Clinical Outcomes of Advanced-Stage Cutaneous Lymphoma under Low-Dose Gemcitabine Treatment: Real-Life Data from the German Cutaneous Lymphoma Network

Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Christoph Blazejak ◽  
Rene Stranzenbach ◽  
Janika Gosman ◽  
Thilo Gambichler ◽  
Ulrike Wehkamp ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Gemcitabine is an effective single-agent chemotherapy used in advanced stages of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). However, gemcitabine used in the current standard regimen is frequently associated with adverse events (AE), such as an increased risk for myelosuppression and severe infections. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> We investigated in this retrospective study the effect of low-dose gemcitabine in pretreated advanced-stage CTCL and in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasia (BPDCN) regarding overall response (OR), progression-free survival (PFS), and AE. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted on 64 CTCL and BPDCN patients treated with gemcitabine in average absolute dosage of 1,800 mg/m<sup>2</sup> per cycle, which is 50% lower compared to standard dosage of 3,600 mg/m<sup>2</sup> per cycle (1,200 mg/m<sup>2</sup> day 1, 8, 15). Evaluation of response to therapy and AE was done 4–6 weeks after the sixth cycle. <b><i>Results:</i></b> OR was 62% with 11% demonstrating a complete response. The median time of PFS was 12 months and median time to next treatment was 7 months. Only 3/63 patients showed serious side effects, e.g., port infection or acute renal failure. Almost 73% of the patients experienced minor to moderate side effects (CTCAE grade 0–2). Fatigue (27.2%), fever (22.7%), and mild blood count alteration (18.2%) were the most common AE. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> This retrospective analysis supports the use of low-dose gemcitabine therapy in CTCL, demonstrating with 62% OR and PFS of 12 months an almost identical response rate and survival as compared to the standard dose therapy reported in previous studies but with a significantly improved safety profile and tolerability.

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1760
Author(s):  
Novella Pugliese ◽  
Marco Picardi ◽  
Roberta Della Pepa ◽  
Claudia Giordano ◽  
Francesco Muriano ◽  
...  

Background: Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare variant of HL that accounts for 5% of all HL cases. The expression of CD20 on neoplastic lymphocytes provides a suitable target for novel treatments based on Rituximab. Due to its rarity, consolidated and widely accepted treatment guidelines are still lacking for this disease. Methods: Between 1 December 2007 and 28 February 2018, sixteen consecutive newly diagnosed adult patients with NLPHL received Rituximab (induction ± maintenance)-based therapy, according to the baseline risk of German Hodgkin Study Group prognostic score system. The treatment efficacy and safety of the Rituximab-group were compared to those of a historical cohort of 12 patients with NLPHL who received Doxorubicin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy (RT), if needed, according to a similar baseline risk. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and side-effects (according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v4.03). Results: After a 7-year follow-up (range, 1–11 years), PFS was 100% for patients treated with the Rituximab-containing regimen versus 66% for patients of the historical cohort (p = 0.036). Four patients in the latter group showed insufficient response to therapy. The PFS for early favorable and early unfavorable NLPHLs was similar between treatment groups, while a better PFS was recorded for advanced-stages treated with the Rituximab-containing regimen. The OS was similar for the two treatment groups. Short- and long-term side-effects were more frequently observed in the historical cohort. Grade ≥3 neutropenia was more frequent in the historical cohort compared with the Rituximab-group (58.3% vs. 18.7%, respectively; p = 0.03). Long-term non-hematological toxicities were observed more frequently in the historical cohort. Conclusion: Our results confirm the value of Rituximab in NLPHL therapy and show that Rituximab (single-agent) induction and maintenance in a limited-stage, or Rituximab with ABVD only in the presence of risk factors, give excellent results while sparing cytotoxic agent- and/or RT-related damage. Furthermore, Rituximab inclusion in advanced-stage therapeutic strategy seems to improve PFS compared to conventional chemo-radiotherapy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie L. Miller, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FPPAG ◽  
Kimberly Ernst, MD, MSMI, FAAP ◽  
Stephen B. Neely, MPH ◽  
Katy Stephens, BS ◽  
Philip Barker ◽  
...  

