Kit Signaling Regulates Mitf Expression in Mastocytosis.

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3601-3601
Author(s):  
Youl-Nam Lee ◽  
Pierre Noel ◽  
Amir Shahlaee ◽  
Melody Carter ◽  
Reuben Kapur ◽  
...  

Abstract Mastocytosis is a heterogeneous disease arising from abnormal proliferation of mast cells. Activating mutations in codon D816 of the tyrosine kinase receptor, c-kit, are found in the majority of adult patients with systemic mastocytosis, an aggressive form of the disease. Constitutive activation of the Kit signaling pathway is critical to the transformed phenotype, and thus understanding how this pathway regulates downstream events is of great importance. A number of transcription factors are also essential to mast cell development, including the Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (Mitf). We examined Mitf expression in bone marrow biopsies from nine patients with systemic mastocytosis by immunohistochemistry; we found that Mitf is highly expressed in all cases with the D816V mutation. In contrast, Mitf is not highly expressed in non-malignant mast cells in the bone marrow from patients with aplastic anemia and leukemia, suggesting thatMitf expression is regulated by Kit-dependent signalsMitf may play a role in the transformed phenotype of mastocytosis.We show that in normal mast cells, Kit signaling markedly upregulates Mitf expression. In both normal and malignant mast cells, pharmacologic inhibitors of Kit, and the downstream kinase, PI3K, block Mitf expression. To examine whether Mitf is required for transformed phenotype from constitutive Kit signaling in mast cells, we have used a shRNA-expressing lentivirus to knockdown Mitf expression in mastocytosis cell lines. We found that silencing of Mitf markedly impaired growth in proliferation and colony forming cell assays. This work demonstrates a link between two critical factors, Kit and Mitf, in the development of malignant mast cell disease.

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 117 (13) ◽  
pp. 3629-3640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youl-Nam Lee ◽  
Stephanie Brandal ◽  
Pierre Noel ◽  
Erik Wentzel ◽  
Joshua T. Mendell ◽  
...  

Abstract Activating mutations in codon D816 of the tyrosine kinase receptor, KIT, are found in the majority of patients with systemic mastocytosis. We found that the transcription factor, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), is highly expressed in bone marrow biopsies from 9 of 10 patients with systemic mastocytosis and activating c-KIT mutations. In primary and transformed mast cells, we show that KIT signaling markedly up-regulates MITF protein. We demonstrate that MITF is required for the proliferative phenotype by inhibiting colony-forming units with sh-RNA knockdown of MITF. Furthermore, constitutively active KIT does not restore growth of primary MITF-deficient mast cells. MITF mRNA levels do not change significantly with KIT signaling, suggesting posttranscriptional regulation. An array screen from mast cells identified candidate miRNAs regulated by KIT signaling. We found that miR-539 and miR-381 are down-regulated by KIT signaling and they repressed MITF expression through conserved miRNA binding sites in the MITF 3′-untranslated region. Forced expression of these miRNAs suppressed MITF protein and inhibited colony-forming capacity of mastocytosis cell lines. This work demonstrates a novel regulatory pathway between 2 critical mast cell factors, KIT and MITF, mediated by miRNAs; dysregulation of this pathway may contribute to abnormal mast cell proliferation and malignant mast cell diseases.


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 3073-3073
Author(s):  
Alfonso QuintÁs-Cardama, ◽  
Matjaz Sever ◽  
Jorge E. Cortes ◽  
Hagop M. Kantarjian ◽  
Srdan Verstovsek

