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Cytogenetic response to prior IFN treatment predicts survival after AHSCT in CML

06-05-2006

Cytogenetic response to prior interferon alpha treatment predicts survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chronic myeloid leukemia patients.

According to recent research from Germany, "We investigated the impact of a cytogenetic response (CyR) to IFN prior to and at the time of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) on transplant-related mortality (TRM), relapse rate and survival probability after HSCT in 162 transplanted patients with chronic myeloid leukemia."

"One-hundred-one patients (62.3%) achieved a CyR prior to HSCT. Survival probabilities were higher in patients, who achieved any CyR prior to HSCT than in patients without CyR (63.6 vs. 49.2%: p=0.019). Survival probabilities in patients, who achieved a major CyR were better than in patients with minimal and minor CyR or in patients with no CyR (69.4 vs. 58.8 vs. 49.2%: p=0.040)," investigators wrote.

"TRM and survival of chronic phase patients without CyR at the time of HSCT were similar to that of patients transplanted in advanced phase. Both groups combined had an outcome inferior to patients with at least minimal CyR (TRM, Gray test: p=0.016, survival, log-rank test: p=0.002).

"Univariate and multivariate analyses identified CyR prior to or at HSCT as a strong and independently favorable prognostic factor," reported O. Maywald and colleagues at the University of Heidelberg in Mannheim.

The authors concluded that allogeneic "HSCT in CyR should be investigated prospectively as an alternative treatment option in defined patient groups."

Maywald and colleagues published their study in Leukemia (Cytogenetic response to prior treatment with interferon-alpha is predictive for survival after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia, 2006;20(3):477-484).

For additional information, contact A. Reiter, University of Heidelberg, Med University of Klin 3, Fak Klin Med Mannheim, Wiesbadener Str 7-11, D-68305 Mannheim, Germany.

Publisher contact information for the journal Leukemia is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

Keywords: Mannheim, Germany, Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Interferon Alpha, Survival, Prognostic Indicator.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.