| 1. |
- Malmberg, Erik, et al.
(författare)
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Minimal residual disease assessed with deep sequencing of NPM1 mutations predicts relapse after allogeneic stem cell transplant in AML
- 2019
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Ingår i: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 60:2, s. 409-417
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mutations in NPM1 can be used for minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We here applied a newly introduced method, deep sequencing, allowing for simultaneous analysis of all recurrent NPM1 insertions and thus constituting an attractive alternative to multiple PCRs for the clinical laboratory. We retrospectively used deep sequencing for measurement of MRD pre- and post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT). For 29 patients in morphological remission at the time of alloHCT, the effect of deep sequencing MRD on outcome was assessed. MRD positivity was defined as variant allele frequency ≥0.02%. Post-transplant MRD status was significantly and independently associated with clinical outcome; 3-year relapse-free survival 20% vs 85% (p <.001), HR 45 (95% CI 2–1260), and overall survival 20% vs 89% (p <.001), HR 49 (95% CI 2–1253). Thus, the new methodology deep sequencing is an applicable and predictive tool for MRD assessment in AML.
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| 2. |
- Bernson, Elin, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Cytomegalovirus Serostatus Affects Autoreactive NK Cells and Outcomes of IL2-Based Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cancer Immunology Research. - : American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). - 2326-6066 .- 2326-6074. ; 6:9, s. 1110-1119
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is reported to promote NK cell differentiation and education. The CMV-induced generation of highly differentiated adaptive-like NK cells has been proposed to affect favorably on the maintenance of remission in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). The impact of CMV infection and adaptive-like NK cells on relapse and survival of patients with AML not receiving allo-SCT remains unknown. We assayed CMV IgG serostatus to determine past CMV infection in 81 nontransplanted AML patients who were receiving relapse-prevention immunotherapy comprising histamine dihydrochloride and low-dose interleukin-2 (HDC/IL2; NCT01347996). CMV seropositivity correlated negatively with leukemia-free and overall survival of patients receiving HDC/IL2, but did not correlate with outcomes in a contemporary control cohort. Analysis of outcome after stratification of patients based on concordant or discordant killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and HLA genotypes implied that the negative impact of CMV seropositivity was restricted to patients lacking a ligand to inhibitory KIRs (iKIR). Previous CMV infection was also associated with fewer NK cells expressing only nonself iKIRs (NS-iKIR). We propose that CMV-driven NK cell education depletes the population of NS-iKIR NK cells, which in turn reduces the clinical benefit of relapse-preventive immunotherapy in AML.
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| 3. |
- Bernson, Elin, 1987, et al.
(författare)
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Impact of killer-immunoglobulin-like receptor and human leukocyte antigen genotypes on the efficacy of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia
- 2017
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Ingår i: Leukemia. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0887-6924 .- 1476-5551. ; 31:12, s. 2552-2559
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Interactions between killer-immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their HLA class I ligands are instrumental in natural killer (NK) cell regulation and protect normal tissue from NK cell attack. Human KIR haplotypes comprise genes encoding mainly inhibitory receptors (KIR A) or activating and inhibitory receptors (KIR B). A substantial fraction of humans lack ligands for inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs), that is, a 'missing ligand' genotype. KIR B/x and missing ligand genotypes may thus give rise to potentially autoreactive, unlicensed NK cells. Little is known regarding the impact of such genotypes in untransplanted acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For this study, NK cell phenotypes and KIR/HLA genotypes were determined in 81 AML patients who received immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride and low-dose IL-2 for relapse prevention (NCT01347996). We observed that presence of unlicensed NK cells impacted favorably on clinical outcome, in particular among patients harboring functional NK cells reflected by high expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp46. Genotype analyses suggested that the clinical benefit of high NCR expression was restricted to patients with a missing ligand genotype and/or a KIR B/x genotype. These data imply that functional NK cells are significant anti-leukemic effector cells in patients with KIR/HLA genotypes that favor NK cell autoreactivity.