Abstract Abstract 3073 Background: Bone marrow involvement, with or without cutaneous or visceral involvement, is almost universal in patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM). The KITD816V mutation is present in most patients with SM, thus confirming its clonal nature. Patients with ASM are usually managed with cytoreductive agents such as hydroxyurea (HU), cladribine (2CDA), or interferon-alpha (IFN-α), although the activity of these therapies is limited as they do not target specifically the malignant clone. Response assessment in SM relies on symptom improvement and reduction in serum tryptase levels and visceral and/or bone marrow mast cell burden (percent mast cell involvement). We contend that the later two relatively objective metrics may not be appropriate markers of response because serum tryptase levels may vary significantly at different time-points in the same patient in the absence of intervention, do not correlate accurately with mast cell burden, and bone marrow mast cell burden determination is subject to sampling bias given the patchy infiltration observed in many cases of SM. Objectives: To assess the utility of bone marrow mast cell burden reduction and serum tryptase level reduction as criteria for response in patients with SM. Patients and Therapy: We studied a cohort of 50 patients with SM for whom at least 2 sequential bone marrow biopsies and 2 serum tryptase level determinations were available at our center. The KITD816V mutation was present in 20 (59%) of 34 assessable patients. No patient carried the JAK2V617F mutation or the FIP1L1-PDGFRA rearrangement. Patients had a diagnosis of indolent SM (ISM, n=25), aggressive SM (ASM, n=16), or SM-AHNMD (n=9). All but 1 patient received SM-directed therapy (median number of therapies 2, range 1–5), including: imatinib (n=16), dasatinib (n=23), RAD001 (n=8), denileukin diftitox (n=7). The median number of bone marrow biopsies available per patient was 4 (range, 2–14) and the median number of tryptase measurements was 6 (range, 2–18), which were obtained both on and off SM-directed therapies. Results: Four patients had a bone marrow complete response: 1 with imatinib, 2 with dasatinib, and 1 with decitabine (with SM-MDS). However none of the responders normalized their tryptase levels. We used the coefficient of variation (CV) as a normalized measure of dispersion of a probability distribution for the percentage of mast cells in bone marrow biopsies and serum tryptase levels. In this manner, the CV summarizes/describes the variation in tryptase levels and bone marrow mast cell percentage from the baseline (first recorded value) in the patients evaluated. We found that among the 49 treated patients, the percentage of bone marrow mast cells varied significantly with a CV ranging from 6 – 173% and an average of 65%. Forty-four percent of patients had a CV equal or higher to the average. Similar results were observed regarding tryptase levels, with an average CV of 19% that ranged from 0 to 96%. Thirty-six percent of patients had a CV higher than average. Conclusion: While most patients fail to respond to currently available SM-directed therapies, sequential bone marrow biopsies and tryptase level determinations exhibit remarkable variation both during and in the absence of SM-directed therapy. Therefore, it seems that single time point measurements of these values do not represent proper tools to assess accurately response to therapy. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. e227768
Author(s):  
Daniel Steven Sanders ◽  
Thomas Fennell ◽  
Mohammad Muhsin Chisti

A patient with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with isolated 5q deletion underwent repeat bone marrow biopsy to assess haematological response after 6 months of initial lenalidomide therapy. Subsequent bone marrow biopsies revealed persistent MDS with del(5q) in addition to a small atypical mast cell population with >25% of mast cells with spindle-shaped morphology and immunohistochemistry characteristics consistent with mastocytosis. Molecular testing on the bone marrow was positive for cKIT D816V and the patient was diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis (SM) with an associated haematological neoplasm. MDS with SM is well known to be associated; however, to the best of our knowledge, only one prior case report identifies MDS with del(5q) and associated cKIT D816V positive mastocytosis. While the exact clonal origin of both chromosomal aberrations is unclear, this case illustrates the therapeutic efficacy of lenalidomide in a patient with MDS with del(5q) and rarely associated cKIT positive SM.


Blood ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1516-1516 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.J. Droogendijk ◽  
J.C. Kluin-Nelemans ◽  
P.L.A van Daele

