| 1. |
- Anastasopoulou, Stavroula, et al.
(author)
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Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia : Clinical characteristics, risk factors, course, and outcome of disease
- 2019
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : WILEY. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 66:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a distinct entity with incompletely known predisposing factors. The aim of this study is to describe the incidence, risk factors, clinical course, and outcome of PRES in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Procedure: Patients aged 1.0 to 17.9 years diagnosed with ALL from July 2008 to December 2015 and treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol were included. Patients with PRES were identified in the prospective NOPHO leukemia toxicity registry, and clinical data were collected from the medical records.Results: The study group included 1378 patients, of whom 52 met the criteria for PRES. The cumulative incidence of PRES at one month was 1.7% (95% CI, 1.1-2.5) and at one year 3.7% (95% CI, 2.9-4.9). Older age (hazard ratios [HR] for each one-year increase in age 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.2, P = 0.001) and T-cell immunophenotype (HR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3, P = 0.0005) were associated with PRES. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement (odds ratios [OR] = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.5, P = 0.015) was associated with early PRES and high-risk block treatment (HR = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.1-6.4, P = 0.033) with late PRES. At follow-up of the PRES patients, seven patients had epilepsy and seven had neurocognitive difficulties.Conclusion: PRES is a neurotoxicity in the treatment of childhood ALL with both acute and long-term morbidity. Older age, T-cell leukemia, CNS involvement and high-risk block treatment are risk factors for PRES.
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| 2. |
- Borssén, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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DNA Methylation Adds Prognostic Value to Minimal Residual Disease Status in Pediatric T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 2016
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : Wiley. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 63:7, s. 1185-1192
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Despite increased knowledge about genetic aberrations in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), no clinically feasible treatment-stratifying marker exists at diagnosis. Instead patients are enrolled in intensive induction therapies with substantial side effects. In modern protocols, therapy response is monitored by minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis and used for postinduction risk group stratification. DNA methylation profiling is a candidate for subtype discrimination at diagnosis and we investigated its role as a prognostic marker in pediatric T-ALL. Procedure. Sixty-five diagnostic T-ALL samples from Nordic pediatric patients treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL 2008 (NOPHO ALL 2008) protocol were analyzed by HumMeth450K genome wide DNA methylation arrays. Methylation status was analyzed in relation to clinical data and early T-cell precursor (ETP) phenotype. Results. Two distinct CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) groups were identified. Patients with a CIMP-negative profile had an inferior response to treatment compared to CIMP-positive patients (3-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR3y) rate: 29% vs. 6%, P = 0.01). Most importantly, CIMP classification at diagnosis allowed subgrouping of high-risk T-ALL patients (MRD >= 0.1% at day 29) into two groups with significant differences in outcome (CIR3y rates: CIMP negative 50% vs. CIMP positive 12%; P = 0.02). These groups did not differ regarding ETP phenotype, but the CIMP-negative group was younger (P = 0.02) and had higher white blood cell count at diagnosis (P = 0.004) compared with the CIMP-positive group. Conclusions. CIMP classification at diagnosis in combination with MRD during induction therapy is a strong candidate for further risk classification and could confer important information in treatment decision making.
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| 3. |
- Borssén, Magnus, et al.
(author)
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DNA methylation holds prognostic information in relapsed precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2018
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In: Clinical Epigenetics. - : BIOMED CENTRAL LTD. - 1868-7083 .- 1868-7075. ; 10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few biological markers are associated with survival after relapse of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). In pediatric T-cell ALL, we have identified promoter-associated methylation alterations that correlate with prognosis. Here, the prognostic relevance of CpG island methylation phenotype (CIMP) classification was investigated in pediatric BCP-ALL patients.Methods: Six hundred and one BCP-ALL samples from Nordic pediatric patients (age 1-18) were CIMP classified at initial diagnosis and analyzed in relation to clinical data.Results: Among the 137 patients that later relapsed, patients with a CIMP-profile (n = 42) at initial diagnosis had an inferior overall survival (pOS(5years) 33%) compared to CIMP+ patients (n = 95, pOS(5years) 65%) (p = 0.001), which remained significant in a Cox proportional hazards model including previously defined risk factors.Conclusion: CIMP classification is a strong candidate for improved risk stratification of relapsed BCP-ALL.
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| 4. |
- Gerbek, Tina, et al.
