Is stem cell transplantation useful in BCR-ABL1 acute myeloid leukemia patients?

This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients with BCR-ABL1 acute myeloid leukemia.

This study concluded that allogenic stem cell transplantation is a good option for BCR-ABL1 acute myeloid leukemia patients who are in complete remission. 

Some cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are associated with the BCR-ABL1 genetic abnormality. This rare subtype of AML can be harder to treat than other types of AML. 

An allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) is the standard treatment option for AML. It involves taking stem cells from a donor and transferring them to the AML patient. Stem cells can produce any cell type and help to restore the immune system.

It was not known if alloSCT was beneficial in BCR-ABL1 AML patients.  

This study involved 57 patients with BCR-ABL1 AML who were undergoing SCT.  At the time of SCT, 84% of these patients were in complete remission (no sign of cancer) and 16% had advanced stage disease. Patients were followed for an average of 6.3 years.

26 patients were minimal residual disease (MRD, some remaining cancer cells) positive at SCT. 61.5% of these patients went from MRD positive to MRD negative after SCT. 

The non-relapse mortality (NRM, death without disease relapse/progression) at 5 years was 18.1%. The relapse incidence (RI) at 5 years was 37%.

The leukemia free survival (LFS, survival without relapse/progression) at 5 years was 44.2%. The overall survival (OS, time from treatment until death from any cause) at 5 years was 53.8%.

The GvHD free relapse survival (GRFS) at 5 years was 32.1%. Graft versus host disease (GvHD) occurs when the transplanted cells attack the healthy tissue in the body. 

This study concluded that SCT in complete remission is a good option for BCR-ABL1 AML patients. 

Larger studies need to be carried out.

Consult your physician about the benefits of SCT for BCR-ABL1 AML.