Circ_0012152 Accelerates Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progression through the miR-652-3p/SOX4 Axis

Objective Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is an aggressive hematological malignancy characterized by abnormal myeloid blast expansion.Recent studies have demonstrated that circular RNAs play a role in AML pathogenesis.In this study,we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of circ_0012152 in AML and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of this condition.Methods Circ_0012152 expression was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in samples obtained from 247 patients with AML and 40 healthy controls.A systematic analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors was also conducted.Cell growth was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8)assay,and apoptosis and cell cycle progression were evaluated by flow cytometry.Moreover,RNA pull-down was performed to identify target microRNAs,and transcriptome RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses were utilized to identify downstream mRNA targets.Results Circ_0012152 was significantly upregulated in samples from patients with AML and served as an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival(OS)(hazard ratio:2.357;95%confidence interval 1.258–4.415).The circ_0012152 knockdown reduced cell growth,increased apoptosis,and inhibited cell cycle progression in AML cell lines.RNA pull-down and sequencing identified miR-652-3p as a target microRNA of circ_0012152.Cell growth inhibition by circ_0012152 knockdown was significantly relieved by miR-652-3p inhibitors.We suggested that miR-652-3p targeted SOX4,as the decrease in SOX4 expression resulting from circ_0012152 knockdown was upregulated by miR-652-3p inhibitors in AML cells.Conclusion Circ_0012152 is an independent poor prognostic factor for OS in AML,and it promotes AML cell growth by upregulating SOX4 through miR-652-3p.

Observation on the Clinical Effect of Applying Venetoclax Combined with Demethylation Drug Therapy in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect of applying venetoclax combined with demethylating drugs in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: Eighty cases of AML patients treated with venetoclax combined with demethylating drugs in our hospital were selected from March 2021 to March 2024, including 40 cases of primary treatment patients and 40 cases of relapsed and refractory patients. The efficacy and safety of the combined drug therapy was analyzed. Results: The primary treatment group was presented with a complete remission (CR) rate of 40.5%, partial remission (PR) rate of 47.50%, no response (NR) rate of 12.50%, and a remission rate of 87.50%. The relapsed- refractory group was presented with a CR rate of 37.50%, PR rate of 42.50%, NR rate of 17.50%, and a remission rate of 87.50%. There was no statistical significance between the groups (P > 0.05). The hematological adverse reactions of the combined treatment for AML were leukopenia and the non-hematological adverse reactions were mainly infections, with an incidence rate of 87.50%. Conclusion: The efficacy of venetoclax combined with demethylating drugs in AML was remarkable and the treatment regimen can be adjusted according to the treatment-resistant response.

Clinical Effects of Venetoclax in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Elderly

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of venetoclax in the treatment of elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: 50 cases of elderly AML patients receiving venetoclax for treatment in the hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were selected, including 38 cases of patients whose primary treatment was not suitable for intensive chemotherapy and 12 cases of relapsed/refractory AML patients, to observe the therapeutic efficacy and safety of venetoclax. Results: Among the 38 patients whose primary treatment was not suitable for intensive chemotherapy, 5 cases were treated with venetoclax monotherapy, 33 cases were treated with venetoclax + azacitidine, and 25 patients (65.79%) achieved complete remission (CR) with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) after 28 days of treatment;10 patients with relapsed/refractory AML were treated with venetoclax + azacitidine, and 2 patients were treated with venetoclax + azacitidine + chemotherapy, and 2 patients achieved optimal therapeutic response after 28 days of treatment and CR/CRi was achieved in 7 patients (58.33%). There were 47 (94.0%) patients with grade 3 or higher granulocytopenia, 46 (92.0%) patients with hemoglobin reduction, and 43 (86.0%) patients with thrombocytopenia, developed after 28 days of treatment. 11 patients developed infections after treatment and there was one case of tumor lysis syndrome. Conclusion: The response rate of venetoclax monotherapy and combination in elderly AML induction therapy is high, and the overall tolerability of elderly patients is good, so it can be popularized and applied.

