to any previously tested for treatment of relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).[1] They also reported that this regimen is very active for initial treatment of CLL.[2]
Increased Exposure to Infection Decreases Incidence of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (6/1/2005)
Researchers affiliated with the United Kingdom Childhood Cancer Study (UKCCS) have reported that day care in infancy decreases the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for CLL (5/9/2005)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and several other cooperating transplant centers have reported that reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplants were effective therapy for patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Genasense™, An Antisense to Bcl-2, Shows Promise in AML (5/5/2005)
Researchers from Ohio University, University of Chicago, the National Cancer Institute and Genta, Inc. have reported a promising phase I study of Genasense™ (oblimersen) in untreated older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Reduced Intensity Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Refractory CLL and Follicular Lymphoma (4/22/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity regimen of thiotepa, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide results in high rate of complete clinical and molecular remissions in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular lymphoma.
Vaccine May Eradicate Minimal Residual Disease in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (3/2/2005)
Researchers from Italy have reported that a vaccine (CMLVAX100) targeting the BCR-ABL-derived p210 fusion protein reduces residual disease in some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who have reached a maximum response to Gleevec® (imatinib) or interferon alfa. The details of this phase II study appeared in the February 19, 2005 issue of the Lancet.
Early Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Benefit Intermediate-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia (2/22/2005)
French researchers have reported that allogeneic stem cell transplants in first complete remission (CR) benefit intermediate- but not good- or poor-risk patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The details of an analysis of 17 years of study were presented at the 2005 Tandem BMT meetings in Keystone Colorado, February 10-14, 2005.
Are Two Umbilical Cord Blood (UCB) Units Better Than One for Transplantation? (2/15/2005)
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have reported that “transplantation of 2 partially HLA-matched UCB is safe and may overcome the cell-dose barrier that limits the use of UCB in many adults and adolescents.” The details of this report appeared in the February 1, 2005 issue of Blood.
Vidaza™ Effective For Acute Myeloid Leukemia (1/27/2005)
Researchers from the Western Pennsylvania Cancer Institute have reported that oral Vidaza™ (5-azacitidine) is a useful outpatient drug for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).This study was presented in a poster session at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology December 4-7, 2004.
Clolar™ Approved for Pediatric ALL (1/18/2005)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Clolar™ (clofarabine) for the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Clolar™ is indicated for patients aged 1 to 21 years who have received at least 2 prior treatment regimens.
A Single Dose of Neulasta® is as Effective as 16 Doses of Neupogen® in Remission Induction of AML (12/28/2004)
According to results recently presented at the 46th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) appears at least as effective as Neupogen® (filgrastim) in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). One injection of Neulasta® was comparable to 16 injections of Neupogen® in this group of patients.
Zarnestra™ (Tipifarnib) Effective as Initial Treatment for Poor Risk and/or Elderly with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (12/20/2004)
According to results presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology, Zarnestra™ (tipifarnib) produces 34% response rate and may improve survival in elderly patients who cannot tolerate standard treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
Four-Year Results of Salvage Therapy for Advanced CML Still Hold Up (12/13/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the STI571 Study Group have reported the results of 4 years of follow-up of over 1,000 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with advanced disease. They reported an 82.4% survival for chronic phase (CP) patients failing initial interferon therapy and a 38% survival for patients treated in accelerated phase (AP). This analysis was reported at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).
Excellent Results of Gleevec® as Initial Therapy of CML Holding Up at 42 Months (12/10/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the IRIS study comparing interferon to Gleevec® as initial therapy for patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase have reported continuing success with Gleevec® therapy after 42 months of follow-up. The results of this analysis were reported at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego December 4-7.
New Drugs Target Gleevec®-Resistant CML (12/9/2004)
Researchers from UCLA and the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that a new kinase inhibitor BMS-354825 (BMS) has significant activity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who have disease resistant to Gleevec® (imatinib). Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center and Frankfurt, Germany have also reported success in treating Gleevec®-resistant CML with AMN107, an aminopyrimide inhibitor of Bcr-Able. All three of these studies were presented at the 2004 meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), December 4-7 2004.
Umbilical Cord Blood: Acceptable Source of Stem Cells for Adult Transplants (12/2/2004)
Two articles in the November 25, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine report the outcomes of 248 umbilical cord blood transplants in adults with acute leukemia. Both studies conclude that cord blood transplants are an acceptable source of stem cells for adults with leukemia who lack a suitable related or unrelated donor of stem cells.
Improved Outcome of Children with ALL with Less Intensive Treatment (11/4/2004)
Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported their latest results of adaptive treatment of children with ALL. They report 5-year and 8-year event-free survivals of 80.8% and 78.6%, respectively. The details of this study were reported in the November 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
Gleevec® is Safe and Effective for Children with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Leukemia (11/3/2004)
Researchers affiliated with Children’s Oncology Group have reported that Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate) is safe and effective in children with PH+ leukemias when administered in doses comparable to those administered to adults. The details of this study appeared in the November 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
Mylotarg® Effective for Relapsed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) (9/29/2004)
Researchers from Italy have reported that gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg®) “is highly effective as a single-agent treatment for patients with molecularly relapsed APL including those with advanced disease”. The details of this report appeared in the October 1, 2004 issue of Blood.