Abstract Introduction: mastocytosis comprimes a group of diseases characterized by abnormal proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in one or more organs. A cutaneous and systemic form of mastocytosis is distinguished. Systemic mastocytosis defines the disease process in which mast cell proliferation exceeds the skin. The clinical manifestations of systemic mastocytosis depend on the tissues involved and the tissue response to the accumulation of mast cells. Although in general the disease progresses slowly, it may develop into a malignant disease. Currently there is no cure for systemic mastocytosis. Mast cells develop from pluripotent bone marrow progenitor cells that express CD34 antigen and are dispersed as precursors which undergo proliferation and maturation in different tissues. Normal mast cell development involves the action of stam cell growth factor and c-kit receptors, which are expressed by mast cells at their different developmental stages. Deregulation and/or abnormalities of the c-kit receptor are assumed to play a causal role in disordered mast-cell proliferation. In most patients a mutation in the gene for c-kit exists. One of the mutations is the D816V mutation. Aim of the study:imatinib mesylate, formerly called ST1571, is a potent inhibitor of c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase activity. In this study, we evaluate whether imatinib mesylate is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with systemic mastocytosis. Primary end-points of study are reduction in urinary N-methylhistamine excretion, serum tryptase activity, skin lesions, number of mast cells in sections of bone marrow, hepato-and/or splenomegaly and symptoms.Adverse effects on therapy are also considered. Results: up to now, 10 patients with systemic mastocytosis are treated with 400 mg of imatinib mesylate orally once daily. During the first 2 weeks of the study the patients also received 30 mg of prednisolone daily. In general imatinib mesylate is well tolerated. The first results show a 38–80% reduction in urinary N-methylhistamine excretion and 30–66% reduction in serum tryptase activity. Skin lesions diminish in two of the six patients with cutaneous mastocytosis,. Number of mast cells in sections of bone marrow are reduced in 63% (5/8) of the patients. Hepato-and/or splenomegaly is slightly decreased in two of the three patients with organomegaly. Finally 60 % of all patients experiences relief of symptoms. In eight patients the D816V mutation was found. In contrast with former studies imatinib mesylate is also effective in these patients. Further results are to be awaited. Conclusion: imatinib mesylate is safe and seems effective in the treatment of patients with systemic mastocytosis (including patients with the D816V mutation).


Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5052-5052
Author(s):  
Nandini Sadasivam ◽  
Mufaddal Moonim ◽  
Clive Grattan ◽  
Jonathan White ◽  
Bridget Wilkins ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 5052 Introduction: Systemic mastocytosis(SM) is diagnosed when clonal, neoplastic mast cells are demonstrated in extracutaneous tissues. SM is a heterogeneous disorder ranging from indolent disease to aggressive multisystem involvement. We have an established mastocytosis working group in our Trust which was registered with the European Competence Network of Mastocytosis(ECNM) in 2005. We present data prospectively collected using an ECNM algorithm for the management of SM patients over 5 years. Methods: 120 cases of cutaneous mastocytosis have been discussed at 3 monthly multidisciplinary meetings with dermatology colleagues. Full blood counts, liver, bone profile and DEXA scans are reviewed with clinical symptoms and treatments. Patients with a tryptase level of >20ng/ml are offered haematology review and bone marrow investigation. In addition patients referred directly to haematology for a second opinion have their cases and bone marrows reviewed. Bone marrow samples are sent for c-kit D816V mutation analysis. Results: Classification of SM patients. 