bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An in Vitro Model of Differentiation of Memory B Cells Into Plasmablasts and Plasma Cells Including Detailed Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization.
Authors: Jourdan Michel , Caraux Anouk , De Vos John , Fiol Geneviève , Larroque Marion , Cognot Chantal , Bret Caroline , Duperray Christophe , Hose Dirk , Klein Bernard 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1636
Poster Board I-662
Human plasma cells (PCs) and their precursors play an essential role in humoral immune response, but are rare and difficult to harvest. We report here i) the generation of human syndecan-1+ and immunoglobulin secreting PCs starting from memory B cells (MBCs) in a 3-step- and 10-day (D) culture, including a 6-fold cell amplification. ii) We report the detailed phenotypic and Affymetrix gene expression profiles of these in vitro PCs as well as of intermediate cells - activated B cells (actBCs) and plasmablasts (PBs) - compared to MBCs and bone marrow PCs, which is accessible through an open web ATLAS (http://amazonia.transcriptome.eu/). iii) We show this B cell to PC differentiation to involve IRF4 and AICDA expression in D4 actBCs, decrease of PAX5 and BCL6 expressions and increase in PRDM1 and XBP1 expressions in D7 PBs and D10 PCs. It involves downregulation of genes controlled by Pax5, induction of genes controlled by Blimp-1 and XBP1 (unfold protein response). iv) The phenotype of D10 PCs resembles that of peripheral blood PCs detected after immunization of healthy donors. This in vitro model will facilitate further studies in PC biology. It will likewise be helpful to study plasma-cell dyscrasias, including Multiple Myeloma.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Erythropoietin Treatment Is Associated with Augmented Immune Response to the Influenza Vaccine in Hematologic Patients.
Authors: Oster Howard S , Prutchi-Sagiv Sara , Halutz Ora , Golishevski Nataliya , Binyamin Moshe , Orkin Ruth , Hoffman Michael , Neumann Drorit , Mittelman Moshe 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1637
Poster Board I-663

Introduction
Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) has been effective in treating various types of anemia. EPO receptors on non-erythroid cells suggest that EPO may also have non-erythroid effects. Indeed, we have previously shown that EPO has anti-neoplastic immunomodulating effects in both patients and mice (Mittelman PNAS 2001; Mittelman Eur J Haematol 2004). EPO effects were demonstrated in both the cellular and humoral immune systems (Katz Acta Haematol 2005; Katz Eur J Immunol 2007; Prutchi-Sagiv Br J Haematol 2006; Prutchi-Sagiv Exp Hematol 2008; Lifshitz Mol Immunol 2009). Hassan et al. (Ren Fail 2003) have reported that patients with renal failure treated with EPO had a higher antibody (Ab) titer in response to the Hepatitis B vaccine. We therefore hypothesized that EPO plays a general role in augmenting the immune response. To test this hypothesis we examined the effect of EPO on the antibody response to the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine.

Methods
Three groups, all receiving the flu vaccine, were tested: A) Healthy controls (HC), B) Hematologic patients not receiving EPO (H-NoEPO), C) Hematologic patients on EPO for anemia (H-EPO). Mean ages of the participants [95% CI] were 59.5 [56.5-62.4], 59.6 [50.9-68.2], and 73.9 [68.8-79.0] respectively. Flu vaccine and EPO were ordered by the attending physicians only, irrespective of the study. Blood samples were drawn prior to and 3 weeks, 7 weeks and 4 months after the flu vaccination. Anti-flu Ab titer was measured using the complement fixation test. The results are presented as the number (percentage) of tested individuals who responded with at least two- or four-fold increase in anti-flu titers, compared to their baseline. P value represents comparison of H-EPO to H-NoEPO.

Results
Of the HC individuals, 90% doubled (at least) and 58% quadrupled their anti-flu Ab titers. Of the H-NoEPO patients only 56% doubled and 19% quadrupled their titers. However, 72% of the H-EPO patients doubled and 56% quadrupled their titers, a response approaching that of healthy controls, despite their being significantly older.

Conclusions
1) Hematologic patients respond poorly to the flu vaccine, compared to healthy subjects. 2) EPO treatment is associated with an improved immune response to the flu vaccine in hematologic patients. This suggests that EPO may serve as an immune augmenting agent for the flu vaccine and possibly other vaccines as well.