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare median time to symptom relief (time from methadone initiation until two consecutive modified Finnegan [neonatal abstinence syndrome, NAS] scores 8) between neonates receiving low-dose (≤0.275 mg/kg/day) versus high-dose (0.275 mg/kg/day) methadone. Secondary objectives included assessment of factors associated with symptom relief. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.Setting: Ninety-nine bed neonatal intensive care unit within a tertiary-care academic hospital.Participants: Seventy-two neonates who received methadone for NAS over a 7.5-year period.Main outcome measures(s): Kaplan-Meier curves with a log-rank test and a stepwise Cox proportional-hazard model were used to analyze outcomes. Results: The median dose for the low-dose (n = 40) and high-dose (n = 32) groups were 0.19 mg/kg/day (interquartile range [IQR], 0.12-0.24) divided every 6-12 hours and 0.4 mg/kg/day (0.3-0.44) divided every 6-8 hours, respectively. The median time to symptom relief was higher in the low-dose versus high-dose groups, 9.3 (5.8-24.6) versus 6.0 (5.4-12.5) hours, respectively (p = 0.014). Low-dose males had a longer time to symptom resolution than other groups (p = 0.008). Female premature neonates (37 weeks gestation) had a shorter time to symptom relief than term neonates [adjusted hazard ratio = 2.96 (1.02-8.62)]. The median total duration of methadone was shorter but not statistically significant between high- versus low-dose groups, 17.5 (IQR: 11.0-25.0) versus 21.0 days (IQR: 10.0-28.0), respectively (p = 0.483).Conclusions: Neonates receiving high-dose methadone had a significantly shorter time to symptom relief. Differences in sex were noted in response to therapy with low-dose males having a longer time to symptom relief and premature neonates a shorter time to symptom relief.


Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 114 (22) ◽  
pp. 4947-4947
Author(s):  
Sikander Ailawadhi ◽  
Michael Keng ◽  
Eddie Thara ◽  
Andrew Hendifar ◽  
Tanya Price ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4947 Background Recent advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) have significantly improved overall survival. With MM patients living longer, there is a constant need to find better therapeutic options, especially when patients are refractory to conventional agents, and are not eligible for experimental therapeutics in clinical trials. We evaluated treatment with single-agent high-dose cyclophosphamide (HDCy) in a cohort of heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods All the patients were previously treated for active MM at the University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA. Cyclophosphamide was administered at 1.2 gm/m2 in D5W intravenous (IV) over 1 hour every 3 hours for a total of 4 doses. Mesna was given to prevent urinary adverse events from cyclophosphamide as 4 gm/m2 in 1000 ml D5W IV to run at 50 ml/hr for 20 hours, starting 15 minutes prior to the first dose of cyclophosphamide. Patients were given pre-medications with 5HT3 antagonists an steroids. Treatment was administered in the in-patient setting and patients were discharged after the last dose of cyclophosphamide. Treatment was repeated every 4 weeks, if well-tolerated and continued response. Growth factor support was provided to the patients, as needed. Response to treatment was assessed after each 4-week cycle according to the International Uniform Response Criteria for MM. Results Seven patients (4 females, 3 males) were treated on this regimen with a median age of 53 years (range 34-61 yrs). These patients included 3 Hispanics (43%), 2 Asians (29%), 1 Caucasian (14%) and 1 African-American (14%). MM subtype was IgG disease in 3, IgA in 2, and light-chain only in 2 patients. Advanced stage disease (>stage 1) at the time of diagnosis as per the Durie Salmon (DS) staging system was present in 71% of the patients, while 3 patients (43%) had advanced stage disease as per the International Staging System (ISS). Four patients (57%) had lytic bone disease at the time of diagnosis, while only 1 patient was a non-secretor. Five of these patients (71%) never received an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as a part of their MM treatment. Median number of therapies in these patients was 5 (range 4-8), while median number of therapies prior to high-dose cyclophosphamide (HDCy) were 3 (range 2-7). Median number of cycles of HDCy administered to the patients was 2 (range 1-5). Overall Response Rate (ORR = CR+PR) was 29% (n=2) with 1 patient achieving CR and 1 patient achieving VGPR. Four patients (57%) had stable disease (SD) and 1 patient had progressive disease (PD). Thus, the overall clinical benefit (CR+PR+SD) was seen in 6 out of the 7 patients (86%). Median time to best response was 5 weeks (range 4-10 weeks). Median time to progression was 16 weeks (range 8-24 weeks). Most common adverse events were cytopenias and fatigue, but were easily manageable with supportive care on an out-patient basis. Conclusions Despite improvement in therapeutic regimens for MM, it remains an incurable disorder. There is a constant need to develop regimens for treatment of relapsed/refractory MM patients that are efficacious and well-tolerated. We report the use of single-agent HDCy in heavily pre-treated MM patients. Despite the small number of patients studied, we have noted meaningful clinical benefit with a manageable toxicity profile. This warrants further investigation into developing therapeutic regimens with high-dose cyclophosphamide. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1098612X2110288
Author(s):  
Jacob Siewert ◽  
MacKenzie A Pellin ◽  
Brian D Husbands ◽  
Kaitlin M Curran ◽  
Diane Scavelli ◽  
...  