59/120 (46%) patients were offered bone marrow biopsies. Tryptase levels for these ranged from 15.1–760ng/ml (median 51.5ng/ml).4 patients declined biopsy.5/55 had normal biopsies and were c-kit negative.50 patients had SM.47/50(94%) met the WHO major criteria and 3/50(6%) minor criteria. These were subclassified-38/50(76%) had Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis(ISM);1/50 (2%) had Smouldering Systemic Mastocytosis(SSM);5/50(10%) had Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis and 6/50(12%) had Systemic Mastocytosis with associated haematologiocal non-mast cell lineage disorder(SM-AHNMD). The bone marrow trephine disease burden was variable:ASM (range 5–100%), SSM 20%, ISM (5-45%) and AHNMD (5-100%). Tryptase levels reflected total disease bulk including cutaneous burden. C-KIT D816V mutation 44 patients with SM had samples analysed for the D816V mutation. 35 were positive (80%) and 9 negative (20%). Clinical Symptoms: 11/59 (19%) patients were asymptomatic (10 had ISM and 1 SSM).36/59 (61%) patients had urticarial symptoms needing symptomatic treatment (2 normal marrow, 2 AHNMD, 2 ASM and 30 ISM).16/59 (27%) patients had allergic symptoms ranging from mild allergies to anaphylaxis.(3 normal marrows, 13 ISM).13/59(22%) had gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from loose motions to severe colitis(1 normal marrow,1 ASM and 11 ISM). DEXA results:36/59(61%) patients had reported DEXA scans at our Trust, the rest reviewed locally. 6/36 (16%) had osteoporosis and required treatment. One 63yr old female patient has SM-AHNMD(MPD). 5 patients had ISM. 3 were females (age range 45–65yrs; tryptase levels 42.9, 49.1 and 60.5ng/ml)) and 2 male (both 45yrs: tryptase levels 31.2 and 47.8ng/ml). After 1 year of treatment with bisphophonates one of the male patients showed an improvement in his osteoporosis indices.7/36(19%) had osteopaenia reported all with a diagnosis of ISM.5 were male and 2 female (tryptase range 21.1–174ng/ml:median 40.3ng/ml).23/36(64%) patients had normal DEXA scans. Management: Treatment regimes in patients with SM are for symptom control. Antihistamines, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-leucotriene agents, mast cells stabilising agents, bisphosphonates and steroids are used. In severe anaphylactic patients self administration of adrenaline is taught. Patients with ASM have been treated with various modalities e.g. Cladrabine, Alpha Interferon, Dasatinib, Imatinib (D816V negative patients) and Midostaurine with variable partial responses.2 patients with ASM have died due to rapidly progressive disease.2 AHNMD patients have an associated MPD (1 Jak 2 postive) and are being treated with pegylated alpha interferon and venesection.2 AHNMD patients died as a result progressive acute myeloid leukaemia and Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.2 AHNMD patients (MDS/MGUS) are being monitored. Conclusions: Our data reflects the heterogeneous nature of this disorder both clinically and in the histological classification. Patients with ISM can have severe clinical manifestations and treatment needs to be tailored to the individual's symptoms. Assessment and surveillence for osteoporosis is vital for all patients. ASM patients have limited treatment options with variable and unsustained responses. Further development of evidence based novel therapies requires multicentred trials in this rare group of patients. Disclosures: Harrison: Incyte: Honoraria; Novartis: Honoraria.