Disclosures
Off Label Use: Non erythroid effects: immune, anti-cancer (all under investigation). Prutchi-Sagiv:BioGAL- Start up (inactive): Equity Ownership. Mittelman:BioGAL- Start up (inactive): Equity Ownership, Patents & Royalties.
Predictive role of Early Interim FDG-PET in Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Authors: Stefoni Vittorio , Broccoli Alessandro , Alinari Lapo , Ambrosini Valentina , Derenzini Enrico , Fanti Stefano , Fina Mariapaola , Gandolfi Letizia , Marchi Enrica , Pellegrini Cinzia , Quirini Federica , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Baccarani Michele 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1659
Poster Board I-685

Background
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a curable malignancy with a long-term survival of around 80%. FDG-PET is a noninvasive imaging modality widely used in lymphoma patients. Early PET assessment of response to therapy is a routine part of management in HL patients, and an independent, strong predictor of progression-free survival.

Patients and Methods
178 patients, with a diagnosis of HL, underwent to an early PET evaluation during their course of chemotherapy and were considered eligible for the study. 85 patients (48%) were male and 93 (52%) female; the median age at diagnosis was 33 (13-78) years. 6 patients (3%) had stage I disease; 106 patients (60%) stage II; 34 (19%) stage III and 32 (18%) stage IV (bone marrow involvement in 5 cases).
B-symptoms were detected in 81 patients (46%). A mediastinal bulk was detected in 54 cases (30%). The majority of patients (173, 97%) underwent to ABVD as first line therapy; 5 received BEACOPP chemotherapy (3%). Early PET evaluation was performed after the second course of therapy. Results were classified into complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) or progressive disease (PD) according to International Workshop standardized response criteria. PET scan was performed again at the end of the first-line treatment. 44 patients have been addressed to a second-line therapy, in presence of PR, PD or relapsing disease; in particular, 39 patients received an autologous stem-cells transplantation (ASCT), and 3 an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (ABMT).

Results
At a median follow up of 41,85 (5,23-141,77) months, 152 patients are alive and in CR; 7 in PR; 3 alive with SD and 7 present a PD. 9 patients have died. 150 patients presented with a negative PET after 2 cycles, and 28 with a positive one (26 in PR, 1 with SD and 1 with PD). More specifically, of the 178 initial patients, 150 (84%) had a negative early PET and 28 (16%) a positive early PET. Of those with a negative PET, 135 (90%) experienced a continuous CR, while among those with a positive early PET, none obtained at least a stable CR. Of this unfavourable group of patients, 9 (32%) reached, and still maintain, a CR after ASCT.

Conclusions
Our experience indeed confirms the highly predictive value of a negative early PET during the therapy for HL. Moreover we may suggest the potential role of ASCT in inducing a CR in around one-third of those unfavorable patients with a positive early interim PET.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Efficacy and Safety of Liposomal Cytarabine as Intrathecal Prophylaxis in Patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma at High Risk of CNS Involvement: A Multicentric Study Including 80 Patients in Spain.
Authors: de la Fuente Adolfo , Salar Antonio , Panizo Carlos , Navarro Belen , Olave Teresa , Peñarrubia María Jesus , Herrero JoaquÃn , Tomas Jose Francisco , Canales Miguel , González-Barca Eva 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1663
Poster Board I-689

Introduction
Lymphomatous meningitis (LM) in patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is usually an early complication and with poor prognosis. Risk factors have been previously identified for this complication. DepoCyte is an extended released liposomal cytarabine formulation (LC) which has demonstrated better efficacy compared to standard cytarabine for the treatment of LM in one randomized clinical trial.

Purpose and Methods
A retrospective study was carried out in 24 Spanish sites including patients diagnosed of DLBCL and at risk of LM – defined by the presence of at least one of the following: retroperitoneal mass ≥ 10 cm; Waldeyer ring, sinus, vertebral or bone, and testicular involvement; LDH more than twice the upper normal limit; bone marrow involvement > 30% and serology VIH+. All patients had received LC as IT prophylaxis for LM in the period April 2005 – June 2009. Main endpoints were effectiveness (leptomeningeal involvement rate) and safety of the IT prophylaxis.

