| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Brandefors, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Clinical characteristic and outcome of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma of non-Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia type : A Swedish lymphoma registry study
- 2022
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 196:6, s. 1362-1368
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) not fulfilling the WHO diagnostic criteria (2017) for Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia (WM) (named non-WM LPL) is a rare disease and only a few systematic studies have been published. Here, we present a population-based study of non-WM LPL focusing on diagnostic difficulties, patient characteristics, and outcome. From 1511 patients included in the Swedish Lymphoma Registry 1 Jan 2000 – 31 Dec 2014 with a diagnosis of WM/LPL, we could confirm the diagnosis of non-WM LP in only 33 patients. The median age at diagnosis was 69 years. A paraprotein was found in most (IgG in 54%, IgA in 15%) and 12% of the cases were non-secretory. Compared with the WM patients, the non-WM LPL patients were younger, had more adverse prognostic factors such as elevated LDH, anaemia, and lymphocytosis at diagnosis. In addition, the non-WM LPL patients more often were symptomatic and received treatment at diagnosis. The overall survival (OS) did not significantly differ between the non-WM LPL and WM groups (P = 0.247), with a median survival time of 71 and 96 months, respectively. To conclude, we found differences in clinical features between WM and non-WM LPL, but no difference in survival.
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| 3. |
- Brandefors, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Familial Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and relation to immune defects, autoimmune diseases, and haematological malignancies : a population-based study from northern Sweden
- 2016
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In: Acta Oncologica. - : Taylor & Francis. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 55:1, s. 91-98
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoprolipherative disorder with geographic and ethnic disparities in incidence. The cause of WM remains mostly unknown although a role for genetic, immune-related, and environmental factors has been suggested. Most cases of WM are sporadic although familial cases occur. Aim: This study estimated the incidence of WM in northern Sweden and identified and described patients with familial WM in this area. Patients and methods: The Swedish and Northern Lymphoma Registry, the Swedish Cancer Registry (1997-2011), and medical records were used to identify patients with WM in two counties (Norrbotten and Västerbotten) in northern Sweden and to calculate the overall age-adjusted incidence (2000-2012). We identified 12 families with a family history of WM, IgM monoclonal gammophathy (MGUS), and/or multiple myeloma (MM). Results: In Norrbotten and Västerbotten, the age-adjusted incidence of WM/LPL is 1.75 and 1.48 per 100 000 persons per year, respectively (2000-2012), rates that are higher than the overall incidence of WM/LPL in Sweden (1.05 per 100 000 persons per year; 2000-2012). Autoimmune diseases and other haematological malignancies in the medical history (their own or in relatives) were reported in 9/12 and 5/12 families, respectively. A high proportion of abnormal serum protein electrophoresis was found in the relatives; 12/56 (21%) had a MGUS and 13/56 (25%) showed abnormalities in the immunoglobulin levels (i.e. subnormal levels and poly/oligoclonality). Conclusion: The incidence of WM in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties was higher than expected. We found a strong correlation between autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, other haematological malignancies, and familial WM and a high frequency of serum immunoglobulin abnormalities in the relatives of the WM patients, findings that strengthen the hypothesis that the aetiology of WM depends on both immune-related and genetic factors.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Brandefors, Lena, et al.
(author)
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Prognostic factors and primary treatment for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia : a Swedish Lymphoma Registry study
- 2018
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : WILEY. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 183:4, s. 564-577
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a nationwide prospective Swedish registry-based study of Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM), that focuses on incidence and survival in relation to clinical prognostic factors and primary systemic therapies. A total of 1511 patients with WM and lymphoplasmocytic lymphoma (LPL) were registered in the Swedish Lymphoma Registry (SLR) between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2014. The age-adjusted incidence of WM/LPL was 11.5 per million persons per year, three times higher than the reported incidence worldwide. Medical records were retrieved for 1135 patients (75%). A retrospective review showed that 981 (86.1%) of these patients fulfilled the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for WM and these patients were analysed further. The overall survival (OS) improved between two periods - 2000-2006 and 2007-2014 - with a five-year OS of 61% and 70%, respectively. Significant prognostic factors for OS, evaluated at the time of diagnosis, were age, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level and haemoglobin <= 115 g/l for patients receiving therapy 0-3 months after diagnosis, and age, poor performance status, haemoglobin <= 115 g/l, and female sex in "watch and wait" patients (multivariable analysis). The level of the IgM monoclonal immunoglobulin had no significant prognostic value. Rituximab included in first-line therapy was associated with improved survival.
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| 6. |
- Deneberg, Stefan, et al.
(author)
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microRNA-34b/c on chromosome 11q23 is aberrantly methylated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- 2014
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In: Epigenetics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1559-2294 .- 1559-2308. ; 9:6, s. 910-917
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A commonly deleted region in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the 11q22-23 region, which encompasses the ATM gene. Evidence suggests that tumor suppressor genes other than ATM are likely to be involved in CLL with del(11q). A microRNA (miR) cluster including the miR-34b and miR-34c genes is located, among other genes, within the commonly deleted region (CDR) at 11q. Interestingly, these miRs are part of the TP53 network and have been shown to be epigenetically regulated. In this study, we investigated the expression and methylation status of these miRs in a well-characterized cohort of CLL, including cases with/without 11q-deletion. We show that the miR-34b/c promoter was aberrantly hypermethylated in a large proportion of CLL cases (48%, 25/52 cases). miR-34b/c expression correlated inversely to DNA methylation (P = 0.003), and presence of high H3K37me3 further suppressed expression regardless of methylation status. Furthermore, increased miR-34b/c methylation inversely correlated with the presence of 11q-deletion, indicating that methylation and del(11q) independently silence these miRs. Finally, 5-azacytidine and trichostatin A exposure synergistically increased the expression of miR-34b/c in CLL cells, and transfection of miR-34b or miR-34c into HG3 CLL cells significantly increased apoptosis. Altogether, our novel data suggest that miR-34b/c is a candidate tumor suppressor that is epigenetically silenced in CLL.
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| 7. |
- Eskelund, Christian W., et al.