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| 4. |
- Björk, Yvonne, et al.
(författare)
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Androgens in women after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation : Impact of chronic GvHD and glucocorticoid therapy
- 2017
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Ingår i: Bone Marrow Transplantation. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0268-3369 .- 1476-5365. ; 52:3, s. 431-437
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Low androgen levels may contribute to sexual dysfunction in women after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). However, data on serum androgens in women after alloHCT are limited. The aim of this study was to assess androgen levels and their association with chronic GvHD (cGvHD) and glucocorticoid (GC) therapy. Included were 65 allografted women, 33 with cGvHD, and 23 of these were on GC therapy. Controls were 94 healthy, age-matched women. Supportive study groups were women after autologous HCT (autoHCT; n=20) and non-transplanted women on GC therapy (n=26). Compared with controls, free testosterone (free T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were lower in both the alloHCT group and GC groups; P<0.0001 and P<0.05, respectively. Androgens in the autoHCT group were similar or higher than controls. In the subgroup of alloHCT patients without cGvHD, free T was similar to controls (7.2 vs 8.6 pmol/L; P=0.42), whereas DHEAS levels was lower than controls (1.7 vs 2.5 μmol/L; P=0.008). Compared with controls, cGvHD without GC (n=10) was associated with lower free T and DHEAS; P=0.004 and P=0.0004, respectively). The lowest androgen levels were seen in women with both cGvHD and GC therapy. In conclusion, low serum androgens were associated with cGvHD and GC therapy, prompting for studies assessing a possible association between low androgens and sexual dysfunction and quality of life in allografted women.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Hallner, Alexander, 1990, et al.
(författare)
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The HLA-B-21 dimorphism impacts on NK cell education and clinical outcome of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia
- 2019
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Ingår i: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 133:13, s. 1479-1488
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Natural killer (NK) cell function is regulated by inhibitory receptors, such as the family of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and the NKG2A/CD94 heterodimer. These receptors recognize cognate HLA class I molecules on potential target cells, and recent studies imply that an HLA-B dimorphism at position -21 in the gene segment encoding the leader peptide dictates whether NK cell regulation primarily relies on the KIRs or the NKG2A/CD94 receptor. The impact of this HLA-B dimorphism on NK cell-mediated destruction of leukemic cells or on the course of leukemia is largely unknown. In a first part of this study, we compared functions of NK cells in subjects carrying HLA-B -21Mor 21T using interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated NK cells and leukemic cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Subjects carrying HLA-B -21M harbored better-educated NKG2A1 NK cells and displayed superior capacity to degranulate lytic granules against KIR ligandmatched primary leukemic blasts. Second, we aimed to define the potential impact of HLA-B -21 variation on the course of AML in a phase 4 trial in which patients received IL-2based immunotherapy. In keeping with the hypothesis that 21M may be associated with improved NK cell functionality, we observed superior leukemia-free survival and overall survival in -21M patients than in -21T patients during IL-2based immunotherapy. We propose that genetic variation at HLA-B -21 may determine the antileukemic efficacy of activated NK cells and the clinical benefit of NK cell-activating immunotherapy.
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| 7. |
- Knutsson, Eva Smith, et al.
(författare)
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A prospective study of female genital chronic graft-versus-host disease symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 0001-6349 .- 1600-0412. ; 97:9, s. 1122-1129
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- IntroductionFemale genital chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) for blood malignancies. Unattended inflammation and fibrosis in the vulva andvagina may lead to total vaginal stenosis. The course and treatment of genital cGvHD was observed in this population-based prospective study. Material and methodsWomen (n=41) receiving alloHCT in 2005-10 were examined before and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36months post-transplant. Vulvovaginal signs were documented, National Institutes of Health clinical scores were calculated, and women completed questionnaires on symptoms, the Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory. Local immunosuppressive treatment was given weekly. ResultsGenital cGvHD was diagnosed in 27 women (incidence 56% at 12months; 66% at 36months); extragenital cGvHD was found in 21/27. The most common signs at diagnosis were red and white spots, reticular white lines, fissures, synechiae and telangiectasia; symptoms included dryness, itching, dyspareunia, pain or no symptoms. Thirteen women were treated on a schedule of tacrolimus and clobetazol ointments. Although some signs progressed during treatment, only two women developed total stenosis. At 36months, 12 women still had genital cGvHD. ConclusionsGenital cGvHD develops mainly in the first year after alloHCT. Early intervention may halt its progress to severe fibrosis, but despite correct diagnosis and treatment, symptoms and signs may become chronic. Women who develop genital cGvHD following alloHCT require life-long gynecological supervison and care.
