Radiation hazards of the Ukraine nuclear power plants: how can international blood and marrow stem cell transplant societies help?

Any conflict in countries that process nuclear power plants raises concerns of the potential radiation injuries to the people in that region and beyond such as the current conflict in Ukraine. International healthcare organizations and societies should prepare for the potential scenarios of nuclear incidents. The Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) and its members, have recent experience preparing for this type of events such as the Fukushima incident in 2011. In this article, we discuss the risks of radiation exposure, current guidelines, and scientific evidence on hematopoietic support, including the role of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) for those exposed to nuclear radiation, and the role that the WBMT and other global BMT societies can play in triaging and managing people suffering from radiation injuries.

A personalized, organ-based approach to the treatment of chronic steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGvHD) remains the leading cause of morbidity among transplant recipients. The efficacy of second-line treatments varies widely based on many factors, including wide differences in the organ overall response-rate response and in the current era where multiple agents are approved, and optimal sequencing of drugs based on organ ORR is unknown. We aimed to evaluate outcomes based on ORRs to the most common agents for the treatment of steroid-refractory/steroid-dependent cGvHD by conducting a systematic literature review. A total of 387 studies were evaluated for the ORRs of 12 cGvHD treatments. The highest skin ORR was observed to be 77% though some agents had an acceptable ORR. Most agents had an ocular response ranging from 17 to 50% Some agents resulted in a GI ORR of ≥88%. Rituximab showed the best response for musculoskeletal-GvHD. In the case of lung-GvHD (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS]), negligible response was observed in patients treated with various agents. No clinically meaningful responses to treatments were reported for genital-GvHD. Most GvHD trials are focused on the ORR and partial response rates (PRR). The evidence for optimal agents for each organ is limited, and therefore, our study results are striking for differences in organ-ORR yields for a clinically meaningful difference. Thus, a personalized organ-based approach to the selection of therapeutic agents in cGvHD could result in favorable outcomes.

Machine learning applications and challenges in graft-versus-host disease: a scoping review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review delves into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML), in enhancing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) risk assessment, diagnosis, and personalized treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have demonstrated the superiority of ML algorithms over traditional multivariate statistical models in donor selection for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. ML has recently enabled dynamic risk assessment by modeling time-series data, an upgrade from the static, "snapshot" assessment of patients that conventional statistical models and older ML algorithms offer. Regarding diagnosis, a deep learning model, a subset of ML, can accurately identify skin segments affected with chronic GVHD with satisfactory results. ML methods such as Q-learning and deep reinforcement learning have been utilized to develop adaptive treatment strategies (ATS) for the personalized prevention and treatment of acute and chronic GVHD.

SUMMARY

To capitalize on these promising advancements, there is a need for large-scale, multicenter collaborations to develop generalizable ML models. Furthermore, addressing pertinent issues such as the implementation of stringent ethical guidelines is crucial before the widespread introduction of AI into GVHD care.

Real-world experience with ponatinib therapy in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia: impact of depth of response on survival and prior exposure to nilotinib on arterial occlusive events

We surveyed the performance of ponatinib, as salvage therapy, in a real-world setting of chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP). Among 55 consecutive patients (median age 49 years) with relapsed/refractory CML-CP, 35 (64%) had failed ≥3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), 35 (64%) were pre-treated with nilotinib, and 14 (28%) harbored ABL1T315I. At start of ponatinib (median dose 30 mg/day), 40 patients were already in complete hematologic (CHR), 4 in complete cytogenetic (CCyR), 3 in major molecular (MMR) remission, while 8 had not achieved CHR (NR). Ponatinib improved the depth of response in 13 (33%), 3 (75%), 2 (66%), and 4 (50%) patients with CHR, CCyR, MMR, and NR, respectively (p = 0.02). At a median follow-up of 42 months, 13 (23%) deaths, 5 (9%) blast transformations, and 25 (45%) allogeneic transplants were recorded. Five/10-year post-ponatinib survival was 77%/58% with no significant difference when patients were stratified by allogeneic transplant (p = 0.94), ponatinib-induced deeper response (p = 0.28), or a post-ponatinib ≥CCyR vs CHR remission state (p = 0.25). ABL1T315I was detrimental to survival (p = 0.04) but did not appear to affect response. Prior exposure to nilotinib was associated with higher risk of arterial occlusive events (AOEs; 11% vs 0%; age-adjusted p = 0.04). Ponatinib starting/maintenance dose (45 vs 15 mg/day) did not influence either treatment response or AOEs. Our observations support the use of a lower starting/maintenance dose for ponatinib in relapsed/refractory CML-CP but a survival advantage for deeper responses was not apparent and treatment might not overcome the detrimental impact of ABL1T315I on survival. The association between prior exposure to nilotinib and a higher risk of post-ponatinib AOEs requires further validation.

Development of a calculated panel reactive antibody calculator for the United Arab Emirates: a proof of concept study

Calculated panel reactive antibody (CPRA) is used to help increase sensitized patient's access to transplantation. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a diverse resident population hence we developed a UAE-CPRA calculator based on HLA antigen frequencies of the different ethnic groups that represent the UAE population. HLA antigen frequencies at serological split antigen level for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 of 1002 healthy unrelated donors were performed. We subsequently compared the performance of the UAE CPRA calculator with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and the Canadian CPRA calculators in 110 Kidney Transplant waitlist patients from January 2016 to December 2018. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient showed a moderate agreement between the UAE and OPTN calculator (Rc = 0.949, 95% CI 0.929-0.963) and the UAE and Canadian calculators (Rc = 0.952, 95% CI 0.932-0.965). While there continued to be a moderate agreement (Rc = 0.937, UAE versus OPTN calculator) in the lower sensitized group, a poor agreement (Rc = 0.555, UAE versus OPTN calculator) was observed in the higher sensitized group. In this study, we provide a template for countries to develop their own population-specific CPRA calculator. Implementation of the CPRA algorithm based on HLA frequencies of the multi-ethnic UAE population will be more fitting to increase access to transplantation and improve transplant outcomes. Our study demonstrates that the CPRA calculators developed using the data from the western population had poor correlation in our higher sensitized patients disadvantaging them in potential organ allocations systems. We plan to further refine this calculator by using high resolution HLA typing to address the problem of a genetically diverse population.