(author)
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15-year follow-up of the Second Nordic Mantle Cell Lymphoma trial (MCL2) : prolonged remissions without survival plateau
- 2016
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 175:3, s. 410-418
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In recent decades, the prognosis of Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) has been significantly improved by intensified first-line regimens containing cytarabine, rituximab and consolidation with high-dose-therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. One such strategy is the Nordic MCL2 regimen, developed by the Nordic Lymphoma Group. We here present the 15-year updated results of the Nordic MCL2 study after a median follow-up of 114years: For all patients on an intent-to-treat basis, the median overall and progression-free survival was 127 and 85years, respectively. The MCL International Prognostic Index (MIPI), biological MIPI, including Ki67 expression (MIPI-B) and the MIPI-B including mIR-18b expression (MIPI-B-miR), in particular, significantly divided patients into distinct risk groups. Despite very long response durations of the low and intermediate risk groups, we observed a continuous pattern of relapse and the survival curves never reached a plateau. In conclusion, despite half of the patients being still alive and 40% in first remission after more than 12years, we still see an excess disease-related mortality, even among patients experiencing long remissions. Even though we consider the Nordic regimen as a very good choice of regimen, we recommend inclusion in prospective studies to explore the benefit of novel agents in the frontline treatment of MCL.
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| 8. |
- Geisler, Christian H., et al.
(author)
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Long-term progression-free survival of mantle cell lymphoma after intensive front-line immunochemotherapy with in vivo-purged stem cell rescue : a nonrandomized phase 2 multicenter study by the Nordic Lymphoma Group
- 2008
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In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 112:7, s. 2687-93
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is considered incurable. Intensive immunochemotherapy with stem cell support has not been tested in large, prospective series. In the 2nd Nordic MCL trial, we treated 160 consecutive, untreated patients younger than 66 years in a phase 2 protocol with dose-intensified induction immunochemotherapy with rituximab (R) + cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, prednisone (maxi-CHOP), alternating with R + high-dose cytarabine. Responders received high-dose chemotherapy with BEAM or BEAC (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan/cyclophosphamide) with R-in vivo purged autologous stem cell support. Overall and complete response was achieved in 96% and 54%, respectively. The 6-year overall, event-free, and progression-free survival were 70%, 56%, and 66%, respectively, with no relapses occurring after 5 years. Multivariate analysis showed Ki-67 to be the sole independent predictor of event-free survival. The nonrelapse mortality was 5%. The majority of stem cell products and patients assessed with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after transplantation were negative. Compared with our historical control, the Nordic MCL-1 trial, the event-free, overall, and progression-free survival, the duration of molecular remission, and the proportion of PCR-negative stem cell products were significantly increased (P < .001). Intensive immunochemotherapy with in vivo purged stem cell support can lead to long-term progression-free survival of MCL and perhaps cure. Registered at www.isrctn.org as #ISRCTN 87866680.
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| 9. |
- Geisler, Christian H., et al.
(author)
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Nordic MCL2 trial update : six-year follow-up after intensive immunochemotherapy for untreated mantle cell lymphoma followed by BEAM or BEAC plus autologous stem-cell support: still very long survival but late relapses do occur
- 2012
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 158:3, s. 355-362
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a heterogenic non-Hodgkin lymphoma entity, with a median survival of about 5 years. In 2008 we reported the early based on the median observation time of 4 years results of the Nordic Lymphoma Group MCL2 study of frontline intensive induction immunochemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), with more than 60% event-free survival at 5 years, and no subsequent relapses reported. Here we present an update after a median observation time of 6.5 years. The overall results are still excellent, with median overall survival and response duration longer than 10 years, and a median event-free survival of 7.4 years. However, six patients have now progressed later than 5 years after end of treatment. The international MCL Prognostic Index (MIPI) and Ki-67-expression were the only independent prognostic factors. Subdivided by the MIPI-Biological Index (MIPI + Ki-67, MIPI-B), more than 70% of patients with low-intermediate MIPI-B were alive at 10 years, but only 23% of the patients with high MIPI-B. These results, although highly encouraging regarding the majority of the patients, underline the need of a risk-adapted treatment strategy for MCL.
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| 10. |
- Geisler, Christian H., et al.
(author)
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The Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI) is superior to the International Prognostic Index (IPI) in predicting survival following intensive first-line immunochemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT)
- 2010
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In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 115:8, s. 1530-1533
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) has a heterogeneous clinical course. The recently proposed Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (MIPI) predicted the survival of MCL better than the International Prognostic Index in MCL patients treated with conventional chemotherapy, but its validity in MCL treated with more intensive immunochemotherapy has been questioned. Applied here to 158 patients of the Nordic MCL2 trial of first-line intensive immunochemotherapy followed by high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation, the MIPI and the simplified MIPI (s-MIPI) predicted survival significantly better (P < .001) than the International Prognostic Index (P > .004). Both the MIPI and the s-MIPI mainly identified 2 risk groups, low and intermediate versus high risk, with the more easily applied s-MIPI being just as powerful as the MIPI. The MIPI(B) (biological), incorporating Ki-67 expression, identified almost half of the patients as high risk. We suggest that also a simplified MIPI(B) is feasible.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Halldórsdóttir, Anna M., et al.
