Steroid treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease grade I: A randomized trial

Patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) grade I were randomized to an observation arm (n=85) or to a treatment arm (n=86) consisting of 6-methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day, after stratification for age and donor type. The primary end point was development of grade II-IV GvHD. The cumulative incidence of grade II-IV GvHD was 50% in the observation arm and 33% in the treatment arm (P=0.005). However, grade III-IV GvHD was comparable (13% vs. 10%, respectively; P=0.6), and this was true for sibling and alternative donor transplants. Moderate/severe chronic GvHD was also comparable (17% vs. 9%). In multivariate analysis, an early interval between transplant and randomization

Changes in Stem Cell Transplant activity and procedures during SARS-CoV2 pandemic in Italy: an Italian Bone Marrow Transplant Group (GITMO) nationwide analysis (TransCOVID-19 Survey)

The Transplant Centers belonging to Gruppo Italiano per il Trapianto di Midollo Osseo (GITMO) conducted a survey with the aim of evaluating the effect of SARS-CoV2 pandemic on the allogeneic transplant activity in Italy. The pandemic period from 1/3/2020 to 31/7/2020 was compared with the same period in 2019. Overall, in 2020 there was a 2.4% reduction in the number of allo-HCT cases compared to 2019. Interestingly, this deflection did not affect the acute leukemia cases (+5.7% in 2020). The use of peripheral blood-derived stem cells (+10.7%) and cryopreservation (97.4% of the centers) was highly adopted in 2020. Despite the sanitary emergency, almost all of the surveyed centers declared no impact of SARS-CoV2 pandemic on the transplant timing and outcomes, and the sanitary policy was positively evaluated by the majority of centers. The emergency measures ensured that only a minority of the allo-HCT patients had been infected by SARS-CoV2; however, a mortality of 42.1% among the allo-HCT patients hospitalized for COVID-19 was recorded. This survey gives us the information that the GITMO Group reacted positively to the pandemic. Thanks to the emergency strategies, the Italian allo-HCT activity continued safely, showing only a minor deflection and offering the same probability of cure to the transplanted patients

Busulfan- or Thiotepa-Based Conditioning in Myelofibrosis: A Phase II Multicenter Randomized Study from the GITMO Group

We are reporting a randomized study comparing fludarabine in combination with busulfan (FB) or thiotepa (FT), as conditioning regimen for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients with myelofibrosis. The primary study endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Sixty patients were enrolled with a median age of 56 years and an intermediate-2 or high-risk score in 65%, according to the Dynamic International Prognostic Staging System (DIPSS). Donors were HLA-identical sibling (n=25), matched unrelated (n=25) or single allele mismatched unrelated (n=10). With a median follow-up of 22 months (range 1-68), the following outcomes at 2 years after HSCT in the FB vs. the FT arm were as follows: PFS 43% vs 55%, (P=.28), overall survival (OS) 54% vs. 70% (P=.17), relapse/progression 36% vs 24% (P=.24), non-relapse mortality (NRM) 21% in both arms (P=.99) and graft failure 14% vs. 10% (P=.96). A better PFS was observed in patients with intermediate-1 DIPSS score (P=.03). Neutrophil and platelet engraftment was significantly influenced by prior splenectomy [HR 2.28 (95% CI, 1.16-4.51) P=.02] and splenomegaly at transplant [HR 0.51 (95% CI, 0.27-0.94) P=.03]. In conclusion, the clinical outcome after HSCT was comparable when using either a busulfan or thiotepa based conditioning regimen

Outcome of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adult Patients with Philadelphia Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the Era of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. A Registry-Based Study of the Italian Blood and Marrow Transplantation Society (Gitmo)

