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Biomedical subjects

E Bryant

Publications and source records attributed to E Bryant.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Marrow transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia: the influence of plasma busulfan levels on the outcome of transplantation.

The influence of busulfan (BU) plasma concentration on outcome of transplantation from HLA identical family members for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) was examined in 45 patients transplanted in chronic phase (CP) (n = 39) or accelerated phase (AP) (n = 6). All patients received the same regimen of BU, 16 mg/kg orally and cyclophosphamide (CY), 120 mg/kg intravenously. Plasma concentrations of BU at steady state (C(SS)BU) during the dosing interval were measured for each patient. The mean C(SS)BU was 917 ng/mL (range, 642 to 1,749; median, 917; standard deviation, 213). Of patients with C(SS)BU below the median, seven (five of 18 in CP and two of four in AP) developed persistent cytogenetic relapse and three of these patients died. There were no relapses in patients with C(SS)BU above the median. The difference in the cumulative incidence of relapse between the two groups was statistically significant (P = .0003). C(SS)BU was the only statistically significant determinant of relapse in univariable or multivariable analysis. The 3-year survival estimates were 0.82 and 0.64 for patients with C(SS)BU above and below the median (P = .33). There was no statistically significant association of C(SS)BU with survival or nonrelapse mortality, although the power to detect a difference in survival between 0.82 and 0.64 was only 0.24, similarly C(SS)BU above the median was not associated with an increased risk of severe regimen-related toxicity. We conclude that low BU plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of relapse.

Adult↗

Detection of bcr-abl transcripts in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia after marrow transplantation.

Thirty-six patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) were studied for the presence of the bcr-abl fusion mRNA transcript after an allogeneic matched related (N = 12), partially matched related (N = 4), matched unrelated (N = 14), autologous (N = 5), or syngeneic (N = 1) bone marrow transplant (BMT). Seventeen were transplanted in relapse, and 19 were transplanted in remission. Twenty-three patients had at least one positive bcr-abl polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay after BMT either before a relapse or without subsequent relapse. Ten of these 23 relapsed after a positive assay at a median time from first positive PCR assay of 94 days (range, 28 to 416 days). By comparison, only 2 relapses occurred in the 13 patients with no prior positive PCR assays; both patients had missed at least one scheduled follow-up assay and were not tested 2 months and 26 months before their relapse. The unadjusted relative risk (RR) of relapse associated with a positive PCR assay compared with a negative assay was 5.7 (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 26.0, P = .025). In addition, the data suggest that the type of bcr-abl chimeric mRNA detected posttransplant was associated with the risk of relapse: 7 of 10 patients expressing the p190 bcr-abl relapsed, compared with 1 of 8 who expressed only the p210 bcr-abl mRNA (P = .02, log-rank test). The RR of p190 bcr-abl positivity compared to PCR-negative patients was 11.2 (confidence interval 2.3-54.8, P = 0.003), whereas a positive test for p210 bcr-abl was apparently not associated with an increased relative risk. In separate multivariable models, PCR positivity remained a statistically significant risk factor for relapse after separately adjusting for donor (unrelated and partially matched v matched, autologous, and syngeneic), remission status at the time of transplant, the presence of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and type of conditioning regimen (total body irradiation dose of < or = 1,200 cGy v > 1,200 cGy). The PCR assay appears to be a useful test for predicting patients at high risk of relapse after BMT and may identify patients who might benefit from therapeutic interventions. The finding that the expression of p190 bcr-abl may portend an especially high risk of relapse suggests a different clinical and biologic behavior between p190 and p210 bcr-abl.

Acute Disease↗

Allogeneic marrow transplantation for refractory anemia: a comparison of two preparative regimens and analysis of prognostic factors.