Endemic or regionally limited bacterial and viral infections in haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: a Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Review

Literature discussing endemic and regionally limited infections in recipients of haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) outside western Europe and North America is scarce. This Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) article is part one of two papers aiming to provide guidance to transplantation centres around the globe regarding infection prevention and treatment, and considerations for transplantation based on current evidence and expert opinion. These recommendations were initially formulated by a core writing team from the WBMT and subsequently underwent multiple revisions by infectious disease experts and HSCT experts. In this paper, we summarise the data and provide recommendations on several endemic and regionally limited viral and bacterial infections, many of which are listed by WHO as neglected tropical diseases, including Dengue, Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, brucellosis, melioidosis, and leptospirosis.

Endemic or regionally limited parasitic and fungal infections in haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: a Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Review

There is a scarcity of data on endemic and regionally limited fungal and parasitic infections in recipients of haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) outside western Europe and North America. This Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Review is one of two papers aiming to provide guidance to transplantation centres worldwide regarding prevention, diagnosis, and treatment based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion. These recommendations were created and reviewed by physicians with expertise in HSCT or infectious disease, representing several infectious disease and HSCT groups and societies. In this paper, we review the literature on several endemic and regionally limited parasitic and fungal infections, some of which are listed as neglected tropical diseases by WHO, including visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, strongyloidiasis, malaria, schistosomiasis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, and coccidioidomycosis.

Clinical impact of KIR haplotypes in 10/10 HLA-matched unrelated donor-recipient pairs undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

To evaluate the impact of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotyping in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myeloid disorders at our institution, retrospective KIR genotyping was performed on 77 patients and their 10/10 matched unrelated donors. In a multivariate model including donor age, HLA-DPB1 permissiveness, and presence of donor KIR B/x, an association with overall survival was observed (p = .047). Within the model, increasing donor age increased risk (RR 1.03 [1.00-1.06]/year, p = .046), while donor KIR and HLA-DPB1 permissiveness were not associated with risk (RR 0.51 [0.26-1.03] and RR 0.68 [0.34-1.36]). Grouping recipients by conditioning regimen or limiting the analysis to recipients of peripheral blood stem cells, no association between donor KIR and survival or relapse was identified. No significant associations were observed between overall survival, relapse, grade III-IV acute, or chronic graft versus host disease and presence of KIR B (B/x), quantity of donor KIR B haplotype motifs, or centromeric KIR type (all p > .05).

Machine Learning in Cardiology: A Potential Real-World Solution in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is a promising field of cardiovascular medicine. Many AI tools have been shown to be efficacious with a high level of accuracy. Yet, their use in real life is not well established. In the era of health technology and data science, it is crucial to consider how these tools could improve healthcare delivery. This is particularly important in countries with limited resources, such as low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). LMICs have many barriers in the care continuum of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and big portion of these barriers come from scarcity of resources, mainly financial and human power constraints. AI/ML could potentially improve healthcare delivery if appropriately applied in these countries. Expectedly, the current literature lacks original articles about AI/ML originating from these countries. It is important to start early with a stepwise approach to understand the obstacles these countries face in order to develop AI/ML-based solutions. This could be detrimental to many patients' lives, in addition to other expected advantages in other sectors, including the economy sector. In this report, we aim to review what is known about AI/ML in cardiovascular medicine, and to discuss how it could benefit LMICs.

Current Status and Future Perspectives on the Internet of Things in Oncology

The Internet of Things (IoT) has penetrated many aspects of everyday human life. The use of IoT in healthcare has been expanding over the past few years. In this review, we highlighted the current applications of IoT in the medical literature, along with the challenges and opportunities. IoT use mainly involves sensors and wearables, with potential applications in improving the quality of life, personal health monitoring, and diagnosis of diseases. Our literature review highlights that the current main application studied in the literature is physical activity tracking. In addition, we discuss the current technologies that would help IoT-enabled devices achieve safe, quick, and meaningful data transfer. These technologies include machine learning/artificial intelligence, 5G, and blockchain. Data on current IoT-enabled devices are still limited, and future research should address these devices' effect on patients' outcomes and the methods by which their integration in healthcare will avoid increasing costs.

The forgotten survivor: A comprehensive review on Non-Hodgkin lymphoma survivorship

The number of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors is increasing. With the advancement of NHL therapies, it is crucial to focus on the challenges these survivors may face. Three main categories are to be considered in NHL survivorship, including quality of life and uncertainty about the future, possible physical health complications (including cardiovascular disease, infertility, and subsequent neoplasms), and the impact of novel NHL treatments and their potential complications. The latter includes CAR T-cell therapy, monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In this report, we aim to shed the light on these aspects and to discuss survivorship care plan for NHL.