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| 8. |
- Martner, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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NK cell expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors may determine relapse risk in older AML patients undergoing immunotherapy for remission maintenance.
- 2015
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Ingår i: Oncotarget. - : Impact Journals, LLC. - 1949-2553. ; 6:40, s. 42569-74
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a phase IV trial, eighty-four patients (age 18-79) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR) received cycles of immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) and low-dose human recombinant interleukin-2 (IL-2) to prevent relapse in the post-consolidation phase. Aspects of natural killer (NK) cell biology were analyzed before and during immunotherapy with focus on outcome in older patients. In younger (<60 years old, n = 37) and older patients (>60 years old, n = 47), treatment with HDC/IL-2 resulted in an expansion of CD56bright and CD16+ NK cells in blood along with an increased NK cell expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) NKp30 and NKp46. In older patients, a high expression of NKp30 or NKp46 on CD16+ NK cells before and during therapy predicted leukemia-free and overall survival. These results suggest that NK cell functions determine relapse risk and survival in older AML patients and point to biomarkers of efficacy in protocols for remission maintenance.
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| 9. |
- Martner, Anna, 1979, et al.
(författare)
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Role of natural killer cell subsets and natural cytotoxicity receptors for the outcome of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia
- 2016
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Ingår i: Oncoimmunology. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2162-402X. ; 5:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a phase IV trial, 84 patients (age 18-79) with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR) received cycles of immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) and low-dose human recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) for 18 months to prevent leukemic relapse. During cycles, the treatment resulted in expansion of CD56(bright) (CD3 /16 /56(bright)) and CD16(+) (CD3 /16(+)/56(+)) natural killer (NK) cells in the blood along with increased NK cell expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKp30 and NKp46. Multivariate analyses correcting for age and risk group demonstrated that high CD56(bright) NK cell counts and high expression of NKp30 or NKp46 on CD16(+) NK cells independently predicted leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS). Our results suggest that the dynamics of NK cell subsets and their NCR expression may determine the efficiency of relapse-preventive immunotherapy in AML.
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| 10. |
- Sander, Frida Ewald, et al.
(författare)
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Dynamics of cytotoxic T cell subsets during immunotherapy predicts outcome in acute myeloid leukemia
- 2016
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Ingår i: Oncotarget. - : Impact Journals, LLC. - 1949-2553. ; 7:7, s. 7586-7596
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Preventing relapse after chemotherapy remains a challenge in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Eighty-four non-transplanted AML patients in first complete remission received relapse-preventive immunotherapy with histamine dihydrochloride and low-dose interleukin-2 in an international phase IV trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01347996). Blood samples were drawn during cycles of immunotherapy and analyzed for CD8(+) (cytotoxic) T cell phenotypes in blood. During the first cycle of therapy, a re-distribution of cytotoxic T cells was observed comprising a reduction of T effector memory cells and a concomitant increase of T effector cells. The dynamics of T cell subtypes during immunotherapy prognosticated relapse and survival, in particular among older patients and remained significantly predictive of clinical outcome after correction for potential confounders. Presence of CD8(+) T cells with specificity for leukemia-associated antigens identified patients with low relapse risk. Our results point to novel aspects of T cell-mediated immunosurveillance in AML and provide conceivable biomarkers in relapse-preventive immunotherapy.
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