Clinical Utility of Molecular Diagnosis of Blood Stream Infections in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients with Hematologic Malignancies

Blood stream infections (BSIs) are a serious problem in patients with hematologic malignancies receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We evaluated the clinical utility of molecular diagnosis for the management of BSIs in such patients. We prospectively performed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of microbial DNA in blood samples from 10 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies at least once a week for one month after ASCT. In total, 51 and 54 samples were analyzed by bacterial and fungal PCR assays, respectively. Bacteria were detected in 24 samples from 8 patients by PCR, but in only 2 samples from one patient by blood culture. Notably, the bacteria detected in at least half of the 24 samples were considered to have originated from the oral cavity. Fungi were detected in 5 samples from 3 patients by PCR, but not by blood culture. Most cases with positive PCR results were manageable with empirical antimicrobial therapy without disclosure of DNA data. Our DNA analyses did not directly contribute to management of BSIs, but did provide valuable microbiological evidence for the patients. Additionally, oral management appears to require a critical re-evaluation to reduce the occurrence of BSIs in ASCT recipients.

Optimal stem cell source for allogeneic stem cell transplantation for hematological malignancies

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant(HSCT) is a standard treatment for many hematological malignancies.Three different sources of stem cells, namely bone marrow(BM), peripheral blood stem cells(PBSC) and cord blood(CB) can be used for HSCT, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Randomized controlled trials(RCTs) suggest that there is no significant survival advantage of PBSC over BM in Human Leukocyte Antigen-matched sibling transplant for adult patients with hematological malignancies. PBSC transplant probably results in lower risk of relapse and hence better disease-free survival, especially in patients with high risk disease at the expense of higher risks of both severe acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease(GVHD).In the unrelated donor setting, the only RCT available suggests that PBSC and BM result in comparable overall and disease-free survivals in patients with hematological malignancies; and PBSC transplant results in lower risk of graft failure and higher risk of chronic GVHD.High level evidence is not available for CB in comparison to BM or PBSC. The risks and benefits of different sources of stem cells likely change with different conditioning regimen, strategies for prophylaxis and treatment of GVHD and manipulation of grafts. The recent success and rapid advance of double CB transplant and haploidentical BM and PBSC transplants further complicate the selection of stem cell source. Optimal selection requires careful weighing of the risks and benefits of different stem cell source for each individual recipient and donor. Detailed counseling of patient and donor regarding risks and benefits in the specific context of the patient and transplant method is essential for informed decision making.

Quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity analysis of haploidentical-related donor vs.identical sibling donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia

Objective:We aimed to compare the quality-adjusted time without symptoms or toxicity(Q-TWiST)in acute myeloid leukemia(AML)patients who received haploidentical-related donor(HID)and identical sibling donor(ISD)hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT).Methods:Five clinical health states were defined:toxicity(TOX),acute graft-versus-host disease(GVHD),chronic GVHD(cGVHD),time without symptoms and toxicity(TWiST)and relapse(REL).The equation used in this study was as follows:Q-TWiST=UTOX×TOX+UTWiST×TWiST+UREL×REL+UaGVHD×aGVHD+UcGVHD×cGVHD.Results:A total of 239 AML patients were enrolled.We established a mathematical model,i.e.,Q-TWiST HID HSCT>Q-TWiST ISD HSCT,to explore the range of utility coefficients satisfying the inequality.Based on the raw data,the utility coefficient is equivalent to the following inequality:10.57067UTOX-46.27733UREL+105.9374+3.388078UaGVHD-210.8198UcGVHD>0.The model showed that when UTOX,UREL,and UaGVHD were within the range of 0-1,as well as when UcGVHD was within the range of 0-0.569,the inequality Q-TWiST HID HSCT>Q-TWiST ISD HSCT was valid.According to the results of the ChiCTR1800016972 study,the median coefficients of TOX,acute GVHD(aGVHD),and cGVHD were 0.56(0.41-0.76),0.56(0.47-0.72),and 0.54(0.37-0.79),respectively.We selected a series of specific examples of the coefficients,i.e.,UTOX=0.5,UREL=0.05,UaGVHD-0.5,and UcGVHD-0.5.The Q-TWiST values of ISD and HID HSCT were 896 and 900 d,respectively(P=0.470).Conclusions:We first observed that Q-TWiST was comparable between AML patients receiving HID HSCT and those receiving ISD HSCT.