American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Return to Work Guidance Committee Recommendations for Health Care Providers Who Take Care of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) health care providers report a desire to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for their patients. One of the items frequently cited by patients in terms of transitioning from being a patient back to pre-HCT life is return to work (RTW). However, these patients report little support from their health care providers in facilitating this process, and only 50% to 60% achieve RTW, at a median of 3 years post-HCT. Barriers are physical, psychological, and logistical, as well as poor communication between the patient and their employer. We convened a group of experts in survivorship, rehabilitation, social work, and psychology to draft an evidence-based document to assist health care providers in guiding their patients' RTW journey. Guidance is drawn from the existing literature for HCT and general cancer patients and is divided into pre-HCT, peri-HCT, and post-HCT categories. Collaboration among health care providers, patients, and their employers is key to this transition. Suggested referrals and evaluations also are provided. The goal is for this guidance to be continually updated as we advance the field with more HCT-specific literature.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adult Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Young adults (YA), age 18 to 39 years, are at a stage of life that may make them more vulnerable than older adults to impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during and after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Health self-efficacy (HSE), the belief that one can implement strategies to produce a desired health outcome, has been associated with health outcomes in oncology research. Little is known about HRQOL or HSE in YA HCT survivors compared with older HCT survivors. Given the age-specific psychosocial challenges facing YA HCT recipients and research on non-transplant YA cancer survivors, we hypothesized that YA survivors would have worse post-HCT HRQOL compared with older adults, and that among YA HCT survivors, higher levels of HSE would be associated with higher levels of HRQOL and lower levels of cancer-related distress. This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 2 combined baseline datasets from multicenter studies of HCT survivors approached for participation in clinical trials of survivorship interventions. Participants from 20 transplantation centers in the United States were at 1 to 10 years post-HCT and age ≥18 years at the time of study enrollment, had no evidence of disease relapse/progression or subsequent malignancies, and could read English adequately to consent for and complete assessments. Medical record and patient-reported data were obtained for demographics and HCT-related clinical factors and complications (eg, total body irradiation, chronic graft-versus-host disease [cGVHD]). Participants completed surveys on HRQOL, including the Short-Form [SF]-12, HSE, and Cancer and Treatment Distress (CTXD), which includes 6 subscales and reports an overall mean score. On the SF-12, both the Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS) were calculated. Two cohorts were compared: YAs (age 18 to 39 years at transplantation) and older adults (age ≥40 years at transplantation). Multiple linear regression analyses identified factors associated with HSE, PCS, MCS, and CTXD in YAs. In this analysis of 979 survivors, compared with the older adults, the YA participants had lower median mental health scores (SF-12 MCS: 48.40 versus 50.23; P = .04) and higher cancer-related distress (CTXD: .96 versus .85; P = .04), but better physical health (SF-12 PCS: 48.99 versus 47.18; P = .049). Greater overall cancer-related distress was driven by higher levels of uncertainty, financial concern, and medical demand subscales for YAs compared with older adults. Young adults also had lower HSE (2.93 versus 3.08; P = .0004). In a multivariate model, HSE was strongly associated with age group (P = .0005) after adjusting for multiple other transplantation-related factors. Among YAs, HSE was associated with the SF-12 MCS and PCS and the CTXD, and HSE remained significant after adjusting for other transplantation-related factors. Overall, the YA HCT survivors had lower mental health, increased cancer-related distress, and lower levels of HSE compared with the older adults. Although the direction of these effects cannot be determined with these data, the strong association between HSE and HRQOL among YAs suggests that targeting interventions to improve HSE may have broad impact on health outcomes.

Treatment of amyloid light chain cardiac amyloidosis: systematic review and future directions

BACKGROUND

Several treatment strategies for amyloid light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) have been described in the literature; however, there is no consensus about the optimal approach to AL-CA.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted this systematic review to summarize current evidence from published studies about the safety and efficacy of various treatment regimens for patients with AL-CA, mainly focusing on autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and heart transplant.

METHODS

An electronic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO, and CINAHL Plus was conducted through December 2019 using the relevant keywords and prespecified MeSH terminology. Records were screened, and eligible studies were selected and narratively discussed. Data on the hematologic and cardiac responses as well as the safety of the treatment regimens were extracted and synthesized narratively in the context of the systematic review.

RESULTS

Thirty published articles were included in this systematic review. The most commonly used first-line treatment in the included studies was bortezomib-based therapy followed by high-dose melphalan and ASCT, with recent evidence of improved outcome with the addition of daratumumab. Heart transplant was found to extend survival for selected patients who were not eligible for ASCT; however, it was found to affect the patients' tolerance of further chemotherapy in some studies. Published data on longterm outcomes with immunomodulatory agents were scarce.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence suggests several possible regimens for the treatment of AL-CA. Effective treatment approaches for AL-CA include induction therapy with bortezomib-based or immunotherapy-based combinations in moderate/severe forms of cardiac involvement, followed by high-dose melphalan and ASCT in eligible patients, and heart transplant for selected severe cases. Therefore, we highlight the necessity of conducting well-designed, randomized controlled trials to provide evidence about the efficacy of these drugs with respect to ASCT.

The Achilles' heel of cancer survivors: fundamentals of accelerated cellular senescence

Recent improvements in cancer treatment have increased the lifespan of pediatric and adult cancer survivors. However, cancer treatments accelerate aging in survivors, which manifests clinically as the premature onset of chronic diseases, such as endocrinopathies, osteoporosis, cardiac dysfunction, subsequent cancers, and geriatric syndromes of frailty, among others. Therefore, cancer treatment-induced early aging accounts for significant morbidity, mortality, and health expenditures among cancer survivors. One major mechanism driving this accelerated aging is cellular senescence; cancer treatments induce cellular senescence in tumor cells and in normal, nontumor tissue, thereby helping mediate the onset of several chronic diseases. Studies on clinical monitoring and therapeutic targeting of cellular senescence have made considerable progress in recent years. Large-scale clinical trials are currently evaluating senotherapeutic drugs, which inhibit or eliminate senescent cells to ameliorate cancer treatment-related aging. In this article, we survey the recent literature on phenotypes and mechanisms of aging in cancer survivors and provide an up-to-date review of the major preclinical and translational evidence on cellular senescence as a mechanism of accelerated aging in cancer survivors, as well as insight into the potential of senotherapeutic drugs. However, only with time will the clinical effect of senotherapies on cancer survivors be visible.

Restoration of the Original Inhabitants: A Systematic Review on Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Graft-Versus-Host Disease

A compelling intervention to maintain healthy gut microbiota in graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). To examine its role in GVHD, we conducted a systemic literature search using multiple electronic databases. Upon pooling of data, 79 patients from six studies and five case reports were included. Complete remission (CR) occurred in 55.9% of patients, and partial remission (PR) occurred in 26.5% of patients (82.4% overall response rate). A limited number of patients had treatment-related mortality (TRM), while few showed mild gastrointestinal (GI)-related and non-GI adverse effects. None of the studies directly examined the role of FMT in the prevention of GVHD. In conclusion, FMT seems to be a safe and effective strategy for the management of GVHD based on the current evidence. Due to the small number of patients evaluated and the absence of randomized data, one cannot portray FMT as a standard of care yet; however, the low toxicity along with the clinical improvement justifies this modality to be tested in a randomized fashion.

Recommendations on service delivery to help reduce suffering and anxiety in patients and caregivers post-hematopoietic cell transplantation: a case report

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of having a central case managing team and to make some strong recommendations that can have a positive impact on the lives of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 2-year-old white child who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in May 2014 relapsed in March 2017, and underwent a second hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in July 2017, at which point he suffered from graft-versus-host disease. This case report presents his journey and that of his caregivers, and the challenges they faced as patient and parents in pursuit of optimal quality of life during the survivorship period. The case study emphasizes not only the challenges faced by patients but also identified gaps in post-hematopoietic cell transplantation care service delivery. Furthermore, the case study also highlights the importance of involving caregivers in post-transplant care and having a better communication process and service facilitation process throughout the journey of the patient and their carer.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplant centers have a duty of care, and a proactive approach with a well-defined pathway is needed for managing post-transplant complications and reducing stress and anxiety for patients and their caregivers.