Children in Second Remission of AML Benefit from Autologous Transplantation (9/22/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Autologous Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry have reported that a significant fraction of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in second remission become long-term survivors. The details of this report appeared in the September 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
ZAP-70 is a Strong Predictor for Progression of CLL (8/26/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium have reported that the presence of the abnormal protein, ZAP 70, is a stronger predictor of aggressive CLL than unmutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region gene (IgVh). The details of this study appeared in the August 25, 2004 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Occurs in Over 10% of Patients with Plasma Cell Dyscrasias (8/19/2004)
Researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have reported that 13.6% of patients with plasma cell dyscrasias have vitamin B12 deficiency. They suggest that “serum vitamin B12 measurements should be part of the initial evaluation and subsequent workups for anemia in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias.” The details of this report appeared in the August 2004 issue of Cancer.
Treatment of Elderly Patients with APL is Highly Effective (8/17/2004)
Researchers from Spain have reported that 79% of elderly patients (ages 60-83) with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) are alive and disease-free 6 years after diagnosis when treated with anthracyclines and ATRA. These authors suggest that elderly patients have better risk disease than younger patients with APL and should be treated aggressively for optimal results. The details of this report appeared as an advanced on line publication on August 3, 2004 in Blood.
Outcomes of Patients with Core Binding Factor AML Defined (8/11/2004)
Researchers from Germany have confirmed that patients with core binding factor acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have a greater than 50% disease-free survival with conventional AML therapy and may not benefit from up-front autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplants. They also were able to identify adverse risk factors which will be helpful for stratification for future studies. The details of this meta-analysis appeared in an advanced online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on August 4, 2004.
Unrelated and Related Donor Stem Cell Transplants Produce Similar Outcomes for Adult ALL (7/21/2004)
Researchers affiliated with the European Bone Marrow Transplant (EBMT) Registry have reported that, for adults with acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) in first remission, stem cell transplants from unrelated donors result in similar outcomes to those observed following related allogeneic stem cell transplants. These results were published in the July 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Selected Patients with AML over Age 75 Benefit from Intensive Induction (7/15/2004)
Researchers from Marseille France have reported that 37% of a selected group of patients 75 years of age or older with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) achieve a complete remission and have a 22% 2-year survival after treatment with intensive induction therapy. They suggest that the condition of the patient should determine treatment and not age per se. The details of this study appeared in the July 15 issue of Cancer.
Neupogen® Corrects Gleevec®-Induced Neutropenia in Patients with CML (6/21/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the administration of Neupogen® corrects Gleevec® (imatinib mesylate)-induced neutropenia in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).[1] The details of this report appeared in the June 15, 2004 issue of Cancer.
Researchers Caution Against Wide Spread Use of Low-Dose CT Screening for Lung Cancer (6/16/2004)
Researchers from Duke University and the Mayo Clinic compared mortality rates of CT-scanned individuals at high-risk of lung cancer with those of similar patients screened by X-ray and sputum cytology. They concluded that “CT screening could produce similar outcomes to prior chest radiographic trials in this high-risk group.” The details of these analyses appeared in the June 1, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Gene Expression Profiling 100% Accurate for Diagnosis of Hairy Cell Leukemia (6/8/2004)
Italian researchers have reported that gene expression profiling can accurately identify hairy cell leukemia from other B-cell malignancies. The details of this report appeared in the June 5, 2004 issue of The Lancet.
Procrit® Corrects Anemia in CML Patients Treated with Gleevec® (5/25/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that anemia in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) therapy was corrected by the administration of erythropoietin (Procrit®). The details of this report appeared in the June 1, 2004 issue of Cancer.
Early Treatment of Younger Patients with Aggressive CLL with Autologous Stem Cell Transplants Looks Promising (5/24/2004)
Two recent publications have evaluated high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for younger patients with aggressive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Gene Profiling May Help Identify Poor Outcomes in Patients with AML (4/20/2004)
Two studies, one from Stanford and one from the Netherlands, suggest that gene profiling may substitute or add to the accuracy of cytogenetics in defining prognostic groups of patients with AML.
1,2 These reports were published in the April 15, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Increasing the Dose of Gleevec® Improves Molecular Response Rate in CML (4/13/2004)
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that increasing the dose of Gleevec® to 400 mg twice daily improves the response rate as measured by cytogenetics and PCR in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The results of this study were published in the April 15, 2004 issue of
Blood.
1
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant for CML in the Gleevec® Era: An EBMT Lecture by John Goldman (4/7/2004)
At the 30th annual meeting of the European Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) in Barcelona, John Goldman from Hammersmith Hospital presented a thorough opening lecture on the status of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the Gleevec® era.
ATRA in Consolidation Phase of Treatment of APL Improves Outcomes (3/24/2004)
Researchers from Spain have reported that patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) benefit from a risk adapted strategy that combines all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in induction and consolidation. The details of this cooperative group study appeared in the February 15, 2004 issue of Blood.
Three-Four Consolidation Courses Decreases Relapses in AML with inv(16)t(16;16) (3/22/2004)
Researchers affiliated with CALGB have reported that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have inv(16)(p13q22) or t(16;16)(p13;q22) cytogenetic abnormalities, inv(16)t(16;16), benefit from 3-4 cycles of high-dose cytarabine (HDAC) consolidation. The report was published in the March 15, 2004 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Gene Profiling for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Can Predict Outcome (2/26/2004)
The status of gene profiling in ALL was reviewed by Dr. Bernard Fine in a plenary session of the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry/American Association for Blood and Marrow Transplant (IBMTR/ASBMT) tandem meetings in Orlando Florida, February 13-17, 2004.