(author)
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Role of TPMT and ITPA variants in mercaptopurine disposition
- 2018
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In: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. - : SPRINGER. - 0344-5704 .- 1432-0843. ; 81:3, s. 579-586
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To explore the levels of thioguanine incorporated into DNA (DNA-TG), and erythrocyte levels of 6-thioguanine nucleotides (Ery-TGN) and methylated metabolites (Ery-MeMP) during 6-mercaptopurine (6MP)/Methotrexate (MTX) therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and the relation to inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) and thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene variants. Blood samples were drawn during 6MP/MTX maintenance therapy from 132 children treated for ALL at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen. The samples were analysed for thiopurine metabolites and compared to TPMT (rs1800460 and rs1142345) and ITPA (rs1127354) genotypes. Median DNA-TG (mDNA-TG) levels were higher in TPMT and ITPA low-activity patients as compared to wildtype patients (TPMT (LA) 549 vs. 364 fmol/A mu g DNA, p = 0.007, ITPA (LA) 465 vs. 387 fmol/A mu g DNA, p = 0.04). mDNA-TG levels were positively correlated to median Ery-TGN (mEry-TGN)(r (s) = 0.37, p = 0.001), but plateaued at higher mEry-TGN levels. DNA-TG indices (mDNA-TG/mEry-TGN) were 42% higher in TPMT (WT) patients as compared to TPMT (LA) patients but no difference in DNA-TG indices was observed between ITPA (WT) and ITPA (LA) patients (median 1.7 vs. 1.6 fmol/A mu g DNA/ nmol/mmol Hb, p = 0.81). DNA-TG indices increased with median Ery-MeMP (mEry-MeMP) levels (r (s) = 0.25, p = 0.001). TPMT and ITPA genotypes significantly influence the metabolism of 6MP. DNA-TG may prove to be a more relevant pharmacokinetic parameter for monitoring 6MP treatment intensity than cytosolic metabolites. Prospective trials are needed to evaluate the usefulness of DNA-TGN for individual dose adjustments in childhood ALL maintenance therapy.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Haider, Zahra, et al.
(author)
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An integrated transcriptome analysis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia links DNA methylation subgroups to dysregulated TAL1 and ANTP homeobox gene expression
- 2019
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In: Cancer Medicine. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7634. ; 8:1, s. 311-324
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Classification of pediatric T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) patients into CIMP (CpG Island Methylator Phenotype) subgroups has the potential to improve current risk stratification. To investigate the biology behind these CIMP subgroups, diagnostic samples from Nordic pediatric T‐ALL patients were characterized by genome‐wide methylation arrays, followed by targeted exome sequencing, telomere length measurement, and RNA sequencing. The CIMP subgroups did not correlate significantly with variations in epigenetic regulators. However, the CIMP+ subgroup, associated with better prognosis, showed indicators of longer replicative history, including shorter telomere length (P = 0.015) and older epigenetic (P < 0.001) and mitotic age (P < 0.001). Moreover, the CIMP+ subgroup had significantly higher expression of ANTP homeobox oncogenes, namely TLX3, HOXA9, HOXA10, and NKX2‐1, and novel genes in T‐ALL biology including PLCB4, PLXND1, and MYO18B. The CIMP− subgroup, with worse prognosis, was associated with higher expression of TAL1 along with frequent STIL‐TAL1 fusions (2/40 in CIMP+ vs 11/24 in CIMP−), as well as stronger expression of BEX1. Altogether, our findings suggest different routes for leukemogenic transformation in the T‐ALL CIMP subgroups, indicated by different replicative histories and distinct methylomic and transcriptomic profiles. These novel findings can lead to new therapeutic strategies.
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| 7. |
- Højfeldt, Sofie G., et al.
(author)
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Genetic predisposition to PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity in children treated according to NOPHO ALL2008
- 2019
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 184:3, s. 405-417
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Asparaginase is essential in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment, however hypersensitivity reactions to pegylated asparaginase (PEG-asparaginase) hampers anti-neoplastic efficacy. Patients with PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity have been shown to possess zero asparaginase enzyme activity. Using this measurement to define the phenotype, we investigated genetic predisposition to PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity in a genome-wide association study (GWAS). From July 2008 to March 2016, 1494 children were treated on the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol. Cases were defined by clinical hypersensitivity and no enzyme activity, controls had enzyme activity ≥ 100 iu/l and no hypersensitivity symptoms. PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity was reported in 13·8% (206/1494) of patients. Fifty-nine cases and 772 controls fulfilled GWAS inclusion criteria. The CNOT3 variant rs73062673 on 19q13.42, was associated with PEG-asparaginase allergy (P = 4·68 × 10-8 ). We further identified two signals on chromosome 6 in relation to HLA-DQA1 (P = 9·37 × 10-6 ) and TAP2 (P = 1·59 × 10-5 ). This study associated variants in CNOT3 and in the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region with PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity, suggesting that not only genetic variations in the HLA region, but also regulation of these genes are of importance in the biology of this toxicity. Furthermore, our study emphasizes the importance of using asparaginase enzyme activity measurements to identify PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Ifversen, Marianne, et al.
