BACKGROUND: Although the need for consolidation chemotherapy after successful induction therapy is well established in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in first complete remission (CR1), the value of consolidation chemotherapy before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively compared the effect of the number of pre-transplant consolidation chemotherapies on outcomes of human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling stem cell transplantation (MSDT) for patients with AML in CR1 in multicenters across China. In our study, we analyzed data of 373 AML patients in CR1 from three centers across China. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 969 days, patients with ≥ 3 courses of consolidation chemotherapy had higher probabilities of leukemia-free survival (LFS) (85.6% vs . 67.0%, P < 0.001) and overall survival (89.2% vs . 78.5%, P  = 0.007), and better cumulative incidences of relapse (10.5% vs . 19.6%, P  = 0.020) and non-relapse mortality (4.2% vs . 14.9%, P  = 0.001) than those with ≤ 2 courses of consolidation chemotherapy. Pre-transplantation minimal residual disease-negative patients with AML in CR1 who received MSDT with ≥ 3 courses of consolidation chemotherapy had a higher probability of LFS (85.9% vs . 67.7%, P  = 0.003) and a lower cumulative incidence of relapse (9.6% vs . 23.3%, P  = 0.013) than those with ≤ 2 courses. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that patients with AML in CR1 who received MSDT might benefit from pre-transplant consolidation chemotherapy.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Consolidation Chemotherapy/methods* ; Siblings ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods* ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/etiology* ; HLA Antigens ; Allografts

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of micro-transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: The clinical data of 13 adult AML patients who received micro-transplantation as consolidation therapy from July 2014 to October 2019 was retrospectively analyzed, and the adverse reactions and efficacy of micro-transplantation were followed up. RESULTS: Eight patients received micro-transpantation were still in complete remission, 5 patients relapsed after micro-transplantation, 1 of them received umbilical cord blood micro-transplantation after remission by reinduction, and all of the 13 patients have survived till now. The median overall survival time was 13 months, and the median relapse-free survival time was 12 months. All 13 patients developed grade 2-4 hematological adverse reactions. The median recovery time of neutrophils and platesets was 13 (11-15) and 15 (13-17) days, respectively. None of the 13 patients developed acute or chronic graft versus host disease. Twelve patients suffered from different infections, however, there were no serious organ function injury complications happened. CONCLUSION The micro-transplomtation of HLA-incompatible stem cells derived from peripheral blood or umbilical and blood is an effective regimen for the consolidation therapy of AML, especially for the patients suffered from low and moderate risk of AML or the aged AML patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic factors of young and middle-aged patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and the predictive value of minimal residual disease (MRD) before consolidation therapy. METHODS: The clinical data of 262 middle-risk young and middle-aged patients with AML treated in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were selected retrospectively. All the patients were reached morphological leukemia-free state (MLFS) after induction chemotherapy, the overall and subgroup clinical data of the selected patients were analyzed. Cox regression model was used to evaluate the independent prognostic factors of middle-risk newly diagnosed young and middle-aged patients. RESULTS: Among the patients less than 40 years old treated by consolidation therapy with PR-CT and allo-HSCT regimens, the 5-year cumulative leukemia-free survival(LFS) rates were 40.92% and 63.51%（P=0.01）respectively, while those over 40 years old were 23.61% and 49.14%（P=0.00）, respectively. The 5-year cumulative LFS rates of the patients treated by chemotherapy and achieved early remission and late remission were 63.51% and 41.33% （P=0.01）, respectively. The 5-year cumulative overall survival(OS) rates of the patients treated by PR-CT and allo-HSCT regimens were 23.65% and 69.32% (P=0.00), respectively, and the 5-year cumulative LFS rates were 26.44% and 52.30% (P=0.01). Among the patients treated by PR-CT consolidation treatment, the MRD-negative and MRD-positive cases were 74 and 60 cases, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse rate in the MRD-negative subgroup was significantly lower than those in the MRD-positive subgroup (P<0.05), the 5-year LFS rate and OS rate of the patients in MRD-negative subgroup were significantly higher than those in MRD-positive subgroup (P<0.05). For the patients treated by allo-HSCT consolidation treatment, the MRD-negative and MRD-positive cases were 66 and 62 cases, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse rate of the patients in MRD-negative subgroup was significantly lower than those in MRD-positive subgroup（P<0.05）, and the 5-year LFS and OS rates of the patients in MRD-negative subgroup were significantly higher than those in MRD-positive subgroup (P<0.05). The univariate analysis results showed that age, chromosome karyotype, MRD status after reaching MLFS, and consolidation treatment regime were all related to the prognosis of patients (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis results showed that age, MRD status after reaching MLFS, and consolidation therapy were the independent factors affecting the cumulative OS rate of the patients (P<0.05). Chromosome karyotype was an independent factor affecting the cumulative LFS rate of the patients (P<0.05). MRD status and consolidation treatment plan after reaching MLFS were the independent factors affecting the cumulative recurrence rate of the patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The OS rate of middle-risk young and middle-aged patients with newly diagnosed AML is independently related to age, MRD status after MLFS and consolidation therapy, while chromosome karyotype is independently related to cumulative LFS, and allo-HSCT consolidation therapy is recommended for middle-risk young and middle-aged AML patients after induction chemotherapy for MLFS, especially for those less than 40 years old and MRD positive before consolidation therapy.