Comprehensive evaluation of nutritional status before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 170 patients with hematological diseases

Objective： To investigate the nutritional status of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（HSCT）, and explore optimal methods for assessing nutritional status in patients with hematological diseases.Methods： This cohort study enrolled 170 patients who were diagnosed with hematological diseases and underwent allogeneic HSCT in the Department of Hematology, Peking University People＇s Hospital between May2011 and April 2013. We used fixed-point continuous sampling and four nutritional screening tools, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002（NRS-2002）, Mini Nutritional Assessment（MNA）, Subjective Global Assessment（SGA） and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools（MUST）, in combination with body measurements, to extensively screen and evaluate nutritional risks and status in patients receiving HSCT before entering and after leaving laminar air flow rooms.Results： After HSCT, patients had significant reduction in weight, hip circumference, waist-hip ratio, calf circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, and suprailiac skinfold thickness compared with pre-HSCT measurements. Before HSCT, NRS-2002 identified that 21.2% of patients were at nutritional risks, compared with100% after HSCT. MUST indicated that before HSCT, 11.77% of patients were at high nutritional risk,compared with 59.63% after HSCT. MNA assessed that 0.06% of patients were malnourished before HSCT,compared with 19.27% after HSCT. SGA identified that before HSCT, 1.76% of patients had mild to severe malnutrition, which increased to 83.3% after HSCT. There is a significant increase in the nutritional risk and malnutrition in patients who received HSCT.Conclusions： Before HSCT, some patients already had nutritional risk or nutritional deficiencies, and prompt and close nutritional screening or assessment should be performed. The nutritional status of patients after HSCT was generally deteriorated compared with that before transplantation. Body measurements should be taken more frequently during the subsequent treatment window in the laminar air flow rooms. After HSCT, it is recommended to combine MNA and SGA to fully evaluate the nutritional status, and thus provide timely and reasonable nutritional support.

Decitabine for Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（allo-HSCT） remains a main question on treatment failure. Current strategies for management that usually include salvage chemotherapy, donor lymphocytic infusion and second transplantation. Our study assessed the efficacy of decitabine（DAC） for treating patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia（ALL） who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation（allo-HSCT）. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 12 patients with relapsed ALL after allo-HSCT who received DAC therapy. Nine patients received DAC combined with chemotherapy and donor stem cell infusion, and 3 patients received single-agent DAC. Ten of the 12 patients achieved complete remission（CR）, 1 achieved a partial remission（PR）, and 1 had no response（NR） after treatment at the latest follow-up（LFU）, the median survival was 11.2 months（range, 3.8–34, 7 months）. The 1-and 2-year overall survival（OS） rates were 50%（6/12） and 25%（3/12）, respectively. Five patients were still alive; 4 had maintained CR and 1 was alive with disease. Patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL had higher survival rate than patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative ALL（57.1% vs. 20%）. No aggravated flares of graft-versus-host disease（GVHD） were observed during DAC treatment. Therefore, DAC may be a promising therapeutic agent for ALL recurrence after allo-HSCT.

Low WT1 transcript levels at diagnosis predicted poor outcomes of acute myeloid leukemia patients with t(8;21) who received chemotherapy or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background:Acute myeloid leukemia(AML) with t(8;21) is a heterogeneous disease.Identifying AML patients with t(8;21) who have a poor prognosis despite achieving remission is important for determining the best subsequent therapy.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Wilm tumor gene-1(WT1) transcript levels and cellular homolog of the viral oncogene v-KIT receptor tyrosine kinase(C-KIT) mutations at diagnosis,and RUNXTRUNX1T1 transcript levels after the second consolidation chemotherapy cycle on outcomes.Methods:Eighty-eight AML patients with t(8;21) who received chemotherapy only or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) were included.Patients who achieved remission,received two or more cycles of consolidation chemotherapy,and had a positive measureable residual disease(MRD) test result(defined as <3-log reduction in RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels compared to baseline) after 2-8 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy were recommended to receive allo-HSCT.Patients who had a negative MRD test result were recommended to receive further chemotherapy up to only 8 cycles.WT1 transcript levels and C-KIT mutations at diagnosis,and RUNX1-RUNX1T1 transcript levels after the second consolidation chemotherapy cycle were tested.Results:Patients who had a C-KIT mutation had significantly lower WTl transcript levels than patients who did not have a C-KIT mutation(6.7%± 10.6%vs.19.5%± 19.9%,P < 0.001).Low WTl transcript levels(<5.0%) but not C-KIT mutation at diagnosis,a positive MRD test result after the second cycle of consolidation chemotherapy,and receiving only chemotherapy were independently associated with high cumulative incidence of relapse in all patients(hazard ratio[HR]= 3.53,2.30,and 11.49;95%confidence interval[CI]1.64-7.62,1.82-7.56,and 4.43-29.82;P = 0.002,0.034,and <0.001,respectively);these conditions were also independently associated with low leukemia-free survival(HR =3.71,2.33,and 5.85;95%CI 1.82-7.56,1.17-4.64,and 2.75-12.44;P < 0.001,0.016,and <0.001,respectively) and overall survival(HR = 3.50,2.32,and 4.34;95%CI 1.56-7.82,1.09-4.97,and 1.98-9.53;P = 0.002,0.030,and <0.001,respectively) in all patients.Conclusions:Testing for WTl transcript levels at diagnosis in patients with AML and t(8;21) may predict outcomes in those who achieve remission.A randomized study is warranted to determine whether allo-HSCT can improve prognosis in these patients.

