Improved survival with model-based dosing of anti-thymocyte globulin in pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation
Admiraal R, Nierkens S, Bierings MB, Belderbos ME, Huitema ADR, Bredius RG, Jiang Y, Curran KJ, Scaradavou A, Cancio MI, Klein E, Kollen WJ, Bresters D, Calkoen FG, Versluijs B, Zwaan CM, Boelens JJ, Lindemans CA
Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) is used in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to prevent graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) and graft failure (GF). Poor or delayed T-cell recovery, associated with increased mortality, is the main toxicity of ATG. Model-based precision dosing of ATG (MBD-ATG) minimizes toxicity while maintaining efficacy. We report updated results of the single-arm phase II PARACHUTE trial investigating MBD-ATG, combined with real-world experience with identical MBD-ATG. Consecutive pediatric patients receiving a first T-cell replete HCT for any indication were evaluated. Results were compared to historical patients receiving conventional fixed ATG dosing (FIX-ATG). Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). The MBD-group consisted of 214 patients (58 trial patients, 156 real-world patients); 100 patients received FIX-ATG. MBD-ATG led to superior OS compared to FIX-ATG (hazard ratio [HR] for death 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.34-0.93, p=0.026), mainly due to lower treatment related mortality (TRM; HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.92, p=0.025). Successful T-cell reconstitution (>0·05 × 10⁹ CD4+ T-cells/L twice within 100±3 days after HCT) was improved in MBD-ATG versus FIX-ATG (87%±2% versus 47%±5%, p<0.0001). The improved T-cell reconstitution led to lower TRM (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.09-0.36, p<0.0001). Incidence of grade 2-4 acute GvHD was comparable, while chronic GvHD (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.17-0.72, p=0.004) and GF (HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.97, p=0.044) were both less frequent in MBD-ATG compared to FIX-ATG. MBD-ATG results in improved OS and reduced TRM, while reducing chronic GvHD and GF. This easy-to-implement approach can improve outcomes after pediatric HCT though confirmatory studies are urgently needed.
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Blood advances, 2025-02-23