A model based on eight iron metabolism-related genes accurately predicts acute myeloid leukemia prognosis

Purpose:Iron metabolism maintains the balance between iron absorption and excretion.Abnormal iron metabolism can cause numerous diseases,including tumor.This study determined the iron metabolism-related genes(IMRGs)signature that can predict the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML).The roles of these genes in the immune microenvironment were also explored.Methods:A total of 514 IMRGs were downloaded from the Molecular Characteristics Database(MSigDB).IMRGs related to AML prognosis were identified using Cox regression and LASSO analyses and were used to construct the risk score model.AML patients were stratified into high-risk groups(cluster 1)and low-risk groups(cluster 2)based on the mean value of the risk score.The accuracy and prognosis prediction potential of the risk-score model was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristics analysis.The stromal score,immune scores,and immune cells infiltrated in AML samples were estimated using CIBERSORT,MCPcountre,and Xcell algorithms.The role of immune checkpoint genes in the AML microenvironment and the prognostic value of the IMRGs were also evaluated.Results:An AML prognosis prediction model was established based on the eight most critical IMRGs.Further analyses revealed that the model could accurately predict AML prognosis.The expression of IMRGs correlated with the infiltration of several immune cells and could influence response to certain chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy.Conclusion:A model based on IMRGs can accurately predict the overall survival and disease-free survival of AML patients.

Acute pancreatitis as initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia-M2 subtype:A case report

BACKGROUND Direct infiltration of the pancreas by acute myeloid leukemia(AML)with acute pancreatitis(AP)as an initial symptom is extremely rare.Only once in the literature,the leukemia cells in AML have been implicated as the cause of AP.Pancreatitis caused by a rare predisposing factor is often misdiagnosed as idiopathic pancreatitis or pancreatitis of other common causes.Severe AP(SAP)progresses rapidly with a high fatality rate.Therefore,it is important to identify the predisposing factors in the early stage of SAP,evaluate the condition,determine prognosis,formulate treatment plans,and prevent a recurrence.Here,we describe a case of SAP due to AML.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man presented to the hospital with fever and persistent abdominal pain.Blood analysis presented significantly elevated serum amylase and severe thrombocytopenia.Computed tomography examination of the abdomen revealed peripancreatic inflammatory effusion.The patient had no common etiologies and risk factors for AP,but the concurrent severe thrombocytopenia could not be explained by pancreatitis.Finally,the bone marrow aspirate and biopsy inspection revealed the underlying reason for pancreatitis,AML(M2 type based on the French-American-British classifications system).CONCLUSION Direct infiltration of the pancrease by acute leukemia,particularly AML cells,is an infrequent cause of AP.Therefore,although AP is a rare extramedullary infilt-ration characteristic for AML patients,it should be considered when determining the etiology of AP.

Chidamide,Decitabine,Cytarabine,Aclarubicin,and Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor Therapy for Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia:A Retrospective Study from a Single-Center

Objective Preclinical evidence and clinical trials have suggested synergistic effects of epigenetic modifiers in combination with cytotoxic agents for the treatment of leukemia.However,their efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia(R/R AML)remains unclear.Methods Clinical data of R/R AML patients who received a CDCAG regimen(chidamide,decitabine,cytarabine,aclarubicin,and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor)from July 1,2018 to October 31,2021 at our center were retrospectively assessed,and the safety and efficacy of the CDCAG regimen were evaluated.Patients were followed up until November 30,2021,with a median follow-up of 21.6 months(95%CI:10.0–33.2 months).Results A total of 67 patients were enrolled.Two patients died within 3 weeks after the initiation,and therefore only 65 patients underwent the assement for clinical response and survival.It was found that 56.9%patients achieved complete remission with a median overall survival(OS)of 9.6 months.The median OS of responders was 25.9 months,while that of non-responders was 5.0 months(P<0.0001).Patients with gene mutations had a superior overall response rate(ORR)(80.4%vs.45.5%,P=0.043)compared to those without gene mutations.The presence of DNA methyltransferase 3 A(DNMT3A),ten-eleven translocation-2(TET2),and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2(IDH1/2)mutations did not affect the response rate(88.2%vs.68.9%,P=0.220)and reflected a better OS(not attained vs.9.0 months,P=0.05).The most common non-hematologic adverse events were pulmonary infection(73.1%),followed by febrile neutropenia(23.9%)and sepsis(19.4%).Conclusions The CDCAG regimen was effective and well-tolerated in R/R AML patients,increasing the potential for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Moreover,patients with DNMT3A,TET2,and IDH1/2 mutations might benefit from this regimen.