Blockchain Integration With Digital Technology and the Future of Health Care Ecosystems: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In the era of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT), digital data have become essential for our everyday functioning and in health care services. The sensitive nature of health care data presents several crucial issues such as privacy, security, interoperability, and reliability that must be addressed in any health care data management system. However, most of the current health care systems are still facing major obstacles and are lacking in some of these areas. This is where decentralized, secure, and scalable databases, most notably blockchains, play critical roles in addressing these requirements without compromising security, thereby attracting considerable interest within the health care community. A blockchain can be maintained and widely distributed using a large network of nodes, mostly computers, each of which stores a full replica of the data. A blockchain protocol is a set of predefined rules or procedures that govern how the nodes interact with the network, view, verify, and add data to the ledger.

OBJECTIVE

In this article, we aim to explore blockchain technology, its framework, current applications, and integration with other innovations, as well as opportunities in diverse areas of health care and clinical research, in addition to clarifying its future impact on the health care ecosystem. We also elucidate 2 case studies to instantiate the potential role of blockchains in health care.

METHODS

To identify related existing work, terms based on Medical Subject Headings were used. We included studies focusing mainly on health care and clinical research and developed a functional framework for implementation and testing with data. The literature sources for this systematic review were PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane library, in addition to a preliminary search of IEEE Xplore.

RESULTS

The included studies demonstrated multiple framework designs and various implementations in health care including chronic disease diagnosis, management, monitoring, and evaluation. We found that blockchains exhibit many promising applications in clinical trial management such as smart-contract application, participant-controlled data access, trustless protocols, and data validity. Electronic health records (EHRs), patient-centered interoperability, remote patient monitoring, and clinical trial data management were found to be major areas for blockchain usage, which can become a key catalyst for health care innovations.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential benefits of blockchains are limitless; however, concrete data on long-term clinical outcomes based on blockchains powered and supplemented by AI and IoT are yet to be obtained. Nonetheless, implementing blockchains as a novel way to integrate EHRs nationwide and manage common clinical problems in an algorithmic fashion has the potential for improving patient outcomes, health care experiences, as well as the overall health and well-being of individuals.

Historical perspective and a glance into the antibody-based conditioning regimens: A new era in the horizon?

The hematopoietic cell transplantation practice has changed significantly over the years. More than 1500 centers around the globe are offering transplant for different types of diseases. This growth was driven by improving the efficacy and the safety of the procedure and the ability to use alternate donors. These improvements made the procedure feasible in virtually all patients in need for it. With the availability of novel therapies and targeted agents, we may be witnessing a new transplant-era. These agents may help to circumvent some of the remaining limitations of the procedure and open the doors for new indications. Herein, we review historical transplant milestones, the accomplishments that led to the modern transplant practice and we discuss the idea of minimal-intensity conditioning and the possibility to adopt chemotherapy and radiation-free preparative regimens in the near future.

Machine Learning Applications in the Diagnosis of Benign and Malignant Hematological Diseases

The use of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods in hematology includes diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. This increase is due to the improved access to ML and DL tools and the expansion of medical data. The utilization of ML remains limited in clinical practice, with some disciplines further along in their adoption, such as radiology and histopathology. In this review, we discuss the current uses of ML in diagnosis in the field of hematology, including image-recognition, laboratory, and genomics-based diagnosis. Additionally, we provide an introduction to the fields of ML and DL, highlighting current trends, limitations, and possible areas of improvement.

Standardizing Definitions of Hematopoietic Recovery, Graft Rejection, Graft Failure, Poor Graft Function, and Donor Chimerism in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Report on Behalf of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is potentially curative for certain hematologic malignancies and nonmalignant diseases. The field of allo-HCT has witnessed significant advances, including broadening indications for transplantation, availability of alternative donor sources, less toxic preparative regimens, new cell manipulation techniques, and novel GVHD prevention methods, all of which have expanded the applicability of the procedure. These advances have led to clinical practice conundrums when applying traditional definitions of hematopoietic recovery, graft rejection, graft failure, poor graft function, and donor chimerism, because these may vary based on donor type, cell source, cell dose, primary disease, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, and conditioning intensity, among other variables. To address these contemporary challenges, we surveyed a panel of allo-HCT experts in an attempt to standardize these definitions. We analyzed survey responses from adult and pediatric transplantation physicians separately. Consensus was achieved for definitions of neutrophil and platelet recovery, graft rejection, graft failure, poor graft function, and donor chimerism, but not for delayed engraftment. Here we highlight the complexities associated with the management of mixed donor chimerism in malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases, which remains an area for future research. We recognize that there are multiple other specific, and at times complex, clinical scenarios for which clinical management must be individualized.

Ruxolitinib for Glucocorticoid-Refractory Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

BACKGROUND

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a major complication of allogeneic stem-cell transplantation, becomes glucocorticoid-refractory or glucocorticoid-dependent in approximately 50% of patients. Robust data from phase 3 randomized studies evaluating second-line therapy for chronic GVHD are lacking. In retrospective surveys, ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK1-JAK2) inhibitor, showed potential efficacy in patients with glucocorticoid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD.

METHODS

This phase 3 open-label, randomized trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib at a dose of 10 mg twice daily, as compared with the investigator's choice of therapy from a list of 10 commonly used options considered best available care (control), in patients 12 years of age or older with moderate or severe glucocorticoid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD. The primary end point was overall response (complete or partial response) at week 24; key secondary end points were failure-free survival and improved score on the modified Lee Symptom Scale at week 24.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients underwent randomization; 165 patients were assigned to receive ruxolitinib and 164 patients to receive control therapy. Overall response at week 24 was greater in the ruxolitinib group than in the control group (49.7% vs. 25.6%; odds ratio, 2.99; P<0.001). Ruxolitinib led to longer median failure-free survival than control (>18.6 months vs. 5.7 months; hazard ratio, 0.37; P<0.001) and higher symptom response (24.2% vs. 11.0%; odds ratio, 2.62; P = 0.001). The most common (occurring in ≥10% patients) adverse events of grade 3 or higher up to week 24 were thrombocytopenia (15.2% in the ruxolitinib group and 10.1% in the control group) and anemia (12.7% and 7.6%, respectively). The incidence of cytomegalovirus infections and reactivations was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with glucocorticoid-refractory or -dependent chronic GVHD, ruxolitinib led to significantly greater overall response, failure-free survival, and symptom response. The incidence of thrombocytopenia and anemia was greater with ruxolitinib. (Funded by Novartis and Incyte; REACH3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03112603.).