Thalidomide Effective for Myelofibrosis with Myeloid Metaplasia (2/17/2004)
Researchers from Italy have reported that patients with myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) significantly benefit from low-dose thalidomide treatment. The details of this study were published in the February 3, 2004 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
1
Meta-Analysis Fails to Show Benefit of Consolidation Autologous Transplant for Patients with AML in First Complete Remission (1/14/2004)
Researchers from Canada have performed meta-analyses of 6 randomized trials evaluating outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first remission who received chemotherapy without stem cell support or high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow support. They concluded that there was evidence that autologous transplants decreased the relapse rate but did not improve overall survival. The results of this study were published in the January 7, 2004 issue of the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute.
Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation Effective for Adult Patients with AML (1/5/2004)
Japanese researchers have reported successful engraftment of umbilical cord blood in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The results of this clinical trial were reported in the January 15, 2004 issue of
Blood.
Addition of Rituxan® to Chemotherapy may be Superior to Chemotherapy Alone in CLL (12/19/2003)
While the overall impact of Rituxan® on improving progression-free and overall survival in CLL as compared to fludarabine monotherapy has not been tested in a randomized trial to date, analysis of phase II data shows that fludarabine plus Rituxan® appear to be superior to fludarabine chemotherapy alone. Furthermore, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide plus Rituxan® improves survival over historical treatments including fludarabine plus or minus prednisone and fludarabine/cyclophosphamide.
Arsenic Trioxide and ATRA Highly Effective for Remission Induction of APL (12/12/2003)
Chinese and French researchers have reported that the combination of all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide is a very effective induction regimen which improves disease-free survival for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
1 The results of a randomized trial comparing arsenic trioxide alone, ATRA alone or the combination of arsenic trioxide and ATRA suggests synergism between these two drugs. The results of this trial were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December of 2003.
Gleevec® Treatment of Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive ALL Buys Time for Donor Search (12/12/2003)
Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents 40% of ALL cases in patients over the age of 40 years. For adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, survival at 3 years does not exceed 20% in most studies. Most cooperative groups have ongoing studies designed to improve the outcome of such patients. Most studies are based on the observation that recipients of allogeneic transplant from related or unrelated donors have improved survivals and up to 40%-50% of patients are long-term survivors. The outcomes for autologous stem cell transplants have not been clearly superior to intensive consolidation therapy without stem cell support but may be improved for the subset that achieves PCR negativity allowing the collection of leukemia-free stem cells.
Zarnestra™, a Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, Active in AML (12/10/2003)
Two multicenter US clinical trials have established Zarnestra™ as an active agent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Zarnestra™ has been evaluated in patients with refractory AML
1 and in elderly or high-risk patients with untreated AML.
2 The results of these 2 phase II clinical trials were presented at the 45th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December 2003.
High Response Rate of Hairy Cell Leukemia to Rituximab (Rituxan®) (11/26/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported an 80% overall response rate following Rituxan® treatment for patients with hairy cell leukemia who have failed previous therapy. The results of this phase II clinical trial appeared in the December 2003 issue of
Blood.
Thioguanine No More Effective and More Toxic than Mercaptopurine for Maintenance Therapy of ALL (10/15/2003)
German researchers have determined that mercaptopurine remains the maintenance therapy of choice for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The results of this clinical trial were published in the October 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Anti-Angiogenesis Agent, SU5416, May Have Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (10/13/2003)
Researchers from Germany and Switzerland have reported that SU5416, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), has single agent activity in patients with refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The results of this study were published in the October 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Molecular Studies Show Superiority of Gleevec® Over Interferon for Treatment of CML (10/9/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the International Randomised Study of Interferon versus STI571 (IRIS) Study Group reported that patients receiving Gleevec® had a higher rate of complete cytogenetic remissions and a higher proportion of patients achieving at least a 3 log reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels by 12 months of treatment. Since there were no recurrences reported in the group with at least a 3 log reduction, the researchers propose that “a reduction in BCR-ABL transcript levels of at least 3 log be used to define a major cytogenetic response.”
1
Gleevec® Effective in Older Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (9/10/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that older patients (age 60 years or older) benefit as much from imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) therapy as younger patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The results of this analysis were published in the September 15, 2003 issue of
Cancer.
British Researchers Determine Cost of Gleevec® Treatment of Patients with Advanced CML (8/18/2003)
Gleevec® (imatinib mesilate), a tyrosine kinase inhibitior, has emerged as the most effective non-transplant treatment available for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, it is an expensive drug. Researchers in the United Kingdom have now reported that the costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) is approximately $40,000 more than conventional therapy for patients treated in accelerated phase and almost $60,000 more for patients treated in blast crisis. These findings were published in the August 18, 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer.