Results
Data from 80 patients were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were: Mean age 55 ± 16 years (range: 18-80 years). Males 74%; Ann Arbor stage IV 54%. All patients received alkylating based regimens, being R-CHOP as the most frequent one (88%). LC was administered as intrathecal prophylactic treatment for LM in all patients.
64 patients completed the IT prophylaxis treatment with a mean of 2,8 ± 0,83 administrations and a median follow up of 17 months (range: 3-40 months) (8 patient still on treatment and 8 patients died before finish prophylaxis). Just one patient (1,6%) had leptomeningeal spread: 76 years old man with primary testicular DLBCL, treated with R-CHOP regime, who did not reach complete response and died after 8 months of follow up due to respiratory failure.
Twenty four patients out of eighty (30%) showed adverse events, being headache the most frequent side effect (27%), and 14% grade IV. Headache was reversible in all cases. Chemical arachnoiditis prophylaxis was given to 70 patients.

Conclusions
This retrospective study has shown that in DLBCL patients and high risk of LM, prophylaxis with LC was feasible and well tolerated. With a median follow up of 17 months (range: 3-40 months) the incidence of LM was 1,6 %. Prospective, randomized comparative studies versus conventional prophylaxis regimes are needed.

Disclosures
Off Label Use: DepoCyte is an extended released liposomal cytarabine formulation (LC) which has demonstrated better efficacy compared to standard cytarabine for the treatment of LM in one randomized clinical trial. Prphylaxis effectiveness..
A Phase II Study of Temsirolimus (CCI-779) in Combination with Rituximab in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
Authors: Ansell Stephen M , Tang Hui , Kurtin Paul , Koenig Patricia , Inwards David J , Shah Keith , Witzig Thomas E 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1665
Poster Board I-691
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive, incurable B-cell malignancy that represents approximately 6% of lymphoma cases. Patients with MCL who relapse after conventional therapy or stem cell transplantation have a poor prognosis and are candidates for treatment with novel agents. The characteristic feature of MCL is overexpression of cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 is under the control of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase signal-transduction pathway and is downstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin kinase (mTOR). We have previously shown that temsirolimus (CCI-779), a dihydroester of the selective mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, is an active antitumor agent in MCL. In previous phase 2 trials of temsirolimus as a single agent, we observed a 40% overall response rate (ORR) with a median duration of response (DR) of 6 months in patients with relapsed or refractory disease (J Clin Oncol 23:5347-56, 2005; Cancer 113:508-514, 2008). Due to the fact that rituximab has improved the response rate and overall outcome of lymphoma patients when combined with chemotherapy, we tested the efficacy and toxicity of temsirolimus in combination with rituximab in patients with MCL.
Eligible patients with confirmed relapsed or refractory MCL based on morphologic and phenotypic features received temsirolimus 25 mg intravenously every week and four weekly doses of rituximab with the first cycle and then one dose of rituximab every other cycle. Patients with a tumor response after six cycles were eligible to continue treatment for a total of 12 cycles or two cycles after complete remission, and were then observed without maintenance.
Seventy-one patients were enrolled between May 2005 and March 2009. The median age was 67 years (range, 44 to 86 years), with 51 males and 20 females enrolled. Patients had received a median of two prior therapies (range, 1-9), 31% had received a prior stem cell transplant and 28% were rituximab refractory. The ORR was 48% (34/71 patients) with 20% (14/71) complete responses and 28% (20/71) partial responses. The median DR was 9.5 months (95% CI, 4.5 to 11.3 months). The median DR in the rituximab sensitive patients was 9.5 months (CI: 4.5-11.6) and 7.15 months (CI: 4.1-11.3) in the rituximab refractory patients (p= 0.73). While the combination was generally well tolerated, 12 patients experienced grade 4 toxicity and 2 patients died while on therapy – both from progressive disease. Hematologic toxicities were the most common, with 5 patients having grade 4 thrombocytopenia and 3 having grade 4 neutropenia.
This study demonstrates that temsirolimus in combination with rituximab is well tolerated and has substantial antitumor activity in relapsed MCL. Further comparative studies of this combination in MCL are therefore warranted.