From 1990 to 1993 we performed a prospective study of busulfan (16 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (120 mg/kg) in 30 patients with refractory anemia (RA) undergoing related (n = 17) or unrelated (n = 13) donor marrow transplantation. Nineteen patients survive disease free (63% 3-year actuarial disease-free survival [DFS]) and no patient relapsed. These results were compared to those of 38 historical controls with RA treated with cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation, of whom 22 are disease-free survivors and 1 relapsed. After correcting for significant variables between the two treatment groups, we found no statistically significant difference in outcome based on preparative regimen. Combining data from these 68 patients plus 2 additional patients with RA treated before 1993 with busulfan and cyclophosphamide, we identified four variables independently associated with improved survival: younger age, shorter disease duration, lower neutrophil count pretransplant, and lower hematocrit pretransplant. We also found that 15 patients 40 to 55 years of age had a 46% 3-year actuarial DFS and 26 patients receiving unrelated or mismatched related donor marrow had a 50% 3-year actuarial DFS. We conclude that there does not appear to be any significant difference in outcome based on preparative regimen in this patient population. In addition, allogeneic bone marrow transplantation may be a reasonable approach to therapy of RA early after diagnosis. However, whether early intervention with transplantation prolongs survival over that expected without transplantation cannot be ascertained with certainty from available data.

Actuarial Analysis↗

An anti-CD44 antibody does not enhance engraftment of DLA-identical marrow after low-dose total body irradiation.

920 cGy total body irradiation (TBI) is adequate for consistently successful engraftment of marrow from dog leukocyte antigen (DLA)-identical littermates; however, the dose is inadequate to ensure a marrow graft from DLA-nonidentical unrelated donors. Such mismatched grafts are successful only after 1800 cGy, given in three fractions. While anti-T-cell reagents enhance engraftment of DLA-identical littermate marrow after 920 cGy, they fail to be effective in the DLA-nonidentical setting. However, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) to CD44, S5, was found to be very effective in enhancing engraftment of DLA-nonidentical marrow. The current study asked whether mAb S5 was also effective in the setting of DLA-identical littermate transplants. To this purpose, the TBI dose was lowered to 450 cGy, a dose after which 70% of such grafts failed. Four dogs were treated with antibody S5, 0.2 mg/kg on days -7 through -2 (per previously published protocol), given 450 cGy TBI followed by marrow grafts from their DLA-identical littermates. All four dogs rejected their grafts; two of these died from marrow aplasia, and two survived with endogenous marrow recovery. This result was not statistically significantly different from that in 17, historical (n = 5) and concurrent (n = 12), control dogs where 11 of 17 animals rejected. Even if ten experimental animals were transplanted and all six remaining dogs engrafted, the results still would not have been significantly different from control. This result is in contrast to the successful engraftment promoted by pretreatment with antibody S5 of DLA-nonidentical unrelated dogs, consistent with the notion that different host cells are involved in graft rejection in the two disparate histocompatibility settings.

Animals↗

Allogeneic marrow transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome with advanced disease morphology: a phase II study of busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and total-body irradiation and analysis of prognostic factors.

PURPOSE: To determine if an intensive preparative regimen of busulfan (BU), cyclophosphamide (CY), and total-body irradiation (TBI) could improve outcome after marrow transplantation for advanced morphology myelodysplasia (refractory anemia with excess blasts [RAEB], RAEB in transformation [RAEB-T], and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia [CMML]) compared with that obtained with conventional CY/TBI and to analyze prognostic factors for transplantation for myelodysplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A phase II study was conducted of 31 patients (median age, 41 years) treated with BU (7 mg/kg), CY (50 mg/kg), TBI (12 Gy), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched (n = 23) or -mismatched (n = 2) related or unrelated donor (n = 6) marrow transplantation. Results were compared with 44 historical control patients treated with CY (120 mg/kg) and TBI. RESULTS: The 3-year actuarial disease-free survival (DFS) rate was similar for the BU/CY/TBI group and the CY/TBI group (23% v 30%, P = .6), but there were trends toward lower relapse rates (28% v 54%, P = .27) and higher nonrelapse mortality rates (68% v 36%, P = .12) among the current patients compared with historical controls. Multivariate analysis showed that a normal karyotype pretransplant and the use of methotrexate as part of posttransplant immunosuppression were associated with improved survival and reduced nonrelapse mortality. Univariate analysis showed significant differences in relapse rates based on marrow source (57% for HLA genotypically matched marrow v 18% for all others, P = .04) and on disease morphology (66% for RAEB-T v 38% for RAEB and CMML, P = .05). CONCLUSION: Patients with advanced morphology myelodysplasia tolerated the intensified BU/CY/TBI preparative regimen and reduced posttransplant immunosuppression poorly. Novel transplant procedures are needed to reduce relapse rates without increasing nonrelapse mortality rates. In addition, transplantation before progression to RAEB-T, if possible, may reduce the risk of relapse.

