1. |
- Alanazi, W, et al.
(author)
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Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide Combined with Anti-Thymocyte Globulin as Graft-versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome
- 2021
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In: Acta haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9662 .- 0001-5792. ; 144:1, s. 66-73
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Background:</i></b> Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) but with significant non-relapse mortality (NRM) and relapse. We compared the combination of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG; 4.5 mg/kg) and post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy; 50 mg/kg on day +3 and +4) with other graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis regimens used for these patients. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively analyzed 159 patients, aged 22–73 (median 56) years, having undergone transplantation for high-risk AML (<i>n</i> = 120) or MDS (<i>n</i> = 39). The donors were matched related (33%), unrelated (55%) and haploidentical (12%). Almost all patients used peripheral blood stem cells. Conditioning was myeloablative (34%) or reduced intensity (66%). ATG + PTCy was used in 69 patients (43%), and other GvHD prophylaxis regimens in 90 patients (57%). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Grade III–IV acute GvHD occurred in 4% of the ATG + PTCy patients versus 20% of those using other regimens (<i>p</i> = 0.004), and chronic GvHD in 19% of the ATG + PTCy patients versus 41% of those using other regimens (<i>p</i> = 0.003). Two-year GvHD-free relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 30% with ATG + PTCy versus 18% with other regimens (<i>p</i> = 0.04). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that while ATG + PTCy had no significant influence on overall survival, cumulative incidence of relapse or NRM, there was a significant influence on GRFS in favor of ATG + PTCy (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.45–0.99, <i>p</i> = 0.04). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> We conclude that the ATG + PTCy combination significantly improved GRFS in allogeneic HCT for high-risk AML and MDS without influencing other outcomes.
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2. |
- Aronsson-Kurttila, W, et al.
(author)
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Placenta-Derived Decidua Stromal Cells for Hemorrhagic Cystitis after Stem Cell Transplantation
- 2018
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In: Acta haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9662 .- 0001-5792. ; 139:2, s. 106-114
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a serious complication after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Stromal cells have been tested as therapy for HC. Decidua stromal cells (DSCs) protect the fetus from the mother's immune system. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Eleven patients with HC of grades 3-4 were treated with DSCs after HSCT. The median age was 33 years (range 8-50), and the median dose of DSCs was 1.5 × 10<sup>6</sup>/kg (range 0.7-2.5). The patients were given 1 dose (1-4). <b><i>Results:</i></b> In 5 patients, HC disappeared within 5 days after DSC infusion. Patients who received DSCs within 3 days after the start of HC had a duration of HC of 5 days and a shorter duration of pain than patients who were given DSCs later (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Three patients received DSCs prepared in albumin instead of AB-plasma and tended to have a shorter duration of pain (<i>p</i> = 0.07). There was no infusion toxicity. Adverse events were those often seen after HSCT. Nine of the 11 patients (82%) were alive 1 year after HSCT. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Based on this pilot study, we started a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study using 2 doses of 1 × 10<sup>6</sup> DSCs/kg suspended in albumin for treatment of early HC.
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3. |
- Beksac, Meral, et al.
(author)
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Does Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Influence the Antimyeloma Effects of Thalidomide? A Retrospective Analysis of Data from the GIMEMA, Nordic and Turkish Myeloma Study Groups
- 2015
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9662 .- 0001-5792. ; 133:4, s. 372-380
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background/Aim: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) has been shown to prolong survival among patients with solid tumors, but its role among myeloma patients is unknown. Patients: Data from the GIMEMA (Gruppo Italiano Malattie Ematologiche dell'Adulto), Nordic and Turkish myeloma study groups comparing melphalan and prednisolone with (MPT, n: 404) or without thalidomide (MP, n: 393) are analyzed for effects of LMWH. Forty percent (159/394) of the patients on MPT and 7.4% (29/390) in the MP arm received LMWH. Results: Thalidomide improved response and progression-free survival (PFS). Regardless of thalidomide treatment, response rate was higher among those receiving LMWH vs. none vs. other anticoagulants (58.1 vs. 44.9 vs. 50.4%, p = 0.01). PFS was significantly longer (median 32 vs. 21 and 17 vs. 17 months, p = 0.004) only among international scoring system (ISS) I patients receiving MPT +/- LMWH vs. MP +/- LMWH. The group of MPT patients who also received LMWH had a better OS compared to those who did not [45 months, 95% confidence interval (CI) 27.7-62.3, vs. 32 months, 95% CI 26.1-37.9; p = 0.034]. When multivariate analysis was repeated in subgroups, thalidomide was no longer a significant factor (response, PFS) among those receiving LMWH. Conclusion: Addition of LMWH to MPT, in particular in patients with low ISS, suggests additive effects, but the results are limited by the retrospective design of our study. (C) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel
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4. |
- Cashin, Peter, et al.