(author)
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Low burden of minimal residual disease prior to transplantation in children with very high risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia : The NOPHO ALL2008 experience
- 2019
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In: British Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0007-1048 .- 1365-2141. ; 184:6, s. 982-993
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The population-based Nordic/Baltic acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) Nordic Society for Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL2008 protocol combined minimal residual disease (MRD)-driven treatment stratification with very intense first line chemotherapy for patients with high risk ALL. Patients with MRD >= 5% at end of induction or >= 10(-3) at end of consolidation or following two high risk blocks were eligible for haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in first remission. After at least three high risk blocks a total of 71 children received HCT, of which 46 had MRD >= 5% at end of induction. Ten patients stratified to HCT were not transplanted; 12 received HCT without protocol indication. Among 69 patients with evaluable pre-HCT MRD results, 22 were MRD-positive, one with MRD >= 10(-3). After a median follow-up of 5 center dot 5 years, the cumulative incidence of relapse was 23 center dot 5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10 center dot 5-47 center dot 7) for MRD-positive versus 5 center dot 1% (95% CI: 1 center dot 3-19 center dot 2), P = 0 center dot 02) for MRD-negative patients. MRD was the only variable significantly associated with relapse (hazard ratio 9 center dot 1, 95% CI: 1 center dot 6-51 center dot 0, P = 0 center dot 012). Non-relapse mortality did not differ between the two groups, resulting in disease-free survival of 85 center dot 6% (95% CI: 75 center dot 4-97 center dot 2) and 67 center dot 4% (95% CI: 50 center dot 2-90 center dot 5), respectively. In conclusion, NOPHO block treatment efficiently reduced residual leukaemia which, combined with modern transplant procedures, provided high survival rates, also among pre-HCT MRD-positive patients.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Levinsen, Mette, et al.
(author)
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Efficacy and Toxicity of Intrathecal Liposomal Cytarabine in First-line Therapy of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 2016
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In: Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. - 1077-4114 .- 1536-3678. ; 38:8, s. 602-609
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigated efficacy and toxicity of replacing conventional triple (cytarabine, methotrexate, and hydrocortisone) intrathecal therapy (TIT) with liposomal cytarabine during maintenance therapy among 40 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Twenty-eight of 29 patients in the TIT arm received TIT and 9/11 in the liposomal cytarabine arm received liposomal cytarabine. Arachnoiditis occurred in all initial 5 patients given liposomal cytarabine and intrathecal prednisolone succinate. Subsequently liposomal cytarabine was given with systemic dexamethasone. Neurotoxicity occurred at 6/27 liposomal cytarabine administrations with concomitant dexamethasone (22%). More liposomal cytarabine-treated patients experienced neurotoxicity in relation to intrathecal therapy during at least 1 cycle compared with TIT-treated patients (6/9 [67%] vs. 3/28 [11%], P=0.002). Apart from intermittent lower extremity sensory pain in 1 liposomal cytarabine-treated patient, no permanent adverse neurological sequelae were observed. In intention-to-treat analysis, projected 5-year event-free survival (pEFS-5y) was borderline higher for patients in the liposomal cytarabine arm compared with the TIT arm (1.0 vs. 0.69, P=0.046). However, pEFS-5y and projected 5-year relapse-free survival did not differ signficantly between patients treated with liposomal cytarabine or TIT (1.0 vs. 0.73, P=0.10; 1.0 vs. 0.76, P=0.12). Larger prospective trials are needed to explore whether liposomal cytarabine should be used as first-line prevention of relapse.
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| 13. |
- Levinsen, Mette, et al.