Adolescent↗

Effect of mixed chimerism on graft-versus-host disease, disease recurrence and survival after HLA-identical marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia.

The association of mixed (donor/host) chimerism with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft rejection, disease recurrence and survival was investigated in 116 patients with aplastic anemia and 197 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) transplanted with unmodified marrow from an HLA-identical sibling donor of opposite sex. Patients with aplastic anemia were conditioned with cyclophosphamide (CY), patients with CML were conditioned with a combination of CY and total body irradiation (TBI) or busulfan. Sixty-three of the patients with aplastic anemia (54%) and 100 patients with CML (51%) were categorized as mixed chimeras based on the concurrent presence of donor and host lymphohematopoietic cells 14 days or later after transplantation. The TBI dose used for conditioning was inversely correlated with the development of mixed chimerism (P < 0.0001) among CML patients. No other patient- or transplant-related parameter was identified which contributed significantly to the development of mixed chimerism. The incidence of rejection was higher but not significantly so in patients with aplastic anemia who were mixed chimeras. The incidence of leukemic relapse in patients with CML who were mixed chimeras was increased only if mixed chimerism occurred after day 100 (P = 0.015). The incidence of acute GVHD (grades II-IV) was lower in mixed chimeras than in complete chimeras, but this difference was statistically significant only for patients with aplastic anemia given single-agent GVHD prophylaxis (P = 0.0008). Mixed chimeras in that group also had a better survival than complete chimeras, while no significant difference was observed in patients with aplastic anemia given drug combinations for GVHD prophylaxis. Among patients with CML, both overall survival (P = 0.03) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.04) were significantly superior in mixed than in complete chimeras. Thus, mixed chimerism was frequent among patients with aplastic anemia and with CML and was not uniformly associated with graft failure or leukemic relapse. The interaction between conditioning regimen, GVHD prophylaxis and chimerism are complex. The survival advantage of mixed chimeras is only in part related to a lower incidence of GVHD and other factors are likely to contribute.

Adolescent↗

Polymerase chain reaction detection of the BCR-ABL fusion transcript after allogeneic marrow transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia: results and implications in 346 patients.

We studied 346 patients after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for the presence of the bcr-abl transcript detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to understand the frequency and implication of a positive test. A total of 634 samples of BM and/or peripheral blood were obtained for PCR analysis between 3 and 192 months after BMT. A positive PCR test at 3 months post-BMT was not statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of relapse compared with PCR-negative patients. However, a positive PCR assay at 6 months and beyond was highly associated with subsequent relapse. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of relapse for patients testing PCR-positive at 6 to 12 months was 42% versus 3% for PCR-negative patients (P < .0001). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of survival at 4 years for the PCR-positive patients was 74% compared with 83% for the PCR-negative group (P = .002). Multivariable analysis indicated that a PCR-positive result at 6 to 12 months post-BMT, the type of BMT donor (allogeneic matched donor v mismatched or unrelated), and the presence of acute GVHD were independent risk factors for subsequent relapse. The relative risk (RR) for relapse for patients PCR-positive at 6 to 12 months post-BMT was 26.1 (95% confidence interval, 8.9 to 76.1, P < .0001). The outcome of long-term patients (> 36 months post-BMT) who tested PCR-positive was much better, as 15 of 59 (25%) tested positive for bcr-abl, but only one patient relapsed. There was a 91% concordance between PCR tests of simultaneously obtained BM and peripheral blood. These analyses show that the PCR assay of the bcr-abl fusion transcript 6 to 12 months post-BMT is an independent predictor of subsequent relapse which provides an opportunity for early therapeutic intervention.

