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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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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 .
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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