Post-Marketing Analysis of Peripheral Neuropathy Burden with New-Generation Proteasome Inhibitors Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

Proteasome inhibitors (PIs) are an integral component of multiple myeloma therapies. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a well-knownconsequence of PIs, most frequently reported with earlier generations such as bortezomib (BTZ). There is a paucity of data highlighting the risk of developing PN with the new-generation PIs carfilzomib (CFZ) and ixazomib (IZB). This study evaluated reports of PN encountered with all three PIs using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event (AE) Reporting System (FAERS). Signal disproportionality analysis was reported using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). PN was reported in a total of 2.1%, 5.0%, and 10.9% of AEs with CFZ, IZB, and BTZ, respectively. The ROR (95% CI) for PN secondary to BTZ, CFZ, and IZB was 34.10 (32.76-35.49), 6.37 (5.50-7.37), and 14.97 (13.63-16.44), respectively. Compared to BTZ, CFZ and IZB have lower rates of reported PN, with RORs of 0.19 (0.16-0.22) and 0.48 (0.43-0.54), respectively.

Methods to Assess Disease Activity and Severity in Cutaneous Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease: A Critical Literature Review

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a potentially debilitating complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation, confers increased risk for mortality. Whereas treatment decisions rely on an accurate assessment of disease activity/severity, validated methods of assessing cutaneous cGVHD activity/severity appear to be limited. In this study, we aimed to identify and evaluate current data on the assessment of disease activity/severity in cutaneous cGVHD. Using modified PRISMA methods, we performed a critical literature review for relevant articles. Our literature search identified 1741 articles, of which 1635 were excluded as duplicates or failure to meet inclusion criteria. Of the included studies (n = 106), 39 (37%) addressed clinical and/or histopathologic parameters, 53 (50%) addressed serologic parameters, 8 (7.5%) addressed imaging parameters, and 6 (5.5%) addressed computer-based technologies. The only formally validated metric of disease activity/severity assessment in cutaneous cGVHD is the National Institutes of Health consensus scoring system, which is founded on clinical assessment alone. The lack of an objective marker for cGVHD necessitates further studies. An evaluation of the potential contributions of serologic, imaging, and/or computer-based technologies is warranted.

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is an uncommon complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) that carries high morbidity and mortality. Limited contemporary data are available regarding the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for DAH.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for DAH developing after HCT?

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent HCT between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016. The incidence and outcomes of DAH development were evaluated. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze differences between survivors and nonsurvivors.

RESULTS

Of 4,350 patients undergoing first-time HCT, DAH was diagnosed in 99 (2.3%). DAH was seen in 40 of 3,536 autologous HCT recipients (1.1%) and 59 of 814 allogeneic HCT recipients (7.2%). Mean age was 53 ± 13 years, and median time of DAH diagnosis was 126 days (interquartile range, 19-349 days) after HCT. In-hospital mortality and mortality 1 year after DAH diagnosis were 55.6% and 76.8%, respectively. DAH diagnosis more than 30 days after transplantation (OR, 7.06; 95% CI, 1.65-30.14), low platelet count (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1.0; P = .02), elevated international normalized ratio (INR; OR, 4.08; 95% CI, 0.64-25.88; P = .046) and need for invasive mechanical ventilation (OR, 8.18; 95% CI, 1.9-35.21) were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. Steroid treatment did not alter mortality (P = .80) or length of stay (P = .65). However, among those who received steroids, survival was higher in whose who received modest-dose steroids (< 250 mg methylprednisolone equivalent/d) compared with those who received high-dose steroids (≥ 250 mg methylprednisolone equivalent/d; OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.72).

INTERPRETATION

The mortality of DAH after HCT remains high, and DAH can occur long after transplantation. Later development of DAH (>30 days after HCT), need for invasive mechanical ventilation, thrombocytopenia, and elevated INR are all associated with worse outcomes.

Breaking the Age Barrier: Physicians' Perceptions of Candidacy for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Older Adults

Despite continuing increases in the use of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) in older adults, no standardized geriatric assessment (GA) has been established to risk stratify for transplantation-related morbidity. We conducted a survey of transplant physicians to determine perceptions of the impact of older age (≥60 years) on alloHCT candidacy, and utilization of tools to gauge candidacy. This 23-item online cross-sectional survey was distributed to HCT physicians caring for adults in the United States between May and July 2019. Of the 770 invited HCT physicians, 175 (22.7%) completed the survey. The majority of respondents were age 41 to 60 years and male and practiced in a higher-volume teaching hospital. When considering regimen intensity, 29 physicians (17%) stated they would consider a myeloablative regimen for patients age ≥70 years, and 141 (82%) would consider reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative conditioning for patients age ≥70 years. Almost all (90%) endorsed the need for a specialized assessment of pre-HCT vulnerabilities to guide candidacy decisions for older adults. Most physicians reported that their centers rarely (33%) or never (46%) use a dedicated geriatrician/geriatric-oncologist to assess alloHCT candidates age ≥60 years. Common barriers to performing a GA included uncertainty about which tools to use, lack of knowledge and training, and lack of appropriate clinical support staff. Many alloHCT physicians will consider alloHCT in patients up to age 75 years and not uncommonly in patients older than that. However, the application of tools and domains to assess candidacy in older adults varies widely. Incorporation of a standardized pretransplantation health assessment tool for risk stratification is a significant unmet need.

Awareness of myeloma care and the global impact of treatment: An international internet-based prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) have significantly improved necessitating focus on survivorship.

METHODS

We undertook a web-based survey in collaboration with International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to explore patient awareness and psycho-physical impacts of MM. The survey was viewed on the IMF website by 1,324 individuals from 32 countries.