Gut microbiome in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and specific changes associated with acute graft vs host disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(aHSCT)is a standard validated therapy for patients suffering from malignant and nonmalignant hematological diseases.However,aHSCT procedures are limited by potentially life-threatening complications,and one of the most serious complications is acute graft-versus-host disease(GVHD).During the last decades,DNA sequencing technologies were used to investigate relationship between composition or function of the gut microbiome and disease states.Even if it remains unclear whether these microbiome alterations are causative or secondary to the presence of the disease,they may be useful for diagnosis,prevention and therapy in aHSCT recipients.Here,we summarized the most recent findings of the association between human gut microbiome changes and acute GVHD in patients receiving aHSCT.

Sarcopenia and gut microbiota alterations in patients with hematological diseases before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia(SP) and its relationship with gut microbiota alterations in patients with hematological diseases before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HSCT).Methods: A total of 108 patients with various hematological disorders were selected from Peking University People’s Hospital. SP was screened and diagnosed based on the 2019 Asian Sarcopenia Diagnosis Strategy. Physical measurements and fecal samples were collected, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted. Alpha and beta diversity analyses were performed to evaluate gut microbiota composition and diversity.Results: After HSCT, significant decreases in calf circumference and body mass index(BMI) were observed,accompanied by a decline in physical function. Gut microbiota analyses revealed significant differences in the relative abundance of Enterococcus, Bacteroides, Blautia and Dorea species before and after HSCT(P<0.05). Before HSCT, sarcopenic patients had lower Dorea levels and higher Phascolarctobacterium levels than non-sarcopenia patients(P<0.01). After HSCT, no significant differences in species abundance were observed. Alpha diversity analysis showed significant differences in species diversity among the groups, with the highest diversity in the postHSCT 90-day group and the lowest in the post-HSCT 30-day group. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in species composition between pre-and post-HSCT time points but not between SP groups. Linear discriminant analysis effect size(LEfSe) identified Alistipes, Rikenellaceae, Alistipes putredinis, Prevotellaceae defectiva and Blautia coccoides as biomarkers for the pre-HSCT sarcopenia group. Functional predictions showed significant differences in anaerobic, biofilm-forming and oxidative stress-tolerant functions among the groups(P<0.05).Conclusions: This study demonstrated a significant decline in physical function after HSCT and identified potential gut microbiota biomarkers and functional alterations associated with SP in patients with hematological disorders. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Review of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced intensity conditioning in solid tumors excluding breast cancer

Solid tumors in adults constitute a heterogeneous group of malignancy originating from various organ systems. Solid tumors are not completely curable by chemotherapy, even though some subgroups are very chemo-sensitive. Recently, oncologists have focused on the use of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(alloHSCT) with reduced intensity conditioning(RIC) for the treatment of some refractory solid tumors. After the demonstration of allogeneic graft-versus-leukemia effect in patients with hematological malignancies who received allo-HSCT, investigators evaluated this effect in patients with refractory metastatic solid tumors. According to data from experimental animal models and preliminary clinical trials, a graft-versus-tumor(GvT) effect may also be observed in the treatment of some solid tumors(e.g., renal cell cancer, colorectal cancer, etc.) after allo-HSCT with RIC. The use of RIC regimens offers an opportunity of achieving full-donor engraftment with GvT effect, as well as, a reduced transplant-related mortality. Current literature suggests that allo-HSCT with RIC might become a choice for elderly and medically fragile patients with refractory metastatic solid tumors.