Abstract PURPOSE: We performed a nationwide registry-based analysis to describe the clinical outcome of adults patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) who underwent an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) after a TKI-based treatment. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: A total of 441 patients were included in the study. The median age at HSCT was 44 years (range 18-70). All the 441 patients (100%) received TKI before the HSCT (performed between 2005 and 2016). Of these patients, 404 (92%) were in cytologic complete remission (CR), while the remaining 37 (8%) had an active disease at the time of HSCT. Molecular minimal residual disease (MRD) was negative in 147 patients (36%) at the time of HSCT. The donor was unrelated in 46% of cases. The prevalent source of stem cells was peripheral blood (70%). The conditioning regimen was myeloablative in 82% of cases (TBI-based in 50%) and included ATG in 51% of cases. With a median follow-up after HSCT of 39.4 months (range: 1-145), the overall survival (OS) probability at 1, 2 and 5 years was 69.6%, 61.1% and 50.3%, respectively, with a median OS of 62 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) at 1, 2 and 5 years was 60.2%, 52.1% and 43.7%, respectively. OS and PFS were significantly better in patients with CR and MRD-negative at the time of transplant compared with those of patients with CR but MRD-positive (50% OS not reached vs. 36 months, P=0.015; 50% PFS not reached vs. 26 months, P=0.003). The subgroup of MRD-negative patients both at HSCT and at 3 months after HSCT had a better outcome (5 years OS rate 70%). Conversely, the 37 patients who underwent a HSCT with active Ph+ ALL had a median OS and PFS of 7 and 5 months, respectively. The 5 years cumulative incidence of relapse was significantly lower in MRD-negative patients (19.5% vs. 35.4%, P=0.001). The non-relapse mortality (NRM) after 1, 2 and 5 years was 19.1% (95%CI: 15.5-22.9), 20.7% (95%CI: 17-24.7) and 24.1% (95%CI: 20-28.5), respectively. The NRM was significantly lower with a mEBMT risk score of 0-2 compared with mEBMT risk score of 65 3 (15% vs. 25%, P=0,016). CONCLUSIONS: The median OS for Ph+ ALL patients who underwent a TKI-based treatment followed by an allograft, in recent years at the GITMO Centers, was 62 months. Evaluation of the mEBMT risk score can be useful to predict NRM. Our data confirm that HSCT is a potentially curative treatment for Ph+ ALL with an excellent outcome for the subgroup of patients MRD-negative both at HSCT and at 3 months after HSCT (5 year OS 70%)

GITMO REGISTRY STUDY ON ALLOGENEIC TRANSPLANTATION IN PATIENTS AGED OVER 60 FROM 2000 TO 2017. IMPROVEMENTS AND CRITICISMS

Background: Nowadays, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) can be offered to patients up to the age of 70-72 years and represents one of the most effective curative treatments for many hematological malignancies. Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to collect data from the allo-SCTs performed in Italy from 2000 to 2017 in patients over 60 years of age to evaluate the changes in safety and efficacy outcomes as well as their distribution and characteristics over time. Study design: The GITMO AlloEld study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04469985) is a retrospective, analysis of the allo-SCTs performed 30 Italian transplant Centers on older patients (≥ 60 years) from 2000 to 2017 (n=1,996). Results: For the purpose of analysis, patients were grouped into three time periods: time A: 2000-2005, n=256 (12%); time B: 2006-2011, n=584 (29%); and time C: 2012-2017, n=1156 (59%). After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, the 5-year Non Relapse Mortality (NRM) remained stable (time A: 32.8%; time B: 36.2%; and time C: 35.0%, p = 0.5); the Overall Survival (OS) improved (time A: 28.4%; time B: 31.8%; and time C: 37.3%, p = 0.012); and the Cumulative Incidence of Relapse (CIR) reduced (time A: 45.3%; time B: 38.2%; time C: 30.0%, p < 0.0001). The 2-year incidence of extensive cGVHD reduced significantly (time A: 17.2%; time B: 15.8%; and time C: 12.2%, p = 0.004). Considering times A and B together (2000-2011), the 2-year NRM was positively correlated to the HCT-CI score; patients with HCT-CI of 0, 1 or 2, or ≥3 had rates of NRM of 25.2%, 33.9%, and 36.1%, respectively, (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, after 2012, the HCT-CI score was not significantlly predictive of NRM. Conclusions: The study shows that the transplant procedure in elderly patients became more effective over time. Relapse incidence remains the major problem and strategies to prevent it are under investigation (e.g. post-transplant maintenance). Today, the selection of patients aged over 60 could be improved by combining HCT-CI and frailty assessments to better predict NRM

GITMO Registry Study on Allogeneic Transplantation in Patients Aged ≥60 Years from 2000 to 2017: Improvements and Criticisms

