Mid-term report 2013 - The European LeukemiaNet

European LeukemiaNet Midterm Report, 08-RNP-071
relapse, as compared to conventional post-transplant surveillance using chimerism assays
(manuscript submitted). Moreover, quantitative PCR assays which were subject to intensive
validation efforts during the ELN program have now been implemented into multicenter
clinical trials e.g. conducted by the French ALFA, German AMLSG and UK NCRI
collaborative groups in which they are used to guide treatment approach, including informing
the application of allogeneic transplantation in first remission.
2.1.13. WP13 (Next generation sequencing):
WP13 was first interested in using gene expression profiling for investigating basic research
topics and the application of microarrays in a clinical setting.
However, since 2010 next generation sequencing is of much higher interest and takes over
the focus. The evaluation of both screening methodologies is strongly supported by
biostatisticians. Microarray data as well as more and more NGS data very recently were
collected within the ELN network and involved respective subgroups in WP13 as well as
other WPs in close collaborations. The DACH and the MILE studies are published and data
is publicly available in the GEO database.
WP13 cooperates with other WPs on the following projects:
• comprehensive molecular profiling of T-ALL
• whole-genome sequencing in CLL, CML
• update of the leukemia gene atlas
The IRON-II project is an ongoing major task of WP13. Next generation sequencing studies
with the goal to harmonize diagnostics and procedures were performed and presented at
several meetings including ASH 2012 (poster). The next meeting will be held in 7/2013 in
Munich to combine all efforts from more than 26 labs in europe and other countries (n=13) in
6 disease related working groups.
Many other new projects are established in close cooperation with FP-7: http://www.ngsptl.com/.
This is the "NGS for Targeted Personalized Therapy of Leukemia" headed by G.
Martinelli in Bologna.
In addition, the WP13 will start in summer 2013 the IRON-III study to bring NGS to routine
diagnostics in other laboratories based on shared SOPs and with bioinformatic support.
2.1.14. WP14 (SCT):
Main focus of the WP is the harmonization process especially between Europe and the US,
providing valid information on changes in indications, frequencies among the different
countries but also among diseases. WP14 makes use of synergies with the European Group
for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the Worldwide Network for Blood and
Marrow Transplantation (WBMT). The main activities include regular surveys on the
transplantation activity in Europe, recommendations for the use of stem cell transplantation
assessment of key factors responsible for outcome and, as a current focus, the adaptation of
transplantation conditions to the needs of elderly patients, mainly with AML and ALL.
Studies:
• HCT vs. CT in elderly AML.
Recommendations:
• Several recommendations on stem cell transplantation have been released on behalf
of the ELN, as described in the appendix 7.5.1.
• A consensus on the treatment of Graft-versus-Host-Disease was reached and
published. Participants of WP14 participate to the ELN recommendations team for
CML.
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