(author)
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High-resolution genomic screening in mantle cell lymphoma : specific changes correlate with genomic complexity, the proliferation signature and survival
- 2011
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In: Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer. - : Wiley. - 1045-2257 .- 1098-2264. ; 50:2, s. 113-121
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is characterized by the t(11;14)(q13;q32) and numerous copy number aberrations (CNAs). Recently, gene expression profiling defined a proliferation gene expression signature in MCL where high scores predict shorter survival. We investigated 31 MCL cases using high-density single nucleotide polymorphism arrays and correlated CNA patterns with the proliferation signature and with clinical data. Many recurrent CNAs typical of MCL were detected, including losses at 1p (55%), 8p (29%), 9q (29%), 11q (55%), 13q (42%) and 17p (32%), and gains at 3q (39%), 8q (26%), 15q (23%) and 18q (23%). A novel deleted region at 20q (16%) contained only one candidate gene, ZFP64, a putative tumor suppressor. Unsupervised clustering identified subgroups with different patterns of CNAs, including a subset (19%) characterized by the presence of 11q loss in all cases and by the absence of 13q loss, and 3q and 7p gains. Losses at 1p, 8p, 13q and 17p were associated with increased genomic complexity. High proliferation signature scores correlated with increased number of large (>15 Mbp) CNAs (P = 0.03) as well as copy number gains at 7p (P = 0.02) and losses at 9q (P = 0.04). Furthermore, large/complex 13q losses were associated with improved survival (P < 0.05) as were losses/copy number neutral LOH at 19p13 (P = 0.01). In summary, this high-resolution genomic analysis identified novel aberrations and revealed that several CNAs correlated with genomic complexity, the proliferation status and survival.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Kaderi, Mohd Arifin, et al.
(author)
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Lack of association between the MDM2 promoter polymorphism SNP309 and clinical outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- 2010
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In: Leukemia Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0145-2126 .- 1873-5835. ; 34:3, s. 335-339
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 309T>G polymorphism in the promoter region of the MDM2gene, known as SNP309, has recently been suggested as an unfavorable prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) although this has been questioned. To investigate this further, we analyzed the MDM2 SNP309 genotypes in 418 CLL patients and correlated the results with established CLL prognostic factors, time to treatment and overall survival. In this Swedish cohort, no association existed between any particular MDM2 SNP309 genotype, overall survival and time to treatment. Furthermore, no correlation was shown between the MDM2 SNP309 genotypes and Binet stage, IGHV mutational status and recurrent genomic aberrations. In summary, this study argues against the use of the MDM2 SNP309 as a prognostic marker in CLL.
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| 15. |
- Karlsson, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Oral cladribine for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia : Report of a phase II trial with a 3-d, 3-weekly schedule in untreated and pretreated patients, and a long-term follow-up of 126 previously untreated patients
- 2002
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 116:3, s. 538-548
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A phase II study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a new schedule of cladribine administration (10 mg/m2 orally daily for 3 d every 3 weeks) in 107 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). To minimize toxicity, treatment withdrawal criteria were defined. The results of the 63 previously untreated patients were retrospectively compared with 63 from an earlier study using a 5-d monthly schedule. The compiled data were analysed for prognostic factors for survival. No significant difference regarding response were seen in the two cohorts of the 126 previously untreated patients. The complete response (CR), nodular partial response (nPR) and partial response (PR) rates were 15%, 21% and 41%. Quality of response had no impact on survival. The 3- and 5-year overall survival for previously untreated patients was 73% and 58%, respectively, with a median follow-up of 54 months. Pretreatment haemoglobin < 11.0 g/dl and elevated beta-2-microglobulin had a negative influence on survival. Major infections occurred in 21% of patients in the 3-d study compared with 35% in the 5-d study. The overall response (OR) and CR rates in the 40 previously treated patients were 34% and 5% respectively. Median overall survival was 24 months and median progression-free survival for responding patients was 14 months. Cladribine used as a single agent is an effective treatment with an acceptable safety profile for pretreated and untreated B-CLL. The achievement of complete remission was not a prerequisite for long-term survival.
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| 16. |
- Kasteng, Frida, et al.
(author)
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Cost-effectiveness of maintenance rituximab treatment after second line therapy in patients with follicular lymphoma in Sweden
- 2008
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In: Acta Oncologica. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0284-186X .- 1651-226X. ; 47:6, s. 1029-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Rituximab has significantly improved the prognosis for patients with both indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. An economic evaluation was carried out to assess the cost-effectiveness in Sweden of rituximab as maintenance therapy for patients with follicular lymphoma in remission after second line therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The incremental cost and effectiveness of rituximab maintenance therapy versus observation were evaluated in a health-state transition model. Primary effect measures were quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) and life-years gained (LYG). Model state transitions were calculated based on progression-free and overall survival data from the EORTC20981 trial. The analysis was made from the perspective of the healthcare provider, including direct medical costs presented in euro, 2007 value. Effects and costs were discounted at a 3% annual rate. The stability of the base case results were tested in one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The evaluation assessed rituximab maintenance therapy to be associated with an incremental cost per QALY gained of euro 12,600 and an incremental cost per LYG of euro 11,200. The average discounted life expectancy for patients on rituximab maintenance was 1.0 year longer than for patients on observation (5.96 vs. 4.94 years). Rituximab maintenance was associated with an additional 0.9 QALY, and total costs per patient were euro 11,500 higher in the treatment arm, compared to observation. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that rituximab maintenance treatment after successful induction therapy for patients with relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma in Sweden is cost-effective compared to observation.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Kimby, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Long-term molecular remissions in patients with indolent lymphoma treated with rituximab as a single agent or in combination with interferon alpha-2a : a randomized phase II study from the Nordic Lymphoma Group
- 2008
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In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 49:1, s. 102-112
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The purpose of this phase II randomized trial was to evaluate the effect and safety of interferon-alpha2a (IFN) in combination with extended dosing rituximab in patients with symptomatic, advanced indolent lymphoma responding to a standard single course of rituximab. Totally 123 patients were treated with rituximab 375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks leading to 14 complete response (CR; 11%), 56 partial response (PR; 46%), and 13 minor responses (MR; 11%). Patients achieving either PR or MR were randomized to four more infusions of rituximab alone (n = 36) or in combination with five weeks of IFN (n = 33), with an overall response rate (CR + PR) of 78% and 94%, respectively. Significantly more patients in the combination arm improved their response from PR/MR to CR (P < 0.05) and more maintained their responses for > or = 24 months (72% versus 50%), respectively. Overall, 26 out of the 52 patients who achieved CR underwent minimal residual disease (MRD) evaluation. Totally 17 of these (65%) achieved MRD negativity, 14 of whom remain in CR after 4.8 years' follow-up. The addition of IFN to rituximab was generally safe, but reversible thrombocytopenia and neutropenia were noted in one and six patients, respectively, requiring a reduction in the IFN dose. Extended rituximab is effective and well tolerated and combination with IFN seems to improve both the quality and duration of the responses, providing the opportunity to achieve long-term molecular CRs and prolonged failure-free survival without chemotherapy.