Objectives The primary goal of this study was to characterize the clinical presentation of feline cutaneous lymphoma. The secondary aims included determining if treatment or initial response to treatment affected the overall survival of patients, and understanding if disease characteristics such as immunophenotype, cell size or the presence of epitheliotropism influenced response to treatment. Methods Veterinary medical oncologists at four academic veterinary teaching hospitals submitted cases of feline patients with cutaneous lymphoma diagnosed by histopathology or cytology. Signalment, feline leukemia virus (FeLV)/feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) status, physical examination findings, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, therapy, response and outcome, and necropsy findings, when available, were recorded. Results Forty-one patients were identified and described. The majority of patients were domestic shorthair cats (n = 29). The median age at diagnosis was 12.3 years. Males were over-represented in the population (n = 30). In the majority of patients (n = 33), the FIV/FeLV status was unknown. Twenty patients were fully staged. Thirty-four patients were treated with a variety of modalities, including surgery, radiation, single-agent or combination chemotherapy, or prednisolone only. In multiple patients, surgery or radiation was combined with a systemic therapy. Of 34 patients treated with some form of therapy, 20 responded (achieving either a partial response or complete remission). Conclusions and relevance Clinical signs and physical examination findings varied among patients. Response to therapy appeared to be associated with survival (P = 0.0025); however, this population was highly censored. Immunophenotype, cell size and the presence of epitheliotropism did not influence treatment response. Results were limited by small numbers of patients, heterogeneous disease manifestations and treatment protocols. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of specific treatment modalities and disease subtype on prognosis.


