Immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes: The dawn of a new era?
Immunotherapy has revolutionized therapy in both solid and liquid malignancies. The ability to cure acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is proof of concept for the application of immunotherapy in AML and MDS. However, outside of HSCT, only the anti-CD33 antibody drug conjugate gemtuzumab ozogamicin is currently approved as an antibody-targeted therapy for AML. Several avenues of immunotherapeutic drugs are currently in different stages of clinical development. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - December 5, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Yuxin Liu, Jan Philipp Bewersdorf, Maximilian Stahl, Amer M. Zeidan Tags: Review Source Type: research
The impact of NF- κB signaling on pathogenesis and current treatment strategies in multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma, which ranks as the second most common hematological malignancy, is known for its great genetic heterogeneity. One pathway, however, stands out in this diverse group. NF- κB pathway is one of the most important pathways in multiple myeloma not only for its role in pathogenesis, but also for its importance in various treatment strategies. Mutations in several major components of the NF-κB pathway and its regulators are present in at least 17% of primary multiple mye loma tumors and 42% of multiple myeloma cell lines. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - November 23, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Vr ábel Dávid, Pour Luděk, Ševčíková Sabina Tags: Review Source Type: research
Recent advances in CAR T-cell toxicity: Mechanisms, manifestations and management
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an effective new treatment for hematologic malignancies. Two CAR T-cell products are now approved for clinical use by the U.S. FDA: tisagenlecleucel for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and adult diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtypes (DLBCL), and axicabtagene ciloleucel for DLBCL. CAR T-cell therapies are being developed for multiple myeloma, and clear evidence of clinical activity has been generated. A barrier to widespread use of CAR T-cell therapy is toxicity, primarily cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurologic toxicity. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - November 14, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Jennifer N. Brudno, James N. Kochenderfer Tags: Review Source Type: research
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation; the current renaissance
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) provides the best chance for cure for many patients with malignant and nonmalignant hematologic disorders. Recent advances in selecting candidates and determining risk, procedure safety, utilization in older patients, use of alternative donors, and new or novel application of anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and antimicrobial agents have improved outcomes and expanded the role of HCT in hematologic disorders. Relapse remains the predominant cause of failure but enlightened use of new targeted and immunotherapeutic agents in combination with HCT promises to reduce relapse an...
Source: Blood Reviews - November 8, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Edward Copelan, Aleksander Chojecki, Hillard M. Lazarus, Belinda R. Avalos Tags: Review Source Type: research
Prognostic and therapeutic role of CLEC12A in acute myeloid leukemia
CLEC12A has recently been identified as an antigen, expressed on leukemic stem cells and leukemic blasts. Given the fact that this expression profile seems stable throughout diagnosis, treatment and relapse on leukemic blasts and leukemic stem cells, CLEC12A can be considered a highly potent and reliable marker for the detection of measurable residual disease and therefore applicable for risk stratification and prognostication in AML. Low CLEC12A expression on leukemic blasts seems to be independently associated with lower likelihood of achieving complete remission after 1 cycle of induction chemotherapy, shorter event ...
Source: Blood Reviews - November 1, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Linde M. Morsink, Roland B. Walter, Gert J. Ossenkoppele Tags: Review Source Type: research
Infection control in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who are candidates for active treatment: Expert panel consensus-based recommendations
The improvement in supportive care and the introduction of new therapeutic agents, including lenalidomide and hypomethylating agents, in myelodysplastic syndromes have improved patients ’ outcomes; however, at the same time, the frequency and epidemiology of infections have changed. Therefore, the great strides in the indications and use of new treatment strategies for myelodysplastic syndromes need a parallel progress in the best approach to prophylaxis and supportive therapy fo r infections. Based on the recognition that the above issues represent an unmet clinical need in myelodysplastic syndromes, an Italian expert p...