Adolescent↗

Unintentional weight loss in long-term care: predictor of mortality in the elderly.

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 153 long-term care residents. Of these, 24 had lost at least 5% of their body weight during a 1-month interval. An unmatched control group of 51 patients was randomly selected from the remaining patients. Subjects who lost at least 5% body weight in 1 month were 4.6 times more likely to die within 1 year. Using multiple logistic regression, the odds ratio for weight loss and mortality was 5.1 (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 17.1) after adjustment for potential confounding by age and sex. The relatively simple anthropometric measure of body weight could be used by a multidisciplinary team in long-term care settings to identify patients at increased risk of dying. Further work is needed to clarify the role that nutrition could play in decreasing mortality in long-term care facilities.

Aged↗

Marrow transplantation for patients in accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia.

The records were reviewed of 58 patients receiving transplants in Seattle with unmanipulated marrow from HLA-identical siblings during the accelerated phase (AP) of chronic myeloid leukemia. Variables examined for association with survival and relapse included the interval from diagnosis to transplant, the reasons for categorization as AP, age, regimen, and cytomegalovirus serology. Four patients relapsed. The 4-year probabilities of survival, relapse-free survival, nonrelapse mortality, and relapse were 0.49, 0.43, 0.51, and 0.12, respectively. After completion of the stepwise multivariate analysis, age less than 38 years and categorization as AP solely on the basis of chromosomal abnormalities emerged as being independently significantly associated with improved survival. The 4-year probability of survival for the 16 patients categorized as AP because of chromosomal abnormalities and receiving transplant less than 1 year from diagnosis was 0.74. The low probability of relapse in these patients suggests that more aggressive preparative regimens are not indicated for patients receiving transplants in AP because of the increased risk of transplant-related mortality.

Acute Disease↗

DLA-identical bone marrow grafts after low-dose total body irradiation: the effect of canine recombinant hematopoietic growth factors.

Previous studies found that bone marrow (BM) allografts from DLA-identical littermates resulted in survival of two thirds of recipient dogs after otherwise lethal doses of 450 to 600 cGy of total body irradiation (TBI) because of successful allografts or autologous recovery after rejection of the allografts. The current study asked whether survival could be further improved by treating allograft recipients with recombinant canine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), stem cell factor (SCF), or G-CSF/SCF. Of 21 dogs, 14 (67%) receiving allografts but no growth factors survived, 10 with successful allografts (including 5 mixed chimeras) and 4 with autologous recovery; whereas 7 animals died, 5 from infections during BM aplasia and 2 from acute graft-versus-host disease. By comparison, 30 of 34 dogs (88%) receiving hematopoietic growth factors in addition to the BM graft survived, 17 with successful allografts (including 10 mixed chimeras) and 13 with autologous recovery; whereas 4 died, all with infection related to BM aplasia after rejection of the allograft. Survival was similar for recipients of G-CSF, SCF, or the combination of G-CSF and SCF. Logistic regression analyses, which accounted for possible effects of TBI dose, showed a trend for improved survival in dogs receiving growth factors (P = .09), no change in allogeneic engraftment (P = .74), and a slight increase in autologous recovery (P = .22). In agreement with previous data, we found that grafts of BM from DLA-identical littermates improved survival of recipient dogs exposed to low but otherwise lethal doses of TBI. A further improvement in survival could be achieved by additional treatment with G-CSF, SCF, or G-CSF/SCF. Results suggest that treatment by hematopoietic growth factors along with BM grafts should be considered for victims of radiation accidents.