Blood typing and transfusion therapy in a patient with A2 subtype acute myeloid leukemia M2:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia(AML)is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults.However,AML is relatively rare in the population overall,accounting for only about 1 percent of all cancers.Treatment for AML can be very effective for some patients,yet it leaves others with serious and even life-threatening side effects.Chemotherapy is still the primary treatment for most AML,but over time,leukemia cells become resistant to chemotherapy drugs.In addition,stem cell transplantation,targeted therapy,and immunotherapy are currently available.At the same time,with the progression of the disease,the patient may have corresponding complications,such as coagulation dysfunction,anemia,granulocytopenia,and repeated infection,so transfusion supportive therapy will be involved in the overall treatment regime.To date,few articles have reported on blood transfusion treatment options for patients with ABO subtypes AML-M2.Blood transfusion therapy is an important supportive treatment for AML-M2,and accurate determination of patients'blood type is one of the most important steps in the treatment process.In this study,we explored blood typing and supportive treatment strategies for a patient with A2 subtype AML-M2 to provide the basis for treatment for all patients.CASE SUMMARY In order to determine the blood type of the patient,serological and molecular biological methods were used for reference tests,and the genetic background was studied to determine the patient's final blood type and select the appropriate blood products for infusion treatment.According to the results obtained by serological and molecular biological methods,the blood type of the patient was A2 subtype;the genotype was A02/001;the irregular antibody screening was negative,and anti-A1 was found in the plasma.According to the overall treatment plan,active anti-infection,elevated cells,component blood transfusion support,and other rescue and supportive treatments were given,and the patient successfully passed the stage of myelosuppression after chemotherapy.Re-examination of bone marrow smears showed that AL was in complete remission of bone marrow signs,and minimal residual leukemia lesions suggested no cells with obvious abnormal immunophenotype(residual leukemia cells<10-4).CONCLUSION The infusion of patients with A2 subtype AML-M2 with A irradiated platelets and O washing red blood cells can meet the needs of clinical treatment.

Expression and clinical significance of CANX in acute myeloid leukemia based on TCGA database

Objective:To explore relationships between CANX expression,prognosis and immune infiltration of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)patients.Methods:The TIMER database was used to compare the CANX expression among a variety of TCGA tumor and normal tissue samples.The difference of CANX expression between AML and normal samples was found by R software.The Kaplan-Meier method and Log-Rank test were used to assess the relationship between CANX expression and patient survival.The R software was used to find correlations between CANX expression,clinical characteristics,drug sensitivity,and immune infiltration in AML.Results:The differential expression of CANX in 13 tumor and normal tissue samples were statistically significant(P<0.05).The high CANX expression was associated with a favorable prognosis(P<0.05),which was validated in GSE37642.The expression of CANX was correlated with age,survival status,FAB stage,and karyotype(P<0.05).High CANX expression,low age and favorable karyotype were independent predictors of a favorable prognosis(P<0.05).CANX expression may affect the sensitivity of AML patients to multiple drugs(P<0.05).The expression of CANX was positively correlated with that of M1 macrophages and CD8 T cells.Conclusion:CANX may be used as a novel potential biomarker,and could benefit AML patients by predicting patient prognosis and providing precise treatment indications.

