From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. Chronic Cytogenetic M arrow With Granulocytic Conversion Cycle-specific By R. V. Smalley, J. Vogel, C. M. Hug uley, Sixteen patients with Ph1-positive chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) were entered on a pulsing chemotherapy program consisting of cytosine arabinoside 100 mgI sq m/day x 5 and thioguanine 100 mg/sq m/day x 5 every 21 days in an attempt to convert the Pht-positive marrow to a Pht-negative state and thereby achieve a complete remission. Twelve patients had an adequate trial of drug treatment, and ten of these had adequate chromosome examinations. There were two “conversions,” one of which was C HRONIC which, mosome GRANULOCYTIC in most patients, (the Ph’-positive Jr., maintained D1 Miller and for mo, 5+ while the other was transient. The program was unacceptable, however, to most patients du. to intolerable nausea and vomiting. Thus a prospective chemotherapeutic attempt to convert a Ph’-positive marrow without splenectomy has induced a conversion in two of ten patients. Other regimens which might induce less nausea and vomiting and a higher rate of conversions should be sought in future attempts to alter the invariably fatal outcome of CGL. LEUKEMIA of abnormal a clone clone) Leukemia: of the Bone Chemotherapy populates (CGL) is a disorder in cells with a marker chro- the marrow and which, in time, evolves into an acute leukemia, the so-called blast crisis. The I chromosome remains demonstrable in all marrow cells during the course of the disease and, in the majority of patients, additional chromosome abnormalities are present during position the blast crisis. and likewise Conventional chemotherapy has not successfully induced blast crisis. Both Chervenick growth of colonies Colonies were From the et the Duke in vitro of University, Supported by the following institutions: CA 15584 CAO3J the Emory School Research cine. © Blood, Western Medical for of with Health A ilanta. March Ga. , demonstrated Ph’-positive or CGL. Ph ‘-negative), Sciences Center, and Department the mdi- Philadelphia, of Pa., Medicine, Reserve of of San Juan, Tenn.; the of from School Ga.; Pa.; CA 12640 University Augusta, National School Durham. Temple Georgia, the Alabama University Medicine, Atlanta. Philadelphia. to 8. 1977. Grants University Medicine. College Knoxville, the School CA07961 of Medicine, St. Louis, Address Si.. Case University Center, Center, have Ph ‘-positive University Research to Medical to the accepted USPHS School Ill.; Nankin2 of patients (either University. CA03013 the Duke Chicago, CA06807 23. 1 976; University Pennsylvania Center, Rico to 77 to the marrow Temple Emory and this predispatients in N. C. September Ala.; from of Medicine. Durham, Shadduck pure Medicine, Submitted following and cytogenetically Department Department al.’ has not altered remissions for Cancer of of Medicine, N. C.; CA 12639 to Ga.; Puerto Rico; CA 13237 and CA03376 to the CA 12223 to the University Ohio; to University University of Medical Philadelphia, of Tennessee University the CA 1 1263 Luke’s Medicine, Washington and Presbyterian- of to ihe to Birmingham, Cleveland, CA03227 to Rush-Presbyterian-Si. School Institute Medicine, Pa.; of Puerto Memorial School of Medi- 3401 N. Broad Mo. reprint requests: Philadelphia, Pa. 19140. 1977 by Grune & Stratton, Vol. 50, No. 1 (iuly), 1977 Dr. Inc. R. V. Smalley, Temple University Hospital, ISSN0006-4971. 107 From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. 