(author)
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Leukemic blasts are present at low levels in spinal fluid in one-third of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases
- 2016
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : Wiley. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 63:11, s. 1935-1942
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is associated with relapse in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is a diagnostic challenge. Procedure: In a Nordic/Baltic prospective study, we assessed centralized flow cytometry (FCM) of locally fixed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples versus local conventional cytospin-based cytology (CC) for detecting leukemic cells and evaluating kinetics of elimination of leukemic cells in CSF. Results: Among 300 patients with newly diagnosed ALL, 87 (29%) had CSF involvement by FCM, while CC was positive in 30 (10%) of 299 patients with available CC data (P < 0.001). Patients with FCM+/CC+ had higher CSF leukemic blast counts compared to patients positive by FCM only (medians: 0.10 vs. 0.017 leukemic blasts/μl, P = 0.006). Patients positive by FCM had higher white blood cell counts in peripheral blood than patients negative by FCM (medians: 45 × 109/l vs. 10 × 109/l, P < 0.001), were younger (medians: 3 years vs. 4 years, P = 0.03), and more frequently had T-cell ALL (18/87 vs. 16/213, P = 0.001). At treatment day 15, five of 52 patients (10%) who had CSF positive by FCM at diagnosis remained so despite at least two doses of weekly intrathecal chemotherapy. Conclusions: Longer follow-up is needed to clarify whether FCM positivity has prognostic significance and is an indicator for intensified CNS-directed therapy.
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| 14. |
- Levinsen, Mette, et al.
(author)
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Myelotoxicity after high-dose methotrexate in childhood acute leukemia is influenced by 6-mercaptopurine dosing but not by intermediate thiopurine methyltransferase activity
- 2015
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In: Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0344-5704 .- 1432-0843. ; 75:1, s. 59-66
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Through enhancement of 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) bioavailability and inhibition of purine de novo synthesis, high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) may increase incorporation into DNA of 6-thioguanine nucleotides, the cytotoxic metabolites of 6MP. Patients with intermediate activity of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMTIA) have higher cytosol 6-thioguanine nucleotide levels. We investigated toxicity following HD-MTX during MTX/6MP maintenance therapy in relation to 6MP and TPMT. Using linear mixed models, we explored myelo- and hepatotoxicity in relation to 6MP dosage and TPMT phenotype following 1,749 HD-MTX courses to 411 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on maintenance therapy. The degree of myelosuppression following HD-MTX was similar for patients with TPMTIA and patients with high TPMT activity (TPMTHA), when HD-MTX started with same blood counts and 6MP doses. However, since TPMTIA had lower blood counts at initiation of HD-MTX compared with TPMTHA patients (median WBC 2.8 vs. 3.3 x 10(9)/L, P = 0.01; median ANC 1.4 vs. 1.7 x 10(9)/L, P = 0.02), TPMTIA continued to have lower WBC and ANC levels compared with TPMTHA during all 28 days after HD-MTX [relative difference 9 % (95 % CI 2-17), P = 0.02 and 21 % (95 % CI 6-39), P = 0.005]. Still, the fractional decrease in WBC and ANC levels after HD-MTX did not differ between TPMTIA and TPMTHA patients (P = 0.47; P = 0.38). The degree of leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and rise in aminotransferases were all significantly related to 6MP dose (P < 0.001 for all analyses). For both TPMTIA and TPMTHA patients, dose of 6MP prior to HD-MTX should be guided by pre-HD-MTX blood counts, but not by TPMT activity.
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| 15. |
- Mogensen, Signe Sloth, et al.
(author)
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Comparing osteonecrosis clinical phenotype, timing, and risk factors in children and young adults treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2018
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : WILEY. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 65:10
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Treatment-related osteonecrosis (ON) is a serious complication of treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).Procedure: This study included 1,489 patients with ALL, aged 1-45years, treated according to the Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol, using alternate-week dexamethasone during delayed intensification, with prospective registration of symptomatic ON. We aimed at comparing risk factors, timing, and clinical characteristics of ON in children and young adults.Results: ON was diagnosed in 67 patients, yielding a 5-year cumulative incidence of 6.3%, but 28% in female adolescents. Median age at ALL diagnosis was 12.1years and 14.9years for females and males, respectively. At ON diagnosis, 59 patients had bone pain (91%) and 30 (46%) had multiple-joint involvement. The median interval between ALL and ON diagnosis was significantly shorter in children aged 1.0-9.9years (0.7years [range: 0.2-2.1]) compared with adolescents (1.8years [range: 0.3-3.7, P<0.001]) and adults (2.1years [range: 0.4-5.3, P=0.001]). Female sex was a risk factor in adolescent patients (hazard ratio [HR]=2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-4.2) but not in children aged 1.1-9.9years (HR=2.4, 95% CI: 0.9-6.2, P=0.08) or adults aged 19-45years (HR=1.1, 95% CI: 0.3-4.0). Age above 10years at ALL diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]=3.7, P=0.026) and multiple joints affected at ON diagnosis (OR=3.4, P=0.027) were risk factors for developing severe ON.Conclusion: We provide a detailed phenotype of patients with ALL with symptomatic ON, including description of risk factors and timing of ON across age groups. This awareness is essential in exploring measures to prevent development of ON.