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| 20. |
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Kimby, Eva, et al.
(author)
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The simplified follicular lymphoma PRIMA-prognostic index is useful in patients with first-line chemo-free rituximab-based therapy
- 2020
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : WILEY. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 191:5, s. 738-747
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Follicular lymphoma (FL) is a heterogeneous disease; therefore, reliable prognostic tools are needed to plan treatment strategies. The FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) was developed before the rituximab era, while the PRIMA-PI was built on rituximab chemotherapy. Our objective was to evaluate these two prognostic tools in a cohort of 291 patients with FL treated in two prospective randomised Nordic Lymphoma Group trials with rituximab +/- interferon. All patients had symptomatic/progressive disease and were previously untreated. The PRIMA-PI was prognostic for both time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS) (log-rank P = 0 center dot 003 and P < 0 center dot 001, respectively). The PRIMA-PI high-risk identified a small group of patients with a very short TTF and OS compared to the low-risk group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1 center dot 90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1 center dot 30-2 center dot 78, P = 0 center dot 001) and HR of 3 center dot 19 (95% CI 1 center dot 75-5 center dot 83, P < 0 center dot 001), respectively. The FLIPI risk groups were prognostic only for OS (log-rank P = 0 center dot 018). The simplified PRIMA-PI was valid in our FL cohort with first-line rituximab-containing chemo-free therapy and shows an improved risk stratification compared to the FLIPI, especially in patients aged >60 years. Patients in the PRIMA-PI high-risk group should be considered for alternative therapies.
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| 23. |
- Kimby, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Two courses of four weekly infusions of rituximab with or without interferon-α2a : final results from a randomized phase III study in symptomatic indolent B-cell lymphomas
- 2015
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In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 56:9, s. 2598-2607
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with advanced CD20 + indolent lymphoma, requiring therapy, were randomized to rituximab (four weekly infusions of 375 mg/m(2)) or to rituximab combined with 5 weeks of interferon-α2a (IFN-α2a) (3-4.5 MIU daily) as priming. Responding patients were eligible for a second cycle with the same allocated treatment. In total, 156 patients were randomized to rituximab and 157 to rituximab + IFN-α2a. In the intention-to treat (ITT) population, 244 patients (78%) responded to cycle 1. After a second cycle the complete remission/complete remission unconfirmed (CR/CRu) rate was 41% with the combination versus 24% with monotherapy (p = 0.005). The median time to treatment failure (primary endpoint) in ITT patients was 28 vs. 21.5 months, respectively (p = 0.302). After a long median follow-up (61 months), 33% (42% of patients responding to cycle 1) were still failure-free with an overall survival rate of 88% and with no difference between the treatment groups. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01609010.
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| 24. |
- Kolstad, Arne, et al.
(author)
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Molecular Monitoring after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation and Preemptive Rituximab Treatment of Molecular Relapse; Results from the Nordic Mantle Cell Lymphoma Studies (MCL2 and MCL3) with Median Follow-Up of 8.5 Years
- 2017
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In: Biology of blood and marrow transplantation. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 1083-8791 .- 1523-6536. ; 23:3, s. 428-435
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The main objectives of the present study were to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in the bone marrow of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) to predict clinical relapse and guide preemptive treatment with rituximab. Among the patients enrolled in 2 prospective trials by the Nordic Lymphoma Group, 183 who had completed autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and in whom an MRD marker had been obtained were included in our analysis. Fresh samples of bone marrow were analyzed for MRD by a combined standard nested and quantitative real-time PCR assay for Bcl-1/immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) and clonal IgH rear-rangements. Significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was demonstrated for patients who were MRD positive pre-ASCT (54 patients) or in the first analysis post-ASCT (23 patients). The median PFS was only 20 months in those who were MRD-positive in the first sample post-ASCT, compared with 142 months in the MRD-negative group (P <.0001). OS was 75% at 10 years and median not reached in the MRD-negative group, compared with only 35 months in the MRD-positive group (P <.0001). Of the 86 patients (47%) who remained in continuous molecular remission, 73% were still in clinical remission after 10 years. For all patients, the median time from ASCT to first molecular relapse was 55 months, with a continuous occurrence of late molecular relapses. Fifty-eight patients who experienced MRD relapse received rituximab as preemptive treatment on 1 or more occasions, and in this group, the median time from first molecular relapse to clinical relapse was 55 months. In most cases, rituximab converted patients to MRD negativity (87%), but many patients became MRD-positive again later during follow-up (69%). By multivariate analysis, high-risk Mantle Cell Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score and positive MRD status pre-ASCT predicted early molecular relapse. In conclusion, preemptive rituximab treatment converts patients to MRD negativity and likely postpones clinical relapse. Molecular monitoring offers an opportunity to select some patients for therapeutic intervention and to avoid unnecessary treatment in others. MRD-positive patients in the first analysis post-ASCT have a dismal prognosis and thus are in need of novel strategies.
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| 25. |
- Kolstad, Arne, et al.
(author)
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Nordic MCL-3 study : 90Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan added to BEAM/C in non-CR patients before transplant in mantle cell lymphoma
- 2014
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In: Blood. - : American Society of Hematology. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 123:19, s. 2953-2959
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The main objective of the MCL3 study was to improve outcome for patients not in CR before transplant by adding (90)Y-ibritumomab-tiuxetan (Zevalin) to the high-dose regimen. 160 consecutive, untreated stage II-IV MCL patients < 66 years received rituximab (R)- maxi-CHOP alternating with R-high-dose Ara-C (6 cycles total), followed by high-dose BEAM or BEAC and autologous stem cell transplantation 2005-2009. Zevalin (0.4 mCi/kg) was given to responders in only CRu/PR prior to high-dose therapy. The overall response rate (ORR) pre-transplant was 97%. After a median follow-up of 4.4 years the outcome did not differ from that of the historic control, the MCL2 trial with the same treatment except for Zevalin. Overall (OS), event free (EFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) at 4 years were 78, 62 and 71%, respectively. For patients in CRu/PR before transplant who received Zevalin duration of response was shorter than in the CR group. Inferior PFS, EFS- and OS were predicted by PET-positivity pre-transplant and detectable minimal residual disease (MRD) before and after transplant. In conclusion, a positive PET prior to transplant and MRD are strong predictors of outcome. Late intensification with Zevalin may be too late to improve the outcome of patients not in CR before transplant.