1 08 SMALLEY cating some the existence patients with of a normal CGL. If such the marrow following ablation mission would be obtainable Dowling et al.3 were treated radiation, 21 the patients followed stem cell a normal ofthe in these first were Ph’-positive patients. to attempt intensively early by splenectomy cycle-active agents inase, and vincristine. marrow to a normal population cell line in the marrow of at least capable of repopulating line, this then a true therapeutically in their clinical and aggressive cytosine arabinoside Of the 21 adults chromosome state ET AL. complete re- in patients. course with chemotherapy They splenic with (ara-C), thioguanine (TG), treated, 5 had “conversion” (predominantly Ph’-negative irthe asparagof their cells); of these 5, 2 have been maintained on hydroxyurea with a 98%-l00% Ph’-negative marrow for 8+ and 44+ mo, while 2 conversions were transient and 1 fluctuated. These therapeutic observations in vivo confirmed the observations in vitro, indicating the existence of a normal stem cell line in some CGL patients and demonstrated its ability to repopulate the marrow. If one could consistently obtain and maintain this cytogenetic and hematologic complete remission, it might be possible to prevent the occurrence of the invariably fatal blast crisis and beneficially The Southeastern affect Cancer the survival curve ofpatients Study Group has performed with CGL. a study designed to determine if intermittent courses (pulses) of the cycle-active agents ara-C TG, without the aid of splenectomy or splenic irradiation, would eliminate suppress, at least temporarily, the Ph’-positive clone of patients with CGL and or who are in hematologic herein. remission induced by MATERIALS Patients were positive eligible metaphases in by a hemoglobin platelet in margin). In induction of each gave institution Eligible and both patients to and on the (but without were same used for technique adequate sidered and direct the trial evaluable 75,000/cu they and for Tjio mitotic specimens throughout had at m 21 mm to by evening until reported of least 80#{176})Ph’- 10,000/cu as mm (myelocytes (defined by at remission immature as busulfan, Patients palpable less, a younger) at the the with defined or or although pretreated treatment costal time from splenic irradi- were days, if were of Whang4 or and least these study. three was approved six of to in at courses the with of culture a shorter analysis. For study (Table chromosome levels had A therapy. method culture The 1000/cu dose least dose mm conhypoanalysis following Slight “mar- modifications Moorhead time performed of and/or remained chromosome once of 5 days “marrow each individual 1). Patients who evaluations for constituted courses. have therapy. therapy morning treatment less than Subsequent trial” for chromosome the course of the of this 5-day for considered six study every Each possible, cycle-active stimulants bolus 5 days. achieved. levels to the granulocytopenia completion and and committee. intravenous for an “adequate prior the of of purposes count investigations every received after technique addition no induced prior course these aspirates also obtaining was used every achieved marrow cell varied. human 100 mg/sq for each than study with hematologic splenomegaly was consent local repeated 20 by definition the m orally who blood mm, no are eligible. ara-C were less hypoplasia” of either informed patients performed row not escalated Those plasia.” as were their courses as and results CGL complete a white remission into Ph -positive in 400,000/cu blood, entry received thrombocytopenia stant. and The METHODS had were greater, hematologic 100 mg/sq and drugs or they and by the appropriate thioguanine a course g/dl AND if marrow peripheral cases, remission patients study 130,000 or splenectomy All an 12.0 the all the their between granulocytes ation of count for busulfan. of et al.5 24-28 hr) patient the had received were con- From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. CYTOGENETIC Table CONVERSION 1 . Institutions OF and MARROW Individuals 109 Performing Chromosome Institution a. Emory University, Temple b. Atlanta, University, Emory College Analysis J. Vogel, Ga. Philadelphia, University, Medical Atlanta, Pa. J. Vogel, Augusta, MT., University, Reading Hospital, d. Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. S. Sebhon, e. Birth Evaluation Center C. B. Lozzio, Reading, of Tennessee Research and Hospital, Center Hospital, University 1. E. Schultz, Techniques 24-48’hr culture R. Smalley, M.D., 24-48-hr culture M.D. M.D. Direct M.D. Direct 24’hr M.D. culture Memorial Knoxville, Philadelphia, of Pennsylvania, by Used Pa. Pa. of the University Presbyterian Techniques M.D. and G. Faguet, Temple f. Philadelphia, Ga. and and R. Smalley, Go. of Georgia, Performed MT., c. Defects Analyses, Tenn. Pa. Philadelphia, P. Nowell, M.D. Direct Pa. RESULTS The following results Entered: were obtained: 16 Adequate Evaluable: trial: 12 10 Conversion: 2 Sixteen patients were entered therapy and 12 had an adequate The nadir granulocyte and it, and the course by which on study. Of these, 15 received trial; 3 did not achieve “marrow platelet counts achieved, the nadir was achieved the are let nadirs occurred between days 1 1 and 16 following locyte nadirs occurred between days 21 and 27 and administering mal-only one Table dose listed Absolute Granulocyte Drug and Platelet Count Dose in 1 2 “Adequately” Nadir Nadir After Abs. (x Age Sex 1 29 F 2 0.060 No. 10 utilized to achieve in Table 2. Plate- to hypoplasia Achieved Abs. Maximum (x Individual 10) Dose 6 Drug (mg/sq 51 F 2 0.600 67 100 3 47 F 1 0.600 19 100 4 53 M 2 0.600 76 120 5 56 M 3 1.200 40 140 6 44 F 5 0.130 200 140 7 43 M 1 0.800 49 100 8 38 M 2 1.000 15 100 9 28 F 3 0.800 28 180 10 52 F 2 0.500 35 160 11 45 M 4 1.500 55 120 12 38 F 2 0.400 120 100 Drug dose of both ara-C achieved. and TG escalated 20% with each course m) 100 2 thrombocytopenia mini- by Escalating Platelet ) was Patients Nadir Granuloyte Patient Course Nadir Treated of each course, while granufrequently caused delay in the subsequent course. Morbidity related episode ofclinical infection occurred. 2. six courses hypoplasia.” until granulocytopenia and/or From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. 110 SMALLEY Table 3. Chromosome Analysis* Performed of 10 “Adequately” Base line Patient Institutiont % No. During on Bone Treated Co urses 1-3 % Marrow Specimens During No. Co urses 4-5 % After No. C 6 ourse % No. 1 a 100 23 - - 100 42 100 38 a 100 52 100 50 100 50 100 35 3 a 100 25 100 8 92 25 100 14 4 b 100 50 100 50 93 100 89 65 5 b 100 22 - - 100 100 6 f 100 25 100 55 100 50 7 c 100 50 98 50 - 8 d 100 100 30 100 15 10 e 80 24 63 12 93 0 50 12 f 100 25 100 50 100 17 *Analyses were done at least three of karyotypes times as baseline, Ph1’positive; tChromosome analysis was performed viduals and techniques listed in Table 1. Cycle-active tients due therapy, No., on bone as outlined to morbidity. Of during, number and after here, was 16, 9 developed basically 50 - - 11 28 - six courses in the “intolerable” 100 100 counted specimens 100 7 100 - of metaphases marrow AL. Patients 2 %, percentage El and - of cycle-active therapy. analyzed. institutions and unacceptable by the mdi’ to most nausea and pa- vomiting throughout the 5-day period, while 4 additional patients complained of minimal nausea on treatment. One patient refused further therapy after the first course because of gastrointestinal symptoms, and the majority had to be actively encouraged to continue treatment. Ofthe 12 patients receiving an adequate trial of drug, 10 had at least two adequate marrow chromosome analyses performed subsequent to achieving hypoplasia; of these 10, 2 “converted” (Table 3). Patient 10 had 80% Ph’positive metaphases in the marrow lowing the initial course of therapy, hypoplasia was documented after analysis prior to cycle-active peripheral counts were not the second course. A marrow therapy. obtained, aspirate Folbut ob- tamed 3 wk after starting the first course of therapy revealed 88% Ph’-negative cells. Subsequent marrows done 3 mo and 5 mo following the first course of therapy revealed l00#{176} and 89% Ph’-negative cells, respectively. Following six courses and despite her documented conversion, she refused further therapy because of intolerable nausea diagnosis but has refused verted” following the sixth ever, No 2 mo later, the marrow maintenance therapy Ofthe 7 patients who pulsing treatment, and vomiting. She subsequent marrow course ofcycle-active had again reverted was given following the had a negative leukocyte 6 became positive while remains alive examination. therapy (140 72 mo Patient mg/sq to a Ph’-positive sixth course. alkaline phosphatase state following 5 “conm). How(100%). prior to on treatment. DISCUSSION Treatment ofpatients with CGL has