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| 16. |
- Nersting, Jacob, et al.
(author)
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Methotrexate polyglutamate levels and co-distributions in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia maintenance therapy.
- 2019
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In: Cancer chemotherapy and pharmacology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1432-0843 .- 0344-5704. ; 83:1, s. 53-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Methotrexate polyglutamates (MTXpg) facilitate incorporation of thioguanine nucleotides into DNA (DNA-TG, the primary cytotoxic thiopurine metabolite and outcome determinant in MTX/6-mercaptopurine treatment of childhood ALL). We hypothesized that mapping erythrocyte levels of MTXpg with 1-6 glutamates and their associations with DNA-TG formation would facilitate future guidelines for maintenance therapy dosing.Summed MTX with 1-6 glutamates resolved by LCMS [median (interquartile): 5.47 (3.58-7.69) nmol/mmol hemoglobin] was in agreement with total MTX by radio ligand assay. In 16,389 blood samples from 1426 ALL maintenance therapy patients, MTXpg3 21.0 (15.2-27.4)% was the predominant metabolite, and MTXpg1 (the maternal drug) constituted 38.6 (27.2-50.2)% of MTXpg1-6. All subsets correlated; the strongest associations were between metabolites with similar polyglutamate lengths. Correlations of MTXpg1 with MTXpg2 and MTXpg3,4,5,6 were rs=0.68 and rs=0.25-0.42, respectively. Intercorrelations of MTXpg3,4,5,6 were all rs≥0.51. MTXpg4 accounted for 29.8 (24.7-33.3)% of MTXpg3-6, yet explained 96% of the summed MTXpg3-6 variation. MTXpg1-4, MTXpg1-6, MTXpg2-6 and MTXpg3 were all associated with DNA-TG levels (p<0.00001), but collinearity precluded identification of the most informative subset.Measuring erythrocyte MTXpg4 simplifies and can replace longer chain MTXpg monitoring. Resolving individual MTXpg identifies samples that are unsuitable for dose guidance due to high levels of MTXpg1 remaining in the plasma fraction because of recent MTX intake. All tested MTXpg subsets correlated with DNA-TG and may be used for ALL maintenance therapy dose adjustments, but the most informative subset remains to be identified.
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| 17. |
- Nielsen, Stine Nygaard, et al.
(author)
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DNA-thioguanine nucleotide concentration and relapse-free survival during maintenance therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (NOPHO ALL2008): a prospective substudy of a phase 3 trial.
- 2017
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In: The Lancet. Oncology. - 1474-5488. ; 18:4, s. 515-524
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Adjustment of mercaptopurine and methotrexate maintenance therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia by leucocyte count is confounded by natural variations. Cytotoxicity is primarily mediated by DNA-incorporated thioguanine nucleotides (DNA-TGN). The aim of this study was to establish whether DNA-TGN concentrations in blood leucocytes during maintenance therapy are associated with relapse-free survival.In this substudy of the NOPHO ALL2008 phase 3 trial done in 23 hospitals in seven European countries (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden), we analysed data from centralised and blinded analyses of 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate metabolites in blood samples from patients with non-high-risk childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Eligible patients were aged 1·0-17·9 years; had been diagnosed with non-high-risk precursor B-cell or T-cell leukaemia; had been treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol; and had reached maintenance therapy in first remission. Maintenance therapy was (mercaptopurine 75 mg/m(2) once per day and methotrexate 20 mg/m(2) once per week, targeted to a leucocyte count of 1·5-3·0×10(9) cells per L). We measured DNA-TGN and erythrocyte concentrations of TGN nucleotides, methylated mercaptopurine metabolites, and methotrexate polyglutamates. The primary objective was the association of DNA-TGN concentrations and 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate metabolites with relapse-free survival. The secondary endpoint was the assessment of DNA-TGN concentration and 6-mercaptopurine and methotrexate metabolites during maintenance therapy phase 2.Between Nov 26, 2008 and June 14, 2016, 1509 patients from the NOPHO ALL2008 study were assessed for eligibility in the DNA-TGN substudy, of which 918 (89%) of 1026 eligible patients had at least one DNA-TGN measurement and were included in the analyses. Median follow-up was 4·6 years (IQR 3·1-6·1). Relapse-free survival was significantly associated with DNA-TGN concentration (adjusted hazard ratio 0·81 per 100 fmol/μg DNA increase, 95% CI 0·67-0·98; p=0·029). In patients with at least five blood samples, erythrocyte concentrations of TGN, methylated mercaptopurine metabolites, and methotrexate polyglutamates were associated with DNA-TGN concentration (all p<0·0001).Our results suggest the need for intervention trials to identify clinically applicable strategies for individualised drug dosing to increase DNA-TGN concentration, and randomised studies to investigate whether such strategies improve cure rates compared with current dose adjustments based on white blood cell counts.Danish Cancer Society, Childhood Cancer Foundation (Denmark), Childhood Cancer Foundation (Sweden), Nordic Cancer Union, Otto Christensen Foundation, University Hospital Rigshospitalet, and Novo Nordic Foundation.