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| 26. |
- Kättström, Magdalena, 1974-, et al.
(author)
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Improved plasmablast response after repeated pneumococcal revaccinations following primary immunization with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- 2023
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In: Vaccine. - : Elsevier. - 0264-410X .- 1873-2518. ; 41:9, s. 3128-3136
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) show an immune dysfunction with increased risk of infections and poor response to vaccination. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in CLL patients. In a previous randomized clinical trial, we found a superior immune response in CLL patients receiving conjugated pneumococcal vaccine compared to non-conjugated vaccine. The response to revaccination in CLL patients is scarcely studied. In this study, early humoral response to repeated revaccinations with pneumococcal vaccines was evaluated, by determination of B cell subsets and plasmablast dynamics in peripheral blood.METHOD: CLL patients (n = 14) and immunocompetent controls (n = 31) were revaccinated with a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) after previous primary immunization (3-6 years ago) with PCV13 or a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Eight weeks after the first revaccination, all CLL patients received a second revaccination with PCV13 or PPSV23. B cell subsets including plasmablasts were analyzed in peripheral blood by flow cytometry, before and after the first and the second revaccination.RESULTS: None of the CLL patients, but all controls, had detectable plasmablasts at baseline (p < 0.001). After the first revaccination with PCV13, the plasmablast proportions did not increase in CLL patients (p = 0.13), while increases were seen in controls (p < 0.001). However, after a second revaccination with PCV13 or PPSV23, plasmablasts increased compared to baseline also in CLL patients (p < 0.01). If no response was evident after first revaccination, only a second revaccination with PCV13 increased plasmablasts in contrast to PPSV23 revaccination. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia and ongoing/previous CLL specific treatment responded poorly, also to a second revaccination.CONCLUSION: In CLL patients, pneumococcal revaccination induced minor early plasmablast response compared to controls, but the response improved using a strategy of repeated doses with of conjugated T cell dependent pneumococcal vaccine.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
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| 29. |
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| 30. |
- Lockmer, Sandra, et al.
(author)
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Chemotherapy-Free Initial Treatment of Advanced Indolent Lymphoma Has Durable Effect With Low Toxicity : Results From Two Nordic Lymphoma Group Trials With More Than 10 Years of Follow-Up
- 2018
-
In: Journal of Clinical Oncology. - 0732-183X .- 1527-7755. ; 36:33, s. 3315-3323
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: For indolent lymphoma, the optimal timing, sequence, and choice of therapeutic regimens remain a matter of debate. In two Nordic Lymphoma Group randomized trials, symptomatic or clearly progressing patients were treated first line with a rituximab-containing regimen without chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to assess long-term survival, risk of transformation, and need of new therapies.Methods: Data were collected at cross-sectional follow-up for 321 patients with indolent lymphoma (84% with follicular lymphomas [FL]) included in one of two Nordic Lymphoma Group trials (accrual 1998 to 1999 and 2002 to 2008). All patients received first-line therapy with one or two cycles of four weekly infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m(2), and 148 were randomly allocated to the addition of interferon alfa-2a. Follow-up data were retrieved from initial trial databases and medical records on repeated clinical evaluations.Results: At the end of follow-up, 73% of patients were alive, with a median follow-up after random assignment of 10.6 years. Among all, 36% (38% with FL) had never needed chemotherapy. For patients with FL who required new therapy within 24 months because of early disease progression, the 10-year survival rate was 59% versus 81% for those with longer remission. Interferon was not shown to improve long-term outcome. Transformation was diagnosed in 20% of all patients (2.4% per person-year) and in 18% with FL. An additional malignancy was found in 12%.Conclusion: Approximately one third of patients with symptomatic indolent lymphoma (30% with FL, 23% without FL) did not need new therapy in the long term after first-line rituximab without chemotherapy. In the entire cohort, 10-year survival was excellent with no major safety issues, which suggests that chemotherapy can be delayed safely in the majority of patients.
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| 31. |
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| 32. |
- Machaczka, Maciej, et al.
(author)
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Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with reduced-intensity conditioning for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Sweden: does donor T-cell engraftment 3 months after transplant predict survival?
- 2012
-
In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa Healthcare. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 53:9, s. 1699-1705
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thirty-eight adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) underwent reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) in Sweden between 1999 and 2007. The cumulative incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II-IV and chronic GVHD were 29% and 47%, respectively. Rates of non-relapse mortality, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 18%, 47% and 74% at 1 year, and 21%, 25% and 45% at 5 years, respectively. T-cell chimerism after transplant was measured in 31 out of 34 patients (91%) surviving beyond day + 100. Seventeen patients achieved andgt; 90% donor T-cell engraftment at 3 months after allo-SCT and, compared with the 12 patients with andlt;= 90% donor T-cell engraftment, they showed favorable PFS at 1 year (82% vs. 33%, p = 0.002) and better long-term PFS and OS (p = 0.002 and 0.046, respectively). Donor T-cell engraftment of andgt; 90% at 3 months after RIC allo-SCT for CLL seems to predict favorable short-term and long-term outcome.
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| 33. |
- Machaczka, Maciej, et al.
(author)
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Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced-intensity conditioning for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Sweden : Does donor T-cell engraftment 3 months after transplantation predict survival?