2020 ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Erisa Kola ◽  
Jorida Memini ◽  
Ina Kola ◽  
Daniela Nakuci ◽  
John Ekladous ◽  
...  

First described by Nettleship et al. in 1869 [1], mastocytoses are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the pathologic accumulation of mast cells in various tissues [2-5]. Mastocytosis can be confined to the skin as in cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), or it can involve extracutaneous tissues such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes, as in systemic mastocytosis [6]. Mastocytosis is a World Health Organization-defined clonal mast cell disorder characterized by significant clinicopathologic heterogeneity [7]. Keywords: Cutaneous mastocytosis; Systemic mastocytosis; Systemic involvement; Mast cells; Mastocytosis.


Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 1104-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradford A Youngblood ◽  
Emily C Brock ◽  
John Leung ◽  
Alan T Chang ◽  
Christopher Bebbington ◽  
...  

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Systemic Mastocytosis (SM) is a rare disease characterized by the clonal proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in the bone marrow, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, and organs such as the skin, liver, spleen, and brain. Common symptoms include pruritus, flushing, headache, cognitive impairment, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypotension and skin lesions, as well as an increased risk for osteoporosis and anaphylaxis. SM is currently managed with antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, and leukotriene blocking agents, which lack specificity and efficacy. In addition, glucocorticoids can provide temporary relief in some cases; however long-term treatment with steroids is not appropriate due to their many side effects. Siglec-8 is an inhibitory receptor selectively expressed on human mast cells and eosinophils, and therefore represents a novel target for the treatment of SM. Antibodies to Siglec-8 have been shown to inhibit mast cell activity and induce apoptosis of eosinophils. AK002 is a novel, humanized, non-fucosylated IgG1 monoclonal antibody to Siglec-8. This study evaluates the expression of Siglec-8 and ex vivo activity of AK002 on mast cells and eosinophils in bone marrow biopsies from patients with SM. METHODS: Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from patients clinically diagnosed with SM and processed to remove red blood cells. Multi-color flow cytometry was used to quantify eosinophils and mast cells and to evaluate the activation state of mast cells. The ex vivo activity of AK002 against eosinophils and mast cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. The inhibitory activity of AK002 agaist mast cells was also examined by quantifying cytokine levels in cultured bone marrow aspirate supernatants. RESULTS: All mast cells and eosinophils in bone marrow aspirates from SM patients displayed high Siglec-8 receptor expression (Figure 1). These mast cells also expressed the SM specific markers, CD25 (Figure 1) and CD30 and increased levels of cell surface degranulation markers. The expression of CD25 on mast cells significantly decreased following overnight treatment with AK002. AK002 also significantly reduced the level of mast cell-associated cytokines produced in cultured bone marrow supernatants, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNFα (Figure 2A). These changes in mast cell activity after AK002 treatment were not due to a reduction in mast cell numbers. In contrast, overnight incubation of AK002 significantly reduced the number of bone marrow eosinophils compared to an isotype control (Figure 2B). CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow aspirates from patients with SM had activated mast cells and eosinophils that displayed robust expression of Siglec-8. AK002 demonstrated SM mast cell inhibition in ex vivo bone marrow aspirates. AK002 also had depleting effects on eosinophils, which may be valuable to SM patients with associated eosinophilia. These encouraging results could represent a novel approach for the treatment of SM. Disclosures Youngblood: Allakos, Inc.: Employment. Brock:Allakos, Inc.: Employment. Leung:Allakos, Inc.: Employment. Chang:Allakos, Inc.: Employment. Bebbington:Allakos, Inc.: Employment. Tomasevic:Allakos, Inc.: Employment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S56-S56
Author(s):  
U Edema ◽  
Y Fang ◽  
L Qiang ◽  
Y Huang