Disclosures
Witzig: Wyeth: Patents & Royalties.
Final Report of a Phase-II Study of Rituximab Plus ABVD for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Advanced Stage Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma.: Results of Long Follow up and Comparison to Institutional Historical Data.
Authors: Copeland Amanda R , Cao Yumei , Fanale Michelle , Fayad Luis , McLaughlin Peter , Pro Barbara , Hagemeister Fredrick , Romaguera Jorge , Samaniego Felipe , Rodriguez Alma , Younes Anas 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1680
Poster Board I-706
We previously reported (Wedgwood et al, ASH, 2007) improvement in event free survival (EFS) using Rituximab+ABVD (RABVD) in newly diagnosed patients with advanced stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) when compared to the previously published historical data from the International Prognostic Score (IPS) project using standard ABVD (Hasenclever et. Al, NEJM, 1998). The purpose of this report is to provide a final update on the EFS with long term follow up of patients who received RABVD. In addition, because of the potential difference in the EFS reported by the IPS project and a single institution results, we provide a new analysis comparing our RABVD data to that of historical data from our institution. After IRB approval, we conducted a retrospective data analysis on patients with advanced HL treated at our center with ABVD from February 1996 to May 2006. Information was collected for the IPS factors: age, stage, gender, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, albumin, and lymphocyte count. 104 consecutive patients who met the eligibility criteria for the RABVD study were identified, and were evaluable for response with at least 2 year follow up. Median age was 35 years old, 48 were female and 56 male. 23 (22%) had stage II disease, 12 of these with bulky disease, 45 (43%) stage III and 36 (35%) with stage IV. 65 (63%) had IPS 0-2 and 39 (37%) had IPS >2. The institutional 5-year EFS for ABVD patients regardless of IPS was 66%. For those with IPS 0-2 the institutional EFS was 71% compared with 74% reported by the IPS project. The institutional 5 year EFS for patients treated with ABVD with IPS >2 was 55%, compared with 55% reported by the IPS project. With a median of 5 year follow up (6-94 months) the projected EFS for RABVD is 87% which is significantly better than institutional results with ABVD (p=0.0036). Improvement in EFS was observed with RABVD in patients with IPS 0-2 (EFS 89% vs. 71%, p=0.0248); and those with IPS >2 (80% vs. 55%; p=0.0532). In conclusion, this long term follow up data confirms the superiority of RABVD to ABVD in patients with advanced stage classical HL in all risk groups. This data serves as the rationale for a multicenter randomized trial comparing ABVD with RABVD in newly diagnosed patients with classical HL with stage III and IV and IPS >2. The study is currently enrolling patients.

Disclosures
Off Label Use: Rituximab in Hodgkin lymphoma. Younes:Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Incidence and Prevalence of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) in Düsseldorf 1996-2005.
Authors: Neukirchen Judith , Schoonen W. Marieke , Aul Carlo , Haas Rainer , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1774
Poster Board I-800

Background
Population-based data on myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are scarce. Since its inception in 1982, the Düsseldorf MDS Registry has captured 3598 patients with MDS, of whom 21 % live in the town district of Düsseldorf. Between 1996-2005 we are confident that all MDS patients residing in the town district of Düsseldorf were entered and followed in the registry through regular follow-ups. As yearly age- and sex-specific population counts are also available for Düsseldorf, the Registry provides a unique opportunity to estimate MDS disease frequency. Here we aim to quantify the incidence and prevalence of MDS disease subtypes.

Methods
Patients were identified from the MDS Registry. Age- and sex-specific yearly population counts were obtained from the Statistical Office of North-Rhine Westphalia. The number of residents in Düsseldorf minimally increased during the study period from 1996 to 2005 (mean: 571,000 residents). The number of patients with a first-time MDS diagnosis in a given calendar year (incident cases) was divided by the total Düsseldorf population in that year to estimate incidence. Prevalence was estimated by dividing the number of existing plus incident MDS patients in a given year by the total population of Düsseldorf that year. Incidence (per 100,000 person-years (PY) and prevalence per 100,000 persons are presented with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated using the delta and Wilson methods, respectively. Low-risk MDS was defined as WHO subtypes RA, RCMD or MDS with del(5q). High-risk included subtypes RAEB-I and RAEB-II.

Results
344 MDS patients were included in our analyses (279 incident patients). Incidence and prevalence of low-risk MDS was 2.87 (95%CI 2.46–3.35) per 100,000PY and 12.4 (95%CI 11.5–13.4) per 100,000 persons, respectively, with no difference between men and women (Table). High-risk disease was less common. The incidence of high-risk disease in men appeared to be higher (1.22 (95%CI 0.87–1.72) per 100,000PY) than in women (0.63 (95%CI 0.40–0.99) per 100,000PY). Prevalence of high-risk disease among men was statistically significantly higher in men compared to women (2.93 (95%CI 2.35 – 3.65) per 100,000 persons) and 1.56 (95%CI 1.17 – 2.08) per 100,000 persons), respectively (Table).