Animals↗

Use of (CA)n polymorphisms to determine the origin of blood cells after allogeneic canine marrow grafting.

We have used a polymerase chain reaction-based assay measuring polymorphic (CA)n repeats, a class of simple sequence repeats, to assess the success of allogeneic canine marrow transplants. Results were compared with those obtained with karyotype analysis of dividing cells in recipients that were sex mismatched with their marrow donors. Twenty recipients were conditioned for transplantation of genotypically DLA-identical littermate marrow by 450 cGy of total-body irradiation. In 2 recipients, results could not be compared, since either only cytogenetic or dinucleotide (CA)n marker data existed. Both dogs had autologous marrow recovery. In 15 of the remaining 18 recipients, complete agreement was found between the results obtained with dinucleotide (CA)n markers, cytogenetic studies, and granulocyte changes after transplantation. Seven of the 15 showed eventual autologous recovery, 6 displayed mixtures of host and donor cells, and 2 showed donor-type hematopoiesis. Two of the 18 dogs showed mixed chimerism with (CA)n markers and autologous recovery by cytogenetics, findings that may be related to differences in cells analyzed by the two techniques--i.e., all nucleated cells by (CA)n markers versus dividing cells by cytogenetics. In one additional recipient, results of marrow cytogenetics, granulocyte changes, and (CA)n markers were consistent with a successful allograft, while peripheral blood cytogenetics suggested autologous recovery, possibly the result of erroneous blood sampling. Polymerase chain reaction-based testing for dinucleotide repeat (CA)n polymorphisms, originally developed for genetic mapping in the dog, is useful and reliable when compared with cytogenetic studies, in assessing the success of allogeneic marrow transplants in dogs.

Animals↗

Marrow transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia: a randomized study comparing cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation with busulfan and cyclophosphamide.

A prospective randomized study was conducted comparing two conditioning regimens for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase by marrow transplantation from HLA identical siblings. Sixty-nine patients received 60 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide on each of 2 successive days followed by 6 fractions of total body irradiation each of 2.0 Gy (CY-TBI), and 73 patients received 16 mg/kg of busulfan delivered over 4 days followed by 60 mg/kg CY on each of 2 successive days (BU-CY). There was no significant difference between the CY-TBI and the BU-CY groups in the 3-year probabilities of survival (0.80 for both), relapse (0.13 for both), or event-free survival (CY-TBI, 0.68; BU-CY, 0.71) or in speed of engraftment or incidence of venocclusive disease of the liver. The 4-year probabilities of survival and event-free survival for patients transplanted within 1 year of diagnosis were 0.86 and 0.72, respectively, for each group. Significantly more patients in the CY-TBI group experienced major creatinine elevations. There was significantly more acute graft-versus-host disease in the CY-TBI group. Fever days, positive blood cultures, hospitalizations, and inpatient hospital days were significantly more common in the CY-TBI group than in the BU-CY group. In conclusion, the BU-CY regimen was better tolerated than, and associated with survival and relapse probabilities that compare favorably with, the CY-TBI regimen.

Adolescent↗

Cyclophosphamide combined with antithymocyte globulin in preparation for allogeneic marrow transplants in patients with aplastic anemia.

Graft rejection has been a problem after marrow grafts for patients with aplastic anemia who were conditioned with cyclophosphamide (CY). Rejection lessened when patients were given the marrow donor's peripheral blood buffy-coat cells in addition to the marrow, but this result was achieved at the price of more chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Results with second transplants suggested that CY alternating with antithymocyte globulin (ATG) was more immunosuppressive than CY alone. Therefore, the current study explored CY and ATG without buffy-coat cell transfusions in 39 patients with aplastic anemia given marrow transplants from HLA-identical family members (siblings in 38 cases, father in 1 case). We hoped both to minimize the risks of graft rejection and of chronic GVHD and to improve survival. Patients were 2 to 52 years of age (median, 24.5); 87% had received previous transfusions, and 41% had therapy with immunosuppressive agents before transplant. They were administered four daily doses of CY (total, 200 mg/kg) alternating with three doses of ATG (total, 90 mg/kg) followed by an HLA-identical marrow graft. Methotrexate and cyclosporine were administered to prevent GVHD. Two patients rejected their grafts (5%), and both were successfully retransplanted. Acute (grade 2 or 3) GVHD occurred in 15% and chronic GVHD in 34% of patients. The actuarial survival rate at 3 years was 92%, which compares favorably to the 72% survival rate in 39 historical patients who were matched with current patients for age and risk factors for rejection and GVHD. CY/ATG is a well-tolerated and effective conditioning program for marrow grafting in aplastic anemia that, when combined with GVHD prevention by methotrexate/cyclosporine, results in excellent survival.