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| 18. |
- Nordlund, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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DNA methylation-based subtype prediction for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2015
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In: Clinical Epigenetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1868-7083 .- 1868-7075. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: We present a method that utilizes DNA methylation profiling for prediction of the cytogenetic subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells from pediatric ALL patients. The primary aim of our study was to improve risk stratification of ALL patients into treatment groups using DNA methylation as a complement to current diagnostic methods. A secondary aim was to gain insight into the functional role of DNA methylation in ALL. Results: We used the methylation status of similar to 450,000 CpG sites in 546 well-characterized patients with T-ALL or seven recurrent B-cell precursor ALL subtypes to design and validate sensitive and accurate DNA methylation classifiers. After repeated cross-validation, a final classifier was derived that consisted of only 246 CpG sites. The mean sensitivity and specificity of the classifier across the known subtypes was 0.90 and 0.99, respectively. We then used DNA methylation classification to screen for subtype membership of 210 patients with undefined karyotype (normal or no result) or non-recurrent cytogenetic aberrations('other' subtype). Nearly half (n = 106) of the patients lacking cytogenetic subgrouping displayed highly similar methylation profiles as the patients in the known recurrent groups. We verified the subtype of 20% of the newly classified patients by examination of diagnostic karyotypes, array-based copy number analysis, and detection of fusion genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Using RNA-seq data from ALL patients where cytogenetic subtype and DNA methylation classification did not agree, we discovered several novel fusion genes involving ETV6, RUNX1, and PAX5. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that DNA methylation profiling contributes to the clarification of the heterogeneity in cytogenetically undefined ALL patient groups and could be implemented as a complementary method for diagnosis of ALL. The results of our study provide clues to the origin and development of leukemic transformation. The methylation status of the CpG sites constituting the classifiers also highlight relevant biological characteristics in otherwise unclassified ALL patients.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Rank, Cecilie Utke, et al.
(author)
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Thromboembolism in acute lymphoblastic leukemia : results of NOPHO ALL2008 protocol treatment in patients aged 1 to 45 years
- 2018
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In: Blood. - : AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY. - 0006-4971 .- 1528-0020. ; 131:22, s. 2475-2484
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Thromboembolism frequently occurs during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. We prospectively registered thromboembolic events during the treatment of 1772 consecutive Nordic/Baltic patients with ALL aged 1 to 45 years who were treated according to the Nordic Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology ALL2008 protocol (July 2008-April 2017). The 2.5-year cumulative incidence of thromboembolism (N = 137) was 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.6-9.1); it was higher in patients aged at least 10 years (P < .0001). Adjusted hazard ratios (HRas) were associated with greater age (range, 10.0-17.9 years: HRa, 4.9 [95% CI, 3.1-7.8; P < .0001]; 18.0-45.9 years: HRa, 6.06 [95% CI, 3.65-10.1; P < .0001]) and mediastinal mass at ALL diagnosis (HRa, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0-4.3; P = .04). In a multiple absolute risk regression model addressing 3 thromboembolism risk factors, age at least 10 years had the largest absolute risk ratio (RRage, 4.7 [95% CI, 3.1-7.1]; RRenlarged (lymph nodes), 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2-3.1]; RRmediastinal mass, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.0-2.6]). Patients aged 18.0 to 45.9 years had an increased hazard of pulmonary embolism (HRa, 11.6; 95% CI, 4.02-33.7; P < .0001), and patients aged 10.0 to 17.9 years had an increased hazard of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (HRa, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5-7.3; P = .003) compared with children younger than 10.0 years. Asparaginase was truncated in 38/128 patients with thromboembolism, whereas thromboembolism diagnosis was unassociated with increased hazard of relapse (P = .6). Five deaths were attributable to thromboembolism, and patients younger than 18.0 years with thromboembolism had increased hazard of dying compared with same-aged patients without thromboembolism (both P <= .01). In conclusion, patients aged at least 10 years could be candidates for preemptive antithrombotic prophylaxis. However, the predictive value of age 10 years or older, enlarged lymph nodes, and mediastinal mass remain to be validated in another cohort.