- 2012
-
In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - London : Informa Healthcare. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 53:9, s. 1699-1705
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thirty-eight adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) underwent reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in Sweden between 1999 and 2007. The cumulative incidences of acute GVHD grades II-IV and chronic GVHD were 29% and 48%, respectively. Rates of non-relapse mortality, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 18%, 47% and 74% at 1 year, and 21%, 25% and 45% at 5 years, respectively. T-cell chimerism after transplantation was measured in 31 out of 34 patients (91%) surviving beyond day +100. Seventeen patients achieved >90% donor T-cell engraftment at 3 months after allo-SCT and, compared with the 12 patients with ≤90% donor T-cell engraftment, they showed favorable PFS at 1 year (82% vs. 33%, P=0.002), and better long-term PFS and OS (P=0.002 and 0.05 respectively). Donor T-cell engraftment of >90% at 3 months after RIC allo-SCT for CLL seems to predict favorable short-term and long-term outcome.
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| 34. |
- Machaczka, Maciej, et al.
(author)
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High incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease after myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia in Sweden : graft-versus-leukemia effect protects against relapse
- 2013
-
In: Medical Oncology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1559-131X .- 1357-0560. ; 30:4, s. 762-762
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is a potentially curative treatment option for eligible patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, it is known that cure of CLL is only possible if a graft-versus-leukemia effect is present. Between 1994 and 2007, 48 adults underwent allo-SCT for poor-risk CLL in Sweden. Of these, ten (21%) patients aged 24-53 years (median: 46 years) received myeloablative conditioning (MAC), based on TBI and cyclophosphamide. All MAC patients had refractory, poorly controlled CLL before allo-SCT (partial remission in 9/10 patients and progressive disease in one). The cumulative incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) grades II-IV was 30%. Nine patients developed chronic GVHD; extensive in four. Rates of nonrelapse mortality at 1, 3 and 10 years were 0, 10 and 20%, respectively. Two patients relapsed 36 and 53 months after transplantation. Six patients were still alive after a median follow-up time of 11.5 years (range 5.9-13.7). The probabilities of relapse-free and overall survival from 1, 3 and 5 years after transplantation were 100, 90 and 70%, and 100, 90 and 80%, respectively. Nevertheless, our analysis of long-term outcome after MAC allo-SCT for CLL suggests that younger patients with poorly controlled CLL may benefit from MAC allo-SCT.
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| 35. |
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| 36. |
- Menter, Thomas, et al.
(author)
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Prognostic implications of the microenvironment for follicular lymphoma under immunomodulation therapy
- 2020
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : WILEY. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 189:4, s. 707-717
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Follicular lymphoma (FL) constitutes a significant proportion of lymphomas and shows frequent relapses. Beyond conventional chemotherapy, new therapeutic approaches have emerged, focussing on the interplay between lymphoma cells and the microenvironment. Here we report the immunophenotypic investigation of the microenvironment of a clinically well-characterized prospective cohort (study SAKK35/10, NCT00544219) of 154 treatment-naive FL patients in need of therapy, who have been treated with rituximab only or a combination of rituximab and the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide/Revlimid (R) A high ratio of CD4- to CD8-positive T cells (P = 0 center dot 009) and increased amounts of PD1(+) tumour-infiltrating T cells (P = 0 center dot 007) were associated with inferior progression-free survival in the whole cohort. Interestingly, the prognostic impact of PD1(+) T cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio lost its significance in the subgroup treated with R-2. In the latter group, high amounts of GATA3(+) T helper (Th2) equivalents were associated with better progression-free survival (P < 0 center dot 001). We identified tumour microenvironmental features that allow prognostic stratification with respect to immuno- and combined immuno- and immunomodulatory therapy. Our analysis indicates that lenalidomide may compensate the adverse prognostic implication of higher amounts of CD4(+) and, particularly, PD1(+) T cells and that it has favourable effects mainly in cases with higher amounts of Th2 equivalents.
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| 37. |
- Palma, Marzia, et al.
(author)
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Ibrutinib induces rapid down-regulation of inflammatory markers and altered transcription of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia-related genes in blood and lymph nodes
- 2018
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : WILEY. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 183:2, s. 212-224
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients, treatment with the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib induces a rapid shift of tumour cells from lymph nodes (LN) to peripheral blood (PB). Here, we characterized in depth the dynamics of ibrutinib-induced inflammatory, transcriptional and cellular changes in different compartments immediately after treatment initiation in seven relapsed/refractory CLL patients. Serial PB and LN samples were taken before start and during the first 29 days of treatment. Changes in plasma inflammation-related biomarkers, CLL cell RNA expression, B-cell activation and migration markers expression, and PB mononuclear cell populations were assessed. A significant reduction of 10 plasma inflammation markers, the majority of which were chemokines and not CLL-derived, was observed within hours, and was paralleled by very early increase of CD19(+) circulating cells. At the RNA level, significant and continuous changes in transcription factors and signalling molecules linked to B-cell receptor signalling and CLL biology was observed in both PB and LN CLL cells already after 2 days of treatment. In conclusion, ibrutinib seems to instantly shut off an ongoing inflammatory response and interfere with diverse sensitive pathways in the LN.
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| 38. |
- Svensson, Tobias, et al.