(author)
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Acquired haemophilia A and Kaposi's sarcoma in an HIV-negative, HHV-8-positive patient : a discussion of mechanism and aetiology
- 2010
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 124:1, s. 40-43
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Acquired haemophilia A (AHA) is a rare bleeding disorder caused by an imbalance in the immune system leading to the production of factor VIII antibodies. In half of the cases, the underlying cause is not known. CLINICAL HISTORY: We report on a patient with AHA and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which is caused by the human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). The patient presented with appendicitis and developed several severe post-operative haemorrhages. He spent 3 months in intensive care due to long and difficult infections. While recuperating on the ward, the patient developed KS in the lower extremities. He had a positive HHV-8 infection. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Due to its latency and replication in the lymphoid system, HHV-8 is an ideal candidate for causing an imbalance in the immune system in susceptible patients. Our conclusion is that AHA was caused or prompted by the HHV-8 infection. Since HHV-8 viral infection is often subclinical, viral testing might be an important tool in acquired haemophilia diagnostics even when viral symptoms are absent.
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5. |
- Cesaro, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Retrospective survey on the prevalence and outcome of prior autoimmune diseases in patients with aplastic anemia reported to the registry of the European group for blood and marrow transplantation.
- 2010
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : Karger. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 124:1, s. 19-22
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Aplastic anemia (AA) is rarely described after a diagnosis of autoimmune disease (aID). AIMS: To assess the prevalence of prior aID in patients with AA recorded in the registry of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and to evaluate treatment and outcome. METHODS: 1,251 AA patients from 18 EBMT centers were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty patients (4%) were eligible: 22 males and 28 females with a median age of 46 years at the diagnosis of aID and of 51 years at the diagnosis of AA. Information on the treatment of AA was available in 49 patients: 38 received only immunosuppressive therapy (IST), 8 patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) - 6 as first-line therapy and 2 after failure of IST - whilst 3 patients had a spontaneous recovery. After a median follow-up of 3.19 years, 32 patients were alive, including 7 of the 8 patients who underwent HSCT. Only 6 of 32 patients who were alive at the last follow-up were receiving IST for AA. CONCLUSIONS: Most cases of AA following aID benefitted from IST or HSCT if a matched donor was available. Further prospective investigation is needed to assess the effects of IST on the outcome of underlying aID.
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6. |
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7. |
- Hidman, Josefin, et al.
(author)
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Increased Plasma GDF15 Is Associated with Altered Levels of Soluble VEGF Receptors 1 and 2 in Symptomatic Multiple Myeloma.
- 2022
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 145:3, s. 326-333
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: In multiple myeloma, there is an increase in bone marrow microvascular density and enhanced renal lymphangiogenesis. Increased levels of the proangiogenic protein growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) have previously been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in myeloma. A possible association between GDF15 and the soluble forms of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (sVEGFR) 1 and 2 has not yet been investigated, and a role for these receptors in pathological angiogenesis in myeloma is still to be defined.METHODS: Plasma levels of GDF15 and sVEGFR1 and 2 were determined by ELISA in patients with smouldering multiple myeloma (sMM), patients with symptomatic multiple myeloma (abbreviated as MM), and healthy controls. The levels were compared between the three groups, and correlation coefficients were calculated, as were Kaplan-Meier curves for GDF15 and sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2.RESULTS: Levels of GDF15 were significantly higher in MM than in both patients with sMM and controls. A gradual decrease in mean sVEGFR1 concentration was observed, with MM > sMM > controls. Mean sVEGFR2 was lower in patients with MM than in controls. There was a positive correlation between GDF15 and sVEGFR1, and GDF15 correlated negatively with sVEGFR2. High GDF15 (>3 ng/mL) was associated with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION: In multiple myeloma, increased expression of GDF15 correlates positively with sVEGFR1 and negatively with sVEGFR2. It is possible that the altered levels of sVEGFR1 and 2 contribute to the increased angio- and lymphangiogenesis observed in myeloma.
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8. |
- Hulegårdh, Erik, et al.
(author)
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Acute de novo Leukemia in Estonia and Western Sweden 1982-2006: Positive Trend in the Survival of Acute Leukemia over 25 Years
- 2016
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 136:3, s. 167-173
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study focuses on the incidence, treatment, and survival of de novo acute leukemia in a 25-year perspective in western Sweden and Estonia. At the beginning of our study, Estonia was a part of the Eastern bloc with planned economy, but since 1991 it is a member of the European Union and transforming into a market economy. Survival rates have steadily increased in both countries. However, a gap between their survival curves remains. Based on our data, it is difficult to explain the big difference in the 5-year relative survival in favor of western Sweden (55 vs. 22%). In Germany, there was a big difference in overall cancer survival between East and West Germany after the fall of the iron curtain, but today no difference is seen. Differences in survival are probably due to a higher proportion of intense chemotherapy regimens and a higher rate of hematopoietic stem cell transplantations in Sweden. Other important factors might be better supportive care and diagnostics as well as better adjuvant therapy. Better staff training and conditions in wards are also factors that might play an essential role. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel
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9. |
- Johansson, Bertil, et al.
