Comparison of hematopoietic cell transplant conditioning regimens for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis disorders

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) disorders is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.

Objective: The effect of conditioning regimen groups of varying intensity on outcomes after transplantation was examined to identify an optimal regimen or regimens for HLH disorders.

Methods: We studied 261 patients with HLH disorders transplanted between 2005 and 2018. Risk factors for transplantation outcomes by conditioning regimen groups were studied by Cox regression models.

Results: Four regimen groups were studied: (1) fludarabine (Flu) and melphalan (Mel) in 123 subjects; (2) Flu, Mel, and thiotepa (TT) in 28 subjects; (3) Flu and busulfan (Bu) in 14 subjects; and (4) Bu and cyclophosphamide (Cy) in 96 subjects. The day 100 incidence of veno-occlusive disease was lower with Flu/Mel (4%) and Flu/Mel/TT (0%) compared to Flu/Bu (14%) and Bu/Cy (22%) (P < .001). The 6-month incidence of viral infections was highest after Flu/Mel (72%) and Flu/Mel/TT (64%) compared to Flu/Bu (39%) and Bu/Cy (38%) (P < .001). Five-year event-free survival (alive and engrafted without additional cell product administration) was lower with Flu/Mel (44%) compared to Flu/Mel/TT (70%), Flu/Bu (79%), and Bu/Cy (61%) (P = .002). The corresponding 5-year overall survival values were 68%, 75%, 86%, and 64%, and did not differ by conditioning regimen (P = .19). Low event-free survival with Flu/Mel is attributed to high graft failure (42%) compared to Flu/Mel/TT (15%), Flu/Bu (7%), and Bu/Cy (18%) (P < .001).

Conclusions: Given the high rate of graft failure with Flu/Mel and the high rate of veno-occlusive disease with Bu/Cy and Flu/Bu, Flu/Mel/TT may be preferred for HLH disorders. Prospective studies are warranted.