not The median duration of survival following irradiation is generally 3-4 yr.6 However, fluenced, treatment is capable of inducing therefore improving the quality of life. had a significant impact on survival. either busulfan therapy or splenic although survival has not been ina complete clinical remission and From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. CYTOGENETIC CONVERSION OF It has been determined The etiologic significance may be used as a marker ment induces a clinical cytogenetic dard which crisis, remission MARROW that 88% of patients with CGL are Ph’-positive.7 of this chromosome abnormality is unknown but it for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. While treatand hematologic remission in nearly all patients, a has only been therapy. Eventually, over is unresponsive to cytotoxic 68% 111 demonstrate obtained inadvertently 80% of patients chemotherapy. additional and develop Of those aneuploid features.8 rarely an acute developing The by stanblast crisis the blast evolutionary pro- cess leading to this acute blast crisis has been examined cytogenetically and some order or pattern may be discerned.9”0 Most patients in the blast crisis demonstrate aneuploidy with duplication of the Ph’ chromosome and/or a C group chromosome and deletion of an E group chromosome as common 10 The etiology parent that or mechanism the of this Ph’-positive cell transformation line is unknown is extremely susceptible but to this it is ap- karyotypic evolution. If therapy were capable of eliminating the Ph’-positive line, a true complete (hematologic, clinical, cytogenetic) remission could be obtained and treatment might then have a significant impact on survival. To date, this objective has not been achieved with standard busulfan or splenic irradiation therapy, although in isolated instances busulfan appears to have inadvertently induced prolonged conversions. The drug is capable of inducing long-term (6-12 patient, (<50% recent mo) suppression of induced significant Ph’-positive cells), case report has noted <50% The Ph’-positive coexistence tients with mixture of CGL has and succeeded of human 10-14 days of from 2 patients had 20 colonies. they provided with by cells. cells. samples cells from leukocytes or by the chromosome only Ph’-positive only Ph’-negative Although the important support with a normal busulfan effects these with 10 patients 10 patients, et al.’ disease attempted Ph’-positive in relapse analyzable to the theory clone. with cells) cells Following that and 10 busulfan demonstrable were a normal small in All colonies analyzed in 1 from another) were Ph’-negative recovering from the effects of (10 and of busulfan of a feeder media. was performed. Of the 14 colonies a pre- to dem- with was CGL, with 9 had from the effects plating on top of analyzable cell and patients noted of conditioned analysis cells. cell remains in the marrow of at least some “total” ablation of the Ph’-positive clone of the marrow covering from busulfan therapy.’2 in the marrows of pa- 7 patients recovering by either addition cells numbers from 5. In 3, the incubation, revealed 4 (3 from one and The fifth patient, Of has, in one reported marrow conversion survival. A second yr) of a patient with 179 al.7 Chervenick marrow 1 was pancytopenic and growth was stimulated 2 other patients, were Ph’-positive. therapy, (68%-98%) formation of et Ph’-negative and partial yr) (8+ short-term cells In a study Whang-Peng and Ph’-positive colony following Ph’-negative documented. Ph’-positive, Ph’-positive 1, in blast crisis; therapy. Colony layer been were dominantly onstrate cells in his marrow of Ph’-positive and CGL 158 of whom bone marrow function hypoplasia, probable and a prolonged (10+ the prolonged survival in this from study, Ph’-negative stem patients with CGL, indicating that might be followed by repopulation Their patient only Ph’-negative with pancytopenia cells as well as rethe From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. 