Myeloid sarcoma as the only manifestation in a rare mixed lineage leukemia-fusion-driven acute myeloid leukemia:A case report

BACKGROUND The mixed lineage leukemia(MLL)-eleven-nineteen lysine-rich leukemia(ELL)fusion gene is a rare occurrence among the various MLL fusion genes.We present the first case in which myeloid sarcoma(MS)was the only manifestation of adult MLL-ELL-positive acute myeloid leukemia(AML).CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 33-year-old male patient who was admitted in June 2022 with a right occipital area mass measuring approximately 7 cm×8 cm.Blood work was normal.The patient underwent right occipital giant subscalp mass excision and incisional flap grafting.Immunohistochemistry was positive for myeloperoxidase,CD43 and CD45 and negative for CD3,CD20,CD34,and CD56.The bone marrow aspirate showed hypercellularity with 20%myeloblasts.Flow cytometry showed that myeloblasts accounted for 27.21%of the nucleated cells,which expressed CD33,CD38,and CD117.The karyotype was 46,XY,t(11,19)(q23;p13.1),-12,+mar/46,XY.Next-generation sequencing showed a fusion of MLL exon 7 to exon 2 of ELL.A diagnosis of MLL-ELL-positive AML(M2 subtype)with subcutaneous MS was made.CONCLUSION MLL-ELL-positive AML with MS is a rare clinical entity.Additional research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of MS.

A Construction of Object Detection Model for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

The evolution of bone marrow morphology is necessary in Acute Mye-loid Leukemia(AML)prediction.It takes an enormous number of times to ana-lyze with the standardization and inter-observer variability.Here,we proposed a novel AML detection model using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network(D-CNN).The proposed Faster R-CNN(Faster Region-Based CNN)models are trained with Morphological Dataset.The proposed Faster R-CNN model is trained using the augmented dataset.For overcoming the Imbalanced Data problem,data augmentation techniques are imposed.The Faster R-CNN performance was com-pared with existing transfer learning techniques.The results show that the Faster R-CNN performance was significant than other techniques.The number of images in each class is different.For example,the Neutrophil(segmented)class consists of 8,486 images,and Lymphocyte(atypical)class consists of eleven images.The dataset is used to train the CNN for single-cell morphology classification.The proposed work implies the high-class performance server called Nvidia Tesla V100 GPU(Graphics processing unit).

Coexistence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,acute myeloid leukemia,and untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/waldenström macroglobulinemia in a same patient:A case report

BACKGROUND The Coexistence of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies is rare.Myeloid leukemia occurs more frequently as a secondary event in patients receiving chemotherapy agents for lymphoid malignancies.Synchronous diagnoses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL),acute myeloid leukemia(AML),and untreated lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia(LPL/WM)in the same patient have not been reported.Here we report one such case.CASE SUMMARY An 89-year-old man had a chest wall mass histopathologically diagnosed as DLBCL.The bone marrow and peripheral blood contained two groups of cells.One group of cells fulfilled the criteria of AML,and the other revealed the features of small B lymphocytic proliferative disorder,which we considered LPL/WM.Multiple chromosomal or genetic changes were detected in bone marrow mononuclear cells,including ATM deletion,CCND1 amplification,mutations of MYD88(L265P)and TP53,WT1 overexpression,and fusion gene of BIRC2-ARAP1,as well as complex chromosomal abnormalities.The patient refused chemotherapy because of old age and died of pneumonia 1 mo after the final diagnosis.CONCLUSION The coexistence of DLBCL,AML,and untreated LPL/WM in the same patient is extremely rare,which probably results from multiple steps of genetic abnormalities.Asymptomatic LPL/WM might have occurred first,then myelodysplastic syndromerelated AML developed,and finally aggressive DLBCL arose.Therefore,medical staff should pay attention to this rare phenomenon to avoid misdiagnoses.