Abstract Introduction/Objective Mastocytosis is a rare disease in which there are abnormal mast cell accumulation in one or more tissue sites. Multifocal dense mast cell aggregates with atypical morphology or immunohistochemistry are considered as systemic mastocytosis (SM) based on WHO criteria. SM usually involves bone marrow and majority of them also have KIT mutation. There are rare case reports of atypical enterocolic mast cell aggregates (EMCA) confined to gastrointestinal (GI) only with mild or no symptoms. Here we present a case with extensive atypical mast cell aggregates in lower GI tract yet no evidence of involvement of other organs. Methods/Case Report A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal bloating, diarrhea along with pruritis but no cutaneous lesion. Biopsies from the ascending and descending colons, caecum and rectum consistently showed increased eosinophils and multifocal infiltrates of atypical spindle shaped mast cells which are positive for CD117/tryptase but negative for CD2 and CD25. This is consistent with SM by WHO criteria based on morphology. Bone marrow biopsy showed normal amount of mast cells with normal morphology. Upper gastrointestinal biopsy was unremarkable. Serum tryptase level was normal. No KIT mutation was detected in exon 9, 11, 13 or 17 from colonic mucosa. Patient has been treated with antihistamine and Montelukast and symptoms resolved. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) N/A Conclusion This case met the criteria of SM based on the presence of multifocal mast cell aggregates and atypical spindle morphology >25%. Johncilla et al. previously reported 16 cases of EMCA with atypical morphology or immunohistochemistry, absent to mild localized symptoms, and negative KIT mutation. Based on lack of generalized disease, the authors preferred using descriptive terminology instead of ‘systemic mastocytosis’ for those cases. Our case has broader involvement of lower gastrointestinal tract than any reported case and the patient needs treatment for the symptoms. However, there is no ‘systemic’ involvement of bone marrow or any other organ. The diagnosis of ‘Systemic Mastocytosis’ would cause potential confusion and/or unnecessary anxiety. Further study of more cases is needed to better characterize and categorize the cases of atypical mast cell aggregates localized only to the GI.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 3627-3627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srdan Verstovsek ◽  
Hagop Kantarjian ◽  
Jorge Cortes ◽  
Farhad Ravandi-Kashani ◽  
Gautam Borthakur ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is characterized by abnormal proliferation and accumulation of neoplastic mast cells. Patients (pts) with SM are treated with recombinant interferon-alpha or cladribine. Responses to these agents are poor. Malignant mast cells in SM carry, in most cases, a mutation involving codon 816 of the c-KIT gene (D816V) resulting in constitutively activated c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase believed to be important for disease progression. Agents that antagonize this mutated form of c-kit may have clinical benefit in SM. Dasatinib is one such agent, proven effective in pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo models of SM. Study Design In pilot Phase II trial for SM, Dasatinib was administered at 70mg PO BID. Response was assessed after minimum of 3 months (3 cycles) of therapy. Therapy was discontinued in pts who showed no response after 6 cycles of therapy. Response was evaluated following guidelines proposed by Valent et al. (Leuk Res. 25;603–625, 2001). In addition, all symptoms related to SM were recorded and monitored. Results Thus far, a total of 30 pts have been treated; 24 are evaluable for response and toxicity, including 6 with aggressive SM (ASM), 4 with SM and associated hematologic non-mast cell disease (SM-AHNMD; 2 with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and one each with myelofibrosis [SM-MF; JAK2 mutation positive and abnormal cytogenetics] and hypereosinophilic syndrome [SM-HES; FIP1L1-PDGFRa negative]) and 14 with indolent SM (ISM) with uncontrolled symptoms despite optimal supportive care measures. Median age is 57 years (range, 35–73); these were 10 males and 14 females; time from diagnosis to dasatinib therapy 49 months (range, 0–233), performance status 1 in 23 and 2 in 1 pt. Eleven patients were previously treated: imatinib mesylate in 6; denileukin diftitox in 4; and erythropoietin, interferon-alpha, or cladribine in 2 each. One pt, who had undergone splenectomy, had hepatomegaly prior to start of therapy. Median Hb 12.4g/dL (range, 8.5–15.4), WBC 6.7×109/L, (range, 3.5–53.3), and platelets 263×109/L (range, 60–377); no patient was transfusion dependent. Percent bone marrow mast cell varied from <10% in 9 pts, to 60% in 4 pts; blood tryptase level was ≤20ng/mL (not significant) in 7 pts and >200ng/mL (upper limit of the test) in 7 pts. A total of 94 cycles of therapy were administered. The median number of cycles was 4 (range, 1–8). Ten patients stopped therapy: 1 due to progression of AHNMD to acute leukemia, 1 lost a response (symptomatic improvement), 2 had no response after 3 months of therapy, and 6 due to toxicity. No grade 4 toxicity was observed. Twelve patients decreased the dose of dasatinib to 50mg PO BID, of which four to 40mg PO BID. Two patients (8%) achieved complete remission, one with SM-MF, and one with SM-HES. Both were c-KIT mutation negative and had low, not significant tryptase levels. Both were anemic (Hb 9.4g/dL) and failed erythropoietin therapy, and had abnormal WBC differential; one had low platelets (90×109/L). No significant response in % bone marrow mast cells (4 pts are too early in therapy) or blood tryptase levels have been observed in other patients so far. Symptoms related to SM improved significantly in 7 patients (29%). Conclusion Dasatinib is active in SM (overall response rate 37%). Updated clinical and molecular results will be presented.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 3188-3188
Author(s):  
Lisa Pieri ◽  
Patrizia Bonadonna ◽  
Chiara Elena ◽  
Cristina Papayannidis ◽  
Federica Irene Grifoni ◽  
...  