Adult ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm, Residual ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of clonal gene mutations detected by second-generation sequencing in patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who received high-dose chemotherapy or autologous transplantation (intensive consolidation therapy) in the first complete remission (CR(1)) state. Methods: 79 AML patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 who received intensive consolidation therapy in CR(1) state from July 2011 to August 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression model were used to figure out the effect of leukocyte counts at onset and gene mutations for prognosis. Results: C-KIT, FLT3, CEBPA and DNMT3A gene mutations were found in 25 (31.6%) , 6 (7.6%) , 7 (8.9%) and 1 (1.3%) patient among the population. Mutations in C-KIT exon17 and C-KIT exon8 were detected in 19 (24.1%) and 5 (6.3%) cases, respectively, and mutations of FLT3-ITD were confirmed in 5 (6.3%) cases. The higher leukocyte counts presented at onset of leukemia, the shorter overall survival (OS) was seen in these patients (P=0.03) . Patients with C-KIT exon17 mutation had significantly shorter OS (P=0.01) and disease free survival (DFS) (P=0.006) compared with those without gene mutations, and patients with FLT3-ITD gene mutation got the inferior OS (P=0.048) and DFS (P=0.071) . Conclusion: In AML patients with positive RUNX1-RUNX1T1 receiving intensive consolidation therapy, the white blood cell counts at onset of leukemia, C-KIT mutations in exon 17, and FLT3-ITD gene mutations suggest poor prognosis, which would contribute to elaborate risk stratification, personalized treatment and predict prognosis for these patients.
Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Core Binding Factor Alpha 2 Subunit/genetics* ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics* ; Mutation ; Prognosis ; RUNX1 Translocation Partner 1 Protein/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study is to compare the findings of investigative modalities and second look laparoscopy in ovarian cancer and establish the safety and accuracy of second look laparoscopy for detecting ovarian cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with ovarian cancer treated by a single surgeon from 2006 to 2013. These patients were diagnosed at the time of primary cytoreductive surgery and received six cycles of combination chemotherapy. Then, they underwent second look laparoscopy. They were followed up with tumor markers monthly and PET-CT and/or CT scans. RESULTS: All 11 patients had undergone primary surgery followed by six cycles of consolidation chemotherapy. Eight patients had positive pathologic findings on second look laparoscopy (72.7 %). The CA 125 level was higher in one patient (12.5%). In seven patients who had positive results on second look laparoscopy, the value was well below normal limits (87.5%). Three patients had recorded increases in fluorodeoxyglucose uptake (37.5%). The increase in standardized uptake values in specific regions in the scans corresponded to positive biopsies from those regions. Seven patients who had positive findings on second look laparoscopy were treated with consolidation chemotherapy. The 5-year survival rate was 66.67%, and the 5-year recurrence rate was 33.33%. CONCLUSION: There are limitations to the accuracy of current investigative techniques, and we must rely on clinical correlation with these modalities for each case of second look laparoscopy. It is feasible to safely perform second look laparoscopy to detect remnant ovarian cancer.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; Biopsy ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Humans ; Investigative Techniques ; Laparoscopy ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Standard use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, total mesorectal excision, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer has tremendously improved oncologic outcomes over the past several decades. However, these improvements come with costs of significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Along with developments in imaging techniques, clinical experience and evidence have identified a certain subgroup of patients that have exceptionally good clinical outcomes while preserving quality of life. Driven by patient demand and interest in preserving quality of life, numerous organ preservation treatment strategies for managing rectal cancer are rapidly evolving. Herein, the flow of research in organ preservation strategies and counter arguments are discussed.
Chemoradiotherapy ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Organ Preservation ; Quality of Life ; Rectal Neoplasms

BACKGROUND: The role of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) compared with consolidation chemotherapy alone in intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with wild-type nucleophosmin/negative or a low level of Fms related tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low)) has not yet been elucidated. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively investigated 88 patients newly diagnosed with AML who received intensive induction chemotherapy at Kyungpook National University Hospital from March 2015 to July 2017. The selection criteria included the presence of results on genetic abnormalities including NPM1 and FLT3-ITD. RESULTS: According to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification, 25 patients (28%) were categorized as favorable, 44 (50%) as intermediate, and 19 (22%) as adverse risk. Among the intermediate-risk patients, 40 were identified as NPM1 wt/FLT3-ITDneg/low. Among the patients with NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low), complete remission (CR) was achieved in 26 patients out of 40 (65%). One-year overall survival (OS) rate was 100% in the favorable-risk group and 87.9% in the NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low) group (P=0.233). Among the intermediate-risk NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low) patients, there was no survival benefit with allo-HCT (N=19) compared to consolidation chemotherapy (N=21; P=0.372). In the multivariate analysis, the ELN risk group [hazard ratio (HR), 6.36; P=0.019] and the achievement of CR (HR, 2.95; P=0.017) were both identified as factors affecting OS of patients with newly diagnosed AML. CONCLUSION: Among the AML patients, intermediate-risk NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low) patients and favorable-risk patients showed similar OS rates. Our results suggested that allo-HCT might have limited clinical benefit for the intermediate-risk NPM1(wt)/FLT3-ITD(neg/low) patients. Well controlled studies are needed to confirm the current results.