RESULTS

The survey responses were available from 959 individuals, with 62% who completed the survey. Treating doctors were the most frequent source of MM-related information. Only 56% patients admitted full compliance with treatment. Treatment side effects bothered 86% responders, including >50% admitting to pain, peripheral neuropathy and asthenia. Majority (57%) reported some degree of depression, 82% had discontent with their quality of life and only 35% reported being satisfied with their coping mechanisms. Patients ≥65 years of age reported more peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.007) and difficulty with ability to work (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

We report the prevalence of psychologic, social and physical domains as well as patient-physician relationship dynamics. This knowledge can help improve MM survivorship.Introduction.

Role of gene therapy in Fanconi anemia: A systematic and literature review with future directions

Gene therapy (GT) has been reported to improve bone marrow function in individuals with Fanconi anemia (FA); however, its clinical application is still in the initial stages. We conducted this systematic review, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to assess the long-term safety and clinical outcomes of GT in FA patients. Electronic searches from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were conducted and full texts of articles meeting our inclusion criteria were reviewed. Three clinical trials were included, with a total of nine patients and mean age of 10.7 ± 5.7 years. All patients had lentiviral-mediated GT. A 1-year follow-up showed stabilization in blood lineages, without any serious adverse effects from GT. A metaregression analysis could not be conducted, as very little long-term follow-up data of patients was observed, and the median survival rate could not be calculated. Thus, we can conclude that GT seems to be a safe procedure in FA; however, further research needs to be conducted on the longitudinal clinical effects of GT in FA, for a better insight into its potential to become a standard form of treatment.

Promising role for mesenchymal stromal cells in coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19)-related severe acute respiratory syndrome?

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have immune regulatory and tissue regenerative properties. MSCs are being studied as a therapy option for many inflammatory and immune disorders and are approved to treat acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and associated coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) has claimed many lives. Innovative therapies are needed. Preliminary data using MSCs in the setting of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 are emerging. We review mechanisms of action of MSCs in inflammatory and immune conditions and discuss a potential role in persons with COVID-19.

Risk Factors for Keratinocyte Carcinoma in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplants

Importance

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) is known to increase the risk for keratinocyte carcinoma. The extent to which host characteristics, including pigmentary phenotype and UV radiation exposure, contribute is unknown.

Objective

To identify and validate independent risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT, including those associated with the transplant and the host.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study analyzed a consecutive sample of alloHCT recipients from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2014, at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (n = 872) and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio (n = 147). Participants from the Mayo Clinic were randomly allocated (2:1) into discovery (n = 581) and validation (n = 291) cohorts. Time to first keratinocyte carcinoma and information about transplant- and host-associated risk factors were extracted. A multivariate keratinocyte carcinoma risk model was created using a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model with P ≤ .05 for entry that incorporated all covariates that were individually statistically significant at α = 0.05 in the discovery cohort. The risk model was first internally validated using the Mayo Clinic validation cohort and then externally validated using the independent cohort of alloHCT recipients at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Data were analyzed from March 13, 2018, to June 12, 2019.

Exposures

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was time to development of the first cutaneous keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT; secondary outcome, time to development of the first individual basal and/or squamous cell carcinoma after alloHCT.

Results

Of the 872 alloHCT recipients identified in the Mayo Clinic cohort (520 men [59.6%]; mean [SD] age, 48.3 [12.6] years), 95 (10.9%) developed keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT during 5349 person-years of follow-up. Of the 147 alloHCT recipients in the exernal validation cohort (86 men [58.5%]; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [17.5] years), 18 (12.2%) developed keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT in 880 person-years of follow up. Risk factors independently associated with keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT included age (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 years, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.21-2.42), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.20-5.09), clinically photodamaged skin (HR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.87-6.41), and history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.41-5.91). Harrell concordance statistics were 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.74-0.98) for internal and external validation of the keratinocyte carcinoma risk model, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found validated independent risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma after alloHCT that are enriched with host- compared with transplant-associated risk factors. These findings highlight the importance of assessing host-associated risk factors for keratinocyte carcinoma in patients eligible for alloHCT. Future studies should examine whether keratinocyte carcinoma risk stratification before alloHCT may inform long-term surveillance strategies.

Should healthcare organisations offer ongoing rehabilitation services for patients undergoing haematopoietic cell transplant? A narrative review

Purpose

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients can suffer from long-term transplant-related complications that affect their quality of life and daily activities. This study, a narrative review, aims to report the impact of HCT complications, the benefits of rehabilitation intervention, the need for long-term care and highlights the research gap in clinical trials involving rehabilitation.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive search strategy was performed on several databases to look for relevant articles published from 1998 to 2018. Articles published in English with the following terms were used: hematopoietic stem cell transplant, chronic graft-versus-host disease, rehabilitation, exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy. A patient/population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes (PICO) framework was employed to ensure that the search strategies were structured and precise. Study year, design, outcome, intervention, sample demographics, setting and study results were extracted.

Findings

Of the 1,411 records identified, 51 studies underwent title/abstract screening for appropriateness, 30 were reviewed in full, and 19 studies were included in the review. The review found that, for the majority of patients who underwent HSCT and developed treatment-related complications, rehabilitation exercises had a positive impact on their overall quality of life. However, exercise prescription in this patient group has not always reflected the scientific approach; there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials in general. The review also highlights the need to educate healthcare policymakers and insurance companies responsible for rationing services to recognise the importance of offering long-term follow-up care for this patient group, including rehabilitation services.

Practical implications

A large number of HSCT patients require long-term follow-up from a multidisciplinary team, including rehabilitation specialists. It is important for healthcare policymakers and insurance companies to recognise this need and take the necessary steps to ensure that HSCT patients receive adequate long-term care. This paper also highlights the urgent need for high-quality rehabilitation trials to demonstrate the feasibility and importance of rehabilitation teams.

Originality/value

Healthcare policymakers and insurance companies need to recognise that transplant patients need ongoing physiotherapy for early identification of any functional impairments and appropriate timely intervention.

Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia: An Evidence-Based Review from the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

The role of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the management of newly diagnosed adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is reviewed and critically evaluated in this evidence-based review. An AML expert panel, consisting of both transplant and nontransplant experts, was invited to develop clinically relevant frequently asked questions covering disease- and HCT-related topics. A systematic literature review was conducted to generate core recommendations that were graded based on the quality and strength of underlying evidence based on the standardized criteria established by the American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Steering Committee for evidence-based reviews. Allogeneic HCT offers a survival benefit in patients with intermediate- and high-risk AML and is currently a part of standard clinical care. We recommend the preferential use of myeloablative conditioning in eligible patients. A haploidentical related donor marrow graft is preferred over a cord blood unit in the absence of a fully HLA-matched donor. The evolving role of allogeneic HCT in the context of measurable residual disease monitoring and recent therapeutic advances in AML with regards to maintenance therapy after HCT are also discussed.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics and Risk of Graft-versus-Host Disease in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Transplantation for Acute Leukemia: Association of Carbapenem Use with the Risk of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Variation in the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has been associated with acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Because antibiotics induce dysbiosis, we examined the association of broad-spectrum antibiotics with subsequent aGVHD risk in pediatric patients undergoing HCT for acute leukemia. We performed a retrospective analysis in a dataset merged from 2 sources: (1) the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research, an observational transplantation registry, and (2) the Pediatric Health Information Services, an administrative database from freestanding children's hospitals. We captured exposure to 3 classes of antibiotics used for empiric treatment of febrile neutropenia: (1) broad-spectrum cephalosporins, (2) antipseudomonal penicillins, and (3) carbapenems. The primary outcome was grade II-IV aGVHD; secondary outcomes were grade III-IV aGVHD and lower GI GVHD. The adjusted logistic regression model (full cohort) and time-to-event analysis (subcohort) included transplantation characteristics, GVHD risk factors, and adjunctive antibiotic exposures as covariates. The full cohort included 2550 patients at 36 centers; the subcohort included 1174 patients. In adjusted models, carbapenems were associated with an increased risk of grade II-IV aGVHD in the full cohort (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.51) and subcohort (sub hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.72), as well as with an increased risk of grade III-IV aGVHD (subHR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.52). Early carbapenem exposure (before day 0) especially impacted aGVHD risk. For antipseudomonal penicillins, the associations with aGVHD were in the direction of increased risk but were not statistically significant. There was no identified association between broad-spectrum cephalosporins and aGVHD. Carbapenems, more than other broad-spectrum antibiotics, should be used judiciously in pediatric HCT recipients to minimize aGVHD risk. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanism underlying this association.

Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Recommendations Regarding Essential Medications Required To Establish An Early Stage Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Program

Establishing a hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) program is complex. Planning is essential while establishing such a program to overcome the expected challenges. Authorities involved in HCT program establishment will need to coordinate the efforts between the different departments required to start up the program. One essential department is pharmacy and the medications required. To help facilitate this, the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation organized a structured survey to address the essential medications required to start up an HCT program. A group of senior physicians and pharmacists prepared a list of the medications used at the different phases of transplantation. These drugs were then rated by a questionnaire using a scale of necessity based on the stage of development of the transplant program. The questionnaire was sent to 30 physicians, in different parts of the world, who have between 5 and 40 years of experience in autologous and/or allogeneic transplantation. This group of experts scored each medication on a 7-point scale, ranging from an absolute requirement (score of 1) to not required (score of 7). The results are presented here to help guide the prioritization of required medications.

Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis on Efficacy of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Sickle Cell Disease: An International Effort on Behalf of the Pediatric Diseases Working Party of European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and the Sickle Cell Transplantation International Consortium

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects more than 300,000 children annually worldwide. Despite improved supportive care, long-term prognosis remains poor. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the sole validated curative option, resulting in sustained resolution of the clinical phenotype. The medical literature on allo-HCT for SCD is largely limited to children. Recent studies have evaluated allo-HCT efficacy in adults. Here, we conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis to assess the totality of evidence on the efficacy, or lack thereof, of allo-HCT in treating SCD. We performed a comprehensive literature search using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library databases on November 13, 2019. Four authors independently extracted data on clinical outcomes related to benefits (overall survival [OS] and disease-free survival [DFS]) and harms (acute graft-versus-host disease [aGVHD], chronic graft-versus-host disease [cGVHD], nonrelapse mortality [NRM], and graft failure [GF]). Our search identified a total of 1906 references. Only 33 studies (n= 2853 patients) met our inclusion criteria. We also performed a subset analysis by age. Analyses of all-age groups showed pooled rates of 96% for OS, 90% for DFS, 20% for aGVHD, 10% for cGVHD, 4% for NRM, and 5% for GF. In the pediatric population, pooled rates for OS, DFS, aGVHD, cGVHD, NRM, and GF were 97%, 91%, 26%, 11%, 5%, and 3%, respectively. In adults, pooled rates for OS, DFS, aGVHD, cGVHD, NRM, and GF were 98%, 90%, 7%, 1%, 0%, and 14%, respectively. Our data show that allo-HCT is safe and effective, yielding pooled OS rates exceeding 90%. The high GF rate of 14% in adults is concerning and emphasizes the need to evaluate new strategies.

Free of malignancy but not of fears: A closer look at Damocles syndrome in survivors of hematologic malignancies

Fear of cancer recurrence (FoR) is an important yet underestimated long term sequela that many cancer survivors suffer from. The continuous state of uncertainty the survivors might go through can lead to a serious impact on their quality of life (QoL), which is collectively referred to as Damocles syndrome. Given the increasing numbers of cancer survivors, it is crucial to understand the different psychological issues that face them, including Damocles syndrome. Herein, we review the current literature of Damocles syndrome specifically in hematologic cancer survivors. Although with inconsistent terms, current literature demonstrates the impact and the prevalence of Damocles syndrome on QoL of survivors of leukemia, lymphoma, and hematopoietic cell transplant. Interventional studies are very limited in this area. Moreover, hematologic malignancy survivors can also meet the diagnostic criteria of other psychiatric diseases, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, wherein they should be managed accordingly. It is important to increase the awareness about Damocles syndrome and screen patients for it and other related psychological disorders. Additionally, this review has shown the need for standardization of Damocles syndrome definitions. Finally, the lack of interventional studies that target survivors' psychosocial challenges calls for prospective research to better address this rising problem.