1 12 case SMALLEY report cited above” provided clinical evidence that such El an approach AL. was feasible. Dowling et al.,3 in a prospective fashion, demonstrated version was possible in at least 25% of patients. Following that a marrow the induction conof a clinical remission their patients underwent splenic irradiation, then splenectomy, and then aggressive cycle-active chemotherapy (ara-C 120 mg/sq m i.v. and TG 100 mg/sq m p.o. every 12 hr: L-asparaginase 8000 U/sq m iv. for 14 days with vincristine 1 .5 mg/sq m iv. on days 7 and 14). The present study has confirmed their findings and indicated the ability of aggressive cycle-active chemotherapy nectomy and cedures Most to convert a Ph’-positive splenic irradiation. Whether may increase the conversion of the chromosome data marrow without the addition the addition of these latter rate is undetermined. obtained from CGL marrows the “direct” technique,7 0.13.14 which does not mitotic stimulation. However, use of a 24-48 mitotic stimulators (i.e., phytohemagglutinin-PHA) has use either hr culture of spletwo probeen ob- tamed period without by or a culture technique has demon- strated of both leukemic equivalent abnormalities. Sandberg et al.’5 demonstrated the capability leukemic Ph ‘-positive and Ph ‘-negative cells as well as presumably nonPh’-negative granulocytic cell precursors from patients with CGL to divide in vitro in the absence of PHA. Speed and Lawler’3 have discussed the comparability of the two techniques and stated that during the chronic phase of CGL the Ph’ chromosomal content of the marrow cells was the same by either direct examination or a 22-30-hr culture. A direct comparison 6 of the two techniques in patients with Ph’-positive CGL analyzing marrow cells using the direct technique demonstrated parable when and peripheral their comparability. evaluating the blood cells using a short-term culture Additionally, the two techniques presence of the Ph’ chromosome in (46-51 hr) were compatients in early relapse in the study of Fitzgerald et al.’7 Both techniques were used in the current study, and although both “converters” were studied by the culture technique, the comparability demonstrated in previous studies, the fact that the same technique was used throughout each individual patients’ study, and the short period of culture time sured reliability. It is impossible to conclude irradiation and/or splenectomy sion with cycle-active therapy. sented that such a conversion used without from any increases an of the exogenous the data likelihood Neither is it apparent is of therapeutic benefit mitotic available stimulator whether of achieving ensplenic a conver- from any data yet preto the patient. The transi- ent conversion (2 mo) obtained in patient 5 would probably not influence his survival. It is possible, however, that an extended conversion such as that obtamed in the patient of Finney et al” and of Golde et al)2 plus the two prolonged conversions achieved by Dowling et al.3 has prolonged survival. Patient 10 in our study has refused subsequent marrow chromosomal analyses but remains alive 6 yr after diagnosis. Cycle-active chemotherapy, as employed in this study, was unacceptable to patients because of gastrointestinal toxicity. Additional regimens should be sought which will be capable of inducing more conversions of longer duration while producing less morbidity for the patient. From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. CYTOGENETIC CONVERSION 113 OF MARROW ACKNOWLEDGMENT The following members of the Southeastern John R. Durant, M.D., University Kellermeyer, M.D., Case Western Harold Silberman, M.D., and Sharon Fisher, of Georgia, sity M.D., Charles of M. Augusta, Ga.: Hospital, Reading, Ill.: Enrique Pa.; Rico: Stephen Krauss, Center, cine, St. Louis. I. Chervenick M.D., Philadelphia, H. Knospe, University M.D., and Temple of Takuo Tenn.: Loeb, Jr., of Rico M.D., of Washington Center, Philadelphia, Medicine, University M.D., niverReading Medical Center, of Ga.: College M.D., Luke’s School Keller, Medical Lusch, Medical W. Presbyterian-U I. Rush-Presbyterian-St. University study: Atlanta, M.D., M.D., Charles this James Medicine, Faquet, Gardner, Pa.; Puerto Sonoda, Virgil Guy Frank in Ala.; Robert W. Cleveland, Ohio; NC.; School