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| 21. |
- Svahn, Thommy, 1983, et al.
(author)
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Delayed elimination of high-dose methotrexate and use of carboxypeptidase G2 in pediatric patients during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
- 2017
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In: Pediatric blood & cancer. - : Wiley. - 1545-5017 .- 1545-5009. ; 64:7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carboxypeptidase G2 (CPDG2 ) can be used as rescue treatment in cases of delayed methotrexate elimination (DME) and Mtx-induced nephrotoxicity.Between July 2008 and December 2014, all children (1.0-17.9 years) in the Nordic countries diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were treated according to the Nordic Organization for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL 2008 protocol, including administration of six to eight high-dose (5 g/m(2) /24 hr) Mtx (HDMtx) courses. The protocol includes recommendations for CPDG2 administration in cases of DME (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01305655).Forty-seven of the 1,286 children (3.6%) received CPDG2 during 50 HDMtx courses at a median dose of 50 IU/kg. In 49% of the cases, CPDG2 was used during the first HDMtx course. Within a median of 6 hr from CPDG2 administration, the Mtx concentration decreased by 75% when measured with immune-based methods, and by 100% when measured with high-performance liquid chromatography. The median time from the start of Mtx infusion to plasma levels ≤ 0.2 μM was 228 hr (range: 48-438). The maximum increase in plasma creatinine was 375% (range: 100-1,310). Creatinine peaked after a median of 48 hr (range: 36-86). Mtx elimination time was shorter in patients with body surface area < 1 m(2) (median 198.5 vs. 257 hr; P = 0.004) and was inversely correlated to the maximum creatinine increase (209 vs. 258 hr; P = 0.034). All patients normalized their renal function as measured with s-creatinine.CPDG2 administration is highly effective as rescue in case of delayed Mtx clearance. Subsequent HDMtx courses could be administered without events in most of the patients.
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| 22. |
- Toft, Nina, et al.
(author)
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Toxicity profile and treatment delays in NOPHO ALL2008-comparing adults and children with Philadelphia chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2016
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In: European Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 96:2, s. 160-169
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Cure rates improve when adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are treated according to pediatric protocols. Assumed risks of toxicities and associated delays in treatment have played a role in setting upper age limits. The aim of this study was to examine the toxicity profile and treatment delays in NOPHO ALL2008 comparing children and adults.METHODS: We collected information on 19 treatment-related toxicities, systematically captured at 3-month intervals throughout therapy, and time intervals between 12 consecutive treatment phases for 1076 patients aged 1-45 yrs treated according to the Nordic/Baltic ALL2008 protocol.RESULTS: No adults died during induction. The duration of induction therapy and postinduction treatment phases did not differ between children and adults, except for patients 18-45 yrs being significantly delayed during two of nine high-risk blocks (median number of days for patients 1-9, 10-17, and 18-45 yrs; the glucocorticosteroid/antimetabolite-based block B1: 24, 26, and 29 d, respectively, P = 0.001, and Block 5 (in most cases also a B block): 29, 29, and 37 d, respectively, P = 0.02). A higher incidence of thrombosis with increasing age was found; highest odds ratio 5.4 (95% CI: (2.6;11.0)) for patients 15-17 yrs compared with children 1-9 yrs (P < 0.0001). Risk of avascular osteonecrosis was related to age with the highest OR for patients 10-14 yrs (OR = 10.4 (95% CI: (4.4;24.9)), P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: Adults followed and tolerated the NOPHO ALL2008 protocol virtually as well as children, although thrombosis and avascular osteonecrosis was most common among adolescents.
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| 23. |
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| 24. |
- Tulstrup, Morten, et al.
(author)
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Individualized 6-mercaptopurine increments in consolidation treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A NOPHO randomized controlled trial.