Advances in haplo-identical stem cell transplantation in adults with high-risk hematological malignancies

Allogeneic bone marrow transplant is a life-saving procedure for adults and children that have high-risk or relapsed hematological malignancies. Incremental advances in the procedure, as well as expanded sources of donor hematopoietic cell grafts have significantly improved overall rates of success. Yet, the outcomes for patients for whom suitable donors cannot be found remain a significant limitation. These patients may benefit from a hematopoietic cell transplant wherein a relative donor is fully haplotype mismatched. Previously this procedure was limited by graft rejection, lethal graft-versus-host disease, and increased treatmentrelated toxicity. Recent approaches in haplo-identical transplantation have demonstrated significantly improved outcomes. Based on years of incremental preclinical research into this unique form of bone marrow transplant, a range of approaches have now been studied in patients in relatively large phase Ⅱ trials that will be summarized in this review.

OMISSION OF DAY +11 METHOTREXATE DOES NOT APPEAR TO INFLUENCE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF GRAFT-VERSUS- HOST DISEASE AFTER ALLOGENEIC HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

Objective: To explore the influence of omission of the day +11 dose of methotrexate (MIX) on the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: From April 1997 to October 2002, 80 leukemia patients (46 men and 34 women aged from 12 to 56 years with a median age of 35) underwent allo-HSCT at our BMT unit. Among them, 58 patients received grafts from HLA-identical siblings, 8 from HLA one major antigen mismatched siblings and 14 from HLA-matched unrelated donors. All patients received a modified cyclosporine and short-course MTX regimen for GVHD prophylaxis, which included MTX 15 mg on day +1, and 10 mg on days +3 and +6 (MTX day +11 dose omitted) and cyclosporine given daily. Results: The overall incidence of grade I~IV acute GVHD was 57.5% (46/80 patients), with grade II~IV acute GVHD in 28 patients (35%) and grade III~IV acute GVHD in 7 patients (8.8%). Among 58 patients receiving grafts from HLA-identical siblings, 24 patients developed grade I~IV acute GVHD (41.4%), with grade II~IV acute GVHD in 13 patients (22.4%) and grade III~IV acute GVHD in 4 patients (6.9%). 2l out of 22 patients receiving grafts from HLA one major antigen mismatched siblings and HLA-matched unrelated donors developed grade I~IV acute GVHD (95.5%), with grade II~IV acute GVHD in 14 patients (63.6%) and grade III~IV acute GVHD in 3 patients (13.6%). Chronic GVHD occurred in 38 out of 56 evaluable patients (67.9%), with extensive form in 15 patients (26.8%) and limited form in 23 patients (41.1%). With a median follow-up of 960 days (range 180~1980 days), the probability of leukemia-free survival at 3 years was 61.3% for all patients. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the day +11 MTX can be omitted without a major deleterious effect on the incidence and severity of graft-versus-host disease after HLA-identical sibling transplantation as well as HLA one major antigen mismatched sibling and HLA-matched unrelated donor transplantation.

Rapid identification of the origin of hematopoietic cells after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for leukemia with DNA-fingerprinting

In order to rapidly identify the presence of hematopoietic reconstruction after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHCT) for leukemia, we developed a technique for amplifying human hypervariable minisatellite DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with digoxigenin-labeled locus-specific oligonucleotide hybridization. DNA fingerprinting by this technique was used as a specific genetic marker to determine the success rate of engraftment after AHCT in 7 patients with leukemia. Six of them gained evidence of engraftment. The results show that the minisatellite DNA fingerprinting is of high individual specificity and is valuable in confirming engraftment after AHCT, especially when the patient and the donor are HLA identical and of the same sex, and have the same ABO-Rh blood grouping. The advantages of this technique are that there is no contamination by radioisotopes, and its use is not restricted by the half ulife. It is simple and highly sensitive. Engraftment of donor’s hematopoietic cells can be determined as early as 15 d post-transplantation using 100 ng DNA of the patient. We conclude that this technique is highly specific and sensitive, and can rapidly provide in formation about the origin of the hematopoietic cells, thus being of value in guiding early therapeutic intervention in AHCT.

