Non-Myeloablative Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in 154 Patients (pts) with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML)

• Published in: Blood 2007-11, Vol.110 (11), p.4975-4975
• Main Authors: Benakli, Malek, Hamladji, Rose-Marie, Nacer, Redhouane Ahmed, Talbi, Amina, Mehdid, Farih, Belhadj, Rachida, Rahmoune, Nadia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood.V110.11.4975.4975

Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation using a reduced intensity or nonmyeloablative conditioning (NSCT) represents an attractive treatment modality in CML. The rationale behind such approach is to decrease toxicity while inducing the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Because of its significantly lower cost in comparison to Imatinib mesylate, NSCT may be considered an early treatment option in countries where limited resources. Material and Methods: Between April 2001 and December 2006, we treated 154 CML patients (131 in first chronic phase, 23 in accelerated phase) with NSCT from an HLA-identical family donor. The majority of pts has a Gratwohl score 500. 109/l granulocytes was 14 (range, 7–24) days, and median time of aplasia was 7 (range, 2–19) days. Transfusion requirements were significantly reduced, only 3 pts (1,9%) required red blood cells transfusions. Only 15 pts (9,7%) needed platelets transfusions. Acute GVHD was seen in 65 cases (43,6%) including 26 (17,4%) cases of grade III–IV and 32 cases (21%) of late onset acute GVHD occurring after day 100 post-NSCT. 93 pts (67,3%) had chronic GVHD, of whom 58 with an extensive form. 23 pts (15,4%) had CMV reactivation. 24 pts (16,1%) relapsed (15 in chronic phase, 7 in blast crisis and 2 with a molecular relapse), but 11 pts could be salvaged and are currently in remission (7 after immunosupression discontinuation, one after DLI and 3 after a second conventional allograft). The chimerism of donor origin (STR-PCR method) of patients in remission was at an average of 74% at day 30, 80% at d100, 93% at 6 months, 97% at 1 year, and 99% at 2 years. Fifty pts (33,5%) have died, of whom 39 (22,1%) from GVHD and 10 (6,7%) from disease relapse. Transplant Related Mortality (TRM) at 100 days was 6%, but rose to 31,5% at 3 years. At last follow-up (median, 32 (range 6–68) months), 9