- 2018
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In: European Journal of Haematology. - : Wiley. - 0902-4441 .- 1600-0609. ; 100:1, s. 53-60
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This randomized controlled trial tested the hypothesis that children with non-high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia could benefit from individualized 6-mercaptopurine increments during consolidation therapy (NCT00816049). Primary and secondary end points were end of consolidation minimal residual disease (MRD) positivity and event-free survival.392 patients were randomized to experimental and 396 to standard therapy. Patients allocated to standard therapy received oral 6-mercaptopurine (25mg/m(2) /day) from days 30 to 85, while the experimental arm received stepwise increments of additional 25mg/m(2) /day beginning on days 50 and/or 71 unless dose-limiting myelosuppression had occurred.In the experimental arm, 166 patients (42%) received one dose increment, and 62 (16%) received two. Fifty-seven of 387 (15%) patients in the experimental arm were MRD positive at end of consolidation vs 77 of 389 (20%) in the control arm (P=.08). Five-year probability of event-free survival was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.93) in the experimental arm vs 0.93 (0.90-0.96) in the control arm (P=.13). The median accumulated length of 6-mercaptopurine treatment interruptions was 7 (IQR 2-12) in the experimental arm vs 4 (IQR 0-10) in the control arm (P=.002).This study found no benefit from individualized 6-mercaptopurine increments compared to standard therapy.
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| 25. |
- Tulstrup, Morten, et al.
(author)
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Parents' and Adolescents' Preferences for Intensified or Reduced Treatment in Randomized Lymphoblastic Leukemia Trials.
- 2016
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : Wiley. - 1545-5017 .- 1545-5009. ; 63:5, s. 865-871
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- When offered participation in clinical trials, families of children with cancer face a delicate balance between cure and toxicity. Since parents and children may perceive this balance differently, this paper explores whether adolescent patients have different enrollment patterns compared to younger children in trials with different toxicity profiles.
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| 26. |
- Wibroe, Morten, et al.
(author)
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Cerebellar mutism syndrome in children with brain tumours of the posterior fossa
- 2017
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In: BMC Cancer. - : BIOMED CENTRAL LTD. - 1471-2407. ; 17
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Central nervous system tumours constitute 25% of all childhood cancers; more than half are located in the posterior fossa and surgery is usually part of therapy. One of the most disabling late effects of posterior fossa tumour surgery is the cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) which has been reported in up to 39% of the patients but the exact incidence is uncertain since milder cases may be unrecognized. Recovery is usually incomplete. Reported risk factors are tumour type, midline location and brainstem involvement, but the exact aetiology, surgical and other risk factors, the clinical course and strategies for prevention and treatment are yet to be determined.Methods: This observational, prospective, multicentre study will include 500 children with posterior fossa tumours. It opened late 2014 with participation from 20 Nordic and Baltic centres. From 2016, five British centres and four Dutch centres will join with a total annual accrual of 130 patients. Three other major European centres are invited to join from 2016/17. Follow-up will run for 12 months after inclusion of the last patient. All patients are treated according to local practice. Clinical data are collected through standardized online registration at pre-determined time points pre- and postoperatively. Neurological status and speech functions are examined pre- operatively and postoperatively at 1-4 weeks, 2 and 12 months. Pre- and postoperative speech samples are recorded and analysed. Imaging will be reviewed centrally. Pathology is classified according to the 2007 WHO system. Germline DNA will be collected from all patients for associations between CMS characteristics and host genome variants including pathway profiles.Discussion: Through prospective and detailed collection of information on 1) differences in incidence and clinical course of CMS for different patient and tumour characteristics, 2) standardized surgical data and their association with CMS, 3) diversities and results of other therapeutic interventions, and 4) the role of host genome variants, we aim to achieve a better understanding of risk factors for and the clinical course of CMS - with the ultimate goal of defining strategies for prevention and treatment of this severely disabling condition.
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| 27. |
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| 28. |
- Wolthers, Benjamin Ole, et al.
(author)
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Insulin-dependent diabetes : a chronic complication to acute pancreatitis in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
- 2019
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In: Pediatric Blood & Cancer. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 1545-5009 .- 1545-5017. ; 66:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pancreatitis is a frequent toxicity to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment, significantly associated with asparaginase use, and may be followed by severe complications such as acute hyperglycaemia, need for mechanical ventilation, pseudocysts, and death. Here, we provide novel data on seven patients diagnosed with diabetes after pancreatitis and still requiring insulin treatment after a median follow-up of 4.2 years (range: 1.7-9.2). We describe the clinical course of pancreatitis and illustrate the association between pancreatic pseudocysts, older age, and development of insulin-dependent diabetes. Together, this study documents the persisting burden of pancreatitis in childhood ALL and underlines the need for plasma glucose level monitoring.
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