Haploidentical Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Thymoma-associated Severe Aplastic Anemia: a Case Report

THYMOMA, a relatively rare epithelial neoplasm with unique clinical and pathologic features, is the most usual diagnosis for a mass located in the mediastinum. It is often associated withautoimmune disorders. The myastnema gravls ano pure red cell aplasia are the most common disorders, with the incidences of 40% and 5%, respectively, while the incidence of aplastic anemia is only about 0-1.4%. 1 Thymectomy is hard to perform on patients with severe aplastic anemia（SAA） due to severe pancytopenia.

Graft vs host disease impacts overall survival post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma

AIM To examine the outcome and prognostic factors for high risk patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma(ALL/LBL) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(HCT) at our center during the period of2010-2017 METHODS After due institutional review board approval, patients with high risk ALL/LBL post HCT were identified and included. All records were retrospectively collected. Time to event analysis was calculated from the date of HCT until event of interest or last follow up with Kaplan-Meir means. Cox regression model was used for multivariable analysis calculation.RESULTS A total of 69 patients were enrolled and examined with a median age of 21(14-61). After a median follow up of 15 mo(2-87.3), the 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse, cumulative incidence of non-relapse mortality, progression free survival and overall survival(OS) were 34.1%, 10.9%, 54.9% and 62.8%,respectively. In a multivariable analysis for OS; acute graft vs host disease(GVHD) and chronic GVHD were significant with corresponding hazard ratio 4.9(1.99-12; P = 0.0007) and 0.29(0.1-0.67; P = 0.0044), respectively.CONCLUSION Allogeneic-HCT for high risk ALL/LBL resulted in promising remissions particularly for patients with cGVHD.

Profiles of interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT)may be related to the occurrence of complications,including graft-versus-host disease(GvHD)and infections.The pathogenesis of acute GvHD is connected with T lymphocytes,which identify alloantigens on host's antigen-presenting cells,activate production of interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma)and interleukin-2(IL-2),and act on the immune effector cells and damage tissues and organs.AIM The aim of the study was to investigate and distinguish serum concentration profiles of IFN-gamma and IL-2 within a 30-d period after allo-HSCT.METHODS We enrolled 62 patients,i.e.,30(48%)male and 32(52%)female subjects[median age 49.5(19-68)years],after allo-HSCT from siblings(n=12)or unrelated donors(n=50)due to acute myeloid leukemia with myeloablative conditioning(n=26;42%)and with non-myeloablative conditioning(n=36;58%).All patients were given standard immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporin-A and methotrexate and pre-transplant antithymocyte globulin in the unrelated setting.Blood samples were collected pre-transplant before and after(on day-1)the conditioning therapy and on days+2,+4,+6,+10,+20,and+30 after allo-HSCT.Serum levels of IL-2 and IFNgamma were determined using ELISA.RESULTS Patients were divided into four groups depending on the presence of acute GvHD and clinical manifestations of infection.Group I included patients with neither acute GvHD nor infections[n=15(24%)],group II consisted of patients with infections without acute GvHD[n=17(27%)],group III was comprised of patients with acute GvHD without infections[n=9(15%)],and group IV included patients with both acute GvHD and infections[n=21(34%)].IFN-gamma concentrations were higher in Group II than in other groups on days+20(P=0.014)and+30(P=0.008).Post-hoc tests showed lower concentrations of IFN-gamma on day+30 in groups I(P=0.039)and IV(P=0.017)compared to group II.The levels of IL-2 were mostly undetectable.CONCLUSION Serum levels of IFN-gamma following allo-HSCT progressively escalate.High serum levels of IFN-gamma are related to infectious complications rather than acute GvHD.Serum concentrations of IL-2 in most patients are undetectable.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 24 patients with β-thalassemia major

Objective To investigate the effect of allgeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ( allo - HSCT ) for β - thalassemia major. Methods Twenty - four β - thalassemia major patients with median age of 4 years ( range: 2 -15 years) ,18 boys and 6 girls,received al-

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in chemotherapy-sensitive lymphoblastic lymphoma: treatment outcome and prognostic factor analysis