Real-World Issues and Potential Solutions in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives from the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research Health Services and International Studies Committee

The current COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has impacted many facets of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in both developed and developing countries. Realizing the challenges as a result of this pandemic affecting the daily practice of the HCT centers and the recognition of the variability in practice worldwide, the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) and the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research's (CIBMTR) Health Services and International Studies Committee have jointly produced an expert opinion statement as a general guide to deal with certain aspects of HCT, including diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 in HCT recipient, pre- and post-HCT management, donor issues, medical tourism, and facilities management. During these crucial times, which may last for months or years, the HCT community must reorganize to proceed with transplantation activity in those patients who urgently require it, albeit with extreme caution. This shared knowledge may be of value to the HCT community in the absence of high-quality evidence-based medicine. © 2020 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in acute lymphocytic leukaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has shown remarkable activity in patients with refractory or relapsed acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Various anti-CD19 CAR T-cell constructs have been trialled and responses vary widely among different studies. We aimed to systematically analyse the outcomes of patients with acute lymphocytic leukaemia treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells and identify factors associated with differences in outcomes.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of published and unpublished clinical trials that reported data on the outcomes of adult or paediatric patients that were treated with anti-CD19 CAR T cells for relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphocytic leukaemia, reported between Jan 1, 2012, and April 14, 2020. Studies with two patients or fewer were excluded and summary data were extracted from the reports. The primary outcome was the number of patients who had complete remission at any time after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell infusion. This study is not registered in PROSPERO.

FINDINGS

From 1160 studies, we identified 40 potentially appropriate studies, 35 (88%) of which met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis (n=953 patients). The pooled complete remission was 80% (95% CI 75·5-84·8) and heterogeneity between studies was moderate (I²=56·96%). In the prespecified subgroup analyses, 195 (75% [95% CI 66·9-82·9, I²=35·22%]) of 263 patients in adult studies and 242 (81% [72·9-87·2, I²=54·45%]) of 346 patients in paediatric studies achieved complete remission, p=0·24. The pooled complete remission did not significantly differ with anti-CD19 CAR T-cell construct type or single-chain variable fragment clone, but was higher with autologous T-cell origin (727 [83%, 78·5-86·5, I²=44·34%] of 901 patients), compared with allogeneic T-cell origin (29 [55%, 30·6-79·0, I²=62·64%] of 52 patients; p=0·018). 242 (26% [95% CI 18·5-34·1]) of 854 patients developed grade 3 or worse cytokine release syndrome and 97 (12% [6·6-19·2]) of 532 developed grade 3 or worse neurotoxicity. There was no difference in the proportion of patients who achieved complete remission or who had cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity between different anti-CD19 CAR T-cell constructs. The risk of bias was assessed as low in 17 studies and moderate in 18 studies.

INTERPRETATION

The high response rates after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy can be used to guide the use of therapy in patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Comparison studies are required to further determine differences in efficacy between different anti-CD19 CAR T-cell constructs in the setting of relapsed or refractory acute lymphocytic leukaemia.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Mayo Clinic K2R Research Pipeline, and Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine.

Characteristics of late transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy in patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) has a wide range of presentations after hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively studied the risk factors and outcomes of patients with early (≤day 100) and late (>day 100) TA-TMA. Among the 1451 HSCT recipients, early TA-TMA occurred in 45 (3.1%) patients at a median of 27 (3-91) days, and late TA-TMA in 39 (2.7%) patients at a median of 303 (122-2595) days. Patients with early TA-TMA were more likely to have high blood calcineurin-inhibitor levels (P < .001) and acute graph-vs-host disease (GVHD, P < .001), while late TMA patients were more likely to have chronic GVHD (P < .001). The estimated median overall survival after onset of TMA for the entire cohort was 6 months. The estimated median overall survival was not reached in patients with an improvement of TMA vs 2 months in patients with no improvement (P < .001). In the early TMA group, older age (for every 10 years, HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.00-1.94; P = .049) and bacterial infection (HR 2.42; 95% CI 0.98-6.00; P = .056) were positively associated with mortality. Switching to MMF treatment (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.16-0.99; P = .047) and improvement of TMA (HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.03-0.25; P < .001) were negatively associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis. In the late TMA group, the improvement of TMA was the only independent predictor associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.05; 95% CI 0.02-0.19; P < .001). Mortality rates in both early and late TMA remain unacceptably high. Future studies are needed for early diagnosis, trigger identifications, and use of targeted treatments.

Management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA): A comprehensive review and future directions

OBJECTIVES

To review and summarize the available literature on the management of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and to present CIA's effect on quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

Nine databases were searched for CIA-related keywords, including the effect on QoL, and management options. Among 1019 articles found, 54 articles focusing on treatment/prevention or QoL were retrieved. References of selected articles were also checked manually.

RESULTS

CIA was found to negatively affect QoL and body image, regardless of head covering status (i.e., for cultural or religious reasons). Most studies related to treatment/prevention of CIA reported on the use of scalp-cooling. The efficacy of CAM treatments was found to be questionable.

CONCLUSION

A high incidence rate of CIA exists with certain chemotherapies, and it significantly impairs QoL. Preventive and treatment strategies are incompletely effective. Additional literature is needed to explore potential preventive or therapeutic options for CIA.

Role of testosterone in COVID-19 patients - A double-edged sword?

COVID-19 affects males twice as frequently as females with significantly increased severity and mortality. Current data suggest a direct correlation between the lower level of serum testosterone, inflammatory cytokines, disease severity, and poor clinical outcomes among male patients with COVID-19. The gradual decline in total and free testosterone levels has a direct correlation with serious pulmonary complications requiring advanced care (ICU, ventilators, ECMO, etc.). SARS-CoV-2 utilizes Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II (ACE2) for entry in the host cell, and Transmembrane Protease, Serine 2 (TMPRSS2) to prime spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Testosterone induces ACE-2 expression, a critical pulmonary protective enzyme. Low testosterone levels in males have a direct correlation with the high probability of ICU admission and the worse disease outcome (ARDS, duration of ICU stay, mortality). On the contrary, however, high testosterone levels can lead to thrombosis which is also one of the fatal manifestations in COVID-19 patients. A critical evaluation of the serum testosterone and its relevance to COVID-19 is warranted to re-evaluate strategies to effectively triage, prioritize, and manage high-risk patients for ICU admission, survival outcomes, targeted solutions, and operational algorithms.