(author)
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Conjugated Pneumococcal Vaccine Triggers a Better Immune Response than Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccine in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia : A Randomized Study by the Swedish CLL group
- 2018
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In: Vaccine. - : Elsevier BV. - 0264-410X .- 1873-2518. ; 36:25, s. 3701-3707
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim: To determine if patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) benefit from vaccination with a 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13), Prevenar13®, compared with a 23-valent capsular polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), Pneumovax®, in terms of immune response. Background: Patients with CLL have an increased risk for infection and Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogens with high morbidity. Patients with CLL are known to respond poorly to the traditionally used polysaccharide vaccines. Conjugation of polysaccharide to protein carriers renders a thymus-dependent, memory-inducing and more immunogenic vaccine. In patients with CLL, there is no consensus on a recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination, due to a lack of comparative studies. Methods: 128 treatment naïve CLL patients from eight hematology clinics in Sweden were randomized to vaccination with PCV13 (n=63) or PPSV23 (n=65) after stratification by IgG levels and CLL clinical stage (Rai). Blood samples for evaluation of immune response were obtained at baseline, at one and at six months after vaccination. Analyses for each of the 12 pneumococcal serotypes common for PCV13 and PPSV23 were performed by opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: PCV13 elicited a superior immune response than PPSV23 in 10/12 serotypes one month after vaccination and in 5/12 serotypes six months after vaccination, measured as OPA geometric mean titers (GMTs). Geometric mean concentrations of serotype-specific IgG antibodies elicited by PCV13 as measured by ELISA, were higher than those elicited by PPSV23 in half of the common serotypes, both after one and six months. The proportion of patients with good response (defined as response in 8 of 12 common serotypes according to predefined response criteria) was higher in PCV13 recipients than in PPSV23 recipients after one month (40% vs. 22%, p=0.034) as well as after six months (33% vs. 17%, p=0.041). Never did PPSV23 trigger a better immune response for any of the serotypes, than PCV13, regardless of analysis. For two of the serotypes, OPA GMTs were lower at the six months than at the one-month follow up. Negative predictive factors for vaccination response were hypogammaglobulinemia and long disease duration. Both vaccines were well tolerated. Conclusions: In patients with previously untreated CLL, the efficacy of PCV13 in terms of immune response is superior to PPSV23 for many serotypes common for the two vaccines. PCV13 should be considered as a part in vaccination programs against Streptococcus pneumoniae for these patients and administered as early as possible during the course of the disease.
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| 39. |
- Sylvan, Sandra Eketorp, et al.
(author)
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First-line therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia : a Swedish nation-wide real-world study on 1053 consecutive patients treated between 2007 and 2013
- 2019
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In: Haematologica. - : FERRATA STORTI FOUNDATION. - 0390-6078 .- 1592-8721. ; 104:4, s. 797-805
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate long-term outcome following first-line therapy in consecutive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients in a well-defined geographic area: Sweden. All patients diagnosed with CLL (2007-2013) (n=3672) were identified from national registries, screening of patient files identified all (100%) treated first line (n=1053) and for those, an in-depth analysis was performed. End points were overall response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. Median age was 71 years; 53% had Rai stage III-IV and 97% had performance status grade 0-2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed in 57% of patients: 15% had del(17p). Chlorambucil + prednisone was used in 39% (5% also received rituximab). Fludarabine+cyclophosphamide+rituximab or fludarabine+cyclophosphamide was used in 43% and bendamustine + rituximab in 6%. Overall response rate was 64%; chlorambucil 43%, fludarabine+cyclophosphamide+rituximab 84%, fludarabine+cyclophosphamide 75% and bendamustine + rituximab 75%. Median PFS and OS was 24 and 58 months, respectively, both were significantly associated (multivariate analysis) with type of treatment, del(17p), performance status, gender, age and geographical region (OS only). Chlorambucil-treated patients had a median PFS and OS of only 9 and 33 months, respectively. Chlorambucil usage declined gradually throughout the study period, but one-third of patients still received chlorambucil + rituximab in 2013. Infections >= grade III were significantly associated with treatment; chlorambucil 19% versus fludarabine+cyclophosphamide+rituximab 30%. Richter transformation occurred in 5.5% of the patients, equally distributed across therapies. This is the largest retrospective, real-world cohort of consecutive first-line treated CLL patients with a complete follow up. In elderly patients, an unmet need for more effective, well-tolerated therapies was identified.
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| 40. |
- Tesfa, Daniel, et al.
(author)
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The role of BAFF and G-CSF for rituximab-induced late-onset neutropenia (LON) in lymphomas
- 2021
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In: Medical Oncology. - : Humana Press. - 1357-0560 .- 1559-131X. ; 38:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Mechanisms for late-onset neutropenia (LON) after rituximab treatment are poorly defined both for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and for autoimmune disorders. We performed a case-control analysis of a prospective cohort of 169 evaluable consecutive rituximab-treated NHL patients to assess cytokines involved in neutro- and lymphopoiesis (G-CSF, SDF1, BAFF, APRIL) and inflammation (CRP) as possible LON mechanisms. Fifteen patients (9%) developed LON (peripheral blood /PB/ absolute neutrophil counts /ANC/<0.5 G/L, all with marked depletion of CD20(+) B-lymphocytes in bone marrows); they were compared with 20 matched NHL controls without LON. At start of LON, significantly higher PB G-CSF and BAFF levels (P=0.0004 and 0.006, respectively), as well as CRP rises were noted compared to controls; these G-CSF and BAFF and most CRP values returned to levels of the controls in post-LON samples. G-CSF (but not BAFF) changes correlated to CRP rises (but not to ANC levels). BAFF levels correlated significantly to absolute monocyte counts and PB large granular lymphocyte counts (but not to ANC, C-CSF or CRP values). No changes of SDF1 or APRIL levels were noted. Neither LON cases nor controls displayed anti-neutrophil autoantibodies. Collectively, LON in NHL patients was timewise related to transient bursts of blood G-CSF and BAFF concentrations, suggesting that these neutro- and lymphopoiesis growth factors play a role in emergence of rituximab-induced LON, and that inflammation may be a trigger for G-CSF production during LON.
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| 41. |
- Wahlin, Bjorn E., et al.
(author)
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Clinical significance of the WHO grades of follicular lymphoma in a population-based cohort of 505 patients with long follow-up times
- 2012
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 156:2, s. 225-233
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The prognostic value of grading follicular lymphoma has been debated since the 1980s. There is consensus that World Health Organization (WHO) grades 1 and 2 are indolent, but not whether grades 3A or 3B are aggressive. We retrospectively reviewed the follicular lymphoma diagnoses according to the 2008 WHO classification in all diagnostic specimens from a population-based cohort of 505 patients with a median follow-up time of 10.0 years (range, 4.616.0). After excluding 43 patients with concomitant diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 345 remained with grade 12, 94 with grade 3A, and 23 with grade 3B follicular lymphoma. Grades 12 and 3A seemed equally indolent, with indistinguishable clinical courses, even in patients receiving anthracyclines. Compared with grades 13A and independently of clinical factors, grade 3B correlated with higher mortality (P = 0.008), but outcome was improved after upfront anthracycline-containing therapy (P = 0.015). In contrast to grade 13A patients, grade 3B patients experienced no relapses or deaths beyond 5 years of follow-up. Furthermore, patients with grade 3B were predominantly male and seldom presented with bone-marrow involvement. We conclude that follicular lymphoma grade 13A is indolent and incurable with conventional therapy. Grade 3B appears to be an aggressive but curable disease.