Long-Term Outcomes from Childhood ALL Affected by Irradiation (8/14/2003)
Researchers from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported that children with ALL who have not received radiation to the brain have normal long-term survival while irradiation is associated with the development of second neoplasms, a slight excess in mortality, and an increased unemployment rate. These findings were published in the August 14, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
European Bone Marrow Transplant Group Reports Outcomes of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants in Children with CML (8/7/2003)
Researchers affiliated with the European Bone Marrow Transplant Group (EBMT) have reported 3 year overall survival rates of 75% for children (average age of 14 years) transplanted in the chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 42% for those transplanted in accelerated phase. These results were publshed in the August 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Higher Doses of Gleevec® May Be More Effective for CML (6/25/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that doubling the dose of Gleevec® from 400 mg per day to 400 mg twice per day increases the response rate including PCR negativity in 41%. There were no apparent increases in toxicity. These results were published in the July 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Targeted Busulfan Improves Allogeneic Transplant Results for CML (6/25/2003)
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the best survivals yet for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) receiving allogeneic transplants from HLA matched relatives. They attribute much of the improvement to adjusting the doses of busulfan (Bu) in the busulfan/cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) treatment regimen. These results were reported in the July 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Unrelated Stem Cell Transplants Effective for Children with Poor Risk ALL in Second CR (5/14/2003)
German and Austrian researchers report that unrelated donor transplants result in a 44% survival rate in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second complete remission (CR) with poor risk factors versus 0% following conventional chemotherapy. For children with good risk factors there was no advantage of transplants over conventional chemotherapy. These results were reported in the May 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Arsenic Trioxide is Best Therapy for Relapsed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (4/24/2003)
Two recent reports demonstrate the effectiveness of arsenic trioxide in the treatment of APL. In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved arsenic trioxide for the treatment of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) who relapsed after primary treatment or failed to achieve an initial remission. The FDA approval was based on a multi-institutional clinical trial showing a 70% CR rate following treatment with arsenic trioxide in patients with APL in relapse.
Rituxan® and Campath® can be Safely Given Together with Encouraging Responses in Refractory Lymphoid Malignancies Expressing CD20 and CD52 (4/22/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center reported improved response rates in patients with refractory CLL or other B-cell malignancies that coexpressed CD20 and CD52 when treated with combined Rituxan® (rituximab) and (Campath®) alemtuzumab for the treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or other B-cell malignancies. These reported favorable results were reported in the May 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Rituxan® and Campath® can be Safely Given Together with Encouraging Responses in Refractory Lymphoid Malignancies Expressing CD20 and CD52 (4/22/2003)
Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center reported improved response rates in patients with refractory CLL or other B-cell malignancies that coexpressed CD20 and CD52 when treated with combined Rituxan® (rituximab) and (Campath®) alemtuzumab for the treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or other B-cell malignancies. These reported favorable results were reported in the May 1, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Second Malignancies Are Frequent After Stem Cell Transplants (4/11/2003)
A study of second malignancies in children receiving stem cell transplants revealed that the risk of post-transplant malignancies, especially solid tumors, continues to increase even 20 years after transplant, necessitating long-term close follow-up for these patients. These results were reported by researchers from the University of Minnesota in the April 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Epoetin Improves Quality of Life of Cancer Patients (4/3/2003)
In the April 7, 2003 issue of the
British Journal of Cancer, French researchers present data on a randomized trial quantifying the improvement in quality of life measurements with epoetin compared to placebo. Recombinant erythropoietin (epoetin) is used to treat anemia in cancer patients. Procrit® is the usual form of epoetin, but more recently Aranesp®, a longer acting formulation, has been approved for use by the FDA. All clinicians recognize that anemia can produce significant morbidity, but there is controversy over how and when to use epoetin to correct anemia.
Gleevec® Found to Be Effective for Idiopathic Hypereosinophyllic Syndrome (4/1/2003)
Recently, it was reported that some patients with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome responded to Gleevec. This multicenter study also determined the molecular basis of the defect in one patient. They found that one patient had a complex chromosomal abnormality related to chromosome 4q12. These results were published in the March 27, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Gleevec Found to Be Effective for Idiopathic Hypereosinophyllic Syndrome (4/1/2003)
Recently, it was reported that some patients with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome responded to Gleevec. This multicenter study also determined the molecular basis of the defect in one patient. They found that one patient had a complex chromosomal abnormality related to chromosome 4q12. These results were published in the March 27, 2003 issue of the
New England Journal of Medicine.
Thalidomide Regimen Effective For Myeloid Metaplasia with Myelofibrosis (3/20/2003)
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported in the April 1, 2003 issue of
Blood that lowering the dose of thalidomide in patients with myeloid metaplasia with myelofibrosis (MMM) and adding oral prednisone improved the therapeutic index of thalidomide. (3)
Adolescents with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Have Better Survivals When Treated on Pediatric Rather Than Adult Protocols (3/3/2003)
Adolescents, ages 15 to 20, with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), are treated on either pediatric or adult protocols. The main difference between pediatric and adult protocols is dose intensity. As a generality, pediatric protocols for ALL involve higher doses of drugs administered over a shorter period of time. There have been few analyses of the impact of protocol choice on the outcome of adolescents with ALL. In the March 1, 2003 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology, French researchers report that survival of adolescent patients with ALL was improved if they received treatment on pediatric protocols.
First Report of Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (Mylotarg®) Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Children (2/27/2003)
Children with acute myeloid leukemia who relapse after initial remission induction have a very poor survival. Approximately 30% of these patients can be induced into a second remission but the duration of remission is usually less than 6 months.
Mylotarg® is a monoclonal antibody linked to a toxin called calicheamycin. The monoclonal antibody is directed at CD33 which is present in 80-90% of AML cells but is not present on the normal hematopoietic stem cell. Thus, the antibody-toxin conjugate can selectively kill leukemia cells. The primary toxicity of this agent is veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver, presumably because there are CD33-positive cells in the liver. Mylotarg® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 for the treatment of patients with AML over the age of 60 who had failed initial treatment. There have been no previous reports of treating children with AML with Mylotarg®. In an advanced publication of
Blood appearing on January 23, 2003, Dutch researchers reported the first results of treating children with AML with Mylotarg®.
