Proteomic Profiling Based Classification of CLL Provides Prognostication for Modern Therapy and Identifies Novel Therapeutic Targets

Authors

Ti'ara L Griffen
Fieke W Hoff
Yihua Qiu
James W Lillard
Alessandra Ferrajoli
Philip Thompson
Endurance Toro
Kevin Ruiz
Jan Burger
William Wierda
Steven M Kornblau

Publication Date

3-17-2022

Journal

Blood Cancer Journal

Abstract

Protein expression for 384 total and post-translationally modified proteins was assessed in 871 CLL and MSBL patients and was integrated with clinical data to identify strategies for improving diagnostics and therapy, making this the largest CLL proteomics study to date. Proteomics identified six recurrent signatures that were highly prognostic of survival and time to first or second treatment at three levels: individual proteins, when grouped into 40 functionally related groups (PFGs), and systemically in signatures (SGs). A novel SG characterized by hairy cell leukemia like proteomics but poor therapy response was discovered. SG membership superseded other prognostic factors (Rai Staging, IGHV Status) and were prognostic for response to modern (BTK inhibition) and older CLL therapies. SGs and PFGs membership provided novel drug targets and defined optimal candidates for Watch and Wait vs. early intervention. Collectively proteomics demonstrates promise for improving classification, therapeutic strategy selection, and identifying novel therapeutic targets.

Keywords

Humans, Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell, Mutation, Prognosis, Proteomics

DOI

10.1038/s41408-022-00623-7

PMID

35301276

PMCID

PMC8931092

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-17-2022

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Published Open-Access

yes