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| 42. |
- Wahlin, Bjorn Engelbrekt, et al.
(author)
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Higher World Health Organization grades of follicular lymphoma correlate with better outcome in two Nordic Lymphoma Group trials of rituximab without chemotherapy
- 2014
-
In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 55:2, s. 288-295
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A common treatment for follicular lymphoma is rituximab monotherapy. To identify patients for whom this regimen is adequate as first-line therapy, we applied the World Health Organization (WHO) classification for grading follicular lymphoma in a prospective central pathology review of the biopsies of previously untreated patients in two randomized trials of rituximab without chemotherapy. In the first trial (n(1) = 53), higher WHO grades correlated with longer time to next treatment, independently of clinical prognostic factors (p = 0.030); the finding was replicated in the second trial (n(2) = 221; p = 0.019). Higher grades were associated with better treatment responses (p = 0.018). Furthermore, also grades externally confirmed by independent local pathologists correlated with time to next treatment (p = 0.048). Flow cytometry in a separate patient series showed that the intensity of CD20 increased with the malignant cell size (p < 0.00005). In conclusion, WHO grade 1 follicular lymphoma correlates with inferior outcome after rituximab monotherapy. WHO grading might provide a clinically useful tool for personalized therapy.
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| 43. |
- Wahlin, Björn Engelbrekt, et al.
(author)
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T Cells in Tumors and Blood Predict Outcome in Follicular Lymphoma Treated with Rituximab
- 2011
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In: Clinical Cancer Research. - : American Association for Cancer Research. - 1078-0432 .- 1557-3265. ; 17:12, s. 4136-4144
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- PURPOSE: T cells influence outcome in follicular lymphoma, but their contributions seem to be modified by therapy. Their impact in patients receiving rituximab without chemotherapy is unknown. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using flow cytometry, we evaluated the T cells in tumors and/or blood in a total of 250 follicular lymphoma patients included in two Nordic Lymphoma Group randomized trials that compared single rituximab with IFN-α2a-rituximab combinations. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, higher levels of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) T cells in both tumors and blood correlated with superior treatment responses, and in multivariate analysis, tumor-CD3(+) (P = 0.011) and blood-CD4(+) (P = 0.029) cells were independent. CD4(+) cells were favorable regardless of treatment arm, but CD8(+) cells were favorable only in patients treated with single rituximab, because IFN-α2a improved responses especially in patients with low CD8(+) cell levels. Higher levels of blood-CD3(+) (P = 0.003) and blood-CD4(+) (P = 0.046) cells predicted longer overall survival, and higher levels of blood-CD8(+) cells longer times to next treatment (P = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that therapeutic effects of rituximab are augmented by tumor-associated T cells for rapid responses and by systemic T cells for sustained responses. CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells are both favorable in patients treated with rituximab. IFN-α2a abrogates the negative impact of few CD8(+) cells.
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| 44. |
- Weibull, Caroline E., et al.
(author)
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Survival by First-line Treatment Type and Timing of Progression Among Follicular Lymphoma Patients : A National Population-based Study in Sweden
- 2023
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In: HemaSphere. - : Wolters Kluwer. - 2572-9241. ; 7:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In follicular lymphoma (FL), progression of disease <= 24 months (POD24) has emerged as an important prognostic marker for overall survival (OS). We aimed to investigate survival more broadly by timing of progression and treatment in a national population-based setting. We identified 948 stage II-IV indolent FL patients in the Swedish Lymphoma Register diagnosed 2007-2014 who received first-line systemic therapy, followed through 2020. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by first POD at any time during follow-up using Cox regression. OS was predicted by POD using an illness-death model. During a median follow-up of 6.1 years (IQR: 3.5-8.4), 414 patients experienced POD (44%), of which 270 (65%) occurred <= 24 months. POD was represented by a transformation in 15% of cases. Compared to progression-free patients, POD increased all-cause mortality across treatments, but less so among patients treated with rituximab(R)-single (HR = 4.54, 95% CI: 2.76-7.47) than R-chemotherapy (HR = 8.17, 95% CI: 6.09-10.94). The effect of POD was similar following R-CHOP (HR = 8.97, 95% CI: 6.14-13.10) and BR (HR = 10.29, 95% CI: 5.60-18.91). The negative impact of POD on survival remained for progressions up to 5 years after R-chemotherapy, but was restricted to 2 years after R-single. After R-chemotherapy, the 5-year OS conditional on POD occurring at 12, 24, and 60 months was 34%, 46%, and 57% respectively, versus 78%, 82%, and 83% if progression-free. To conclude, POD before but also beyond 24 months is associated with worse survival, illustrating the need for individualized management for optimal care of FL patients.
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| 45. |
- Yakimchuk, Konstantin, et al.
(author)
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Up-regulated estrogen receptor β2 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
- 2012
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In: Leukemia and Lymphoma. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1042-8194 .- 1029-2403. ; 53:1, s. 139-144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) have been demonstrated in mouse models to be important for immune system regulation, and are differentially expressed in lymphoid organs. One ERβ splice variant, ERβ2, inhibits the ERα-mediated estrogen effect, and expression might predict response to selective estrogen receptor modulators. We studied the expression of ERα, ERβ1 and ERβ2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 26 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 30 normal controls using immunocytochemistry. ERα expression was generally low, while ERβ1 was expressed in 65% of patients with CLL and in 83% of controls (NS). In contrast, nuclear staining for ERβ2 was positive in 69% of patients with CLL, but in only 17% of controls (p < 0.001). In CLL, ERβ2 was found in B- but not in T-lymphocytes. Our data show the expression of ERβ1 and ERβ2 in the majority of patients with CLL, suggesting that the ERs are important in CLL and might be used as therapeutic targets.
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