(author)
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Cytogenetic and molecular genetic evolution of chronic myeloid leukemia.
- 2002
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In: Acta Haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 1421-9662 .- 0001-5792. ; 107:2, s. 76-94
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is genetically characterized by the presence of the reciprocal translocation t(9;22)(q34;q11), resulting in a BCR/ABL gene fusion on the derivative chromosome 22 called the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. In 2-10% of the cases, this chimeric gene is generated by variant rearrangements, involving 9q34, 22q11, and one or several other genomic regions. All chromosomes have been described as participating in these variants, but there is a marked breakpoint clustering to chromosome bands 1p36, 3p21, 5q13, 6p21, 9q22, 11q13, 12p13, 17p13, 17q21, 17q25, 19q13, 21q22, 22q12, and 22q13. Despite their genetically complex nature, available data indicate that variant rearrangements do not confer any specific phenotypic or prognostic impact as compared to CML with a standard Ph chromosome. In most instances, the t(9;22), or a variant thereof, is the sole chromosomal anomaly during the chronic phase (CP) of the disease, whereas additional genetic changes are demonstrable in 60-80% of cases in blast crisis (BC). The secondary chromosomal aberrations are clearly nonrandom, with the most common chromosomal abnormalities being +8 (34% of cases with additional changes), +Ph (30%), i(17q) (20%), +19 (13%), -Y (8% of males), +21 (7%), +17 (5%), and monosomy 7 (5%). We suggest that all these aberrations, occurring in >5% of CML with secondary changes, should be denoted major route abnormalities. Chromosome segments often involved in structural rearrangements include 1q, 3q21, 3q26, 7p, 9p, 11q23, 12p13, 13q11-14, 17p11, 17q10, 21q22, and 22q10. No clear-cut differences as regards type and prevalence of additional aberrations seem to exist between CML with standard t(9;22) and CML with variants, except for slightly lower frequencies of the most common changes in the latter group. The temporal order of the secondary changes varies, but the preferred pathway appears to start with i(17q), followed by +8 and +Ph, and then +19. Molecular genetic abnormalities preceding, or occurring during, BC include overexpression of the BCR/ABL transcript, upregulation of the EVI1 gene, increased telomerase activity, and mutations of the tumor suppressor genes RB1, TP53, and CDKN2A. The cytogenetic evolution patterns vary significantly in relation to treatment given during CP. For example, +8 is more common after busulfan than hydroxyurea therapy, and the secondary changes seen after interferon-alpha treatment or bone marrow transplantation are often unusual, seemingly random, and occasionally transient. Apart from the strong phenotypic impact of addition of acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplasia-associated translocations and inversions, such as inv(3)(q21q26), t(3;21)(q26;q22), and t(15;17)(q22;q12-21), in CML BC, only a few significant differences between myeloid and lymphoid BC are discerned, with i(17q) and TP53 mutations being more common in myeloid BC and monosomy 7, hypodiploidy, and CDKN2A deletions being more frequent in lymphoid BC. The prognostic significance of the secondary genetic changes is not uniform, although abnormalities involving chromosome 17, e.g., i(17q), have repeatedly been shown to be ominous. However, the clinical impact of additional cytogenetic and molecular genetic aberrations is most likely modified by the treatment modalities used.
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10. |
- Koskela, K, et al.
(author)
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Autocrine production and synergistic growth-promoting activity of interleukin-6 and oncostatin M in a new human myeloma cell line TU-1
- 2002
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In: Acta haematologica. - : S. Karger AG. - 0001-5792 .- 1421-9662. ; 107:1, s. 23-28
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Human myeloma cell lines are difficult to establish, and they usually originate from patients with extramedullary disease. We describe a new human myeloma cell line, TU-1, which was established from the bone marrow of a patient without extramedullary myeloma. The myeloma cells were initially maintained in a conditioned medium derived from another well-known myeloma cell line U-266. This conditioned medium contained interleukin-6 (IL-6) and oncostatin M (OSM), and possibly other unknown growth factors as well. In 3 months the TU-1 cell line proliferated autonomously and secreted IL-6 and OSM with a synergistic growth response. As we have previously shown the cell line acquired a p53 mutation in vitro, which may be an important factor causing autonomous proliferation. In patients with multiple myeloma OSM is frequently found in the serum and OSM has been associated with serum IL-6 and progressive disease. Our study demonstrates the close relationship of OSM and IL-6 also in vitro.
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