Pa.: and M.D., M.D., M.D., Knoxville, Philadelphia, participated Birmingham, of Medicine, Durham, University Center, Smalley, Group Center, Emory Murphy, William V. Velez-Garcia, search Scott Study of Medicine, School Medical M.D., Hospital, Medical Richard School University University Jr., Episcopal Pennsylvania Chicago, Duke Huguley, M.D., Cancer ofAlabama Reserve San Pa.: Juan, Tennessee Puerto Memorial University School Re- of Medi- Mo. REFERENCES AL: Human PA, Ellis leukemic colonies cells: containing chromosome. of myeloid granulocyte Attempt true Res 4. of Proc Am in vitro culture tration. Stain I I. 1971 in chronic Cancer or Moorhead Battips DM, preparation cells in with vivo ofleukocytes peripheral colchicine blood. Exp Cell 13. 14. and Philadelphia, 7. Tjio Lea Whang-Peng JH: Clinical variants 32:755-766, 8. Canellos Carbone mission ulation Hematology. 1974, GP, myelocytic leukemia during (CML). S, Sokal GP, B: The Mitotic 1468-1473, VT, Whang-Peng cytogenetic rein chronic Blood 38:671-679, aneuploid, Ph progression and J, ‘+ 1971 cell treatment popof Chronic proleu- granuloand Sandberg with AA, the AA: Com- chronic Kikuchi of myelocytic 61:625-635, Y, leukemic leukemia. 1964 Crosswhite leukocytes Cancer in Res 24: 1964 Pedersen B: Studies relationship responding tients RS: with chromosome-positive Med ability a 1964 JE, Intern myelocytic genetic DeVita SD: patients Ann Sparkes myelogenous I :403-408, Ph iladelphia chronic 16. 1968 leukemia, Pedersen LH: Carbone PP. of cytogenetic NL, chromosomes of negative and hypoplasia. 1976 Lawler 15. Sandberg p 1506 i, Canellos implications PP: Hematologic and of blastic transformation granulocytic 9. & Febiger, in chronic Blood Clinical D, marrow associated chronic Krauss parison 20:613--6l6, in AG, 1972 Bersch 37:1849-1852, Lancet leukemia. MD: pp leukemia bone mosaicism Speed Baikie busulfan leukaemia-The disease. human in 23:283-288, DW, Cancer cytic I 960 6. Wintrobe Chronic 1972, GA, after remission kemia. Mellman Wi, Chromosome Res The granulocytic cells remission longed prior from Pathol Thomas, McDonald negative year 12. Golde adminis- cultured RV: Ill, Chronic Br I Haematol 1962 PC, DA: Acta 1966 Smalley R, AS: Ph’ ten prepara- without 37:17-20, PS, Nowell Hungerford 5. Finney Douglas WH, BD: Assoc I: Chromosome marrow Technol JR. Springfield, Chromosomal Whang bone Durant leukaemia. 67:451-462, 179- 193 chronic S. Knapper M, Clarkson Scand 10. 1974 (Abstr) TjioiH, tions in myelogenous Microbiol Leukemias. Cellular remission leukemia. 15:189, HR: 2:1097-1098, Hopfan Haghbin induce chronic of (Ph’) colonies Lancet 3. Dowling MD, Vaartaja T, Gee T, to growth Philadelphia Nankin leukaemia. Lawson 174:1 134--I 135, 1971 RK, myelogenous Pan SF: In vitro the Science 2. Shadduck origin LD, in with vitro chronic Pathol Microbiol 17. Fitzgerald Chronic granulocytic delphia chromosome. concerning the cyto- in and cor- between cell populations myelocytic Scand PH, vivo from leukaemia. 68:408-420, Adams leukemia Blood paActa 1966 A, Gunz FW: the Phila- and 2 1:183-196, 1963 From www.bloodjournal.org by guest on December 22, 2014. For personal use only. 1977 50: 107-113 Chronic granulocytic leukemia: cytogenetic conversion of the bone marrow with cycle-specific chemotherapy RV Smalley, J Vogel, CM Jr Huguley and D Miller Updated information and services can be found at: http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/50/1/107.full.html Articles on similar topics can be found in the following Blood collections Information about reproducing this article in parts or in its entirety may be found online at: http://www.bloodjournal.org/site/misc/rights.xhtml#repub_requests Information about ordering reprints may be found online at: http://www.bloodjournal.org/site/misc/rights.xhtml#reprints Information about subscriptions and ASH membership may be found online at: http://www.bloodjournal.org/site/subscriptions/index.xhtml Blood (print ISSN 0006-4971, online ISSN 1528-0020), is published weekly by the American Society of Hematology, 2021 L St, NW, Suite 900, Washington DC 20036. 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