2019 ◽  
pp. 138-141
Author(s):  
Yu. S. Drapkina

The most effective symptomatic treatment of menopause is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). It has been shown that MHT administered in proper time can not only reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor disorders, but also significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, several research showed the increased risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and breast cancer in patients receiving MHT, thereby MHT safety was questioned. Despite the fact that the beneficial properties of MHT significantly exceed the possible risks of side effects, modern international guidelines recommend to use minimal doses of MHT. Low-dose and ultra-low dose MHT regimens make it possible to maintain effectiveness, but at the same time reduce the incidence of undesirable side reactions to a minimum.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 866-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martha Q. Lacy ◽  
Suzanne R. Hayman ◽  
Morie A. Gertz ◽  
Jacob B. Allred ◽  
Sumithra J. Mandrekar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Thalidomide and its analogue lenalidomide have high response rates among patients with newly diagnosed as well as previously treated myeloma. Pomalidomide (CC4047) is the newest immunomodulatory (IMiD) agent that has shown single-agent activity in phase I studies. We report on the first Phase 2 trial of pomalidomide combined with low dose dexamethasone (Pom/dex) in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Methods: 37 patients (21 male and 16 female) were enrolled. Pomalidomide was given orally 2 mg daily on days 1–28 of a 28-day cycle. Dexamethasone was given orally at a dose of 40 mg daily on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 of each cycle. Response was assessed by the International Myeloma Working Group Uniform Response criteria. All patients received aspirin 325 mg daily as prophylaxis against DVT. Results: The median age was 66 years (range, 40 – 88). All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity, and all analysis were done on intent to treat basis. All patients had received prior therapy; 38% had 3 prior regimens; 35% had 2 prior regimens and 27% had one prior regimen. 76% had previous autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and 24% had 2 prior ASCT. 62% had previous IMiD therapy. Toxicity was mild and consisted primarily of myelosuppression. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 31%; grade 3 thrombocytopenia 3%; grade 3 anemia 3 %. Other grade 3/4 toxicities seen in less than 5% pts included: diarrhea, atrial fibrillation, pneumonia, dehydration and renal insufficiency. 16 % had grade 1/2 neuropathy. No grade 3 neuropathy was seen and there have been no thromboembolic events. Thirty (81%) patients are continuing study treatment. Seven patients have discontinued treatment due to: disease progression (5), died on study (1) and the medical doctor’s discretion (1). Twenty three of 37 patients (62%) achieved an objective response to therapy; including 9 (24%) with VGPR; 14 patients (38%) with PR; 6 (16%) with stable disease. Objective responses were seen in 4 of 13 patients (29%) who were refractory to lenalidomide. Conclusions: Pomalidomide plus dexamethasone (Pom/dex) is highly active and well tolerated for treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma with an objective responserate of 62%, including a 29% response rate among patients who are lenalidomiderefractory.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS406-TPS406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertrand F. Tombal ◽  
Silke Gillessen ◽  
Yohann Loriot ◽  
Sandrine Marreaud ◽  
Laurence Collette ◽  
...  

TPS406 Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) by LHRH analogues aims to lower serum testosterone. ADT is associated with several side effects that include hot flushes, depression, loss of libido, metabolic disturbances leading to an increase risk of cardiovascular disease, increased bone resorption leading to increased risk of osteoporosis and skeletal fracture. AR antagonists may circumvent these side effects by suppressing AR transcription by competitive inhibition of AR, without lowering systemic testosterone. In Europe, first generation AR antagonists bicalutamide 150 mg is registered for the treatment of non-metastatic hormone-naïve PCa. is a novel AR antagonist that is structurally distinct with higher AR-binding affinity compared to bicalutamide, enzalutamide, and apalutamide. The aim of this trial is to investigate the activity, safety and tolerability of darolutamide as single agent, as an alternative to LHRH analogues in men requiring ADT. Methods: EORTC-1532-GUCG (NCT02972060) will randomize 250 men with hormone-naïve PCa 1:1 to 600 mg (2× 300-mg tablets) bid of darolutamide1 or LHRH agonist or antagonist, stratified for type of ADT (agonist vs. antagonist), disease extent (measurable, non-measurable, vs. no metastasis) and age (≥70 vs < 70 years). Key inclusion criteria include histologically confirmed asymptomatic PCa (all stages) for whom continuous ADT is indicated for a minimum period of 24 weeks. Patients with up to 4 confirmed not visceral metastases, are allowed. Baseline total testosterone should be ≥ 8 nmol/L or 230 ng/dL. Primary endpoint is PSA response assessed at 24 weeks, defined as a ≥ 80% decline in PSA at week 24 in the darolutamide study arm. The ADT arm is used as an internal non comparative control. Key secondary endpoints include: Change in hormone-treatment related symptoms scale of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 at 24 weeks (comparison between arms); objective response rate at 24 weeks in patients with measurable disease at baseline, safety according to NCI-CTC version 4.0. Clinical trial information: NCT02972060.