The Applications of Mitoxantrone and Its Liposome in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rapidly progressing hematopoietic malignancy, can only be cured hopefully by hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT). Before HSCT, we usually exert effects by attempting certain regimens to induce these tumor cells to death. Administered in AML patients, the classic “3 + 7” intensive induction regimen including anthracyclines and cytarabine is recommended by guidelines worldwide. However, conventional regimens consist of anthracyclines, a category of drug limited by cumulative, dose-related, progressive myocardial damage and congestive heart failure occurs when its total doses break through the cut-off. Based on this background, mitoxantrone (MIT), an anthraquinone, was developed to a new form to reduce cardiotoxicity. Meanwhile, the nanomedicine, mitoxantrone liposome (Lipo-MIT), was characterized by improved bioavailability and limited toxicity. This drug has great therapeutic potential, but different side effects. We conclude the overall history and development of MIT and Lipo-MIT, which show controversial efficacy of MIT compared to doxorubicin and therapeutic potential of Lipo-MIT. This article reviewed the application of MIT and liposome forms in adult AML patients. .

Prognostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Objective: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous, hematologic malignancy at which short survival may be seen. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on the course of the disease, response to therapy, and overall survival (OS). Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients followed-up with the diagnosis of AML from 2016 to 2019 were retrospectively examined. Results: 69 of the cases (55.6%) were men and 55 (44.3%) were women. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 53.44 ± 30.3 years old. We determined the NLR as median 0.46 (0.16 - 1.1). In AML, 69 patients were responsive to the induction regimen (57.9%) while 46 patients were unresponsive (37.8%). 5 patients died before completing the regimen. D-dimer was found to be higher and fibrinogen was found to be lower in the responsive group. Lower OS was observed in cases of >60 years of age, male gender, non-APL AML, high NLR, and recurrence at diagnosis. Recurrences were detected in 23 patients (18.5%) and the median time to the recurrence was 416 (236 - 639) days. Fibrinogen level and the bone marrow blast ratio at the time of application were determined to be associated with recurrence. The median follow-up time was 856 (143 - 1276) days. Final condition analysis reveals that 74 patients (59.6%) are alive. Conclusion: We determined in our study that the NLR is effective on survival. Medical literature on this subject is scanty and prospective studies with large patient groups are needed.

Resveratrol-downregulated Phosphorylated Liver Kinase B1 Is Involved in Senescence of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells

Summary： Senescence is an important obstacle to cancer development. Engaging a senescent response may be an effective way to cure acute myeloid leukemia （AML）. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of resveratrol-downregulated phosphorylated liver kinase B1 （pLKB1） on the senescence of acute myeloid leukemia （AML） stem cells. The protein expressions of pLKB 1 and Sirtuin 1 （SIRT1）, a regulator ofpLKB1, were measured in CD34＋CD38-KGla cells treated with resveratrol （40 μmol/L） or not by Western blotting. Senescence-related factors were examined, including p21 mRNA tested by real-time PCR, cell morphology by senescence-associated β-galactosidase （SA-β-gal） staining, cell pro- liferation by MTT assay and cell cycle by flow cytometry. Besides, apoptosis was flow cytometrically determined. The results showed that pLKB1 was highly expressed in CD34＋CD38- KGla cells, and resveratrol, which could downregulate pLKB1 through activation of SIRT1, induced senescence and apoptosis of CD34＋CD38- KGla cells. It was concluded that resveratrol-downregulated pLKB1 is in- volved in the senescence of AML stem cells.

Dectin-1 rs3901533 and rs7309123 Polymorphisms Increase Susceptibility to Pulmonary Invasive Fungal Disease in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia from a Chinese Han Population