Proleukin® May Decrease Recurrences Following Autologous Stem Cell Transplants for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (2/17/2003)
The treatment of younger patients (less than 60 years of age) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has significantly improved over the last three decades with complete remissions in over 80% of patients and long-term, disease-free survival of approximately 40%. Following remission induction, most patients receive intensive consolidation with 2-3 courses of high-dose cytarabine and daunorubicin, or an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant. The relative merits of stem cell transplants compared to intensive chemotherapy consolidation are controversial. Allogeneic stem cell transplants are always associated with a lower relapse rate but this benefit is often off set by a higher treatment-related mortality. The results of autologous stem cell transplants appear to be roughly equivalent to intensive chemotherapy consolidation. For patients receiving intensive consolidation with cytarabine and daunorubicin or an autologous stem cell transplant, the major cause of treatment failure is relapse. Thus, more needs to be done to prevent recurrences.
Exposure to Herbicides such as Agent Orange Linked to Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (1/29/2003)
Exposure of individuals to herbicides has been associated with an increased incidence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). There has been no clear link between exposure to herbicides and the development of acute or chronic leukemia. However, on January 23, 2003 the National Institute of Medicine, which is part of the National Academy of Sciences, released a report linking exposure of herbicides to an increased risk of developing chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One importance of these findings is that Veterans, who were exposed to the herbicide agent orange, can claim service connected disability if they develop HL, NHL or CLL.
Responses Seen Following Increased Doses of Gleevec® In Patients with CML Refractory to Lower Doses (1/14/2003)
Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®, STI571), a selective BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has recently been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for initial treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although Gleevec® is the most active agent ever developed for the treatment of CML, the optimal dose and schedule for this drug remains to be determined. Most clinical trials have not used maximum tolerated doses, which is the custom with most conventional cytotoxic agents. The standard dose is 400 mg per day orally, but higher doses have been used without undue toxicities. It has been known from the earliest in vitro and in vivo studies that some patients would develop resistance to Gleevec®. There has always been the possibility that doses of Gleevec® higher than 400 mg per day might be more effective. In the January 15 2003 issue of
Blood, researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center have now reported that higher doses of Gleevec® can produce responses in patients with CML who did not respond to conventional doses, or who ceased to respond after an initial response.
Genasense™, an Inhibitor of Bcl-2, has Clinical Activity for the Treatment of Refractory Acute Leukemia (1/13/2003)
Bcl-2 is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis which is a cause of cell death. Overexpression of this protein in patients with leukemia is associated with resistance to chemotherapy. The Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide, Genasense™ down-regulates Bcl-2 and has been investigated in several hematological malignances where Bcl-2 has been implicated in disease resistance. In vitro studies have suggested that Genasense™ can down-regulate Bcl-2 activity and inhibit cell viability. Thus, the targeting of Bcl-2 was a potential strategy for treatment of leukemia. Investigators from Ohio State University, University of Chicago, the National Cancer Institute and Genta, Inc. reported the results of treatment of patients with refractory leukemia with Genasense™ in the January 15, 2003 issue of
Blood.
Gleevec® Approved as Initial Therapy for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (1/2/2003)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Gleevec® for initial treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph-positive) chronic myeloid leukemia.
1 Gleevec® is now approved for all stages of Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia.
New Drug, Velcade", Shows Activity in Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (12/19/2002)
Over the past decade several new agents have been introduced to treat patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) including: Fludara®, Rituxan®, Zevalin™ and Bexxar® resulting in significant prolongation of survival. Now, an additional class of agents, the proteasome inhibitors, also appears to be active in patients with low-grade NHL. Velcade" (bortezomide, PS-341) is the first proteasome inhibitor to reach phase I and II testing in clinical trials. Proteasomes appear to be important for degradation of regulatory proteins that govern cell cycle, transcription factor activation, apoptosis and cell trafficking. Preclinical and clinical data have confirmed that inhibitors of the proteasome can act through multiple mechanisms to arrest tumor growth, tumor spread and angiogenesis. Proteasome inhibits degradation of wild-type tumor suppressor protein p53 and inhibits activation of a key transcription factor, nuclear factor kB. In addition, proteasome overrides bcl-2 gene over-expression, leading to apoptosis. Velcade™ has a high specificity for inhibition of proteasome activity. In phase I trials, Velcade™ was tolerated and showed a dose-related effect on proteasome activity.
Concurrent Rituxan® with Fludara® Improves CR Rate in Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia (CLL) (12/18/2002)
Rituxan® is an anti-CD20 antibody that has been used therapeutically since 1998 and there are numerous publications documenting the effectiveness of this agent for the treatment of low-grade and aggressive NHL, CLL, mantle cell NHL, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, EBV-associated lymphoma and autoimmune diseases of B cells. Most of the early studies involved the treatment of patients who had failed conventional chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. More recently there has been intense activity aimed at determining the optimal regimen and timing of Rituxan® for patients with CD20 positive B-cell malignancies. A recent report published in the January 2003 issue of Blood suggests that concurrent administration of Rituxan® and Fludara® is much more effective than sequential administration for treatment of CLL.
Bexxar™ Produces Long-Term Responses in Patients with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (12/15/2002)
Currently, there are two antibodies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for malignancies of B cell lymphocytes. Rituxan®, an anti-CD20 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who have failed initial therapy. Campath®, an anti-CD52 antibody, has been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have failed initial treatment. In addition, the FDA recently approved Zevalin™, which is essentially Rituxan® linked to 90Yttrium, for treatment of patients with NHL who have failed initial chemotherapy. An application for approval of Bexxar®, which is an anti-B cell antibody linked to iodine 131, is pending and will be reviewed by the FDA on December 17, 2002. There has been consternation about the approval of Zevalin™ and not Bexxar® by the FDA since both drugs appear to be very effective. At the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology there were three important presentations which should help in the approval process for Bexxar®.