Source: Blood Reviews - October 28, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Corrado Girmenia, Anna Candoni, Mario Delia, Roberto Latagliata, Alfredo Molteni, Esther N. Oliva, Giuseppe A. Palumbo, Antonella Poloni, Prassede Salutari, Valeria Santini, Maria Teresa Voso, Pellegrino Musto Tags: Review Source Type: research
Temporary Removal: Are thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusions associated with major bleeding in preterm neonates? A systematic review
The publisher regrets that this article has been temporarily removed. A replacement will appear as soon as possible in which the reason for the removal of the article will be specified, or the article will be reinstated. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - October 8, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: S.F. Fustolo-Gunnink, E.J. Huijssen-Huisman, J.G. van der Bom, F.M. A van Hout, S. Makineli, E. Lopriore, K Fijnvandraat Source Type: research
Are thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusions associated with major bleeding in preterm neonates? A systematic review
Over 75% of severely thrombocytopenic preterm neonates receive platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding, but transfusion guidelines are based mainly on expert opinion. The aim of this review was to investigate whether platelet counts or transfusions are associated with major bleeding in preterm neonates.We performed a systematic search of the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases until December 2017. We included randomized trials, cohort and case control studies. (Prospero: CRD42015013399).We screened 8734 abstracts and 1225 fulltexts, identifying 36 eligible studies. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - October 8, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: S.F. Fustolo-Gunnink, E.J. Huijssen-Huisman, J.G. van der Bom, F.M.A. van Hout, S. Makineli, E. Lopriore, K. Fijnvandraat Tags: Review Source Type: research
Epidemiology of myelodysplastic syndromes: Why characterizing the beast is a prerequisite to taming it
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) consist of a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms characterized by inefficient hematopoiesis, variable cytopenias and a considerable risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Epidemiological assessment of MDS has been hampered by evolving diagnostic criteria and delayed classification of MDS as cancers until 2001. The poorly-understood nature of these neoplasms combined with the lack of effective therapies for decades contributed to suboptimal case ascertainment and underreporting. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - September 21, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Amer M. Zeidan, Rory M. Shallis, Rong Wang, Amy Davidoff, Xiaomei Ma Tags: Review Source Type: research
Attempting to remedy sub-optimal medication adherence in haemophilia: The rationale for repeated ultrasound visualisations of the patient's joint status
Haemophilia is marked by joint bleeding (haemarthrosis) leading to cartilage damage (arthropathy). Lifelong prophylaxis —initiated after the first bleeding episode—leads to a dramatic decrease in arthropathy in haemophilia patients. However, adherence to continuous intravenous administrations of factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX products is challenging, and patients potentially suffer from breakthrough bleedings while o n prophylaxis. Newer FVIII/FIX products with enhanced convenience attributes and/or easier infusion procedures are intended to improve adherence. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - August 20, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Alessandro Di Minno, Gaia Spadarella, Antonio Nardone, Mauro Mormile, Itala Ventre, Massimo Morfini, Giovanni Di Minno Tags: Review Source Type: research
The emerging story of acute lymphoblastic leukemia among the latin American population – biological and clinical implications
Higher incidence rates and poor outcomes have been reported among Latin American patients (Latinos) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Distinct patterns in recent genomic studies allude to a predisposing genetic component. In this review, we critically examine the increasing amount of empirical information on the epidemiology, outcomes and genomics of Latinos with ALL. We discuss the immense diversity within the Latino community and varying definitions of what is considered Latino, which pose an epidemiological challenge. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - August 13, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Elisa Quiroz, Ibrahim Aldoss, Vinod Pullarkat, Eduardo Rego, Guido Marcucci, Dan Douer Tags: Review Source Type: research
Everything the clinician needs to know about evidence-based anticoagulation in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a hemostatic challenge: women are prone to thromboembolism during their pregnancy and at the same time, especially during delivery, there is substantial risk of bleeding. Pregnant women are often excluded from randomized controlled trials, and high quality evidence regarding optimal anticoagulant management is thus lacking. Anticoagulants are being used in pregnancy for prevention and treatment of various pregnancy complications such as thrombotic events, preeclampsia and pregnancy loss. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - August 6, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Luuk J.J. Scheres, Ingrid M. Bistervels, Saskia Middeldorp Tags: Review Source Type: research
Current and evolving understanding of atypical chronic myeloid leukemia
Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML) is a BCR –ABL1 negative myelodysplastic (MDS)/myeloproliferative (MPN) neoplasm with poor overall survival. The current 2016 WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms allows clinicians to more accurately differentiate aCML from its similar MDS/MPN overlap and MPN counterparts. In addition, the advent of next -generation sequencing has expanded our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of aCML and its therapeutic potential. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the first consideration in the treatment algorithm for aCML, however, with the advances in mutational anal...
Source: Blood Reviews - July 28, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Lauren C. Schwartz, John Mascarenhas Tags: Review Source Type: research
Evolution of survivorship in lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia: Metamorphosis of the field into long term follow-up care
Recent advancements in cancer care, coupled with early detection and an aging population have resulted in significant growth of cancer survivors. Long term follow up of such survivors is essential given the heightened risk for development of late effects such as secondary neoplasms, cardiovascular disease or psychosocial dysfunction among others. As more patients with hematologic malignancies are cured or managed over protracted periods of time, awareness of such issues is paramount for the practicing clinicians for optimal patient management. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - July 25, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Moussab Damlaj, Riad El Fakih, Shahrukh K. Hashmi Tags: Review Source Type: research
Effect of the ABO blood group on susceptibility to severe malaria: A systematic review and meta-analysis
This study systematically summarizes information on the relationship of ABO blood group with severe P. falciparum infection, level of parasitemia and haemoglobin. A total of 1923 articles were retrieved from five databases. After removal of duplicates, and two levels of screening, 21 articles were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. (Source: Blood Reviews)
Source: Blood Reviews - July 15, 2018 Category: Hematology Authors: Abraham Degarege, Merhawi T. Gebrezgi, Gladys Ibanez, Mats Wahlgren, Purnima Madhivanan Tags: Review Source Type: research