This study aimed to assess whether genetic variants of dendritic cell-associated C-type lectine-1(Dectin-1),Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2),Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),and myeloid differentiation primary response 88(MyDHH)influence the susceptibility to pulmonary invasive fungal disease(IFD)in patients with acute myeloid leukemia(AML)from a Chinese Han population.Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of Dectin-1(rs 16910526,rs3901533,and rs7309123),TLR2(rs5743708),TLR4(rs4986790 and rs4986791)and MyD88(rs4988453 and rs4988457)in the genomic DNA of 172 adult AML patients were genotyped.Pulmonary IFD was diagnosed as proven or probable according to the 2008 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group(EORTC/MSG)consensus guidelines.SNPs that were significant in the univariate analysis were further analyzed using the multiple logistic regression analysis to determine their association with the occurrence of pulmonary IFD.The mRNA expression of Dectin-1 was detected according to the genotype by quantitative realtime PCR(qRT-PCR),and the correlation of this expression with the occurrence of pulmonary IFD in AML patients was analyzed.Two Dectin-1 intron SNPs(rs3901533 and rs7309123)were found to be significantly associated with the susceptibility to pulmonary IFD in AML patients in a Chinese Han population.Significant associations were noted between pulmonary IFD and Dectin-1 rs3901533 dominant model(G/T+G/G vs.T/T,OR:2.158;95%Cl:1.109-4.2,P=0.02),Dectin-1 rs3901533 G allele(OR:2.201;95%Cl:1.206-4.019,P=0.01),or Dectin-1 rs7309123 C allele(OR:1.919;95%Cl:1.047-3.518,P=0.03).There were no significant associations between pulmonary IFD and the remaining Dectin-1 SNPs(rs 16910526),TLR2(rs5743708),TLR4(rs4986790 and rs4986791)or MyDHH(rs4988453 and rs4988457).In conclusion,two Dectin-1 SNPs(rs3901533 and rs7309123)are associated with increased susceptibility to pulmonary IFD in AML patients in a Chinese Han population.

Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia in A Primary Pulmonary Leiomyosarcoma Patient with Skin Metastasis

Primary pulmonary leiomyosarcoma （LMS） is a very unusual tumor.Although LMS has well-known metastatic potential,cutaneous metastasis is a remarkably uncommon.Exposure to cytotoxic agents could lead to ＂therapy-related myeloid neoplasm＂ （t-MN）.Starting from 2008,the World Health Organization （WHO） has adopted the term to cover the spectrum of malignant diseases previously known as therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia （t-AML）,therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome （t-MDS） and therapy-related myelodysplastic/myelo-proliferative neoplasm （t-MDS/MPN）.We described the onset of t-MDS and progression to t-AML in one case diagnosed as primary pulmonary LMS with cutaneous metastasis.This patient achieved complete remission （CR） after three courses of IA regimen chemotherapy （idarubicin 5 mg/d,d 1-3;cytarabine 100 mg/d,d 1-5） and 1 course of HA chemotherapy regimen （homoharringtonine 3 mg/d,d 1-3;cytarabine 100 mg/d,d 1-7）.This case presents the natural course of therapy-related neoplasm and provides therapeutic experience for t-AML.

Higher PD-1 expression concurrent with exhausted CD8+ T cells in patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia

Objective： To investigate the association between the T cell inhibitory receptor programmed death 1（PD-1）and T cell exhaustion status in T cells from patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia（AML） and AML in complete remission（CR）.Methods：Surface expression of PD-1 and the exhaustion and immunosenescence markers CD244 and CD57 on CD3＋,CD4＋ and CD8＋ T cells from peripheral blood samples from 20 newly diagnosed,untreated AML patients and 10 cases with AML in CR was analyzed by flow cytometry.Twenty-three healthy individuals served as control.Results：A significantly higher percentage of PD-1＋ cells were found for CD3＋ T cells in the de novo AML group compared with healthy controls.In addition,an increased level of PD-1＋ CD8＋ T cells,but not PD-1＋ CD4＋,was found for CD3＋ T cells in the de novo AML and AML-CR samples.A higher percentage of CD244＋ CD4＋,CD244＋ CD8＋,CD57＋ CD4＋ and CD57＋ CD8＋ T cells was found in CD3＋ T cells in samples from those with de novo AML compared with those from healthy controls.Strong increased PD-1＋ CD244＋ and PD-1＋ CD57＋ coexpression was found for CD4＋ and CD8＋ T cells in the de novo AML group compared with healthy controls.Conclusions：We characterized the major T cell defects,including co-expression of PD-1 and CD244,CD57-exhausted T cells in patients with de novo AML,and found a particular influence on CD8＋ T cells,suggesting a poor anti-leukemia immune response in these patients.