Abstract Systemic mastocytosis (SM) is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by proliferation and hyperactivation of clonal mast cells. Clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and encompass cutaneous lesions, gastrointestinal alterations, osteoporosis, anaphylaxis and involvement of bone marrow and other organs due to neoplastic mast cells (MC) infiltration. As consequence, diagnosis may be difficult and patients (pts) are often evaluated by different specialists before the disease is recognized. To date, only few studies (Lim 2009, Escribano 2009, Cohen 2014) described relatively large series of pts with SM. We performed a multicentre retrospective study to evaluate clinical and biological features and therapeutic management in a large series of pts from 10 Italian centres experienced in management of SM and organized in multidisciplinary groups of specialists. We collected 455 pts diagnosed with SM according to WHO criteria. Additionally 26 pts with mastocytosis in the skin (MIS) evaluated with BM examination did not fulfil criteria for SM, leading to diagnosis of Cutaneous Mastocytosis (CM); however 2/26 pts with CM had both cKITD816V mutation and CD2/CD25 expression on MC in BM, additional 3 showed either cKITD816V or CD2/CD25. Moreover, we found 22 pts without MIS but with features of monoclonal mast cell activation syndrome. Of the 455 pts with WHO-SM (male 56%), 252 (55%) had MIS: median age at MIS diagnosis (dg) was 37 years (y) (range 0-79), while at SM dg it was 46.5 (range 18-82). Time from onset of MIS to dg of SM was 9 y (range 0-43). In 18/252 pts (7%) MIS occurred before age of 18 y (median 9, range 0-17) and persisted over childhood. Median age at dg of SM without MIS (203/455 pts, 45%) was older: 54 y, range 19-79 (p<0.0001). First manifestations of SM were MIS in 46.5% of pts, anaphylaxis in 47.8%, mediator related symptoms in 6.4%, osteoporosis/bone lesions in 5.2%, organomegaly in 3.4%, hematologic alterations in 0.4%. Anaphylaxis was observed in 76/252 (30.1%) pts with MIS, of which 23 had tryptase <20 mcg/L. BM multifocal infiltrates of MC were present in 61.6% of pts, while in 38.4% dg was performed only by using minor criteria. cKIT D816V mutation was detected in BM of 394/432 analysed pts (91.2%). Three D816V-negative pts had different cKIT mutations: M541L, D816H and K546K. In peripheral blood cKIT D816V was evaluated in 165 pts and found in 49.7%. CD2 and/or CD25 expressing MC were found in 99% of pts of the 426 evaluated. Mean tryptase value at dg was 75.9±263 mcg/L. SM subtypes were indolent SM (ISM) 402/455 (88.4%), of which 140 isolated bone marrow mastocytosis (BMM) (34.5% of ISM) and 34 smoldering SM (SSM) (8.4% of ISM), aggressive SM (ASM) 32/455 (7%), SM associated with hematological non mast cell disorders (SM-AHNMD) 20/455 (4.4%), mast cell leukemia (MCL) 1/455 (0.2%). In SM-AHNMD the associated hematologic disease was chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (6/20, 30%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma and refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (3/20 each, 15%), essential thrombocythemia and not otherwise characterized myeloproliferative neoplasm (2/20 each, 10%), myelodysplastic syndrome, myelofibrosis, multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (1/20 each, 5%). Median follow up was 23 months (mo), range 2-289. At last follow up, 27/455 pts died (5.9%). 52% of pts had ASM, 18.5% SM-AHNMD, 14.7% SSM, 7.4% ISM and 3.7% each MCL and BMM. Causes of death were disease progression in 21/27 pts (77.8%), other solid neoplasms in 3/27 (11.1%), arterial thrombosis in 2/27 (9.5%), cerebral haemorrhage in 1/27 (3.7%). Disease progression consisted in evolution to AML in 6 pts with ASM, 1 pts with SSM and 1 pts with SM-AHNMD; median time to progression to AML was 30 mo (range 13-149); 2 pts developed other AHNMD: chronic myeloid leukemia and myelofibrosis. 178/455 pts (39%) were treated with anti MC mediators therapies. Of the 60/455 (13%) treated with cytostatic therapy 47% had ASM, 12% SM-AHNMD, 2% MCL, 35% ISM of which 38% were SSM. The ISM cohort was treated mainly due to severe osteoporosis with vertebral fractures not C-findings or disease evolution. First line therapy was interferon (28.3%), hydroxyurea (20%), midostaurine (18.3%), imatinib (13.3%), cladribin (8.3%), dasatinib (6.7%) and masitinib (5%). This is one of the largest series reporting pts with SM that may provide useful information for clinical management of pts with this probably underestimated “rare” disease. Disclosures Martinelli: Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; BMS: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau; Pfizer: Consultancy; ARIAD: Consultancy.


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