Adult↗

Fractionated versus single-dose total body irradiation at low and high dose rates to condition canine littermates for DLA-identical marrow grafts.

We explored in dogs the immunosuppressive properties of 450 cGy total body irradiation (TBI) delivered from two opposing 60Co sources, as assessed by the criterion of successful engraftment of allogeneic genotypically DLA-identical littermate marrow. Two questions were asked in this study. Firstly, does dose rate affect the immunosuppressive effect of TBI when administered in a single dose? Secondly, does fractionation alter the immunosuppression of TBI when delivered at a very fast dose rate? Dose rates studied included 7 and 70 cGy/min, and fractionation involved four fractions of 112.5 cGy each, with 6-hour minimum interfraction intervals. Six of 7 dogs receiving 450 cGy single-dose TBI at 70 cGy/min showed sustained engraftment of the allogeneic marrow, compared with 1 of 7 dogs receiving single-dose TBI at 7 cGy/min (P = .01). Fractionated TBI at 70 cGy/min resulted in sustained allogeneic engraftment in 3 of 10 dogs, a result that was statistically significantly worse than that with single-dose TBI at 70 cGy/min (P = .03) and not statistically different (P = .24) from that with fractionated TBI delivered at 7 cGy/min (0 of 5 dogs engrafted). A single dose of 450 cGy of TBI delivered at a rate of 70 cGy/min is significantly more immunosuppressive than the same total dose delivered at 7 cGy/min. Fractionated TBI at 70 cGy/min is significantly less immunosuppressive than single-dose TBI at 70 cGy/min and not significantly different from fractionated TBI administered at 7 cGy/min. Results are consistent with the notion that significant DNA repair in lymphoid cells is possible during interfraction intervals at the relatively high dose rate of 70 cGy/min.

Animals↗

When the going gets tough.

How do some nurses hold on to their enthusiasm for work year after year, while others in the same stressful environment grow discouraged, disillusioned and tired of nursing? It could be that some nurses are just plain tougher than others. Hardiness may be the key personality characteristic not just for preventing burnout, but for turning stressful events into meaningful challenges.

Burnout, Professional↗

Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for 93 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.

We treated 93 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome using cyclophosphamide and either total body irradiation (n = 88) or busulfan (n = 5) followed by marrow transplantation. Sixty-five marrow donors were genotypically HLA-identical siblings and 28 were other family members or unrelated donors. Before transplantation all patients had either severe neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or had greater than 5% blasts in the marrow or peripheral blood. The probabilities of disease-free survival, relapse, and non-relapse mortality at 4 years were 41%, 28%, and 43%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age and shorter disease duration were significantly associated with improved disease-free survival and decreased non-relapse mortality. Relapse was seen only in patients with excess blasts at the time of transplantation (51% at 4 years). Patients younger than age 40 and without excess blasts had a 4-year disease-free survival of 62%. This study confirms that allogeneic marrow transplantation can cure some patients with myelodysplasia. Because of the favorable outcome in younger patients without excess blasts, we recommend that transplantation be considered early for patients younger than age 40, before disease progression or development of life-threatening cytopenias. For older patients and those with excess blasts, changes in the transplant procedure will be necessary to improve outcome.

Adolescent↗