2001 ◽  
Vol 47 (7) ◽  
pp. 1241-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Mourad ◽  
Jacques Malaise ◽  
Djamila Chaib Eddour ◽  
Martine De Meyer ◽  
Josiane König ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an effective posttransplantation immunosuppressive agent used in combination with cyclosporin A (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tc). An increase in plasma mycophenolic acid (MPA) has been shown in patients receiving Tc-MMF combination therapy compared with CsA-MMF combination therapy at the same dose of MMF. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship for MPA in kidney transplant patients receiving low-dose MMF (500 mg twice a day) in combination with Tc. Methods: Adult kidney transplant recipients (n = 51) were included. MPA-PK profiles (blood sampling at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 h after MMF oral dose) were obtained within the first 2 weeks after transplantation, 3 months after grafting, and at every adverse clinical event [side effect or acute rejection (AR)]. All patients received Tc, MMF (500 mg twice a day), and steroids. Results: Thirty patients (59%) had uneventful outcomes, and 21 patients had 33 episodes of MPA-related side effects; only 3 patients had AR. A total of 78 MPA-PK profiles were obtained. The following PK parameters were increased in the side-effects group compared with the non-side effects group: mean MPA cmin, 2.63 ± 1.58 vs 1.75 ± 0.82 mg/L (P = 0.016); mean c30, 10.47 ± 6.27 vs 7.66 ± 8.95 mg/L (P = 0.009); mean c60, 9.67 ± 5.42 vs 5.83 ± 2.6 mg/L (P = 0.0002); mean area under the MPA time-concentration curve from 0 to 12 h [MPA-AUC(0–12)], 48.38 ± 18.5 vs 36.04 ± 10.82 mg · h/L (P = 0.0006); mean dose-normalized MPA-AUC, 0.16 ± 0.05 vs 0.12 ± 0.04 (mg · h/L)/(mg/m2) (P = 0.0015). For the three AR patients, MPA concentrations obtained at the time of AR revealed MPA cmin values of 1.86, 1.76, and 3.83 mg/L, respectively, and MPA-AUC(0–12) values of 37.7, 24.9, and 104.9 mg · h/L. The threshold of toxicity was 3 mg/L (sensitivity, 38.7%; specificity, 91.5%) for cmin, 8.09 mg/L for maximum MPA concentration during the first hour (sensitivity, 77.8%; specificity, 67.4%), and 37.6 mg · h/L for MPA-AUC(0–12) (sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 59.6%). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the relationship between plasma MPA concentrations and toxicity. High cmin, c30, and c60 values as well as AUC(0–12) are associated with increased risk for side effects. These values may have an importance in a routine monitoring program.


1974 ◽  
Vol 77 (3_Suppl) ◽  
pp. S87-S94 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Wiese ◽  
M. Osler

ABSTRACT A retrospective investigation was made of contraception in diabetic women delivered in our department in 1969 and 1970. Seventy-nine (69 per cent) answered the questionnaires. About one third had found the contraceptive instruction insufficient. A shift from conventional to intrauterine contraception and sterilization was seen, but nearly 25% of the patients were still using conventional methods, mainly the condom. The patients consider this an unreliable method. Thirty-three patients were using intrauterine contraception. Although 10 of them had bleeding irregularities, all were satisfied with the method. Sterilization had been performed on 17 patients, all of whom were fully satisfied and had experienced no side effects. Four of 11 insulin-requiring diabetics, who have used combined oestrogen-progesterone medication have had difficulties in the regulation of the diabetes. Of 24 unwanted pregnancies 12 occurred since the hospitalization in 1969 and 1970. In diabetic women the contraceptive method should either be sterilization, intrauterine device or low dose progestagens, and only in a few cases conventional. A thorough contraceptive instruction as well as a close control of the diabetic women are of importance in order to avoid unplanned pregnancy. The best way to achieve this is by having an out-patient clinic in connection with the obstetrical department to supervise contraception in all diabetic women in the area.


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