Cell Transplantation ; Classification ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; Multivariate Analysis ; Patient Selection ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplants

Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Cytarabine ; Cytogenetics ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy* ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of consolidation chemotherapy combined with allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell infusion in the treatment of low or intermediate-risk (LIR) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) . Methods: A cohort of 23 LIR AML patients at hematologic complete remission (CR) received NK cell transfusion combined with consolidation chemotherapy after 3 consolidation courses from January 2014 to June 2019 were reviewed. Control group cases were concurrent patients from Department of Hematology, and their gender, age, diagnosis, risk stratification of prognosis, CR and the number of courses of consolidate chemotherapy before NK cell transfusion were matched with LIR AML patients. Results: A total of 45 times of NK cells were injected into 23 LIR AML patients during 4 to 7 courses of chemotherapy. The median NK cell infusion quantity was 7.5 (6.6-8.6) ×10(9)/L, and the median survival rate of NK cells was 95.4% (93.9%-96.9%) . Among them, the median CD3(-)CD56(+) cell number was 5.0 (1.4-6.4) ×10(9)/L, accounting for 76.8% (30.8%-82.9%) ; The number of CD3(+) CD56(+) cells was 0.55 (0.24-1.74) ×10(9)/L, accounting for 8.8% (4.9%-20.9%) . Before NK cell infusion, the number of patients with positive MRD in the treatment and control groups were 9/23 (39.1%) and 19/46 (41.3%) (χ(2)=0.030, P=0.862) respectively. After NK infusion, There was no significant difference in terms of MRD that went from negative to positive between the treatment and the control groups (14.3% vs 22.2%, χ(2)=0.037, P=0.847) . In the treatment group, 66.7% (6/9) of the MRD were converted from positive to negative, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (10.5%, 2/19) (χ(2)=6.811, P=0.009) . Morphological recurrence occurred in 1 case of MRD negative in the treatment group and 2 cases of MRD positive in the control group. By the end of follow-up, the median follow-up was 35 (10-59) months, the number of patients with morphological recurrence in the treatment group was 30.4% (7/23) , which was significantly lower than that in the control group (50.2%, 24/46) (χ(2)=2.929, P=0.087) , although there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference on MRD-negative between the treatment and the control groups (43.5% vs 43.5%, χ(2)=1.045, P=0.307) . The 3-year leukemia-free survival was better in the treatment group [ (65.1±11.1) %] than that in the control group [ (50.0±7.4) %] (P=0.047) . The 3-year overall survival in the treatment and control groups were (78.1±10.2) % and (65.8±8.0) % (P=0.212) , respectively. Conclusion: The consolidation of chemotherapy combined with allogeneic NK cell infusion contributed to the further remission of patients with LMR AML and the reduction of long-term recurrence.
Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Humans ; Killer Cells, Natural ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy* ; Prognosis ; Remission Induction

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess complications and outcomes of a new approach, that is, combining short course radiotherapy (SRT), concurrent and consolidative chemotherapies, and delayed surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single arm phase II prospective clinical trial, patients with T3-4 or N+ M0 rectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled. Patients who received induction chemotherapy or previous pelvic radiotherapy were excluded. Study protocol consisted of three-dimensional conformal SRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions in 1 week) with concurrent and consolidation chemotherapies including capecitabine and oxaliplatin. Total mesorectal excision was done at least 8 weeks after the last fraction of radiotherapy. Primary outcome was complete pathologic response and secondary outcomes were treatment related complications. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients completed the planned preoperative chemoradiation and 26 of them underwent surgery (24 low anterior resection and 2 abdominoperineal resection). Acute proctitis grades 2 and 3 were seen in 11 (33.3%) and 7 (21.2%) patients, respectively. There were no grades 3 and 4 subacute hematologic and non-hematologic (genitourinary and peripheral neuropathy) toxicities and perioperative morbidities such as anastomose leakage. Grade 2 or higher late toxicities were observed among 29.6% of the patients. Complete pathologic response was achieved in 8 (30.8%) patients who underwent surgery. The 3-year overall survival and local control rates were 65% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed that SRT combined with concurrent and consolidation chemotherapies followed by delayed surgery is not only feasible and tolerable without significant toxicity but also, associated with promising complete pathologic response rates.
Adenocarcinoma ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Arm ; Capecitabine ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Consolidation Chemotherapy ; Drug Therapy ; Humans ; Induction Chemotherapy ; Iran ; Proctitis ; Prospective Studies ; Radiotherapy ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Rectal Neoplasms