British Researchers Fail to Find Benefit From Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant After Intensive Chemotherapy Induction and Consolidation for AML (12/13/2002)
The role of allogeneic stem cell transplants as consolidation therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission is changing due to the increased effectiveness of chemotherapy and the ability of cytogenetics to predict outcome. At the present time it is clear that patients with favorable cytogenetics (acute promyelocytic leukemia, t(8;21) and inv16) should not have an allogeneic stem cell transplant until after first relapse. This is because the results of chemotherapy consolidation are as good or better than for patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant. In this setting, the transplant related mortality offsets the benefits of a lower relapse rate associated with allogeneic stem cell transplants. However, the benefits of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in first remission for those with intermediate or poor cytogenetics remains an open question.
New Vaccine Produces Immunity and Responses in Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer have become more effective in the recent decade. Monoclonal antibodies such as Herceptin® and Rituxan® have evolved as effective treatment strategies for breast cancer and lymphoma. In addition, monoclonal antibodies have allowed the specific targeting of toxins and radioactive isotopes. However, despite a lot of effort, there are no vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of cancer. The most advanced vaccine is an idiotypic vaccine that is currently undergoing phase III testing. Vaccines for melanoma are promising, at least for the patients who achieve an immune response. The most recent development in vaccine therapy was reported at the 2002 annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology. Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center reported that they had developed a peptide vaccine which resulted in remissions in patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia (AML and CML).
Gleevec® Better than Conventional Treatment for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Gleevec® is a relatively new drug for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Gleevec® is a specific inhibitor of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase which has produced significant responses in patients with CML who have failed alfa-interferon (INF-alfa) or failed allogeneic stem cell transplants. Phase II studies have suggested that Gleevec® is superior to INF-alfa for the initial treatment of patients with newly diagnosed CML. Based on these observations, investigators from several medical centers performed a randomized clinical trial comparing Gleevec® to INF-alfa and low-dose cytarabine for initial treatment of patients with CML. The researchers reported the results of this trial at the 2002 meeting of the American Society of Hematology.
Mylotarg® Followed by Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation is Effective Therapy for Patients with Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (12/11/2002)
Patients with acute myeloid leukemia who relapse after initial remission induction have a very poor survival. Approximately 30% of these patients can be induced into a second remission but the duration of remission is usually less than 6 months.
Mylotarg® is a monoclonal antibody linked to a toxin called calicheamycin. The monoclonal antibody is directed at CD33 which is present in 80-90% of AML cells but is not present on the normal hematopoietic stem cell. Thus, the antibody-toxin conjugate can selectively kill leukemia cells. The primary toxicity of this agent is veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver, presumably because there are CD33 positive cells in the liver. Mylotarg® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2000 for the treatment of patients with AML over the age of 60 who had failed initial treatment.
Cytogenetic Classification of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Outlined (12/5/2002)
Acute myeloid leukemia is the most frequent acute leukemia in adults and is a very heterogenous disease. It is important to be able to predict prospective outcomes so that good risk patients can be spared intensive treatment and poor risk patients can be entered on innovative treatment protocols. Cytogenetics have offered the best way of accomplishing this. It has been known for over a decade that the specific cytogenetic abnormalities associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) predict survival following anthracycline and cytarabine therapy. This has already led to the classification of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) involving t(15:17)(q22;q21) as a separate disease which has a high cure rate with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) containing therapy. Several studies have also documented the relatively good outcome of individuals with t(8:21)(q22;q22) and inv(16)(p1q22)/t(16;16)(p13;q22). Other cytogenetic abnormalities are associated with a very poor outcome and normal cytogenetics with an intermediate outcome. In the December 15, 2002 issue of
Blood, investigators from all the cooperative groups have pooled data concerning outcomes of 1,213 patients with AML and determined the predictive ability of cytogenetics. This is the largest study with the longest median follow-up yet reported (over 8 years) for this type of analysis.
Long Term Follow-up Confirms Importance of ATRA in Curing Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (12/5/2002)
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has become an important part of the treatment regimen for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the optimal use of this agent has not been entirely clear. It now appears that it is important to include ATRA in both the induction and maintenance phases of treatment. The long term follow-up results of a large inter-group trial were published in the December 15, 2002 issue of
Blood. This trial evaluated the durability of responses that were previously reported.
Rituxan® and Fludara®: An Effective Regimen for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (10/24/2002)
The optimal treatment for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia remains to be determined. At the present time, the most active single agent is Fludara® (fludarabine). Initial treatment with Fludara® alone is associated with a 50-60% response rate, but all patients ultimately relapse. Rituxan® (rituximab) is an active agent for the treatment of patients with CLL who have recurrent disease but have not undergone extensive evaluation as initial therapy. Researchers in Germany have evaluated the combination of Fludara® and Rituxan® as initial therapy and for patients who have failed initial therapy in a phase II clinical trial. They reported their results in the November 1, 2002 issue of
Blood where they conclude that this combination of drugs is active and should be compared to Fludara® alone in a prospective randomized trial.
Parental Medications Can Affect The Incidence of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Offspring (10/7/2002)
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in children in all cultures. The etiology of childhood ALL is unknown, but some researchers suspect that fetal exposure to carcinogens could play a role. It has been shown in other studies that maternal use of folic acid is associated with a lower incidence of ALL. An increased incidence of ALL has been observed in children whose mothers are anemic. However, little is known about fetal exposure to other agents such as mind altering drugs like amphetamines (present in diet pills) and marijuana. The effect of paternal drug use on ALL has also not been explored.
Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants Effective in Patients Who Fail Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (10/2/2002)
High-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplantation is the treatment of choice for selected patients with Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. However, the majority of patients treated with autologous stem cell transplants will ultimately relapse and treatment options are few. Myeloablative regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants are associated with a high treatment-related mortality due to regimen-related toxicities and graft-versus-host disease. The recent development of non-myeloablative treatment regimens followed by allogeneic stem cell transplants has been associated with less early treatment-related mortality. Researchers in England have reported that this approach is successful in half the patients who have failed a previous autologous stem cell transplant. They reported their results in the October 2002 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Peripheral Blood Monitoring for Minimal Residual Disease Can Provide Useful Information in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (9/19/2002)
The usual method for monitoring of minimal residual disease in patients with leukemia is to perform sophisticated tests including PCR on bone marrow samples. Many patients who have a normal bone marrow on examination by light microscopy will have leukemia detected by more precise techniques. The detection of minimal residual disease is usually associated with relapse unless further treatment is given. In children, frequent bone marrow examinations can be traumatic and sometimes have to be done under heavy sedation or anesthesia. Researchers at St Jude Children's Research Hospital have compared the results on blood and bone marrow testing for minimal disease in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They found that peripheral blood tests correlated with bone marrow tests for T-cell ALL but not for B-cell ALL. Surprisingly, they found that children with minimal disease in the peripheral blood but not the bone marrow had a very poor outcome. They reported these results in the September 18, 2002 issue of
Blood.
Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in First Remission is Current Best Approach for Adults with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (9/19/2002)
Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents 40% of ALL cases in patients over the age of 40 years. For adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, survival at 3 years does not exceed 20% in most studies. Most cooperative groups have ongoing studies designed to improve the outcome of such patients. Most studies are based on the observation that recipients of allogeneic transplant from related or unrelated donors have improved survivals with up to 40%-50% of patients being long-term survivors. The outcomes for autologous stem cell transplants have not been clearly superior to intensive consolidation therapy without stem cell support. Researchers in France have reported a confirmation of these observations in 154 adults with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL and their results were published in the September 18, 2002 issue of
Blood.
Vitamin Supplementation Use During Pregnancy Decreases the Incidence of Neuroblastoma (8/28/2002)
It is generally recommended that pregnant women receive vitamin supplementation during pregnancy to assure normal growth and development of the fetus. Several studies have suggested that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy can prevent birth defects in the fetus. There have also been associations established between vitamin supplementation and the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumors. In fact, it has been suggested that the widespread use of vitamin supplementation in pregnant women has led to a decrease in the incidence of childhood medulloblastoma. However, the role of vitamin supplementation during pregnancy in the prevention of neuroblastoma has not been extensively explored. Researchers for several institutions in the U.S. and Canada have reported in the September 2002 issue of the journal of
Epidemiology that vitamin supplementation during pregnancy may decrease the incidence of neuroblastoma.
Canadian Study Confirms Better Results with Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Compared to Bone Marrow in Recipients of Allogeneic Transplants for Myeloid Malignancies (8/20/2002)
Over the past decade, peripheral blood stem cells have gradually replaced bone marrow as the source of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. Randomized studies have consistently shown faster engraftment, similar incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease and, usually, an increased incidence of chronic graft-versus- host disease. To date, the only survival advantage has been in patients transplanted for advanced malignancies. In the September 1, 2002 issue of the journal
Blood, researchers affiliated with the Canadian Bone Marrow Transplant Group have published data that supports the above findings, but in addition, they found a survival advantage for patients transplanted for chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase. However, they also found an increase in the incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease. There were no subgroups who appeared to be harmed by receiving peripheral blood stem cells rather than bone marrow.
Cancer Survivors With Low Sperm Counts Are Candidates for Assisted Reproduction Techniques (8/8/2002)
Chemotherapy, especially with alkylating agents, and radiation therapy cause significant damage to the testes. Sperm production is as sensitive to damage as bone marrow and mucosal cells because of the rapid turnover of cells. Such treatments result in low or absent sperm counts. In men with absent sperm, there is nothing that can currently be done to make them fertile. However, many men will have low sperm counts and can theoretically become fathers by assisted reproduction techniques, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
The Administration of Growth Hormone Increases Height in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (7/24/2002)
Children who become long-term survivors from ALL often have poor growth and development including short stature. The reasons for this are multifactorial and can include premature closing of the epipiseal plates and damage to endocrine organs. It is clear that some children have a specific decrease in the levels of growth hormone. There have been several studies that have suggested that administering growth hormone to children who have completed therapy for ALL improves growth and development. The administration of growth hormone can also improve muscle and cardiac function, increase bone mineral density and normalize serum lipid concentrations, resulting in an improved quality of life in deficient individuals.
Elitek® Approved by FDA for Tumor Lysis Syndrome (7/19/2002)
The Food and Drug Administration has approved Elitek™ (rasburicase) for pediatric patients at a high risk of developing tumor lysis syndrome from treatment of their cancer. Elitek™ is a genetically engineered enzyme that breaks down uric acid so by-products can be safely excreted through the kidneys.
Rapidity of Blast Clearance From Bone Marrow is Main Predictor of Treatment Failure for Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (6/24/2002)
Failure of children with ALL to achieve a complete remission promptly has been associated with a poor outcome. Identifying children with a high risk of relapse is important because they can be put on more aggressive protocols, while good-risk patients can be spared the more intensive treatment and its associated side effects. Two reports in the July 2002 issue of
Blood help to better classify such poor-risk patients and emphasize the importance of persistent leukemia cells following induction.