Objective： The study evaluated the effectiveness of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation （AHSCT） in the treatment of lymphoblastic lymphoma （LL）. Methods： We relxospectively analyzed the data from 41 patients with chemotherapy-sensitive LL who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation （HSCT） from December 1989 to December 2009 in a single institution. Results： HSCT was conducted as first-line consolidation therapy and salvage therapy in 36 and 5 patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 97.1 months （range, 24.6-173.1 months）. The 5-year overall survival （OS） and event-free survival （EFS） rate were 64% and 47% for the initially treated patients, respectively, and were both 20% for the relapsed ones. Bone marrow （BM） involvement and chemotherapy cycles prior to transplantation were identified as significant prognostic factors for EFS in multivariate analysis. Conclusions These results confirm that AHSCT is a reasonable option for chemotherapy-sensitive LL patients in first complete remission （CR1）.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia: An overview of obstacles and opportunities

As an important treatment for acute myeloid leukemia, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT) plays an important role in reducing relapse and improving long-term survival. With rapid advancements in basic research in molecular biology and immunology and with deepening understanding of the biological characteristics of hematopoietic stem cells, allo-HSCT has been widely applied in clinical practice. During allo-HSCT, preconditioning, the donor, and the source of stem cells can be tailored to the patient’s conditions, greatly broadening the indications for HSCT, with clear survival benefits. However, the risks associated with allo-HSCT remain high, i.e. hematopoietic reconstitution failure, delayed immune reconstitution, graft-versus-host disease, and posttransplant relapse, which are bottlenecks for further improvements in allo-HSCT efficacy and have become hot topics in the field of HSCT. Other bottlenecks recognized in the current treatment of individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and subjected to allo-HSCT include the selection of the most appropriate conditioning regimen and post-transplantation management. In this paper, we reviewed the progress of relevant research regarding these aspects.

Ruxolitinib add-on in corticosteroid-refractory graft-vs-host disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation:Results from a retrospective study on 38 Chinese patients

BACKGROUND Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Some patients have steroid-refractory(SR) GVHD.AIM To evaluate the effect and safety of ruxolitinib add-on in the treatment of patients with SR acute (a) and chronic (c) GVHD.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients administered ruxolitinib add-on to standard immunosuppressive therapy for SR-aGVHD or SR-cGVHD following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Ruxolitinib was administered5-10 mg/d depending on disease severity,patient status,and the use of antifungal drugs.Overall response rate,time to best response,malignancy relapse rate,infection rate,and treatment-related adverse events were assessed.RESULTS The analysis included 10 patients with SR-aGVHD (gradeⅢ/Ⅳ,n=9) and 28patients with SR-cGVHD (moderate/severe,n=24).For the SR-aGVHD and SRcGVHD groups,respectively:Median number of previous GVHD therapies was 2(range:1-3) and 2 (1-4);median follow-up was 2.5 (1.5-4) and 5 (1.5-10) mo;median time to best response was 1 (0.5-2.5) and 3 (1-9.5) mo;and overall response rate was 100%(complete response:80%) and 82.1%(complete response:10.7%) with a response observed in all GVHD-affected organs.The malignancy relapse rates for the SR-aGVHD and SR-cGVHD groups were 10.0%and 10.7%,respectively.Reactivation rates for cytomegalovirus,Epstein-Barr virus,and varicella-zoster virus,respectively,were 30.0%,10.0%,and 0%for the SR-aGVHD group and 0%,14.3%,and 7.1%for the SR-cGVHD group.CONCLUSION Ruxolitinib add-on was effective and safe as salvage therapy for SR-GVHD.

Rare myeloid sarcoma/acute myeloid leukemia with adrenal mass after allogeneic mobilization peripheral blood stem cell transplantation

Myeloid sarcoma(MS)is a rare hematological neoplasm that develops either de novo or concurrently with acute myeloid leukemia(AML).This neoplasm can also be an initial manifestation of relapse in a previously treated AML that is in remission.A 44-year-old male patient was diagnosed with testis MS in a local hospital in August 2010.After one month,bone marrow biopsy and aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of AML.Allogeneic mobilization peripheral blood stem cell transplantation was performed,with the sister of the patient as donor,after complete remission(CR)was achieved by chemotherapy.Five months after treatment,an adrenal mass was detected by positron emission tomography-computed tomography(PET-CT).Radiotherapy was performed for the localized mass after a multidisciplinary team(MDT)discussion.The patient is still alive as of May 2013,with no evidence of recurrent MS or leukemia.