Conclusion
In this population-based study we found that MDS more common in men than in women. The majority of MDS cases had low-risk disease. Incidence and prevalence of high risk disease (but not low risk) is higher in men compared to women.
Financial disclosures: This study was supported by Amgen Inc.

Disclosures
Neukirchen: Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Schoonen:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Aul:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Haas:Amgen Inc.: Research Funding. Gattermann:Amgen Inc., Celgene, Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding. Germing:Amgen Inc., Celgene, Novartis: Honoraria, Research Funding.
Malignant Myeloma Cells Impair Phenotype and Function of stem and Progenitor Cells.
Authors: Bruns Ingmar , Büst Sebastian , Czibere Akos G. , Cadeddu Ron-Patrick , Brückmann Ines , Bhasin Manoj , Fischer Johannes C , Fenk Roland , Kobbe Guido , Trumpp Andreas , Haas Rainer 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1799
Poster Board I-825
Multiple myeloma (MM) patients often present with anemia at the time of initial diagnosis. This has so far only attributed to a physically marrow suppression by the invading malignant plasma cells and the overexpression of Fas-L and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) by malignant plasma cells triggering the death of immature erythroblasts. Still the impact of MM on hematopoietic stem cells and their niches is scarcely established.
In this study we analyzed highly purified CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell subsets from the bone marrow of newly diagnosed MM patients in comparison to normal donors. Quantitative flowcytometric analyses revealed a significant reduction of the megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitor (MEP) proportion in MM patients, whereas the percentage of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (GMP) was significantly increased. Proportions of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and myeloid progenitors (CMP) were not significantly altered. We then asked if this is also reflected by clonogenic assays and found a significantly decreased percentage of erythroid precursors (BFU-E and CFU-E).
Using Affymetrix HU133 2.0 gene arrays, we compared the gene expression signatures of stem cells and progenitor subsets in MM patients and healthy donors. The most striking findings so far reflect reduced adhesive and migratory potential, impaired self-renewal capacity and disturbed B-cell development in HSC whereas the MEP expression profile reflects decreased in cell cycle activity and enhanced apoptosis. In line we found a decreased expression of the adhesion molecule CD44 and a reduced actin polymerization in MM HSC by immunofluorescence analysis. Accordingly, in vitro adhesion and transwell migration assays showed reduced adhesive and migratory capacities. The impaired self-renewal capacity of MM HSC was functionally corroborated by a significantly decreased long-term culture initiating cell (LTC-IC) frequency in long term culture assays. Cell cycle analyses revealed a significantly larger proportion of MM MEP in G0-phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, the proportion of apoptotic cells in MM MEP determined by the content of cleaved caspase 3 was increased as compared to MEP from healthy donors.
Taken together, our findings indicate an impact of MM on the molecular phenotype and functional properties of stem and progenitor cells. Anemia in MM seems at least partially to originate already at the stem and progenitor level.

Disclosures
Off Label Use: AML with multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, which is approved by EMEA + FDA for renal cell carcinoma.
Targeting EXT-1 Reveals a Crucial Role of Heparan Sulfate in the Growth of Multiple Myeloma.
Authors: Reijmers Rogier M , Groen Richard W.J. , Rozemuller Henk , Kuil Annemieke , de Haan - Kramer Anneke , Csikos Tamas , Martens Anton C.M. , Spaargaren Marcel , Pals Steven T 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Abstract 1830
Poster Board I-856
Expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) syndecan-1 is a hallmark of both normal and multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells. Syndecan-1 could affect plasma cell fate by strengthening integrin-mediated adhesion via its core protein and/or by accommodating and presenting soluble factors via its HS side-chains. Here, we show that inducible RNAi-mediated knockdown of syndecan-1 in human MM cells leads to reduced growth rates and a strong increase of apoptosis. Importantly, knockdown of EXT-1, a co-polymerase critical for HS-chain biosynthesis, had similar effects. By employing an innovative myeloma xenotransplant model in Rag-2-/-γc-/- mice, we demonstrate that induction of EXT-1 knockdown in vivo dramatically suppresses the growth of bone marrow localized myeloma. Our findings provide direct evidence that the HS-chains of syndecan-1 are crucial for the growth and survival of MM cells within the bone marrow environment, and indicate the HS biosynthesis machinery as a potential treatment target in MM.

Disclosures
No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.