Maintenance Therapy for Childhood AML Associated with Poor Survival Compared to No Maintenance (6/17/2002)
Children with AML have a high remission rate, but the majority of patients will ultimately relapse. The best post induction therapy is probably allogeneic transplantation for children who have suitable donors. For the remainder of patients, it has not been clear if they benefit from prolonged chemotherapy maintenance after consolidation. French researchers have reported that prolonged maintenance therapy in children with AML may be detrimental in that it is associated with poor salvage rates and survivals. They reported their findings in the June 12 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Prolonged Maintenance Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia has a Renewed Interest (6/10/2002)
Over the past decade or two, maintenance chemotherapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who achieve a complete remission (CR) has been abandoned in favor of intensive consolidation. However, the issue of benefit from long-term maintenance was raised at the 2002 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Shortened Intensive Chemotherapy May Improve Outcomes of Patients with Low and Intermediate-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (6/5/2002)
Adult patients with low and intermediate-risk ALL have an approximate 35% cure rate with current chemotherapy, which has included cranial radiation and high doses of anthracyclines. Cranial radiation and high-dose anthracycline treatment can be associated with severe side effects. At the University of California at San Francisco, researchers have focused their attention on improving the outcomes of adult patients with ALL by decreasing the total amount of anthracyclines administered and omitting cranial radiation. They published their results in the May 15 issue of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Gleevec® More Effective and Better Tolerated Than Interferon (IFN) for Initial Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) (5/24/2002)
According to results presented by Brian Druker at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Gleevec® had significantly greater efficacy and was better tolerated than interferon as first-line treatment of CML.
Large Study Defines Results of Gleevec® in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Myeloid Blast Crisis (5/22/2002)
According to results recently published in
Blood, Gleevec® used as a single agent induces responses in patients with CML in blast crisis (BC).
Component of Red Wine Has Potential Anti-cancer Properties (5/20/2002)
According to results recently published in the
British Journal of Cancer, the cancer preventive agent resveratrol metabolizes into the anti-leukemic agent piceatannol, which may provide a novel explanation for the cancer preventive properties of resveratrol.
Campath® Antibody Effective for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) who Have Failed Fludara® (5/8/2002)
According to results recently published in
Blood, Campath® appears to produce significant responses in patients with CLL who have failed Fludara®.
Intensive Chemotherapy or Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant For Consolidation of t(8;21) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Yields Equivalent Results: Risk of Failure Defined by White Blood Cell Count and Mar (5/7/2002)
The t(8;21)(q22;q22) translocation occurs in approximately 8% of patients with de novo AML. Clinically, t(8;21) AML has been associated with a high rate of complete remission (CR) and favorable outcome compared with other AML subsets, except in children. Survival following complete remission and intensive consolidation therapy has consistently resulted in excess of 50%. This has led to the recommendation that patients with t(8;21)AML not be transplanted in first remission but at the first sign of relapse or in second remission. However, up to 50% of patients with t(8;21) AML will ultimately relapse and die of their disease. Very little is known about the characteristics of the non-cured patients with t(8;21) AML compared to the cured patients. French researchers evaluated outcomes of 154 patients with t(8;21) AML who had achieved a complete remission out of a total of 161 patients. The results of this analysis were reported in the May 15, issue of the journal
Blood.
Stem Cell Transplants from Unrelated Donors Effective for Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in Second Remission (4/30/2002)
Results from a recent analysis by the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (IBMTR) recently published in
Blood indicate that unrelated stem cell transplants produce similar results as related in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in second remission.
Abnormal Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) of Femoral Marrow May Predict Relapses in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in First Complete Remission (CR) (4/18/2002)
Patients with AML who achieve a CR can be cured or are destined to relapse. Prediction of those who are destined to relapse would allow for other interventions such as stem cell transplantation. Some of the factors predictive of outcome include: requiring more than one course of chemotherapy to achieve CR or adverse cytogenetics. Once remission has been achieved, persistence of cytogenetic abnormalities predict for relapse. However, other more easily performed tests are desirable.
E coli-Asparaginase Superior to Erwinia-Asparaginase (4/10/2002)
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Children's Leukemia Group (EORTC-CLG) have reported that E coli-Asparaginase results in better survival of children with ALL than Erwinia-Asparaginase. These results were published in the April 15 issue of the journal
Blood.
Transplantation of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Rather than Bone Marrow Improves disease-free-survival after HLA-identical Unrelated Donor Transplants for Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (3/19/2002)
Researchers in Germany compared outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (n = 37) with bone marrow transplantation (n = 54) for patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia receiving HLA-compatible unrelated donor transplants. The median follow-up was 17 months after PBSCT and 29 months after BMT. Both neutrophil and platelet recovery were faster after peripheral blood stem cell transplants (P <.05). Peripheral blood stem cell transplants were associated with improved immune reconstitution, with higher peripheral blood naive (CD4(+)CD45RA(+)) and memory (CD4(+) CD45RO(+)) helper T cells at 3 months and 12 months after transplantation (P <.03).
Retrospective Study Shows Improved Results of Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cells for Unrelated Donor Transplants for Patients with First Chronic Phase Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (2/14/2002)
Peripheral blood stem cells are emerging as a preferred source of stem cells for allogeneic transplantation. However, the transition from bone marrow to peripheral blood has been slow due to concerns over exposing stem cell donors to the risks of Neupogen® for mobilization of stem cells.
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