Combination of Cytogenetic Analysis and Molecular Screening in Patients with de novo Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Nowadays the role of genetic findings in determining the diagnosis,therapy and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia(AML) has become more valuable.To improve and validate the detection of clonal chromosomal aberrations in leukemia,we designed a combined application of karyotyping with multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH),and addressed the expression and distribution of fusion genes among the subtypes of Chinese adult patients with de novo AML.Multiplex RT-PCR assays were performed on 477 samples from newly diagnosed AML patients,and cytogenetic data were obtained from 373 of them by R or G banding techniques and those in some cases were confirmed by FISH.The PCR products in some suspected cases were tested by two-directional sequencing.The results showed that except unqualified samples,fusion genes were detected by multiplex RT-PCR in 211 of 474 patients(44.51%),including AML1-ETO,CBFβ-MYH11,PML-RARα,PLZF-RARα,NPM-RARα,MLL rearrangements,BCR-ABL,DEK-CAN,SET-CAN,TEL-PDGFR,TLS-ERG,AML1-MDS1(EVI-1).In 373 patients,who took both multiplex RT-PCR and karyotype analysis,the detection rate of chromosomal aberrations by using multiplex RT-PCR and karyotyping was 160/373(42.89%) and 179/373(47.98%) respectively,and the combination could optimize the detection rate of clonal genetic abnormalities to 216/373(57.90%).The PCR results from 11 cases 'normal' in karyotyping but abnormal in RT-PCR for MLL rearrangements were confirmed by two-directional sequencing.It is concluded that karyotype studies remain the cornerstone for genetic testing;conventional cytogenetics and molecular-based methods are complementary tests for the detection of clonal genetic aberrations in AML,especially for the cryptic or submicroscopic aberrations.Once a genetic marker has been identified by combined analysis,it could be used to monitor residual disease during/after chemotherapy,by quantitative RT-PCR and/or FISH.

Comparison of Mitoxantrone in Combination with Intermediate-dose Cytarabine versus High-dose Cytarabine as Consolidation Therapies for Young Non-APL Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Favorable and Intermediate Cytogenetics

In this study,we compared the efficacy of mitoxantrone in combination with intermediate-dose cytarabine（HAM） with that of high-dose cytarabine alone（Hi DAC） as consolidation regimens in non-acute promyelocytic leukemia（APL） acute myeloid leukemia patients with favorable and intermediate cytogenetics.A total of 62 patients from Shenzhen People＇s Hospital were enrolled in this study.All patients enrolled received standard induction chemotherapy and achieved the first complete remission（CR1）.In these patients,24 received Hi DAC and 38 received HAM as consolidation.The median relapse free survival（RFS） and overall survival（OS） were similar between these two consolidation regimens.Even in subgroup analysis according to risk stratification,the combination regimen conferred no benefit in longterm outcome in patients with favorable or intermediate cytogenetics.However,in patients receiving HAM regimen,the lowest neutrophil count was lower,neutropenic period longer,neutropenic fever rate higher,and more platelet transfusion support was required.HAM group also tended to have higher rate of sepsis than Hi DAC group.According to our results,we suggest that combination treatment with mitoxantrone and intermediate-dose cytarabine has limited value as compared to Hi DAC,even in young non-APL AML patients with favorable and intermediate cytogenetics.

Synchronous diagnosis and treatment of acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The concurrence of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL)is rare.Previous reports of such cases have focused mainly on clinical diagnosis and characteristics,so the mechanism remains unclear,and therapy options have been poorly explored.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report two cases of synchronous AML and CLL.Flow cytometry revealed two distinct abnormal cell populations(myeloblasts and lymphoid cells)according to scatter characteristics.CD5-positive B cell lymphoma with myeloid leukemia invasion was observed on lymph node biopsy.Chemotherapy regimens indicated for both AML and CLL were used in our patients,and our patients achieved complete response after chemotherapy.Next-generation sequencing of 88 genes was performed.CONCLUSION We conclude that early mutation and dysregulation at the hematopoietic stem cell stage and the accumulation of multiple rearrangements may cause the concurrence of CLL and AML.The treatment of infection and combination therapy aimed at the CLL component are significant in the management of patients with concurrent CLL and AML.