none37: Today, allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) can be offered to patients up to age 70 to 72 years and represents one of the most effective curative treatments for many hematologic malignancies. The primary objective of the study was to collect data from the allo-SCTs performed in Italy between 2000 and 2017 in patients aged ≥60 years to evaluate the changes in safety and efficacy outcomes, as well as their distribution and characteristics over time. The Italian Group for Bone Marrow Transplantation, Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Cell Therapy (GITMO) AlloEld study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04469985) is a retrospective analysis of allo-SCTs performed at 30 Italian transplantation centers in older patients (age ≥60 years) between 2000 and 2017 (n = 1996). For the purpose of this analysis, patients were grouped into 3 time periods: time A, 2000 to 2005 (n = 256; 12%); time B, 2006 to 2011 (n = 584; 29%); and time C, 2012 to 2017 (n = 1156; 59%). After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, the 5-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM) remained stable (time A, 32.8%; time B, 36.2%; and time C, 35.0%; P = .5), overall survival improved (time A, 28.4%; time B, 31.8%; and time C, 37.3%; P = .012), and the cumulative incidence of relapse was reduced (time A, 45.3%; time B, 38.2%; time C, 30.0%; P < .0001). The 2-year incidence of extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease was reduced significantly (time A, 17.2%; time B, 15.8%; time C, 12.2%; P = .004). Considering times A and B together (2000 to 2011), the 2-year NRM was positively correlated with the Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) score; NRM was 25.2% in patients with an HCT-CI score of 0, 33.9% in those with a score of 1 or 2, and 36.1% in those with a score of 3 (P < .001). However, after 2012, the HCT-CI score was not significantly predictive of NRM. This study shows that the transplantation procedure in elderly patients became more effective over time. Relapse incidence remains the major problem, and strategies to prevent it are currently under investigation (eg, post-transplantation maintenance). The selection of patients aged ≥60 could be improved by combining HCT-CI and frailty assessment to better predict NRM.noneMalagola, Michele; Polverelli, Nicola; Rubini, Vicky; Martino, Massimo; Patriarca, Francesca; Bruno, Benedetto; Giaccone, Luisa; Grillo, Giovanni; Bramanti, Stefania; Bernasconi, Paolo; De Gobbi, Marco; Natale, Annalisa; Terruzzi, Elisabetta; Olivieri, Attilio; Chiusolo, Patrizia; Carella, Angelo Michele; Casini, Marco; Nozzoli, Chiara; Mazza, Patrizio; Bassi, Simona; Onida, Francesco; Vacca, Adriana; Falcioni, Sadia; Luppi, Mario; Iori, Anna Paola; Pavone, Vincenzo; Skert, Cristina; Carluccio, Paola; Borghero, Carlo; Proia, Anna; Selleri, Carmine; Sacchi, Nicoletta; Mammoliti, Sonia; Oldani, Elena; Ciceri, Fabio; Russo, Domenico; Bonifazi, FrancescaMalagola, Michele; Polverelli, Nicola; Rubini, Vicky; Martino, Massimo; Patriarca, Francesca; Bruno, Benedetto; Giaccone, Luisa; Grillo, Giovanni; Bramanti, Stefania; Bernasconi, Paolo; De Gobbi, Marco; Natale, Annalisa; Terruzzi, Elisabetta; Olivieri, Attilio; Chiusolo, Patrizia; Carella, Angelo Michele; Casini, Marco; Nozzoli, Chiara; Mazza, Patrizio; Bassi, Simona; Onida, Francesco; Vacca, Adriana; Falcioni, Sadia; Luppi, Mario; Iori, Anna Paola; Pavone, Vincenzo; Skert, Cristina; Carluccio, Paola; Borghero, Carlo; Proia, Anna; Selleri, Carmine; Sacchi, Nicoletta; Mammoliti, Sonia; Oldani, Elena; Ciceri, Fabio; Russo, Domenico; Bonifazi, Francesc

Allelic HLA Matching and Pair Origin Are Favorable Prognostic Factors for Unrelated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Neoplastic Hematologic Diseases: An Italian Analysis by the Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Cellule Staminali e Terapie Cellulari, Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, and Associazione Italiana di Immunogenetica e Biologia dei Trapianti

: HLA molecules are important for immunoreactivity in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The Gruppo Italiano Trapianto di Cellule Staminali e Terapie Cellulari, Italian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, and Associazione Italiana di Immunogenetica e Biologia dei Trapianti promoted a retrospective observational study to evaluate HLA matching and the impact of allelic HLA mismatching and non-HLA factors on unrelated Italian HSCT outcomes. From 2012 to 2015, 1788 patients were enrolled in the study. The average donor age was 29 years and the average recipient age was 49 years. As a conditioning regimen, 71% of the patients received myeloablative conditioning. For GVHD prophylaxis, 76% received either antithymocyte or anti-T lymphocyte globulin, cyclosporine A, and methotrexate. Peripheral blood was the stem cell source in 80%. The median duration of follow-up was 53 months. Regarding HLA matching, 50% of donor-recipient pairs were 10/10 matched, 38% had 1 mismatch, and 12% had 2 or more mismatches. A total of 302 pairs shared Italian origin. Four-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, GVHD-free relapse-free survival, and relapse rates were 49%, 40%, 22%, and 34%, respectively. The 4-year NRM was 27%, and the 100-day cumulative incidence of grade ≥II acute GVHD (aGVHD) was 26%. In multivariate analysis, 9/10 and ≤8/10 HLA allele-matched pairs were associated with worse OS (P = .04 and .007, respectively), NRM (P = .007 and P < .0001, respectively), and grade III-IV aGVHD (P = .0001 and .01, respectively). Moreover, the incidences of grade II-IV aGVHD (P = .001) and chronic GVHD (P = .002) were significantly lower in Italian pairs. In conclusion, 10/10 HLA matching is a favorable prognostic factor for unrelated HSCT outcome in the Italian population. Moreover, the presence of 2 HLA-mismatched loci was associated with a higher NRM (P < .0001) and grade II-IV aGVHD (P = .006) and a poorer OS (P = .001) compared with 1 HLA-mismatched locus in early or intermediate disease phases. Finally, we found that Italian donor and recipient origin is a favorable prognostic factor for GVHD occurrence